Chapter 22: The Academy Circle Fest (1)
It been two days since the opening Ceremony. The rumors about me helping Ramza making a thesis already died out as our act convinced the crowd. But a new rumors surfacing that I am bullying a freshman. They said I was dragging a girl by force then disappearing with her, as she trembled and scared... Honestly as expected from the crowd. Although that giving me a trouble with Lein and Fransisca as they interrogated me yesterday... Yesterday they called me outside, then as I arrive near our usual meeting spot which the lake near our dormitory... I got greeted by a ice Spike near my legs and a long sword at my neck.
"So Zein can you explain the rumor?"
And my fiancee glaring me with a sexy cold eyes... Noooo... But... She look really hot when she is mad... But I am definitely not a masochist! She is hot, but It doesn't mean I like being abused. While Lein staring at me like a beast.
"All I could said the rumor about I was dragging a girl is true. But I am not bullying or harassing her."
"Then why are you dragging a girl by force and why was she trembling and scared?"
"She was scared because of the crowd."
"Please tell me the truth Zein."
At that time Lein looking at me, she could tell my feeling and she always knew it when I am lying.
"He telling the truth Fransisca."
"He did?"
"Nnn, there is no change in his feeling at all, he didn't make those slight movement which he usually do when lying."
"But his heart is beating fast!"
"... That is your fault."
I told her that right away... I mean she look really hot right now... Although I am kinda guil—
"Ah he feeling guilty! When he said that he feeling guilty. Now he is embarrassed."
"What?! Now what are you hiding? Why are you guilty and embarrassed?"
"... Lein, should I said what I thought out loud?"
"That would be interesting to heard and see."
She smile mischievously.
"Spill the bean Zein!"
For goodness sake are you tempting me to push you down Fransisca? She only wearing a panjama, and I could see her cleavage. She also look hot with her furious face, and those sweat, she 'worked out,' make her neck and collar bone really sexy... I gulp down as I change my line of sight. But then she put down her sword suddenly.
"... Zein did you really do something that made you guilty?"
Hearing those words make my heart beating faster! No this is a disastrous if I left it alone.
"No! Absolutely no! I only pull her away as I escort her to the park near girl dormitory... While what made me guilty is a completely different things..."
I scratched my neck as I am getting nervous. She look at me with moist eyes.
"Then what is it?"
"... That.. you know... I could see your cleavage... And your angry face and those sweat that flow down from your neck... Through your collar bone... Look really sexy..."
She completely dumbfounded at once. While Lein close her ear right in the middle of my words. She steal a glance at her though. We both could felt the fluttering feeling... Then after a couple of breath Fransisca could only making a weird sound, as she hiding her face and chest while she crouching on the ground. I could see her the edge of her ear is red... Hold yourself Zein! While... Hmm, Lein feeling doesn't change so much? I couldn't feel any lust or those kind of feeling from her... Hmm... This is an interesting discovery. When I thought that she suddenly look at me, then pull me as we whispering.
"What so interesting that making you curious suddenly?"
"Ah... I am thinking some magic suddenly."
"Whoa twins even at this kind of times you could think something like that."
"It better than letting myself out of control."
"That is true."
She nods her head as Fransisca still like a ball. I pull my robe off, and I put it on her.
"There, no one would see it anymore. Also just so you know I won't do something like that to a girl. Even if I am going to keep my shitty act at school, I won't do it by doing something I would feel guilty. Also maintaining this reputation is easy, since I only need to lead those students by nose. Which mean I could just misleading them, and make them think I am doing something shitty or bad or arrogant. While the truth I am not doing any of those."
She then peeking at me from the gap of her finger.
"Really?"
"Really."
"Pinky promise?"
"Sure pinky promise. That I won't let my fiancee down by doing those like bullying, forcing people, violence, or sexual harassment."
We do pinky promise, before she finally smiling brightly, as she hold my robe in front of her. Lein definitely dissatisfied and jealous as we show our couple affection, but it wasn't as bad as before. Maybe she finally accepting the facts.
Yep that how yesterday night over without any blood spilled. I could still imagine Fransisca look tho, as it make these bag under my eyes. Although it wasn't the complete truth. Honestly I feel guilty because I made those move to a girl I just met. All of those just because her figure resemblance my ex girlfriend. Somehow my ex figure keep appearing in my mind after that event. A sigh come out once again, as I get up from my bed. Since my body is sticky from sweat after morning practice as usual.
Unexpectedly I didn't find Silva on his desk? What day is it? Is there any class right now? Should be no, since class starting next week. Then right before I open my door, someone knocking on it. When I open the door Reiya standing there with the complete uniforms. He stare at me with puppy eyes, anyway I haven't said anything to him since Elsa case.
I move around him as I go to the bathroom with a towel. Rum already go to our family mansion in the capital, as he do the assignment there. Those assignments was only a reason to get rid of him tho. I prepared my own bath with magic, from the water to warming it up. I also used mana to rub my back. Then after I took a bath I found out... He still standing there in puppy eyes.
I keep ignore him as I starting to cook some food. Rum already prepared every ingredients I ask him. Why am I cooking myself? It simple, I've been missing earth after I met Alyson. I took a bread from my space, as I pretending tooking it from a pouch. Storage pouch is pretty normal for a noble. Then I made some omelette, seasoned with salt, a pepper, garlic, union and tomato. I stir the garlic and union first, before putting the mixed egg and the other seasoning. Afterwards I took a lettuce, and spread it on the bread before putting the omelette. Reiya was still there as he surprised seeing me cook my breakfast.
Then I sliced each sandwiches to two. Before took out two set of plates, fork, knife and napkins. I push one set to Reiya. He getting more surprised. Of course I already check the entire building with mana detection. So I know no one coming here.
"So what are you doing here?"
I cut my sandwich in a bite size before eating it. I must forgetting something since the building is devoid of students. That why I am asking him that. I gesture him to eat with me.
"That..."
"Stop stuttering."
"Ye-yes! Today is the start of the Academy Circle Festival."
Circle Festival? Ah, it a day when a circle show their speciality and do promotion for recruitment purpose. They also propaganda their vision and mission also show off their achievement.
"And then?"
I took another bite before saying those.
"I prepared this."
He taking a paper and show it to me. That is... A form to make a new circle. Right, we plan to make one. He handing it to me by pushing it on the table. I look at the requirements to form a new circle. I frown as I look at it. You need 8 member at very least, then you need a professor to be your advisor.
Although right now I don't have to reach the main event to dodge expulsion. But I got a feeling that grandpa doesn't know the new agreement! If I screw up in the annual competition with him seeing it there, I would be beaten to death. So yep, let's be on grandpa good side. I need a reason for not joining Artemis too, if I want to get grandpa forgiveness. While joining Demeter also a big no. That is why, I've been contemplating about it since I read the letter from mother before, and I already promised Reiya to made a new circle together.
"This going to be hard to achieve. Member aside, we haven't talk to any Professor to be our advisor."
"Ah about that, can't we ask brother Ramza?"
"Ramza?"
"Right, he is a honorary Professor as he is a court magician and half step away from being a master."
I almost forgotten that, he is a professor even tho I just met him two days ago. Also about court magician rank, it is apprentice magician, 2nd rank, 1st rank, master, magus, then ended with Grand Magus. Well those are the court rank, but if we talk normally, it would be beginner, intermediate, advance, master, magus and grand magus. While there also Sage which wasn't included in those rank, since usually they're an extreme magician. A Sage is someone that could used a forbidden magic by using their life force.
They are as strong as Grand Magus, but they are using different approach I guess. Since a Grand Magus could also used a forbidden magic, but they used a pure mana. It something grey in my head because I don't have a complete understanding about it. I thought a Sage would be those that using natural mana and could used any attribute magic. But it different here, or maybe those life essence change to a pure mana? Sigh, I couldn't even get the concept of pure mana? Is it different from normal mana?
Anyway back to my topic, a Professor of magic faculty need to be a 1st rank court magician at very least. So Ramza definitely one. A 1st rank magician could use an advance magic easily, while master magician could used extreme magic. Why Ramza called as a half step master? Because he already made a concept for his extreme magic, he haven't completed it because he doesn't have enough mana. So a master magician is someone that could used extreme magic couple of time while those that called as Magus they could combine multiple extreme magic from different attribute.
"Then, have you told him?"
"... I haven't? I thought it better to find a member first."
"You putting the carriage in front of the horse. Who would want to sign up, if we haven't got an advisor? Since without an advisor we can't make a circle even we got 100 people signed up. What more you're a freshman! Who would believe a freshman words that he would get an advisor after he get the member."
I roll my eyes as I point it out. He is speechless. He look up at the paper, before he grin at me, that definitely Rames positive grin... I already see it many times from every Rames siblings.
"That why I come here to wake you up. Without some sophomore to be the leader, you couldn't get an advisor."
... Damn, I didn't read that one. I could only nods in defeat. It wasn't a bad deal anyway, since I already decided to join hand with him.
"Then let me eat first."
"We must hurry brother so we could reserve a booth."
I keep my silence as I continue savoring my food. Looking at my nonchalant act, he then join me to eat his sandwich. When he took a bite he suddenly shut his mouth tight. As I could see he starting to slow down. I smirk at him. When he gulp it down, he then opening his mouth amazement.
"Whoa brother, I never knew you were such a good cook. The union is cooked right on mark as it texture is crispy but also still got the watery feeling. The garlic is giving a nice fragrance and kinda sweet in mouth as it carameled to perfection, then as it mixed with the sourness of tomato and warm feeling from pepper. It burst out in power, making a fresh feeling inside my mouth. Also the egg, it soft but it wasn't undercooked, it melting in the mouth. While the freshness of the lettuce and it little bitterness make it goes in order."
... I never knew he is such a glutton. Also are you a character from cooking comic?! How could you tell those in detail like that? Please don't suddenly get blown away as your clothes got ripped apart! He keep praising my dishes as we eating our breakfast. My only hope is there won't be another Rames suddenly open the door.
Fortunately no such a thing happened. Then after I am changing to casual clothes I put the academy robe over it. Honestly the clothing wasn't really matter in this academy, the only thing we must is the robe except in formal occasion like before. While this festival definitely not a formal one. As we goes nearer the festival ground which around the auditorium, it starting to bustle with students activity. There many attraction in the booth, as the a big stage could be seen in front the auditorium. The booth spreading like a T with the top is where the stage located. It start from the stage which near the Grand Auditorium until the grand fountain. It got 3 entrance, by the grand fountain, the west side of auditorium and the East side of auditorium. Then when we passed the grand fountain, as we walk on the stone paved road to the magic faculty, it getting deserted once again.
Well the magic faculty was on the north-east of the academy after all. While the auditorium is on the north. So basically the academy building was build following a latter ū in reverse, with the auditorium in the north then magic faculty on the north-east, Martial Arts faculty on the north-west,
On the east the Nobility faculty , the business beside it, followed by adventurer faculty.
Then on the south is all kind of labs, indoor training field, training field, library and the lake from East to West.
While on the west part from Southwest to Northwest is female dormitory, male dormitory, and cafeteria, knighthood faculty, Arts Faculty then back to Martial Arts faculty. While in the middle of the academy is the management and dean office, grand park, and the circles facilities.
Not too long we arrive at Ramza office. Then I knock on the door.
"Who is it?"
"It Zein Dageraad and Reiya Rames, Mister Ramza."
He didn't response right away. As if he talking to someone.
"You may come in."
I open the door with his permission there already another guest. It's her... The one girl that I want to avoid the most, Alyson Pakenhope. She trembling before looking downward at once.
"Are you in the middle of something?"
"Hmm, we were before. But it rare for you to visit me without my summon."
"Then if you were in the middle of a talk, we could always come again later on."
"There is no need. Just take a seat and said what you need to. My talk with Alyson would take awhile."
At that time Reiya come inside at once and bring the form to his brother. He wearing his puppy eyes
"Professor please become our advisor!"
"Advisor??"
He then looking at the form, before chuckling then smirk... That is the same smirk as in Rames manor! He definitely planning something.
"Sure—"
"Thank you professor!"
"Let me finish my words first Reiya. With one condition."
I gulp down when I heard those words. Before I could took the form back, he already put it away... It got absorbed to his ring. That's legendary spatial ring!
"As expected of Zein Dageraad, you realize something at once."
"Khukhuhuhu, Professor must be jesting. I definitely don't know anything."
"My condition is simple. You must include Alyson here in your circle."
"What?" "wh-what?!"
Me and Alyson responding almost in sync. She look surprised at this sudden proposal from Ramza, so do I. While Reiya look surprised for another reason since he suddenly throw his hand in the air.
"That's great then we only need another 5 members!"
"No! Professor you can't do this."
Before I could say anything Alyson already open her mouth... Ahh... her figure overlapping again with her. She also declining before to be in group with me in assignment. I almost muttering 'Why do you hate working in group so much?' like I was in the past with my ex. Pull yourself together Zein Dageraad... She wasn't Nisa... I grit my teeth and clench my fist.
"Yes, I can. As your advisor, I do think this is a good chance for you."
"But Professor... being in circle should be my decision."
"But—"
"Brother Ramza... I plead you, please do not force her to comply."
I am doing it once again, I already bow my head as I am saying that. Why... Her figure keep appearing in my head. Ramza shocked when he heard me, so do Reiya. Even Alyson herself look bewildered while scared. Looking at me Ramza crease his brows.
"Could the two of you leave us alone for awhile?"
""Yes.""
The two of them leave us alone at once, in bewilderment. He then took out a cigarette, and giving me one. But I didn't take it.
"Seat down Zein."
I sit down when he told me that. I am still gritting my teeth and clenching my fist.
"You better stop that, did you realize your hand already bleeding? So do the corner of your mouth."
When I heard that I pull my hand and checking it. My nail indeed digging inside. He scratched his head as he looking at me.
"It my first time hearing you plead. No maybe it wasn't just me, even if Lein was here it should be her first time too."
She inhale the cigarette, before flicking another one at me which I catch. Then with perfect control of mana, he only heat up my cigarette and moving my hand like a puppeteer with mana string, so I smoke it.
"So really what happened? At the first time you meet her, you pull up her chin then observing her face. Then I heard you force her to go somewhere with you, but then here you plead for her."
After awhile I finally shaking my head, as my clouded mind get clearer.
"Nothing much... I am just doing it on a whim."
"Who are you going to fool Dageraad? I could tell how much you care from your bleeding hand and mouth."
I cast a water magic at once and forcefully close and heal the wound. Before I inhaling the cigarette deep.
"Let's just say, a friend of mine knew someone like her. At first he thought that girl is weird and so gloomy. But then he suddenly got grouped with her by his teacher with other students. She was complying with her teacher as the teacher force her to do so. Then as they working in group, my friend realized that something a miss with this girl. She look distracted and distressed. So he asked the girl. Why do you hate working in a group so much? Her answer is simple, she is afraid."
I inhale it once again as Ramza listening to my narration.
"My friend curiousty picked up by her answer, as he getting closer to her for time to time. He kept trying to make her open up with him. Then after months he finally know why was she hating it. She was bullied in school, so much just because she is nerdy and having different view than those people of her age. For the entire childhood to teenager, she becomes distrustful of people and traumatized with people. She would always said yes when someone pushing her around."
"Then my friend realized how stressful it was for her, and try to rehabilitating her. Until she could finally smile and act normal around other people as long he was there. But he regretting not to stand up for her faster, as one of those group work leaving a wound in her. Then after awhile they become really close but my friend suddenly disappear, leaving her alone tattered."
I clenched my cigarette without I realized as said that. Brother Ramza was completely speechless.
"That why, I don't want her to join me because someone push her around to do it. It was too much for someone like her. I know you want her to make a friend by joining us, but it might give her another trauma. I am not sure if my circle would be good one, as my reputation is bad. Those trash noble might join us, or even those worse then them."
After I said that, a silence decent in the room, until Ramza flicking his cigarette ash. He then inhale it deep, making it flickering with fire.
"You know Zein, we both know that friend of your is you. Why did you leave her if you care so much about her?"
"... it because there is no other choice. And I can't meet her anymore."
"Can't you search for her?"
"She wasn't in this world."
This time he completely drop his cigarette, while scratching his head awkwardly.
"I am sorry..."
"it.. alright... No, I should be the one that apologizing, for losing my cool before."
"No, I could tell that you would search and go back for her if you can. But it seems you really cannot do those."
I only stay in silence.
"So... you see her figure in Alyson, that why you did all of those?"
"Yes... Sometimes I wonder if I was correct when I bought her outside her comfort zone. At least she won't hurt too much when I am leaving if I never do those."
"That a hard question to answer."
"That why brother please don't force her. I am not sure of myself if I could act as normal around her."
"Sigh... if you can't act normally in front of her why don't you just treat her like she is special?"
"You do know brother... I already got fiancee, and I don't want to hurt her either of them."
"You could always take 3 wive and 4 concubine."
"Then I would lose myself..."
"You're a logical person that too complicated for your own good. Fine I won't force her. But if she wants to join you... Don't kick her out."
"I won't do that if she join by her own will."
"Then I won't meddle further. I won't ask you to take care of her too, since it seems hard for you."
With that Ramza called them inside again. As Reiya and Alyson come in again. Reiya look curiously at us, while Alyson glancing at me couple of times. Ramza then took out the circle form, and signed it.
"Well Reiya here the signed form. I would be the advisor, also Alyson forget what I am saying before."
They both surprised, while Alyson looking at me in questioning face as she keep blinking her eyes. Even her confused face overlapping with Nisa...
"But Alyson you should try join some circle that you like. So I hope you would go with Zein and Reiya to the festival. Both of you look after her in the festival."
Ramza continues as he speaking in concern this time. Looking at his concerned face, Alyson nodding her head while glancing at me. I could only nods my head, I am afraid she would turn around or forced to join some circle by a senior.
"Then you guys may leave, I got another things to do. Enjoy the festival, as it only once a year."
"Yes professor Ramza. Thank you once again."
Reiya was the one whose answering. Then we walk away to the festival. Reiya walk beside me, while Alyson following us three step away.
"So brother what were you talking about with brother Ramza before?"
"It nothing much."
"Hmmm? You seems agitated before."
"Don't push your luck Reiya."
I gaze at him in menacingly, making him shut his trap.
"Alright, alright, I won't try it again... But brother we need to gather another 6 students."
"Hmmm, don't you have a friend?"
"I do. But most of them already decided their choice."
"Then what with those haven't?
"They... kind of weird."
"Weird as in?"
"As In the literal meaning. They're outcasts—"
He then closing his mouth while glancing at Alyson. Now this is interesting. Wasn't it would be a good cover? A circle full of weirdo that got rejected by the society gate! I already smiling as I am thinking about it.
"Then let's invite this weirdo!"
"Eh?"
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
SleepyCanine
SleepyCanine Oh I could squeeze some time, although tommorow I am not sure. Enjoy~
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