Beckoning fates, p.9
Beckoning Fates, page 9
“Really? I didn’t think the princess could even show emotion.” I grinned as well.
“You must’ve made quite an impression on her, because she argued for you quite fervently, leaving Professor Geist no room to defend himself.”
When I shook my head helplessly, Director Goodsky just laughed and said, “You’re quite the ladies’ man, Arthur. It’s going to be a problem if you steal the hearts of both princesses. Who knows, you might be the cause of our next civil war!”
She seemed quite amused by something that could devastate the precarious balance of this continent. I wanted to just dismiss the thought, but when I imagined the two princesses fighting it out, I shuddered. I didn’t have the mental capacity to handle even one princess, let alone both of them.
“Well, I won’t pry too deeply—but the age of marriage isn’t as far away as you think,” she said lightly.
“No, thank you. I don’t see myself becoming romantically involved anytime soon. Besides, they’re still just kids. Maybe I’ll start thinking about it when the girls my age are a bit more mature.” I shrugged.
Leaning forward, the director studied me. “Hmm. You say that as if you’ve already matured, Arthur.”
“Well, you must admit I do happen to be much more mature than most people my age,” I responded, settling back into the chair.
“True, but women tend to mature faster than men,” Director Goodsky stated matter-of-factly.
“I’m still wondering why you called me in here. I’m sure you didn’t bring me in just to tell me everything was settled and I should get married.” Sylvie hopped off my head and approached Avier, who was grooming himself in the window.
“Arthur! I feel like you’re beginning to see me as someone who always has an ulterior motive at hand.” She gave me a mock-offended look.
“Well, I do, because we’re awfully similar in that way, Director,” I said with a smile.
“Dear me. If that is the case, then I believe I’ve made the right decision,” she responded.
“What do you mean?”
“Arthur, I’d like you to act as visiting professor for your Practical Mana Manipulation class.” She pushed a document toward me, studying me carefully. “At least until we can find another instructor to fill the position.”
My eyes widened. “You’re not serious, right?”
“Oh, I’m quite serious, Arthur,” she said, her expression unfaltering.
“Is that even allowed? I’m a student, not even finished with my first day of school—my first school. Can I be a student and a professor at the same time? What about my other classes?” I began shooting out arguments as to why this wouldn’t work.
“Please—no need to get so worked up. It’s quite simple, actually. Is it allowed? Yes, as long as I say it is. Although this specific situation has never occurred, there have been cases of highly qualified upperclassmen teaching basic courses. As for your other classes, your schedule wouldn’t really change. You would just be teaching that one class, for that period.” She gave me a business-like smile.
I began thinking. Director Goodsky wasn’t doing this for her benefit. She would be sure to get a lot of complaints from noble parents protesting the fact that a first-year was teaching a class. I, on the other hand, would have a bit more work—assuming I actually prepared lessons instead of just winging it—but at least I wouldn’t have homework.
“I don’t understand why you’re doing this, Director.”
“Well, a spot just opened up and you were the one who defeated the previous professor. Isn’t that enough of a qualification? I’m really not doing this for some ulterior motive, Arthur. You don’t have to be too suspicious. This is up to you. I won’t push you into this, but I believe it would be a good opportunity to build your reputation without having to go around conquering professors. It would put you in the spotlight to some extent, but I’d be well placed to defend you, if necessary.”
“Parents are bound to complain. They’ll say—”
“They may complain,” she said, cutting me off, “but I am the director, and it’s a better solution than canceling the entire class.” She paused for a moment, thinking. “I’ve heard your concerns, but I am willing to support my decision. You are unnaturally talented, and it has already been mentioned that you are unusually mature for your age. I’m confident you’ll be an excellent teacher. Perhaps there may even be room for you to take on more teaching opportunities in the future, should you find it to your liking. It would be a better use of your time than sitting through classes you’re clearly overqualified for, wouldn’t it?”
Goodsky stood and laid a gentle hand on my shoulder. “The choice is yours.”
53
It’s a Pleasure
I just sat there, staring off blankly into the distance and pondering what the director had said. As she’d mentioned, there was no real benefit for her to hire me as a professor, which was why I found it so suspicious. It was deeply ingrained in me to be wary of other people’s motivations, no matter who they were. As a figure of authority and power, I had naturally learned to be suspicious of everyone around me, and I couldn’t fathom why she’d asked me to do this.
Practical Mana Manipulation didn’t seem like a class that would give out work to grade, so it would be easy for me to teach the class. Even if it wasn’t easier than just taking the class, it would help me earn a name for myself and would be a lot more interesting. Seeing as how I probably couldn’t escape the attention of the other students anyway, I might as well do things a bit differently. Of course, I didn’t plan to reveal my full set of skills to anyone just yet, but I didn’t see the point in trying to be completely inconspicuous anymore, especially after today.
“Arthur?” I snapped out of my thoughts to see Director Goodsky looking at me expectantly.
“Ah, yes. Although I’m not sure how competent I’ll be in the role, I’d like to try my hand at being a teacher.” I turned my attention to the document outlining my duties and responsibilities as a professor.
“I’m sure you’ll do an excellent job,” she smiled.
Looking up, I asked, “Did Professor Geist teach any other classes besides mine?”
“Fortunately, no. We hired him this year after he retired as an adventurer. The other professors and I decided to have him teach only one class this semester, as a sort of test run.” She shook her head at the pitiful outcome.
“Before I sign, I have one question,” I said as I read over the final paragraph of the document.
“Go on,” she urged.
“It says I’m not allowed to hurt the students. Will that be a conflict, since I’m part of the disciplinary committee?”
“Ah, good question. The ‘no hurting students’ rule is for inside the classroom. Any incident is always investigated, and force is permitted as long as your actions are taken for the safety of other students—such as using an appropriate degree of force to quell a fight or restrain a student who’s out of control. As for outside of class, in the course of your disciplinary committee duties, I’ll trust your judgment on that.”
I nodded and signed the document. “I expect great things from you, Arthur, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.” She gave me a gentle pat on the shoulder before ushering me out to go eat lunch.
CYNTHIA GOODSKY
“What is it about that boy that always keeps me on my toes? Negotiating with him is more nerve-racking than dealing with the royal families. What’s your take on him, Avier?” My bond landed gently on my outstretched arm, his intelligent eyes pondering what to say.
“He is… different. Do not view Arthur Leywin as a child.” My bond spoke clearly, though the words seemed unnatural coming from his beak. “Whether it is mental acuity or emotional maturity, there is much more to him than the eye can see.”
“What makes you so certain?” I leaned back in my seat.
“His bond. That white fox’s true form should be that of a dragon.”
I bolted up from my seat. “What? How is that possible? How do you know?”
“We are of the same lineage. I may be of a lesser species, but wyverns are still the descendants of dragons.” Avier went back to grooming himself.
“Are you saying that bond of his is more powerful than you?” I was utterly astonished.
“No; that child has yet to mature. She couldn’t have hatched more than a few years ago. However, I suspect that when she does develop, my strength will not be even comparable to hers,” he stated matter-of-factly.
I couldn’t imagine anyone stronger than Avier. He was my bond only because he had taken a liking to me when I’d happened by him, deep in the Beast Glades. He usually did his own thing, and I didn’t dare treat him like a pet. The revelation that Arthur’s bond was actually a dragon made me wonder what that boy really was—especially considering how subservient to him the creature seemed.
“Do not make him your enemy, Cynthia. If treated with trust and respect, he will become the greatest ally, but if betrayed, he may be the cause of this continent’s demise.” With that warning, Avier flew off.
I leaned forward in my seat, rubbing my throbbing temples as I thought back over the events of the last few hours.
It couldn’t have been ten minutes after Arthur’s altercation with Professor Geist when the door to my office had slammed open and the professor stormed in. “Director Goodsky, I demand that you remove the student Arthur Leywin from my class immediately!”
“Professor Geist, you look shaken up. What’s wrong?” I was taken by surprise by the sudden intrusion.
“The boy has no respect for me. Don’t listen to any of the rumors you may hear, I’m being framed!” The man’s wide face was filled with desperation and anger.
Two brisk knocks had sounded from the door behind him.
“Please come in,” I called. At least this person had the decency to knock.
“I apologize for the intrusion, Director.” The petite Kathyln gave me a small bow before coming forward to stand next to the now pale-faced professor.
“What’s the matter, Kathyln?” I had leaned forward, looking carefully at both of them.
“This sorry excuse for a professor needs to be fired,” she said expressionlessly.
Professor Geist grabbed Kathyln by the arm, pulling her close to him. “How dare you! ‘Sorry excuse’? Me?”
“You dare touch me with your filthy hand?” Her expression hadn’t changed, yet she somehow seemed to be looking down at Professor Geist.
“Professor, I suggest you remove your hand immediately. Whatever the situation may be, that is not a mark in your favor,” I said, standing up and giving the man a hard look. Using force against a student was deplorable.
He immediately let go of Kathyln’s arm, then took a moment before responding. “Ah… as I was saying… please do not take to heart any rumors you may hear. I’m being set up—I swear this was all a misunderstanding.”
“I have not yet heard any rumors. Do you mind indulging me, Kathyln?”
“This scum picks on students to feel good about himself. Even ignoring the fact that he utterly humiliated Feyrith, if Arthur hadn’t stepped in, I would’ve…” Without finishing her last sentence, she glared at the professor.
I had turned to Professor Geist, who was desperately shaking his head at this accusation. “I’m telling you, it was a misunderstanding. I simply wanted to demonstrate, in front of the class, what level the disciplinary committee is at—for the other students’ information.”
“If that were all it was, then there would have been no reason for you to storm into my office and insist that Arthur be removed from your class.” I sighed internally as I tried to decide how to handle this dilemma.
I turned to my secretary, who had peeked in to see what the fuss was about. “Tricia, please interview the students from Professor Geist’s class and get their statements regarding this incident.” She bowed before running off, and I turned back to the two standing in front of my desk. “Now, please be patient while this is sorted out. I will do my best to be just.”
Before I had been able to dismiss them, Princess Kathyln spoke up.
“I trust that you will handle this fairly, but just know that, if not for Arthur, you wouldn’t be handling this professor’s ethics case but a student’s injury case. My injury case. I bid you good day, Director.” She had then turned and left the office, completely ignoring Professor Geist’s shocked expression.
When I had reviewed the students’ testimonies, it was clear that Arthur had completely overwhelmed Professor Geist. While this professor’s personality had never sat well with me, his skills were more than adequate for teaching a basic mana manipulation class. But despite the fact that he was a light yellow core augmenter, and a capable one at that, he had been utterly defeated by a twelve-year-old.
I sighed in frustration—I had forgotten to measure the level of the boy’s core when he’d been here.
A twelve-year-old, who had a bond with a dragon, had defeated a veteran adventurer using only his wind- and earth-attribute mana—which, he had told me once, were his weakest. What more was there to him? If I asked, would he tell me?
ARTHUR LEYWIN
“Art! Over here!” I saw Elijah waving at me across the dining hall. He was sitting next to a girl.
He stood up when I arrived. “Charlotte, this is my best friend and roommate, Arthur Leywin. Arthur, this is Charlotte.”
We shook hands, and Charlotte said, “Hi, Arthur. I’ve heard a lot about you.” She gave a coquettish smile as she twiddled with her hair.
“It’s a pleasure,” I responded brusquely, then focused on Elijah. “How were your classes?” I asked him as I fed Sylvie a piece of broccoli.
“Kyu!” ‘Noo!’
“Aw, your little mana beast is so cute! Do you mind if I pet it?” Charlotte got awfully close to me, almost leaning on me while she reached for the top of my head. But before she got the chance to pet the growling Sylvie, I grabbed her wrist.
“Sorry, she doesn’t like strangers touching her.” I looked her dead in the eye, and she blushed.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She shrank back, returning her attention to the food.
Seemingly ignorant of what was happening, Elijah responded, his mouth full of food. “Classes were great. I especially like my basic chain-casting class and mana utilization class. Though, for mana utilization, I feel like the professor’s going over the exact same thing you told me to do. Charlotte’s in my chain-casting class. She’s really good!”
“Please, you’re making me blush.” Charlotte laughed and put on a bashful face as she squirmed in her seat.
“So how were your classes?” Elijah continued. “I heard you already beat up a professor. What happened to keeping it cool, man?” he accused teasingly, pointing his fork at me.
“Yeah, about that—I ended up becoming the professor for that class,” I responded coolly, shoving a piece of meat in my mouth while Sylvie attempted to steal it.
Elijah spluttered, spraying us with the food he was chewing. I instinctively leaned back, trying to get out of range. Charlotte screamed as she received the brunt of the spatter.
“Elijah, that’s gross.” I wiped my face; I hadn’t managed to avoid all the stray food particles.
“Sorry, sorry—what? You’re going to be a professor?” He wiped his mouth, then tried to wipe Charlotte’s face, but she pushed him away.
“Yeah. I ended up replacing the professor who was teaching the class. So you may now call me Professor Leywin.” I smirked at my friend.
“Professor, my ass. But maybe I should ditch my class sometime and go to yours. It’d be interesting to see you teach,” he retorted.
As we continued talking, I grew annoyed at Charlotte’s attempts at flirting and even more annoyed by Elijah’s cluelessness about it all.
“Oh, by the way, Charlotte and I were going to go to Downtown Academy to do some shopping. Do you want to join us?” he asked nonchalantly. One corner of the academy boasted fancy restaurants, cafés, and shopping booths where the rich nobles could spoil themselves—a testament to how enormous the campus was.
“Yes! Arthur, you should join us.” She leaned in closer again.
“I have three more classes, remember? I’m taking the upper division classes after lunch.”
Elijah just shrugged at this. “That’s right, I forgot. Well, no big deal. I guess it’ll just be me and you, Charlotte.”
Charlotte smiled awkwardly at Elijah’s happy-go-lucky face and responded, “Ah, sorry. I just remembered that I had other plans today. I’m so sorry! We should definitely go sometime, though, all three of us. I have to go—see you later, Arthur.”
With that, she walked off, leaving Elijah and me alone at the small dining table.
“I guess her other plans must be really important.” Elijah looked a bit disappointed.
Oh, Elijah…
Leaning close, he asked me in a serious voice, “So, what did you think about Charlotte? She’s pretty, huh? Do you think I have a shot with her?”
“I think you can do better, buddy.” I patted my clueless friend on the back.
When we finished our lunch, Elijah decided he wanted to go to the library, since his plans had suddenly washed away. After walking him there, I made my way to my first upper division class: Team-Fighting Mechanics I.
The classroom—or field, to be more accurate—was on the far side of the academy, where all the upper division classes were held. It was a huge grass field encased by high walls with runes engraved in them. The field was dotted with several obstacles, seemingly placed at random. At the top of one of the walls was a small room protected by a glass enclosure. I assumed it was used as a viewing platform for the other students. At the base of the wall near the viewing platform there was a small structure marked with a red glyph: the healer’s office. There were bound to be injuries here, so it made sense to have a healer on hand. Two men in white robes were milling about, looking bored.
