Chapter 24: The Lady and the Aristocrat…
" I'm very pleased to meet you, Chairman Cross. I'm Avren Walters. "
The older man stopped arranging the paperwork on his cluttered desk and looked up. Dylan knew that he was confused but his face4 betrayed no emotion.
" I clearly wasn't expecting any visitors. Not in my schedule anyway, " Chairman Cross replied, looking directly into Avren's eyes. " And I don't have a student by that name. "
The boy frowned but made no move.
" Aren't you going to invite me to sit down first? "
The man made no reply as he continued to watch Avren, a thoughtful look evident on his face. Finally, he motioned Avren over.
" Now, that's better. My purpose is to be enrolled here to continue my studies. I heard many rumors about this prestigious school, " the boy continued.
" What rumors? " the man spoke up sharply.
Avren shrugged his shoulders.
" Oh, just rumors. A girl by the name of Naomi Segawa was enrolled here just a few months ago. It seemed that the townspeople related the Segawa family with the vampires since her parents died under strange circumstances. Two distinctive puncture wounds on both their necks and their blood drawn out. Naomi was the only survivor. "
Chairman Cross's eyebrows furrowed and he leaned forward in his swivel chair.
" Vampire, huh? " he repeated. " Do you think that they exist in this world? "
Avren's cold gray eyes met his.
" What do you think? " Avren shot back.
His question caught the man off-guard. He quickly recovered, cleared his throat before answering.
" The townspeople must be strong believers of superstitions. "
Avren knew that he was veering away from the subject but the boy did not pursue. Instead, he nodded his head, agreeing with the older man.
" Besides, I met with the girl earlier in the hallways, " Avren told him. " She seems nice. "
" Yes, she is a gentle soul. "
Avren noticed that the tone of the man's voice softened a little.
" She's faring quite well, I see, for a girl who had lost his parents recently, " he commented.
Chairman Cross's eyes narrowed at this.
" I see you're quite interested in her, Avren. Is that the reason why you're enrolling here? "
Avren was insulted but he did not show it.
" This matter has got nothing to do with Naomi at all. In fact, it does not concern her, " he answered coolly. " And I pay well so- "
" Are you bribing me Avren Walters? " the man demanded angrily. " Because I don't need your money. "
The boy had enough of this but he remained calm.
" I meant nothing like that, sir. I was just stating a fact, so please. "
Chairman Cross leaned back in his chair and sighed heavily.
" If you think that I've offended you, then I'm sorry, " Avren added quickly. " I really need a place here. "
The older man did not reply as he mulled it over in his mind. Avren decided to back off and leave him to think.
" Alright, you have a place here. "
Avren smiled and stood up.
Although we got off on the wrong foot, he agreed…
At least phase one of my plan is completed…
This Academy won't stand a chance…
I'll achieve my goals whatever the risks…
" Good, I'm glad that you saw it from my point of view. "
Naomi pushed her bangs away from her damp forehead as she slid the door of then unused music room open. True to his word, Takuma Ichijo was already there, waiting patiently.
" Naomi! I was starting to wonder if you had forgotten about our little 'date'. "
" I'm so sorry! I was held up by my guardian duties and I had to rush here, " she blurted out. " I came here as quickly as I could! "
Takuma gazed at her with an amused look on his face as she continued ranting.
" And I… " She clamped her mouth shut when she realized that she was blabbering.
" I-I'm sorry, " she stammered finally, her cheeks flaming.
He chuckled softly and shook his head.
" I don't see why you should be, Naomi. You've kept your part of the promise by being my dance partner. So, I'm going to keep my side of the bargain and return you your belongings. "
She beamed at him.
" Really? "
He nodded and regarded her with a pretend earnest expression.
" An aristocrat's code of honor. An aristocrat never goes back on his words when he promises his fair maiden, " Takuma said, dramatically.
" Right, " she laughed and rolled her eyes.
The vampire grinned widely, careful not to show her his fangs.
" Hey, at least I made you laugh. "
Naomi smiled back, her eyes dancing with mirth.
" Naomi? " he began, this time he looked serious.
Naomi's smile vanished and she eyed him warily.
" Who were those vampires back then? Did you know them? "
Her eyes darkened but she did not respond.
" They seemed to know you and I- "
His words were cut short when someone walked in. Naomi followed his gaze and turned around.
" Finally! I knew I'd find you here, Naomi! " Avren declared, marching up to her. " You need to show around the school. Chairman Cross asked you to. "
" Uh, well I- "
" Come on Naomi, " Avren tugged at her hand urgently.
Without waiting for an answer, he pushed her towards the door, not even once acknowledging Takuma.
" Maybe, I could catch you sometime tomorrow, " Takuma called after Naomi.
In reply, she flashed him an apologetic smile before she disappeared down the hall.