Chapter 24: Planning the holydays

On Saturday morning I oversleep a bit, so I hastily put some fresh robes on and do my hair into a loose bun, before heading to the post office. I decide to head to the mall with Virginia after breakfast. I got around 235$ right now, part of it is pocket money from Christmas and the rest are my saved up allowances. I don't take my whole savings with me, of course. I stroll a bit around in the mall. Apart from the food court and the arcade, there are various stores selling clothes, a supermarket and a book store. Furthermore, the mall also has a sporting goods store, a small music store and a store selling electronics. The mall is really big. After window-shopping a bit, to see what's new, I head to the book store and browse through the books. I couldn't find a book, which interests me, so I only eat some chocolate cake with Virginia at the food court, before heading back to the academy.

On Monday Potsdam approaches me, in order to persuade me to stay during the spring break. "Oh, Elise? Hello, dear. I was wondering about your plans for spring break." This was a game event, I can remember pretty well. Not in detail, though. "I'm going to stay here.", I reply to her.
"You are welcome to remain here, you - huh?", Potsdam looks at me perplexed. What, surprised, that you don't have to persuade me? I don't want to stay with my parents, it's awkward. Besides, I can practice my magic more freely here. And about buying a dress with my mom, I can also buy one in the mall, I have enough savings after all. "Ah… come with me anyways.", Potsdam responds, having snapped out of it. I follow her into an empty classroom hesitatingly.
"Staying here, will give you some time to spend with Hieronymus outside of the classroom environment.", she enthusiastically explains to me.
"I doubt that he'll be inclined to spend his free time with me, a student.", I dryly reply. "No, not at the moment. However…", Potsdam comments.
She looks suspicious. She wouldn't try to interfere again, would she? Maybe I should visit my parents. Is it too late to change my mind?
Potsdam suddenly sighs. "There are things you ought to know then dealing with that minefield of a man." Changing the topic? She proceeds to tell me about Violet.
I stay silent and simply listen to her. I know about this already anyways, so there is no use in telling her to stop. Potsdam ends her speech, encouraging me to pursue Hieronymus. I won't though. We may be married and I do like him more or less, despite his grumpiness, but nothing good will come out of falling for him.
Or trying to seduce him.

The next day, I have a strange feeling. Like a bad premonition or something. Was anything supposed to happen today? I often glance at the calendar.
March, the 18th, a Tuesday. Such a pity I don't know the dates of the events, otherwise I would know what it is, that's upsetting me. I don't sleep well that night, and wake up often, even though Virginia isn't sleep-talking for once. The next day I'm totally tired-out and have problems with focusing in class.
At lunch Virginia tells us the newest gossip, as usual. I don't bother much with listening. "…. and then Pastel kissed her! Lydia was so surprised, she simply froze.
Oh, and yeah. Did you hear?", Virginia babbles on. "Hear what?", Ellen interrupts, sounding mildly interested. "Damien's been expelled." I choke a bit on my food.
Oh my gosh. That's what's been bothering me. Is Myreen all right? Or did he choose another victim? "I heard he got caught trying to take advantage of a freshman girl – no names named – and then Professor Potsdam called down flaming swords and sliced him up and he ran away.", Virginia continues.
"That sounds a little… over-exaggerated.", Ellen comments. I wish I could agree with her… Suddenly I feel relieved about my decision to stay here.
I think it's unlikely, that Damien would try something, but I'm safer here in the academy nonetheless. Anyways, it's a good thing, he's gone, right?
I deliver the mail and allowances on Friday, since many students leave this evening for the holydays. There aren't many letters though. Among the mail is a blue envelope, addressed to me. I hesitate, but decide to open the letter and read it:

Dear Elise,

I'm sure you have heard about my expulsion by now. Don't worry, I choose Myreen as a victim for the – hopefully successful – ritual. By the way, would you like to live in a castle or a palace? I will make you feel like a princess. I can't wait to see you again.

Love,

Damien

I stare at the letter, completely bewildered. Does he think, I would be okay with him using Myreen as a victim for his ritual? How evil does he think I am?! I'm seriously offended. I admit, that I'm not the nicest person, definitely no heroine-material, but I don't wish people harm! I'm not okay with people being harmed in my name!
Even if I don't like them! For who the f**** does he mistake me? I hear the door open, probably Grabiner, who came to incinerate his letter. I snap out of my silent rage and turn to him. "Good morning, sir. Here to incinerate some letters?", I greet him, trying to speak in a neutral, calm voice. He just grunts something and takes his letter. I observe him starting to incinerate his letter, to assess how much 'energy' I have to put into the spell, then I turn to my letter and start imitating him.
I draw a bit too much magic into the spell nonetheless, and the letter burns down too fast, resulting in me burning my fingers lightly. I'm not good with red magic...
I hiss a bit at the pain and Grabiner raises an eyebrow at me. I ignore him and cast green magic, to heal the burn. It's not a serious wound, so my green magic is up to the task. Burn wounds are more difficult to heal than cuts and bruises. After speeding up the healing process of my hand, I stand up to deliver the mail.
Grabiner still stands in the room. "Is there something else, Sir?" He would usually leave this room as soon as possible, refusing to spend more time with me than necessary. He glances at my hand, and turns back to face me. "I heard you'll stay over the holydays?", he asks me. I'm a bit taken aback at this question, since I didn't expect it. "That is correct, Sir.", I answer, unsure what he wants from me. Somehow his gaze feels a bit more intense now. "Why?"
Is he afraid of me partaking in Potsdam's plans? "I can use magic here more freely, since I don't have to fear being discovered." I glance at the ashes, but don't comment on the academy's grounds being safer as well. My look returns to him. "I can assure you, that my decision wasn't influenced by Professor Potsdam. Please don't worry, Sir.", I add to calm him. He doesn't seem to be angry though. Rather than angry, he seems pensive.
"If you excuse me, I have to deliver the mail, Sir. Good day to you." I start pushing the mail cart towards the door.
"Good day to you, Miss… Elise.", he bids me goodbye, while opening the door for me. I'm surprised at him using my first name, but then I remember, that he can't carelessly address me as 'Miss Ojousama' anymore. I exit the room and we head of into opposite directions.