Chapter 60: Salde: A Noble's Wish by warelander

The chemistry lab of Primp High is arguably one of its most commonly visited rooms for recreational hours. If it wasn't Witch coming up with new potions or students using that time to try and make sense of their lessons, it was inhabited by students capable of magic, to toy with formulas.

Naturally, it was usually prohibited for students to use the room without the supervision of a teacher, No school was going to risk having to cover the costs of chemical-induced explosions and potential burning down of the whole building.

That said, there was one boy who had been historically an exception to this. A prodigy so gifted and responsible that he was considered and treated like an honorable staff member of the school faculty.

Admired by many fellow students and adored by the staff, many teens sought him out to ask for advice on a multitude of things.

One such student would be Salde Canarl Shellbrick. The young royal paced back and forth in front of the room. He knew the fabled prodigy was inside and just might be the key to what he was looking for. He had seen said student around before more than enough times, but actually gathering the courage to approach him was a different story entirely.

At the same time, he was weighing whether he should go for it. Desire and a nagging voice advising against it were in a constant tug of war with each other.

''I don't know… It is not befitting for someone of noble blood such as I, but regardless…'' He thought to himself, his gaze directed at the door in front of him.

He looked up and down, eyed it from top to bottom as if looking for some kind of hint somewhere carved into it. His thoughts kept wrestling for what half of the argument was meant to assert its dominance in his mind.

In the end, though, he made up his mind, now putting on a determined face, to silence the doubt in his head once and for all.

''I have exhausted all of my other options. I may never shall get a chance like this ever again.''

With that final statement ringing inside of him, the young Shellbrick opened the door at last.

A sheepish peek into the room revealed it to be mostly empty, not that this was surprising, in fact, that was exactly what the pink-haired lad was hoping for.

Empty seat, upon empty seat, there was nobody in sight, that is until one looked towards a desk deep into the classroom.

At said desk stood a lanky boy with silver hair and a green hat, meticulously studying whatever notes he was looking at. Maybe it was a magic formula of some kind? Perhaps just some school work? There was no way to know without asking and it wasn't of any relevance, the mind just couldn't help but to wander and ponder about the small things about such an esteemed student.

Salde decided it was time to make his step for real. He silently closed the door behind him and made his way into the room.

With every new step, it was apparent that the older boy was too concentrated on whatever he was working on, to notice he wasn't alone anymore.

Now here's hoping that wouldn't make for an awkward greeting.

''Salutations. I am known as Salde, of the noble Shellbrick family. I presume you have heard of me.'' The boy in pink convincingly masked his underlying nervousness with his usual, confident greeting towards those not of noble blood.

The older boy looked up, having now finally noticed he had company. Salde wasn't sure what he would say and the perpetually closed eyes, not to mention the questionable fashion style of pants shoes.

That air of uncertainty and mystique was brushed away though when the older student got up with a casual-looking smile on his face.

''Oh he-llo there~ My name is Lemres. Here, take some caaaandy to lighten the mood~''

Lemres
Genius Sweet Tooth

''Uhm, thanks.'' Salde, caught off-guard by the blunt offering, accepted the chocolate bar and took a bite out of it. He seemed strange, but seemed friendly, which was a perfectly acceptable outcome in his book.

''Now, can I help you with something? Don't be shy to ask anything you want.'' Lemres remained casual and laid-back in how he talked, not at all high on his status like Salde expected,

Not like he'd know what that would look like. Noooooot at all.

If he was this direct himself this did mean they could cut the formalities and get to the point quickly, that was always a plus.

''There is something I wish to inquire of you: Am I correct that you possess the ability to wield magic?''

The silver-haired senior student snapped his fingers to poof a wand into his hand, subtly showing off without overdoing it. Classy.

''Indeed I do. I aspire to earn the title of Comet Warlock and am taking advanced classes to refine my abilities.'' He explained, a hint of pride in his voice, but without losing the casual, approachable tone he had been demonstrating the whole time.

''I must say I am impressed,'' The son of Shellbrick could not deny he admired that kind of dedication to one's craft.

''You're flattering me. Now then, is there something you wish for me to do? Just keep in mind I can't do anything that school faculty would disapprove of.''

Fair enough, the question was how they would feel about that particular wish, but he'd never know until he'd ask.

This was the moment he was so nervous about the whole time, but Salde knew that he'd blow a big opportunity into the wind if he backed out now.

With a hint of hesitation, he spoke up again,

''I wish for an item that can turn me into a small water creature and back to human at will.'' He chose to not elaborate further on it than that, for now, he was curious about Lemres' reaction.

The senior student did not laugh, look at him weird or express any disbelief. Instead, he placed his fingers on his chin, in a contemplative manner.

''Hmm, that is a new one.'' Was all he said in response, still looking as if in deep thought.

''I know it may be surprising to you, but it is something I have dreamed of. I won't use it in school either, you have my promise.'' Salde chose to let more from his inner desires leak out than he let on.

Indeed, he looked at Lemres with the classic type of puppy dog face. The kind expressed child-like wonder and hope in a way few could deny a wish of.

Lemres was not one of those few himself. Seeing the younger boy look at him like that reminded him all too much of what his position meant to many others.

''I will try my best. Just be warned it will take a while. This kind of thing requires a lot of testing..''

''B-But, it can and will be done, right?'' The younger boy began to stammer, this was truly it.

The comet warlock in the making returned to his laid-back disposition, showing once more that confidence, free from any arrogance.

''I will do everything I can.''

With those words, the final wall of doubt in Salde's mind was broken down and the boy erupted into cheers most comparable to a sports team, celebrating a major tournament victory.

It certainly felt like that to him, this was the closest he had ever been to making his dream a reality. Could things be any better?

Not realizing you just flipped out in joy to such an extreme degree would be a good start, Salde's face went red from embarrassment over the sudden explosive celebration.

''Uhm…I mean you have my gratitude.'' Salde tried to save face, taking a brief bow before storming out of the room, still feeling embarrassed.

Lemres took none of it in a bad way, being instead amused by how overly self-conscious the young noble was over his image.

He opened a fresh page in his noteblock and began to write things down.

One thing was for sure: he had a lot of work ahead of him, but it was going to make for a valuable learning experience.