To tackler 5 rb, tanks for leaving a review but only hints will be revealed in this chapter. Some of those secret will only be revealed during the next field study, still i hoe that you and others will enjoy this chapter.
Like always some info:
Spoken words are between " "
Thoughts are between ( )
"What in Aidioses name are YOU doing here?! Tamamo no Mae!" Rean could practically feel the looks full of questions that the rest of his classmates were sending him, from the corner of his eyes, he could see that his old friend Himari Sasaki appeared at first to be stunned but moments later had something akin the resignation on her face.
"I think there has been a misunderstanding here, Master Rean. I am just a humble secretary in service of Lady Himari and my name is Keiko Inari and not Tamamo no Mae. Perhaps we look alike, and you have us confused?" The woman in front may have tried to trick him with her words but the amused smirk on her face ruined the attempt, "Drop it! You know as well as I do that no matter how you try to disguise yourself; I am always able to recognise you no matter what."
The woman in front of him just smiled at him, "You can't blame me for trying, I mean it has been over four years since we last saw each other, so I thought you would have forgotten all about little old me." Snorting at that was Rean's only response at her, "Aww, come on, don't be like that. How about you give me a big hug to celebrate our reunion?" Rean took a step back when she opened her arms and moved forward to hug him, "No thank you, I still remembered what you did last time you guilt tripped me into hugging you, and I nearly suffocated thanks to your shenanigans."
The air around her excluded profound sadness at his refusal, add that to the big crocodile tears on her face and anyone would have given her a hug just to console her, though Rean knew better than anyone that it was just a façade she was presenting. Seeing that it didn't work, Tamamo dropped it so fast making the others doubt their eyes if what they had just seen before was an illusion, before making her way to Himari with a bright grin on her face, "See, what I tell you? I told you little Rean would be able to see through any disguise I use, perhaps I should drop this one and walk around in my original form and for your information there are a lot of men who would love to die in my embrace like that, little Rean."
"No! Lady Tamamo, you promised me that you would behave yourself while we were here and walking around dressed like you usually do, is just asking for trouble!" Tamamo pulled out her puppy eyes, to try to convince her otherwise but just one look at her made it clear that Himari wasn't going to budge, "You are no fun, Himari! I could teach you so much about using your natural looks to your advantage, men and women alike would fall at your feet to serve your every wish." Tamamo whispered that suggestion with so much seduction in her voice that the rest besides Rean, Himari and Sharon were they only ones not blushing, even the usual unflappable Gaius was somewhat red in the face.
The deadpan look on her face was enough as an answer, so she just dropped but looked at Rean with calculating eyes, "By the way, will you finally tell me how you are able to perceive me no matter what form I take?" Crossing his arms, the swordsman just raised an eyebrow at her question, "And why should I do that?"
"Perhaps because you owe me since you completely destroyed the left wing of my summer mansion the first time you were there? There were a lot of exquisite artworks that I really liked in there and since I never asked for any compensation for that, I think that I am entitled to an answer from you at the very least unless you want to foot the bill?" Shocked gaps appeared from behind him, though he didn't pay them any mind since he was actually speechless for a moment from the shamelessness of the woman in front of him.
"Entitled?! Compensation?! You had me kidnapped! You were luckily that I stopped there and didn't level the entire place down to the ground!" Putting her hands over her heart in mock shock, Tamamo tried to defend herself, "Kidnapped?! Never! I merely asked my retainers to invite you to my place to get to know you better and nothing more."
"And after I told them no, they used sleeping gas on everyone on the Inn I was staying at to get to me. When they saw that it didn't work on me, they chased me for over an hour until they overwhelmed and knock me out. The next time I opened my eyes, I was in a room I didn't know, so of course I tried to escape after scouting out my surroundings, what happened afterwards was completely justified in my opinion and more then deserved on your part."
That damned fox had the audacity to just wave her hand and say, "Small details like that don't matter, the fact is you demolished it and so you have to compensate me." The smug grin she had on her face made his fingers twitch to draw his tachi, both two things held him back, the first was that they were in public and he didn't want to get the attention of the provincial army, again, and second was the fact that he knew she could easily take him down with the same effort she uses to breath, so he settled with face palming while groaning out loud, "Aidios, it hasn't even been five minutes and I can already feel my patience and sanity slip away. Putting aside the past, can you at least explain to me what you are doing here in the Empire and with Himari of all people?"
Tamamo made a show of seeming to think about it but before she could say anything, that was sure to be infuriating, Sharon cut in, "Master Rean, as funny and entertaining this is, could perhaps explain to the rest of us, what is going on? I was under the impression that this lady here was called Keiko Inari and worked for Lady Himari as her secretary."
"No need to get your steel wires in a twist, little Sharon. My role here is just to help little Himari here and nothing more."
(Steel wires in a twist? Now that is an odd expression if I ever heard one, the saying normally goes differently but doesn't matter.) Though Rean was curious why the mention of steel wires seemed to make Sharon tense and Instructor Sara to snicker at the maid, "This walking disaster over here is called,…."
"Keiko Inari." Rean ignored her and went on as if she hadn't just said anything, "Tamamo no Mae, though apparently, she wants to be called Keiko Inari while here in Erebonia, why I have no idea and given what I know of her, it is better not to ask. Unluckily, I was forced to meet her back when I was travelling the East with my master and while I could list dozens of good arguments on why we should call in both Imperial and Provincial Army to kick her out of the country, I also know that she will just find her way in again, using another disguise."
He could understand the confusion on the faces of his classmates since that didn't clear anything up, but he didn't have the time needed to make a proper explanation, so he directed his questions at the one person who could answer them without causing him an aneurysm, "Sorry, Himari. But can you please tell me what she is doing here and with you of all people?"
Smiling apologetic at him, she answered him ignoring Tamamo silent pleas not to do it before she had some more fun with him, "I wasn't expecting that you would really be able to recognise her, I thought she had been joking about that, so let me apologise for that and let me assure you that she promised me that she wouldn't do any of her usual shenanigans while we are here and you know that despite how she behaves usually she takes her promises serious."
"Thank Aidios for that, really thank you!" Both ignored the now pouting woman who was murmuring, "You didn't have to tell him, I could have had so much fun in teasing him if he didn't know about that part, why I could I have…" Coughing into her hand, to hide the small smile on her face, Himari went on, "The reason why I am here, it concerns some business transactions with the Reinford Group and as for Lady Tamamo, she for the last three years has been teaching me all she knows about economics, politics and so on, while also acting as my bodyguard."
Once again Rean was alarmed at what he was hearing, "I seriously don't know what is more concerning, the fact that she is teaching you anything at all or the fact that you need someone of her skills to protect you. What in Gehenna is going on in Wakazuki, that you need this level of security?!"
"Hey, I can also be serious when teaching someone! I also taught you a lot of things back then when little Yun had to leave you in my care!"
"You mean, when you forced him to leave me in your care, right? And yes, I know that despite your usual way of acting you can be serious sometimes and I can't believe that I am saying this, but your lessons have really helped me out over the years, so thank you for them. Anyway, you were saying Himari?" Not wanting to hear her brag how amazing she is and to gloss over the fact that he thanked her, he returned his attention back to his old friend. A displeased frown could be seen on her face when she thought on why she had needed a bodyguard for the last three years, "Just in case my uncle and my cousins forget their places, again."
A grimace could be seen on his face as he now understands the entire situation with just that sentence, "They still haven't given up yet? Why does your grandfather not put them into their place permanently?"
"At first, he thought that this could be a good trial for me that it would prepare me after I took over father's seat but their attempts over the years have become more difficult to track, we know that they are behind it but without enough prove even my father and Grandfather can't act against someone in our family. Though after I am done here, they will have no chance to make a comeback and will have to either accept it or get thrown out of the family." The determination on her face spoke volumes on what she had to endure over the years from her so-called family members.
"That is why little Himari came to me for help and I took her under my wing, since then we have been working together and she been a very hardworking student." Tamamo ruffled Himari's hair much to her displeasure, though that disappeared when Rean asked a simple question, "Does your family know that you have become her student?"
Avoiding eye contact with him, she looked everywhere but at him, "Not really, no. I know that they wouldn't have approved of it, especially Grandfather."
"Hmph, that old coot better not try to come between us. Little Himari is my student now and I won't give up on her no matter what he says." Tamamo embraced Himari tightly at that declaration who in turn just rolled her eyes at the display of affection since she was already to it.
"As much I am loathe to praise her for anything, having her in your corner is the best protection you can ask for." Tamamo haughtily raised her head as if to say that he could praise her some more which was promptly ignored, though he did a double tack when he glanced at his classmates and instructor, who were now sitting on a bench watching the trio like they were an entertainment show while Sharon served them some snacks from god knows where. Before he could say anything to them, the fox got his attention back, "We may have gotten side-tracked, but you were about to tell me how you are able to see through my disguises every time."
"I sure as hell wasn't going to; I think having that remain hidden from you is extremely beneficial to my mental wellbeing."
"Please, since when do you care about your wellbeing? Heck, I remember that one time when you were just twelve and charged all alone right into a horde of…."
"Lalalalalala." Rean interrupted her from saying anything else by shouting out loudly, surprising everyone around him and even getting the attention of some people passing by, "Hey, no need to drag out those kinds of old stories. Better yet don't say anything at all." He could practically see the imaginary fox ears and tails standing up from sniffing out something delicious and it certainly didn't help when he glanced at a certain archer to see if she had caught on what that damned fox was going to say and from the look on her face, Alisa was indeed curious about it. Turning back, he was greeted by a grinning Tamamo was giving him a look that he could only call predatory when the pieces clicked inside her head, (O dear goddess, I know that you don't like me very much, but please just this one time help me out, I beg you. Let her please come to the wrong conclusion.)
His silent plea went of course unheard as Tamamo directed her full attention to his classmates, since the beginning she hadn't shown much interest in them but now she was definitely interested, she was going to make her way over to them but got cut off by a desperate looking Rean blocking her path, "Didn't you want to know how I recognised you?"
"I am definitely curious, but I just realised that I have been incredibly rude to your classmates, and I should correct that, immediately!" Faster than he could blink she had disappeared from his sight and reappeared in front of the others surprising even Sharon and Sara with her speed, meanwhile Himari patted his shoulder to comfort him since she knew that whatever had caught her interest, her friend wasn't going to have an easy time now.
"I am definitely sorry for my behaviour until now I was so happy to see little Rean again that I forgot my manners, please excuse me." That fox knew how to play the remorse card so good that the others didn't even doubt it for a minute, "How about we get to know each other better, we still have a bit of time until your train arrives, right little Sharon?" One look at the clock was all Sharon needed to know that they had indeed a little bit of time, though unlike before there was now a slight vigilance against the woman in front her.
"Yes, Lady 'Inari'. The train to the capital is running late, so the students have a bit of time to talk with you if they chose to, of course." Tamamo ignored the way she had insinuated the name Inari and focused her attention on the students and their instructor, "Seems like we have time, I already know your names and you have heard mine, so how about you all tell me a little about yourself."
Though they had initial been on guard against her, she managed to get them to drop their guard in just mere minutes, even Jusis who had the most experience on dealing with people with ulterior motives was helpless against someone of her calibre, Rean could only watch how this played out, while the others explained to her about their class and field studies. Tamamo was mostly quiet, only talking when the others seemed to hesitate, or she needed to direct the conversation where she wanted it to go.
For a while, the topics where just mostly about everyday things they had experienced at the academy, it wasn't until Alisa asked a certain question that the alarm resounded in his head, "By the way, Miss Inari. You seem to know Rean quite well, could you tell us about some of his adventure in the East, particularly the ones that were really dangerous? For some reason he has been quite tight lipped about those."
"No need to call me Miss, Alisa and neither does the rest of you. Call me just by my first name Keiko and of course I can tell you all about those, but which one should I start with? There are soooo many to choose from." Rean could feel the sweat on his back running down at the glance and grin she had given him combined with the look on Alisa's face and curious faces of the others, he knew that he couldn't let her go on, so left with no other choice he used the last card he had to play, though he never thought that he would ever have to say the following words just to save himself.
"Big Sis Tamamo, please stop. I beg of you." The moment the words left his mouth a stunned silence descended upon them, while Rean face burned with shame, the others were surprised but none the more than Tamamo herself turning around to face him with her mouth open, if Rean was in his normal frame of mind, he would actually feel proud to have finally managed to surprise her but now he could just hope that this was enough to stop her from talking.
"Wow, I never thought I would see the day where you would call me that out of your own volition. My, my you must really not want me to tell them anything at all." While talking she approached him until she was close enough to whisper so quietly that he was the only to hear it, "Or rather you don't want her to know. I wonder why, though?" The teasing grin on her face made him want to make a hole to crawl in, "Because she is just that scary when she is angry with me."
"Just because she is scary, huh? Since when are you afraid of anything? You, who on his own faced nearly a thousand of monsters at the same time, are afraid of a small thing like her?" Looking into his eyes, she found out that he truly believed that, that the only reason he didn't want her to know was because she was scary.
(Well, well, would you look at that seems like spring has come for the densest man on Zemuira, or rather it is beginning to though from the looks of it he hasn't realise it himself. How sweet, seems like I have to thank the goddess for allowing me to be here for this moment, can't wait to rub this into little Yun's face next time I see him. But for now, I should take a step back and plan my next steps carefully because this is an opportunity to tease him like never before.)
Creating a bit of space between them, she let him squirm a little more before calming his fears, "Since my cute little brother has asked me for a favour for the first time, what kind of big sister would I be if I didn't comply? Don't worry, little Rean. Big Sis here will help you keep all your dangerous adventures hidden, for now at least." The swordsman fell nearly on his knees with sheer relief at that, though it as short lived when she spoke next.
"But only if you tell me your secret method of finding me." Since this was a small price to pay to keep Alisa from ripping him a new one because of his reckless stunts, he leaned in close to make sure the others who now were half seriously (and one archer seriously) glaring at him since he had managed to skirt this issue again, didn't listened in,
"You know what I have faced back there but no matter how strong the monsters or the people were, no one aside from you not even Master Ka-Fai with all his strength was able to install wariness into it. That is how I am always able to see through your disguises, you can change your voice, way of behaving, even your entire body but you can't change your essence and it is that very essence which scares it."
Tamamo didn't need to ask what he was talking about, one of the reasons the Sword Hermit had come to her was to find out if she knew of a way to help his last disciple train his ogre power. She didn't know what exactly had happened that led to Rean gain his so-called ogre power, but she knew that there was something mixed inside of him that wasn't natural, and that piece was the source of his power and was located inside his chest were his heart is or rather was.
But until he accepted that power as a part of him there was nothing either she or his master could do for him and the worst part was that Yun insisted that Rean came to this realisation himself without either of them pointing it out for, since this would help him in mastering the seventh form, 'Void' in the long term.
So, she gave him some mental exercises that he could train in to make use of at least a portion of his power in exchange for paying a price for it, which he used as the basic to create 'Spirit Control'. Shaking her head to get out of those memories, she focused back on the present where Rean was looking at her, "So that is why. Ahh, after so many years of asking I finally got my answer, and it was one I wasn't expecting at all. (Which explains so many things; starting why after all the time we spent together he was still so on guard against me. It isn't everyday he meets something that is capable of installing something akin to fear into a power that he calls the incarnation of violence and destruction. I wonder if little Yun may have hinted at him what my origins are, hmmm a conversation to have for our next meeting, to be sure.)
Turning around she gave his classmate who seemed disappointed an apologetic smile, "Sorry, everyone my cute little brother asked me not to say anything about what he had been up to in the past, perhaps next time we can meet without him being there to stop me. Anyway, I think that your train just came in and that is our clue to leave, until the next time everyone, bye, bye." Himari also said her goodbye before following Tamamo out of the station, leaving an utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally, Rean who just walked towards the train to get into it while the rest followed him.
"So, that just happened. I didn't know you had both a big and a little sister, any reason on why you were hiding her from us?" Opening one of his eyes, Rean glared at Jusis who wore a teasing grin on his face, "Don't push it Albarea." That made him and the rest of them laugh out loud, though it didn't take long before Sharon looked at him with a serious expression, "Master Rean, could you please explain who exactly that woman is, and does she pose any danger to Lady Irina?"
Rean took a moment to think about that, "Who she is a bit complicated, though the only danger she poses is to my sanity." Sharon didn't seem satisfied with that answer, so he elaborated, "She told us that she is here as Himari's teacher and bodyguard, that means unless Chairman Irina is planning on attacking Himari, she has nothing to fear. She won't make a move unless you provoke her, but if you are really that worried about it, you can tell the Chairman to conclude whatever their business is faster, and I would also sleep a lot better if she was out of the country."
"Good luck with that. Mother won't rush anything if she isn't sure that she already got the maximum of benefits out of it."
"Lady Alisa is correct, Master Rean. Lady Irina is nothing if not throughout in every business deal, she makes. But there is no need to despair; it shouldn't take more than two months at best to finish this deal. Perhaps if you are lucky enough by this time next month, they could be finished with it."
"I can only hope so, Sharon. Can I assume that these two are the reason why Chairman Irina is interested in my so-called connections?"
"Yes, Master Rean. It was just a coincidence that brought your connection to them to light. They asked me what the fastest way to Ymir was since they wanted to visit an old friend, from that it didn't take long for me to connect the dots, that they were talking about you, Master Rean." Wide-eyed at just the thought that Tamamo had been in Ymir to talk with his parent, made Rean shudder and make him desperately hope that it hadn't happen, "Does that mean they visited Ymir?"
Sharon let him squirm for a bit until she answered, "I don't think so, Master Rean. After they found out that you were currently absent from Ymir for your studies at Thors, they decided to delay their visit until they talked with you first."
"Meaning that now they are going to make a trip there. Oh Aidios, why me? I guess I will have to warn my parents about her and not to believe everything she says, wonderful."
Leaning back his seat, Rean tried not to think about the consequences about that damn fox meeting with his parents and to relax but it didn't take long before Alisa was poking him in the arm to get his attention, "Just so you know, the more you try to hide whatever you did back there, the worse your scolding will be when I finally find out about it."
"Then I just have to make sure that you never find out about it, don't I?" Narrowing her eyes at him, the archer thought about trying to dig deeper, but she changed her mind when she remembered that the others were here, so she asked something else that had been on your mind since their meeting with those women, "By the way, you and that Sasaki seemed pretty close. You must have been very good friends back in the East."
"Hmm? You can say that she was the first friend I made over there; her family are the rulers of their country. Which makes her the crown princess since she is an only child and yet she doesn't have it easy just because of it…."
"My apologies for interrupting but if she is the heir to the ruling family, what is she doing here? Shouldn't she be in her country learning how to best manage it?" Rean took a moment or two to mull over Jusis question, deciding that it shouldn't be a problem if he talked a little about her situation, "Normally, you would be right, but her case is a bit different. Until now every Ruler of that country was a man, so…."
Rean didn't need to continue his sentence since the others got it, though Sara was the one to finish it, "Meaning that the people there are a bunch of chauvinistic idiots." While the other girls didn't say anything out loud, their faces said enough.
"Yes, especially her uncle and cousins. They were against her inheriting the throne even four years ago, but Himari is nothing if not resourceful, so I am not too worried about her. Now, the other one that is a person one should be worried about. Why couldn't she just remain in her own country?" The rest exchanged looks with each other since this was the first time, they had seen the swordsman look so…helpless.
"Perhaps I am wrong, but she didn't seem like a bad person at, a bit too playful perhaps but that isn't necessarily a bad thing."
"She isn't a bad person per se, she …. How do I explain this? If she is on your side that it is a good thing, if she is not either run away or beg for mercy?" That seemed to confuse the others even more, Rean tried to organise his thoughts to better explain it, "Tamamo no Mae isn't evil or anything like that but towards her enemies she can ruthless enough to make the Blood and Iron Chancellor look meek in comparison and from what I have seen she is also cunning and smart enough to rule several countries from the shadows, if she wanted to." Both Jusis and Sara seemed to choke on air at that statement as they looked at him as if he was crazy to call that man meek, though that didn't stop him from trying to explain what kind of person that fox was.
"But she can also be kind and benevolent to those she deems as friends, giving her all to help them, if they need it. I may not like it that she is here, mostly because I know that she will tease me relentlessly and because she can be so mischievous that it borders on pure chaos but if she needs my help, then she will have it. After all she and my Master have done for me, I owe her that much and more." The other still weren't sure what kind of person she was but they understood at least that she was a friend of Rean and that was good enough for them.
Though that didn't stop them from teasing him about calling her 'Big Sis' for the rest of the journey to Heimdallr, where they regrouped with Group B who were also returning from their field study while Rean had to step out of the station for a bit to send some letters to both his mother and sister since the encounter in Roer had made him forget to do that back there.
Fie and Laura seemed fine, the other two Machias and Elliot were a different story. They looked utterly exhausted, deciding to wait until a certain duo were absent to ask what happened to them at Bryonia Island, Class VII exchanged notes about their experiences over the last three days. Group B was astounded and shocked when they heard what the others had experienced in the Nord Highlands and how close armed conflict had been between Erebonia and Calvard.
In stark contrast Group B days had been rather peaceful, (besides the cold war between a certain pair) on Bryonia their tasks had been mostly monster exterminations and helping the tourists around the island while they explored it. Another surprise to Machias and the others had been the existence of the Guardian in Nord, since like Norton had told them there really was a similar statue in the west, there were some theories regarding the one in Bryonia but like the one in Nord no one seemed to have a clue how they were made and for what purpose.
While they were talking about their field studies, they noticed that a certain pattern seemed to appear in each one of their field studies; one group had a normal experience while the other group had something dangerous happened to them. "Now that you mention it, while the time in Parm wasn't what I would call good, but we didn't have anything like a corrupt provincial army to deal with, while the other group had to deal with that, plus thieves disguised as rangers and defeat a huge monster to save said thieves."
Jusis ignored Machias jab at his family's army but added his own opinion to it, "In Bareahard we had to spring a certain hothead out of prison, deal with the Army monsters and got nearly thrown into jail ourselves. The ones in Saint Ark had some trouble with the soldiers there, but beside that nothing too out of the ordinary happened." Picking up from Jusis was Emma, "Group A this time had to deal with the ancient djinn, jaeger dropouts and the possibility of war, while Group B spent their time dealing with normal quests. Once is just bad luck, twice is a coincidence but after the third time it's a pattern."
"Got anything to add Sara? Since you are the one choosing where we go and with who, are you the one behind it?" Their instructor looked offended at what Fie was saying, "Excuse me?! I have nothing to do with where you are going that decision comes from somebody else not me. I just chose the member of each group after they tell me where you all are being sent."
"So perhaps it has something to do with something else…..Oh, I got it." Taking a bottle of water that Sharon was offering him, Rean looked at Alisa, "Really? Then perhaps we can deal with it before our next field study?" The others didn't know if Alisa had done it on purpose or not since she waited until he was drinking before she answered him, "I don't know if we can. Instructor Sara would it be possible to leave Rean behind for our next field study?" Hearing that Rean started to cough since the water went into the wrong pipe thanks to Alisa's surprise attack, the archer noticed Fie giving her a thumps up for her timing.
After getting his coughing under control Rean gave the grinning blonde a deadpan look but before he could defend himself, Laura cut him off, "Alisa may be right, you know. In Celdic you were there as well in Bareahard and Nord, any group you were with did get into unforeseen troubles, perhaps you are the one attracting trouble." The others were quick to agree with her, much to Rean's dismay.
"Is today let's pick on Rean Day? Geez thanks a lot guys." Group B were quickly interested what he meant by that, so the two blondes of Group A took it upon themselves to tell them what had happened in Roer station, the swordsman ignored the grins on the others faces by looking outside the train, where Trista was quickly approaching.
Resigning himself to another round of good-natured teasing, though he did try escape it by fast-walking out of the station though it wouldn't help much since the others lived in the same building as he did. The first thing he noticed upon arriving at the door to the third dormitory was a small package outside, bending down he picked it up just in time for the rest of their group to arrive. Examining it he found that it was addressed to him though there no was sender on it meaning that someone must have left it here for him to find.
"What have you got there, Rean?" The others looked at him with curious looks, so he decided to just show it to them after hearing Fie's question, "Apparently someone left this on our doorstep for me since it has my name but no sender."
"Ohhh, seems like you have a secret admirer, perhaps it has a love letter inside." Rolling his eyes at Fie absurd remark, he and the others besides Emma, Fie, Sara and Sharon, missed Alisa subtle flinching at that, "Just one way to find out, open it!"
"Fie! Perhaps we should give him some privacy; I mean it was addressed to him after all."
"No need for that, Emma. Let's just see what is inside, if not Fie will ask about it until she gets her answer." Rean carefully took the wrapping paper of to find a box with a piece of paper on top of it, picking it up the words, 'Just a reminder of what you are.' Not understanding the meaning behind it he gave it to Fie who had been trying to read it discreetly, who looked confused and disappointed at it before giving it to Alisa who had been squirming since he opened it.
"Just a reminder of what you are? What is that supposed to mean?"
"Ahh, that's what it means, huh." While the rest including Sharon and Sara had been puzzling over the message, Rean had opened the box and taken its content out, it was a white Ogre Mask with black horns and black fangs on it. Blinking at the mask Gaius approached it get a better look at it, "What is that supposed to be, some sort of monster?"
"You aren't far off; this here is called an Ogre Mask, it shows the face a demon called Ogre or rather what people in some eastern parts of the continent thinks one looks like, there actually different types of ogres in eastern folklore and this one is actually rather well made, I have to say." The swordsman put down the box on the table to examine the mask more closely, "Ehh, Rean? Why would someone send you something like that as a present?"
Some of them made the connection that had apparently escaped Elliot and the rest, "Because some people have a very sick sense of humour, that is why Elliot." Seeing the blank looks on Elliot, Laura, Machias, Emma and Gaius, Jusis decided to elaborate on Alisa's words with anger in his eyes, "Surely you all remember what kind of rumours were circulating about Rean before we left, combine that with the words on the paper and the fact that this mask is supposed to be about a demon, and you should have your answer. Which begs the question which cretin or cretins are responsible for this sick prank?"
Now they understood why Alisa was glaring at the mask, they also agreed with Jusis that this was a very sick prank that wasn't funny at all, unlike his displeased classmates and instructor; even Sharon usual smile had a hint of anger in it, while Rean was still examining it. "Can't say that I don't understand the reason in giving me this, but still it is a well-made mask; guess I can put it on the shelves in my room."
"You aren't seriously thinking of keeping it, aren't you?"
"Why not, like I said it is well-made and I would wager that is one was expensive. I am no expert but compared to the ones I saw being sold in shops; I would this say this one cost around fifteen to twenty thousand mira." Alisa was going to continue arguing about it, if the price hadn't stunned her into silence, the others included.
"Are you telling me that grotesque looking piece of wood is worth that much?!"
Rean understood their shock and Machias outburst since he too had been shocked the first time, he had seen one and the prices of one made by a professional, "These are considered work of arts over there; to some people there are also sources of pride." Recovering from his outburst, Machias connected the dots, "With that price the only ones capable of sending that, can only be nobles. Seems like Class I wants another beat down, which I am more than happy to deliver." Cracking his knuckles Machias seemed ready to storm out and make his way towards the nobles' dormitory if Emma hadn't stopped him.
"How about you first cool your head, before going off like that? We have no way to prove that they were the ones who sent it, all you would accomplish is to make them laugh at you, if you appeared in their dormitory now." Seeing the anger in Machias eyes, Jusis knew what he was going to say, "I am not saying, we should let this go but that we need proof first before we do anything, or they will talk their way out of this, making us take the punishment for accusing them unjustly."
"I didn't get to experience their fencing style last time, perhaps now would be a good time to do it." Laura was appalled on how childish the so called pinnacle of men achievements was, deciding that perhaps a visit during their combat training was appropriate since they had done the same to her class, Laura was going through the lesson plan in her head to see which day was the fastest to do it and from the looks of it she wasn't the only one thinking about, but before they could plan anything concrete, a loud whistling was heard behind them drawing their attention to an exasperated looking Rean, "What do you think you are all doing? This was just a harmless prank no need to go on the warpath for it."
"Before we left there were already numerous rumours about you, insulting you and dragging you through the mud with their false accusations. We didn't do anything because you asked us not to but now; they are sending you this, calling you indirectly an ogre?! Hell no, we aren't taking this lying down."
"Guys, I am touched that you are all upset on my behalf, really. But you are overacting; they are just some harmless rumours that aren't hurting anybody, and this mask? Well, I actually like it, so perhaps I should thank them for it." Gnashing her teeth, Alisa debated on grabbing by him by the collar and shaking some sense into him, until Jusis thought of something that was perhaps the cause of Rean not wanting to do anything about those so-called nobles.
"Are you worried that there could be repercussions if you acted for your father, Baron Schwarzer?" That question calmed the others down pretty quickly since they hadn't thought about it that way, no matter how childish they may act they were still nobles with enough clout to make things difficult for a simple baron, "That thought didn't even cross my mind, to be honest. I don't think they would go that far, besides my father was never the type to care about things like that, besides it isn't like they could do much to him, he already doesn't like leaving Ymir to go those so-called noble parties to mingle. He would rather spend his time hunting instead of attending boring parties."
The others were flabbergasted at his prompt response and that his father wasn't the reason for his inaction, coughing out loud to remind her students that their instructor was still around to hear them make their plans, "Rean over there is right, you can't go around punching people in their face because of their stupidity no matter how much you want to and off the record I understand that urge since I want to do the same to certain instructors and students alike. Anyway, while this here may still pass as a 'harmless prank', I can still go talk with Principal if you want, Rean. No matter whom their daddies or mommies are, this here is still Thors Military Academy and not their backyard, they still must listen to the authorities here."
"Thanks for the offer, Instructor Sara but like I said they are free to do and say what they want as long they don't cross my bottom line." Thinking that this conversation was over, Rean made his way towards the stairs to go to his room, "Just out of curiosity, what happens if they do cross your bottom line?" Rean didn't have to think long about Sara's question, though he did put the ogre mask on before answering, "Well, there is a reason why I am called the Rampaging Demon, and I wouldn't mind showing them on how I earned that nickname."
A shudder ran through nearly everybody in the room, at that statement, perhaps it was the mask or perhaps it was something in his voice, but they suddenly had the feeling that if that happens that the ending won't be pretty for those nobles, "In that case Master Rean, please do call me. I am certain that I can help you deal with the bodies."
Sweats dropping at the smiling maid, either Alisa or Sara were going to say something to her, but Rean beat them to the punch, "No need for that Sharon, I wouldn't make such an amateur mistake of leaving bodies or any evidence behind, I know better than that." Some gulping sounds could be heard in the quiet room at that, though a bit surprised at first Sharon looked with something akin to approval at the black-haired boy, "Nonetheless, Master Rean in case you need any help at that time, you just have to call me. By the way, dinner should be ready in about an hour; you all should use this time to rest."
The others could only watch how both Rean and Sharon nonchalant left the room like they hadn't just discussed about hiding dead bodies, helplessly Sara could just glare at the maid, "Yeah, I admit that after hearing that, I am now officially worried what will happen if they do cross his bottom line. Emma, Machias, or rather you all, I am counting on you to make sure that it doesn't go that far."
Class VII looked at her with wide eyes as a response to that unreasonable request of hers, not waiting for any answer Sara left quickly in the direction of the kitchen to talk to a certain maid about offering her students to help making bodies disappear. Left behind the others didn't know what to, so they followed Rean's example and returned to their rooms, though a certain noble decided that perhaps he should speak later with the swordsman in private.
Later that night, Jusis knocked on Rean's door and after getting called in, he stepped inside to find that his classmate had really done as he said he would, he had put that damn mask on one of his shelves, "I have to admit at first I thought you were just making a joke about putting it on display, just to calm us down but I see now that you were serious about it." Looking up from the report he had been writing Rean gave Jusis a shrug, "Like I said it is well-made and besides it was a 'gift' so there is no real reason to throw it away. Tea?"
Shaking his head at the offer Jusis started talking about the reason why he had come, "I will be straightforward with you, I may not like using my family name, but it doesn't mean that I won't use it if the situation demands it, like this one. Rean, if you want me to deal with this, I will. I consider you a friend and I won't stand by while my friend is being harassed by some idiots who think that the world revolves around them."
"First of, thank you Jusis, I also consider you a friend and second I already said it before they are just spreading some rumours that aren't hurting anyone, there is no need to do anything about them." Releasing a big sigh Jusis tried to convince him otherwise, "Rean, you know better than anyone how unstable your position with the nobles is and now with those rumours in the mix, it can only get worse for you."
"Jusis, do you really think stopping those rumours is going to make the situation better? You know as well as I do that it won't change anything, besides who know what else they would come up with next if you stopped them. This way they aren't doing any harm to the rest of you."
Narrowing his eyes at Rean, the noble finally understood the true reason why the swordsman didn't want to do anything against those rumours, "I see now why you don't want me or the others to act. As long they are focused on you, the rest of our class who aren't nobles won't be targeted by them." Realising that he had said too much Rean could only nod sheepishly at Jusis accusation, who in turn closed his eyes and counted to ten in his head before he lost his temper.
"You do remember our talk from last month, right? The one where I said that you are somewhat a danger to yourself? So, care to explain how you thought this was a good idea and why you didn't think to discuss it with us?"
"Because I am the only one in the class who can deal with this, no hear me out." Rean quickly stopped Jusis from saying anything in respond to his statement, "Our class is new territory for the academy, putting nobles and commoners together would always ruffle some feathers on both sides. Especially with the nobles who always think themselves above others, the academy can restrict their interference with us but not completely. At the start everyone was curious to see how this was going to play out, particularly after seeing you and Machias butt heads at the beginning."
Jusis still felt somewhat ashamed of his behaviour at the start of the year, but stayed quiet to let Rean finish his explanation, "Besides, I have already said this several times, just because they are spreading rumours about me, it doesn't mean that they are actually causing me harm. My standing in the noble's circle was already as low as it can be; they can't make it worse than it already is and most importantly by focusing on me, the rest of you can relax and spend your time on both studying and training without worrying about this."
"And what about you, then? No matter what you say, this is not a good situation to be in."
"Geez, how many times do I have to tell you that it is fine? Jusis, I am touched that you are so worried about me, but I am and will be fine no matter what kind of rumours they are going to spread nextm so don't worry."
The noble could see that no matter what he said he wouldn't change Rean's mind, so I swore that he would keep both eyes on the situation and the moment he noticed something wrong, he would intervene even if Rean didn't want him to, which he explained and added the threat that he would also tell Alisa about him trying to take on this on his own, that got the swordsman attention rather quickly who in return told Jusis that the situation wouldn't become that bad, the look he got in return was enough to show him that he was the only one who thought that.
The next few days were really testing the patient of Alisa and the rest of Class VII somehow during the time they had been away, the rumours concerning Rean had become even worse and while they were still some rumours going around concerning the rest of Class VII the swordsman was also at the centre of those.
His efforts in the first three months in helping the student council and the townspeople had helped in keeping others from believing any of those absurd rumours and even though they had spread to the town the adults too were scoffing at the ridiculosity of them, but Alisa had seen some small children who were too young to know better run away when they saw Rean, who had just shrugged his shoulders at their actions and continued on his way to school.
The archer couldn't understand how those rumours didn't annoy him; he just shrugged them off like nothing and even laughed at the most absurd ones when he heard Crow or Angelica repeat them to him. He had once again asked his class to just ignore them since at some point the nobles would get bored of them and stop with them.
They had complied with his request so far, since according to him there more important matters to deal with, namely Laura and Fie. During Group B's field study, they had linked with either Machias or Elliot but not with each other and unlike how Machias and Jusis had been, they didn't yell at each other, they just ignored each other during the moment they were forced to be in the same room.
It got to the point where one wouldn't even enter the room if the other was in it unless it was for class, it was the same when they were asked if they wanted to train in the old schoolhouse if the other was already there, they would find some excuse to refuse and leave. All that made Alisa keep pushing back the revelation she had in Nord about her feelings for Rean, until she forced herself to think about it. The fact that she may have feelings beyond friendship for the swordsman had been a first for the archer since thanks to being a Reinford, most children her age had avoided her besides some like Yuma, but they had been mostly girls, so she didn't have a real first crush until now.
Which made her panic even more since she refused to talk anyone about it, especially Sharon until she resolved this on her own. She tried to look through some books in the library about romance but what she found was either books that explained it from psychological side of it or they were romance novels who made her blush immensely when she imagined herself with Rean in those scenarios.
Rean had noticed that she seemed to be troubled about something but every time he tried talk about it with her, she sidestepped his questions, leaving him unsure on how to help her out. Seeing that she really didn't want to talk about was troubling her, he decided on a different approach, some exercises his Master had taught him when he was stuck in his head overthinking things. That is why on Saturday afternoon after they were done with everything they had planned for the day; Rean took Alisa out of town and taught her some meditation exercise he knew.
Those meditations caused the archer to feel sceptic about their help at first but after trying it for a few days she noticed that while they hadn't helped on what to do with her new found feelings for the swordsman, they made her see that she just because she may have developed a tiny crush (that is what she was telling herself to remain calm when he was around) on him, she didn't really have to change on how she acted around him or treat him differently. She decided that for the moment she was content with how things were and decided to continue being his friend first and see where they would go from there.
She didn't think she had to try to find out on how he felt about her like those novels suggested, instead she focused on helping him with everything she could. Besides after knowing him for months and seeing how dense he was regarding his actions; she was sure that he wouldn't even notice if she tried to flirt with him or anything like that. After having reached that decision, it was like a weight had been lifted of her shoulders which everyone in class noticed and while Emma had been curious at what conclusion her friend had reached, she respected the archer's privacy and stayed quiet though the romantic in her was going stir crazy with curiosity.
A week later just the day before Class VII would begin their swimming lesson, another surprise was dropped on the members of the dorm. It was a surprise that no one had been expecting it and the reveal left, poor Rean in quite a pickle since he had hoped that the new class would have shifted the focus away from him and it started with a simple statement from Fie during dinner.
"By the way, Rean. I am counting on you for tomorrow, me and my wallet will be extremely disappointed if we lose." Everyone at the table stopped what they were doing to stare at their youngest member in confusion, putting his fork with food back on his plate, Rean asked the question that was on everybody mind, "What are you talking about Fie? Do you need my help for something, or do you want me to lend you some money?"
"Nay, just need your help in winning a bet." That seemed to confuse the others even more until Emma regained her wits and started questioning Fie, "Bet? What kind of bet are you talking about? And I hope that I just misheard you just now, but you didn't bet any money on something, did you?"
Taking a bite out her dinner, the silver haired girl enjoyed, prolonging the time needed to answer by chewing slowly making a scowl appear on Machias face, done with chewing Fie thought about taking a sip of her juice just to mess with Machias further but decided against it, "I did place five hundred mira on a bet regarding Rean and I am not the only one at the academy who did it, there at least a dozen more people on it."
That prompted Machias to start lecturing Fie on how she was too young to gamble, that any sort of gambling was forbidden at school and so on, he was joined by Emma who also tried to explain to Fie that she was far too young to do such things, it took Rean a moment to regain his bearing after hearing that there was a bet concerning him and looking at the others made it clear that they also didn't know about that.
Clearing his throats to get the attention of Emma, Fie and Machias, "Sorry you two but before you go on with your lecture, perhaps Fie over there can explain to us, what kind of bet it is first? I have to say that I am curious since I wasn't aware that I am apparently the object of a bet." The Class and Vice president after sharing a quick look with each other decided that their lecture could wait since they like the rest of the table were curious about it.
The ex-jaeger thought about taking another bite of her dinner just mess with them further but one look from Rean stopped her from doing so, pouting at a missed opportunity for a moment Fie explained what was going on, "The last time your mother was here, she told us that we would get one or two surprises from you at our first swimming lesson. Somehow those words got out to the other students and with the way rumour are going around concerning you, everyone has been speculating on what these surprises were until someone decided to open a betting pool to settle that. That is why some people can't wait until tomorrow to see who won and who lost."
His mouth fell open at that explanation and the others were also surprised until Instructor Sara laughed out loud before opening another beer much to the displeasure of Sharron who gave the older woman a reproachful look at her drinking alcohol in front of her students which was promptly ignored. The rest of Class VII was also amused after recovering from the surprise, Rean opened his mouth to ask who came up with that betting pool but closed it when an image of a bandanna wearing youth flashed in his mind.
Suppressing a groan after finding out who was responsible, Rean looked at the time to see that while curfew was still a bit away, he would have just enough time to punish the culprit if he didn't have to search for him first. Ignoring the others who now were trying to get more information regarding the bet out of Fie, he took out his Arcus Unit and punched the number of Towa who could point him in the direction of his target.
After letting it ring for three times, someone answered the phone but to his surprise it wasn't Towa who picked it up, "Hello there you have reached to office of Towa Herschel who at the moment is taking a much-deserved break and who will not take on more work this evening, so go take a hike pal!" The swordsman could hear Towa's indignant sounding voice in the background but focused on the one who answered the phone, "Good evening, Crow."
"Oh, it's you, Rean! In that case it's fine since you are more likely to take work away from her than add to the big pile she already has. I put you on speaker by the way this way we can all hear and talk to you, including Angelica and George who are also here." After doing the same to his phone thanks to the pleading looks of his friends who wanted to see what he was going to do and exchanging greetings with his four seniors, Rean cut right to the chase, "I won't take much of time your guys, the reason why I called Towa was to see if she knew where I could find you, Crow. But since I now know, I will be on my way to you. Though Angelica could you do me a favour and pin Crow down until I get there, please?"
After a bit of silence, he could hear Angelica snorting before she moved and hearing the noises that followed Rean could only assume that Angelica had thrown the stunned Crow on the ground and was now sitting on top of him to stop him from escaping, "Much appreciated, next time the meal is on me. I just have to find some rope to tie him up now and I will be on my way, see you soon."
Before he could end the call, Towa's voice came from the other side, "Ehhh, Rean? Perhaps first you can explain what is going on? While I am sure that you have a good reason for this and knowing him, he probably deserves it….." Rean could hear Crow's protest in the background, "I would perhaps been more likely to help you out of this, if you hadn't once again skipped your classes this afternoon, Armbrust. Sorry for that, you were saying Rean?"
Ignoring the amused looks from his classmates, "Apparently Crow thought that it was a good idea to open a betting pool with other students while placing mira on something regarding myself."
"I see…Excuse me for a moment." Hearing Towa footsteps, Rean waited a moment until he heard a sudden yell coming from his phone, judging from Crow's pain filled voice and the snickering from both George and Angelica, the student council president was twisting his ear while lecturing him on why gambling was banned by the academy. Hearing that Rean annoyance at his friend/upperclassman faded while he continued listing to it, until Crow ratted Angelica out for also participating on the bet though besides an angry 'Angie' the older woman seemed to get away scot-free much to the chagrin of the bandanna wearer.
"Geez, man. Was that really necessary? We could have just talked things out if you wanted a cut of the money, whoa easy there Towa! No need to throw books at me, this has been in motions for over two weeks, I can't call it off now, think about my reputation here, holy crap where did get a book that thick, it should be classified as a weapon!" After hearing some more books being thrown, one which landed on his head and some more lectures the upperclassman explained the terms of the bet.
"Anyway, the general consensus is that you must have either some strange birthmark, a tattoo or some scars on your body. Nearly all people have bets on the number of scars you allegedly have, which can be put into five categories. One scar, two scars and so on, of course if don't have either of these the house, which is me, will win all that sweet mira but knowing you, you have to have some scars which will dimmish my winnings, but I should walk away with some good amount of it."
The annoyance which had nearly disappeared came back with a vengeance after hearing that, though he did ignore the looks from Alisa and the rest who now were getting curious about what the result would be. Internally he was debating if he should perhaps just skip swimming class tomorrow but at this point it was already a lost cause and remembering his mother warning about trying to skip it, he was really at a dead end.
"Yeah, yeah, I didn't forget about your bet, you damned she-devil. Though from over fifty participants you were the only one to bet on Rean having a tattoo, come on be realistic. This is Rean Goody Two Shoes we are talking about, he would never get a tattoo, scars on the other hand are more than possible given his usual behaviour." While he had been lost in his thoughts, Crow and Angelica had been discussing on what she had bet on, his friends were on the same opinion as their senior, deciding that since it has come to this he should at least go out with a bang and get some payback at Crow with it too.
"Just out of curiosity, how much would Angelica get if she won?"
"I would have to give her the entire money from this and even some from my own pocket, just to pay her winnings. But it is impossible that she will win, you with a tattoo…hahaha. I would rather believe that Angelica Rogner, this heartbreaker, will turn into a nun in the service of the Goddess than you having a tattoo. After losing every bet we have ever made, I finally will have my sweet, sweet victory ..muhahahah."
He let Crow continuing laughing his head off for a minute or two, "In that case, you have my deepest condolences Crow perhaps this will teach about using another people to gamble. Angelica on the hand has my congratulations for winning this bet and what apparently is a lot of mira, I expect that you pay next time we are at the cafeteria."
Silence followed Rean's statement while the jaws of everyone on the table were dropping down besides Sharron but even, she couldn't hide the shock on her face, he enjoyed the silence on both until it finally clicked what he had just admitted to, resulting in a synchronized scream coming from both Class VII plus their Instructor whose beer was forgotten mid swing and from the other side of the Arcus.
"WHAT?! YOU HAVE A TATTOO?!"
