"... so if I am getting your story straight, you fought and beat a 'presumably' dark mage with literal power of friendship?"
"I wouldn't say that I fought him." Katarina disagreed "I only talked to him until he calmed down." She explained.
"Oh! So you used 'Talk no Jutsu' then?" Silvers commented.
"No-, wait, did I?" Now that she thinks of it, she kinda did.
Everyone just gave them a confused look.
"Your friends say that there was some sort of violent gust of dark mist that was assaulting everyone..." Silvers looked at the rest of the people around the table.
"Yes," Nicol confirmed "We can handle it at first, then Rafael's magic becomes more powerful at some point. Sophia and I struggled to keep the wind barrier, but Lady Katarina was unaffected..."
"I didn't notice any of that, really!" She iterated.
"Then he calmed down just after that?"
"We can barely hear what they were talking about, then Miss Idiot here reached for Rafael's face even though he is literally swinging a sword at her. " Alan continued the story. He, however, omitted the part where he and Gerald stepped out of the barrier and charged through when they saw Sirius raise his sword, black magic be damned. They failed to get close to them though, at least until Sirius's magic subsided "They talked a little more until Sirius dropped his sword, and uh..." He refrained from continuing upon sensing his brother and his fiance's dismay. "...he fell on his knees and cried."
"I'd take that it's the part when this 'dark mage' of yours finally calms down, yes?" Silvers asked while looking specifically at the quiet light mage of the group which reluctantly nodded in response.
"Problem solved, then. Why do you guys look upset?"
"Rafael embraces Katarina on the waist as he cries." Sophia divulges. She does not have the same reservations as the fourth prince. "She then returned the gesture by wrapping her arms around his head, even kissed his forehead too!"
"What's the problem? Raphael's been through a lot of pain. I'm just trying to comfort him." Katarina argued.
"You shouldn't have kissed him, sister!" Keith retorted.
"EH?! But it's just on the forehead. " She reasoned "It's the same I do to you when you're sick, or sad."
Keith retreats to his seat upon hearing her reply. His eyes are wide and his face goes pale. It appears that everyone notices it too, as they are also looking at Keith with concern.
"Are you alright Keith?" She then asked her brother " Are you feeling unwell right now?" She stands up and is about to walk towards him.
"I- ah... I'm alright, sister. There is no need to worry!" Keith replied instantly, looking at her and then at everyone.
"Are you sure?"
"He's right, lady Katarina," Mary interjects while fanning her face and staring at Keith. "Lord Keith looks perfectly fine to me."
"I agree." Gerald followed "Your brother sure is... healthy and I'm sure he won't be getting sick or unwell anytime soon."
'They are all looking worried at Keith. My friends sure are kindhearted!' Katarina thought as she returned to her seat.
"How about you, Lady Claes?" Silvers asked "You alright? Feeling anything odd or anything wrong?"
"I'm fine, I think? I don't feel anything weird or wrong."
Silvers just looks at her and tilts his head "What happened to Raphael then?" He then asked, going back to the main topic.
"He left the school and surrendered himself to the ministry." She answered sadly.
Silvers just nods. He then stands up and goes to Anne to which they talk in whispers. Based on her maid's serious reaction, they appear to be something important. They could also just be flirting but she cannot be sure since she cannot hear them.
"I pray that I'm wrong with this, but your mistress may still be ill," Silvers whispers to Anne. As expected, her relaxed expression instantly switches to a serious one.
"She is?" She whispers back "How can you say?"
"It's just as speculation." He answered "The details are more sensitive than the ones I told everyone last night so I can't just tell you. I'd rather not tell anyone actually, but since she's your ward, you should at least be warned. I hope that I am wrong, but if I am not, she'll have some sort of a fever soon. Keep her hydrated and please call me right away. Also, for everyone's safety, please refrain her from using her magic, at least when I am not present." He warned.
"What should we-" Surely, Anne would like to know about his warning but her inquiry was interrupted by her mistress who suddenly jumped in between them.
"HEY! HEY!" Katarina jumps in between them with a toothy grin on her face. She holds them on their shoulders and squeezes herself in between, separating them. "Anne had a look like that one time I swallowed a piece of my earring. What did you tell to her?"
"You swallowed an earring? What are you, a toddler?"
"I was just nine back then!" Katarina exclaimed.
"Even so! How did that piece of jewelry end up in your mouth anyway?"
"A chain snaps off it snaps and I tried to fix it." Katarina narrated "I was able to link the broken pieces, of the chain but I can't close the gaps with just my hand. I could not find any pliers or tools to use... so I bit it."
There was a moment of silence. Silvers raises a finger but decides to withdraw it halfway through.
"Why did you even bother fixing it? You could have just had it repaired by a jeweler or something." The fourth prince commented. Katarina's friends appear to be eavesdropping on them as well, though, from their bewildered expressions, it seems that they only heard Katarina's tale and not her conversation with Silvers moments ago.
"It was made of gold and looks very expensive. I panicked." Her mistress reasoned out. "But hey! Were not talking about me, we were talking about you!" Katarina turns back to Silvers. " You made Anne look distressed!" Katarina specified, bringing the spotlight away from her.
"Oh, that?" Silvers looks at her. Although she can't see his eyes, she is sure that he winks at her before turning back to Katarina. "I was flying with Hoots yesterday evening, and I saw this phenomenal scenery." He snaps his fingers and a small panel of light appears showing the scene that she can only describe as the sun setting into the sea of clouds. "It's lovely, isn't it? I was hoping to bring Ms. Sherry with me next Sunday."
"WOAH!" Her lady exclaimed, eyes widening in amazement. Lady Katarina then turns to Silvers and tightly grasps his arms, slightly shaking him. "Can I come too? I would be quiet, I promise!"
"And be a third wheel? No, thank you." He waves his hands and the panel disappears "Besides, she has yet to accept my invitation. Instead, she became like that. " Her mistress and her suitor look at her synchronously "Does she have a fear of heights?"
"I don't think so, I recall Anne taking me out off the roof once or twice."
"What are you even doing on the roof?" Lady Sophia asked.
"I was- wait! That's not the point!" Lady Katarina gets over herself from derailing the conversation again. "If-...errr..." She then releases her hold on Sir Silvers, looks at her, then back at Sir Silvers again, and finally down to the floor. Her hands were clasped together with both of the index fingers pointing at one another. "If Nee-sama doesn't want to... Can I come with you instead?" She then asked shyly with her face slightly tinted red.
There was a second of silence. Then there was a cacophony of noises from the table, ranging from cracks or outright shattering of porcelains and a couple of fallen chairs and yells.
Anne herself was surprised. For all the long time she's with Katarina, this has never happened before. Back when her mistress was young, she acted like a typical noble child who confidently demanded anything she wanted to. After her sudden shift of behavior when she was eight, that said her attitude dropped altogether as if she somehow matured overnight (Her mistress was still childish but in a completely different way). She rarely requested anything ever since. Duke Claes was even surprised and deeply concerned when his daughter just suddenly stopped asking for gifts.
If her mistress ever wanted something, she would politely ask for it, or ask her to ask someone for it if she felt shy or embarrassed, but never in this manner. It is completely out of her character to ask timidly.
"You know what, sure!" Silvers accepted, dropping his fist above his palm. "but..." He then raises a finger "...well go only if you are in perfect health."
"I'm perfectly fine!" She refutes "In fact, since I slept for more than two days straight, I feel a lot better than usual." She exclaimed with a thumbs up. The bashfulness is gone and her mistress returns to her usual cheerful and lively behavior. Was that just an act? "It's still quite cloudy, let's go later today instead!"
"That's not how it works, and no. We won't be going today," He declined.
"But you already agreed!"
"Yes, you have my word and we will, but not today. Oh! and you have to convince Miss Sherry here to let you come as well, then we clear." Sir Silvers leaned forward to whisper the last part to her mistress, although she could still hear him.
Her mistress looks at her and lets out a mischievous smile. "Fine!" Katarina claps her hands and then offers one of them to Sir Silvers. "Shake on it?"
"Don't push it." He declined. He then waves his hand in a gesture of dismissal. "Now go back there, you're interrupting my time with Miss Sherry here."
"Hai! Domo arigato desu!" Katarina quickly bows to him and flashes a bright smile as she rises up. She then skips her way back to the table with others.
With her mistress finally away, Anne and Silvers can now resume their conversation.
"I could have come up with a better excuse!" She complains in a whisper. "Why would you even agree to that?"
He raised a finger "She's been bugging me for that ever since we met, figure this will be a good time to finally indulge her. " He raised another one "Besides, It's something to look forward to so she would watch over her health."
Anne wanted to curse him but all she could do for now is to glare. With what he just did, her lady would never let her have the end of it until she agreed.
"As for our excursion- am sure it'll be fun. Hoots are very good at flying."
"It's dangerous! She never did any of this before, what if something came up?" She squeaked.
"It will be fine, we will be there to keep an eye on her."
"What do you mean we? I have not agreed to it!"
"You have not agreed to it 'yet'."He raises two fingers from both of his hands to emphasize the 'yet' part. " Relax! It'll be alright! Hoots won't mind an extra passenger and I would make sure that the trip would be perfect. It's a win-win!"
"I.. ahh...WHAT?!"
"If only I have thought this sooner." He winks at her (Or at least she thinks he did. He can't see his eyes but the gesture of his head says he did. He just briefly tilted his head sidewards.)
They then both looked towards that table where discord was brewing. They were currently hounding Lady Katarina with questions, with the said lady completely oblivious to the turmoil. With everyone's attention now away from them, she uses the moment to kick her unsuspecting suitor's shin.
"Ow!" She heard him exclaim in pain, though it was obvious that he was faking it. It just made her more annoyed.
"Guess who's finally gonna get a flight with Hoots airline!" Katarina enthusiastically announced as she returned to her seat.
"Katarina, I beg you to reconsider." Prince Gerald opposes it. "That sounds extremely dangerous."
"It'll be alright! I doubt that I'll be flying alone, I'm sure Shiro-san will be there to watch over. I'd love to try it on my own though. "
"How can you be sure that it'll be safe just because sir Silvers is there?" Keith added. It's rare for him and Gerald to agree on something involving Katarina but dissuading his sister from this idea is one of the few times it will happen.
"Because he wanted to bring Anne with him. He won't invite her otherwise." She reasoned.
"Do you really have to ask him like...that?" Mary then inquired. Her eyes still twitching with envy.
"It's spur of the moment! " Katarina looks away and waves her hand in front of her to hide her embarrassment "I wanted to go but that means I would be intruding on their date. It was embarrassing to ask!"
"Maybe you should just let them enjoy their date?" Sophia pitches in.
"Eehh..." She can't answer that one. "But Shiro-san already agreed! I'll just behave so they won't even notice that I'm there." Katarina giggled and clasped her hand. "I'm so EXCITED! I'll just have to convince Anne and we can go! What do you think I should wear?"
Nobody answered her, at least not immediately. They can only smile at her to hide the frown and headache that they are starting to feel. At this point, they all know that Katarina will not be deterred. Perhaps they can convince Anne to cancel the whole trip?
Later in the evening Keith secretly asked his sister's maid in hopes that she would reject the trip and cancel it altogether.
"... Even if I didn't go, I doubt that it will stop Milady from coming, then it will be just Milady and sir Silvers," Anne answered.
Keith covered his face with his hands and released a heavy sigh. If Anne is right (and she probablyis) then it would be worse than the actual one they would like to prevent.
The new week has dawned and everything appears to have returned to normal. They all went to school and attended their classes. The details of the incident were explicitly covered, for those who are either curious or concerned about what happened to Katarina, the cover-up story is that she was 'strained' for staying up late to study for the upcoming finals exams and thus she went ill. As for Maria, no one bothered to ask, some were even more bothered that the light mage returned.
As for the gang, some slight changes occurred. Gerald is now the new president of the student council. Well, it was supposed to be Maria but the backlash from the quite numerous nobles cannot be ignored, and it's not like Maria herself is interested in the position.
Another change is that Katarina now hangs in with them in the student council room, but not as an official member. They all worked together to convince Katarina to stay with them in the room after class and not to leave unless she had anyone from them with her. To everyone's surprise, she easily agrees with them and even volunteers to assist if there is anything that she can help them with. While they doubt that Katarina would be any help when it comes to paperwork, it is the thought from her that counts. Besides, her being in the student council room already has its purposes. Never before that every one of the members report into the council room enthusiastically. So long as Katarina is in this room, everyone will do their best to be present.
"I wonder if could borrow a pair of goggles from the laboratory," Katarina muttered while sketching something in her journal.
"What would you need it for?" Sophia asked, looking at the brunette beside her. She also uses the moment to take a peek at her journal in which she saw two drawings. One is a miniature Katarina riding on top of Hoots while flying and the other is what appears to be headwear. It looks like sort of a leather cap that covers even the ears and below. Katarina has yet to finish the latter and is still adding some details.
"I would need it on my flight this Sunday." Katarina answered "I've read that the winds up there were strong, so I would need to cover my eyes. I doubt a simple eyeglass will do." She further explains.
In the last couple of days, since Silvers agreed to bring Katarina on a flight, Katarina's excitement was extremely prominent. Despite that they have an upcoming exam before the weekends, Katarina is keener on preparing for the flight instead of studying and she talks about it most of the time. Anne takes the brunt of it, but thankfully she was able to strike a deal with her. The trip will only occur if she manages to pass all of her exams. (The initial condition set by Anne is actually for her to pass all of her exams with good remarks on each of them but the maid decided to lower the bar after seeing her mistress burst into tears.)
While everyone is glad that their angel has finally returned to her joyful self, there is still that annoying feeling deep inside knowing that her happiness is brought by another person. Someone who is not even in the race.
"I doubt that they'll do." Mary answered Katarina's initial question "There is a strict rule in the laboratory that every equipment must remain in the laboratory. Not even the Professors are allowed to take one out." She explained. Hidden behind the fan that covers half of her face is her biting the nail of her thumb to ease her annoyance.
"Oh!" Katarina exclaimed sadly. She turns her attention through the window and into the horizon and falls into a deep thought. After a while, she snaps out of her trance and turns to her brother. "Keith, can you accompany me tomorrow after class?"
Gerald's quil stops moving and raises his head to look at the Claes siblings. He has his own desk as the president so he is not sitting along with everyone.
"Why, of course, sister, where would we be going?" Keith accepted, not missing the glare that the third prince was throwing at him and he even smirked briefly at him in return.
"The market in the uptown. I'm going to buy a pair of goggles."
"Su-sure." Keith stuttered a bit. A part of him wants to deter his sister but he would not want to miss this opportunity. His sister asking him out is as rare and the chance that they would just be alone were the blue moon itself. "Do you already have a store in mind where we can buy them?"
"No, but if we arrive early, we can wander around till we find one. We can check on different stores too!"
"Perfect!" Keith exclaimed, now, he just has to keep everyone away from joining. This would be difficult however since everyone has heard her invitation. On a positive note, he is sure that Gerald won't be able to come given his duties, that's already minus one. The next larger threat would be Mary. "I'll have the carriage preferred, just wait for me in your classroom tomorrow and we will go ahead right after class."
"Thank you, Keith!" His sister happily chirped. She then goes behind his seat and hugs him from the back. There was a sharp snap from Geralds's direction and they all saw him taking a new quill from his drawer.
"Hello everyone." Nicol suddenly enters the room and sees Katarina coddling her brother, he immediately feels the tension in the room but he doesn't show any reaction to it. Instead, he goes straight beside his sister and whispers something to her.
"Really!?" Sophia squealed, unable to hide her delight at whatever his brother had told her although that is all they got from the Ascart siblings as the rest of their conversation has occurred in whispers.
The market trip was canceled.
Why?
Katarina just received two pairs of goggles as gifts first thing in the morning—one from the third prince and one from Marchioness.
Keith cursed inwardly. He was expecting those two would attempt to crash his 'date' by somehow joining them and his preparations are set against it accordingly. It didn't come to him that they would cancel the whole trip altogether.
The night before the exam day was the most critical moment for most students as this is the last chance they have to cram lectures as much as they can into their heads in hopes of passing the examination tomorrow.
It was already way late in the night and the lamp on Katarina's desk was still on. Keith was forced to vacate his sister's room a couple of hours ago leaving the eldest Claes to study on her own. Every once in a while, Anne came in and checked on her mistress. Despite having already been dismissed, she insisted that she would keep an eye on her in case she needed anything. She herself has to wake up earlier than her mistress as she has to be fully ready herself start her work before Katarina even wakes up, but there's no way she can let herself rest when her mistress is still diligently working.
Anne is actually glad that Katarina is indeed studying even though she has to resort to using the upcoming trip as a bargaining chip to motivate her. If her mistress passed the exams, then they would have to go on that flight. The maid would not admit it but she herself was anxious about that despite whatever reassurance Silvers told her. On a related note, Silver's warning about her mistress becoming ill was also lingering in the side of her mind. She appreciates the warning, though it is also one of the reasons why she can't settle for the night.
On her final visit to Katarina's, Anne found her mistress had passed out on the desk. Her face was slumped on an open book with her hands still grippinga quill. There are also inkspotson her face and she was snoring. Despite this, the maid found the image adorable. She has to wipe the ink out of her mistress's cheeks and carry her to the bed but not before taking one or a couple of pictures. She could use this, perhaps to tease her mistress to obedience.
Once her face was clean of ink, Anne then carried her to the bed. She cannot help but notice how heavy is she now compared to the last time she remembers doing this. It feels like it was just yesterday when her mistress was little and now they are almost the same height.
After tucking her ward into the bed, Anne went straight back into her room. The clock in her eyeglasses shows that it's just a few more minutes before 2 am and she has to wake up Katarina before 7. She needs to sleep soon in the hope of getting at least 4 hours of sleep tonight. In any case, she would set an alarm at 6 am just to be sure.
Katarina has a rough morning. She cannot recall when she got on the bed last night but it feels like she barely had any sleep at all. She has half of the mind (3 over 5 of the Katarina council) to just embrace the bed further and call it sick for today. Surprisingly, her onee-samaagreed and even insisted that she juststay in bed.
She decided against it.
If she missed theexam today, then technically would have not passed it and there goes her plan for the weekend. That gave her motivation to get up and face the day.
Never in her life, even in the previous one that she get to experience flying, thus she would do her best not to let chance be wasted. She would ace this exam if that is what it would take.
Well, 'ace' may not be the right word since she's just aiming to pass. Even so, time for 'Studious' Katarina to take the lead.
Looking into the sky, the sun is shining brightly with just a few clouds scattered around. The wind was barely blowing yet she felt its chill on her face.
"You look a little pale, sister. Are you alright?"
"I'm good Keith, I just slept way too late last night. "She stretches and lets out a moan. " but I'm fine!" She assured her brother. "Moreover, how about you? Your face is red" She moves close to him and touches his forehead with her own to check his temperature "Are you having a fever?"
"No! A-a...a I'm perfectly fine, sister!" Keith jumps away from his sister but his face is now more red than before.
"I'm sure Lord Kieth was more than fine, Milady" Anne intervened.
"Alright...Let's go and get this exam over with..." She raises her fist up and points in the direction of the Academy. "Midterm exams, here we go!"
The exams were scheduled for the first half of the day and the second half would be for the teachers to check and grade the papers, hence the students are already free for the rest of the day.
As soon as they have finished the last of their exams, each one of the gang heads towards the student council room. They of coursewould love to walk with Katarina there but unfortunately for everyone, Katarina is assigned to a completely different group of examinees, which means that she would be in a completely different examination room. Their first idea was to wait outside of her assigned room but loitering was extremely prohibited especially during exams, hence they rolled back to the original plan to just meet up in the council room.
They are not expecting Katarina to be in the council room already, from what they know about her, she probably won'tbe getting out until the very last minute. One by one they met each other along the hallways.
At first, it was just Maria alone, but then she met Mary and Sophia both had just gotten out of their own examination room. They met Nicol at the next intersection and they crossed with Alan on the final turn. The fourth prince claims that he was actually heading for the cafeteria to get lunch but decided to join the group instead.
As they reached the final corridor towards their destination, they found Gerald already outside of the council room, right in front of its door. He is just standing there, peaking at the gaps in the door with his attention fully focused on whatever he is staring at inside the room. Oddly enough, they thought that he simply didn't notice them.
"What are you stan-" Alan tried to ask his brother but halted as the said brother hastily signaled him to shut up and be silent. All of it without even breaking his stare at the door.
Curious as to what had come up with the third prince, they did as Gerald had told them to. As they got closer to him they started to hear a symphony seeping out from the door' little gap along with the singing voice of their dearest.
"Veni, veni, venias,
Ne me mori facias..."
Lady Katarina is singing a mysterious song that none of them had ever heard before and just like the third prince, they were as well was instantly captivated. Peaking through what little crack they had in the doorway, they found Katarina was indeed the one singing. Her back is turned against them as she was facing the window. Even so, they can see her see that her head is bowed and her hands are raised onto her chest as if she were on a prayer.
Veni, veni, venias,
Ne me mori facias
Veni, veni, venias,..."
They heard her repeat those words like a chant. They can't understand the lyrics yet they feel the emotion behind them.
"Gloriosa,
Generosa,
Gloriosa,
Generosa..."
She then raises her hand, like she is receiving a gift from the heavens and pulling it to herself, claiming it.
"Gloriosa,
Generosa..."
Katarina then embraces herself and spins while stepping towards the side of the room that is beyond what they could see from where they were looking. The intensity of the music rises and they still hear Katarina's voice repeating the same phrases from the side of the room.
Then the climax booms and the door suddenly bursts open.
As a surprise, they all fell backward except Gerald who was caught by Katarina by his collar, hence he was only leaning backward.
"Cloud!" Katarina spoke and it seems she was referring to him. She pulls him closer to her as she leans forward toward him. Gerald is almost a head taller than her, but his knees and hips are currently bent at the moment due to a recent surprise hence her face is currently higher than hers. She holds Gerald's chin using her vacant hand and lifts his face using her index finger thus making him look up at her. Their faces were now just a couple of inches apart. "I have a favor to ask." She speaks, not with her usually jolly voice but with a sultry and asserting tone.
It was but just a few seconds but it felt like an eternity.
Before Gerald could even ask what Katarina wants, his fiance collapses to his chest making him lose his balance and they both fall onto the floor.
The music has also ended.
Ever since the whole dark magic incident with Raphael, Lady Katarina has always been covered by the very same violet magic that protected her from dark magic. Unlike that time when it surroundsaa her like a bubble, the magic this time envelopes her like a second layer of skin. Invisible mostly to everyone except for Maria.
She was clueless about what she was seeing and why she was seeing it in the first place. In her recent experience, she can perceive dark magic but only when it clouds someone. In that case, could this violet magic surrounding Lady Katarina be dark magic? It didn't behave and even look differently than the black magic she had seen before and she only has a few references to compare. Katarina's magic was not in the form of dense black fog but a firm violet light.
Despite the stated disparities between dark magic and her idols, both of them feel similar to her. Both magic felt apprehensive. Raphael's magic brings wrath and hatred, hence it is vicious and vengeful, influencing people to be cruel if not inflicting it by itself. This violet magic on the other hand felt sad and scared.
What bothers her the most however is the question, is Lady Katarina the same as Raphael? Has this obnoxious magic also been forced into her? She can't imagine her idol, the ever-bright and joyful person that she mostly adores could have been through something traumatic that may have brought her into the same boat as Raphael. From what little she knew, Lady Katarina had a nice childhood, surrounded by a loving family and friends. Could it be that it was Lady Katarina's inborn magic? But Lady Katarina is an earth mage. She can only make those little earth bumps but it is earth magic nonetheless.
She wanted to bring this up to someone but she doesn't know who to trust this with. She cannot bring this up to her mentors, as they may end up reporting this to the ministry as they may take Lady Katarina just like they have taken Raphael. She cannot bring this up to her maid or to Keith as this may be a family secret and she may end up being abducted again. The same could be said for everyone in the group as well. She doesn't think that her friends are bad people. They have always been good to her and never treated her cruelly like the other nobles did (aside from constantly being a hindrance to her approaches and plans to get close to Katarina but those were understandable. She was doing it too.) But she was just being careful where to poke her nose as she doesn't fully know how their way of life works, and her mother has warned her tremendously about the possibilities.
She once thought of bringing this up to Silvers after seeing how adept he is with magic but decided against it as he was a stranger to her.
With no one to confide with, and with very little she knew about the situation, Maria decided to remain silent and observe. The violet magic around Lady Katarina doesn't seem to be affecting her idol in any way.
Until now.
She could sense strong dark magic pulsating within their council room and through the voice they were hearing from inside, she confirmed her assumptions about where it was coming from were correct.
There was Lady Katarina, bathing in the afternoon sun that serves as her personal spotlight, illuminating her while she majestically sings. The words she chants are unintelligible and the song itself is unknown yet none of them dares to look away from such a grandiose performance.
No one can. They all froze behind the door, peeking inside like perverts.
Invisible to everyone but her, she could see the violet magic throbbing in accordance with the song's rhythm and they were a lot brighter than usual. Just like themselves outside, the darkness inside the room was also an awestruck audience cheering, bending, and swaying around her instead of being banished by the violet magic's light.
As the music climbs to its peak, Lady Katarina steps outside of the view for a short moment and then the door bursts open with the lady in question now standing in front of them. Surprised, they all fell on the floor except for Prince Blondie who is currently being held by the collar by Katarina in such an intimate... OH MY GOD IS SHE GONNA KISS HIM?!
Fortunately, it didn't turn out for the worse but they were not out of the woods yet. Both Prince Gerald and their angel were on the floor with the latter laying atop of the former. Lady Katarina snuggles onto the third prince's chest and the said prince is not doing anything about it. No, he actually has the audacity to wrap his arms around her head and back.
"Sister, you shouldn't sleep on the floor!" Master Keith is the first to get his bearings and immediately tries to pick his sister up from the floor. However, Lady Katarina, despite being unconscious, is holding tightly onto Prince Blondie's lapel and refuses to budge. She even pushes her face further up to this (fortunate son of a-) prince's neck who was not even trying to hide his delight.
It's easy to tell that their angel is not acting herself. Lady Katarina would never act like this on her own accord. If this is this violet magic's fault for making Lady Katarina behave like this, then it is definitely vicious. It is too dangerous to be left unchecked. Who knows what it will make Lady Katarina the next?
On the other side of her mind, she was cursing herself for not being the first one to arrive. She could have been in that prince's position right now if she happened to be the one at the front of the door. Or, she could have gotten inside before everyone else, locked the room, and had a NICE MOMENT with...
"Perhaps you let us be, you can see that she looks so comfortable with me." Prince Bastard commented, interrupting her daydream.
""NO!"" A chorus of rejection erupted.
"Why are you still lying there? It is unbecoming for a prince to lie down on that dirty floor. Get up now, will you!" Lady Mary snarled.
"I never thought laying on the floor would feel this great..."
"Is it? Then perhaps you should just remain in there forever."
Maria saw Lady Sophia pull out a box cutter and whisper something to her brother, who then shook his head, causing the young Lady Ascart to pout.
Even with the combined effort of her, Lady Mary, and Master Keith, it took them a while before they finally got to pry Lady Katarina away from the third prince's arms. Master Keith immediately carries her sister back inside the room and lays her out properly on one of the couches.
"She's having a fever!" Master Keith points out. He was feeling his sister's forehead with the back of his hand. "Maria, can you do something?" He then steps to the side as she approaches.
She knelt beside the sleeping embodiment of beauty on the couch and tried to use her magic. This, however, turns for the worse as Lady Katarina flinches and reacts rather badly to her touch and starts to stir restlessly in her sleep. She also sees that the pulsating violet magic is getting bright and violent.
"What happened?" Master Keith asked. Everyone as well was waiting for her answer.
"It's not a normal fever." She responded "There's dark magic involved... I think?"
"AGAIN?!" Master Keith burst out in disbelief.
"You gotta be kidding me. Didn't she just get over this?" Alan followed.
"Is this like the same curse Raphael used to her?" Sophia inquired. "Would she be trapped in her sleep again?"
"It isn't, it looks completely different than Raphael's. I don't it's that kind of curse, but she definitely has a very high fever right now." Maria answered.
Master Keith and Lady Mary look at each other and then synchronously glares at Prince Gerald. The third prince glares back. They have this fierce glaring contest for a moment before Lady Mary decides to be the one to step back.
"Poor Lady Katarina, she's getting delirious because of that fever and it's making her act like that." Lady Mary never fails to make sharp remarks.
"You say that like Katarina and I would never be that intimate. If not because of you too, we would already be like that a long time ago." Prince Gerald retorts.
"Not even in your dreams. Your Highness." Replied Keith, not even bothering to look at the prince. "Maria, can you help her with your magic?"
Maria shakes her head "If it's a regular fever I could but it doesn't appear that way. My magic seems to be... hurting her." She answered downheartedly.
"Silvers mentioned this before. " Lady Sophia followed, "It wouldn't be this simple even with light magic. We may even worsen the situation if we act carelessly."
Maria could only become more dejected upon hearing it.
"If there's dark magic involved, then we should keep this a secret just like the last time." Lord Nicol commented. "Dark magic aside, let's do something about the fever first. Can someone please make me some ice?"
Prince Alan instantly made some small blocks on the top of his hand with his magic and handed them to Lord Nicol. The eldest Ascart sibling took off his scarp and wrapped the ice inside of it. He then wipes the sweat off Lady Katarina's forehead before putting the makeshift ice bag on it. The effects were not instantaneous but they can see that it has brought her at least some relief.
"Arigato gozaimasu..." Lady Katarina muttered weakly.
As they were contemplating what the next step would be, they heard a loud and rapid shaking sound from the table, courtesy of an artifact from Sir Silvers.
A few hours ago
It was this time of the week again and Anne had to send her report to the heads of the Claes family and this was the most difficult letter she had ever written. Master Keith pleads to not tell the whole incident to their parents and she understands the sentiment. She already imagined the duchess charging into the school upon knowing that her children were involved in a very dangerous situation, what more if they were informed that their beloved daughter nearly died through the whole ordeal?
It took her more than a couple of nights to compose and revise the letter. She would have wasted a lot of paper if it wasn't for the 'notepad' function in her [Smart Glass] where she can freely compose the letters without wasting any resources. She only had to think about what she wanted to be written and they were already being written in panel. The only time she has to write is when she finalizes the letter and has to transfer the contents to an actual paper. In the end, she has redacted the whole story into 'their daughter has been involved in an accident involving magic which put her to sleep for a couple of days.'. She then filled most of the letter with 'Their children were doing fine and are thoroughly preparing for the exam' and she also threw in the photo of their children together. From there, she can only pray that her masters would not dig into what happened any further.
"Aren't you supposed to be at work?"
"Good morning to you as well Miss Sherry."
In defiance of the tone and how she has greeted him, it is not like she hates her suitor's company. It was actually far from it. She getting used to having him around to the point where she now feels comfortable with talking to him like that. She didn't mean it at first and it was but a slip of the tongue that time and she was actually worried that she had offended him. Thankfully, he just laughed it off and replied to her in the same manner. Since then, that has been the way of how they casually talk, at least when they are alone.
"No, seriously. I just passed through the guild and it was bustling with people. Aren't you supposed to be helping there?"
"It's exactly why I'm free right now."
"Aren't you a receptionist?"
"You heard that from your mistress, right? "
Anne nodded.
"Let me tell you a secret" He leans to her ear and whispers "It's just a cover."
"So you don't exactly work in the guild?"
"I am employed by the guild, though only those that were also affiliated knew what I actually do."
"..."
"I know it sounds suspicious but I swear it is not anything illegal! I can't tell you the details but let's just say that in my line of work, it is the best for everyone when I have nothing to do. "
"Now that's just intriguing. I can't imagine a job where it's best if you do not work. "
"This is as far as I can tell you now, but I promise to tell you more before we get married."
She rolls her eyes and continues her walk passing after him. Hoping to hide the tinge she's feeling in her cheeks. "Then you'll be keeping it to yourself for a long while."
"I can manage that." She heard him follow after her.
They reach the post office but appears that they have come at an unfortunate time. Just like the adventurer's guild, the place is also overflowing with people. The lines were extended outside the building and even up to the next block.
"I knew I should have mailed this yesterday." She lets out her regret in a sigh.
"Two hours, perhaps three, and that is if the employees will not have their lunch break. At this rate, it'll be faster if we deliver the letter by ourselves." He offers.
"The Claes domain is at least half a day away even with our fastest carriage."
"Hoots can do in it 30 minutes at most."
"That's fast."
"And way more enjoyable than waiting in line."
This time, she didn't dismiss the idea right away. She knew herself that even though the idea started as a ridiculous notion, she was curious if it would indeed be as good as her mistress was expecting. Have the letter she would be sending purely positive, she would have considered going with him. However, she ultimately decided against it. Composing the letter was difficult enough, what more about reporting them directly to her masters? Compared to that, the idea of waiting for several hours sounds way more appealing.
"I don't mind waiting."
"Are you sure? We would be stuck here, standing for the whole time."
"I'm a maid. Just so you know, standing for a long time is part of the work so I'm used to it. Besides, I have nothing else to do until Milady comes back from school so I'm free to wait."
"Was the idea of riding Hoots really that unappealing?"
"It's not about Hoots, it's just the very thought of being hundreds of meters way up in the sky was terrifying."
"It'll be fine. I'll be with you the whole time. I promise to keep you safe." He gave her a thumbs up. "I bet you'll even enjoy it. Flying has always been the fancy of most people I know, especially those that have wind magic like you."
Anne raises an eyebrow at him. If she got his words correctly, he is implying that she has wind magic. "Too bad, not only that I don't have wind magic. I do not have any magic at all."
Now he also raises an eyebrow at her "~Really now?" He leans forward and holds his eyeglasses like he is struggling to see something on her face. "You have never used magic before?"
"No, I don't recall ever doing so." She answered, slightly stepping backward to keep her distance.
"That check-outs, your gate is completely untapped."
"Gate?"
"Never mind that. " He dismissed "Lay the back of your hand on top of mine." He then extends his hand to her, asking for hers.
She was a little hesitant. Isn't holding hands a little too fast? And they are in public! Seeing that no one is paying them attention though, she agrees and timidly does as he asks albeit reluctantly. He holds her hands steady and strong, though she can only feel the rubbery texture of the gloves.
"Inhale deeply, hold it, and focus on the sensation on your palm." He instructs and she follows.
Initially, there was only a small tingling sensation in her palm. Then it escalates into a feeling of smooth cloth being rubbed around her hand. What follows makes her eyes grow wide in disbelief for it is now the familiar feeling of wind passing through her fingers and she starts to see a faint whirling sphere of wind and dust around her hand. Silvers had already withdrawn his hands yet the wind was still around her hand, swirling steadily if not going faster. She cannot keep her eyes away and she has even forgotten that she is holding her breath.
After a while, her lungs finally give up and finally release the air it is keeping. Her focus broke and so as the sphere of wind swirling around her hand. It erupts into a small gust that blows onto the people around them. Thankfully, aside from some ruffed hair and hats that were blown away, they have not caused any real trouble.
Even so, those who were affected surely did not appreciate the commotion.
"Go practice your magic somewhere else!" An old man whose wig got blown off grunted as Silvers returned his headdress. Both of them bow in apology.
She is so embarrassed about the trouble that she decides to leave despite not being able to mail her report.
"...I'll deliver the mail for you." Silvers presented. "Though, now that we've confirmed that you have wind magic, are you now open to the idea of flying with me there?"
Anne just frowns on him while sipping her drink. "You knew it would happen."
"Not in that intensity." He slices his cake and stabs it with his fork "I honestly didn't expect that it would blow up like that." He puts the cake in front of his face which then vanishes,
"I can't show my face there anymore."
"It's not that bad, I'm sure It'll be all forgotten in a short while. Although, I can lend you a mask if you want?" He waves the fork side to side. "Besides, I can just mail the letters for you if you want OR~ I could deliver them myself and be your personal postman. Problem solved!"
Anne covers her face with her hand. After a while, she sighed in defeat. "Fine, but just this once." She finally agrees. "I will have to write a separate letter. They may wonder why the mail was delivered by you, not by the regular mail delivery. I'll give you both of the letters later."
"Great! So, when exactly are they expecting to receive this?"
"Sometime during the weekends."
"Sounds good. I can drop there by tomorrow morning, or if your mistress did her part of your deal, we can fly there and you can give them the letter yourself."
"No!" She snaps at him.
"Eh?"
"Just give it to Miss Joana, or drop it in the mailbox..."
"Joana?"
"She's the head maid. Since this letter is directly for the duke and the duchess, she would be the one to receive them."
"Another maid, hmm... noted." He leans back on his chair and looks at the windows outside as if to ponder.
"She's married, just so you know." She blattered quickly before realizing what she just had said.
"Jealous are we?" He chuckles "Please, rest assured that I won't be looking for anyone else. I am already seeing someone's more than enough here so to speak." He leans on his hand and wink at him.
She's starting to feel herself blushing again, but instead of hiding her face with her hands, this time she reaches for his face and pushes (not slap) his face away, effectively covering his eyes and breaking his pose. She then returns to her seat to finish her meal while looking away and Silvers continues to laugh.
They leave the cafe and Silvers leaves a gold coin on the table just like usual which the waiter happily collects.
"Do you have to return to the dorm right away?"
"Not exactly, I only have to write that extra letter and I left my writing supplies in my room. Unless you need that letter now, I'm basically free. At least until Milady gets back from school."
"Great!" He then raises a finger " I heard there was this..."
"Sir Silveeeerrrs!" They heard someone call from the distance. Anne turns in its direction and she finds a slim lady with bright brown hair wearing a formal blouse and slacks, running towards them. "Sir Silveeeeersss!"
"Tsk! They found me!"
"Who is that?" She asked him.
"Work." He answered quickly. Silvers turns in the opposite direction and starts to walk away but she instinctively prevents him by grabbing his arm.
"I thought you said you don't have work today?"
"I said it's best if I have nothing to do!"
"And that girl?"
"The guild mistress always finds something for me to do." She then felt a tug from his arm, but she did not let him away. "C'mon, she's closing up but we can still lose her!"
The girl that was coming to them has a desperate look on her face and she's looking straight at Silvers who is insisting on getting away. The ideas she was getting in her mind were not... beautiful to say but there's only one way to confirm her suspicion.
"...Please become Sir Silver's secretary!" Lina bows and begs to Anne. The same lady who ran into them as they were exiting the cafe moments ago.
They are now on the third floor of the Adventurers' Guild building, in a hallway right outside the room where they just deposited Silvers. Apparently, it was his office.
"I'm sorry but... "
"Please." Lina insisted "We'll pay you generously! How does 10 gold pieces a day plus 2 gold pieces per hour for overtime sound? Accommodations, food, and uniforms were all included as well!" The girl pleaded
Of course, she would not accept it as she was completely content with her current work but Anne was seriously surprised about the salary. It's about 8 to 10 times her pay which where already generous for her station.
"Miss Lina-"
"Please, just call me Lina."
"I'm afraid, that I can't do that."
"Okay, then call me however you want, just please accept the job you are our only hope!"
"I'm actually referring to both of them, "She laughs nervously" I'm afraid I cannot accept the job. I truly appreciate the offer but I choose to continue serving my mistress."
Leina collapses on her knees and cries. Instinctively, Anne crouches and comforts the crying leader of this organization until she finally stops crying. It took a while but she finally calms down and goes back to her feet.
"I'm sorry to hear that, but should you reconsider, please let me know anytime."
"Miss Lina, if I may ask, the pay was too generous, but you didn't exactly mention the actual job. Also, why has no one taken it? Surely someone would willingly take that offer."
"I'm afraid that I cannot exactly tell the exact details unless you sign but..." She turns into the door of Silvers's office "The main job is to keep Sir Silvers in there as much as possible if not always."
"I assume because he skips?"
Lina nods.
"Won't a guard fit better for that role?"
"We tried that before. We even barricaded his office and shackled him to a wall inside. None of it works! He'll just be gone the second we lose an eye on him, even a single blink!" Lina explained "But you! Not only that you get a hold of him, you even dragged him here!"
"He told me just this morning that it is best for everyone if he has nothing to do. That is why he's free."
"Well, true..." Lina reluctantly agrees "It's not like he doesn't do his job or is sloppy to his work. Far from it in fact. He's remarkable at what he does and no one is better in that role aside from him. " She explains. Anne could sense that this girl was admiring him even. "However, unless something becomes his responsibility, Sir Silvers was mostly indisposed."
"I'm confused, if something is not his responsibility yet, then why is he needed?"
"Think of it this way. Sir Silvers only deals with the worst, but THINGS DONT HAVE TO GET WORSE IF HE PREMPTIVELY DEALT WITH IT " She raised both of her hands and yelled. "AND WHEN THINGS GET WORSE, THE PAPERWORK AND DIPLOMACY ALSO GET WORSE, GAH!" Lina ranted while pulling her hair.
"Hey! You're making me look bad."
"GRRRRR!" Lina literally snarles at him and even tries to bite him. He responds by holding her forehead and keeping it away from him as Lina continues to act like a rabid animal.
"There, there! Have a break for now." Silvers stated.
Then all of a sudden, Lina suddenly stops and passes out. Silvers caught the lady by the waist before she hit the floor and carried her like baggage. "Mind helping me for a bit? Let's lay her on a couch inside."
Anne nods at him and replies. "Can't you be more gentle? You're carrying her like a folded towel!"
"The couch is just right there!" He points to the sofa that was a couple of steps away. "Besides, she's unconscious, she won't notice the difference."
"Even so, that's a lady you are carrying with you. You ought to be gentle."
"Just in case you missed it, she was trying to bite just a while ago. I have half the mind to simply let her fall on the floor and leave her there." He then drops Lina on the couch face first.
Anne threw him an unenthusiastic look then took over and turned Lina and lay her properly on the couch. The unconscious lady was not in deep sleep and even drooling. "What happened just happened to her? She just suddenly passes out."
"I put her to sleep," Silvers answered.
Anne's eyes widen.
"Not the same as what happened to your mistress. Geez." He clarifies "The magic I used was just supposed to calm her down. She must be sleep-deprived for the magic to work to that extent."
"She must have worked really hard."
"Agreed, her job was kinda rough. I would not like to be in her place."
"She said that you could have helped them to ease things up."
"Yeah, but my job is to deal with the 'not easy' stuff, not to make the stuff 'easy'" He reasoned "Besides, it's not like I can do her work for her. The guild cannot have multiple leaders at once."
"Leaders... huh!?" Anne quickly looked at Lina and back to Silvers "You mean shes..."
"The current administrator, or leader of the adventurers guild. " He stated. "That is why she can easily give you that job offer and just so you know, she meant it."
"Yes, I figured." She stares at the sleeping Lina. Her pillow was already soaking from drool that was leaking from her lips, though she was smiling widely in her sleep. She kind of resembles her mistress. "Can't you really... help her or anything?"
"Personally, it's more of I shouldn't. "
"Okay..." She answered but she stared at him. No more words were spoken and the room went silent.
"Fine, but only because you asked." After a short while, Silvers finally relented. "wait here for a bit, let me just get something." He then left the room.
For the time being, Anne inspects the room. It has a typical office layout similar to the one they have on the Claes estates. There are two desks, one at the far end of the room which is bigger and has a more elaborate design and there's a slightly smaller one next to it. She is a little intrigued about the chairs on that desk because they only have one leg attached to a base that has small circles on them that she figures out as wheels.
The chair could freely spin too! She discovers this when she pushes the chair to test the wheel but the chair spun instead.
At the center of the room, there was a short table surrounded by two long couches of which one occupied by Miss Lina and two smaller ones. All of the chairs were upholstered with shiny black leather and soft foam.
The walls were painted white and the room where illuminated by several crystals poking out from the ceiling, all emitting bright white light on them. There were two doors. The entry door and there's another one on the side close to the entrances. It is closed so she didn't bother checking it further.
There are also a few cabinets and some of them have glass cases with several items inside. She cannot identify most if not all of them though.
What she found odd, however, was the room did not have any windows in it. Despite that, it was not hot inside the room at all. Opposite of it in fact. There was a cool wind blowing around the room and she traces it coming from the holes of a tall white box at the side of the room. The box was letting out a silent humming sound that she hadn't noticed until she focused on it.
A few moments later, She hear the door open and Silvers enters the room, carrying a tray with a teapot and several teacups in one hand and a tall stack of papers in the other.
"Let me help you with that."
"Thank you!"
Anne quickly takes the tray from him and places it on the center table. Silvers took papers to his table.
"There should be office supplies in the drawers of that other desk. Please, treat the place as your own." She heard him say from behind the two towers of papers on his desk.
"Thank you!" She accepted. She then occupies the smaller desk and proceeds to do some writing on her own. The desk has several drawers in it and they indeed have every supply she thinks she needs. They were even in higher quality too. This however has made her nervous, fearing wasting such fine materials for her needs. Thankfully she can write drafts with the notepad function of her glasses first and transfer them only once she finalized it. She just has to be very careful and avoid any writing mistakes.
It only took a short while to finish. She puts the letter in a sealed envelope and she just has to hand it to Silvers along with the first one. Turning to his desk, she finds him leaning his back on his chair with a paper in his right hand, reading them. He then lightly tosses the paper in the air as he picks up another one from the pile with his other hand. The new paper is then handed to his right as he is reading it and tossing it in the air just like the previous one. The cycle happens every few seconds and just repeats. Of the paper that has been tossed in the air, some of them remain just floating in their place while the others fly towards the center table and lay themselves down in stacks. She has seen him do a lot more with his magic thus this one was no longer that surprising for her.
Looking at Silvers himself, she rarely gets to see his eyes as they are hidden by the light reflecting on his lenses most of the time, which were absent at the moment. Right now she could clearly see those orbs and they were... well a little different from how she remembers them, specifically, they lacked the certain shine from before.
'He must really dislike this work.'
Remembering the tea that he had brought in, She decides to bring him some along with the letters she had to give him. Thus, while avoiding the papers that were flying around, she goes to the center table and pours a cup for each of them (She was about to make for three but it's clear that Miss Lina is still fast asleep.) She puts them on a tray and then takes them to Silvers's desk while still dodging the flying papers. Silvers notices him while she is halfway through. He blinks and those eyes regain their shine in an instant.
"You're done?" He asked.
"Ye-yes!" She stammers. Seeing his reaction to her makes her a little embarrassed but also feels proud of herself.
"I'm almost done as well. " He points out that a stack of paper on his left was now barely an inch high. They were about half as tall as her when he first started. "Let's ditch the place once I'm through with this."
"That would be quite irresponsible, don't you think?" She puts the tray on her desk and hands him his cup. "You're so willing to leave your work behind."
"For the record, this is her work." He points at Lina "I am just helping." He accepts the cup and takes a sip.
"And it didn't seem hard for you to do so, why not help her sooner?"
"Despite all her complaints, the guild is actually doing well under her leadership. " He gently shakes the teacup, making the liquid in its swirl. "She has a different way of handling this work which I find best, if not at least better than mine. I just fear that my help would make her influence her to do things in my way than hers." He drinks again and finishes his cup "So instead of keeping her from stumbling, I'd rather be there when she falls and help her get back on her feet."
"If she falls, it still didn't change the fact that you could have prevented it. Wouldn't it be more efficient if she doesn't stumble at all?"
"People would stumble and fall, only then they can learn, and try again. It happens to everyone. Some experience it more often than others but those who keep rising back regardless were the most admirable."
"Back when Milady was cursed. Is that also why you refused to outright break the curse?"
"And you're mistress did not disappoint." He answered. He continues his work and Anne gets to ponder his words. His words made sense but they were not sitting well with her. Had she had the power to do so, she would have used it so her mistress or anyone dear to her would not have to suffer at all. For her, prevention is better than a solution.
As the last paper flies and falls to its place, Silvers stands up and goes to the center table, there he pours another cup of tea and puts it on a tray. He then walks towards her and offers the cup. "I did what believed was best during the situation though it's understandable that you did not agree with my methods or that you feel that may I have overstepped back then.
If it could help, I'll be truthful as to what our options are. Whatever should you choose, I'll leave it to your discretion."
"Would you do the same if it was me?"
"I would not." He straightly answered.
"What happens to your conviction?"
"Unfortunately for me, I am still susceptible to being biased." He sighed."I would definitely come should you call for me. However, you don't seem to be like those who call for aid unless you already had all of your options exhausted."
Hearing his explanation, it was now her turn to sigh. She then accepts the tea and drinks it. Leaving the one she has set for herself in the tray.
Since they met, she has only seen what appears to be good traits from him. This was the first time she learned something about him that appeared to be...adverse or inadequate. Strange enough, she does not feel bad about it. It is somehow reassuring to her that she found something in him that she disagrees with. It feels like the time she has seen him without his mask, only this time, she gets to peak at his character instead of his face.
The tea was nice and relaxing. They remained warm despite how coldness of the room which improved the experience. The taste however was more complex than the usual teas she served. She doubts that her mistress would like this, though it would have fit more for the duchess's taste. Perhaps she could ask Silvers to include a bag of this tea in the mail.
Speaking of her lady, she just remembers that she was slightly off the weather this morning. Her lady had stayed way up late last night so it was not surprising, but she then remembers Silvers's warning several days ago.
"Lady Katarina..." She started, putting her cup back on the tray "She may be a little unwell today."
"How 'little' are we talking about? " She felt his voice shifted. His tone changed from casual and mellow to deep and firm. The same one as before, back when he was discussing black magic.
"It's probably just from lack of sleep, she studied way up late last night. Milady insisted that she was alright and was even eager to go to school." She explained.
"..." He raised an eyebrow at her.
"..." She frowns at him. Then her eyes widen in realization. She should have told him that right away this morning.
"Call her."
"She might still be in class..."
"Academy does their exams only until noon."
"Fine.."
She doesn't have to be convinced twice and immediately dialed for her mistress's number.