Ch 4 - Meeting again

The results of last week’s duel had spread all around the University, and the name ‘Irhamel Stingryn’ was spreading in a different light.

No longer -The son of the Sword Saint- but -The apprentice of the Sword Saint-, at last people were seeing him for who he was instead of for who his parents were.

But all was not daisies and roses, with strength came several other reactions to it. And not all were favorable, the most clearly seen where envy and jealousy.

Whatever it was that he used to subdue Alleyn Marple was a topic of much talk, many thought that he must have used magic. Yet at the same time, people wondered when did he chant his spell?.

So the question remained -What the hell did Irhamel do to knock out Alleyn?-

Some even said that it was a staged fight and Alleyn swallowed something that put him to sleep. An argument that was severely denied by the accused, tho still doubt remained in many people’s mind.

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In a private room inside the administrative building of the University, away from prying eyes, a meeting was taking place.

A group people were speaking about the events that happened just one week past.

“So are you saying the kid simply overwhelmed the ‘Door of Consciousness’?” a woman with black hair asked.

“Yes, it's quite simple really” A blonde man answered.

“Isn't he too young for that?” A red-haired man added.

“What does age has to do with it? It's their son” A muscled woman with brown hair replied.

“So you are telling me that a kid who should have, at most four years controlling his Mana can do that, don't joke around” The red-haired man spoke again.

“Why not? With enough talent and if trained properly four years should be barely enough to learn such techniques” The blond man stood up said.

“We need to investigate more about it, let's call the Sword Saint and question him.” The red-haired man said

“And who do you propose go and summon the Sword Saint? -hey, Enatel you are being summoned by . .- who? And with what reason?” The woman with black hair spoke.

“How about we solve this differently? Amicably and in class? If we do this forcefully I doubt any of us will live to tell the tale” The blonde man said.

“What is it Americ? You are being overly passive now.” The old man shot at the blond man, Americ Ross, the dean of the Military Arts course.

“What's wrong with being cautious? Or is it that you want to fight the Sword Saint?” Americ questioned the red-haired man.

“He can't be that strong Americ, I’m sure that if we fight him together we could win or at least wound him.” The red-haired man said sneering.

“You seem to have lived a very sheltered life in that country of yours, without seeing the world for what it is.

Are all the Military Artists in the Averenth Dynasty this arrogant and ignorant?

It will be easier for you to go ask him for a spar and then we resume this meeting.

I won't humor your delusions until you understand really how strong the Sword Saint is.” Americ shot back and stormed out of the room.

“Maybe I’ll do just that you coward.” In a murmur, the red-haired man said only to those still in the room.

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The central cafeteria was more crowded than usual, since the fight a week ago many students came to eat here hoping to be able to talk to the apprentice of the Sword Saint.

Those who arrived a little late would miss the chance to get proper seating, so the gardens outside near the square plaza were being used more than usual.

Looking to the right from the entrance of the cafeteria, a large clearing below a huge tree was occupied by their usual visitors. The four friends sat there sharing food and drinks, speaking of whatever topic they wanted that day.

Today’s topic was a recurrent one for the past four months, the silver haired boy that Lunet couldn't stop thinking about.

Usually, between teasing and seriousness the friends would spend their lunch time together, but today the mood was far more serious.

“And I heard that now, more are throwing themselves at him” A girl with short brown hair, humble dressing, and fair appearance spoke in a low tone.

“The question is not how many want him, but who does he want, is it not Coleen?” Erneis Mavis a delicate-looking boy with light brown hair said.

“But... but, people say that he fools around too.” Bree DeClare, a slender and good looking girl interrupted, she was also a noble from the Achoirhiel Kingdom and childhood friend of Lunet Rafferty.

“Well, If he was into boys, I wouldn't mind him fooling around with me hehehe,” Erneis said with red cheeks.

“Erneis please!” Bree scolded him but not being able to contain herself, burst into laughter.

“Lunet so when do you think you will have the courage to talk to him? Or you really think he doesn't know you go and watch him train every week?” Coleen pointed a finger from her left hand at Lunet.

“If you waste more time someone may steal him you know? Me for example ha!” Erneis said jokingly.

“I... I d...dont know if he even remembers me!” Lunet finally spoke, with her face all red and fidgeting with her hands.

‘Uwa, so cute haha and pure’. Bree thought, she truly wanted to help her friend, but chances were scarce and she couldn't deny that if given the chance she could resist the charms of her friend’s target of affection.

A sudden surprise befell the group when four strapping young men approached them and asked permission to join.

“Hello and good day, would it be ok for our group to join yours? The cafeteria is too crowded and we would love to avoid going there” Wallace of the Curnow family, a well known noble lineage in the Achoirhiel Kingdom asked on behalf of his friends.

“P..ple..please do, f..ff..feel free to j..join us!” Lunet stuttered and her voice was almost inaudible.

“Thank you very much, Lady Rafferty, please excuse me for my late introduction as we are in different majors it took me more time to come greet you” Wallace added in an attempt to calm the girl down.

“No d..do..dont worry s..sir Curnow, *huff* I am at fault too for not approaching you earlier, please excuse my impoliteness.” Lunet nervously started speaking and after taking a deep breath regained control of herself.

“Well then, let me introduce my friends so we can sit and have our meal together.

This is Talbot, a scion of the noble house of Malone from the Utrisal Kingdom.

This is Brock Stoneshire, from our homeland.

And lastly, this is as all of you guessed, Irhamel Stingryn, the person in the center of most of the chatter nowadays in the University.

*ugh* Hey Irha don't elbow me that hard, it was a joke ok? A joke man!” Wallace said ending with a painful complaint after being elbowed by Irhamel.

‘What the fuck! And now he is here in the flesh, what do I do, Lunet, the goddess of luck is shining her light on you! This is your chance!!!’ Bree thought as her eyes kept brimming at Lunet.

After introducing themselves, and some awkward conversation the new additions to the group started eating.

“Did you said your name was Lunet Rafferty right? By any chance do you remember me? I know it was some years ago, but still, I’m almost certain it's you” Irhamel took the initiative and asked Lunet about the encounter they had some years ago

‘OMG he went and said it on his own, so it's true that she met him briefly some years ago, good for you Lunet, he does remember you!’ Bree warmly smiled at Lunet after seeing the scene unfolding in front of her.

“Y..yes, and y..yes I d..do r..re..remember you, t..thank you for y..your assistance that d..day,” Lunet said stuttering again with her head lowered down, in a failed attempt to hide her reddened cheeks.

“Oh it was nothing, please do not mention it! It was luck that I passed by when that happened.

I’m glad knowing that you are ok!

Again tho, such coincidence that we attend the University at the same time, is it not?” Irhamel spoke cordially and amicably, with a warm smile on his face.

“That's right! Such a lucky coincidence eh Lu? Hello Irhamel, may I call you Irha too? You can call me Erny, or honey if you like. hahaha” Erneis said jokingly as he laughed.

“Sure Honey, feel free to call me Irha, my friends call me so” With a smirk on his face Irhamel teased the group.

Everybody looked at Irhamel as soon as he spoke with astonished looks, after noticing the smirk on his face they all laughed at the joke.

“Oh how bold Irha, but ok thank you. Hehe.” Erneis added to brighten the mood and calm Lunet down a bit.

“So what major are you guys taking? We four are in General Studies” Brock asked in a joyous mood.

“We three are in the basic Magic course, thanks for asking. Now, General Studies? Irha why so and not either of the other two majors?” Bree asked raising her eyebrows.

Irhamel patiently explained again to the new group his reasons for joining the General Studies course, which subjects he took and how he met Wallace, Brock, and Talbot.

The group exchanged pleasantries and small talk regarding the happenings on the University, then as expected the topic did a 360 turn and pointed back at Irhamel.

“How are the training sessions nowadays Irha? People still bother you?” Coleen asked meekly.

“Well yes, some still murmur behind my back. It's truly bothersome, doubts are normal but envy is sure an ugly feeling.”

“It sure is, tho not that I can relate, sorry” Talbot added with a defeated look on his face.

“A..are p..people still bu..bullying you?” Without looking at him, Lunet asked.

“Haha, no nothing like that. It's not like anybody can actually bully me, it's just been a week so there hasn't been enough time. But I'm certain that Prince is planning something, soon he’ll act on his grudge, he does look a bit too prideful for his own good.”

The group fell silent and after a minute or two Lunet sighed, looked straight at Irhamel and spoke.

“He has been after me for some time now, two years I think since his parents proposed a union of the families.

My parents didn't answer immediately and later asked me what I wanted to do, I said that I didn't know the boy so accepting would be somewhat rash.

I also wanted to develop my magic further in the University, so in an attempt to avoid a forced engagement the plan was for us to meet here, get to know each other and then I’d decide what I wanted.

But he kept showing up at our state every month or so, and I just don't like his personality and naturally started distancing myself.

If I graduate and join the Council of Magi of Achoirhiel or get accepted by a high ranking Mage, a Naesys or Lathai as an apprentice, I can escape a fate where my parents can force me to marry him if it comes to that.” Lunet finished speaking and took a deep breath.

Her friends were surprised at her speech, knowing her for a long time they knew of this, but sharing it hands first to new people was something really out of character for Lunet.

“Wallace, Brock, Talbot, Irhamel, consider yourselves among the lucky ones! Lunet just shared with you something she keeps very close to her heart! And shares only with those she deems worthy of her trust.” Bree said solemnly as she looked at the four new friends.