Chapter 86: Chapter 82: Night of the Chimera’s Cry – Academy (1)

“You want me to what?”

Aurora wanted nothing more than to grab his shirt and shake him from wall to wall, like how one would shake a gift-wrapped when trying to figure out what is inside.

But when what happened that night came flashing through her thoughts, she could only sit back in the chair to glare at him.

“Are you kidding me right now?”

It actually took them quite a while to start a conversation due to awkwardness from avoiding each other over the past couple of days. The two sat in their chairs, drinking tea with neither speaking. 

When Aurora refused to give him a way out, Lucius, the proud and cold Duke of Rizar, found himself on the losing end. However, he didn't know that today was only the beginning of him yielding to the woman who'd one day become his Duchess.  

“Haha…” Lucius felt the anger rolling off her like a tide. He cleared his throat. “I've gained information about the suspect behind the murders, which has led me to believe that she attends the academy in the City. Without conclusive evidence, I can't…no…I do not wish to bring her in."

What he said at the end caught her attention. Aurora felt that there was more to this than he was letting on.

"Still, if I remember correctly, Gaius said the targets all bear semblance to me. And yet, you want to use me as bait to provoke them?"

"...I guess you can put it that way."

Aurora blinked her eyes in amazement. She thought she understood this person, but he still surprised her at times. Well, at least he wasn't hiding his true intentions.

"And I think this will be a great opportunity for you.”

Her eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“I've heard from the twins about how you are having trouble establishing a connection with the Spirit Realm. You've almost completed the array, but you are having trouble due to your status as a familiar, yes?”

“So?”

“The academy has a class for studying summoning rituals in the Magic Theory Department. Even though Gaius has taught you all he knows about summoning, you might be able to get a hint from the class…”

Aurora suddenly slammed bother hands on the desk and stood up in excitement. “Really?!”

If she had a tail, it would have been wagging right now.

“….Pfft.” Lucius turned his head to the side to his laughter.

Hearing his chuckle, Aurora slightly blushed and sat back down while closing her eyes. “Ahem…you're not lying just to get me to go, right?” She said, opening one eye to peek at him.

“No.”

Even though his reply was short, she could still hear the amusement in his voice.

Aurora pursed her lips.

‘It’s a good deal.’ She thought to herself, wondering if she should go or not.

Even after so many years, her hatred for that place called ‘school’ didn’t change. It was the first place she learned the uses of a mask.

Seeing her still hesitating, Lucius threw out more bate. "If you can complete your summoning array and provide proof of the suspect's involvement in the cases while making sure no harm comes to yourself, then we can change the contents of the contract. You will no longer need to go through the test to become a Knight."

Aurora's eyes widened. "So, you're saying you will recognize me as a Knight after this is all over?" 

He nodded his head once. "You will have an exclusive title as a summoner Knight in the Rizar rankings."

Although she knew he was up to something, she was finding it difficult to find any reason to say no. “F-for how long do I need to attend?” 

Lucius grinned. “Not long. I’ve already prepared the necessary papers for you to appear as a short-term student.”

“...You already have everything planned out!” She glared at him, steam coming from her ears. “Do you have any idea what it will be like for a 30 years old woman to return to school??”

“I can only imagine.” He said with a teasing smile.

“….”

Still, she did admit this came at a good time.

Not only might Aurora be able to find what she needs to complete the array, but it will also give her a chance to keep her distance from the Duke for a while.

 And during the time apart, surely these unwanted feelings will fade.

“Alright, I understand. However, there is something I have to warn you about.”

Lucius was a little surprised by her solemn expression. “Go ahead.”

“While it was not the current royal family that caused my death, my hatred for them and Nobles run deeper than you think. I am not the type to start trouble, but if someone comes after me, I will not sit back and watch.”

Yes, there was no longer any for her to hold hatred against people who no longer exist. Still, that did not mean her anger and her fear from being trapped in that dark void who knows how long, had disappeared.

If she had any other choice, she would have refused Lucius' offer to get involved with the nobles of this Empire. But, Aurora felt something nagging her to get stronger. Telling her to hurry...

“…That doesn’t matter. Do as you please.”

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“I’m not finished.” Aurora’s eyes turned slightly red, revealing the great turmoil and chaos hidden behind.

It was a need for death and destruction that caused even Lucius himself to flinch.

Even Aurora wasn’t aware of the kind of aura she gave off.

“If a royal member attends the academy, I think it is better for you to send someone else. Indeed, the people who caused my death are long gone, but my anger has not diminished one bit. Who knows what I will do if I meet a member of the Imperial Family.”

Lucius lowered his eyes.

He didn’t say anything.

“Your Grace?”

“…No need to worry, there is no one like that at the academy right now.”

Aurora found it weird how he didn’t say anything about her calling him ‘your grace’. After telling her he will have Halon pass her more information about the person she should observe, Aurora left the office.

Lucius kept still in his chair and watched as she left. He then ran his fingers through his hair, brushing it back.

⌈ “...Who knows what I will do if I meet a member of the Imperial Family.” ⌉

'Then, what will you do when you find out the truth?

Will you…hate me, I wonder?

Will you want to kill me as well?'

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“Here are the files my Lord has asked me to give you.”

Halon handed Aurora a stack of neatly arranged papers and placed them on the table in her room. “He asks that you memorize everything and return it at a later date.”

Aurora looked at the large pile of papers and recalled the Duke’s words.

“The culprit behind the murders is said to be a young lady, 18 years old, with blue hair and brown-goldish eyes. She used to have long hair but cut it short recently. The same as me, she carries two swords at her waist.”

That description…isn’t it the same of the girl she saw outside the banquet?

While Lucius was talking with Earl, Aurora had left. Before she climbed into the carriage, she saw a young woman with that same description standing near the gate. She wore a blue uniform with pants and looked as though she was a Knight guarding the Earl’s mansion.

Aurora found it strange that such a beautiful young lady attended the banquet as a Knight instead of wearing a dazzling dress that would suit her better. And what bothered Aurora was that woman's penetrating glare filled with malice towards her, even though they have never met before.

“Her name is…”

When Lucius paused, Aurora thought there was something suspicious about this girl. And when the Duke said her name, it confirmed her suspicions.

 No wonder Lucius refused to make a move before confirming the situation.

“Does Gaius...does my teacher know about this?” Aurora asked Halon with a grave countenance.

The Head Butler hesitated.

“What’s wrong?”

“You will see in the files that the organization behind these horrific incidents is connected with the death of My Lord’s friends when he was a child. You have heard from My Lord about the day he lost a part of his heart, yes?”

Ah. Is it about the day Lucius lost his first love and birth mother at the same time? “Yes.”

“The previous Duke forbade him from making friends with those with low status. This is why the young Lord at that time hid the fact that he became friends with orphans. That day, he didn't only lose two precious people, he also lost the friends he made for the first time. Since then, the relationships My Lord formed with others have become exactly what his father taught him as a child. Keep those who are useful close and those who aren't at arm's length. There was only one exception, Gaius Lancaster. Even though My Lord will tell you otherwise, he cares deeply for the Lancaster siblings.”

In a roundabout way, he answered her question about Gaius. 

He doesn't know.

“…I know.”

After a short moment of struggling internally, Aurora looked up at Halon's warm brown eyes. “Is it okay to tell me this?”

“My Lord advised me to answer all of My Lady’s questions.”

“Hm…? But I only asked…” Aurora paused when she realized something.

Halon smiled and winked at her. “Please call for me if you have more questions, My Lady.” After handing over all the files, Halon left to give her space.

Aurora’s lips lifted into a smile at the Head Butler’s tricks. After the time she spent here, she realized that while Halon was mostly kind and considerate as long as you didn’t get on his bad side, he was also somewhat scheming.

Aurora took a deep breath and then braced herself.

She stretched out her hand and reached for the files in front of her.

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