[Ch.29] Spies or Voyeurs? (Past)

After an entire week, everyone except Korph and I was free from the punishment given to us by the Headmaster.

Raylon strolled around the Academy looking for entertainment. After his punishment ended, he realized that his days were now dull since he didn't have the usual daily tea party to look forward to. After strolling around with a defeated expression, he found himself outside of the library. He heard the bushes rustle and walked over. Amanda sat half hidden by the bushes trying to peer into the library's window. He sighed, "Amanda?"

She jumped, "I wasn't doing anything."

"What are you doing here?"

She wore a guilty expression, "Nothing. Just. Inspecting windows."

"Uh-huh." He said in a flat tone, "Are you only inspecting the window of the one you can see Moao through?"

She pouted, "I can't help it. What if she needs my help? I've never been away from her for this long."

"You still see her in the morning and at night."

"Exactly! Too long."

He sighed, knowing best not to argue. "Maybe you should try something new with your life. Maybe a hobby?"

"Watching my lady Moao is my hobby."

He shook his head knowing he wasn't going to get through to her. He left her sitting outside in the bushes and strolled to the entrance. Once inside, he began to look around in admiration. He had never visited the library before, but he could see rows upon rows of books spanning several floors. The library was massive with six different floors. He searched through the floors thoroughly before coming to the third floor. As he approached a corner, he saw Mona with her back turned to him peeking around a bookcase. He approached and followed her line of sight. She sat watching Moao and Korph.

His eyebrow twitched as he thought to himself: Does everyone here like to hide and watch in secrecy?

He spoke in a low voice, "Sister?"

She ignored him and continued to stare. He tapped her on the shoulder.

She jumped and flipped around. She gasped in surprise and held her hand over her heart, "Brother. Please don't sneak up on me like that. You almost gave me a heart attack. Next time, please give me a warning. Say something at least."

"I did."

She blushed, "Oh. I-I didn't hear anything..."

He looked to where she was, "Why are you still in the library? Haven't you already completed your punishment from the Headmaster? Or has something in here caught your attention?"

Mona looked back to Moao and whispered, "I'm worried."

"About?"

"Moao and Korph!" She exclaimed quietly, "They do not get along. They argue so much! Have you ever even see Moao frown like that?! She only does it when Prince Korph antagonizes her. I'm really afraid for his safety if he keeps this up."

He shrugged, "Are you surprised they don't get along? The Dragon clan is known for only being friendly to its allies and ruthless to its enemies."

She bit her lip, "I know that... But, what if they get in more trouble?"

"Well, if they do then it's their own fault. Don't concern yourself with this matter. You'll only succeed in giving yourself a headache."

"But-"

"Listen. Amanda is outside in the bushes trying to look in through the window. Maybe you should take her to see the garden?"

She looked down and blush, "Oh. I couldn't do that. She's probably busy."

He deadpanned, "She's not. Now go."

Mona fidgeted with an insecure look, "But, what if she says no?"

"Make her." Raylon noticed her hesitation and gently patted her back, "You are the Princess of the Phoenix nation. No one could say no to you."

She nodded with dignity, "You're right. I am the princess. No one could refuse me." She paused, "But, isn't that selfish? Isn't that exactly the problem? Why would a maid of the Kingdom Sadon go on a walk with a Princess of the Pheonix nation?!"

"Just go." He ignored her useless worries and began to push her towards the exit. Once he ensured she walked down the stairs, he approached Moao.

….

(Author's note: This part is back to Moao's perspective.)

I sat at a table with "consultation" marked on the front. I heard Raylon clear his throat, but I didn't take my eyes off the book I was reading.

I answered him absentmindedly, "Mmn."

"You're working at the consultation table?"

"Mmn."

"Have you had any visitors?"

"None."

"They are probably too scared to ask you any questions."

I glanced up at him, "Scared?"

"Of course they are." A voice came from behind. We turned to see Korph walking over holding a stack of books. He sat the books down on a table in a huff, "Your aura is too frightening. Even if anyone is brave or stupid enough to approach you, you ignore them! That alone would scare anyone anyway."

The corners of my lips lowered slightly, "Oh."

Why did I never consider that before? I figured they would still ask despite it being me behind this desk.

Korph clicked his tongue, "You must have the brain of a bird if you didn't notice. Maybe you should try smiling for once."

Then should I try smiling? It has been so long since I actually smiled. I think the last time was in my third life before things became complicated.

I turned my attention on Korph and stared at him intently.

He shuffled uncomfortably, "What are you doing?"

"Smiling."

He knitted his brows, "Your face didn't even budge an inch! Are you even trying?"

I silently reached out to touch my lips, "Mmn."

I'm trying really hard, okay!? It's just been a while...

He groaned, "Honestly. Were you born with no muscles in your face?" He shook his head realizing he was getting off track, "Anyway. Where do these go?"

I carefully scanned the books. I took out a small piece of paper and began to write numbers on it. I handed it to him and he grabbed it from me greedily, "Dumb bird." He quickly ran off without another word.

"What was that about?" Raylon asked out of curiosity.

"He likes to refer to me as a bird." I explained without emotion.

"No, not that. What did you write on the paper?"

"He is bad at this job. He doesn't know where they go, so I tell him."

"That's nice of you."

"He wouldn't stop annoying me until I did."

He chuckled, "That sounds exactly like Korph. But, how do you know where the books go so well?"

"Memory."

"Memory?"

"Mmn."

His face twitched as he tried to keep the conversation going, "How do you remember where they all go? There are hundreds and thousands of novels and manuals here. It's hard to believe you know the location of each one."

"I've looked through every section here, so I know."

I noticed his confused expression and turned back to my book. How else can I explain it? Isn't it already straightforward?

He attempted conversation again, "What have you been reading?"

I showed him my book without responding. He read it and made a face at the title. "Why is it so advanced? I don't even understand the title."

I was no longer interested in the conversation and ignored him. He noticed I wouldn't speak any longer and said goodbye. He walked out of the library and noticed that Amanda was no longer in the bushes. Mona had been successful in her venture to convince Amanda to go on a walk.

While everyone seemed to want to leave the library, I didn't mind being stuck inside. It wasn't much of a punishment for me. After what I've been through already, this was almost a laughable attempt at punishment.

Although Amanda was clingier than usual and Korph never seemed to shut up; I liked being among the books without having to deal with anyone. Even though it was my job to deal with the students, no one ever came.

To me, it was bliss.

As I sat reading my book, I noticed someone in front of me standing quietly. I ignored him and continued to read my book. If he wanted to speak, then he would. If he didn't, then he would go away.

After a while, he spoke. "I was told that you do consultations."

"Mmn." Even without looking up, I knew who he was immediately.

"Oh! T-That book... You are studying the use of dark arts in taming spiritual beasts. I've read that before. It was very difficult to comprehend."

I looked at the man who dressed clean and held himself with respect and dignity. It was a stark contrast to his worn clothes and social status. Despite being from the Phoenix nation, his personality wasn't like the rest. He acted more uptight and serious, the total opposite of the rest of the Phoenix people.

I had heard about him through gossip that had passed from Amanda's lips. He wasn't from high-ranking nobility or even from a family that held any notable rank. In fact, he was only able to attend the school because he was adept at magic.

He noticed my stare and introduced himself humbly, "I am Michiya. Do you remember me? I was at the party with the Dragon clan."

"Mmn."

"What do you think?" He asked, motioning to the book.

I closed it promptly, "It's too simple."

He raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

"To tame a beast, you only need to understand it. Simple."

He chuckled, "Well, it sounds simple when you put it like that. However, it is much more complicated."

"Mmn."

"Anyway... Could you help me find a book?"

I nodded and stood up. As he shared his ideas on theories, I would occasionally put in my brief opinion. I tried to keep my comments as short as possible to avoid any unnecessary conversations.

Korph noticed us together for a while and decided to eavesdrop. As he listened to the intellectual conversation his head began to throb. "Are these even words?"

He rubbed his temples to clear his head and quickly walked away.