Trouble Already Brewing (1)

"Sorry." Came the soft voice.

"Nothing to be sorry about." I said as I looked at the girl before. "I should have been more mindful of my surroundings." I added as I held out a hand. "Ciaran Maxamus."

Slowly taking my hand, she introduced herself. "Melisa Fairchild."

She stood at five foot two, with black hair tied into a bun. She was small. So small that if I didn't know any better, I would have assumed she was about twelve years old as she was still very underdeveloped, but she was attending the academy, so don't let her size fool you.

"Nervous about tomorrow?" I asked as I noticed her trembling.

Slowly nodding her head, she replied.

"I just learned this morning that I was transferred to this class. I haven't even been in a fight before."

She's fast. I thought as I subtly glanced at Cas.

"Don't worry." I said. "You already passed Professor Zovreth's first test."

"Yeah." She said with uncertainty in her eyes. "The aura she released was intense." She added as she gave a small smile.

Motioning for her to follow me, we began walking.

"Professor Zovreth had to test us to ensure we can complete the mission tomorrow." I said.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"More than likely, she released her aura just enough to match the strongest bandit in the camp." I paused as I smiled warmly at her. "That fact you weren't kicked out means you are stronger than the strongest bandit we will face tomorrow."

She's cute. I thought as I saw the realization dawn upon her.

"Then why send us to clear out a bandit camp if we are stronger than them all?" She asked.

"To prepare us for the life of a noble." I casually replied.

Seeing her brows knit in confusion, I couldn't help but chuckle.

"As nobles, we must be prepared to defend our lands and be able to answer the call of the King in times of war." I said.

"I see." She said, lost in thought.

We talked for a bit longer as we headed to our next class, I was even able to get her to laugh a few times, and before we knew it, we were at her class.

"This is my class." She paused as she shifted uncomfortably. "I must apologize." She suddenly said before bowing.

"Apologize for what?" I asked with confusion.

"I had heard the rumors about you, and when I saw you exit your carriage yesterday, I was scared, and to find out we would have the same class made me even more nervous." She paused as she stood up. "I was scared when we bumped into each other earlier and feared that you might retaliate." She said nervously.

"Are you my enemy?" I asked as I smiled at her.

Seeing her shake her head, I continued.

"Then you have nothing to worry about." I said as I waved her goodbye and walked off.

So innocent. I thought.

Shame I was going to have to break her in the future.

After morning classes had ended.

I was heading to the cafeteria as I was starving. However, a few upperclassmen stopped me and seeing the badge on their uniforms, I knew they were part of the disciplinary committee.

"Yes." I said as I looked at them.

"Come with us." The leader demanded as he stepped up to me.

Only to halt as Cas inserted herself in between us.

"Please excuse my Knight." I said as I placed a hand on her shoulder. "She's very protective."

"We don't need you, servant." The leader paused as he eyed my Cas with disdain. "Report to your master's room.

Servant. I thought as my mood instantly worsened.

"Thomas Nguyen." I said coldly.

It was Cas's turn to hold me back, as I was now face to face with the leader.

"You know it's not proper etiquette to order a servant in front of their master." I coldly said.

Thomas, not prepared suddenly backed off before readjusting himself.

"I've been ordered to bring you and you alone to the disciplinary committee leader." He said as beads of sweat started forming on his forehead.

"Very well, follow me." I commanded as I turned around and began walking off.

Without realizing it, Thomas and the other committee members began following me, and before long, we reached the disciplinary committee room.

Knocking three times, I waited precisely three seconds before opening the door and walking in.

The first thing I noticed was Leonardo. Who was sitting across from Olivia while a fifth-year student sat behind a desk.

Watching Leonardo's and the fifth year's eyes widen in surprise at my abrupt entrance pleased me. On the other hand, the fact that Olivia barely moved, as if she was expecting this, annoyed me.

"Can we make this quick? I'm hungry." I said coldly as I sat down next to Olivia.

Cas took a position behind me, and the other committee members stood near the entrance.

Charles, the fifth-year student, took a moment as he looked at my Cas before turning his attention toward me.

Just give me a reason. I thought.

"There have been reports of you casting spells in the hall." Charles paused as he took a deep breath. "You know it is forbidden to cast spells while you are not in a classroom environment."

"I casted a spell?" I asked as I pointed to myself with a confused look.

"Leonardo has claimed that you casted a spell on him and his friends as you passed each other in the hallway." Olivia said calmly.

If this was a movie, then I deserved an Oscar.

As shock and confusion appeared on my face. I looked at Leonardo momentarily before I started chuckling to myself.

"You mean you can't tell the difference between a spell being cast and one who released their aura?" I asked as I pointed at Leonardo before chuckling again.

"To think that you will inherit the Dukedom of House Whiteguard." I said as I sighed before turning to Olivia.

"You were nearby Princess, so you will be able to confirm." I before before releasing my aura.