CHAPTER 23: ROSE GRANDCROSS DILEMMA(1)

                                                            ROSE GRANDCROSS POV:

"Baby, how was it?"

My husband, Mark GRANDCROSS comes back later than expected. Today is the first day of training for the apprentices. Because he is the chief instructor, he must go and 'break them' so that we, other instructors, can 'forge them' more easily. But, compared to other years, he came late this time.

"Oh, you arrived already, Rose. How was Lanuvel? Did she cry again?" He seems tired, I wonder why.

"Oh, don't worry, she is used to it now. She said you have to come back with some cakes."

"I see."

"What is the matter, you don't look alright? Was the breaking day too much for them?" My husband really seems tired. What happened?

"Well, I saw something today. Something I have never seen during all those years. And it gave me the chills."

"Oh? What could possibly make my proud and overconfident captain of the elite squad tremble in fear?" I said like I am making a joke. But, he doesn't even react to it. He passes by me like he didn't hear what I said, in fact. This is the first time I have seen him like this. Ever.

***

The next morning, the door of our room is open, very slightly. Somebody came during the night. A robber! Here! Incredible! Mark is still sleeping. He must be really tired. Maybe we will continue our discussion tonight. For now, I must go and see the student I will have this time:

KEVIN KOERSOMBRE. PRESUMED TO BE FROM TITANIUM. NO HOUSEHOLD AFFILIATION. EXTREME TREATMENT REQUIRED: THE COMMANDER.

Well, this is unusual. What do they mean presumed to be? Did they not search for his background? And isn't the Koersombre an important family in Syldavie? I think the headmaster there is a Koersombre as well. And why is the commander advising extreme treatment? He is not an ex-mercenary, I hope. Those guys are always so rude and perverted. I go to the field to see the mysterious student who has aroused the wrath of the commander, but no Kevin anywhere.

"She will train that suicidal garbage, poor instructor…."

I hear a weird comment while I observe the apprentices speaking to each other. All the other instructors came and picked up their apprentices, but I am still waiting. Surely he is an ex-mercenary since he is late. They really respect nothing. I will go and give him a piece of my mind.

"Where is the apprentice Kevin Koersombre's room?" I ask the guard at the entrance of the apprentice's dorm.

"On the second floor, ma'am. Door number 7." Door number 7?

"Isn't door number 7 the room of Tatiana Flolerl? Did she died?"

"I suppose so, ma'am."

Things are getting more and more complicated. Maybe that ex-mercenary killed her, and the commander wants to punish him before killing him. She is a twisted person, after all. In front of the door, I knock over and over again for over ten minutes. Nothing. Is he not inside?

"Is anybody here?" I ask one last time before going.

"Yes, I am coming." Ah, the rebel is here, you will- wait, was that a child's voice? Is he-the door open while I am lost thinking about the child's voice I just heard. And In front of me, not even a teenager, a child. What is this? Where the ex-mercenary bastard? Why is a cute little boy here?!! 

"Good morning, miss instructor. Are you my private teacher? I am very sorry to be late." Wait, HE REALLY IS KEVIN KOERSOMBRE?!! This is…this is impossible.

"...Miss? Hahaha, you are quite the polite boy. Yes, I am your private instructor: ROSE GRANDCROSS. And you, little one, are late for your first session." For now, let's play the cool one. "I will wait for you in the field. Don't make me wait more than I already have."

"Yes, ma'am." I go after he closes his door. Something is wrong. Somethind is definitively wrong here. Why is a child here?! What is going on?! He is about the same age as my daughter, I am sure.

***

Even though I said not to make me wait, he still took his time to come. Well, he must be tired. A child needs to rest a lot. When he comes, I notice that he has trouble walking. Did he really overcome the first day of training? That can't be, right?

"You took your sweet time getting ready. Are you possibly a girl under there?" He must be extremely tired; even his breath is heavy.

"I am sorry."

"Don't be sorry, be better." Even if you are child, apologizing every time isn't going to help you. Though, I must get to the bottom of this. 

"I will ma'am."

"As I said earlier, I will be your private instructor for the next three years. I am a specialized close type using the physical Angas and mainly water as elemental Angas, my class is Angas-knight. I will try to teach you the basics and forge your body into something fitting of the order."

Let's act like a very severe teacher for now. But I will try to be sweet also so that he doesn't feel too spoiled.

"At least, this what I say every year to the apprentices. But as for you, well, I don't even understand what the higher-ups are thinking. You're a child. Children should be having fun and enjoy the time with their pa-"

"Please, do not treat me like a child!"