The Academy Circle Fest (2)

"Eh?"

He got dumbfounded at my answer. Well normally people would take a distance from an outcast and weirdo. But what kind of students would be the best cover for my image? Of course it them! Just thinking how stinky our circle reputation would be in the future, already make me trembling in happiness. It not like I could said those things to him. So—

"Ahh... I understand brother."

"Eh?"

It was me this time that giving a confused response. What did you understand?

"As expected from you. You must be thinking about what brother Ramza said. You want to gather those with the same cases of Alyson, so she would able to mingle with them. Really brother, you already back to your old self."

"... Ah? Ye-yeah?"

"Relax brother, I won't said anything to Alyson about this, or anyone."

He said those in whisper to me, while he having a proud look. Er... no that definitely not what I meant. I completely dumbfounded at how this Rames siblings really smart and love to jump in conclusion! Really, genetic is scary. Although Ramza is much better than the other two, or maybe it because he is much more experienced?

"Then let's go brother! We gathered them."

"Ye-yes... Although we still need to guide Alyson around."

She been quiet the entire time and only follow us from behind while keeping her guards up. As we got nearer to the festival, it starting to get crowded with students. She flinched, and trembling when we come near the northeast side of the event she starting to tremble. In reflect I stopped on my track and grip her hand as pull her closer to me. She was surprised, as she looking at me up close. 

"Relax... No one would hurt you, as long I am here. Just take a deep and imagine we're in a vast fields of grass. Hold my hand tight, so you won't get lost."

I said those gently to her. Her eyes then blinking couple of times while looking at me, before her trembling slowly subdued. She gripping my hand tight tho. Reiya wasn't looking at us as he look around the crowds and booth that lining up. Well there is many attraction. There many circle selling food in their booth too. While on the stage the students giving an introduction to their circle while performing something. Since we come from the magic faculty, we arrive near the stage. Right now it was some minor circle performing a dance?? It a folk dance from somewhere I am sure, since in etiquette class I learn the kingdom waltz. It like dance from earth which they tapping their feet fast. 

"Brother look at their dance! That seems fun!"

Reiya starting to get hype as he watch a dance that he never seen. He then following their steps besides me, making Alyson looking at him with her mouth opened as Reiya including his own improvement. The crowd then looking at us, and making some space. He then do a spin while jumping, then fall down on hands making a turn while keep tapping his foot on the ground... He break dancing, the crowd then cheer as he lift up his body in one hand before pushing himself to the air. Then when he land on his feet he raised up his hand. The crowd then applauding.

"WOoohHoooOo.. Brother over there your move is amazing! You must join us in Dance Revolution circle!"

Even the circle in the stage commending him.

"Good job freshman!"

"Nice dance!"

"What was that called?! I never seen something like that."

The crowding people make Alyson panic as she starting to tremble again. I caressing her hand with my thumb, as she look at me when she felt it. I give her calming smile, then she took a deep breaths before smiling back.

"Thank you, thank you! I don't have a name for that, I only got inspired by senior move. But I must politely decline as I already decided my circle."

"Owww that too bad, but brother you could come to our circle for time to time. We would always open our arms for those want to learn a new dance!"

The crowd then cheers at the circle that performing and giving them applause of appreciation. Then they starting to talk about their circle again as the crowd dispersing.

"Woohoo, that was intense!"

"Good job Reiya. You really know how to attract people eyes."

I said those while chuckling.

"I know that I am handsome and wonderful."

"Indeed, you are too handsome that you never got anyone or a fiancee since you're handy."

"I know right! I am a handful person that really handsome!"

He doesn't understand my pun, as freshman beside me which get it holding their laugh.

"So where should we look first?"

I ask Alyson opinion, as I am only a guide right now. She tilt her head slightly as she is thinking.

"I.. don't know."

"Then we should check them all of them!"

Reiya answering full of energy as he lead us to one of booth near us. It a booth that selling an apple candy, while their circle name is 'Friend of Farm'. It definitely a circle consist of a student that was a farmer. We then moving to their desk. It was full of farm

"Oh hello! I thought no one would check out our circle. Most of them only come to our apple can— Yo-young master Dageraad!!"

The student in the booth suddenly standing up when he seen me. 

"Tsk.. don't mind me. I got tasked as punishment for a cases to guide this freshman."

I start my cold shitty noble act at once. The booth student then sweating.

"Yes... I-I don't mind.. We-welcome... we...."

"You explain to them. I would step away."

I try to leave them so the guy could talking normally, but when I releasing her hand, Alyson gripping mine harder. Looking at me keep standing there, the person in booth sweating even more.

"Just continue."

"Ri-right...we are... a..."

"Normally."

I frown my brow when I said that. Looking at me, he gulp down.

"I-I am sorry... We're a circle consist of peasant, that..."

The crowd starting to looking at us as the booth student making a commotion. 

"... is this some kind of new way of bullying?"

"It must be it..."

"As expected of that man."

"Who is that girl?"

"Is she a new accomplice of him?"

Hearing the murmur of our surrounding, I pull Alyson away at once. Reiya also move away, as I could see him dissatisfied with the crowd. After walk away till the entrance again. I am stopping, then looking at Alyson.

"I apologized, I put you in that kind of situation."

She surprised when she look at me which bowing down to her.

"I-it okay..."

"We should proba—"

Reiya then catch up with us.

"Brother! I got an idea."

I look at him, and in his hand was a wolf mask.

"a mask?"

"Yes, a mask! With this even if you guide us around, no one would realized it was you."

"Ah, that indeed the case."

As I took the mask and put it on my face. I turn around to Reiya and Alyson while making a pose.

"How do I look?"

Looking at me like that Alyson then giggling. I am stunned as I see her happy face for the first time... When she realized her giggling and looking at me stunned, she shut her mouth at once as she looking down worried.

"I-i.. Apo..."

"It's okay... I just thought you're gorgeous when you're smiling like that."

"ah?"

Her eyes wide open as her cheek starting to blush. Reiya then faking cough.

"Anyway you look great brother! No one would found out who are you."

"Right..."

The last touch was taking of my robe, then put it on my shoulder. Now it perfect, since I am using a casual clothes which I never wear before. So I am sure no one will connecting us together.

"Then called me Johnny."

"Sure brother Johnny."

Reiya complying right away, while Alyson still fidgety as she being shy because of... my damned mouth. I just realized what have I done... luckily Reiya was here. If he wasn't here, I am not sure how much uncontrollable I would be. Only one problem left... I am dead if I met Lein... However I change myself, she would found out it me right away. It would be disaster if she seen me hand in hand with Alyson... But because my unconscious act from before, she never left my hand.

"Then let's go! When I was buying this mask, I see some skewers! Also there many attraction~"

"... Reiya, we're here to accompany Alyson looking around the circle not the item they sell."

"Still that a win-win solution! I am full and Alyson got to see the circles."

This guy really a glutton and kids inside his young adult body. With that he pulling us right away back to the sea of people. Alyson was surprised for a moment but then I could see her mouth started to curving.

Zein Dageraad you already have a fiance.. stop beating for another girl! My heart beating fast, I am afraid that Lein would thought something if she meet me. This won't be good. I try to calm my feeling by chanting a prayer in my mind. Then while getting squeezed and pushed around, we made our way through the crowd.

We see a crafting circle... No, they more to knitting than crafting, since all their by product is knitted things like sweater, muffler, hood, etc. They also pretty friendly which each other, it is a minor circle that really seems like an extracurricular in high school. Well, minor circle is indeed like an extracurricular after all. They are place where the students pouring their hobbies. While those major circle was like those of political parties. It where you found a connection for the future. While their activities is also focusing more to that way. Like making an events for donations, they would do a joint event with the other circle to start auction, or arts gallery or maybe a bazaar. They are much more like events planner of the academy. Outside those they also do other humanitarian events, like an open class for reading and writing, free healing, helping farm and many other. 

So yeah their activities is more to learning how to be a good leader while earning public recognition. They sometimes also do a joint training with those fighting circle. For short they just do anything. 

Of course except for Edgar circle. They mostly do partying, gambling, drinking or anything that related to money for personal reasons.

Well honestly minor circle is much more fun, like how this people do their hobby. They then sharing their technique to each other. Even when Alyson coming they keep their warm, they even told us to try knitting and teaching us. Of course I only look at Reiya and Alyson give their best trying to make a straight knitting for a fifteen minutes. She kinda afraid with their friendliness tho. She look like a cat that ready to run anytime if I move my gaze away. Then afterwards we go the booth that selling a skewers. 

Surprisingly it a circle that love adventuring. All of them already got their license as D-C Rank. Why are they selling skewers? They said it because making a skewers while camping is fun, and they can't do other things out those at the moment. Since even if they goes up stage, they got no idea what to perform. So they thought, hey why didn't we just sell skewers with our prized hunt. They also talking about their experience in a group while doing some quest, also they giving us advice if we ever getting our license. Reiya definitely got a good time while eating and listening to their stories. Alyson? She just curling behind me, as they talking in a loud voice.

We keep checking the circle one by one, while either buying their merchandise or trying their attraction. I am surprised to find even in other world there make the man drown game. A game where you need to throw a ball to the target, and if you hit it the man inside a tube would fall down to a water underneath him. Seriously this circle festival really festive. Somehow Alyson was energetic to try it, although after 4 attempt she gave up. Since her arm strength and throwing accuracy wasn't the best of her. Well, the range is kind of far too it around 50 feets. Reiya success on the first try tho. She pouting at Reiya as he pose in front of us. Also I don't know what the relation between the game and their hat circle... 

It wasn't a typo or anything abbreviation. Seriously their circle is about fancy hat, like what did you even do when you're doing circle activities? Are you talking about your experience wearing a fancy hat?? Well I could see how agonizing the man face when he fall down to the water with his hat. He even throwing it up first when he fall down, before catching it afterwards. His first snorting when they see he successfully catch it. Yep, it definitely a punishment game for the man. We could only stare at them blankly, before chuckling. I then suddenly throw the ball before paying the 5 small copper fee. The man caught off guard and fall with his fancy hat, which making the surrounding cheer and applause at me. I then bow down around.

We check another booth afterwards, one after another. Then something catch my eyes that making my guards up. It is Lein circle! Fransisca is wearing a beautiful sky blue one piece, which should be kind of cold considering it early autumn. She still beautiful tho... But what more surprising is Alyson suddenly come in front and then chatting to her. My heart definitely beating fast right now.

"Senior, how do you do?" 

"Ah it Alyson. I am doing good. Are you enjoying the festival?"

" Yes! I was with Reiya van Rames and senior Da—"

I snap off from my day dream. At that time Reiya stand beside her and cut her words.

" Ahh sister Fransisca, you look beautiful as ever." 

Nice one Reiya! I give him thumbs up from a far, he responding the same from behind his back. Good boy, I forgive you completely now. I step into the crowd at once

"Oh Reiya, has it been a week since we met? You make blushing with your flattery."

" Indeed, it been a week."

" Umm.. do you know each other?"

" Yes, Alyson. When I go back to the capital, Sir Rames inviting me and my convoy to stay for the night at their Manor."

" That wonderful."

" Did you come here to sign up to a circle?"

" Ah, no yet senior. I was looking around the festival since my study advisor told me to try looking at least. He even told Reiya and a Senior to accompany me."

" Senior? Good, you finally make a progress to know other students. Who's this Senior?"

" Ah sister Fransisca, it the senior in same advisor as me and Alyson. It not someone you know for sure!"

I could still hear their conversation as my heart beating fast. Another good cover Reiya! I feel like a boyfriend that met girlfriend when I am out with a lover for a date right now. I really feel guilty right now. Then Alyson starting to search for me as she got insecure face. 

"What are you looking for Alyson?" 

"No-nothing, it just se-senior disappear. He was... behind us before."

" Ah... Maybe he met an acquaintance of him!"

Reiya suddenly raise his voice. Idiot your sudden response would make people suspicious. Fortunately it Fransisca, she only smile and nods.

"That indeed possible, I mean it a big events. It pretty normal if he met an acquaintance."

" Right sister. That definitely the case."

" Eh.. but he wear—"

" Look, I seems to see him there Alyson, let's we talk to him first!"

Good job Reiya! As I could see Reiya moving to the other side of the crowd I could heard Fransisca muttering.

" Why is Reiya acting so weird?"

I could feel my back is wet from cold sweat already. I am sorry! Still, I squeezed myself to the crowd as I cut the way to two of them. Not too long I could found them, I changed my voice at once as I tap their shoulder.

"Sorry, I was get caught by someone before."

They turn around as being confused.

" Ah... When I am catching up with him, I am having a hiccup. Then as I cough to stop it, my throat got sore."

" A-are you alright senior?!"

Alyson got concerned face at once, when I could see Reiya already realize I am lying.

"I am fine, also seems like you were chatting to Artemis circle before. You better not bought my name up, as you know my relationship with my twin wasn't so good. You already see how was it on opening speech."

" A-ah... Right.... I understand... But I am sure senior Fransisca wouldn't judge you. She was so good to me, even tho I am gloomy. She always take care of me this past few days."

" You shouldn't even said it to her. I... I was pretty harsh at her before. I couldn't face her."

That all the truth, I was harsh at her and right now I don't have a face to meet her. She got surprised before nodding her head. Well Reiya could only scratch his head as he completely understand what is going on. This rascal definitely know the air better than I thought.

"Then I should wait both of you there. Me and Lein could tell each other at glance so it better if I am not there."

" I-I understand. I-if senior uncomfortable we should just... See the other boot?"

She said those as she afraid I would rejecting. I pat her head.

" Sure if you're fine with that."

It much more easier with me this way too. She nods her head before taking my hand, and smile. I could see her face blushing a little. Reiya could only shaking his head although his eyes somehow sparkling. Then we go around again as checking up the other booth, this time we turn around right before we met a troublesome character... Which is the leader of Demeter. We know that her booth would be located near Artemis so we turn around to near the stage once again and see the booth on Northwest. 

There many kind of circle here too, the dance circle from before, instrumental circle, magic research like Ramza circle, sport circle then cooking circle also martial arts circle. There is total of 142 circle with the most member is those major circle. I don't even know how did we got so many kind of circle. I think the only one we haven't see is the merchant, business, and alchemist circle right now. Which near the grand fountain where Artemis and Demeter located. Well if we sperated them by section it should be like 3 major circles, and 140 minor circle, which could be separated further as 31 sport circle, 36 research circle, 31 hobby circle, 22 business related circle which including merchant, adventurer, and alchemist those related to making money, then 20 mysterious circle which doesn't make any sense to me, like that fancy hat circle. 

Then when we reaching the end of the booth, Alyson eyes suddenly glittering when she looking at an attraction. Hmmm, it the archery booth, the attraction is pretty simple. It archery with a small petty bow... The target was located 15 feet away, under the prize that people aiming. I could tell by her gaze, she like one of stuffed animal there. It a white dove, that the symbol of her family Pakenhope. Without saying anything I goes over there and paid the money right away. She got confused with my actions, while Reiya looking curiously. Archery is also one of the arts my family teach me. Although I am pretty bad at it before, because my arms strength was that great. While my heart and mind definitely unstable, because of my jealousy. But right now... I am pretty much got cheat like eyes which I could learn anything just by seeing it once. I already see how Lein doing archery although I never try it myself, that one of the reasons I never got that aptitude for it. I took the small bow and knock the toy arrow, I am cheating a little as I imbue my eyes and the bow with mana enchanting it. Then after tooking a deep breath I released the string, making a bulls eyes. It as expected tho since my calculations is perfect. The booth student shocked as she look at the arrow got stabbed deep in the target, she then applauding while giving me the prize.

"Brother would you like to join our circle? You definitely know the basics stance, your concentration is top notch, and your arms strength is great!"

"I apologized, but I already got my circle. As I only come to enjoy the festival, and I see that my companion took a liking to it."

"That too bad. But if you ever change your mind you should come to our training field."

"Sure, I would drop by if I got time in the future. You do know us in the sophomore kinda busy with something this time around."

"Ahhh, you're already a sophomore too. That is too bad indeed. Well we would always welcome you."

"Hahaha. I hope you would when I drop by, my name kinda stink."

"You must be kidding. Even if your name is stink, it won't be as bad as Zein Dageraad. You're pretty polite too."

"Ahahaha..."

I am right in front of you sister. You only thought it like that because you can't see my face. With that I goes back to the both of them, and giving the pulshie to Alyson. She shocked, surprised and bewildered, before she took it and hug it. We leave the festival by the nearest exit, as we walk around it. It already near the dorm. Somehow Reiya been quiet since the time with Fransisca. The sun almost setting on the horizon.

"It been quite late. We should probably go back to dormitory."

"Nnn.. but I was living there."

"You aren't? You must be shuttling between your family manor and the academy then."

"Nnn..."

She only nodding her head.

"Then should we walk you home?"

"Ah?"

She look surprised before smiling then shaking her head.

"No need... My family servant would be here around now. He must've been waiting for me for awhile now."

"Ah, that good then."

We walk silently, as we walk her the southeast gate. It around 40 minutes walk from the festival to there. Then when we near the gate, I finally realized I've been holding her hand this whole walk... We doesn't need to hold hands anymore, I released my grip at once. She flinched as she could feel my hand released hers.

"I-I apologize... I didn't realize I was holding your hand until now."

She blushing slightly as she looking down

"It's fine... You're warm..."

She said that in low voice as she fiddling her thumb.. I could feel my ear get hotter too, then I remembered Fransisca figure from before... I grit my teeth at once and clenching my hand.

"Then... I won't see you off."

"Nnn..."

She walk away as I could see a butler was standing in the parking lot near the gate. She then suddenly turn around, and walk to us.

"It was fun senior Dageraad. You aren't mean like how your rumors is. Also thank you very much for the stuffed dolls, and I've been decided..."

Looking at and hearing her speak happily I am stunned, she then moving to Reiya and said something. Reiya then surprised as he took a paper, which she filled out.

"I will join your circle, Reiya thank you for today too. See you guys later."

She waving at us cheerfully as she walk to the butler. Even the butler stunned momentarily, before opening her the carriage and help her got in.

... Now I've done it, once again. I shouldn't have open her heart... I could feel many emotions right now as I see her off. Although I said I won't see her off, in the end my eyes following her carriage away until I couldn't see it anymore. I am standing there with many thoughts swirling inside of me until I feel Reiya tapping my shoulder.

"She already leave brother."

"... I know."

I took a cigarette at once and light it up. I try to calm my mind and emotion.

"Now brother... What happened really?"

"Don't push your luck Reiya."

"... You know I could tell you like her. It pretty obvious. You completely like a different person when she is near you. You're good with sister Fransisca, but your treatment to her is completely different with sister. If you treat sister like a precious swords, it precious that you polished her everyday but you would still use it in face of robber even if you die, while with her, you definitely treat her like antique vase! You would hide it and sacrifice yourself in case there a robber!"

Hearing that I suddenly released my mana like how I was two days ago, but much denser.

"You. Better. Shut. Up"

He fall down at once... Then I realized what I've done.

"I am sorry Reiya... I didn't mean to threaten you."

I extend my hand and help him up.

"... I should be the one that apologizing, it wasn't inconsiderate of me, even after you warn me."

"Sigh... It wasn't your fault... You just hit the bull eyes before... I will let you know, if I ever felt like it. But right know I don't want to talk about it."

What he said is definitely correct, I would dare to die with Fransisca but I won't hide her if we were facing a danger. But with Alyson, I would definitely hide her first before I go alone facing the danger... It seems like I trust in Fransisca at the first case while I definitely afraid in the second case, but is it trust or I just put someone I love in danger? I don't know which one is correct honestly, but somehow I got a feeling that would happen if I am in that case.

"I understand. I am sorry for crossing the line brother Zein."

He bow down at me.

"Sigh... Well you don't have to... To make up for this, let me treat you."

I said that smiling, he then grinning at me.

"Then I'll be waiting until you want to talk about whatever that make you scary as hell from before."

"Hahahaha, you need to make me drunk for that rascals."

"Whoa brother Zein, now you seems as old as brother Ramza."

"... Please don't mention his name too, he is the only sly fox of your family."

"Sly fox?"

"Nothing, then we should go back to the festival, also don't you say there those weirdo?"

"Right, after we grab something maybe we should search them. I am not sure tho where they're."

"There still another 2 days of festival. We could work it out."

"Then please take care of me, and don't regret treating me."

"Of course I won't, I already know you're glutton deep down."

We walk back to the festival, I try to act nothing happened as we enjoying the day. Although I am sure my mind wasn't in the best state right now.