Chapter 32 - The Academy's Arrival

The carriage rolled across the land, opulence on wheels, mocking the very ground it covered with its grandeur. I could no longer contain my contempt.

"This is ridiculous," I scoffed, my voice oozing arrogance. "A luxurious carriage for a mere Baron's youngest? The Academy has clearly lost its standards."

Miss Seraphine, ever the embodiment of grace, adjusted her glasses, her blue eyes meeting mine with calm authority. "The Academy makes its decisions based on numerous factors, not just lineage," she responded evenly.

I snorted dismissively, "Surely, you don't believe that? We both know how these things work. Gold and connections always come before merit. I, of all people, know that."

Her gaze was steady. "Is that why you're here? Because of gold and connections?" she countered, an eyebrow raised.

That stung. "You know very well I worked my way up from nothing," I snapped back, my tone bristling. "And that's precisely why I can't stand these entitled nobles."

She sighed, the exhalation sounding almost tired. "You're an assistant teacher now, one of the most respected positions a commoner can hold at the Academy. You've earned it through your skill with the sword, but that position comes with the responsibility of being objective."

"Objective?" I scoffed again. "Hard to be objective when the system is skewed."

She leaned in, her eyes sharp behind her glasses. "And yet, it's the very system that recognized your talent, isn't it? It's not devoid of fairness. We're educators first, arbiters of societal norms second."

I struggled to find a retort. My eyes wandered out of the window, trying to escape her piercing gaze.

After a moment, she added softly, "Besides, we haven't even met young Master Anos. Shouldn't we at least give him a chance before passing judgment?"

I huffed, crossing my arms defiantly. "Fine, but it won't change my opinion on these matters."

In the silent pause that followed our heated exchange, I couldn't help but observe Miss Seraphine more closely. The way the soft light filtered through the curtains of the carriage and danced on her porcelain skin, the gentle curve of her lips, the delicate arch of her eyebrows—all painted an exquisite portrait of aristocratic beauty. She was the epitome of noble grace, and it was both maddening and mesmerizing.

The subtle hint of lavender from her perfume wafted to me, making my heart beat faster. I'd seen her countless times before, in the hallways of the Academy, leading her classes, even on our previous assignments together. But today, there was something more defined about her, something more compelling. Perhaps it was the way her bob-cut hair framed her face, highlighting her strong jawline and regal neck, or perhaps it was the slight sheen on her lips. Whatever it was, she looked radiant.

Yet, beyond her beauty, there was something about her lineage that tugged at my insecurities. She was a Count's daughter. The stark contrast between our stations was a painful reminder of the chasm that separated us. As much as I admired her, I often felt a pang of bitterness about her noble status. The privileges she enjoyed, the life of comfort, the doors that opened effortlessly for her—those were luxuries I had to fight for, tooth and nail.

As we continued along the winding road, the grandeur of the Kageno mansion loomed in the distance, standing as an imposing symbol of aristocracy and power. Its multiple spires and elegant architecture were set against a backdrop of clear blue skies, making it appear as if it was floating on air.

But it wasn't the mansion that caught my attention; it was the fields we passed by. Commoner farmers toiled under the sweltering sun, their brows dripping with sweat, their hands covered in mud and dirt. Their backs bent in submission to the relentless heat, they worked tirelessly, ensuring the Baron and his kin could enjoy their lavish lifestyles.

An irrepressible surge of resentment welled up within me. "Just look at them," I said, pointing out the window towards the farmers. "While they labor day in and day out, the Baron and his pampered offspring bask in luxury in that oversized mansion of theirs. It's sickening."

Miss Seraphine followed my gaze, her expression softening with sympathy. But after a few moments, she frowned, lost in thought, seemingly searching for the right words.

"Do you think that every noble is blind to the struggles of the common folk?" she asked after a while, her voice carrying a hint of defensiveness.

"I think that most are either blind or choose to look away," I retorted sharply. "It's easier to sip wine and attend fancy balls when you pretend not to see the suffering right outside your walls."

She opened her mouth, probably to offer a counterargument, but then closed it, looking away. Maybe she realized the truth in my words. Maybe she, too, saw the glaring disparity between the world she came from and the one I had known all my life.

The weight of our conversation pressed on us, filling the carriage with a tense silence. The journey, which had started with polite civility, had taken a turn into the murky waters of class disparity and societal injustice. But as much as I wished to protect her from my bitterness, the reality of the world outside was too stark to ignore.

As our conversation dwindled, the carriage began to slow, signaling our imminent arrival. The ornate wrought iron gates of the Kageno mansion loomed before us, guarded by two knights in uniforms, bearing the Baron's coat of arms. As we approached, they gave a crisp salute and swung the gates open, allowing us passage.

The mansion's grounds were expansive and impeccably maintained. Manicured gardens flanked the gravel pathway, bursting with a kaleidoscope of colorful flowers and topiaries. A few peacocks strutted around gracefully, their resplendent feathers shimmering under the sun. It was a stark contrast to the farmlands outside, almost a different world altogether.

Swallowing the resentment that had built up during our journey, I steeled myself for the task ahead. We were here on official Academy business, after all. It wouldn't do to let personal grievances overshadow our duty.

The carriage rolled to a gentle stop in front of the mansion's grand entrance, where a line of servants waited to receive us. The head butler, an older man with a dignified air, stepped forward, extending his hand to help Miss Seraphine alight from the carriage. I followed suit, albeit without assistance.

"Welcome to the Kageno estate, Lady Seraphine," he intoned, bowing low with a respect that seemed to pull the very air down with him. "Young Master Anos is eagerly awaiting your arrival. If you would follow me."

"..." Not a glance was spared my way—no hand extended, no title conferred. It was as if my very existence was swallowed by the shadow of her nobility. It stoked a familiar fire within me, an ember of anger that no amount of prestige could smother.

We moved toward the mansion's opulent doors, and I could feel Miss Seraphine's eyes on me, a touch of empathy in her gaze. "Let's remain open-hearted," she murmured, her words for me alone amidst the fanfare. "No matter our personal feelings, we owe it to our position and to young master Anos." Her attempt to bridge the divide between duty and disdain was clear, yet the butler's slight stung sharper than I cared to admit.

I gave a reluctant nod, silently acknowledging the truth in her words. But deep down, I couldn't shake the unease that clung to me. The opulence around us, the stark reminders of the disparities outside—how could I ever truly set aside my feelings?

—--------------------------------------------

After Anos finished packing his few belongings with the help of Millia in his room, a soft knock came at the door. It was another maid, her eyes downcast in respect. "Anos-sama," she began, "Your escorts from the Academy have arrived. They await you in the guest room."

"Thank you," Anos replied, adjusting his attire and making his way down the corridor.

Upon entering the guest room, Anos was slightly surprised to find it empty save for his mother, who was seated gracefully on one side of a plush couch. The room was bathed in a warm golden hue from the late morning sun filtering through the large windows. A slight scent of fresh flowers filled the air, hinting at a recently arranged bouquet on the side table.

Without a word or a glance towards his mother, Anos strode confidently to the opposite side of the couch and took a seat, facing away from her. The silent tension was palpable.

"..."

"..."

His mother's voice, usually warm and gentle, now held a trace of irritation. "Anos," she began without looking at him, "that side is reserved for our guests. You should sit here, beside me."

"Oh?" A sly smirk formed on Anos's face, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Are you commanding me, mother?" he responded, his voice dripping with feigned innocence.

"..." His mother's gaze sharpened, yet a faint, icy smile played on her lips, revealing that his defiance hadn't gone unnoticed. "Such audacity, speaking to your mother like that, you cheeky boy."

With a swift and graceful motion, Mrs. Kageno, a striking figure of modesty and elegance, rose from her seat. Her silky black hair, perfectly framing her face with bangs parted to her right, gently swayed as she moved.

Anos, anticipating her next move, stiffened slightly. However, instead of retaking her original seat or attacking him, his mother casually took the space right next to him, her shoulder brushing lightly against his.

"If you won't sit by me, then I have no choice but to come to you. We must leave one couch free for our guests, after all."

The sudden closeness caught Anos completely off guard, and he gave his mother a sidelong glance, his usually nonchalant facade disrupted.

Mrs. Kageno returned his look, a mischievous grin on her lips. "Oh, Anos-chan," she teased, a twinkle in her eye. "Suddenly so uneasy?"

"..."

She slightly widened her eyes as she continued to look at him.

The moment their eyes met, Anos felt a deep, primal response from his very source. His bottomless mana, reacting automatically to her seemingly ordinary look, erupted violently from his being, filling the entire room with its intimidating force.

A surge of deep, dark red energy, reminiscent of an imminent tempest, emanated from him. The sheer power felt as if it could erase the entire structure from existence. Yet, with a mere flick of Mrs. Kageno's finger, the fierce mana was extinguished as easily as snuffing out a candle.

"Goodness, aren't you a handful? Planning to bring down the house?"

"..."

Anos narrowed his eyes, yet still kept his composure even though every fiber of his being urged him to distance himself from her immediately. For the first time ever, he witnessed the true extent of his mother's power, confirming his suspicions that she was far from a mere ordinary human "...what are you up to, dear Mother?"

"Fufu~" She laughed softly, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Just enjoying those rare moments when you're caught off balance."

Before Anos could reply to that nonchalant and ridiculous statement, the door to the guest room suddenly opened. Two figures entered, casting long shadows in the golden-lit room. A young woman wearing a formal uniform, with a bob-haircut and an air of authority, stepped forward. Close behind her was a man in a knight's attire, his face a mask of stoicism.

"Ah, Miss Seraphine, welcome to our estate~" Mrs. Kageno greeted with her usual warmth, seemingly unfazed by the earlier tension. She seemed to completely ignore Anos's presence, who was giving her a cold, unyielding stare, an icy expression etched upon his face.

Miss Seraphine acknowledged with a polite nod, her gaze sweeping across the room. Her blue eyes paused momentarily on Anos, who, for an unknown reason, shook his head slightly before aligning his attention with his mother's towards their guests. "Thank you, Mrs. Kageno. It's a pleasure to be here. This is my colleague, Mr. Lorian."

Mr. Lorian stepped forward, nodding with a formal air. Anos detected a palpable tension surrounding him, which stood in stark contrast to Miss Seraphine's serene presence. He speculated if there had been some past friction between them. After a fleeting glance into the two humans and determining they weren't even a threat, Anos let out a dismissive "hmph" and refocused back on his mother.

"Mind your manners, Anos." *Bonk*

To his surprise, she gave him a sharp 'nudge' with her elbow, sending a pang of pain through him that was more intense than he'd like to acknowledge. However, sensing no malice behind the gesture and wishing to maintain his mother's dignity in front of their guests, Anos merely frowned and chose to overlook it for now. Rising with elegance, he extended his hand and declared, "Anos Voldigoad. It's an honor to welcome members of the Midgar Royal Spellsword Academy."

Miss Seraphine accepted the gesture, her grip firm and confident. "The honor is ours. We're here to ensure a smooth transition for your upcoming journey to the Academy."

The atmosphere in the room became slightly more relaxed. Mrs. Kageno, sensing an opportunity, interjected with her trademark warmth, "Why not join us for tea before discussing the details?"

"Tea sounds wonderful," Miss Seraphine replied, offering a gentle smile.

As they settled into a more casual conversation over cups of aromatic tea, Anos, choosing to momentarily set aside his concerns about his suspicious mother, observed the intriguing pair from the Academy. Miss Seraphine exuded an aristocratic elegance, while Mr. Lorian seemed to harbor a subtle disdain for such formalities.

Suddenly, Miss Seraphine's gaze shifted, her eyes scanning the room. "Speaking of which, where is the Baron? I was under the impression that Mr. Kageno would be joining us," she inquired, her tone carrying a hint of genuine curiosity.

Anos's demeanor changed instantly. A realization dawned upon him, and without a word, he expanded his formidable senses, covering every nook and cranny of the mansion in search of his father. But to his alarm, he couldn't detect his presence anywhere. His expression turned grave, and he shot a piercing glare at his mother, silently demanding an explanation.

Mrs. Kageno met his gaze, her eyes revealing nothing. She maintained her composure, but the atmosphere in the room grew tense once more. The casual ambiance that had been building was now replaced with a palpable unease.

"..." Mr. Lorian, sensing the shift, straightened in his seat, his hand subtly moving closer to the hilt of his sword. The room was thick with anticipation, each person waiting for the next move.