Chapter 33: Dealing with a high noble

Dialogue "sample"

Thoughts 'Sample'

Techniques [sample]

Author notes -sample-

Chapter 33

Dealing with a high noble

Serena woke up the next day feeling refreshed. She went to the bathroom and checked her wounds, only to find out that they were all gone. Her skin looked more pristine than it ever did.

She then went back and found that Siegfried was still sitting in the same position as last night.

"Did he not sleep at all?" She wondered.

"I only need to sleep once every three days."

The voice of Siegfried startled her.

"You were awake!."

"I was never really sleeping, only meditating."

Siegfried turned his gaze to and specific spot on the wall. There was a contraption hanging there, it had three needles and it was powered by a small mana stone. If one learned to interpret it, one could know the exact time of the day. The device was called 'magical timer' and it was something that only the high echelon of society could afford.

'One of the many wonders of this era.' Siegfried admired all the improvements that people have done over the years.

He looked back at Serena. "Breakfast will be served in one hour. You have time to take a bath if you want."

"Eh? they bring breakfast to your room?!" Serena exclaimed in shock.

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After breakfast was done, they were ready to leave.

"Are you not going to wear your robes?" Asked Serena.

Siegfried was wearing his training attire. Light boots, brown baggy pants that leave room for movement, and a brown shirt.

"There are no classes today. After our business with Artois is over, I want to get some training done." Explained Siegfried.

"Is it going to be okay?...with Lord Artois." Now that the moment to see that boy again approached, Serena's anxiety was returning with full force.

Siegfried went to retrieve one more item from one of his drawers. A small green box. "Leave the talking to me, is best if you don't say anything at all unless they ask you something."

Serena nodded, she knew some basic noble etiquette and most nobles don't take kindly at being addressed by a commoner unless asked.

"I understand."

They traveled through the academy grounds. Siegfried remembers Edward telling him a lot of things about Charles Artois, one of them was the spots that he and his two followers frequent.

"We got lucky, there they are." Siegfried spotted the trio in the first place they looked. An area with tables near the Tower of Knowledge. It was a popular spot, especially during free days since that tower was where the library was located.

There were a lot of people going in and out of the tower already. Siegfried went past the entrance and continued walking. The place chosen by Charles Artois was in the least crowded area. The trio was there, talking about something.

The three of them turned to look at Siegfried and Serena as they heard their footsteps approaching.

Charles Artois gave Serena only a passing glance and then focused on Siegfried.

"Lancaster, I see that you found something of mine. Have you come here to return her?"

"I'm afraid not, Artois. I wish to take her into my service and another one of your girls, one called Angelina. I will compensate you for the loss, of course." Siegfried took the small green box that he grabbed previously and held it in his left hand so Charles could see it.

Artois only need a short glance to know the contents of it. But before he had a chance to answer Siegfried, Arthur Garret stood up, his face was red with anger and he was clenching his teeth so hard that they made a grinding noise.

"You dare to make demands from Lord Artois! Learn your place!" Arthur rushed at Siegfried and send a right straight at his face.

Siegfried was already expecting this kind of reaction from the most violent one of the trio so he was prepared.

As Arthur's fist approached his face, he decided to deflect the attack instead of blocking it. With a smooth movement and using only his right hand, since the left one was still occupied with the small green box, Siegfried moved Arthur's fist slightly to his right so it would pass by him.

This made Arthur lose his balance a bit since he had put soo much force into that attack. He really wanted to crush Siegfried's face into a bloody mess.

Siegfried took this opportunity to move slightly while taking a strong hold on Arthurs's arm, Siegfried pulled him forward while blocking the movement of his legs.

Arthur, following the force of his attack, was launched in the air, spin around, and landed on his back with Siegfried still holding to his arm.

The giant grunted in pain as he landed. Siegfried released his grip, letting him go. Arthur recovered fast and stood back up again, glaring at Siegfried with intensity.

"This is not over. I will -"

"You will do nothing! Arthur. Enough!" The shout of Charles Artois resonated over the area.

There were several onlookers watching with interest the event from a safe distance.

"But Lord Artois! He…!" Arthur just pointed at Siegfried, like that explained everything.

"You!...have embarrassed me enough for one day. Take a seat and keep your mouth shut. Am I clear?" Charles's threatening gaze took Arthur aback, his Lord has never been that angry with him before. He chose to just nod and went back to take a seat.

Charles then looked at Siegfried. The tension of his gaze had diminished significantly.

"I apologize for my friend's behavior. I'm afraid that people from the Garret family are taught to only speak with their fists."

Siegfried noded in agrement. "Accepted. Now, can we get back to our business?"

"Ah, yes…the commoner girls. You can have them of course, that box in your hands will be more than compensation enough for that. After all, we both nobles, it would be beneath us to fight for something small like that."

Charles looked at Serena.

"Which one of the other two commoners is your friend? I'm afraid I'm terrible with names."

"A-Angelina is the tall blonde one…My Lord." Serena looked nervous but managed to get the words out.

"Ahh, that one. Very well. Lancel, make sure that this...Angelina receives the message. She is no longer in my service." Told Charles to his other companion.

"Of course My Lord." Lancel Ashwood who always seemed to have a cruel smile drawn on his face answered and gave a short bow.

Charles then looked back at Siegfried. "Well, there you have it. Problem solved unless you have something else to discuss."

Siegfried threw the green box to Charles Artois and this one caught it. "No, that would be all. Farewell."

"Let's go," Siegfried told to Serena as he turned around to leave.

Serena gave a bow and left, right behind Siegfried. She did not want to stay here longer than necessary.

As soon as Siegfried and Serena left the area, the crowd of people dispersed quickly. Many disappointed students were hoping to see a longer fight.

Charles turned around and placed the box on the table, he then crushed the box with his fist. His face was contorted with rage.

"That is going to cost you…Lancaster"