More Understanding

Quinn knew how people perceived the duke. He knew the unfairness he faced each day and even heard a bit of it from Leonor the last time they were together. Yet nothing could have prepared him for the cold silence that followed their arrival at the mage's quarter.

Students weren't outwardly respectful, although how else could it be perceived when some were too stunned to speak at the mere sight of him? Most were petrified and froze in place as he walked by. 

The silver-haired mage always assumed that it was the nobles who behaved like that and a common person wouldn't be so shallow, but he was witnessing firsthand that his preconceived notions were incorrect. Even a commoner mage would balk because of his scars. 

Quinn's bruised face went entirely unnoticed despite his pale skin showing the marks easily. Everyone was focused on the man at his side.