Hidden Meanings

Theory of Ether: "The world does not produce what it can not destroy."

…

Three resounding knocks sounded upon the wooden door.

"Come in," came the reply. The door swung open to reveal a sharply dressed middle-aged man. He wore a waistcoat as part of his three-piece outfit with a golden chain dangling from his front waist pocket, presumably connected to a pocket watch.

With just the right amount of authority and respect, the middle-aged man greeted the young man sitting at his desk.

"Hello, Professor Lumen."

The young man gently placed down the manuscript he was correcting and looked up at his guest.

Professor Lumen looked to be in his early twenties, his handsome face unmarred by time. Slightly wavy dark hair, so dark that it looked black, framed his handsome features. He wasn't an uncommon beauty but one couldn't help to look twice.

"Hello, Secretary Emir. Is there anything that you need of me?" he softly asked, unhurried, emitting a sense of calmness.

Nodding his head, the grayed haired, middle-aged man replied, "Excuse me for disturbing you, Professor Lumen, but, the Chairman wishes to meet you."

"The Chairman?" Professor Lumen stood up. A range of thoughts flickered through his mind.

What could the Chairman want with him? He felt a tinge of annoyance. The Chairman calling him could be nothing but trouble. Yet, none of those thoughts affected his behavior. With his ever-present soft smile, he continued, "Very well. Thank you for informing me. Is the Chairman in his office?"

"Yes, Professor Lumen." Secretary Emir held out his arm in front of him. "Please."

Obliging, Professor Lumen walked side by side with Secretary Emir as the two left Professor Lumen's office and made their way across the college campus.

…

"Professor Lumen, how are you faring at the college?" asked Secretary Emir.

"Quite well. I'm very thankful that everyone has accepted me here and was so gracious to help me prepare."

"Yes, it's your second year teaching is it not? Are you nervous?"

"No. I am not nervous," Professor Lumen politely replied.

Secretary Emir turned his head to look at the professor. They met eyes. Known as the window to the soul, Professor Lumen's eyes were akin to a lull ocean, serene and deep, unknown what laid beneath. Secretary Emir smiled. "It's good to have confidence." He turned his head away and glanced around. "What do you make of the campus, Professor?"

"It feels quite barren. Almost surreal," Professor Lumen remarked as they walked through the large empty area.

"Yes, but not for long. We shall be getting a new batch of first years in a few weeks' time."

"How many this year?"

"Less than last year but still an average size. If I remember correctly, around a hundred shall join us this year and of that, only a thirty are nobles."

Professor Lumen nodded. "There seems to be no significant change."

"Change?"

"Yes, I went through the files of previous years to get an estimate of how many students I shall be teaching."

"I admire your dedication," responded the secretary. The two had entered a grand building and stood in front of wooden double doors. Secretary Emir knocked on it with the signature three knocks.

After a pause, came a voice. "Come in," it said.

Grasping the brass handles, Secretary Emir opened the doors for Professor Lumen, signaling him to enter first. He followed behind Professor Lumen before standing next to him. Taking a step forward, he announced, "Mr. Chairman, I have brought Professor Lumen as requested."

The Chairman looked up from the piles of papers upon his desk.

If there were elves in this world, perhaps they would look similar to the Chairman. He had straight long platinum blonde hair which was tied back in a sleek high ponytail. It accentuated his sharp figure which was only softened by the thin gold metal frames of his glasses.

"Understood, you are dismissed," he said to his secretary. The secretary slightly bowed and silently left the room.

"Professor Lumen, please, take a seat," Mr. Chairman gestured to the two chairs facing his desk.

Professor Lumen sat down, glancing at the mess in front of him.

He murmured, "New nameplate, August?" staring at the gold plaque. In fancy font, the name Augustine Rex was imprinted.

Augustine took off his glasses and leaned back on his leather chair, visibly relaxed. "I thought it would be a good addition to my office. Don't you think, Norah?"

Norah Lumen turned his head and stared straight into the Chairman's vivid green eyes. "It is...extravagant."

Augustine lightly laughed. "I asked the wrong person, didn't I? You always disliked flashy things."

Norah hummed in agreement. "Why is it that you have called me here today, August?"

Teasingly Augustine said, "A in rush are we? Can't even engage in idle chatter anymore?" Norah was unfond of small talk and Augustine knew that. Unfortunately for Norah, small talk was common and not engaging in it was seen as rude. Although Norah never cared for societal standards, outwardly he had to portray the scholarly gentleman facade that was expected of him.

Silence followed Augustine's words. Norah had made no attempt to reply. Augustine knew of his true personality anyways.

"No?" Augustine looked visibly shocked before morphing his face into a sly smile. "Professor Lumen, how rude of you. I never expect these manners from someone of great renown as you! Oh my, what a lie. Truly one can not believe in rumors."

Silence ensued.

Augustine finally conceded. He held his hands up in defeat as he said, "All right, all right. I'll get down to business. You lack humor, Norah."

"No, go on, August. Even though I prefer to have more direct conversations, I can spare time to watch this play." Norah lightly retorted.

"Your tongue is quite poisonous, Lumen. I wonder why you are so popular with the students. Must be because of that face." Augustine stared at Norah's face for a while before reaffirming his statement, "Yes, it's the face." He sighed at the lack of reaction from Norah. "You are such a boring man," muttered Augustine. He opened one of the drawers of his desk and carelessly tossed the package to Norah. "Here is your explanation for why I called for you."

With one hand, Norah Lumen caught the package. He brought it closer for inspection.

Norah impassively stated, "The name."

Waving his hand, the Chairman said, "Yes, yes. The name. They addressed it to-" Augustine stopped. Chills rippled through his back. That name can not be mentioned, at least not in front of his friend. "-not your current name, Norah Lumen," he finished.

"So they have found me."

"Oh, you say it like it is a grave thing." Augustine arrogantly said, "They can not touch you here, they would not dare." He paused, staring at Norah as he finished his statement. "But you already know that, or else you would not have come to the Imperial College."

Norah tilted his head in agreement.

Augustine pointed to the parcel. "I reckon you know what exactly is in the parcel too. Am I right?"

Norah Lumen smiled. "Just a useless piece of junk."