The Headmaster

The supposed dinner party was going on full swing. Singing and Dancing of different cultures and races on top of that, the amazing food which the likes of never before seen. Though the party was a blast inside the hall, there was only a place that wasn't swept away by the noise, the balcony.

It was serene and tranquil like lone water droplet's falling to a river from its stone ridges. The nightly wind that cools everything it touches. In that cold and serene area, an old man was blowing off large smoke rings from his pipe. He was leaning on the railing of the balcony watching the lovely moon and the endless star that twinkle time to time. Below the castle was soft and fluffy white beds of clouds. Even though the old man was very proficient with magic, this castle was a real wonder for him too. He can imagine the old beings from the ancient era's using high level magic he can't comprehend. Even if he wanted to.

The serenity of the night was disturbed by the even steps of the approaching person.

"It's rather cold here."

"What do they say, cold is sometimes good for the mind…" He paused and looked at the boy. He had seen him when he was just a kid. He was amazed by the talent the boy had shown. He himself invited the boy to the academy despite being underage to join the academy. And his decision proved to be right, as the boy learned everything thrown at him effortlessly. But something happened to him to quit the academy and shut himself for the past six years. Now looking at the then small kid turned young adult, he was having the same feeling when the kid showed him his ability for the first time. "How are you doing, Daemon?"

"Fine. A little under the weather. Might be because I haven't been outside for the past six years." Daemon approached the old man and leaned on to the railing just like the old man. The old man blew another smoke ring from his pipe. The silence wasn't awkward at all.

"I know you have many questions to ask. So, ask away." Daemon coolly asked.

Sigh. "You still are smart, little brat."

Daemon didn't answer, he was waiting for the real question to arrive.

"Are you happy with what you've become right now?"

Daemon was perplexed, this wasn't the question he was waiting for.

"Am I happy..." He took a deep breath. To be honest, even he wasn't sure about that. "The past six years was… not exciting but at the same time I don't hate it. in fact, I loved it. I enjoyed being left alone. And I'm thankful for my parents for leaving me alone while looking after me. I read lots of books. Gained many knowledge. Even trivial ones. I enjoyed it's company. But I'm also aware of the disgrace I've brought my family…" He looked at the old man who brought him to the academy and made him the youngest student over there. "…So, if you are asking me whether I'm happy or not on this matter, then my answer will be no."

"So, what are you going to do about it?" the old man asked without looking at Daemon. watching the comets sped across the limitless sky.

"I want to change. I wasn't sure about it but right now I'm one hundred percent sure I want to change. I've some gift. And I'm willing to take any risk to harness it again and make full use of it." Daemon said that with such a confidence that he himself couldn't believe he just said that. maybe it was because of Reiner's words or maybe it was because of the dream he had six years ago. Or it could also be because of the recent news about the 'thing.' He had also seen how diligently the people in the alliance works. Even people who doesn't have any talent are working over things that they are good at. And here he is, a prodigy among prodigy, the youngest academy student, wasting his talent and genius just to sleep.

The old man finally took his gaze from the sky and looked at the boy. He saw the same fire in his eyes as when he was testing him.

"So, what are you going to do about it?" the old headmaster with his centuries of wisdom asked him again.

"I want to join the academy again." The boy answered sternly and confidently.

*****

They chatted for a little while and before Daemon decided to join his brother once again. When he came through the balcony doors, he saw his father and the other officials walking out of the hall. He wondered where they were going. But didn't bother to show interest in the matter as something else caught his eyes. It was the princess. She was chatting with a man and she was clearly uncomfortable. He thought why no one was bothering to stop him. But upon closer look he saw the man was indeed someone who should not be taken lightly. It was of course… Marakin Dragonborn. He seems to have some problems with all of the princess.

Daemon quickly had an idea. He smiled wickedly and started to approach the duo. When he was near them both looked at him. He bowed graciously at her.

"Your grace"

"Ah… what does the failed prodigy want from the princess. Please step aside Daemon, you will contaminate the princess too." Marakin said arrogantly. He was really getting annoyed with the little brat.

Ignoring Marakin, Daemon asked;

"Would you be grace upon this humble human with a dance?" then he offered his hands.

"What ludicrous! Are you deliberately mocking her? Do you even know how to dance?" Marakin continued "Your grace, you don't have-"

He wasn't able to complete his sentence as the princess took Daemon's offered hand.

"I'll most happily take upon that offer." She smiled graciously like some heavenly pearl.

"Thank you, your grace." With that Daemon took her hands and walked towards the centre of the hall where people were already dancing and singing.

He pulled her close and rested one of his hands on her hip and the other holding her other arm.

"I didn't know you were a dancer, lord Reinheart." She asked with her heavenly smile.

"Oh…" he smiled boisterously "Your grace, I hope your energy is at full, so you won't faint before our dance is over."

Princess Dahlia made an amused expression then laughed a little. They started to move rhythmically with the song.

Marakin was left perplexed by this sight. His face was beet red contorting and twisting very uglily. He was getting angry to the point where he was really planning on murdering him.

Without any knowledge of this, the two young lovely people danced to their content.