Chapter 14: Ocularium Cup

[Third Person View]

Asher departed the room, his eyes lingering on the woman who dismissed him without so much as a glance, her focus fixed on the headmaster, who exchanged a meaningful gaze with both of them.

In a foul mood and unwilling to contest the expulsion, Asher harbored no favorable sentiments toward Mrs. Snutter. He saw no reason for her to have summoned him here, anticipating a stern conversation or perhaps stricter consequences than mere expulsion.

...Is she going to object or demand something more stringent than expulsion?

Sighing resignedly, Asher closed the door as he left the room behind.

The door shut firmly, leaving Astoria and Delhore alone, the air thick with tension between them.

"Professor Snutter... what's the meaning of this?" Delhore's brows knit together, his tone tinged with curiosity. "I've already made my decision."

Snutter allowed him to finish his sentence before parting her lips. "Was that truly necessary?"

"Yeah, it was—" Delhore pivoted and tugged open a drawer, retrieving a pile of letters. "You know what these are? Complaints flooding in from all across the Kingdom... that boy has no clue about the repercussions after spitting in the face of a Glumstack Academy professor." His jaw clenched as he tossed the letters onto the floor in frustration.

Snutter took a deep breath, recognizing the unusual level of anger in Delhore, understanding the immense pressure he must be facing.

"Still, he's the son of a Marquis," she began to interject, only to fall silent when Delhore locked eyes with her.

"No more. He's no longer the son of a Marquis—not on paper," Delhore stated firmly, pulling the chair back and taking a seat. "He's been disowned."

Snutter's eyes widened in shock at the revelation... she had been unaware.

"What," she muttered in disbelief, noble disownment as rare as sighting a two-eyed black-winged bird...

"Do you have anything? And I never knew you were someone who'd intervene between my decisions... Astoria," Delhore said.

There lingered a prolonged silence before Snutter looked at him and asked, "Are you sure you want to lose The Ocularium Cup?"

The Ocularium Cup, a tournament that determines the academy receiving top priority for funds from the Royal Family. Held once every twenty years, this tournament signifies which institution is worthy of the Royal Family's support.

For the last two tournaments, Lumosar claimed victory, winning the prestigious Ocularium Cup. However, this year appeared to present an insurmountable challenge.

Why? The accumulation of low-quality students acquired over recent decades made it seem impossible this time around. It was as if an entire generation was filled with rotten fruits.

"And you think that boy has what it takes to win anything?" Delhore queried.

"Don't you, Headmaster?" Snutter arched a brow. "He excels in studies, physical tests, artifact knowledge, and even Seraphical theories. He's dominating his year in every aspect; that's precisely why he's on our team. If his one mistake leads us to lose millions in funds, can we bear that?" She adjusted her glasses.

"He's a rogue." Delhore couldn't shake the image of Asher openly cursing, seemingly indifferent to whom he offended, and possessing knowledge uncharacteristic for his age.....he said a lot of things and seemingly to hurt people he wants to.

"A rogue can be tamed. A lost match cannot be reclaimed," Snutter asserted, her conviction clear.

Delhore paused, contemplating Snutter's words. The immense significance of the Ocularium Cup bore down on him. Its loss would tarnish the academy's reputation and sever ties with the Royal Family, an unthinkable outcome.

"Very well, Astoria," Delhore relented after a moment, accompanied by a sigh. "What do you propose?"

Snutter adjusted her glasses, her demeanor resolute. "Reconsider the expulsion. Give Asher a chance to redeem himself. We need him on our team for the Ocularium Cup."

Delhore frowned, the memory of Asher's audacious behavior still fresh in his mind. "That boy has caused more than enough trouble."

"Trouble, indeed, but his potential surpasses it," Snutter countered. "He's our key to victory. He might be rough around the edges, but I believe he can rise to the occasion."

Delhore pondered her words, weighing various possibilities. Eventually, he exhaled deeply and nodded in agreement. "Very well, Astoria. The expulsion is now a fifteen-day suspension. He's walking on thin ice."

"Understood, Headmaster," Snutter replied with a small nod. "I'll inform him immediately and ensure he grasps the gravity of this second chance."

Ocularium loomed over the horizon, its weighty significance setting the tone for the academy's future.

***

[Asher's POV]

I stood outside the office, awaiting my fate. Professor Snutter had been in there for five minutes now, and the longer it took, the more certain I became that the outcome wouldn't favor me.

I was mentally prepared for it, though. I never saw myself as a long-term student in this academy.

The hallway was quiet, deserted by students who preferred to steer clear of this part of the academy. Lumosar was divided into five years and two houses: Nobles and Commoners. Not due to discrimination, mind you—Lumosar didn't believe in such practices—but due to internal conflicts and the often inflated egos of the nobility.

There were dormitories for those who came from afar to study. With fifty lectures daily covering a myriad of subjects, students had the liberty to choose from the ninety offered subjects. None of it was forced upon us; it was all about individual choice and learning.

Most students were about to receive their bonds, either from their noble families or, if fortunate enough, from the Church for the commoners.

The dark oak door behind me creaked open, and I turned to see Mrs. Snutter emerging.

"You are to stay," she announced, her expression void of any emotion.

"How?" The word escaped my lips almost involuntarily. How was this even possible?

"That's none of your concern, Mr. Asher. You are to be suspended for the next fifteen days before you can attend Lumosar again," she stated before dismissing me.

"You have two hours to leave the academy for the next fifteen. Please don't grace us with your presence during that time," Snutter pronounced sharply.

"Mind your language. Such words don't befit a professor," I retorted, narrowing my eyes at her.

"This is how I address someone who isn't a noble," she clarified, stepping forward.

I couldn't comprehend what had gotten into this old hag. She continued, "You can procure whatever you wish in these last two hours and then depart. If anyone questions you, direct them to me." Without looking back, she briskly walked away.

I saw the small book in her hand,it wasn't there when she went inside and-

"Can I access the library?" I inquired immediately.

"You're free to access whatever you'd like," she replied curtly before disappearing from sight.