Sick in the head Ch.24

*The night of the ball*

Somewhere in the Academy has a huge building. The insides were large with high ceilings. The hall are big enough for to fit the whole school's residents and was carried by fluted columns with gold leaf accents and scrollwork. The floor was made of glossy hardwood, thick velvet drapes over the large French windows, and the hall was lit by tiered crystal chandeliers, glittering in the soft light. At the end of the hall, was a marble bifurcated stair with wooden balustrade leading to the second level. On the right corner was a small orchestra, with grand piano and baritone sax, playing some classical musics. Guests from the second and third years of the Academy are all gathering in their fancy tuxedo and gowns, and ladies with updos and expensive jewelry.

People were gathered around the dance floor, surrounding small round dining tables, enough to fit for two to three people. Under the guise of a welcoming party, it also a social gathering for the aristocrats to connect along their peers on whatever means they can, especially with the three great houses.

"Oh my goddess miss, you look stunning!"

"Why thank you!! You're also fabulous yourself.. and look at the boys over there, they're actually look decent when they're dressed up."

"Exactly… but look at his highness though… He's out of this world."

The ladies said as she stared at his highness, prince Cercis coming down from the chariot and entering the ballroom through the arch entries. Cercis was in a three piece suits. His dark-red jacket was lengthy down to his knees, his vest and leather shoes were matching with the jacket and embroidered with gold textures. His bow tie had a crest of a lion pinned to the side of his chest, and his hair that usually covered his eyebrows was slicked back, showing his temple and golden like- arch eyebrows. All the ladies were squealing at the sight of his grace joining the hall.

At the same time, there was an uproar at the side of the gentlemen as well when Irene walked in. Her left side of the hair was braided down, giving her side bang. Her dress was white, top off with a silky purple silhouette. The dress has collapsed sleeves, low neck lines, elongated V shaped bodice and full skirt, similar of the 1800s style. Others accessories like the pearl necklace and purple sapphires earrings really grabbed a hold of everyone on the night floor.

"Goodness that commoner… she's so pretty.."

" ughh.. Seriously, how could she even afford all of this?"

"I'm not suprised if she tempts rich men to get those jewelry…"

"Hahaha! Isn't that right?!"

"Hmm.. I think you should watch your tone… I heard that his highness himself invited her to this dance.."

"Huh?! What type of nonsense is that?! That can't be.. if it was true then...why didn't they came in together earlier?!"

"Umm.. you wouldn't believe this.. but apparently that commoner… she declined his invitation.."

"What?!!"

The crowds were whispering around all over about situations between Cercis and Irene. Is there really something between the royal family and a commoner?! And I'm the midst of all this, where is his fiancée, the lady of the Corvus?!

*Earlier, at the aristocrat's dormitory ( Marigold's Dormitory), Kannavis's POV"

"Arck.. I can't find my egg!!" I yelled out. It was an hour before the welcoming party. I was wearing a nice yellow tuxedo dress, getting ready to head to the ball when I noticed the egg over the counter top of my drawer was missing.

"Crap! Has it hatched? Or did it accidentally drop and roll away somewhere?" I said out loud while bending over to look under every crooked corner of the room. This is weird, if that thing was to hatch, wouldn't it leave some trails of shells behind? Maybe I misplaced it somewhere?

*Knock, Knock*

*Bang!*

"Oof!" I let out. I was leaning under my bed while suddenly, loud knockings from the door jump scared me and I bumped my head with the bed's board.

"Miss Kannavis?" Monica called out from the outside.

"Y-yeah?!" I shouted.

"Are you alright in there? The party's about to start, will you be coming with us?" Monica asked.

"No-yeah I'm fine. Leave first, I'll be behind." I said.

"O-okay.." Monica said, then left with Leslie.

"… Hasn't Kannavis been a bit distant with us lately?" Leslie said to Monica while they were walking away.

Monica scanned around the area, making sure that no one was around before giving an answered- ".. You're right.. After the last summer, she hasn't been around us that often… on the contrary, it looks like she always sticks around that commoner.."

"Tsk.. That wench!.. She's being all high and mighty just because the prince favors her.. one day, I'm going to make her pay!" Leslie said with a bitter look on her face.

"…" Monica stayed silent by that comment. She knew that even though they're of noble status, but facing a foe like her head on would mean death.

*Back to Kannavis*

Damn it! It's gone! This is worrisome..and the sun has already set, I should get going before Irene sulks about this… I'll find it later. I grabbed my silky scarf and head out. On the way there, I stumbled upon Hedera. He was wearing a emerald coburn great coat, with a dark green paisley vest. His long crimson hair that was usually tied back up was let down and the upper layer was braided into a bun, pinned up by a metallic clip that carved like snake. His appearance was unconditionally elegant like a benevolent man, none could have guessed that he's a bit of a weirdo…

He was exiting out of his lab, but as he did, I caught a glimpse of someone's hand closing the door from the inside... who was it? Anyway Hedera spotted me and came over, in a his hand was a bottle containing some sort of liquid, but its shaped is of similar to a liquor bottle… Booze.. I haven't had the taste of liquor at all even since I have arrived here. Because of my age, I was prohibited for consuming any alcohol.. Damn it! it's nice being youthful and all, but I really want to drink!!

I was unaware that I was drooling while staring at his hand until he lets out a giggle at the sight of it.

"Haha! Oh miss Kannavis… I didn't know you're a fan of this type of stuff too.. though I think you're not supposed to have any either." Hedera said while having a smuggled look on his face.

Ahh I really want to smack his face… but I want that bottle of wine.

"Greetings professor. Are you making your way to the ball as well?" I politely asked.

"Mmm I do wish to go there as well.. but instead, I have to attend the welcoming party for the Academy's social workers. Old boring people are really not my amusement.." Hedera said as felt his face with his hand, a displeased expression.

Oh I remember this. The after party scene, you can either spend it with Cercis, or Hedera. He'll be around here, just sitting and gazing the stars. If you leave the ball's early, you can join him here, sipping some wine, or not. *cough, you're not supposed to, cough* Some say that playing Hedera's road is like the bad boy x good girl trope, He'll lead you to do some stuff out of the book, and that boosts his favors of you when you get closer. Personally… No.

"The party's about to start, Miss Kannavis. I think you should hurry." Hedera said while I was out of zoned.

".. Professor, how about a deal?" I said.

"Mmm?" Hedera raised both of his eyebrows, wondering what I was trying to do.

"Let me have the bottle. In exchange, I'll tell you a little secret about a little someone." I said.

"… By that someone, you mean?" Hedera questioned slowly.

"The witch of course. I know you have an interest in her, so I want to help you win her over… if you can then, maybe his highness will finally come to me." I said, with a fake look of desperation on me.

Hedera thought for a second than asked- "Alright.. I understand your point, but what of use do you need with this bottle of liquor?"

"… I just wanted to have a taste of it." I replied bluntly. It was the truth, I really just want to drink it, plus if somehow Irene ended up around this guy, she doesn't have to go along with his foolery and consume alcohol (Intention from the person who also acting like a fool*)

Hedera thought for a second and laughed… he must think that I'm really an idiot.

He then hands out the bottle to me. "Alright here. Please go easy on it, miss. It's a really strong liquid. I'm sure it wouldn't suit your youthful palette though."

I smiled and bids him off. As I was walking to ballroom, I thought- wouldn't it be weird if I entered the party with a bottle of wine in my hand? Wouldn't they start to call me the drunkard lady or something?… I stopped in my track.

"… Let's just sit here and enjoy the wine for a bit. The night is still young anyway." I said. The first sip was exhilarating. It felt so great, being able to drink again. A sip after another was endless, and I was out of it. Everything was blank after that night.

*Gasp!*

Sh*ts, where am I? Ughh… I feel like my head's about to explode… My visions were dizzy, but as I scanned my surroundings… I was in my room. Everything seemed to be in a bit of a mess, the mirror's broken, my couches and walls were tattered open. Huh.. this is giving me nostalgia..what happened?

"Mmph.."

Huh that groan… I turned to my left to see an Angel's asleep beside me. She was in a white silky garment that seemed to be a bit too small for her body… isn't it mine?… she looked so gracious just sleeping. Out of boredom, I ran my hand along her silver hair, slicking it back then I saw something. There's a bite mark on her neck? Wait… why is she in my bed?!