Chapter 98: The End of a Festival (II).
Lady Evelyn left the arena without saying another word leaving the crown prince, Lord Ein and a bunch of professors standing still waiting for someone to do the next move.
Professor Fraeya removes the [Obex Clastrum] spell on the students so they can talk normally again.
"Hm." The elven professor already has a hunch on what the human prince's personality and morals is.
The poison that was planted on his wand was his own doing.
'The reason for poisoning his own wand was to hurt Lady Alarie in such a state. I can't accuse him of attempted murder without proper evidence.' She places a hand under her chin thinking of ways to bring this human prince to be punished properly. 'Why would he want to murder his own fiancé I wonder?' There didn't seem to be some sort of struggle for power... Evelyn Alarie could be considered equal to his."
What she didn't know is that the answer would be clear in a few seconds.
Lord Ein scratches the back of his head, feeling a bit happy that the villainess got to hold the blonde girl in a princess carry. There were a few healing teams on standby that did their best, including a stretcher that was on the side of the arena.
"I think she forgot we had a stretcher somewhere around... oh well I guess I forgot to tell her that." He chuckles, knowing that even if he did suggest it to her she won't let anyone touch her.
"Ein... you fucking traitor. You know that Analissa Blanchet would be better off with me." Crown Prince Dereck's voice was venomous, his jealousy turning to rage.
It seemed he moved first, he tried pushing Lord Ein out of the way but he merely stood still and did his best to not let him follow the two girls that were on their way into the infirmary.
The former masochist lazily shrugs.
"Eh... I guess I am," (Lord Ein) responded nonchalantly, his eyes now focused solely on him. He wonders what in the world happened for him to go up to this limit.
He laced his own wand with poison.
Just to kill his own fiancé, burned her face to the point that you can't even recognize her anymore and... cried crocodile tears for what?
Just to gain Analissa's disgusted and disappointed stare?
Honestly, if he was his old self seeing everything it would've been nothing but all fun and entertainment for him. It has always been a vicious cycle of everything being boring for him... creating chaos is fun.
"After considering the pros and cons, I thought Analissa Blanchet was really an amazing friend to have." But now he genuinely liked that blonde idiot more than he expected.
She's funny, a little dumb but also hard to fool. Analissa Blanchet made him... somehow like a whole new person.
"Y-You've already become friends?" Crown Prince Dereck's voice faltered, a mix of disbelief and anger lacing his words.
"We bonded over a traumatic event. It's surprising how proper communication can lead two people to get along." Lord Ein's words were simple, but the weight of them hit harder than anything else. "Meanwhile, your highness, what have you been doing all this time?"
The crown prince was unable to look him in the eye.
What has he been doing all this time if not bonding with Analissa Blanchet?
He's been dreaming of Analissa.
He's been... relieving his stress in front of the commissioned portraits of Analissa.
He's been threatening people whoever comes close to Analissa.
"..."
Is that the only thing he's been doing?
"You're lucky there are people watching, but I swear you'll be next on my-" Crown Prince Dereck growled, his hands clenching into fists, frustration and desperation written all over his face.
"What will you do about it, Your Highness?" (Lord Ein) asked, his voice cold and challenging.
Crown Prince Dereck who once thought of Lord Einsel Loucrat to be a supporter of their love was now turning their back on him.
The Loucrat family has always been the right hand man of royalty. Each son they bear would serve the next crown prince, this was his duty! He should not stray away from it! Einsel Loucrat should learn how to bow and obey to his future king!
"You helped her take my beloved away from me. We had a deal." Crown Prince Dereck's anger was palpable, his face twisted in rage, but there was something else there too- fear, because he knew he was losing control over him. "I could get retrieve what you have lost, your family will be-"
He was confident that he could help restore Lord Einsel Loucrat's honor and respect from his father the moment he finds the whereabouts of the lost family heirloom of their family, but right now Analissa has got it covered so there was really no need to stay true to their original deal.
"Mm... yes, I'll be fine. I've misplaced my loyalty. I've been your lackey for too long. I guess I've grown up, you should too." Lord Ein's voice was calm, but the words carried an undeniable edge. "What you're doing to Lady Analissa is not healthy or respectful. You should learn when a girl says no-"
"She really means no." His words hit like a dagger, and the silence that followed was thick with the weight of his statement.
"What do you mean, no? She clearly likes me back-" Crown Prince Dereck's eyes narrowed, his pride flaring once more. "-She loves me, I'm sure she watched me win! How could anyone not fall for me after seeing me win?!"
"Then why did she tell you to move? Is she really here for you? Or for someone else like her dear friend that's carrying her right now in the infirmary?" (Lord Ein) countered, his gaze unwavering.
He couldn't believe that this man had the nerve to be such a delusional bitch that he can't see Analissa Blanchet is already figuring her feelings out for Evelyn Alarie?!
But then again if he finds that out who knows what he'll do to the two...
"Open your eyes, Dereck. If I can, then so can you." His voice was a challenge, cold and unforgiving. "So if you don't mind, yawn... why don't you celebrate your flawless and clean victory? You deserve it, right?"
Professor Fraeya Abeline understood everything after hearing the two's conversation.
To the other human professors who were trying to listen in only got a few sentences in.
But for an elf, their hearing is better so she heard everything.
'It seems I was right, this is an attempted crime of passion. The young prince wanted to kill his own fiancé just so he could be with another woman which is... Analissa Blanchet. His obsession should be monitored. There is something both wrong with them. I've noticed how some humans react to that girl... they become infatuated with her and they're... not aware of it.' She takes notes to be more careful around Analissa.
Lord Ein says nothing else and proceeds to leave the arena feeling like he deserves to eat like a king with everything that happened.
"For now let's fix this mess. Your highness, do you mind... if I take your wand for further investigation?" She asks Crown Prince Dereck who nods with a casual smile.
"Of course, Professor Fraeya, do what you will with it. I don't mind, I have nothing to hide after all." He seemed so confident in easily giving up his wand. "Professor, I hope you find the person who tampered with my wand. If you have any other questions for me I will be happy to provide."
Professor Fraeya politely smiles before casting [Inventorium], placing the wand inside. 'I really doubt things are going to be investigated properly since this is connected to a crime involving royalty, everything will be swept under the rug like always.'
"It seems that the magic duel competition is over! Your highness may I ask what was running through your mind as you fought the representative of class 1-A and won like it was nothing?! She forfeited after all!" (Mr. Wazinki) was bribed as well so be sure to follow orders to make the crown prince seem like the strongest.
The crown prince waves his hand, the cheers of the crowd was still there as all the professors left the arena and minded their own business.
"Well, with my skill and prowess for fire magic I knew that Lady Alarie's water was no match for me." He smiled and answered the interview questions as if nothing had happened before that. He began looking towards the crowd with open arms, "I am thankful for everyone's support. I could hear your cheers and it gave me the strength to do my best."
Deep inside however he was already planning his next attack.
'The fuck do you mean, open my eyes?' (Crown Prince Dereck) muttered in mind, his face twisted with rage but he did his best not to show it on his face. 'Oh, I have them open, and I swear... that bitch is going to die.'
===
Academy Infirmary
===
Step! Step! Step!
"Hah... hah... hah..." The villainess pants as she kept avoiding the students on her way, carrying the unconscious blonde girl up into the nearest infirmary. "The infirmary... there should be one nearby."
The infirmary was just right next door to the colosseum.
Lady Evelyn grits her teeth and keeps calming herself down. She whispers, "You'll be fine... you're going to be okay. I won't let anything happen to you, I promise."
Alaries don't break their promises.
"Please be alright." She held her a bit firmer and she finally found the door to the infirmary, she hastily knocked. "Excuse me! I need help! My friend fainted from using too much light magic!"
Knock! Knock! Knock!
An old nurse opens the door to the infirmary and is shocked to see a young girl with burnt clothes carrying another student lying unconscious on her arms. She had to adjust her glasses before realizing that this girl was Evelyn Alarie.
Anyone could recognize her figure.
"I need your help please!" (Lady Evelyn) pleaded to the old nurse, it was as if she was on the verge of tears as she asked. "Please... help her."
Her periwinkle eyes that used to be so calm, collected and composed looked so vulnerable.
If her old self could see her now, the villainess thought that this woman was nothing more but a nuisance to her peaceful life in maintaining her position and responsibilities to the crown. She wanted for the girl to stay away from the crown prince.
How long ago was that?
Nearing five months...?
Has that many months already passed?
"Oh dear, bring her in."
Without waiting she let herself in and placed the heroine on one of the infirmary beds, gently laying her down and making sure her pillow supported the back of her neck properly. The old nurse takes a few seconds to check her pulse, "Her pulse is a bit abnormal, this could be a sign of her overclocking. Can you tell me what happened to her? What kind of spell did she use that got her to this state... How about you dear? T-There's blood on your clothes!"
Lady Evelyn's eyes widened with the question, she was unconscious the whole time.
She didn't know how to answer the old nurse when it came to matters with Analissa Blanchet but as for the blood on her clothes...
"I-I... don't know... but Professor Fraeya already gave her a mana potion before... because she was coughing up blood. The blood on my clothes... belongs to her." She stares at the now dried stains of blood on her shirt before gripping it, staring desperately at the nurse. "I-Is she going to be alright?"
"She will be... goodness you youngsters, this year's students are a lot more reckless than they should be. We always have a few patients like her every foundation day." The old nurse observes the young Alarie before sighing, feeling that young people these days are far too careless but good on her for being thoughtful for her friend. "Alright, if that is the case- your professor did a good thing on the mana potion. We'll just give her a few rejuvenating spells for now to be sure. You go ahead and sit right there."
She points at the chair right next to the infirmary bed where Analissa Blanchet was laying.
The villainess breathes a sigh of relief finally knowing that her most important person is safe.
"Thank you."
===
Academy Infimary
Time: 5:30 PM
===
Outside of the arena, students were walking while preparing to go back to their dormitories. The festival has concluded, three days of celebration- this was also their last chance to say goodbye to their family before getting back to their school life... for their midterm exams are coming up.
A ginger haired girl was about to say goodbye to her folks who visited the academy just to see their little girl act in the play.
"Bye mum! Bye dad!" (Lady Harriot) hugs her parents tight, they hug their little girl back before waving goodbye and getting inside their carriage.
"Aye we'll miss you... oh...! We've had so much fun!" Both parents kissed her on the forehead as they left. "We'll pick you up on your semester break!"
Lady Harriot follows the carriage, a little excited to see her parents again next semester break after their big midterm exams. "Tell me brothers and sisters that I'll be fine! I made a friend too so they won't have to worry! Their big sister is not alone anymore!"
...
Meanwhile...
"Father... Mother..."
Lady Mirelle Avalon's family seemed awkward as they tried talking to their daughter hoping that everything could be explained, but none of them said a word. The family of the Avalons, a house relative of the Alaries.
Their house focuses on providing support and aid to the main house of the Alarie family, a house sworn to support their favor in cause certain trouble arises.
"Oh..." (Duchess Avalon could only hug her daughter and patted her head.
"I am so proud of you, my darling. You did your best... and I know you're doing what you think is right." (Duchess Avalon) wanted to hug her eldest daughter more but her husband placed a hand on her shoulder reminding her that they should leave as soon as possible to fix a few things- caused by none other than the crown prince.
"Don't worry, Mirelle. Your position in the academy won't be jeopardized. As long as you know you're innocent..." Her father tries assuring her that everything will be okay... she might be innocent but what will that horrible crown prince do to twist the story?
Lady Mirelle bites her lips, feeling disappointed at herself for falling into a trap. "Father... I... I'm sorry. I disappointed you. I might've gotten in a little bit of trouble but I swear I only did it to protect our family."
Duke Avalon nods in understanding, giving her a firm hand. "Its a good lesson to be learned. Whatever offer he gave you, don't have to cling onto it. Everything will be fine... we have the Alaries on our side."
Lady Mirelle buries her head into her mother's embrace and hoped that everything will be fine after the foundation festival ends. She knows... that the crown prince has a lot more plans in store for them. "I... do hope Evelyn is alright."
...
To those without parents to say their farewells to, they all went back to their dorms to have a good rest.
"Hmm... should I visit those two or let them be?" (Lord Ein) ponders as he stops by the infirmary. He sighs, thinking that there's still tomorrow and he has to make sure that the crown prince won't bother them so- he thought of a wonderful idea. "I'll just make sure Dereck doesn't get any funny ideas. I'll have to rage bait him for a bit. There's always tomorrow."
Ever the free spirit the former masochist is.
He remembers the trip from the hidden room and their share of spoils.
"I should get these pure crystals processed so I can get some money to pay Analissa and my savior, Lady Yates for letting me borrow a few of her savings." (Lord Ein) couldn't help but wonder, what's his new friend Lady Harriot Yates doing?
...
Penelope Thatcher on the other hand didn't go back to the dormitory just yet.
"That was the most thrilling school event I've ever been to." (Penelope) stretches her arms up as she smiles holding out her wand. "I guess... I should practice for a bit before heading back. I hope Lady Alarie is okay, she ran off in a hurry with her fight with the crown prince."
Penelope looks at her wand and remembers something off about it during the match.
"The way he was just throwing the same spells... all sloppily too... no tactics or meaning of it in the fight. It's almost impossible for Lady Alarie to lose against the crown prince. Her skill, tactics and well everything is far more superior than his." She frowns wondering if maybe... something happened behind the scene. "And her skin was burned horribly, that's not allowed to happen in any match. It's a good thing she's okay now thanks to that girl."
The commoner sections from 1-B have all heard of the legendary Analissa Blanchet.
Seducer of men!
Still nowadays Penelope could tell that it was all fake rumors.
"Could it be he cheated or was he set up?" The ever so observant commoner girl decided that in order for her to survive this academic life... she shouldn't get too involved in other people's problems.
"Well the only thing I can do is focus on myself! Self growth is key in being part of the royal mages! If I can beat Lady Alarie then I'll consider myself good enough to pass!" She happily walks over to the training grounds and plans to train all night.
...
The lackey was already in her room, she excused all of her servants as she updated her bulletin board of inspiration for making dresses.
On top of it was a note: [Do not forget! Birthday is next month!].
Lady Serene tiredly relieves the guilt and stress she was feeling by sketching, "She better be fine... she better be or else I'll find that stupid knight that blocked my way and make sure he gets fired!"
The lackey wants nothing more but to stand up and come running into the infirmary room just to make sure her friend is okay.
"But I can't face her right now..."
Tak!
Unfortunately, with the way she was pressing her pencil so hard on the paper as she sketched, the led broke and that got her in an angrier mood than before. "...grrr, this whole day is stupid! Utterly ridiculous and just so...! So..."
She stares at the drawn dress she had made just for her friend.
"So unfair." She throws the pencil on the side, the sketch she made shows the gown in soft charcoal and violet pencil, with layered shading suggesting deep purple tones rather than solid color.
The bodice is carefully contoured, fitted at the waist, with delicate feather-like details traced along the neckline.
Light, airy strokes form the long sleeves, giving them a sheer appearance.
The skirt flows outward in sweeping, curved lines, the hem fading into loose, above it, the crow mask is drawn in darker graphite, its smooth beak sharply defined and the eye sockets shaded deeply, making it the bold focal point.
It was Evelyn Alarie's birthday present next month.