"Eric... What exactly are you doing in the low ranker's dorm? You should be a high ranker."
The blue-haired boy walked toward the table opposite the bunks, settling onto it as he looked up at Eric, who gazed down at him with that familiar grin.
This bastard is definitely here to watch me.
"I don't know what you're trying to imply. But this is purely coincidence," Eric said, never breaking eye contact.
[One of your old friends?]
More like an old enemy.
"So you weren't sent here to monitor me?" The blue-haired boy's ash-colored eyes showed nothing but disinterest as he turned to find his belongings, searching for clean clothes.
"You overestimate your value. Do you really think the Emperor would be bothered with the likes of you?"
"I see. But that still doesn't explain why you're here. Son of Archduke Orton. You being here should be impossible unless..." He trailed off, walking into the bathroom.
"Why are you here, El?"
"Don't call me that."
"Fine." Eric's expression turned serious. "Why are you here... Lorelle?"
"I no longer go by that name." The sound of running water muffled his voice as he began washing. "And to answer your question—the academy has no direct ties to Yuphenia. So why should I tell you my reasons?"
[This is too much drama for one day. Just merge with this blessing already.]
...
"Oh, so you've also disowned your own name? Surely you know what that means." Eric's eyes narrowed despite the amusement in his voice.
"Why wouldn't I? I have no ties to the Empire, and I have no plans of ever having any."
"I see..." Eric's grin widened. "Do you remember... Eloisa?"
The water stopped running for a moment.
"She got engaged to Prince Allen." Eric's tone was laced with cruel amusement. Though he couldn't see Lorelle's face, he could imagine how those words hit.
But there was only silence.
"I guess that doesn't really bother you... At the end of the day, you're still that psycho, El."
To this, Lorelle just smiled.
"Let me guess... you came here to find out if I now have control of my blessing?" His voice was steady again, heart rate returning to normal.
Eric remained silent, staring at the bathroom door.
"Or is it to find out if I've aligned myself with the other Empire?" This time, Eric's expression turned cold and calculating.
"Where did you go after escaping house arrest? How did you even escape in the first place?" Eric asked—one of the mysteries that still didn't make sense after three long years.
"Details, details, details." Lorelle stepped out of the bathroom, getting dressed.
"What level are you at?" Eric hopped down from the bunk bed, catching a glimpse of Lorelle's Meta-watch before grinning.
"One?!" He exclaimed.
Lorelle didn't reply, just kept putting on his black and white tracksuit.
"It seems you're still the same. For a moment there I thought you were actually a threat." Eric laughed as he walked toward the door.
Annoying bastard. I hate this idiot... But he's far stronger than me. The frustration burned—he couldn't do shit to Eric.
"So you're not a low ranker," Lorelle noted without looking up. He'd guessed as much—no belongings, and it was virtually impossible for a spoiled brat like Eric to endure living in such a place.
"Of course not." Eric grabbed the doorknob, then tilted his head slightly. "I'll give you a piece of advice. Don't give me a reason to screw you over..." he laughed walking out.
"...Just fuck off, dick head."