In a dining room of a beautiful mansion, seated around an elegant table covered with a golden tablecloth, with tableware and silverware lying on expensive crimson cloth handkerchiefs.
-My son is going to Stariar Academy next year. -Said Countess Albanezia of Requerent in a cheerful tone.
The countess had a youthful charm despite being over thirty years old, as magic helped to maintain youth, she as a former student of the Stariar Academy was proud to have reached the fifth circle. Countess Albanezia had beautiful green eyes and liked to wear precious gems that matched the color of her eyes and her elegant dark colored dresses that contrasted with her beautiful white skin and dark brown hair.
The hostess, a woman with blue eyes, pale white skin, long, brown and straight hair, was of an understated beauty, she always wore attire that at first glance was simple but whose style and elegance was visible at a second glance, she was the Marquise Marta de Sigerid.
Marquise Marta was an observant woman, so she quickly noticed that Duchess Jesica seemed distracted, so she asked her pretending to be concerned:
-Duchess, is something bothering you?
The duchess who a few seconds before was only thinking about how to finish with Evans before the graduation, smiled when she heard the voice of the marquise and told her:
-I was just thinking about my son Henry, and my stepson who seems to be plotting against him.
The ladies present knew each other by the connection or vassal status their territories had with the Qualty duchy, so upon hearing the duchess's words they feigned indignation and concern as that private gathering of noble ladies merited.
The Duchess had only decided to attend, because she knew the fame that the son of the Marquise possessed, who like the son of the Countess Albanezia would enter the Academy next year, she wanted them to openly support her son, so that no one would question the subsequent succession.
The marquise looked thoughtful, suddenly she sketched a subtle smile and said:
-I will talk it over with Zigder.
The duchess controlled her expression, for she knew that the marquise had said nothing with those words, and her smile meant, "What will I gain if I support you?"
It was a society of nobles, and when nobles met, only those of high rank were allowed to negotiate, the rest of the nobles could only agree and follow what was desired by those above them. The moment the Marquise uttered those words the other two countesses present fell silent and waited in silence.
"You are very greedy Marquise Marta; but if I obtain the support of the richest marquisate in the region, few will doubt the stability of my son as successor to the duchy; I know that Marquis Sigerid wishes to ascend to duke. Do you want the support of the Qualty duchy?" the duchess smiled, and answered politely:
-I am glad, I hope so.
With those words the Marquise understood that the Duchess was open to negotiate, and she intended to take advantage of that opportunity.
••••
It was about four hours before nightfall. On the outdoor training field, a sword and spear come close to Evans' neck but he only walks backwards and the weapons pass within an inch of his neck.
"They have improved," thought Evans who was weakly boosting his senses to dodge Karven and Merzic's attacks.
Bang!
A sudden leap from Karven whose steady gaze showed how determined he was; Merzic infused cutting aura into his sword keeping the distance; but, Karven was surprised by Evans who stepped back and gained momentum to attack Merciz who was surprised to see Evans approaching.
Cut!
Merzic swung his sword to make a horizontal cut from which the cutting aura energy was released, but as it was a desperate attack, Evans only dodged it ducking just enough while he advanced until he was in front of Merzic who when he felt the edge of Evans' sword on his neck said:
-I surrender!
Evans turned his back to look at Karven who had jumped, and mistakenly Merzic thought that Evans had lowered his guard so he jumped to catch him but he was grabbed by one of his arms and thrown with force with his own momentum against Karven, who tried hard to dodge and then received a punch in the side of the face that left him unconscious for a few seconds.
Evans observes Merzic who stood up wielding his sword, Merzic saw his own sword and thought "shit, I'm dead".
Bang!
Bang!
Merzic swung his sword in a desperate attempt to achieve something but he only heard the sound of his sword being blocked by Evans' sword, then he received a punch that made him roll on the ground, sitting up and dizzy Merzic saw Evans approaching and only closed his eyes while muttering:
-Go to hell!
Evans found the comment hilarious.
Bang!
Evans' fist hit Karven's metal bar that blocked the attack, Karven excitedly wanted to say something, but...
Bang!
A punch to the chin suspended Karven in the air, then a kick to the abdomen threw him to the ground.
-You were overconfident when you blocked my attack; don't forget, don't let your guard down. -Evans pointed out.
-You're the worst trainer in the world. Female professor Adel is an angel. -Karven said in a breathless voice because it was hard for him to breathe.
-That's enough for today. Go to the infirmary and meditate properly. -Evans told them, and after those words, he left without saying goodbye.
Karven, who was still not getting up, extended his hand towards Evans while he thought, "Damn, take us to the infirmary".
-Right; circulate the mana, and turn it into aura. -Karven muttered the words he had learned during the torturous training.
••••
Several days later.
In the magic theory classroom, Professor Raneira was in front of the class giving her opinion on the results of the exams that the students had handed in.