The days went by in a blur, from visiting the circus at the outskirts to simply chatting in the garden, though there was the late-night paperwork it was sill manageable and so we spent our time in peace however in the end nothing lasts forever. Turning to Christine, who wore the academy uniform, a smile spread on my face
" Sadly, it seems our vacation is ending
While it has been short, I hope you had fun "
" Yes, it has been fun more so than anything I have ever experienced, If I ever get the chance I will make sure to visit again to express my gratitude "she replied a sad smile gracing her lips
For Christine the estate must have been like a paradise but as she is returning now, she might not get a chance to go again with how strict a hold her household has of her.
' I wouldn't let that happen though, but still having been given the opportunity why not tease her a little '
" Christine, you do know that the upcoming academy trip will be hosted in the arcane territory, right?" I said tilting my head
"E..eh!?"
" That was decided a week ago after some discussion with lord Merlin, did albert not tell you? "
Hearing my question a deep blush appeared at Christines face as an embarrassed look took over the previous sad smile, which was present with her body slightly shaking, however perhaps believing that not replying would be rude she squeezed out a few words.
" N..no he didn't, I just got to know now " she replied to me her voice slightly trembling
I almost laughed seeing how embarrassed she felt but barley held it in feeling that it would be too much for her to endure, so taking a deep breath instead I decided to continue the conversation instead.
" Is that so, well it is not like that will be the only other time you will be coming so you might get bored of the place "
" Hm, are there going to be other trips to the arcane estate in the future?"
" Ah, no, I meant for when I need to take an extended leave like this, I thought it would be nice to have you tag along
Only if you want of course"
Listening to my proposal Christine's eyes widened as she stared at me before lowering her head as small tears appeared which I acted like I didn't see
" Yes..., I... I would love to "
" Then it is a promise "
" Yes "
Entering as she said so was albert who seems to feel the somber mood
" Is everything fine " he asked staring at Christine her head lowered
Realizing this Christine started nodding her head quickly as she wiped her face
" If that is what you say young miss
on another topic the gate has been established you should be able to go now " Albert announced changing the topic
At the moment Christine and I were waiting for the gate to connect to the academy, thankfully it didn't take too long. So, entering the room we found ourselves ready to go.
Standing before the portal Christine closed her eyes and held out her hand, taking it, I took a deep breath and walked through alongside her.
.....
Having returned to the academy the first thing I did was make some tea to drink with the cookies I have brought, while doing so Christine who was seated at the table looked thoroughly confused.
" Um...Sir Nicholos "
" Yes Christine?"
" Homeroom is in twenty minutes shouldn't we get going now? "
" Well, you are right however the corridors would be full of students at this time, so I decided to be a little late "
Hearing my response Christine face changed growing nervous
" Is that okay, I know that we have permission but isn't this too much??"
" Do not worry and to tell you the truth there is another reason I want to be late "
" Another? Do you perhaps have an appointment or something? "
Listening to Christine I could only shake my head
' The reason is you '
Originally Christine would have woken earlier than anyone else so she could avoid the crowd, just the fact that she was in a crowded place would have had her frozen stiff which was why I had to book the entire place when I took her out.
' So, for now it would be better to be late '
I couldn't tell her that or she would feel guilty so instead I said something else
" I simply cannot go before having my cup of tea " I said in a haughty tone
and Christine who heard that could only let out a laugh at the absurdity of it
" Well, I guess we have no choice then " she said in between her giggles
Having finished that I poured our tea as we sat an enjoyed our cookies together.
By the time we have reached the classroom we were already 15 minutes late but as if that was a lie, I simply opened the door and came in, and just like the last time I found myself in front of Isabella again
" Lord Nicholos, Christine, it has been a while since we have last seen you, I hope you have been well?" Isabella asked to which we only nodded
" Usually, the act of being late would have given you a demerit however Lord merlin said that there were circumstances so I will let it slide this time " Having said that we were about to excuse ourselves to go to our seats when a sudden sound came from the front
With long golden hair flowing and deep red eyes, the third princess of the empire Eleanor Dragonblood, stood up glaring in my direction.
" Is there something you wish to say, Eleanor" Isabella said as she walked in front of me, still Eleanor completely ignored her as she kept staring at me
" I can't accept this professor
This academy was built on the foundation that all are equal, yet not only does he get to keep his title he also continually abuses it in such a manner
From arriving late, to taking a leave of absence for over a week
I understand that there may be some circumstances but at the very least he should speak of them "
Having finished her speech, the class fell silent as I could feel a multitude of stares from the other students who thought the same thing with Christine who was behind me growing increasingly nervous however this wasn't a problem.
After all I had long since thrown away any sense of shame I had so before Isabella could speak, I opened my mouth
" It was my late father's birthday so as the acting lord I had spent a week going through the memorial rites "
At my words an even heavier layer of silence came upon the classroom as I could see as Eleanor's face gradually grow whiter as the time passed
Staring behind I could see Christine looking at me with a dumbfounded expression
She must be wondering what nonsense I am spouting however it is the truth the former heads birthday was last week it is just that nobody cared, well maybe albert did but he was probably the only one
' That doesn't explain why Christine was also with me but that wasn't important at the moment, right now I am the mourning son who was called out for doing his filial duties '
So, staring at the ground I continued to speak as if filled with guilt
" I wished to say one last goodbye, but it seems I have caused a commotion "
Eleanor having heard that started visibly shaking while all who were staring at me had their heads turned the other way
It seemed that saying anything more would have been too much even for them, so breaking the silence was none other than Isabella whose eyes where full of pity
" That is enough, how about you go and take a seat you don't need to explain anymore,
and Eleanor I would like to have a talk with you after we finish homeroom "
Heeding her words both Christine and I took our seats as Eleanor proceeded to collapse into hers, the only thing constant through the entire ordeal was Christine's silent confusion as she stared at me.