The next morning,In the grand estate of Kaelan
"Young master, how will you be going to the academy today for the prep program?" Master Remus asked.
I thought for a moment. "Hmm, guess, my dear one, how should I go?"
"Master, since you're keeping a low profile, maybe take a cab with our guard as your driver?"
I chuckled. "You're too old, Remus. Do you really think my low profile would fit with a cab ride? You're naive."
"Hmm, then… get a public bus. Ask Uncle Richard to provide a personal public bus for me. Tell him I asked for it—he will intertwine with the government to make it happen."
"Wouldn't that be a problem? If Uncle Richard finds out about your plans here and tells your parents?"
"Don't worry, my uncle Richard is fully obsessed with me, and since he holds the sole power in government, he won't seek my parents' help or permission. Just tell him the public bus is for my safe transport. Do you get it?"
"Yes, young master. But what about today?"
"Hmm, I know Uncle will arrange it within an hour or so."
"That's terrific, master! Then we won't have to worry about it."
"Hmm… do we really not have to?"
"Let me at least experience it first, my dear one."
"Young master, what are you planning?"
"Remus, get me a bus card today. I will walk to the academy for today."
"Young master, you shouldn't—it's very far away."
"It's just ten minutes from here. I'm not a newborn kid. Get me my uniform; I will leave soon."
"Yes, young master. As you say, I will get it ready."
I grinned. So we finally meet Seren Valen… Let's see if we get to talk today or not.
After some time,
"Farewell, young master. I will be waiting for you."
"Remus, when Uncle Richard gets the public bus to the estate, send its info to me later so I can take it to come back home."
"Yes, young master. As you wish."
"Okay, I'm off. Remus, you better wait to lose."
I walked down the street, staring at my map. Huh, seriously, this map is bad. When will I reach? Okay, now straight…
Suddenly, I crashed into someone, and her books and papers spilled everywhere.
"Hey! Watch your way sometime. Don't be a prisoner to that phone," the girl snapped.
I looked up, caught off guard—not just by the collision but by her appearance. Black hair instead of golden, and brown eyes, not the blue I expected. Completely different.
"Sorry, I was just trying to get to the academy. I was watching the map. Let me help you," I said, kneeling to gather the scattered papers.
"Hmm, wait—your uniform? Are you also joining the prep program at the academy?" she asked.
"Umm, yes. Why?"
"Ugh, are you dumb? You missed the academy by a few blocks," she said, exasperated.
"Ohh, that's why the map kept saying 'straight, straight.' At least tell me to take a turn first. Let me help you with your stuff," I replied.
After we collected everything, I stood and shouted, "Okay, prep program, here I come!"
"Hey, wait! Let's go together. You're too dumb; you'll get lost. I'm also going there," the girl said.
"Hmm, are you a teacher there?" I asked.
"Nope, I'm a student," she replied.
"Hmm, but why aren't you wearing a uniform?"
"For starters, Mr. Dummy, uniforms are to be worn after the academy officially starts," she said with a smirk.
Remus, just wait until I come home. Just wait, I thought with a smirk of my own.
"Okay, let's go," the girl said.
While we walked,
"Hey, doesn't Mr. Dummy know how to introduce himself when meeting someone new?" she teased.
"Oh yeah, I forgot. Hey, my name's Kaelan. What about you?"
"As Mr. Dummy was asked to introduce himself, I'll tell mine when I'm in the mood," she said.
"Hmm, you're stubborn, I guess."
"Think of me as whatever you like. If I'm stubborn, then I'm the girl," she smiled.
Suddenly, bells rang loudly.
"Hey, the bell's already rung, Mr. Dummy! Hurry up, or we'll be late on the first day," she said, grabbing my arm and pulling me along.
"Okay, okay! Don't rush!" I laughed as she tugged me toward the classroom.
Inner thoughts:
She's nothing like the Seren I saw that day… but somehow, I feel drawn to her.
Who is she really?