We walked through the long hallway situated on the second floor of the Trivia School's Magic Research and Study Wing—a large building solely built for that specific subject.
It was early in the morning, the whole place felt warm. The sun was already high in the sky, and the chirping of the birds made the whole surroundings even more beautiful.
I matched Lisa's steps, following behind her with a thin stack of papers and a file tucked under my arm. She walked ahead of me with grace; even though her status as the archduke of this continenti is hidden on paper here, her body language hasn't forgotten the dignity it once held.
Today's class is to be held on the third floor of the Research Lab. The hallway walls in our way were decorated with several notice boards and abstracts. There were also alternating windows that revealed the beautiful parks and pathways students used to get to their classes.
As we continued, a painting came into view—a faculty picture taken years ago, with all members seated in formation. I wasn't in it, of course, but I spotted Lisa standing just behind the acting headmaster, and Hekate in her cat form at the front.
We turned a corner that led to a staircase. I followed Lisa's lead, climbing each step while admiring how her hair, tied in a ponytail today, swayed with every movement.
As Lisa reached the third floor, a voice reached my ears before I could take the final step.
"A very good morning, Professor Lisa."
The voice was polite, almost sing-song. Still standing on the last stair, I couldn't see the owner of the voice. I shifted my head to peer past Lisa's shoulder, catching sight of a handsome man with blonde hair.
Definitely a professor. He wore a royal-design suit beneath his cloak, adorned with a professor's badge on his chest.
"Good morning, Professor Eddie," Lisa replied.
It was Eddie. Lisa's voice was maligned like his existence barely registered. like it didn't matter whether his existence actually existed or not.
I felt bitterness forming in my mouth. This conniving little weasel was responsible for that attack, after all.
A dazzling smile spread across Eddie's face as if her cold response was a praise for him. His eyes shifted from her to me, and his gaze then slid from her to me, his mouth parting in awe.
"Ah. Hero of the city."
His words hit me like someone had popped a party popper in my face. Hero of what? I questioned myself. I blinked rapidly, struggling to keep my composure.
As much as a frown struggled to surface, I suppressed it. A nagging thought appeared in my mind: Did something stupid happen overnight? Things just kept happening one after other out of nowhere.
Back at the opening ceremony, Eddie hadn't so much as glanced at me. He didn't talk to me. He didn't approach me at all. Not that I wanted him to.
Everyone was rattled after what happened at the ceremony. After all, the "Legendary Goddess's favorite cat"—the Goddess herself in cat form—had openly shown affection toward me. Everyone present in the hall were dumbfounded.
Now, Eddie wanted me gone. To him, I am a mystery: someone the school's most respected figure favored, someone who spent most of their time with Lisa, someone who could, if I could have support to be socially powerful, steal her away.
That must be how he sees things. In his ideal world, Lisa would have no one to rely on but him. Leaving her vulnerable to his advances. He even hired spies and assassins to clear his path.
Which is why it was so strange that he even initiated a conversation. Shouldn't he be avoiding me, given his resentment? But then again, it's not like he can treat me any less, he had to maintain the lovable reputation that he had going on in the school. Above all that, his choice of words confused me most, how he addressed me.
"Good morning, Professor Eddie," I replied, ignoring his strange choice of words while offering him a polite smile. It was hard to muster sincerity in front of this two-faced bastard, but the thought of ruining his life someday helped a little.
"Yes, a very fine morning," Eddie replied, his smile radiant as ever.
This bastard is so good at pretending. It's baffling how he can act so friendly when he probably hates me more than anything.
I am certain it was him who was behind yesterday's incident.
"Arthur."
I spoke suddenly, pushing the conversation forward and lifting my eyebrows slightly as if correcting him.
"Hm?"
"My name, its Arthur," I said pointedly, then paused, letting the words sink in before repeating his name just as formally. "Professor Eddie."
"Ha. Right. I know that," he replied, suggesting he was well aware.
And of course, he knew. He'd gone through the trouble of involving gangsters—they must have investigated me thoroughly. Too bad none of them could find anything useful.
Eddie's fake, saintly expression then twisted into something pitying.
"You're very famous, after all."
I am famous? I questioned internally. When did that happen? I figured he must be referring to the ceremony. Being announced as Lisa's assistant was one thing, but Hekate openly approached me in front of everyone. That would've sealed it.
Before any one of us else could say anything further in our conversation.
"Let's go. We have a class to attend."
Lisa's voice cut through the moment like a blade. Right—class was about to start.
"Yes, obviously, you both should be on your way."
And he didn't seem to mind, Eddie's smile only brightened. Lisa's tone was harsh, and it didn't feel like she was even acknowledging Eddie's.
Crazy bastard. I don't understand his relentless sycophancy.
Now that I think about it, why is he here? He should have a class himself. We'd never crossed paths before in the past few weeks. So this greeting—It shouldn't just be a coincidence.
"I hope we see each other soon, Professor Yates."
Eddie gave Lisa a sharp, respectful nod—a gesture used by high-ranking royals. His entire demeanor—holier-than-thou aura, approachable charm, and regal manners—was all a ploy to get close to her, to become Archduke. A dangerously unhealthy obsession.
Lisa nodded slightly in return, and Eddie turned to me.
"I'll see you next time... Silver Wing Protector."
The last three words were uttered low, like a whisper, as he walked past me. I followed his retreating figure from the corner of my eye. His cloak dragged dramatically behind him as he descended the stairs, radiating a fake air of charisma.
"You are frowning. Very much," Persephone remarked, casually flipping through classroom windows like a bored spirit.
Her comment came right after Eddie disappeared from view, and Despite my efforts, an aggravated scowl had taken over my face.
"What is his deal?" I muttered, annoyed.
"Something wrong?" Lisa asked, already walking toward the lab. Calming myself I followed.
"Pardon my curiosity, but what is your impression of Professor Eddie, Miss Lisa?" I inquired.
"Troublesome," she replied instantly. I agreed—that word fit Eddie's existence perfectly. "Better to treat him like a passing wind."
I think so too. But the problem is...
"But sometimes, if left unattended, that passing wind turns cause a hurricane just to get some attention." And Eddie was exactly that kind of storm, who would likely bring only problems for her attention.
"You're suspiciously talkative today," Lisa said playfully.
"Right? Using every word from his vocabulary dictionary," Persephone chimed in, matching her playful tone.
Ignoring their taunts, I cleared my throat and refocused.
Two students appeared ahead of us, walking in our direction. I could tell they were second years by the indigo ribbons loosely tied beneath their cloaks like neckties.
At Trivia, student years were represented by ribbon colors in rainbow order, each color marking a different academic year.
As soon as the students saw us, they greeted Lisa and me before continuing on their way.
"It was just a passing curiosity," I said. "Though, I wonder why he called me by that strange phrase at the end."
Immersed in our conversation, I realized I was walking beside Lisa instead of behind her, as I usually do. She noticed too, glancing at me from the corner of her eye.
"Silver Wing Protector."
Hearing the same phrase leave her mouth, I grew more suspicious and confused.
I was walking in step with her, which might have seemed a little bold in front of those students earlier. But instead of falling back, I stayed by her side, my head turned to look at her.
Confusion was clearly written on my face. She knew what that phrase was supposed to mean.
We continued walking toward the Research Lab as Lisa began to explain the situation.
***
It was just past eight in the evening. The marble halls echoed with footsteps as faculty and students moved about—some meeting colleagues or lovers, others heading to the all-around restaurants for dinner.
All the classes had ended. Working hours were over. Most of the faculty members and students had returned to their dorms.
I lay sprawled on my bed in the darkened room. The royal blue walls looked even deeper in the shadows, Only a yellow tint of light mixed with red and green spilled in through the window.
Haaa...
"You've been sighing all day," Persephone grumbled from my work chair. Her chin rested lazily on the back of her hand, which pointed toward her neck, elbow propped on the desk.
Haaa...
+
[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' comments: "It's not that bad." ]
+
Big-Sis Nubecula also showed her concern flashed across the comment panel. Unlike that other weird-username asshole jerk, she actually seemed to care about me.
Haaaaaaa...
I flattened out, sinking into the bed's soft cushion with limbs splayed like a starfish.
Haaa...
Another sigh escaped my lips. I couldn't help it—my worst nightmare had come true. This shouldn't have happened. It wasn't supposed to happen.
"In the name of the supreme being. Stop it," Persephone scolded in frustration.
-If it's so annoying, why were you razzing me all day?
I shot back at her through the chatbox, rolling my head in her direction, clearly uninterested. All I could think about was what Lisa had told me this morning.
Her scowl vanished, replaced by a tight, mocking smirk.
"Pftt." Her finger quickly pressed to her lips, stifling laughter. "It's just that name—"
Haaa...
I sighed again, cutting her off and burying my face into the pillow. Closing my eyes, light sparkles danced in the darkness behind my eyelids as my mind replayed Lisa's words from earlier.
Apparently, the attack at the Plaza had become a hot topic in town. I get it—it was a big deal. The whole Brimos market could have been destroyed. Those spies went to extreme lengths—bombs and all. The entire Brimos market could've been destroyed.
But did they really have to name the incident something so weird?
The incident had made it to the front page of the local newspaper. I supposed the massive silver wings—shielding the plaza like a dome—might've been a bit... much. A little too eye-catching.
The article covered how we—me, Ducas, and Valerie—had stopped the spies, but the focus was squarely on me.
The reason? Obviously the angelic silver wings that had stretched from my back to cover the entire central area.
Thankfully, they didn't get any clear shots of our faces. The picture was taken from a high angle and mostly showed the massive silver wings.
Valerie also managed to limit how much people knew about our involvement. Thank God.
"Silver Wing Protector."
But still, the headline—"The Silver-Wing Protector Who Saved the Plaza"—had stuck. And that's how people in the city who didn't know me started referring to me.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Dionysus' is laughing. ]
[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' is trying to hold her laughter. ]
+
Even the Nubeculas were laughing at me. My worst nightmare. God, why did I get saddled with such a cringy nickname? Maybe I should laid low? Maybe people will forget.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments: "I think it's good. I can work with it." ]
[ Some Nubeculas are nodding. ]
+
Shit. I was hoping the name would fade with time. But if she says she can work with it... then it had potential, it's probably going to spread.
"I will definitely make him suffer for this," I mumbled darkly into the pillow, my voice muffled.
Eddie needs to pay. He's the root of this whole mess. I'm not letting someone screw with me this badly and walk away.
Knock...
Suddenly, I heard a knock, which snapped me from my thoughts. It was faint—I wasn't even sure I'd heard it. Could have been my imagination.
I paused for a few seconds, focusing on the sounds around me. Nothing.
Knock... Knock...
Another round, two this time. Still faint, like someone tapping with no strength.
Knock... Knock... Knock...
-You hear that knocking sound, right?
Uncertain, I sent the message to Persephone, who was now flipping through some papers on my desk, looking disinterested.
"Hm? Oh, yes. There are three people outside."
I see. So it wasn't my imagination. I yawned and forced my sore muscles, pushing myself up.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I braced my weight on my arms. I didn't want to move—everything felt sore from the day's work. Ugh. Too much work today. I almost wished someone else would get the door.
Knock... Knock... Knock... Knock...
The knocking grew louder, more frequent. My eyes drifted to Persephone. Should I ask her?
Nope. Bad idea. That thought was gone as soon it came. First, she'd just ignore it or make a glib comment. Second, if she opened the door, no one would see her open it. Yeah... terrible idea.
Knock... Knock... Knock... Knock... Knock...
Yeah, yeah. Hold on. I'm coming.
Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
Now it was a full-on drumroll against the wood.
Hurriedly, I walked over to the door and jerked it open with a slight frown.
Click.
As I opened the door, my annoyed expression met two unexpected visitors standing in the hallway - the silver-haired brat and the red-haired princess
Ducas brushed past me without a word, followed closely by Valerie.
I stared at them blankly as they entered the room without so much as a greeting. I closed the door and stepped inside as well.
"What are you both doing here? It's past evening hours," I stared blankly as I asked, pointing toward both of them with a confused expression.
I was already irritated from the whole Silver-Winged Protector fiasco earlier, and now these two had shown up, knocking like a pair of woodpeckers.
"Sir Arthur, you see… we… umm…" Ducas stammered awkwardly, standing stiff with his hands behind his back. He seemed at a loss for words but still tried.
"Sir Arthur, we didn't know where else to go. We—"
"What are you talking about?" I interrupted flatly. Watching his disjointed explanation with growing puzzlement
Trying to calm my annoyance, I walked over to the couch and sat down. Honestly, I didn't care much about their reason for being here. I am just thinking of reasonable excuses to get them to leave.
It's not that I'm heartless. I just believe they should try solving their own problems. That's how I want to live—comfortably. Where I only acted when absolutely necessary, leaving this world's inhabitants to handle their own affairs
Valerie finally spoke up. She stepped forward, her cloak dragging slightly behind her. It was unusually dirty—normally, it was spotless.
"Sir Arthur, he's talking about him," she said, pointing—not exactly at Ducas, but at what was on his back.
I had noticed earlier but had chosen to ignore it. Ducas stood unnaturally straight, carrying someone over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. It couldn't have been easy, especially with someone unconscious and probably around two hundred pounds.
The man's head lolled over Ducas' shoulder—I couldn't see his face.
"I see. Still, why come here?" I asked, impassively, though now I couldn't ignore him anymore.
"He's injured and—"
"Then take him to a hospital," I interrupted before she could finish. Stating the obvious solution they should have considered first. I knew they'd likely exhausted all options before coming to me. Still, I had to say it. Just because they came to me this time doesn't mean I want it to become a habit.
Valerie's lips pressed tightly together, her jaw clenched, but she responded. "He'll need more than that."
"Then take him to the church," I replied flatly.
Corrupt or not, the church is still the second most influential institution in any city. It functions like a beacon—offering help to the masses.
"We thought about that, but…" Valerie trailed off, glancing at Ducas.
"We cannot trust them," Ducas said firmly, like he was declaring fact.
Right. I'd almost forgotten—I'm not the only one who knows about the church's darker side. Ducas is a survivor. And during lunch before the incident, he'd shared part of his story with Valerie. She must've been unsure as well.
"So we came to you."
What a lonely declaration. Make some friends, for god's sake.
But instead of looking forlorn, Ducas was smiling—and it creeped me out.
"I get it," I waved dismissively, unnerved by his expression.
"Ducas, put him on the bed," Valerie instructed, taking my words as approval. She flicked her head toward the bed.
"Wait." I got up from the couch. "It's more comfortable," I said as I walked to the bed and plopped down on it. I was right—it was more comfortable. Smiling at my own lame sense of joke, I lay back and relaxed.
Valerie and Ducas exchanged glances before moving in silent agreement
Ducas walked over to the couch and carefully laid the unconscious man down. Valerie watched him—and me.
"It seems he's poisoned," Persephone observed suddenly. She walked over and sat beside me on the bed.
I was lying on my back, staring at the ceiling, so I couldn't see anything. I only heard the faint rustling of clothes and the distant clamor coming from the outside mixed with another.
"It's a strong poison, too," she continued, now with more interest. "Lucky boy. Normally, he'd be dead already."
So why wasn't he? What was keeping him alive? I thought automatically.
As if reading my mind, Persephone spoke her thoughts aloud.
"But his beast gene is resisting the poison. Hmm... Lion tribe, and a pureblood at that. Explains his endurance."
I listened closely. Persephone had deep knowledge of this universe—makes sense, given how old she is. Not that I'd ever say that out loud.
But one phrase stuck with me.
Lion Tribe?
He looked completely human to me.
Propping myself up on one elbow, I finally looked toward the couch where Ducas and Valerie stood. I looked past them, toward the couch.
The unconscious man's face came into view -tilted up and resting against the couch's backrest.
Words slipped out of my mouth before I could stop them.
"Are you kidding me?"
Valerie and Ducas both flinched—assuming my outburst targeted them.
But it wasn't. My eyes were locked on the man on the couch—someone I recognized.
And that was the problem.
He wasn't supposed to be here. Not yet.
Not before the hidden script's chaos unfolded. So why was he lying unconscious in my room? On my couch? Unconscious?
Damn it. Another event had changed. Again.