Fifth Month, the 9th day, 1386. 08:30.
THE bell rang across the academy the same moment I arrived at the doorstep of my assigned classroom. I don't feel nervous, rather I feel almost too excited for this. I pushed the door open and walked inside without turning to them. As I arrived in the center, I looked at each one of them.
Their shock is visible in their eyes and faces, and that alone made me smile. It seems they're already familiar with me. Good. It shouldn't be hard to have them pay attention to my lessons.
"Hello, I will be your instructor for the remaining months of the year. All including your academics and practicals. I hope your heart, mind, body, and soul are well prepared."
Their seconds of silence made me concerned, but then again, I can also understand why they're completely speechless. I turned to the board and simply began writing the weekly schedule for my teaching and training sessions to keep everything balanced for the students.
"It's hard to focus on different subjects discussed in different courses and year levels. Since there's less than three weeks before your final exams this academic season, I was only given a week to study everything and construct a flexible schedule. At the moment, I simply made sure that you'd be able to understand all of my lessons regardless of your school and year level."
The academy's calendar follows four seasons; the Academic Season, the Immersive Season, the Competitive Season, and the New Dawn Season. The Academic Season is where the students fully focus on learning. It rages from the Second Month to the end of the Fifth Month, with a total of 112 days. The Immersive Season is different per level, but it's technically their on-site training, or immersive practical training. It rages from the Sixth Month to the end of Eight Month, totaling 84 days.
The Competitive Season is when they come back to the academy from their training, in which the academy hosts contests and competitions for who they'll send to international events. It totals another 112 days, from the Ninth Month to the Twelfth Month. And lastly, the New Dawn Season is their only break from the academy, only with a total of 57 days, from the Thirteenth Month to the end of First Month.
"All the subjects I will be tackling in discussions are a mixture of your related major subjects, but with different objectives per lesson. With only a few students in this class and the little time left to study for your finals, I expect you to be attentive and active during my discussions in those specific subjects. Your general or minor subjects will be taught as it is, while your practicals on the other hand will still be during midweek. Any suggestion to further improve this schedule will be heard and discussed, you are open to voice out your concerns and inquiries."
As I finished writing down the schedule, I turned to all of them with a small smile.
"This classroom is an extension. As an academy student, you should know that I am not the one who will be handling your academic and practical examinations. You will still take exams with the same class you were originally in," I stated as I placed down the chalk on the desk. "So don't hesitate to ask specific questions regarding your subjects. At the very least, I am confident that I am able to give you a good answer."
"The same goes for training, experiments, research, or whatever shenanigan you have in mind. I'll do my very best to give you the support that you need."
Silence. I could tell the kids were hesitant, but I can also see that they're not rejecting the idea of learning from someone like me. Are they simply shy? They're quite adorable.
"You may address me as Miss Adela. Anything other than that will be unacceptable, are we clear?"
"Yes, Miss Adela."
From the tone of their voice, I can tell they are experiencing mixed emotions. It doesn't matter. All I have to do is earn their trust.
"There's no need for self-introductions, we'll get to know each other for the rest of the year," I stated as I then opened the book for the first subject. "Let's get started with the first lecture, shall we?"
"THAT'S all for today," I announced as I closed my book. The bell rang the next second. "Tomorrow, I'll give you a list of reference books you can use if you ever want to do some self-study. As well as your finalized written schedule. See you again tomorrow, class. Thank you for your attentiveness today."
All of them were looking stiff so I kept it short and left the room, leaving the door open. Not even two steps away from the doorstep, I could hear their sighs of relief. I couldn't contain my smile. For problematic students, they sure are active and bright.
This Monday was a good reset for them. As from what I heard, the reason they've been branded as problematic are because of certain old professors who find the kids' arrogance and background displeasing. I've only observed them for a day, so I couldn't come up with a solid conclusion, but I can tell that these kids need a new learning environment.
Haelyn was right. They simply needed something new. Maybe that's why she decided to place them in the same classroom.
As I arrived by the ground floor, I decided to take myself on a tour around the building. It's smaller than any of the establishments in the academy, but it's bigger than a house. Its old architecture is a design from the early ages of this empire. It's sturdy, clean, and beautifully constructed. It's no wonder why this has not been taken down despite centuries having passed.
This is a place of memories… for me, at least. Because this is where I spend my time alone. This place has records, papers, and books of a specific timeline, and it's been preserved for centuries. It gives limited access to specific top students of the academy, but only a few would know that.
I was one of those few students who were able to gain access. And because I didn't have other things to do other than… read, I go here. It's quite an exercise to come into this building, and the books here are fascinating as well. The ambiance and the nature around helps me relax and focus. It's quiet… and lonely.
I stopped in front of a specific door. It's this building's only library, containing all of its records and books. It's currently locked because I've not been given the keys for the—
Before I could finish my sentence, the door pushed open by itself, welcoming me. I blinked in bewilderment. What? This wasn't supposed to open though.
My eye caught a shining sign on the door.
You were given special access by the Headmistress. Welcome back, Miss Adela.
Ah… I couldn't contain my smile. Haelyn knows me too well. I stepped inside and looked around. Nothing's changed at all. It's as neat as before. They maintained this place well.
The door slowly closed behind me, keeping only me inside. Shortly after that, the dim lanterns around the library lit up, giving me more light source aside from the windows. I began walking around. Ame's library takes up about a fourth of the entire ground floor. It's small compared to the actual libraries on the main campus, but the books here are a lot more valuable than the ones on main campus. This is where I also learned how to read and write Ancient Language.
I then stopped by a specific shelf, then pulled a familiar book.
The Witch and The Dragon.
Unlike the one in Seraphina's home, this book is considered the actual history; it was written by one of her disciples. I opened the book and began reading. The book truly does not mention anything about the witch's relation to the dragon; only that they were enemies. Not everything in this book is false, but the key parts of this specific history are completely fiction.
If Seraphina's journals are accidentally revealed to the world, people will begin to question so many things in history. Her disciple's goal through this fabrication is unknown even to someone who has read the journals. There must be some kind of reason to it.
Placing the book back in its place, a sudden wave of nostalgia rushed over my system.
"Do you believe in dragons?"
I can recall the sound and tone of his younger self asking me that ridiculous question. Right, this is the very self where I spent hours of talking with a senior I barely know, only to find out he would leave the academy the very next day.
Speaking of which, I wonder where he's gone to?
HAEL stood by the wide window, sipping on his glass of champagne and wearing nothing but a robe. His gaze stayed on the setting sun, feeling the warm sun rays. Not too long, he could feel the slender arms of a woman snake around his waist, then pressing her body to his back.
"Were you able to relax today, Desmond?"
Only one person in this empire can call the emperor by that name; it's his lover, the Saintess Nicaea.
Her sacred body is unclothed, but covered with her thick blonde locks. Her voice revealed her drowsiness. She spent the whole day in the emperor's chambers to help him relax. He's been stressed because of his duties… as well as that failed final mission.
Hael placed down his glass and faced his heavenly woman. She was everything he desired in a woman. The embodiment of an angel, that was what he thinks of her. Hael's hand cupped her face while the other wrapped around her waist. He leaned in to give her a kiss on her side of her eye.
"I did, my love. I appreciate you making time for me. Thank you," he responded with a soft voice, and Nicaea gave him the sweetest smile. She herself is busy with her temple duties after being given the title Saintess. She just happened to have a day with no appointments, and she decided to spend it with her lover to help him cool down for a bit.
Their sweet moment remained uninterrupted even when they heard a knock on the door.
"Your Majesty, it's me." It was Felix. "I've come to report to you an urgent matter. The Grand Duke Langstone has sent you a telegram."
Nicaea noticed the immediate change in Hael's expression. She lets go of him, taking a step back and heading towards his bed. This was out of her business whatsoever. Right after Nicaea covered herself in his sheets, Hael sat down by the couch.
"Come in," he gave his permission. Felix opened the door open and walked inside cautiously. As soon as he halted in front of the emperor, he gave the paper.
Greetings from the dark hills of the South,
Due to a sudden outbreak which caused great losses, the Southern knights will be initiating the extermination of Pawns. We are humbly requesting your support and send us additional manpower to decrease the chances of losing this final battle. We will appreciate any form of aid and assistance.
Langstone.
This telegram confirmed that Grand Duke Langstone is still alive, but that was none of Hael's concern.
"Extermination…?"
A plan began forming in his head, Hael couldn't contain his delighted smile.
Ah… what an opportunity.