54 Kukuku, So You Plan To Play Dumb Eh?
Since the next full moon would happen in two weeks’ time, Ethan and Luna decided to keep what they talked about with the Chesmire Cat a secret from everyone else.𝞸𝔳𝗅xt.𝓒𝒪𝓂
Part of this was due to keeping the spell that Luna had learned a secret, and to prevent the appearance of those who would wish to use her as a convenient tool for evil purposes.
“Still, I can’t believe I will have the chance to use magic after two weeks,” Ethan muttered as he looked at the ceiling of his room. “I don’t want to raise my expectations, but being here in the Academy just makes me wish that I can be like them as well.”
What Ethan wanted was to be able to use magic, just like the regular students whom he interacted with everyday. Whenever they were doing lessons, it was very hard for him to not feel jealous, and envious, of his classmates who were able to use magic anytime they wanted.
There was only one exception.
They were not allowed to use Magic in the Academy to hurt other students. Doing this would get them punished, and if the offense was serious enough, they would be expelled, regardless of what kind of family background they had.
While thinking of these thoughts, Ethan fell asleep. After the adrenaline rush of meeting Chessy ended, the blue-haired boy felt as if all the tension in his body had disappeared, leaving him drained of strength.
The next time Ethan opened his eyes, he found himself standing on what seemed to be an extremely small island that was only five meters wide.
Calling it a small island was already pushing it, but for the time being, the blue-haired boy didn’t seem to mind because his gaze was locked in on a beautiful lady, who was looking at him with a sweet smile on her face.
“You are…,” Ethan muttered as he gazed at the same person whom he saw when he was choosing his wand for the first time. “You’re that mermaid from back then…”
The mermaid who was sitting on what seemed to be a small throne floating on the water’s surface nodded her head.
“Yes,” the Mermaid replied.
“May I know your name?” Ethan asked as he gazed at her beauty, which made him unable to look at anything else.
“Soon,” the Mermaid answered with the same sweet smile on her face. “You will know it soon.”
After the mermaid gave her reply, the world became blurry and once again, the blue-haired boy’s consciousness fell into deep sleep. This time, he had a dreamless sleep, and slept like a log.
—————
Somewhere in Brynhildr Academy…
“I guess I shouldn’t send the First Years to Southshire for now,” Professor Rinehart said while looking at the map of the continent that was spread on top of his table.
“The Beastkins have been becoming more and more restless as of late,” Chesmire commented before licking its paw. “It will be dangerous for mere First Years to traverse their territory, especially those that are not combat oriented. Although the possibility of them getting attacked is low, the possibility still exists.
“The Beast King is already old, and bedridden. All those who have ambition are now eyeing his position, waiting for the right time to bare their fangs, and become the next King.”
Professor Rinehart sighed. “How long do you think before a bloody fight for the throne will start in Southshire?”
Chessy didn’t answer right away as if pondering the answer to this question. A few minutes later, it eyed the map on top of the table before stating its opinion.
“Truth be told, it can happen anytime,” Chessy replied. “It can happen today, tomorrow, next week, or next month. With how high the tension in Southshire is right now, all it needs is just one spark, and a bloody battle for the throne will immediately begin.
“Perhaps, the only reason why this is still not happening is the fact that those who wished to rule over their kind are all powerful individuals. They are keeping each other in check, but if the balance tips in their favor, I’m pretty sure that they will not hesitate and make their move.
“That is the nature of Beastkins, so if you value your students, only allow Third and Fourth Years to go do missions in their Domain. Second Years and below are just helpless ducklings in front of them.”
Professor Rinehart nodded his head in understanding. “I’ll talk to the Professors later, and ask the Mission Hall Supervisor to be strict when giving missions to the students. Especially missions that will be conducted in Southshire.”
“Mmm, you do that.”
“Thank you as always, Chessy. Your report regarding the Southshire is a life saver.”
The Chesmire Cat gave the Headmaster a mischievous smile. “No need to thank me. After all, this is business. I expect you to give me the compensation that I deserve before this week is over.”
“Naturally,” Professor Rinehart replied. “I will leave it in the same place as always.”
“Good.” The Chesmire Cat was about to go when it suddenly remembered something important. “You know someone with the name of Ethan Gremory, right? The First Year in Dud Manor?”
“Have you met him already?” Professor Rinehart had a surprised expression on his face because he didn’t expect that the notorious cat would meet with one of the Pillars of the First Years in the current school year.
“Since you know him, let me ask you a question.” Chessy smirked. “Why is he still in the Academy?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Kukuku, so you plan to play dumb eh? Fine. I won’t pry because you are the Headmaster of the Academy. If you allow him to be here then it means that it is fine for him to be here. However, you are taking a big gamble in letting him stay here. If the Magic Bureau or the Magistratus got wind of this… incident, you might find yourself in a very uncomfortable position.”
This time, it was Professor Rinehart’s turn to smile mischievously.
“Again, what are you talking about, Chessy?” Professor Rinehart asked. His eyes were filled with amusement as he looked at the chubby black cat, who held powers that even he couldn’t fathom.
Chessy shook his head helplessly and decided to drop the subject. His encounter with Ethan was purely by accident, but after seeing him, he knew then and there that the blue-haired boy was someone who wasn’t supposed to be in the Academy.
For his presence might lead to consequences that even Professor Rinehart didn’t expect from the blue-haired boy, who just wanted to learn how to use magic.