54 Song of the Blood Seraph Part 2 (1/2)

The words didn't match the situation. Anger, indifference, submission, Carmen expected many things, but not those words or smile. For a second, she couldn't help but wonder if Kilian failed to grasp the gravity of the events.

”Don't take this lightly. Status aside, Ernst is one of the academy's white-gold students, a 29 years old mid-level High Emissary. Even the professors treat him with courtesy. The imperial family has always been keen on promoting the aristocracy's infighting, so the academy never intervenes in students' matters—regardless of how unjust or bloody—granted that no von Skoll was harmed,” Carmen pursued, eying any change in Kilian's eyes as she spoke.

None appeared. Instead, Kilian leaned forward.

”Noted. Thank you, princess. If a day ever comes that you need my mercy, as long as the circumstances are reasonable, I will grant it. But remember, emphasis on the reasonable,” he whispered in Carmen's ear, turned heels, and with his arms crossed behind his back, walked away.

”Conceited. Why would a royal princess need your mercy? You'd think he's either von Karsten's son or imperial kin,” Carmen sneered, ran her hand through her wispy bangs, and returned to class.

...

Meanwhile, Lena picked up Kilian's food order. In recent days, his orders had been getting more and more outrageous, making unsavory gossip spread about him. Knowing that he already faced rumors of being a bisexual rake and drug addict, Kilian couldn't care less. Lena, however, wished to contain them, chose times when most would be in class to make Kilian's orders in her name, and covertly pick them up.

At the same time, she bribed the cooks and waiters to silence the rumors. Knowing that money would stop flowing if they didn't respect their customer's privacy, both tightened their lips. But little did she know that by trying to solve one problem, she triggered another.

Lena had not even taken three steps out of the dining hall, that five men of various frames blocked her path. And while their figures differed, all wore white-gold wizard robes. At their helm, a tall and handsome man who appeared to be in his early twenties. But as she stared at his dark-brown eyes, Lena recognized his identity and true age.

”Ernst von Ruhkfort, 29. An outstanding student that already condensed four Greater Elemental Crystals,” Lena noted.

Elemental Crystals determine a magus' strength. Though over-simplistic, those words held true for the majority of human magi. Elemental Crystals were the core requirements of magical growth, and from Jezebel, Lena learned that they were divided into three classes.

Minor Crystals, Greater Crystals, and Divine Crystals. Because they burrowed in Unlocked Dra Roots, 48 was the maximum number. On top of Dra Control needs, becoming a Core Emissary required 75 dra, two Unlocked Roots, and one Minor Crystal.

For a High Emissary, 500 dra, three Unlocked Roots, and three Minor Crystals.

At the Archon rank, the requirements leaped to 5,000 dra, nine Unlocked Roots, and six Greater Crystals. Naturally, with each additional crystal, the difficulty rose exponentially. At four Greater Crystals, Ernst was only a step away from becoming a top-level High Emissary.

And even without him, white-gold students all were High Emissaries. With her current strength, Lena wasn't their match.

”Girl, congratulations. You just won the lottery. The future Grand Duke of Ruhkfort fancies you. Leave your master to join lord Ernst, and who knows, you might even become one of his official mistresses.” The student at Ernst's right began in a gruff but praising tone.

The words rang with such conceit, that for a second, Lena paused, and shifted her green eyes toward the gruff man.

”Was that supposed to flatter me? You think there's a woman in this world that'd drop her pants for such words?” She asked in complete puzzlement. Although by now she should have grown immune to the nobility's arrogance, they always found new ways to astound her.

”Naturally. As a commoner, being fancied by his lordship is good fortune you do not deserve. But since he saw fit to grace you, just kowtow in thanks and accept it,” the gruff nobleman pursued, and Ernst nodded in approval. Although he planned to auction Lena, the more he looked at her, the more pleasing to his eyes she became.

”For someone named Ernst, you're not quite earnest. Instead of working on improving your magecraft, you're stealing a maid in broad daylight? Tell me, how much did daddy spend to help you reach this point?” Ignoring the deluded man, Lena shifted her attention back to Ernst.

Instantly, his face twisted in a frown, and he stretched out his hands.

”Enough for me to tame you. Are you coming, or do I have to take you by force?” Ernst countered, hands folded and chest stuck out in a stance that almost made Lena puke.

In a flash, she analyzed her situation. One, no one would come to her aid. Two, if she went all out, she'd not only lose but reveal abilities her age and background didn't allow. Three, only by letting the opponent lower their guard and release her strongest move in one instant, could she turn the tables. Four, with his current condition, contacting Kilian might do more harm than good.

Her eyes sank in a downcast display, and she sighed in helplessness.

”Very well, lead the way,” Lena replied, making no show of resistance. Of the few bystanders, some ignored the scene, while others snickered at her ”fortune.” Satisfied, Ernst waved for two of his goons to surround Lena as he led the way back to his chambers.

It had only been three days since he took notice of her, and after observing her for some time, decided to make his move. As for her master, although according to rumors, the trio of master and servants had quite the intimate relationship, in might or in background, how could he resist him?

At best, like many others, he'd swallow his indignation. At worst, Lena's future owner would require his presence for one night, and Ernst would arrange it.