Chapter 118: On Another Note (2/2)

Hubert tried to picture how the strange adventurer fit into the bigger picture, but for the life of him, he couldn't. Count Graveston had gone to great lengths to make himself the leading figure of the moderates who didn't side with any particular faction. As such, he couldn't see why the Count would have such an obvious agent acting on his behalf in the conflict. Could it just be a coincidence?

”What was the result of the interference we initiated the other day?” He asked, concerned about potential fallout.

Victor closed his notebook. ”Carson followed his script carefully, and nearly provoked a confrontation with Mike's followers. However, Master Liam intervened, having apparently taken an interest in the one named Sera.”

”Hold off on any other attempts until we get a better grasp on his intentions. It's probable that he will be invited to House Vamith's bicentennial celebration next week, especially once they figure out his connection to Count Graveston. We'll use that opportunity to fish for information. In the meantime, keep him under observation.”

”Understood, my lord.” Victor stood, delivered a bow and left.

Hubert finished the rest of his tea, and sighed. The competition for the throne was starting to get messy, and this Mike character was adding to the complications.

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Mike sneezed suddenly, drawing the ire of nearby students in his Magic Theory class. He was having a hard time staying focused on the instructor's dry lecture on the composition of the elements, especially after he heard something similar the day before.

Rebecca and Aine hadn't attended this class either, and he wondered if the redhead was actually alright.

[They kept saying she would be fine, but maybe I should go visit, and offer to help. I don't know if her problem can be treated with Healing Magic, but it might be worth a shot.]

The instructor was wrapping up his lecture, before giving a few announcements. ”Remember that the day after tomorrow we will be having the quarterly welcome party in the picnic area of central campus. While you are not required to attend, it will be an excellent opportunity to network with other students in and outside of the department. Additionally, I have been told that the Navy will be conducting a demonstration that afternoon as part of the festivities, which may or may not incorporate one of their prized airships.”

An excited murmur passed through the students in response to the news.

[Huh, it might be worth going just to see an airship. I wonder if they will let us on board.]

As soon as the class dismissed, Mike started moving towards the door. He needed to get a quick meal in before heading to his next destination, and every minute counted when dealing with the crowds of desperate students that flooded the cafeteria during the short, thirty minute break.

[I really need to start packing lunch, or work on a method of conjuring food. This is getting ridiculous.] He thought as he elbowed his way through the press and ordered a sandwich from the counter. It was the only thing they had available at the moment.

Leaving with his spoils he made his way down to the pavilion for his Summoning Magic class. He was hoping that Madeline would have some answers for him regarding the pizza summoning incident. Rounding the corner, he saw that Red was still occupying the majority of the area, despite his best efforts to compress himself into a ball. It looked like a very uncomfortable position to be in.

The two other students were waiting outside. Carol was staring at the dragon with undisguised fear, while Killian was standing with his eyes closed. Unsurprisingly, Madeline hadn't shown up yet. He walked up to the pair, and after exchanging awkward greetings, waited in silence for the teacher to arrive. Or at least he would have, if it weren't for his overactive familiar exploding out of his pocket to glide over to her favorite playmate.

Mike could only shake his head as the other students looked at him curiously while she began to fiercely attack Red's tail. The larger dragon simply raised his head, glanced in Audra's direction before laying back down, completely unconcerned.

[These two are going to cause me some headaches.]