Carseain could feel their anxiety. He didn't know how to respond to that in the 'right' way. There were wrinkles on his forehead.
'Work , my non-existing social skills. Work! Come on, there must be something that could be in my memories as an earthling.'
As he was thinking, he noticed the wispy guy was hurt. It seemed like someone stepped on his wrist and there was a visible bruise on his face. He had short pale brown hair and his front bangs were covering his eyes with bronze skin.
Carseain bent a little sideways and said, " Umm... Sure, I'll tell you but don't you think you should get your friend treated first. I'm sure you won't want him to write an exam with a broken wrist."
James Jr turned back and saw him silently writhing in pain. A guy and a girl were trying to help him up as they supported him on both sides. He was seriously panicking but it didn't show up on his face.
' This is bad. We need to get Rishi treated but where do I find healers? Someone from the students? Will they be able to fix a broken wrist? or at least numb the pain? Or Should I ask a teacher? However, will he make it in time for the exam? '
" Emel..." Rishi mumbled looking at James Jr.
'No, first we need to get out of here.' Emel (James Jr. ) reminded himself.
" The exam will be done by the time you get him treated that way." Carseain scoffed as he walked towards them. He lifted Rishi with one hand and placed him on his shoulder with the other like a bag of potatoes.
" Whoa! He's so damn light, You sure you're the same age as me? "
" Yes" Rishi replied. It was an automated answer which did even know the question.
The onlookers were loading themselves back to reality and Rishi took considerably longer. Carseain looked at the two who were trying to help.
" I can't believe you had such a hard time helping this guy who's lighter than a bag of rice.
Ah... by the way, are you comfortable up there?"
" Yes" {Again, an automated answer.}
'Did he ever lift a bag of rice? How does he know?'
" Well, then let's go."
As soon as Carseain took a step ahead he was stopped by the noble students who were completely being ignored until now.
" Good Morning, Student Carseain. "
One of them called out.
They said with a sly smile painting their face.
A death glare, that is what Carseain responded with.
They broke in cold sweat and completely understood what he had to say.
' How dare you lowlifes address me so casually.'
His annoyance was as plain as a day on his face.
The one who greeted was taken aback with the blue face and someone else interfered.
" Pardon our manners. If it is alright with you, maybe address you informally, My Lord ?"
"Nope."
Carseain replied curtly and went on his way ignoring them once again.
The young Anel who had the highest ranking in the opposing group stepped up with a forced smile to help glass over the situation with a sly smile.
" Well, did you not just say that at The academy we must follow rules ?"
Carseain scoffed.
"Now, now did I ?"
He asked with an arrogant expression.
Anel : ' This damn.... He is feigning ignorance, after all that? Well, Higher nobility can do that. If they say red is green then it is green. Hold it in... Hold it in...'
He reminded himself.
" I must have misheard you, Pardon me. However, adhering to academy rules would not be better for us to drop the formalities? After all we all are here to lea-"
"Agh... Look, I decide when I have to follow rules and when I do not. Also, ..."
Carseain sighed in irritation palming his head.
" Why am I even explaining myself to these dipshits?"
He mumbled to himself and walked away.
'How dare he!'
They clenched their fist tight and some gritted their teeth out of humiliation of being ignored as nobles. Not wanting to get into of the political strife between nobility, Emel and the others wanted to run away and this was a perfect chance. However, leaving Rishi with Carseain, of all people, was too much of a gamble. They were in a stalemate.
"How about you at least leave that slave boy behind? After all, we had some work with him."
"Slave?"
Carseain mumbled.
" Yes, Young Lord. That 'thing' you are carrying is I believe it is better if you drop it before his filth contaminates you."
Emel and his entourage did not hide their hostility and used it to hold themselves back with unstable restraint that could be broken anytime. Carseain scratched his head while clicking his tongue. He turned and asked,
" Who are you again?!"
The question was a little unexpected ,regardless they answered , fumbling. Starting with Anel's introduction, who had the highest position, the others give their names one by one.
"Okay, okay, stop. I am not interested." Carseain stopped them in between and turn towards the others and asked,
" Do any of you know about noble politics?! "
Another unexpected question bombarded which once again rendered them speechless.
"Ah, I'm not asking the details. I just need to know how many punches I can throw at each of them?"
"Huh?!!!"
Everyone dropped their jaws.
" You know, like, I want to keep it as low key as possible… I am swamped with a lot of other important tasks and can not waste time dealing with the aftermath of these munchkins..."
" Then, how about not throwing any punches at all? Isn't that a sure shot option ?"
A voice was heard from behind. As Carseain turned, he saw two familiar faces approaching him.
" Bandon? And Chris? Why are you guys here? Do I have more papers to sign? "
Barndon was the Son of Count Oscar, dark green hair and eyes with even a more deeper shade of green which was covered by a pair of glasses. His hands were always ink stained and the rough calluses on his dominant hands thumb, index finger and middle finger. It is the proof of the amount of hard work that the Oscar family puts in which only gives an eclat to their academic background.
Whereas Chris was the Second child of Viscount Arsene, a family blessed with the lineage of holy powers. He had light golden hair and pastel yellow eyes which gave him an appearance of the Angel exuded by his fair complexion.
" We greet the Young Lord of Esselgarde. "
They both bowed.
"Good timing, I was just about to go hunting for you, Chris."
Chris had chills down his spine.
" Please do not go 'hunting' for me. If you just call me normally, I will be there. Just call me normally..."
He said slouching.
" Ah... Whatever , could you heal this guy?"
" Don't 'whatever' me..."
He mumbled and started healing Rishi as he said the chant. As the two key members who managed the centrist faction's political affairs among the heirs, they often interacted with Carseain for official business as he was the Esselgarde heir. Carseain never bothered about the formalities with the two.
"Wrist is done. " Chris said.
" Try moving it. Does it feel uncomfortable or still hurt somewhere? " Carseain asked.
" It's good as new. '' Rishi smiled which made Emel sigh in relief. Chris started healing the other parts which hurt as well. Once again, Carseain was completely ignoring Anel and the others.
" By the way, Brandon. I think we need to discuss the trade routes to Croatia Kingdom once again. "
Carseain said. Brandon was taken aback.
' He would always sign the papers without even taking a glance. Rovenin was the one who went through them. Did he finally feel like getting things straight?' He thought to himself with mixed feelings.
"Is ..Is there something wrong in my report?"
" Ah no, nothing of that sort. The report was perfect. I found a few discrepancies when I was out on a small excursion. It's going to be a long story, so drop by my place before returning back home for the vacation."
"Ah ...sure. Chris-"
" Bring him too. And also..."They continued the discussion. Emel and others were checking up on Rishi.
Once again, blatantly ignoring Anel.
"Excuse me, Don't you-"
"Ugh... Why didn't you scram already? Just so you know I am being very generous right now." Carseain said without even trying to cover up his disgust. Brandon broke in sweat.
Brandon : ' Ugh...no don't. The Anel family is from the aristocratic faction. He is also remotely favoured by some influential figures. Of course, that would not affect Carseain's standings. However, the centrist faction as a whole cannot bear the consequences. We do not want to give them a free reason to limit our influence.'
Brandon glared at Chris.
'Chirs...Chirs.... You damn brat , help me tranquilize this Mad Hound.... Chris!!'
Chris pretended not to see him or receive his signals.
Brandon felt Carseain's patience running out as well as Young Anel reaching his limit
"Brandon, how many?" Carseain asked.
"Huh?!"
" How many punches can I throw at each of them so as to not get in trouble?"
Brandon smiled as if he lost all hope. ' If it's your punches we are talking about, a single one is enough to break his jaw.'