We both rejoiced when he told me who he is. I'm sure our joy wasn't for the same reasons. I felt happy because he's a hero I don't despise and it's possible that he felt happy because I recognized him.
That's done with. It wasn't mutual, but it's progress. Now! "What do you need?"
His smile vanished in an instant, and he looked at me with his glowing green eyes. His voice trembled. "Have you heard of the Nozacks?"
Nozacks? What did I get myself into this time? "One of the oldest families, right?"
He nodded and looked the other way. "My family and theirs have been at war with each other for a few dozen years!"
At war? 'Don't tell me…!'
My gaze alerted him. "So, you know…?"
The Nozacks and the Azaricks. Two of the most ancient families in the world. They hold immense power and they control almost everything. From politicians to criminal syndicates.
Their Vendetta started when feudal lords were still a thing if I'm not mistaken. The records don't say what the reason was, but their fighting almost destroyed the world twice already.
My dad was the emissary sent to end it the last time. I don't remember the details, but he made them sign a treaty.
"Are they after you?"
He shook his head and let out a dry laugh. "Their first daughter is!"
Huh? "What do you mean?"
"Our families grew tired of the fighting and want to marry off their firstborns"
That's annoying. Besides that, I've zero ideas on how to deal with this. "I can't help you with that...!"
"No, I know! I just need a place to stay for a while until she leaves…"
Right, right. And you plan on staying here? Troublesome. "I don't get it! If you are to get married, why avoid her?"
Oh, right! I understood the situation as I asked the question. 'That's a possibility as well!'
"She doesn't want that marriage, so instead of going against her family's wishes, she came after me"
I knew it! Yeap, my initial instinct was correct. I should've kept the door closed.
I pointed at a corner. I felt my lip curling. "You can use that space!"
He thanked me and walked in silence to his corner.
A week went by with nothing major happening. Jax remained by his corner and didn't interfere with whatever I was doing. We exchanged greetings and chatted from time to time, but that's all.
During the second week, things got a bit more complicated.
While we were in class, his fiance visited the room and sat in his chair. Of course, at the time I did not know who she was.
I put the pieces together when she introduced herself out of the blue and interrupted the lecture.
She sat behind me. A few minutes into the lecture and she abruptly stood up and walked into the middle of the classroom. With her slender hand over her chest, she voiced with a delicate bow towards us. "My name is Lucina Nozack! My fiance is currently a student in this class. His name is Jax Azarick!"
Her name brought a sense of panic into the room. Even Madam Reena, who walked in the girl's direction, halted and took a step back. I could even hear a student next to me gulping.
Lucina Nozack paused and looked around at each one of us, trying to ascertain the situation. Her soft voice rang in our ears like a soothing lullaby. "Does anyone know where he might be?"
A golden-haired girl, roughly at the same age as the rest of us. Maybe younger even. A light green dress caressed her slender figure. Her deep blue eyes emitted kindness and a hint of playful mischief.
She wore a seductive smile at all times, directed at everyone. A charming girl whom a powerful young man feared. This alone alerted me to keep my distance and not lead her back to him.
She didn't get any answers, which caused her to pout and stomp her feet. In silence, she returned to her seat. The corner of my eye followed her, which she noticed. The girl leaned forward and whispered in my ear. "You know where he is, right?"
Her icy tone sent chills down my spine. Her act of the spoiled girl disappeared in an instant, and the pressure she let out was enough to create cracks on the wooden desk in front of me.
I don't want any trouble with the Nozacks or their family member sitting behind me. Then again, I can't betray the trust Jax put on me. I may need him in the future.
Her breathing on my nape caused goosebumps to my whole body. It's not like I could activate my power in front of a stranger from a prominent family. It's a fact that she could easily take it as a threat and create more trouble.
I took a few breaths internally and turned back to look at her. As I stared into her blue eyes that looked like a vast, deep ocean, I gathered my thoughts. "No idea, but if it's no trouble, you can check my room!"
Upon hearing my words, she made a disgusted face. "I don't think so! I believe you"
She let out a few coughs, followed by a laugh to lighten her awkwardness. My response was unexpected, which caused her to blush and look around. She wanted to make sure no one else heard me.
Of course, that wasn't the case, since I could feel their intense stares drilling holes into my skull. Madam Reena was one of them and she pouted back to her desk.
Rollen's cheeks blushed, and he turned the other way to hide it.
I didn't expect this response from them, but I guess it worked. I'll get scolded for what I said, but if it'll keep her off my back, it's a win.
The class ended, and I took a leisure walk around campus.
A familiar voice came from behind me. "Wait up!"