I slowly opened my eyes as I smelled something tasty.
I got up and looked around. I'm in an empty room, my bag's on the bedside and I'm now wearing different clothes.
My eyes widened upon remembering that I passed out while the ceremony was going on.
"C-c-calendar! Calendar, calendar, calendar—!" I was stopped from searching the empty room when the door suddenly opened and displayed Zein's frowning face while holding the ladle on her shoulder.
'She looks like a mom.'
"You passed out yesterday and was asleep for only a day," she said and gave me a serious look.
"A-ah I see… ahahaha."
"Let's eat." she left after saying that.
'Weird. Did I do something wrong?'
I just followed her. After leaving the room, the cozy living room was displayed in front of me. I saw Zein in a mini kitchen at the other end of the living room.
"Woah. Where are we?" I asked Zein when I finally reached her.
"Your dorm," she answered and passed through me while holding the food.
'Ehhhh... it doesn't like a dorm at all. It looks more like an apartment.'
I took 2 plates and 2 spoons and followed her to the sofa.
I looked at her and slowly gave her the other plate that she just silently took.
"Hey, are you mad?" I asked. She seemed taken aback by my sudden question.
"No. I'm just… thinking about something," she answered and looked down. It doesn't look like she's lying.
'What is it?" I asked again.
She took a heavy sigh. She looked dejected.
"Just… whenever you pass out, you always look for a calendar, I don't know if you have a trauma about passing out or whatever it is, it's just not normal. And speaking of passing out," she looked at me like she was about to cry, "That 1 year of living together, I did not only see you pass out once or twice, it's too many that I couldn't even count it! What's happening with you?!" she blurted. This time, I'm the one who was taken aback.
Now that I remember it, she's right. I'm not sure too, I think it's because of using too much magic… but sometimes, even without using my magic, I suddenly get dizzy and pass out. And when I wake up, she's always the one who's always beside me. She never asks a question at those times… I know she's getting concerned yet I always ignored it.
"I… I'm scared. I'm scared that if I sleep, things would change the next time I wake up, and be left with nothing but myself again…"
I panicked when her tears started flowing. "Zein—" she suddenly hugged me while subbing.
"I won't leave you! I and Zello will never ever leave you alone!" she yelled in between her sobs. I was surprised for a moment but after a while, I started to slowly smile and hug her back.
My resolve… is getting weaker and weaker…
***
After we ate, we agreed to go out to buy daily necessities and take a tour of the entire academy. We were supposed to have a tour yesterday but since I was unconscious for the whole day, both me and Zein, that was taking care of me, couldn't come along. Good thing it's Sunday today. Tomorrow will be the official start of classes.
We decided to go to the academy mall first. Both of us aren't really a fan of shopping so we just took what we need and left after 2 hours. I think I spent almost half of my time being amazed that there really is a mall inside the academy…
After putting all our shopping bags in our dorm, we came out again and toured around the academy. It was fun not until I saw something on the map of the academy.
"That was fun!" Zein blurted. I just smiled. We're now in front of our dorms, it's just next right to each other so I'm relieved. "We have the same sched, right? Rest well, I'll go get you tomorrow. Oyasumi."
I smiled back and nodded, "Oyasumi."
And we both entered our respected dorms. It's already 6 pm. 2 hours more before the curfew. I quickly scanned all over my dorm and used my senses if there are any magic that was put on to spy on students. After I confirmed it clear, I teleported to my bedroom and unpacked all my things, and organized it.
Lastly, I hung my uniform, I took the pin that Zein put on the left side of my shirt. It's the academy logo, it locates where the students are. We're told to always wear it in case we're put in danger. I quickly put it on my uniform.
'30 mins more before the curfew. I have to hurry.'
I wore my black cloak and teleported near where I'm supposed to go…
'Royal Palace.'
Just by thinking about the vamtards living inside there makes my blood boil.
I climbed the tree and sharpened my hearing and sight without letting my scent leak, to find out what was going on inside.
Unfortunately, the whole place was dead silent.
I started to overthink.
'Is this the real palace or was it just a display to lure students like me? Why didn't I think about it? Why would the palace be beside the academy? I'm such an idiot… but, looking at it again, it doesn't seem to be a mere display. If this was the real thing, why can't I sense anyone inside? Are they using a potion to conceal their smell? Bakana! Their blood is the very reason why they're respected. There's no way they'll even think of hiding it. Maybe, they left and did something or whatever… but I should at least sense a servant or guard! Urghh—!'
"You–" I was stunned when someone suddenly spoke below me.
'I was too occupied! I couldn't sense someone coming!'
I also can't smell his blood, I can't pinpoint what his rank is. I should be careful.
"Are you a spy?" he asked in a dangerous tone.
"I'm not!" I quickly denied.
"A girl? Come down here and prove it to me, don't even dare teleport somewhere," he warned.
'I'm doomed.'
I jumped down while covering my face with my cloak hood but instantly lose my composure upon seeing who it was.
'You gotta be kidding me…'
I unconsciously stepped back but out of idiocy, my foot bumped into a root. I ended up losing my grip on my cloak hood to put myself on balance.
'Shimatta!!'
"You—" before he could even say a thing, I quickly teleported to my dorm.
I felt my whole system burning up.
'D-damn it!'
"Zakennayo!!!" I suddenly burst out.
Zein appeared in front of me with her pajama on.
"What happened?! Why is your face so red?! Are you sick?!" she asked in panic.
I looked at her almost crying. I also don't know why I'm like this! This is all because of that guy!
That's right, just like yesterday… that guy, he, he…
"Ezekiel Blaze Matthias…" I mumbled.
"What? What about Sir. Blaze?" Zein looked at me with confusion.
"He… he… HE'S DRIVING ME INSANE!"