Amelia and I ended up discussing about Chinese history since some higher ups including her had gotten the information about me being from a different world. Information does spread fast.
"So, you're saying you have no magic yet you can read spells? And even improve them?"
"I see them as formulas that produces result. While you focus on the result, I can read the formula in the most basic form. Moving things around isn't difficult. A little moving around and you have a stronger or weaker spell." I wrote a normal equation relating to Gibb's free energy and showed it to her. "Makes sense?" I asked.
"No. Can't even read it."
"This is how I see spells. This is by no means basic to a normal person but to me, this is simple. When I move around spells, I perceive them like this but in reality the spells do not look like this. I think it's similar to how you can speak multiple languages."
"Impressive. It's disappointing that you can't use magic because you could easily get a high paying job that way." Amelia said. In fact, she had soften up now that we had been speaking for a few hours. She was just... normal? I expected her to be more uptight like a noble that she is.
"I do have plans on opening a café or something. I just want to do whatever right now."
"What's a café?" She asked.
"Like a small restaurant. Usually not big enough for a family but where young people can hang out. Or for dates? I personally relate it more to dates."
"And what's a date?" She asked.
"It's when two people go out and spend time together. Main goal is to get to know each other and see if they're compatible for romantic relationship or not."
"I see. Just two? What about family?"
"In my world... well in the time I was living in, family do not have a say in who you marry. With exceptions of course. But apart from that the concept of aristocracy itself doesn't exist."
"Interesting." She took another sip of tea and glanced out of window. It was already dark outside.
"Talking to you felt good. I learned a lot. If you want to come and stop by in future, feel free to." She smiled and finished drinking her tea and cleaned up the table and packed her stuff. "I'll be on my way. Can you leave? I need to finalize things and then lock the room."
"Ah! Right. I have to go back to inn too."
"Inn? Students live on campus. You didn't... know? Well, you can ask any guards to show you to boys' dorms." She said and I quickly nodded before leaving.
...
I had asked a guard for directions and was on my way to boys' dorms. I had spent like five hours talking to her about a lot of different things and it felt so... natural that I hated it. I wanted to get out of it because I got scared that I'd get used to it.
I would much rather not stop by until I'm asked to. I don't want her to hate me too.
Thinking about past, I could not see myself falling in love. You could say I'm being to pessimistic. But someone who had his parents threaten him with his life can't truly be blamed. You can't just ask me to get therapy. It doesn't exist in this world. But one thing that does is freedom. Freedom to do whatever.
I entered the building and could still feel people following me. I think I should stop associating with Amelia and Layla. I would prefer not being in trouble. I entered my room and locked the door and laid on the bed. Usually rooms can't be broken into. They're linked to magical prints of the student but I don't have magic so no locks for me too. I had to use a key so if anyone gets ahold of this key, they can break in. I have to be careful now.
...
Next day I was again sitting next to Cecilia. It seems like everyone have decided on their seats and my unofficial seat is next to her.
"A lot of rumors are flying about you." She said.
I looked at her and nodded. I wasn't expecting her to talk to me.
"That's whatever. I'm too busy to worry about such thing. Only foolish and immature people spread rumors and so, pay no attention. They'll shut up anyways."
"Are you like 40?" She chuckled. "Why do you talk like an old soul?"
"I guess my answer was quite intriguing." I shrugged.
"So, you're aiming for Amelia AND Layla? Two high class women when you're magicless. Quite audacious." She said.
"Professor Frieda asked me to get involved with them because of my unique ability to decipher things. The two were quite happy with the outcome." I answered.
"Professor Frieda?! You must be an important person then."
"Huh? I guess." I responded before Elena approached me and slammed her hands on the desk.
"YOU! I CHALLENGE YOU TO A DUEL!"
"Nu-uh."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'NU-UH'?" She got even more pissed.
"I don't have energy to deal with you. If you keep on harassing me, I'll complain to the queen."
"Complain? Hide behind her majesty? So much for a man." One of her minions said causing class to burst into laughter.
"Unlike you children, I didn't grow up in an environment where I could act childish. I will let you act however you want but leave me alone." I sighed and looked at my phone. I had been recording the entire interaction so the moment she ticks me off, I'll snitch on her and her minions. I'm at a massive disadvantage considering I don't have magic. I can't really fight her.
"You really think so highly of yourself despite being a pest? You have no lineage, no magic and no background yet you have the audacity to try to associate yourself with the student council president? I'll SHOW you how far below you are to the nobility."
"Yea... No. As you see, I have no lineage... I have no family name to protect. So, by extension, I have no real reason to fight you."
"YOU!" She grabbed my by my collar in anger and maybe frustration.
Kids started cheering for her but teacher walked in and she had to leave me alone.
"Are you not scared of her?" Cecilia whispered to me.
I had given up on life a while back so even if she gets me assassinated, I wouldn't be as bothered but that's not the answer she is looking for. I have to later go meet two more people and then Layla and Amelia. It would be difficult navigating these new friendships.
"Not really. I have my ways." I responded.
"Kara, what do you think of this?" The teacher drew a magic circle on the board but Elena interrupted us.
"He is a magicless, what does he know about magic? That one incident has to be a fluke. How about this: if you fail to make this at least twice as strong, you would face me in a duel?"
"No." I answered and shrugged.
"You-"
The teacher clapped her hands to get our attention.
"I don't know what happened between the two of you but in academy, your backgrounds do not matter. Both of you, pay attention. Kara, can you make this better? I heard from professor Frieda that you are someone I should pay attention to."
That woman...
I sighed and looked at the circle. It seemed like a integration to me. If we integrate one part, the power becomes a multiplier but if I change it to a differentiation equation, the multiplier would become power instead and add onto the already existing power. Then after a few steps, it would come down differently and instead, the equation would be solved slightly differently. I walked up to the board and changed it a bit and it seemed correct to me.
The teacher tried the water ball and not only did it form faster, it was also twice the size.
"Interesting. So, it seems like it wasn't a fluke." Teacher said and I nodded.
"I guess." I answered before walking back to my seat. I glanced over at not-so-happy Elena but instead of making any funny expression, I decided to mind my business.
After class, Elena and her minions again approached me.
"You think you're smug? Fine, if you don't want to fight, we will make you." She charged a fire magic at me but before she could finish casting, I broke the first rule of anime fight, I blocked her from charging her attack. I just pushed her away.
"I have to do some other things. Bye." I picked up my bag and made a run for it. My target location: Student council office.
I quickly barged inside the room but Elena followed me in.
"What are you two doing?!" Amelia slammed her hand onto table she was sitting at.
"Nothing. I'm here for the texts." I answered.
"O-oh? Right. And... Elena, entering without knocking? How rude."
"But he was the one who entered without knocking!" She tried defending herself.
"His case is different. He has permission to enter the room whenever he feels necessary. Such permission isn't granted to you."
"He is a mere peasant! He doesn't even have magic. How is he suddenly so important?!"
"That has nothing to do with you. Her majesty, Professor Frieda and I have decided that he is important and I'm under no obligation to give you an explanation." Amelia was somehow on my side. Also she lied about that permission. I don't remember ever being granted that.
"I-..." Being unable to defend herself she apologized and left the two of us alone.
"What happened?" Amelia poured tea for me.
I explained everything to her which made her laugh a bit.
"Thanks for saving me." I said.
"No worries. Friends protect each other all the time." She said.
Friends? That easily? I always thought women formed friendships differently than men. Maybe I was wrong? But I don't know why I feel a bit of guilt in me. Am I really good enough to be her friend considering a duke's daughter was shut down by her. She might be just as important as the queen then?
"Shall we continue where we left off? She asked and I nodded.