Rosanna's P. O. V:
Today's training would be a dreadful one. It's not a feeling or an assumption but a fact.
(Class Schedule: Tuesday, Friday.)
Advanced History Class 8:30-9:30AM. Mrs. Arvala. Class 22A Upsilon
Elem Universal Language (Igalius) 10:00-11:00AM. Mr. Sidney. Class 17C Beta
Nightwalker's Documentary
4:00-5:00PM. Mr. Giovanni. Class 9B Alpha
Special Simulation Class 9:00PM-3:00AM. Mr. Athanasius. Class 3A Alpha
Only I knew clearly the tortures that would await me.
I packed my battle suit in my bag like yesterday since I did not have the convenience of coming back to 'my' house or dormitory.
Wearing a yellow collared gown and blue hoodie, I hid my neck as usual. Growing frustrated over my forced choice of clothing.
Why does Kairos not have a magic thingy to hide this? How the heck am I supposed to live this way?!
-Knock! Knock!
Two sharp knocks interrupted my thoughts. They reverberated in the silent room, bringing a demanding attention to the source.
I turned towards the door, and walked forward. Opening the door slowly, cautiously and preparing for whatever.
My nerves have been on high alert since last night. Dreading today's classes or anything concerning today as a matter of fact.
I peeked my head out and saw Kairos standing outside in a black T-shirt and grey pants.
Tsk tsk. Not everyone has my amazing fashion sense. If he wasn't pretty, his clothing choice would be a huge meh.
"Sup?" I questioned with an arched brow. Momentarily forgetting my manners- oh, societal's projected 'good feelings'. Hehe.
"I figured you couldn't keep wearing clothes to cover up the mark. So I got you this-"
Kairos reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver collar.
It was a cloth that was as smooth as silk with a metallic luster. Not so thick, thinner than the average collar.
And shining softly under the dim lighting. With a red letter 'K' imprinted in the middle.
I was speechless. Not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
While I needed this, the initial and everything just made me feel like I'm about to become someone's dog on a leash. Kairos' dog to be exact.
"Thanks?" It came out more of a question than sincere gratitude.
And the innocent smile Kairos had made me feel he did this intentionally. I felt slightly irked.
Must the initial be there?! Why not my name, even.
I reached out hesitantly to collect the collar. Brushing my fingers against his and sending little sparks through my body.
The little ones might not be the most seductive, but they were definitely the most sensual.
Kairos' voice came out slightly lowered as he explained.
"After putting it on, I can only take it off. It also serves as a life saving instrument in times of danger. Able to withstand the attacks on the level of a Magus King thrice and immune to all attacks below a Magus Lord.
An attack on equal level of a Magus Lord will be deflected seven times. Also, tapping on the K initial thrice consecutively will provide the energy level of the defense equipment. Showing you the power level of the defense equipment.
Keep it on for as long as you can. Better yet, always. And, dirt is unable to penetrate the inside of the material. And there's a thin sheet of Sylodian Metal that protects the outer layer of the material. A simple wash will take the accumulated dust off."
I pursed my lips taking in the information, before giving a nod of understanding. Internally grateful for this lifesaving equipment.
Just as I was about to close the door, Kairos placed his hand and easily widened the gap. Stepping into my room with ease.
Hey! I didn't give permission!
Scowling, I waited for him to state his business. Moving aside tactically, and watching him walk to my window. After which he leaned there and emitted a picturesque setting.
Kairos gave a suspicious smile. A very wide one that emphasized his cute left dimple. Which wasn't too prominent but noticeable whenever his facial features contorted strongly.
Making me wonder whether I was born on the same planet- yes, that's true. I'm not, they're aliens. I'm comforted...
No I'm not! I sniffled internally.
Those lucky individuals... Tch.
Blessed with all the beautiful features and making us, the normal ones looking genuinely illegal.
"I forgot to say, putting the collar on can only be done by me."
I walked forward and handed the collar to him with a pointed stare. Hoping to express my displeasure evidently with a frown.
Feeling slightly undermined with this pet like activities. Being marked- or, 'tamed' as I put it. Then giving me a pet house and now a collar.
Gesturing for me to turn around, I followed Kairos' instruction but placed a mini note in my black list to revenge this- this, this! Hmph! This disrespect from this collar.
I also want to bite him, put a mark for public display and place a collar with my initial on him. Alas, dreams will be dreams.
I held my hair up, forgetting to unbutton my collared cloth due to my scattered thoughts.
Kairos, however, swiftly unbuttoned it and the cool material came over my neck, settling in the area of my mark to cover it.
Like a second skin attached to glue, the unfamiliar cloth stuck to my neck and I heard the sound of a clasp, signifying Kairos was done.
The material hanging on my sensitive part was odd but I tried to adjust and not take it off. If even I can.
The whole process was quick yet I could still feel the lingering heat from Kairos' fingers that brushed against my skin
"Done." He said.
Nodding silently, I turned around and muttered a thanks.
"Thank you."
"Mm. Ensure you don't expose you're my mate."
"Sure." I responded, feeling slightly off from his words but brushing the feeling away.
Kairos left the room and I took a double scan of everything I prepared for the day before leaving my room.
.
The lounge downstairs had the entire team except for Pearce and Natalie there.
And I was glad regarding the latter.
"Good morning!" Elan flashed me a smile. Sitting just near the stairs with a headphone.
"Morning." I gave a slight smile in response.
Tensing slightly as I was once again under the scrutiny of this group.
"Rosanna, right?" Elan stood up and outstretched an arm for a handshake.
I shook it in response, quickly letting go as the cold feeling from his body was offsetting. It almost gave me goosebumps.
"Sorry for yesterday. Not everyone's sane here but luckily I am." He grinned. Showing off his princely aura.
"I'll be leading you outside the mansion from today. Our schedules are similar and I take it you wouldn't want to get lost here. The hallways are quite confusing, took me a bloody month to get my paths right. And you wouldn't like to spend your day in a creepy hallway, yes?"
"Yeah... Right. Thank you for yesterday." I smiled.
Keeping his ever amiable expression, Elan began walking out and I followed him quickly.
Ignoring the rest of the 'wallpapers' in the room since well, I wasn't quite chatty and being a teammate of their group was near impossible.
Elan and I had a little chat along the journey. Well, it was somewhat one-sided. While I tried my best to give decent responses and keep Kairos and I's relationship a secret. But he was most times way too inquisitive.
And I could understand why. Someone of their status do not randomly bring anybody into their private life. But Kairos, the Kairos did.
"You're sure my Master isn't forcing you into anything, right?"
"No, Elan. It's a cooperative relationship and it's temporary."
"Which means... It's consensual s*x?"
I tried keeping my chill. Really, I tried. But the dark expression on my face was sure to scare a lot of normal people.
"So I can't have a relationship with your Master other than it being s*x?"
"Most likely." He shrugged. Then eyed me from the sides.
"There really isn't anything that outstanding so I kind of doubt it's s*x. So it should be your brains... However you're as normal as one can be. Huh, I really think it's a change of taste. And... If you had anything valuable to offer, you would've long given it. Be it information or etcetera.
Still... You're not even part of the team's planning so what the hell are you contributing?"
I stopped walking and gave an innocent smile. Elan mimicking me in response while I felt the steam blowing out my ears.
"F*ck, Elan, honey, no. I don't have the energy for whatever this is. Do keep in mind that it's NON of your business what I do or the individual decisions your Master takes. So I would appreciate it if you stop probing here and there about our relationship. Stop being a fake prince with that stupid creepy smile and stop acting like you're f*cking smart."
I breathed in. "I know where you're coming from... But how's that my f*cking business? Cut me some slack, would you? We, 'normal' people are very much what keeps the world from being a disaster from your type, thank you."
I smiled a very cute smile at the end. Mimicking his ever constant fake one.
He whistled. "Someone's got a temper. Alright, I got it. Chill, man."
The fudge?
My lips twitched and my smile crashed. That's how we maintained silence throughout the journey.
But I didn't forget to thank him again for yesterday against Natalie's madness.
"Thank you, Elan. For protecting me yesterday." I bowed my head a bit.
"Sure." He kept a blank expression. Looking at me with feigned kindness. It's just too obvious- the hidden hostility in there.
I cringed inside thinking about how I'm gradually ruining my relationship with the team members.
But it's not my fault. They're unexplainable crazy people. Yes, all them.
With that less convincing thought, I stepped through the portal to begin my classes.
History Class is a relaxing start. It should be beneficial and without high intensity acts. And hopefully, I'd be more calm before the end of that session.
Having in mind the understanding that classes in Upsilon were generally neutral. As compared to classes in Beta with beginner difficulty and classes in Alpha with higher difficulty.
Hopefully, a manageable day.
But passive hope was never effective. That is, a situation where you remain passive and optimistic. It's a bloody dream.
And a part of me understood that my desired outcome would only be wielded by effective actions and opportunistic situations.