"Dead?" One of the professors said in complete disbelief.
"The envoy arrived in pieces and Sultan Ahmet Han demands answers. His Majesty has ordered an investigation. It will only be a matter of time before the news will spread to the public." Another professor said. "Should we evacuate the students?"
"In a sense, it is fortunate that none of the students are affected."
"At this point, there are very few places that are truly safe in Solin so until everything is resolved, all future trips and holidays are cancelled. We will also need to discuss what to do at the end of the year. And the Damat students will remain here until further notice."
"Very well,"
Amy finished her work by the time the conversation came to an end.
So that would explain the urgency. she thought as the conversation begins to move on.
Then her thoughts turn to others. She first decides to take a look at Alina's point of view. Apparently, the Ripper incidents has created a rift in her plans as fear grew. She is still on the process of buying back her people from slavery, but it also seems she is beginning to accept that there are those who made their choices to remain in their new lives instead of returning to their old ones. However, she sees a business opportunity to get more money since people are afraid but thanks to Amy's advice, she didn't. Otherwise, people will think she is the cause.
Boris seems to make some steady progress. He finally decided to get himself some assistance by using a marionette spell on puppets to do the work for him. They are basically like robots. As she is not quite skilled in this field, it is quite difficult to explain but it seems he is getting to the testing phase.
Alabaster is quite impressive with his progress. The business is running smoothly despite the chaos and in fact, has become quite charitable and build himself a good reputation for helping out the victims and their families, donating money and food to those who need it. Because this is a business move that doesn't exist in this world, he admits that it reminds him of his old cult days.
Amy continued working on her homework, but it is noted that the rest of the day was filled with excited chatter. When both Leon and possibly Theseus hears about this impending news, they might both go on a rampage.
She then heard Ramiro caw as he came back with a letter around his leg. Curious, she untied it and opened it to a letter from Selim.
Amaryllis,
We would like to invite you to the Founder's festival next month on the 15th. You don't have to dress into anything formal. Casual wear is fine but no hats. I will provide a shawl to wear around your head. We got permission from the professors to invite you. You weren't able to attend before so hopefully, you'll be able to come this time.
Amy is mildly surprised to see this. The Founder's festival is an event celebrating Damat's birthday for three nights. In the Magic Academy, they celebrate it by dancing, food and music in an area where the professors permit and even assist in preparations.
Last year, she was not in the Academy and the year before, she was in the infirmary. She replied that she will be unable to attend, knowing the celebration will be cancelled.
*
The next day, Leon has been extremely moody and not his usually childish moodiness but his 'ready to kill' look. She hasn't seen that look since he started planning against Alabaster. It looks like even Rufus is unaware why he is angry this time as he tries to implore him to tell what happened. Amy knew better than to fuel the flames if Rufus is unable to calm him down.
It remained that way up to their free period where they attend their clubs.
Selim looks confused as he sat next to her and whispered, "What's going on with him? I've never seen that face before."
Amy gave out a huff before answering, "You'll see."
Leon, the club leader, let out a loud sigh before pulling out a letter from his pocket to show everyone. "I got a letter from the palace. They want me to return, effective immediately. A carriage will arrive soon for me and the exchange kids."
The entire room was confused. "Wait, what? Why are you suddenly leaving?" Everyone started clamoring for answers. Only Amy and Melissa remained quiet.
Leon has a dark look on his face which got everyone to shut up.
"The Damat ambassador was killed by some unknown force. There was no break-in. He was found in pieces though." He then stared at Selim who is the only Damat member in the club. "There's more." he said, "Sultan Ahmet's consort and kids were also killed the same way."
Many of the club members were at the edge of their seats, shocked to hear the news. Even Amy, who had already heard what had happened by eavesdropping the professors, is shocked to hear this fresh news.
"Other than the dead envoy, some of the nobility in Damat had been killed by the Ripper. What's worse is that members of the royal family were added to the list of victims now. The most prominent victims are Cennet Kadin; one of the Sultan's senior consorts and their two children: Cicek Sultana and Sehzade Jahan. They weren't even in the same place when they died but they presumably died at the same time. The Sultan ordered an investigation only to so far come out with nothing." he explained.
If the world wasn't fearful before, they are afraid because until now, nobles were not killed, not to mention members of a royal family. In addition, the Damat Royal Harem is one of the most secured places in the world. No man could easily enter it without alarming everyone let alone any intruder, magical offense or curse. People will begin to believe that the Ripper isn't human or a monster but the result of some unnatural/unknown/divine cause.
"While I am gone, Rufus will take my place. You better find some answers. I will write as often as I can." He said and pushed his chair away in frustration before leaving the room, unceremoniously adjourning the meeting.
*
It seems that this wasn't the only piece of news that they continue to hear. The nobles were so scared that the royal palace made news regarding on the situation.
First, the social season is cancelled, and this year's debutantes will not debut this season by the orders of Queen Helena. Now that nobles are also targeted, everyone is now too afraid to even leave their homes.
Many events were cancelled much to the objection of many people. Selim feels unhappy but he didn't object.
*
Leon watched as the foreign nobles began departing to the palace. He was greeted off by his friends and carried an uncharacteristically sad smile.
"See you then." he winked at them and left the premises. Admittedly, she feels bad for him. He is taken away from his friends and life he enjoys living. It can't be helped. King Claude shows surprising care to bring back Leon like this.
Everyone returned to the lounge, now slightly concerned.
"Is anyone here asked to return home?" Theseus asked with a solemn tone, "My parents want me back, but I replied that I want to stay."
"Don't take offense to it." Viola said, "your parents are worried about you. Our father has faith in the Academy's security system and actually believes that leaving is actually a bad idea as it would leave us exposed."
"Same with me." Sabina said, "Salvador on the other hand will return to the White Territory. The Earl is still in poor health and wants him to be there by the time he dies. He thinks that he might croak this year."
"My father believes I should stay though my mother wants me to return." Rufus said,
"My Uncle told me to stay there and not return back home. Queen Helena asked if I would like to go to the Palace, but I refused. I would prefer to stay here." Melissa says.
Everyone received got a letter from Harry that the Royal Academy is facing the same measures but unlike the Magic Academy, there are actually a few commoner students that had gone missing, presumably dead because no one talked about them especially the professors who are adamant not to answer questions about the students. However, they managed to hide it is quite impressive.
Amy looked around the sad atmosphere and left everyone to their thoughts while she deals with hers.