Back in class, Amy sat back and watched, surprised that the atmosphere became more cheerful. She has kept an eye on Rufus, comparing him to a ticking time bomb. Since Leon is gone, she figured that it might be difficult to keep Rufus in check. Apparently, people are not truly aware of what Rufus is like without being in Leon's shadow. Even she doesn't know. Strangely enough, Rufus appears calm, really calm. Logic tells her that this is just the calm of the storm though. As long as she had known him, he is kinder, and gentlemanly compared to Leon, even when he acted like a proper prince. Despite his playful nature, he does not do pranks without Leon around. It is probably because he is unable to find it as fun without his best friend or because it's easy to get behind him. However, she knows that he is as capable of being cruel, manipulative and calculating than Leon. He's already thirteen and yet she feels uneasy around him because she cannot see or read him.
"Now before we conclude our lesson, I will assign you a project. I have recently brought some Mihrimah flower seeds from Damat."
There were a few surprising looks that quickly turned into distress. Mihrimah flowers are a former rare breed of flowers that were difficult to grow. They are named after the famous Magical Botanist and Horticulturist, Mihrimah Sultana of Damat who discovered them. They make a most sought-after ingredient in potions and has been used as an ingredient for the Temporal Disease medicine she took. Even the seeds have quite a strong affinity to magic. The juice from these flowers has many benefits and uses. It is also known to give good dreams to those suffering from nightmares when placed at their bedside. Other than being beautiful, they glow dimly in the night, making it a nice night lantern. Those who own the flowers and keep them in good condition, are all skilled in raising them. Her grandpa Ole keeps a collection of many rare plants and the flower itself is one of them.
"Due to recent events, I believe that this assignment would be suitable. For the rest of the year, you will be growing a pot of one of these seeds and keeping track of their growth on a journal daily. You do not need to worry about the end result. Even if you fail to grow them to full bloom, you have no need to worry. I just wish to see how you watch over its progress. I will give extra credit to those who do grow it into full bloom though."
Amy is confident that she would grow them with no problem, but she is certain that other than Nathaniel, everyone else would have problems growing it.
"For the record, all the pots that I will hand you are also assigned to you so don't you think of stealing other people's work. Also, if you do succeed on growing it to full bloom then you are allowed to keep it. It is quite vulnerable for now but once it reaches its peak then the flower will never wilt for a couple of years."
Amy didn't have to look around to feel the piercing eyes on her and Nathaniel.
Just perfect
*
Leon has finished his lessons very quickly and the only thing he enjoys is either training, pranking the palace staff or reading the letters that his close friends give him. Nate has written him a detailed summary of the lessons that he is missing out, Theo wrote the exciting part. Team Sun is going to plan their own ball that they name the Rising Sun Ball, after their own team. He wrote that if it is successful, they might create a trend. Leon bemoans the fact that he wouldn't have a chance to join in something fun. Melli's response was short yet surprisingly sweet. Hers was an exotic gift from the Teluka kingdom outside the continent. There aren't any large landmasses outside the continent so there is not much to see other than small island nations with low populations. Then there is Kitty's letter that lists the latest school gossip, and his replies are about the students that are residing into the palace. The Hekaton prince and his posse are enjoying themselves. Hekaton has many rules, but Solin is more or less light about following rules. Vivi's letter provides comforting words though she probably knows that it's useless to try but considering that she is the only one giving words of comfort to him at all means that she knows that everyone else hasn't. Ryllis's letter has detailed instructions and pictures of how to use the weapons that he requested to learn. Not only that, but she also gave him a makeshift tomahawk and slingshot to practice with. Finally, Rufus wrote a lengthy letter of how much has changed. He was the only one to tell him everyone's opinion of him since he left. Leon is neither sensitive nor upset to hear the news, but he didn't have to write so harshly.
*
As she began filling her pot with dirt and fertilizer, people are already quick to start preparations on the Ball. It is barely two weeks away and yet everyone is excited to be a part of this. Some people already started asking partners out for the dance but of course, it is limited to only Team Sun members. Viola and Sabina have left their pots to her after Amy helped them with the initial set up. For Viola, it is just for safekeeping and Sabina is too impatient and thus her worst subject is Horticulture and Botany, so she is helping her out before she ruins her assigned plant as she has both a desire to pass the course and keep the flower.
Amy began taking care of the seed and setting up space for it in the pot. As much as she wishes to use magic to speed its growth and get this project over with, she restrained herself as she measures the soil's quality and face it to a spot with little sunlight as it thrives only in moonlight. Afterwards, she looked up at the sky while washing her hands of the dirt and fertilizer.
Moonlight, huh. It is basically the same as sunlight, just reflected off the moon and towards the earth. After looking at the sky for a bit longer, a sudden thought occurred to her. Her expression slowly turns into realization.
"Oh shit,"