In the dimming light of dusk, as the city's heart began to beat with the promise of night, Felix Richter, esteemed chairman of the Academy, found himself sharing a carriage with Lucas Izar, a noble from the distant Nordisch Kingdom, and his diligent assistant. This carriage, devoid of ostentation yet exuding a quiet dignity, was hewn from the legendary Yggdrasil wood. Its unique properties bestowed upon it a lightness and durability far surpassing that of mundane materials, allowing for a ride so smooth it scarcely disturbed the serenity within. Inside, Lucas and his assistant were lost in casual conversation, their laughter sporadic bursts that punctuated the carriage's tranquil interior, while Felix, his gaze lost in the horizon, was ensnared in contemplative silence. The carriage wheels caressed the cobblestones beneath them, their whisper a steady cadence that harmonized with the awakening murmurs of the city embracing dusk.
Felix's mind wandered, marveling at the improbability of a Nordisch noble's presence in their midst. The recent civil strife had not only scarred the landscape but also the soul of the Academy, leaving it with gaping vacancies that yearned for the touch of knowledgeable instructors. Desperation had driven Felix to extend his plea for aid across borders, reaching out to allied realms nestled in the distant frost of the Far North and the warmth of the South. The Far North's historical penchant for isolationism had tempered his expectations, yet the unfolding reality served as a poignant testament to the changing tides of time.
The thought of the 'Night Mother' and the delicate dance of political intrigue wove through Felix's mind, a persistent breeze that whispered of potential conflict. Lucas, the noble dispatched by the Nordisch Kingdom, was a paragon of achievement, his youth the only veil that obscured his suitability as a professor. However, Lucas's profound knowledge and surprising maturity, revealed during their communication stone interview, had allayed Felix's concerns. Now, witnessing Lucas's youthful vigor in person, Felix—whose own visage had ceased aging decades ago—could appreciate the depth of intellect that belied Lucas's appearance.
As the carriage meandered through the city, Felix's observant eyes captured fleeting glimpses of daily life: the bustling marketplace alive with the barter of merchants, the innocent play of children, and the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread entwined with the crisp scent of autumn leaves.
Felix pondered the rationale behind the far northern Kingdom's acquiescence to Lucas's journey, which admittedly doesn't find any reason to reject. The Academy had languished without a combat instructor for over a year, and the Empress's recent decree to resume combat classes—despite her notorious history of dispensing with instructors—lent urgency to their cause. The dwindling proficiency of students in combat, juxtaposed against their peers' advancements in other disciplines, underscored the need for decisive action.
As they neared the Academy, its ivy-clad walls and towering spires emerged, standing as a beacon of knowledge and power against the encroaching dusk.
****
The Academy's grounds pulsed with the vibrant chatter of students dispersing from their classes, the oppressive aura that once cloaked the institution now lifting like fog at dawn's embrace. Students gathered in spirited clusters within the garden, library, cafeteria, and halls, their conversations weaving a rich tapestry of curiosity, ambition, and the unbridled zest of youth.
"Hey, Alain, have you heard about the new combat instructor? Frau Leonie mentioned he's due to arrive before sunset today," one student remarked, her eyes alight with anticipation.
Alain, accustomed to the ebb, merely nodded, his expression was one of a mild interest. "What's so special about him? Isn't he just going to—ouch, hey, stop pinching me!" Paul protested, rubbing his arm where Leni had pinched him, a reprimand for his lack of decorum.
"He hails from the Nordisch Kingdom, you dolt. He won't face execution as long as he doesn't cross the crown," Leni retorted, her tone a mix of irritation and excitement.
The mention of the Nordisch Kingdom cast a subtle shadow of tension over the group, though some of their brief moments of unease were swiftly masked by a resurgence of curiosity.
"It seems there's no one else willing to take on the role. The Chairman has tasked him with teaching the 1st and 2nd years as well, compensating him separately for each," someone explained. This arrangement was unusual, but the Academy's circumstances were far from normal.
Though it was any other sane person, they would have politely rejected the request, as chairman was the kind of nobleman who would not force you unless it's for war, protection of dukedom or the crown.
The notion of a noble from the Nordisch Kingdom willing to traverse great distances and navigate the complexities of foreign customs for the sake of education was met with a mixture of admiration and skepticism among the students alike. 'Herr must indeed be a workaholic or perhaps driven by a deeper, unseen motivation,' they speculated among themselves as they made their way through the courtyard, now abuzz with activity and whispered conjectures about the new instructor.
"Did Frau Leonie mention anything else about him?" curiosity tinged the air, drawing a crowd eager for tidbits of information.
"His identity was shrouded in secrecy, adhering to policies regarding foreign noble instructors. However, his accolades were not. He's been hailed as one of the top ten military combatant, credited with leading their kingdom to a significant victory two years ago. For his valor on the battlefield, he was elevated to the rank of Viscount," Leni shared, her voice a blend of awe and trepidation.
The news stirred a mix of emotions among the students. Some were excited at the prospect of being trained by a renowned warrior, while others were apprehensive, fearing rigorous training under a battle-hardened veteran and regret not leaving the subject on time like their senior who did it to get easy grade during the civil war.
As educators, overhearing these snippets of conversation, displayed mixed reactions. While most were taken aback, none could deny the intrigue that Lucas's arrival had sparked. Unlike Frau Leonie, who was privy to inside information thanks to her connection with Felix's assistant, the rest were left to piece together the puzzle of Lucas's identity and intentions.