They walked on the slushy snow; the girls walked ahead, while Hael followed from behind. Nellie mumbled about the ongoing kidnappings of people younger than eighteen years old. In most cases, people from the academy were targeted, and despite searching for longer than three months, some of the bodies of those lost children were not found.
Slight goosebumps aroused in Luiza's arms. The chirping birds flew over them, and a few students walked beside them. They gazed at the new faces, but most of the attention was directed towards Hael.
The first bell of the academy rang which echoed even throughout the woods and routes. Nellie all of a sudden gasped and let go of Luiza's hands.
"I shall see you later, Luiza. I must go as I am late for the morning briefing." She apologized, and her feet ran on the sopping snow. Her silhouette ran farther uphill, her hair waved in the direction of her motion, and soon she was out of sight.
Luiza had poor stamina and walked somewhat faster than a tortoise. The people who walked with them left them behind, and among the tall pine trees and junipers, they walked in silence. Only their steps on the steep snow were heard.
"Hael," she nudged him. His tall figure got slightly closer to her and bent to listen better.
"Your cuffs are open," she stated, and he was moderately dumbfounded.
".."
She chuckled, stopped in her tracks, and turned towards Hael. He forwarded his hands, and she gently tied the royal blue cuffs on both.
~
"Our goals are to improve the living standards in our communities. The kingdoms constantly violate the villagers in the name of war while only a few wealthier ones get the benefit, but we as academics should transform this unlawful distribution of wealth. As for the proposal I mentioned the day before, I want specific mentions of data and the unique modifications to improve the lifestyle and a conclusion."
Teacher Haruma concluded her class and was about to leave when Luiza jotted out of the room and spoke in a louder tone, "Teacher Haruma!!"
Haruma had short brown hair that reached her shoulders and round brown eyes. Her pale skin was flustered by the long class duration and the coldness of the weather.
"Excuse me, teacher, but I am a transfer student from Eunoia, and it seems that the lifestyle here is vastly different from what I know about," she told her concerns.
"Well, I do not expect these proposals to be as brilliant as the thesis in the Academy in the Capital but do the most you can. I shall be lethal to you since it is hard to grasp a society within a few days." With that said, the teacher turned around and descended downstairs, and Luiza went back to her classroom.
Although the students were wary and in awe of her, their attention had died down by half, and most did not care. An announcement was made stating that the students who have taken magic will stay behind while others may leave their classes.
About two-thirds of the class members left, and only a handful of students stayed.
"Let's go outside," Nellie commanded, and with a nod, Luiza swiftly stood up and let her packed bag stay in the classroom.
Nellie introduced herself to her classmates. "This is Lilian," she gestured to the girl with soft freckles on her cheeks, curly ginger hair, and a tall figure.
"This is Clyde," a boy with jet black hair and polished attire. "This is Ezra," she said, pointing to the boy with sapphire blue eyes and a beautiful face.
"And last but not least, she is Lula," Nellie showed towards the girl who always trembled at Sir Albert's class.
Nellie took them to the back of the chateau, where the snow was marginally cleared and a man in a tailed coat stood. Students from a few other classes had joined, but they were less than thirty.
"Good evening, class," he greeted. "I am Hael Chrysanthia, and I shall be your new magic teacher for this month. As the teacher who was supposed to be here got injured on the way, I am merely here acting as a substitute. So, for the introduction, I want everyone to introduce themselves and their powers."
He pointed towards Nellie, who stood first in the line. She slightly cleared her throat and, in a clear, loud voice, said, "I am Nellie. My powers are wind."
"I am Clyde, and my powers are the conjuration of objects."
"I am Lula, and my powers are fertility."
"I am Lilian, and my powers are healing magic."
"I am Ezra, and my powers are plant manipulation."
"I am Luiza Moonstone, and my powers are water magic," she stated, and Hael peeked at her and focused his attention on the answers again.
By the time the introductions were completed, the time was almost finished.
He took out his pocket watch from his breast pocket and checked the time before turning his attention back to the students.
"As we have limited time left, I shall be quick. There are six different types of magic. Nature-based magic, divination magic, conjuring magic, psychic magic, life and death magic, animal- or creature-exclusive magic While most of us are born with the magic we have, we can increase our abilities to better refine them as well, but it only works for a few.
The next day, I will personally test your abilities, and then we can coordinate the class further. Prepare your best for the academy." He was about to dismiss the class when Ezel, with his nasal voice, asked, "Sirr! What 'bout you're powers?"
The students started to cheer, and he had to say, "Well, my powers are fire magic," which he answered after giving it some thought. "Yoo!" "That's amazing!"
The students cheered, and the bell rang, reminding them that the class had concluded.
With their sparkling demeanors, they left the ground, and Luiza too walked to her class. As everyone took their bags, apparently someone had messed up with Luiza's belongings.
"Do not try to lure him to you."
"Whore from another nation?"
"Man's attention seeker"
"A bitch and a slut"
And other awful things were stated on her desk while her books were torn to shreds and her bag was cut into many pieces. The color of her face drained and was left aghast.