The professors and headmaster gathered in the headmaster's private study, where the lingering scent of old parchment mixed with the faint aroma of spiced tea. The mood was contemplative, the air filled with unspoken thoughts as they exchanged knowing glances. It was Master Eryx who broke the silence, his voice gruff yet tinged with amusement.
"The lady is smart," commented Professor Caldus, the Angelology instructor, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest of his chair. "She handled the situation with a deft touch."
Master Eryx leaned back in his seat, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Ambitious too," he added with a nod, his deep voice resonating in the quiet room. "I figured her out from the first class itself. There's a fire in her—one that doesn't let her rest."
Headmaster Alaric listened, his hands folded in front of him, a gleam of approval in his eyes. "Indeed," he said, his tone calm yet carrying a note of interest. "It is only the second day at the academy, and Lady Verena has already carved out a place for herself. She certainly knows how to navigate the complexities of the court, even within these halls."
Professor Vanya, the Guardian Studies professor, narrowed her eyes slightly, a hint of scepticism in her expression. "She is too haughty if you ask me," she remarked, her tone firm. "A young lady who carries herself like royalty can become troublesome. Ambition is a double-edged sword."
"She had the wit to sway the headmaster's decision and shield Lord Abel," Professor Caldus replied, his gaze steady on Vanya. "Would you not call that impressive for one so young?"
Vanya huffed, folding her arms across her chest. "I've seen many like her come and go—students with too much pride, thinking they can outshine even the brightest among us. Her actions may seem calculated and kind on the surface, but there is a restlessness in her eyes, a sense of something to prove."
"Perhaps," Headmaster Alaric interjected, his voice cutting through the tension with calm authority. "But I look forward to her future endeavours. If she can continue to navigate these halls as adeptly as she did today, then we may witness something extraordinary."
There was a pause, and then Professor Aurelius, an older instructor of Celestial Magic, spoke up with a wry smile. "As expected of the recommendation of last year's best student," he remarked. "It appears she's already fulfilling the expectations set for her."
The others nodded in agreement, though Professor Vanya's scepticism lingered in the air like an unspoken warning. "Time will tell," she murmured, her gaze distant. "But ambition without direction often leads to ruin. We shall see if Lady Verena can match her boldness with the wisdom that is required."
Headmaster Alaric glanced at Vanya, his lips curling into a knowing smile. "Indeed, we shall," he replied, his tone amused. "But for now, let us watch, and see how the young lady writes her own tale within these walls."
The air in Headmaster Alaric's study crackled with tension as Professor Vanya leaned forward, her expression sharp with accusation. "What about the incident of last night, Headmaster?" she exclaimed, her voice rising slightly. "Shouldn't Lady Verena be punished for that?"
Professor Aurelius raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What incident are we discussing?" he asked, feigning ignorance while secretly eager to hear Vanya's reasoning.
Vanya pressed on, her tone insistent. "The altercation with Lord Abel at the stroke of midnight! She put fear into him, and if anyone else had done the same, there would have been consequences."
A chuckle escaped Professor Caldus, shaking his head. "You'd think her ambition is less dangerous than what it seems," he said lightly. "But you're right in your concern, Vanya. Yet—"
Professor Aurellus interjected a hint of laughter in his voice. "We wouldn't have known about it if it weren't for His Grace, Lord Arien, Professor Vanya. Lady Verena concealed her activities quite well. That alone counts as a great skill. Had we caught her in the act, we might have punished her, but since that's not the case, she should be forgiven this time around."
Headmaster Alaric nodded, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Exactly. Concealment, when paired with strategic thought, is a skill we can hardly ignore. And it seems the young lady is learning how to play the game rather well."
Vanya pursed her lips, the scepticism still evident in her expression. "So we reward her for hiding her misdeeds?" she countered, but there was a note of uncertainty creeping into her voice.
"In this case, yes," the headmaster replied firmly, glancing at her with an air of authority. "She has shown an understanding of the nuances at play. It's essential for the students of our academy to navigate such complexities."
Master Eryx, who had remained silent until now, cleared his throat, drawing the headmaster's attention. "Shall I deliver a message to Lady Verena, Headmaster?" he suggested.
"Do that," Headmaster Alaric replied, his voice carrying a note of finality.
Eryx nodded, a thoughtful look on his face as he prepared to depart. As he stepped out of the study, Vanya crossed her arms, her brow furrowed in contemplation. "Let's hope her ambition does not blind her," she murmured, almost to herself, but the headmaster could hear her perfectly.
"Time will tell," Alaric replied, his gaze steady and confident. "But I have a feeling she will surprise us all."