The journey was quicker thanks to Mother's butlers. I still don't understand how she has mages among her butlers and maids.
Throughout the journey, my main thought was of Teon, even though he wasn't too far away. We left the next day after spending the day out together, but I haven't seen him since.
I was glad to be with Tyler again and spent most of the journey lying on him alongside Alia, who fell asleep the moment we entered the carriage. I got out after the long ride to the academy, with Tyler trailing behind me. I looked around and saw Teon strolling up to us.
"I'll stop by the Principal's office before leaving," he said, and I nodded.
"I wouldn't mind staying," Alia said, yawning as she got out of the carriage.
"I'm fine," I replied.
"Okay, I'll walk her up. Go and take care of your business," Alia said, and Teon nodded, glancing at me before leaving. "Let's... go," she said, yawning again.
We walked inside, and Alia made her way to my room quietly. I just watched her leave. I turned and looked at the things that had been brought in; Blair insisted on sending more dresses.
I noticed a smaller group of boxes, about ten in total. I walked over to them and opened the one on top. My eyes widened in shock. The shoes I was looking at yesterday were inside, but in a different color. When did he get them? I opened all the boxes, and they were the same. I was shocked.
"Oh, that," Alia said, walking in. "Teon made such a fuss about it yesterday," she said, and I looked away.
"You too? Wow," she exclaimed, sitting next to me.
"What?" I asked, avoiding her gaze.
"You like Teon, don't you?" she asked, and my face flushed.
"Thought so," she said, lying down on her back. "There are a lot of lovebirds around me. First, it was the twins, now Teon," she complained.
"Twins?"
"You'd better be safe, or else what's the point of all this?" she asked, standing up. "I'm off." I sat there staring at the boxes as Alia's words stuck in my mind. I have to get to work; if I don't survive, what's the point?
…
I walked to the Principal's office to see him but stopped when I noticed Gordon walking out. He looked worried. I raised my hand to wave, but he didn't notice me. Should I call him?
"Gordon," I called, and he turned to look at me. A bright smile appeared on his face as he ran towards me.
"Professor, I thought something happened to you. I've been coming here every day to ask about you," he said.
"Something came up. Sorry for making you worry," I replied, and he shook his head.
"No, it's fine as long as you're okay," he said. "Are you going to see the Principal? Good luck," he said, waving at me. Good luck?
"Okay," I said and walked inside.
I knocked on the door and walked in after getting a response. The Principal sat at his desk, stirring the contents of his cup.
"Faina, you're back," were his first words.
"Yes, I am," I replied.
"You made a good number of people worry, especially your apprentice. The kid never bothers with me or my office, even when he registered, but he's visited me every day since you left," he said. He's not my apprentice yet.
"I bumped into him outside," I said, taking my seat.
"Just make him your apprentice already," the Principal said.
"Principal," I called, and he nodded. "Can I ask you for a favor?" I asked. If I'm going to get busy with a high chance of not making it, I need to tell someone, and he might not show it, but he's the best option.
"Anything for Galliel's genius," he said.
"There's something I haven't told anyone, and I want to tell you because you're in the best position to know." You won't make a fuss and will probably laugh it off.
"What is it? Does it have to do with the Rosens?"
"No."
"Your research?"
"Yes," I replied, folding my hands into fists.
"What is it? I'm not tight-lipped, so don't expect much from me," he said, but I knew he was just joking.
"My research is about finding a cure for Large Worms," I stated.
"That's a daring research," he said.
"I'm near completion," I said, and he couldn't hide his surprise. "I have everything planned and prepared, but I'm worried there might be another problem," I said.
"If it's about the Rosens, I'm talking to the board. They'll be called to order," he said.
"That's not it," I said.
"Wh… Do you…"
"I... I have Large Worms," I said those words for the first time in my life, and it felt nice to tell someone. "But no one knows, and I want to keep it that way."
"Okay," he said, understanding.
"The last ingredient I want to use is Drityl. You know how dangerous it is. If I don't make it, please keep my lab isolated and let Gordon complete my research when he graduates," I stated.
"So, will you make him your apprentice?"
"Not yet," I replied.
"I feel bad for making you work so much when you were ill. If you're ill, say something," the Principal complained.
"Okay, but please, I don't want anyone to know."
"Consider it done," he said, smiling.
"Thank you," I said, standing up.
"As for the lab issue, I believe you'll be able to finish your research, so I won't be doing that."
"Thank you," I said and turned to leave.
"Don't die, kid, you're very useful," he said, and I nodded before walking out.
It felt nice to finally tell someone. I'm sure the Principal was the best option; he'll get everything done.
If I told Mother, she'd lock me up and start looking for cures, forgetting that I was making one. Everyone else around me would tell her, even if I begged them not to. Teon might not tell her, but he'd talk me into telling her. The Principal was always the only option.
I just have to make sure that I make it. If I don't, what was the point of hiding the truth?