Chapter 2

As they left the headmaster's office, Elinor and Azeph accompanied Louis to the carriage still waiting at the entrance, Azeph said while trying to bring a new subject of conversation. 

"To think that you were Louis's cousin was coming. No wonder he was called back and forth to prepare for your arrival."

Elinor looked at him for a moment when he said Louis's name. It wasn't very common for people to call him that way, even for his comrades. He was too intimidating and distant to allow it. Not that he wasn't distant towards Azeph, it seems like this one wasn't in the least bothered by that attitude.

" Well, for some reason it surprises people to learn that we are cousins. Louis takes a lot after his father, while I take after mine. That's why we look completely different."

"People are so narrow minded, they don't take the time to see deeper than eye colors and face shapes, if they look a little more deeply they would realize the similarities in our behavior and habits," Louis commented for the first time since Azeph came into the room.

" Well, for sure you do have the same air around you. I felt the same way when I first met Louis too. You two have a noble and intimidating aura around you. Yet, Lady Elinor's more gentle and comforting."

Azeph said in his smooth voice with a seducing smile toward Elinor who –unaffected with it- assumed that it was a part of his perfect gentleman's personality rather than a means of seducing her.

"... But the first thing people see when it comes to similarities is the face. It's common sense, so you can't blame them for acting like that."

"Common sense is most of the time, close minded prejudices, so if you force yourself to see deeper you will see the difference as clear as the blue sky."

Elinor knew better than to let this kind of conversation take place, Louis wasn't likely to give up a debate, and from what it seemed to be, Azeph was apparently all too happy to oblige.

Well, Louis usually doesn't even care enough to take a proper glance at people, so being able to attract his attention and actually make him respond means you are actually a worthy person in his eyes, and few are considered worthy to him, so Elinor was sure to even bet that these two were rivals...

"I was wondering for a while now, Lord Azeph..." she spoke up,

"Please call me Zéph, everyone does, except for your cousin who insists on calling me by my full name as if it was some kind of challenge."

Elinor found herself chuckling at this because it actually does sound like it's hard to spell when Louis pronounces it.

Louis on the other hand was going to comment on Ophe's words, but seeing his cousin actually smiling made him reconsider.

" Well then Azeph, you must be the son of the count of Fürst."

Before he could respond Louis said in his deep tone, "Azeph Highzhar, the first son of the count of Highzhar,"

" You know Louis," Azeph interrupted with a wry tone, "Sometimes, I wonder if you like saying my full name just like that."

"I was just reminding Elin of your title," Louis answered,

" Titles again," Azeph complained, then looked at Elin again.

" That's right, I'm Count Furst's son. Do you know my father?"

" No, I have never had the honor of meeting the count yet. But I did meet your mother, the countess, several times. She even invited us to your lake manor."

"You went to the lake manor before?" Azeph said surprised. "I wonder how come we never met before?"

"We were at the manor only twice. We happened to be in the city on business, my mother and I, and she invited us over. I remember her saying that she would have loved to introduce you to us but you were out visiting a friend."

"When exactly was it?" He asked, seeming deep in thought.

" Three summers ago."

"I see... I do visit my friends a lot during summer. He lives in the neighboring property. He studies in this Academy too. If you would like, I will be glad to introduce you."

" Of course," she said with a smile as they reached the doors of the buildings where a carriage awaited Louis.

"When will you be back?" She asked, her tone tainted with concern.

Louis turned toward her with his usual cold expression and said with the same cold tone.

" It won't take long, I'm sure I'll be here for tomorrow's class. If you need anything, contact the dorm mother. I'm sure Azeph will make sure so that she will be of assistance." He said taking a glance toward him,

Azeph was standing at the doorstep, his eyes staring into Louis's, "Of course, that would be my ultimate pleasure. You can count on me." he said with exaggerated reverence.

She never met someone who actually made fun of Louis, other than that person...

Maybe Louis was having a livelier life than she had guessed before, here at the Academy.

Louis stared at him coldly for a moment before turning toward Elinor pressing a kiss to the side of her head and departing.

Elinor turned in time to see the slightly surprised expression on Azeph's face.

Greeting by a kiss on the forehead was a custom of their family for as long as Elin could remember. But it was mostly a private gesture. Hence, the unfamiliarity of it to other people.

"Well, that was an interesting encounter," Azeph said quietly, "I have a feeling that we're going to be able to see a whole new side of Louis thanks to you,"

"Strange since I have the exact feeling since earlier," Elinor answered with a chuckle,

"Louis had always been distant toward us. But, I'm glad to see that he treats you very well,"

"Yes, maybe too well. Sometimes, it feels like he's spoiling me," Elin admitted.

"Are you sure we're talking about the same person?" Azeph said, and Elin laughed.

She liked Azeph, his personality was gentle and easygoing. And if what she heard about him was right, his mind was as sharp as his sword. Sharp enough to stand in rivalry to her cousin in both debates and duels.

"Shall we have that tour?" Azeph asked, extending his hand to her,

"I would love to," Elin said, taking his hand.