Unfortunately, what happened next was what Torfo had not hoped but already expected. When he didn’t find anyone in the dorm, he went to the dining room. Because it was lunch time, he thought someone should be there to have lunch. Instead, he found everyone. Plus the children. And he didn’t feel like telling what he was about to tell Darrion in front of everyone, who cherished Jai’s presence so much. He was thinking how should he tell the windlet about his friend when he realized he had Jai’s scarf in his hands. An idea suddenly popped into his mind.
He stood by the entrance of the dining room and stood up straight. Darrion was sitting facing the entrance’s direction, so the blonde would eventually see him.
Everyone looked like they were having a good time eating, talking to each other, and none of them looked at the door for the first minute. So Torfo waved Jai’s scarf around the top of his head, trying to get their attention.
Darrion was looking away from Lemi
Darrion’s laughter signaled the kids to come in unannounced. Even though Torfo told them that Jai was just waking up and needed all the rest he could get, the kids could not, not get excited. They ended up being too loud and the monk who came over to check on his patient had to kick them out. Jai was grateful that they visited him, though he was actually still semi-conscious and it’s questionable whether he know it was them and not just a simple daydream.Needless to say, it was quite a day.Everyone knew about the incident in the main hallway, that the participants had a fight with each other because of the injured one in the infirmary. But the information the people received was that they got into a fight with a fire elemental monster, and Jai was once again being reckless by baiting himself for the others to run away. But the other didn’t run away, and Jai ended up getting hurt instead. It was what the Minister had requested to the Abbott and the Abbess. It was do
A knock came to the door, but it didn’t manage to drag Torfo’s attention away from the book he was reading. The door then opened, revealing Naoki.“Ooh, hello, friend,” Naoki greeted.“Hm, come in,” Torfo answered, not even glancing away from the book.Naoki retreated a bit before he opened the door. “You got a visitor.”That finally got his attention to the door, where Jai was already waiting with a tray of food in his hands. The presence surprised Torfo and he got up immediately from his lying down position. “Jai?” the young soldier called.Jai smiled and waved his hand. “Can I come in?”Torfo looked at Naoki and then at him, before nodding. As Jai entered the room, Naoki retreated out and closed the door behind him. Jai put the tray on Torfo’s nightstand and sat on the bed across from him.A smile perched itself on Jai’s face as he greeted with a &l
Jai left not long after, bringing the empty tray of food with him. Naoki was smiling so wide when he exited the room, with his own friend standing beside Naoki with indifferent expression. It might be just Jai, but to him, his friend was looking deep in thought. Jai somehow thought his friend was considering about Torfo, which was good. Making friends are always better.Naoki held Jai by his upper arm, a big smile perched on his face as he looked at Jai with those big chocolate orbs of his.Jai wondered why the guy would act like that, but he just smiled back. Naoki patted his shoulders and then entered the room, leaving Jai smiling like an idiot in the middle of the hallway.Jai turned to his friend. “What was that?”“Naoki’s just happy that someone got to be his friend’s friend,” Darrion answered.Jai raised one of his brows, feeling the intentional word play. “Okay?”Darrion narrowed his eye
Jai had known that they would never be permitted to go in the kitchen even if he goes with the kids. The kids were the red flags anyway. But they still ended up going to the kitchen with the kids. The guard was, unfortunately but as expected, still not letting them in and this drove the kids to plead cutely to the guard. It was a cute sight and Jai and Darrion liked that.Both of them didn’t even try to help at all, because both know the outcome already. But they had to give a salute to the kids. Finding an idea that seemed like a loophole was creative of them. However, still, it was not a good idea, in the sense that they were putting themselves as an excuse. Jai and Darrion both did not condone the action, and they had agreed on that on the way.‘The kids were nice, but they needed to be taught that they can’t use their position as an excuse,’ Jai thought.They did feel a bit bad when they saw t
Ina giggled happily as she was floated gently above the ground by Teacher Sora. Hans was beside them, sitting calmly while sipping a glass of orange juice. The other kids were on the long table in the center of the room, where they were making some meatballs. While our two favorite protagonists were by the fryer in the left side of the room, with the Matron behind them making sure the oil wasn’t too hot. Jai chuckled as he turned over the meatballs he was frying. “It’s okay, Matron. I know what I’m doing.” The Matron looked at him with a smile. “Oh Jai, I just never saw a grown up boy cooking in the kitchen. It’s not that I don’t trust you or anything.” “Oh it’s fine! I know it’s uncommon, but relax, I really can fry these meatballs,” Jai tilted his head in a playful nod, earning a smile from the woman. “Alright then, I entrust the meatballs to you,” the Matron said. “How about you Darrion? Do you need any help?” The blonde grinned widely. “No
“You shouldn’t be here again. This is not your place… Yet,” the soft voice faintly said.Jai whipped his head to his right, the same action he took that time, and he saw the same girl. A girl with long black hair and white dress.He could have opted to think it was someone different, but her face was familiarly similar to the girl from the cave last time. He couldn’t think otherwise.The girl held up something in her hand. “This is the item you’re looking for.”Jai took a second to look at her face before looking at the item in her hand. It was something red and gold, and quite big. Jai took a step closer to take a better look. His eyes traced the outline of the thing and he finally realized it was a feather. The feather darker red in color and the size was quite big, to the point that it covered the girl’s whole hand. There was an orb at the base of the feather that’s gold in color. The gold spre
When Jai was reading the book, a knock came to the door. Jai went to open it, and Naoki appeared in front of him."Hey, Jai. I see you coming back. Where were you? I was looking for you at the kitchen but you weren't there. The kids said you went to train," Naoki asked."Oh, yeah. Darrion and I went to train after making some snacks. We just got back. What's up?" Jai asked."Well, you promised Torfo some snacks and he's asking," Naoki said.Jai slapped himself in the face. "Oh man, I forgot to save some for him..."He forgot he promised Torfo that he would cook him some food. Being rejected from the kitchen and the request to search the artifact had made him forget that.He made the meatballs so the kids would let him go easily. He didn't know why he didn't even think of saving some for Torfo. He's such a forgetful person."Is it the meatballs the kids ate? It was delicious!" Naoki gave him thumbs up."Oh yeah! You eat those?
Dinner went on normally. And it was time for the evaluation. The participants were brought to a room in the Flame Wing, the one across from the children's room. All the teachers came to attend, also Carrola and the Minister himself.It was an evaluation, so everyone had the chance to speak up. The teacher went first, and each participant was discussed. It was not a berating or a harranging, but it was jist like the meeting called: An Evaluation.The participants were given the points they had a chance to work on, notes on their skills, and encouragement on certain things they could do to get better.Each and every teacher gave their notes to each participants, with Radcliffe being that last to comment as per his own request.Jai thought that Radcliffe would be on a small rampage on the notes, but he wasn't. The teacher was very professional and only spoke what he needed to say about certain points they were still lacking. Furthermore, he gave ea
Jai felt something wrapped around his stomach from behind. He immediately looked down to his waist, spotting two smaller sized hands coiling on his waist.‘A kid, obviously. But who is it?’ Jai wondered. This was a baby shower event, so he wasn’t feeling weird if children attend too. The question is, who is this kid?He tried to turn around to look at the hugger, but the kid was hugging him tight. It wouldn’t be hard to push it, but he was reluctant because it’s a kid. He knew there’s nothing he could do but ask.“Oh? Hello? Is there anything you need?” Jai asked with a friendly tone.He could hear giggles, but the kid didn’t answer his question.“Oh are we playing guess?” Jai asked.More giggles.“It’s a boy.” Someone whispered from his left side. A familiar voice yet he could not name.“Hey!” The boy protested.But from that tone alone, Jai could already figure out who it is. So he said. “Hello, Ruta-kun.”The kid let him go and Jai could finally turn around. True, it was Ruta. The
On the day when the baby shower was held, Jai arrived at the place with Baji.The venue is in a mansion in the North Town. Jai hadn’t been in that certain neighbourhood, but he finally understood that the North Town is the place for the riches, and the neighbourhood they were in is probably among the richest. The mansion building is tall, and the garden is so wide. There’s a medium sized pond with two gazebos on the side, and then there’s also a small orchard on the right side of the mansion.Baji leaned in to whisper something. “The party is in the back garden. And keep your mouth shut, please. You’re a famous guy and I don’t want you looking stupid.” Then he leaned back.Jai immediately closed his unconsciously parted lips and recited the plan. He couldn’t, of course, confront an important figure of a clan in a crowded venue. So Baji and Gilbert had made a plan to help him talk alone with Fuuji Fu in the venue. He just have to make sure he could deal with the ‘fans’, though he hoped
It isn’t a doubt that Cynthia was reluctant to share that information with Harris because Jai was there. So Jai proposed to the brunette to re-visit the place later in the day to ask about it.Baji was there when they returned, and Jai immediately told him about the findings he got also to consult about the Fiery Lotus.Baji crossed his arms on his chest and nodded in acknowledgement. “It’s fortunate that a promising lead is finally here. We’re sorry for the late initiative from our part. We should’ve worked harder.”He didn’t think that he would receive an apology from Baji. But it showed that the man is a responsible person. Jai shook his head. “It’s alright. From the start, it was already a scavenger hunt. But do you know anything about either of those?”Baji fixed his seating before he explained. “Well about the Chief of Fuuji, he’s a strict person on males. He’s nice to females, and he’s really into babies. There’s only one male person he had shown his friendly side to in public,
“So uhh, this person whom you mentioned before with Tsubasa is a very important person. And you want to ask him about Alex?” Darrion asked when they were in the carriage, heading back.Jai narrowed his eyes. “Why aren’t you being straightforward?”“I’m a bit tired from today. There are so many deliveries like yesterday. But ahh… I’m more tired in trying to understand what they say.” Darrion said with nervous smile.Jai forgot that his friend is not adept in Shouha language, it must be hard to work without understanding what anyone is saying.“Sorry.” Jai apologized.Darrion nodded. “It’s fine. Let’s just stick to no name for now, if possible. I… Can’t really erect a barrier right now.”“Sure.” Jai nodded. “The… Family, you know, told me about him. Saying that he is the first person we can ask about Alex. But he has a very high standing, as you’ve listened to me and the father talked about him, so it won’t be easy to talk to him.”“I see. So that’s why you go to them. They can be consi
"Sorry if it's too much of me to ask." Jai said."Oh no, no. It's fine. But my mother is not at home though, is that alright?" Yuta asked as he turned to Jai and Darrion behind him."It's alright. It's very sudden after all." Jai said."Alright then. Would tea be alright?" Yuta asked."Yes. It's fine. Thank you." Jai answered.Fu Fuuji is the head chief of one of the notorious Ten Guardian Clans, the Fuuji clan. After leaving the Komatsu’s residence, he was thinking about how to get in touch with this person. And the Akamine clan is the first thing that came into Jai’s mind.While they don’t really owe him a favor, this family is the closest connection that he has to the Fuuji clan, because they’re also one of the Ten Guardian Clans.Also, he knew that it’s not guaranteed that he would get an audience with Fu Fuuji through the Akamine. There’s a possibility that they are enemies with each other. But he would at least try to ask. So here they were, in the Akamine clan’s residence.Yuta
Returning to the present.“Little Sparks. Fiery Lotus. What the hell are those?” Jai asked as they left the compound.“Quiet down. You’re gonna get us killed for that.” Claude remindedJai turned around and talked in slight whisper. “If it’s associated with the Queen, that means it’s very private. In the North Town, in a community place like thing. It doesn’t ring any bells from the previous search. Do you know anything about it?”He saw an empty horse mount coming in their direction and waved it.The mount stopped in front of them and they immediately climbed in the carriage. “Southeast Windlet Post Office.” He told the horse mount driver.Weaving the air barrier thicker, Claude replied. “I don’t. I’m a hunter, not a mercenary. How do you suppose I know these things?”Jai smiled shortly with a shrug. “Maybe? Ah… But this is a major progress in the case. At least we know he’s not dead, and it will take more effort to rescue him now.” Jai smiled.Claude stared at Jai suspiciously. “Why
They were led to a corridor which have several doors across from each other. Alex immediately knew they are resting rooms, because he could see a bed from one of the opened doors.One of the committees, the previous guy who shot the Cloud Viewing Rune in the ceremony, pulled his hood down, showing his blonde hair. Then he turned around while the other committees went past him, leaving him to deal with the new freshmen batch.“Good morning. My name is Liam. I am one of the guild members and I am one of the supervisors of the freshmen. Well, not really supervisor, but I’m the one they put in charge to look after you when the super seniors are out. Like right now. Oh and umm, I’m not alone. I have my friends with me to look after you. So please don’t do anything rash, because we outpower you by a lot. And we prefer not to hit you, because you’re a potential junior. Please be nice to each other, okay?”Alex didn’t really pay attention. He stopped listening when he uttered the fourth sente
That morning on the day when Jai went to the Komatsu’s house, Alex had already settled in ‘the place’.He wasn’t familiar with the kingdom, as such, he didn’t know where he was taken to.And since he was late, he was grouped with those who were also late. Many eyes stared at him when he entered the room—it was an average room with beds—reserved only for those who arrived late.Apparently, those who arrived first had attended the ceremony and the first phase—and those who were late had to attend on their own. But they would be gathered together after that, and he would be able to meet his roommate. That was what Master Fu said yesterday when he dropped him off. But the old man wasn’t lying.He went through a sleepless night—because there were many others here that he didn’t know and he wasn’t keen on getting surprise attacked in the middle of his sleep. But the night went by uneventfully, fortunately.He and the others were given a tray of scone and tea to start the day. He didn’t eat
“Don’t. Test. Me.”Jai’s eyes glowed brighter for a second as he emphasized the last words.The civilians, of course flinched at his threat. All of them knew him as a humble and righteous young man. Always smiling and looked very kind. They never knew this side of him. That’s why they were very surprised. The Kizuato group wasn’t included though, they were there exactly to prevent Jai doing what he planned to do.Akane, who had have enough of her parents’ plan, stood up.“Akane-chan!” Rio tried to stop her, but she went anyway and spoke.But instead of retaliating at the guest in their house like the rest of her family, she was looking at her mother instead. “Just tell him, mother!”Rio frowned deep at her. “What are you saying, Akane?”Akane gritted her teeth. “Just tell him!! If you tell him, no one will be hurt!”Rio shut her mouth and swallowed, but she didn’t say anything.Akane looked at her mother with bewildered expression. “If you don’t, then I will.” She turned to Jai. But