– I knew it! – He shouted, jumping from his chair.
I knew it… that woman's gone insane. And here I thought I was the one going crazy with this theory… but look at that! I was right all along! He thought to himself, keeping a defensive stance behind the chair, his eyes locked on Freya. She had stopped eating and was now staring right back at him.
The two of them stayed like that for a while, eyes meeting in tense silence. Sweat trickled down Evo's face as he tried to keep calm.
If this woman tries to arrest me, I can't do a damn thing. She's way stronger than I am. Damn it… what should I do? Evo's mind raced for answers, but his paranoia was suddenly shattered by a loud, wild laugh.
– Hahahahahahahahahahaha! – Freya laughed uncontrollably, slamming her hands against the table.
– Hahahah, wait— – She raised a hand toward him, struggling to breathe. – Hahaha, no, I'm sorry for that… harr… – She took a deep breath, trying to suppress her laughter.
– What's so funny, you kidnapper? – He asked cautiously, keeping his guard up.
– Relax, you fool. I'm just teasing you. Hahaha! Ah, Ev, you really are the best. – She took a sip of water, still grinning.
Evo frowned, uncertain if he should believe her after that laughing fit.
– Arrrrgh! – He groaned, rubbing his temples before sitting back down to finish his coffee.
He took a sip and set the cup down, watching as she wiped away the tears of laughter from her eyes. Her face was flushed, which, annoyingly enough, only made her look more charming. He waited until she'd calmed down to finally ask:
– So? Why? Why did you bring me to your office?
– To be honest, I don't remember anything after finishing the sword with Ravisto. Everything after that is just… blank. Every time I try to recall it, my head feels like it's splitting in two. I woke up today sore all over and totally confused.
Evo recounted everything that had happened and what he was feeling. She didn't know it, but despite the fear that she might have actually kidnapped him, he felt strangely comfortable around Freya. Despite all her teasing, he couldn't bring himself to be angry — which was already a miracle. Normally, his pride and temper wouldn't allow anyone to mess with him like that. Yet here he was, calm and oddly at ease in her presence.
– Why am I so calm? I don't get it… – He thought to himself, only to be interrupted by Freya's voice.
– Yesterday, while you two were at the forge, I was here in my office and… – Freya paused, tapping her finger on the table as she looked at Evo. She seemed to be choosing her words carefully. – But suddenly, I felt a disturbance somewhere in the academy. And guess where it came from? – She smiled, waiting for his response.
– The forge, – he muttered, catching on.
– And what was that disturbance? – He asked, tilting his head with curiosity.
– Hmpf! – She shrugged. – I don't know. When I got there, you were on the ground, unconscious. Ravisto said you just collapsed out of nowhere and asked me to take you somewhere to rest. Maybe you overdid it, pouring too much emotion into the sword. That kind of thing drains you, you know? – Freya lied, and the lie weighed on her heart. She didn't want to deceive him, but… she didn't know what else to do.
Evo listened carefully, trying to piece together the confusing fragments in his mind. Maybe she was right — they had worked all day, pushing themselves hard, especially with something new and unfamiliar to him.
Freya watched him silently as he tapped his chin, lost in thought. Her expression was pained, though she fought to keep her composure.
– I'm sorry, Ev, for hiding that from you… – She bit her lower lip softly. – But for your own good, it's better if you find the truth on your own. Whatever it is you awakened yesterday… it was meant for you. If I told you, I'd only get in your way.
After a while, he decided to accept her words and move on. Evo was never one to dwell on things — and this time would be no different.
– All right. – He sighed, standing up. – Thank you for the help, Director Freya. I need to get ready for class now. It was pleasant spending some time with you. Have a good day. – He gave a small bow before walking toward the door.
Freya smiled faintly as he passed by her. When he was just about to leave, she spoke again:
– That little elemental serpent of yours… feed her some mana stones every now and then. It'll help her grow stronger.
Evo widened his eyes, surprised, then quickly composed himself.
There's no hiding anything from her… I should've known she'd notice Kalythra on my wrist.
– Thank you. I'll do that. Now, if you'll excuse me. – He turned and closed the door, leaving her alone, staring at the chair where he had sat moments ago.
– Harrr… time to get to work. Today's going to be a long one.
She rose and went to prepare for the day.
Evo, upon reaching his room, immediately began to get ready. He took a long bath that washed away the exhaustion from his body, put on the academy uniform, and fixed his hair — which gave him a surprisingly refined look. After checking his sword, he fed the little serpent and wiped the blood from his finger, which had basically become Kalythra's personal straw.
– Listen, you glutton… behave yourself for now. I don't want anyone else finding out about you yet. – He said softly, stroking her scales before locking the door behind him.
The academy's halls were bustling with students from all three years. Instructors hurried to their classes while Evo made his way through the crowd, trying to locate his own group. It didn't take long for him to spot Princess Blanche ahead. Since they were in the same class, he decided to follow her quietly — it was faster than wandering around aimlessly.
They ascended a wide spiral staircase. Students from other divisions greeted the princess enthusiastically. Evo kept his distance, not wanting to look like he was tailing her. From time to time, he paused to observe the architecture before they reached a long corridor.
As they walked, Blanche happened to glance back and spotted Evo — hands in his pockets, eyes turned to the grand view through the window.
She waited until he was close enough and greeted him naturally:
– Hello, Evo Eylam. How are you?
Evo flinched slightly, then turned his attention to her. Regaining his usual composure, he continued walking toward her.
– Greetings, Your Imperial Highness. – He gave a brief bow. He didn't want to appear disrespectful in public and risk unnecessary trouble.
– No need for that! – She gave a small smile. – I'm here as just another student. You can speak to me normally. You're in the same class as me, right?
Evo nodded, and they walked together. Their classroom was at the end of the long hall, giving them time to talk.
– You put on quite the show at the ceremony, didn't you? – She remarked, waving politely to the people around them.
Evo's gaze remained forward, cold and unbothered. He shrugged.
– I did what was necessary… so people wouldn't get the wrong idea and think they can do whatever they want with me.
She looked at him with keen interest. Evo would be a valuable ally — a tremendous asset for her future plans. But those thoughts crumbled when Evo spoke again, his voice low and sharp, meant only for her ears:
– Don't even think about approaching me with ulterior motives, princess. Your eyes say exactly what you're planning by trying to "socialize" with me. So let me make something clear…
– I'm not someone who lets others put a leash on me. If I have to become the enemy of the Empire itself to prevent that… I will. Keep that in mind.
He ended the warning with a cold, sidelong glance before walking toward the classroom door.
Blanche froze where she stood, staring at his back as he walked away. Her throat went dry, a faint tremor running through her body. In those golden, piercing eyes, she saw the truth — raw and undeniable. He had seen her… all of her — every hidden intention, despite her perfect façade.
– He's dangerous… far too dangerous…
– I need to be careful around him. If I ever let my guard down… I'll be in serious trouble.
She nodded firmly to herself, searing the memory of those eyes — cold, disdainful, and burning with silent power — into her mind.
Eyes that looked as if they could devour the entire world.