Chapter 32
He slowly got up from bed and started getting ready for class.
Although Vivian and his father were a bit skeptical, Azek had reassured them and undergone a thorough checkup from Cardinal Magnus yesterday to make sure nothing was wrong and that he was fully capable of resuming his daily routine.
Although he would still need to undergo daily healing, and magic practice was still debatable, Azek had examined himself and found that he was capable of working with low-level basic spells.
Anything beyond that would put a strain on him.
He put on his uniform. Mathew was already waiting for him outside the dorm room.
Edrin welcomed him with a warm smile when he came out.
"How are you feeling?"
Azek gave him a smile in return and asked,
"Completely fine. But what happened to you?"
Although he was looking fine but he couldn't dodge Azek's discerning eyes.
Edrin got a bit flustered.
"I was actually reading late into the night and didn't get enough sleep."
He laughed it off, but the dark circles were telling another story. He had also lost a bit of weight.
Azek swallowed his words, and they reached the mess hall.
The smell of fresh soup and bread lingered in the air, and students were busily having their morning meal.
After he entered, they took a corner seat, and servants immediately served them their meal.
"Azek, do you have a moment?"
Callisto was standing there, accompanied by Marian.
"What do you want?"
Mathew asked in a curt tone.
Callisto gave a slight smile.
"I just wanted to ask about his health since it has been a long time since he returned to class."
"He is fine and will be attending class. Thanks for the concern. Now please excuse us."
Edrin cut him off before he could say anything else and started getting busy with his breakfast.
Azek looked at their defensive attitude and said nothing.
Forget it. I will ask them later.
After all, Edrin was always gentle, and the way he behaved with them meant something was going on.
He picked up his fork and didn't bother with Callisto and Marian, who were standing there awkwardly before slowly making their way toward another corner.
Azek took a fleeting glance and felt that Marian was observing him.
He got busy with his meal as well.
After classes, Edrin pushed all the notes and practical lecture pointers toward Azek.
He was wearing a proud smile.
"It's my hard work. Make sure you take proper advantage of it."
Azek looked at the meticulous penmanship and couldn't help but give Edrin a gentle smile.
"Ok, Now tell me."
"What?"
Edrin tilted his head happily.
"What is going on with Marian and Callisto?"
Edrin's expression shifted. Today during class, they had tried to approach again, but Mathew and Edrin had made sure to shoo them away.
"It's nothing, Azek."
Azek looked at him steadily.
Edrin sighed and then said,
"It's just that they are oddly concerned about your condition, specifically because you've become the first person to overcome the infection. Although the professors explained the details and told everyone to behave, these two are acting a bit suspiciously."
"So Mathew and I decided to keep them away, lest they bother you with unnecessary things."
"Hmm,I guess I'm thankful," Azek said.
"And besides, I don't have time to bother with these trivialities."
He looked at the bundles of papers neatly compiled in front of him.
He was behind in class and had become painfully aware of it after today's lectures.
He would have to give up some sleep to catch up.
He took the stack and immediately headed to the library.
After getting a lot of rest, it was time to get to work.
....
Robian closed the book.
Marian stood there respectfully.
"So you weren't able to glean anything useful?"
Marian clenched her fists tightly.
"I am sorry, Princess. I tried, but it was beyond my capability."
Robian looked toward the academy from the window and then turned back.
"Relax. I am not blaming you," she said in a gentle tone. The sun was setting behind her making it hard to read her expression but it didn't seem she was angry particularly.
Marian let out a relieved breath.
It had been weighing heavily on her that the only task the Princess entrusted to her was beyond her capacity.
"For now, lay low and don't arouse any unnecessary suspicion."
She tapped her shoulder and whispered in her ear.
"We don't want any unsavory rumors spreading around. You know what I mean, right?"
A gentle smile, like sunshine, bloomed on her lips.
Marian finally let go of her worries.
"Your wish is my command, Princess."
She bowed her head slightly and went out.
The door closed.
After a few minutes, the book flew and crashed against the door loudly.
"Useless trash."
Robian huffed while clenching the table corners.
She wasn't able to get her hands on anything useful despite exhausting all available options.
"Hmm. How should I go about it then?"
she pondered. Until now she only probed indirectly to get something useful but it wasn't working out.
"I guess I will need to take some drastic measures."
A plan formulated in her head.
But right now, she would have to wait and see how things unfolded.
She adjusted her expression, took the book, carefully arranged it on the shelf, and then went out.
Her direction was toward West Mercy.