52 Conversation

"It's been a while..." she said as she scrutinized the youth's face. It had been only a few days, but she felt that John was somewhat different compared to before. He was usually carrying that lazy expression on his face, giving the impression of an approachable and slow-witted person. Although he was still radiating the aura of an easy-going youth, his eyes had gained an unusual sharpness that was making her feel uncomfortable. Were these changes the result of his contact with the Rat-class, or did his true self start to be revealed? His brother's existence, combined with his weak presence, tended to make others underestimate him. Even she wasn't an exception to this phenomenon. As a princess, she had learned to give everything the appropriate attention. Vladimir's talent was that overwhelming, though. Adriana couldn't stop comparing the two brothers subconsciously, even though she knew it was wrong. She was also aware that she wasn't the only one. John's prowess should have been more than enough for him to enter Dragon-class. If Vladimir didn't enroll together with him, he would also be the top student. Surprisingly, everyone seemed to forget him after the completion of the entrance exams. After meeting him again, she realized she had to change her initial impression of him. It wasn't only unjust, but also dangerous to evaluate someone so soon.

"It's your subject's honor to meet Your Highness again," John replied as he genuflected.

"You know that I don't like these formalities."

"I don't dare to be disrespectful without being commanded to speak informally."

"Were you always this careful with your actions?" She asked as his comment picked her interest.

"Naturally, I have to be mindful of my position as a commoner. I am not as courageous as Vladimir, after all."

"You mean reckless? It's not like you to badmouth your brother."

"I don't. I only promote my good points since Your Highness plans to assign me a mission."

"You mean that your good point is to be careful before you act?"

"Of course not." John shook his head decisively before he opened his mouth again.

"Being too careful isn't always a good thing. What I mean is that I know when is the right moment to say and do what is necessary. I am confident in evaluating the situation correctly."

"These are pleasant news then. I was reluctant whether you are capable enough, but your performance persuaded me."

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John didn't answer, but a small smile formed on his face. Everything was proceeding according to his calculations. He didn't need to do anything spectacular to impress the princess. A small change in his demeanor was enough. The opposite party didn't have many choices, after all. Being more trustworthy in her eyes also meant access to more information on his enemy. As he said, it wasn't always a good thing to be too careful, especially now that a terrifying enemy had appeared from his past. John would prefer to face Edward in a fight than having Angelica lurking in the shadows. He had to quickly discover, not only her weaknesses but also her goal. He was sure that whatever she was involved in would concern him in the future too. For Erebus to appear here meant that something huge was about to happen in the Capital.

"Many murders are happening in the outer area lately. The culprit is undoubtedly a demon, but I have my reasons to believe that Erebus is also involved in these incidents. In a few days, a request for investigation will appear in the guild outside of the Academy. It will be a D-rank mission. Do I need to say anything else?"

"No, I understand what my task is," he replied. John wasn't surprised that Adriana knew he had become an adventurer. According to his mission, he had to raise his rank quickly and leave the Academy for some time. The real problem was that he needed Maria to take the request as a first-year.

"I will wait for the good news. In the future, I'll find some way to communicate with you without creating suspicions. We don't know if there are any spies, after all."

The youth was relieved upon hearing her words. Angelica shouldn't be alarmed about Adriana yet. It would be a different story if they continued meeting, though.

"I shall leave with your permission then."

"Be careful! Don't forget about the Demon's existence. Its power should be comparable to an Imperial Knight of the Elite squad. Someone like the Iron General, for example."

John hid his tremble hardly before he proceeded to leave.

It was still morning, and the upper floors of the tower of war were almost empty. One of the reasons the youth wasn't too worried if Angelica had followed him was that the classes hadn't ended yet. John headed towards the auditorium, as his lessons were still ongoing. Their teacher had informed them yesterday that they didn't have a reason anymore to gather at nights since everyone passed his test. They would also avoid creating suspicions this way. John funnily skipped his first real day as a student. Adriana similarily should have been teaching the Dragon-Class, but she feigned sickness to meet him. Unfortunately, it was something they could do only once.

'I don't have a good feeling about this mission. What do the Erebus want from a Demon? Why is Angelica here? The Imperial Academy isn't a convenient place for her to act without interferences. How did Adriana found information so quicky towards Erebus? I have to find the answers to these questions.' His thoughts made him lose the sense of time as he found himself standing outside his destination. He contemplated whether it was a good idea to enter since he didn't ask permission from Matias to be absent. In the end, he didn't dare to waste any more time and opened the door, attracting the attention of the whole class.

"Mister John Smith! What an honor to condescend yourself and come here!" the mocking voice of the middle-aged man made him realize that his teacher wouldn't let him off the hook easily.

"I am sorry! I forgot that the lesson was in the morning. I promise it won't happen again." the youth said with a pitiful expression.

"Of course, it won't..." Matias said as his eyes fell upon the rest of the class.

"We are all moving towards the training area. The next lesson will be a practical one!"

Two hours later...

"Fuck you, John!" Henry's curse sounded with difficulty amid the laughter of the surrounding people. The spectacle of the buried until their necks students and the teacher watering their heads with a watering can was indescribable.

'I hope I'll survive their wrath...'