"No, I still will not agree to announcing the incident! This absolutely cannot spread inside the academy that a vampire was able to enter," the headmaster declared, his tone sharp and resolute.
His name was Nikolai, though for reasons known only to him, he insisted on being called Nicholas. It was a peculiar quirk—one I'd long since stopped questioning.
He wasn't just the headmaster of Zaudseth Academy; he was also a close friend of my mother. That connection added a layer of complexity to our interactions, though it did nothing to ease the weight of my current failure.
I winced, the sting of responsibility weighing heavily on my shoulders. Days had passed, and I still hadn't managed to track down the servant of Gluttony—Lucia. She had slipped through my fingers time and time again, and now her presence loomed like a dark shadow over the academy. It was… unbecoming of me, a high-class mage, to let this problem drag on for so long.
Somehow, I couldn't shake the thought.
I feel like a failure.
"I'm sorry, Headmaster. I'll try harder," I said, forcing my voice to remain steady, even though my resolve felt brittle.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of my mother's face. Her expression, as always, was unreadable—calm, resolute, and impossible to interpret.
Before the silence could grow too heavy, Vivienne stepped forward, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
"Don't worry, Headmaster," she said confidently. "I've personally overseen the reinforcement of the academy's protection spells, using the strongest middle-class mages available. I'm certain this vampire won't be able to leave undetected. Therefore, while we have her contained, it would be wise to focus on capturing her and interrogating her about the recent vampire attacks."
Her words drew a thoughtful hum from the headmaster. His white hair caught the sunlight streaming through the window, glinting like silver as he considered her suggestion.
I turned my gaze to the same window, my mind wandering despite my best efforts to stay alert. The warm rays of the rising sun only served to remind me of how little rest I'd had. My thoughts drifted to Sebastian. What was he doing now?
"Then make sure to cross-check all the students," Headmaster Nicholas finally said, his voice breaking through my haze of exhaustion. "Review their activities thoroughly. If anything seems suspicious, bring them to me immediately."
I nodded, straightening my posture. "Of course, Headmaster Nicholas. I will not disappoint you."
I bowed deeply, and as I did, I heard the faint sound of him chuckling.
"What a foolish child," he said softly, his tone light—almost affectionate. "You could never disappoint me. Now go. Your mother and I need to discuss this matter further."
I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should say anything more, but his hand waved me off dismissively. Taking the hint, I turned and left his office, though I couldn't help but frown.
What were they going to talk about?
The question lingered in my mind, but I didn't have time to dwell on it. There were more pressing matters at hand.
First and foremost, I had to focus on finding the servant of Gluttony (Lucia). As I stepped into the corridor, I stopped to let out a shaky breath, my chest tightening with frustration.
Sebastian and Rosemary had been attacked by her and they had barely survived. Technically, calling it the "brink of death" might have been an overstatement, but it didn't feel like one to me. If it hadn't been for Sebastian's quick instincts, both of them would have died that night.
The memory fueled my restlessness.
And then, as if that weren't enough, she had reappeared—targeting Sebastian once more. She had tried to harm him again, and I wasn't fast enough to stop her. My fists clenched as anger flared hot in my chest. If only I had been quicker… if only I had been better.
I would have caught her.
But regret wouldn't help me now.
Shira wasn't able to attend the meeting earlier. She had graciously taken on both my class and hers, covering for me while I busied myself with student inspections and patrolling the academy grounds. I wasn't alone in this effort—several middle-class mages and even a handful of lower-class mages had been assigned to assist me.
One of them was Alexandre, Rosemary's personal guard.
"Sir Gael… ah," Alexandre started, her words faltering the moment she saw me. Her expression shifted rapidly—concern, frustration, and something else flickered across her face before it settled into a neutral mask. Still, I caught the faint wince she tried to disguise.
"Did you even rest?" she asked, her voice blunt despite what I assumed was an attempt to sound tactful.
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. My shoulders ached again, a dull, throbbing pain that I had grown used to. I wanted—no, needed—to lay down, to close my eyes for just a moment. But how could I?
I couldn't rest. Not while the servant of Gluttony was still out there.
If the other mages weren't allowed the luxury of rest, then I wouldn't take it either.
I am a high-class mage. People look up to me. They expect strength, discipline, and success.
I cannot… no, I will not disappoint them.
I sigh inwardly, forcing a smile onto my face. "Of course I did," I reply, my voice steady despite the little pang of guilt in my chest.
Technically, I wasn't lying. I had slept. But admitting the full truth—that I'd fallen asleep on Sebastian—was far too embarrassing to put into words. I hadn't realized just how sleep-deprived I was until I shamelessly turned him into my personal pillow. I didn't even wait for a response from him before completely passing out.
The memory makes me cringe inwardly. I'm lucky Sebastian has the patience of a saint. Anyone else would have shoved me off and laughed—or worse, walked away, leaving me to face the awkwardness alone. But not Sebastian. He stayed by my side without moving an inch, all the way until dinner.
Even though I'm grateful, I can't help but feel bad about it. I couldn't even muster an apology at the time; instead, I offered a simple "thank you." It wasn't exactly the most comfortable position to sleep in, but it was the best rest I'd had in weeks. For once, my mind was quiet—free of dreams, free of the constant buzz of worries about the work that needed to be done. It was just… peaceful.
Still, Alex's probing gaze pulls me back to the present. Her eyes narrow slightly, suspicion flickering in her expression before she forces a smile. "I see," she says, her tone clipped.
"I really did rest, Alex. Please, don't worry too much," I reassure her with a chuckle, though I can tell she's not entirely convinced. Her frown deepens as she nods silently.
"Alright," she says after a moment, shifting gears. She glances down at the paper in her hands. "I've stationed Abe and Agnes outside to keep an eye on the children—those who tend to wander off to practice or rest. Esther and Samuel are handling the first and second floors of the academy."
I nod, motioning for her to continue. It's a solid plan, one I would've come up with myself. Pairing a Middle-Class mage with a Low-Class mage ensures balance. Leaving two Low-Class mages together could create a power imbalance, which might lead to unnecessary complications.
"For the third and fourth floors, we'll handle those," Alex continues, her eyes flicking up to meet mine. "And the fifth and sixth floors will be Dahlia's and Muriel's responsibility." She tilts her head slightly, waiting for my input. "How does that sound?"
I nod again, a genuine smile forming on my face. "It sounds great. I like how you paired everyone—it's balanced and well thought out. That's exactly how I would've done it. Good job, Alexandre."
Her cheeks flush faintly at the praise, and she offers a small smile in return. "Thank you, Sir Gael. If you're ready, we can begin our rounds now?"
Her words dampen my mood slightly, though I do my best to hide it. I nod in agreement, avoiding her gaze as I glance out the window. My eyes search for Sebastian, half expecting to see him napping beneath one of the large trees on the grounds. But… he isn't there.
"I understand this must be overwhelming for you, Sir Gael," Alex says suddenly as we ascend the staircase, the thick carpet muffling our footsteps.
"Oh? Do tell," I reply, raising an eyebrow at her unexpected comment.
She smiles softly, her tone lighter but sincere. "Sir Gael, you're still so young. But you're bright, capable, and highly respected. Many mages look up to you, hoping their children might achieve even half of what you have. It must be… a heavy burden to carry."
Her words strike a chord I wasn't ready to hear. I flush, rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly. While it's true that being a High-Class mage at sixteen is an incredible achievement, it's also exhausting. The weight of the expectations placed on me feels like it could crush me at any moment. Sometimes, I wonder if I'll burn out completely before I even hit twenty.
"Magic is a gift," I murmur. "And I'm grateful to have it. But being in a position like this—one where so much responsibility rests on your shoulders—it's… overwhelming."
Alex nods sympathetically. "I'm already nearing thirty, and the best I've managed to achieve is Middle-Class," she says, her tone matter-of-fact.
I frown, turning to her sharply. "Being a Middle-Class mage doesn't make you any less capable," I huff, annoyed at the implication.
She chuckles softly, shaking her head. "Yes, that's true. But you know how the hierarchy works. I didn't end up as a Middle-Class mage because I lacked skill—I'm here because the people above decided my magic wasn't 'exceptional' enough to rise higher."
Her words give me pause, and I feel a strange unease settle in my chest. "What are you trying to say?" I ask, my voice quieter now.
We stop in the hallway, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She exhales slowly before meeting my gaze. "I think being a Gael means you were born to carry this burden. Not because of your talent alone, though that certainly plays a part. But because of your name—your family's legacy. I've watched you work, Sir Gael, and you are extraordinary. It's awe-inspiring to see someone so young achieve so much."
I wince, overwhelmed by her praise. Deep down, I've often wondered if my rapid ascent was truly earned—or if it was simply handed to me because of my lineage. My parents were legends in the magical industry, revered by everyone. People look up to them, and by extension, to me.
It wouldn't be surprising if my position as a High-Class mage was less about my abilities and more about my family name. And yet, I can't help but think about the other mages—brilliant, hardworking individuals who are dismissed simply because they don't come from famous bloodlines.
As if reading my thoughts, Alex speaks again. "I come from a family of normal people. When winter comes, I go home to them. I see the cars, I use a phone, and I live life the way everyone else does."
"It's quite different from here, no?" I chuckled, glancing at Alex.
She nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I can only wish the academy would implement such technology instead of staying so old-fashioned," she said with a light giggle.
I nodded along with her, matching her amused tone. "Right, right. I actually suggested they start using TVs, but the headmaster got furious with me."
That earned a full laugh from Alex, her head tilting back as the sound filled the space between us.
After that brief moment of levity, we returned to our task. Walking through the hallways, we entered a few classrooms, observing the lessons taking place. So far, everything seemed perfectly normal—no signs of unusual activity or disturbances.
Still, it was strange. Where could the servant of Gluttony be hiding? The forest surrounding the academy was laced with charms to ward off vampires. That was partly why I couldn't shake the worry gnawing at me—Sebastian might wander too close and get himself caught in one of those traps.
I stole another glance out of one of the windows, my eyes scanning the grounds for any sign of him or Rosemary. Instead, I saw only a few scattered students outside. It seemed like Abe and Agnes had managed to convince most of them to stay indoors, which was a relief.
With the sun shining brightly overhead, it was unlikely the servant of Gluttony would venture outside. If anything, the chances of encountering her indoors were much higher.
Unconsciously, I pressed my lips into a thin line, my thoughts lingering on the situation.
"Is something wrong?" Alex's voice broke through my reverie.
I turned to her, realizing I'd been staring out the window for far too long. "No, nothing's wrong. Just… worried," I admitted with a sigh.
Alex gave me a tight-lipped smile, her concern evident. "You're too young to carry so much worry. You're starting to make me worried about you now," she said, her tone teasing but warm.
"You don't need to," I replied, shaking my head. "I'm used to this sort of thing."
She didn't seem satisfied with that answer, her brows furrowing slightly. "You know, Rosemary isn't exactly quiet. She talks about you quite a lot," Alex said, a playful glint in her eyes.
That made me perk up, my attention snapping back to her. "I hope she hasn't been sharing anything too embarrassing from when I was a kid," I said, laughing awkwardly.
Alex chuckled, shaking her head. "No, no, nothing like that. Actually, she speaks of you in a positive light. It seems, after all, that she has a soft side."
I felt my face heat up at that. "O-Oh?" I stammered, scratching the back of my neck as a forced laugh escaped me. "I guess you two have gotten closer, huh?"
"We have," Alex admitted with a nod. "Rosemary likes to act tough, but I think she's just someone who needs someone to lean on. Like you. Becoming an alpha at such a young age couldn't have been easy for her."
There was something in her tone—a weariness, perhaps—that made me glance at her more closely. "Hn… it must feel strange, huh? Seeing a bunch of kids in these kinds of positions," I said, laughing a little to ease the tension.
"It does," Alex replied, though her smile softened the weight of her words.
I smiled back, though my gaze drifted once more to the windows we passed.
"Looking for someone?" Alex asked again, her voice gentle.
I hesitated, then nodded. "You might remember Sebastian," I said.
"The vampire?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
"That's the one."
"I see. A close friend of yours, I assume?"
I grinned at that. "Yeah. He's the one who was attacked twice by the servant of Gluttony." My smile faded as a frown settled on my face.
Alex let out a displeased hum, her expression darkening slightly. "A vampire working with mages must be quite the taboo for their kind. For the servant of Gluttony to target him twice… she must want him for something. It could be that she wants to take him with her,"
"Take him with her?" I asked, confused. "The Vampire of Sloth (Minerva) has been gone for a while now. If she succeeded, who would take care of him?"
Alex rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "If I had to guess, your friend would likely fall under the command of the Vampire of Gluttony. It's not unheard of for servant vampires to be bitten by two purebloods."
"Really?" I asked, surprised.
She nodded. "I'm not entirely sure of the details, but the purebloods have… a strange culture. Some of them treat it like a competition—seeing who can gather the most underlings. It's disgusting, no?"
I nodded, a deep frown forming on my face. The thought of Sebastian being dragged into that world unsettled me more than I wanted to admit.
"Still," Alex said, her voice breaking through my spiraling thoughts, "I doubt your friend would be easily swayed. I can tell you care about him, and I believe he cares about you too."
Her reassurance brought me some comfort, though I couldn't help but let out a weary sigh.
"I know that, but... what if they take him by force? I don't think I'm strong enough to save him…" I say, my voice barely above a whisper as I let out a long, defeated sigh.
Alex suddenly cuts in, her tone sharp but not unkind. "Why do you speak as if your friend cannot protect himself?"
Her words catch me off guard, and I let out a small, startled "Oh."
"Ah…" Heat rushes to my face, embarrassment and shame washing over me in waves. Does she think I'm looking down on Sebastian? That's not it at all! I would never. I just… I just want him to be safe. Isn't that enough? My hands fidget at my sides as I try to find the right words to explain myself, but Alex speaks again before I can.
She places a steady hand on my shoulder, her eyes soft yet piercing. "I understand what you mean. You must care about him a lot to be so worried. It's written all over your face. Now I see why you've been working so hard." Her warm smile reaches her eyes, and for a moment, my swirling thoughts come to a halt.
I nod slowly, trying to find some comfort in her words. "Shira is working on training Sebastian," I say after a pause, my voice a little steadier now. "Rosemary is helping too. If… if there are attacks in the future, they'll be able to protect themselves."
Alex hums thoughtfully, tilting her head. "That seems like a wise course of action. But… your friend—Sebastian. He's a servant vampire of Sloth, isn't he?" Her gaze sharpens, and I stiffen slightly under it. "Minerva Marlowe is one of the most feared vampires alive, second only to the Vampire King himself. If your friend serves her, I believe his strength will come in time. But coddling him… that will only hinder his growth."
Her words hit me like a blow to the chest. Coddling him? Is that what I've been doing? My jaw tightens as I bite my lip, the familiar sting of doubt creeping in. I just wanted to protect him. Was that so wrong? Sebastian's been a vampire for a year—he's never been hurt.
At least, not until I came into his life.
The thought twists like a knife in my gut. Maybe… maybe I'm the reason he keeps getting hurt. And now, I'm trying to make up for it by coddling him, shielding him from everything.
"You… you're right," I finally manage to say, though the words feel like shards of glass leaving my mouth. My shoulders slump in defeat.
Alex hums again, her expression unreadable. "Miss Fumiko said the same thing, didn't she?" she asks with a knowing look.
I pout, crossing my arms. "She did," I admit grudgingly. Alex only laughs, a light, carefree sound that feels almost out of place amid the weight of our conversation.
"She might just be right," Alex says, her tone teasing but firm.
"But Sebastian…" I begin, my voice wavering. "He's used to the normal human life. I can't help but try to protect him from all of this." I motion vaguely around us, as if the chaos and danger surrounding our lives could be contained in one simple gesture.
Alex hums again, tilting her head as she taps her chin thoughtfully. "Then… why did you bring him here in the first place?"
I freeze. The question slams into me like a cold wave, leaving me speechless. My mind races, searching for an answer, but none come.
Alex is right.
If I'm so desperate to shield him from harm…
Why did I pull him into my world at all?