Chapter 119: Maydeath!
The last two years of champions in the Tournament of Elites were titled to the Empire of Elitwiq which has been ranked at the second ladder of hierarchy and only second to Ranghaur in comparison to its defenses and overall wealth.
The Central Academy of Elitwiq—Carlesthine Academy—which was named after the hero who led the foundation of the continent, boasts the success of their academy for consecutively coming out on top in the past two tournaments and surpassing the almighty Pristine Academy in the race as well.
This Tournament was not a mere competition of children but a way to determine the progress and future of the said empire since all the elites of the elites were chosen and sent to this tournament who represents their birthplace. All the major aristocrats and the Emperors of the said six continents gather to witness such a memorable event.
A chance for the youngsters to make their name and secure their future along with obtaining pride in their homeland. It can be said once you shine in the Tournament a golden path would be ensured for such an individual to walk thereon.
Last year, Carlesthine Academy won by a minimal margin from its other competitors but this time the council was rather hundred percent certain that they have the ultimate prize in their bag.
Reason?
"Student Maydeath has breezed through the trials and put a shut to all those mouths who were blaming her to be favored by the headmistress."
Inside a room with furniture and minimal decorations seemed to be a conference room, sat several people varying in ages. An old-looking witch was sitting at the head throne as well, who was regarded as Headmistress by all and goes by the name—Rowena Marzael.
The above statement was spoken by the director in charge of the trial of the Carlesthine Academy who was monitoring all the participation matchups between the students to decide who would be taking part in the tournament along with student Maydeath who was pre-selected by the council considering her far above average skills and how rationally she thinks at times of crisis.
During their first expedition, Maydeath was the single freshman who was able to annihilate every single dweller of the two crowned temples. Further, by observing her overwhelming talent, she was even taken to a three-crowned temple with upperclassmen yet she was able to accomplish those feats which brought shame to her seniors.
She was hailed as a prodigy and being the offspring of the Emperor, her background didn't let anyone trifle with her even though many were annoyed by being outshined by her. She was the first daughter of the highest nobility and the strongest student of the academy who might have surpassed several professors as well.
Possessing a Tier 1 skill, Maydeath was no longer a regular student but an existence who has born to register her name in the golden history of the world. And of course, Carlesthine Academy was not going to let this chance go, where they could show the world how domineeringly they could come out victorious now that they have Maydeath by their side.
"How she has been recently? Like any initiative toward her teammates?"
The headmistress asked with a frown even though she already know the answer, considering the only flaw the teenage girl have.
"Uh...no, headmistress. She still always remains in her dorm if not told to report somewhere."
The only thing which makes Maydeath someone to be cautious about was her solemnity and how indifferent she tends to be around everyone, including her family member. Her natural aura which oozes with apathy never wavers in whatever circumstances. Even if someone congratulates her, Maydeath replies with minimal words without a sign of excitement and neither she gets agitated when someone mocks her. It was like someone had sealed away her emotions and Maydeath was doing everything out of obligation.
If not necessary then the girl once remained inside her dorm for straight eighteen days with her curtains draped and doors closed for any outsider. Other than her personal maid—Milli—no one dares to walk inside her dorm and it was the first thing Emperor warned the headmistress about when he brought Maydeath to the academy.
The old witch didn't know why the Emperor seemed that serious when he was telling her the condition but it seemed some major occurrence has transpired in the past against those, who tried to breach Maydeath's personal space.
"What does she even do in her room all the time?"
Another professor spoke up, with slight curiosity and more concern since a lot depended on Maydeath's cooperation and how she acts around her teammates during the tournament since her alone winning rounds would not lead the Academy to triumph.
A deep silence permeated around the conference room on the query since no one other than Milli knows what Maydeath does in her room and what the actual subject she has in there was to keep the girl occupied all the time.
If Maydeath has ever shown any kind of emotion then it was urgency to return to her room as soon as her business concludes in the outside world.
There was no response which followed since everyone present inside and outside of this room had limited knowledge of the girl other than Milli.
Only the maid knows that other than apathy Maydeath was capable of displaying all kinds fo emotions but all of it was devoted to a single person...
****
It was evening time when Seth who was carrying his professor neared the Pristine academy where Haruka requested to be dropped off.
He has already obtained the artifact he required and in half an hour their journey would come to an end.
Unsurprisingly, Haruka has not talked much to Seth since yesterday and Seth also seemed the least talkative toward her, but that was natural of him so Haruka found no difference in it.
But still, Haruka felt a little bitter about this trip and the event which transpired, which brought a spike in their smooth-going relationship of more than a student and teacher. Yes, Haruka had started considering Seth more than a student....much like a best friend on whom she can rely and talk at times.
She thought her attitude must have seemed impudent to Seth and he had a justifiable reason for it but his sudden voice broke her expectations.
"Professor I... I didn't want to hurt you back then when I sent Alba to tell you that lie about my condition."
He has already apologized about it previously and Haruka nonchalantly forgave him without meaning it since she couldn't expect everyone to understand how deeply her feelings get pained when she hears something bad about the person whom Haruka cares about.
But right now Haruks wasn't able to brush off the matter as she voiced the immediate thought her mind came up with.
"Why did you do that anyways?"
"To...rile up your emotions and see how much you care about me?"
"..."
Haruka was...at a loss.
She thought he might have some motive better than this since Seth seems to be a smart and calculative man but in the end, it was just this.
Haruka was not able to suppress her annoyance as she asked in slight agitation, subconsciously clutching his shirt in a rigid grip.
"Why though? Why do you care for my feelings toward you?"
Haruka thought Seth would be displeased hearing her agitated tone but in return, he gently smiled at her before muttering out those words which Haruka never could have expected to hear from him, even in her wildest dreams.
"Isn't it obvious? I love you, Haruka."
******
A/N: - Drop a comment~