' What? '
The room was abuzz with countless murmurs as the news about our upcoming trip was relayed to us.
First to the change of schedule from the 11th week to the upcoming 4th week, then to the fact that the second and third years are also coming to the one-time first year trip.
When asked for the reason for the sudden change Isabella simply replied that it was the headmaster's idea, all this was presumably to help lift the heavy mood currently permeating the academy, and honestly speaking it seemed like a pretty good idea.
I mean who would say no to an early trip and most of the students here had either friends or relatives in the second and third years so going together would actually be an upside if anything, they would be able to make memories that would have usually been impossible.
At that point most students where grinning ear to ear imagining what they would do or chatting with their friends trying to guess where we will be going this time.
In fact, I was no exception as I held Jakes hand tightly running multiple dating scenarios depending on where we are heading, and of course I didn't forget about Christine I was already making a list of all the pastries that we will visit together.
But just as I was about to bring up the topic to the both of them Isabella raised her hand signalling for everyone to calm down as she began to speak
" Ok, I get that you are all excited, but I still need to finish we can't go to a trip without knowing where "
She said so as she took out a sealed envelope
" The headmaster seemed to want this to be a surprise, so he handed out the location in sealed envelopes, so I guess I'll find out alongside you "
Saying so she stood idly for a moment waiting for all the side talks to stops, cutting open the envelope she opened before stopping completely still not speaking
Most thought she was building tension for the big reveal as small smile erupted in anticipation however having known her for so long, I couldn't help but feel that there was something wrong and seeing the look of confusion on Jakes face only reaffirmed that
Yet before I could think anymore Isabelle's voice wrang out declaring our destination
" The trip will be at the Arcane Estate...
That is where we will be spending the week "
And with that the classroom fell in an even deeper silence before roaring into endless noise.
.....
It made no sense
No matter how much I racked my brain over it, it didn't make sense.
' Why are we going to where he is??
Wasn't it his fault that the mood in the academy was like this!! '
Turning around I could see the confused expressions on everyone's face, including Isabella.
Immediately side talks became rampant as they all tried to understand what is happening expressing concern over the matter
Looking at my side, I could see Christine wearing a confused face as if not understanding what the problem was, before turning towards me for a bit hesitating to speak
' Now that I think about it, she never spoke to me first, she always had that scared look on her face '
" Christine, do you want to ask anything?
It's ok you know? "
Hearing me she hesitated again before whispering softly to me
" Why are they acting like this? The Arcane territory is very beautiful place, I don't understand why they wouldn't want to go "
Listening to her question I was reminded again about the weird relationship between her and him and was finally given confirmation about what she knew about the duel
" Christine how much do you know about the Arcanes and its current head? "
" Eh? "
Seemingly confused about my question she tilted her head cutely and thinking deeply as she answered me
" If I remember correctly the Arcane Family is a noble household whose very existence goes back to the dawn of the empire alongside the 4 ducal households and the imperial family
They are renowned as the forefront in Dark magic studies and the current head of the household is none other than Nicholos who rose to his position after the passing of the previous head "
Ending her brief overview with that I was able to be sure of one thing; Christine has no knowledge to the dealings of the Arcane family with the underworld
The relocation of the black market and the Arcanes rise because of it is an open secret in high society, in fact everybody here probably knows about it, yet Christine is blissfully unaware of it all as if she had never been properly informed
' Is this why he made sure she wasn't there in the duel '
She was too naive, to the point that it was hard to believe that she had come from a prestigious ducal family.
Looking at her innocent face as she waited for me to continue our conversation, I hesitated to explain any further
For some reason the more I stared at her the more I lost the will to tell her anything more, to be the one to have to impart the truth to her was something I just couldn't bring myself to do.
' She's been trembling ever since the announcement was made '
So, I decided to tell a partial truth instead
" Before the current head took over the arcane territory was in a bad shape unlike its current boom, most people don't know much about the renovation of the territory that is why they are so hesitant to go they believe that it is still the rundown territory of the past "
Watching her as she nodded her head and started smiling again as I explained, I was sure I made the right choice
But even if I was able to answer her inquiries, I couldn't do the same with mine. The endless questions relating to this trip kept popping one after another yet all I could do was hold it in for now
The fact that I had to go there made everything feel so bleak
' I'm scared '
.....
Isabella Pov
' What the hell is happening?? '
After announcing the destination of the upcoming trip and calming the class, I headed immediately towards the headmaster's office
Suddenly stating all these new adjustments on us earlier this morning nearly gave me a stroke but even then, I barely hung on because of the fact that it was all done with the student's wellbeing in mind, he even said that the paperwork was taken care of
But the fact that he decided to have them go to none other than the Arcane territory of all places made no sense at all
Though I myself personally find the place wonderful, to the students who are currently either traumatised or in mild shock sending them to the home of the person responsible is nothing if not irresponsible
Climbing the stairs I found myself in front of the headmasters only that this time the door was already open as if inviting me in
Entering inside I found the homeroom teachers for the other classes in all three years already standing in attendance as they continuously questioned the headmasters place of choice in this matter
Yet as if they weren't there, he continued to drink his tea comfortably, as he ignored them all
" You have finally arrived "
Slowly putting down his cup of tea, all of a sudden pressure fell on the room as all sound ceased to exist
" I believe that many of you have objections on the upcoming plans for the school trip, however sadly that won't change my mind
I have no need to explain myself nor give a reason for this decision, I have let you vent a little though as a little courtesy from me to you
Now that you had done so you may leave, you have my permission "
The cup finally landed on the coaster with a subtle chime, and the pressure disappeared, yet the silence still remained only reappearing with the sound of the other professors leaving
Yet even with everyone else gone I stayed rooted in place, because suddenly appearing in my inner pocket was an envelope that wasn't there before having seemingly appeared out of nowhere
And only after seeing the subtle smile on lord merlin's face was I finally sure from where it came from
With that I turned and left right away.