Wei An stared at her for a while, then finally spoke, "It's fine. What do you want from me?"
"Ah well...I stumbled upon this place...and I got lost. I was wondering if you knew the way back?"
Ah. So she didn't see me do anything.
"Did you not go to your classroom? The vice headmaster said for students to gather and meet their teachers there."
"Well...you're here too, aren't you?"
"I suppose so. I know the way back; you can follow me."
"Really? Thank you!"
Wei An didn't reply and just started walking, expecting the girl to follow. He walked at a slow pace, glancing behind a few times to make sure the girl was following. After a while of silence, the girl then spoke while walking, "Hey, what's your name, by the way?"
"Wei An."
"The Wei An?! Son of Duke Marion?"
"Yes."
"Wow...Should I start speaking formally since you're a noble?"
"Speak as you please."
"Alright then, so young master Wei An, you're not as bad as the rumors going around say."
"Really? What do they say?"
"That you're an arrogant, snobbish noble and that you're the type to bully common—! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that!" The girl stopped before she could say anymore, covering her mouth in the process.
"How blunt of you to say that. Are you not afraid of insulting a noble?"
"I really didn't mean it!"
"It's fine."
"Really? You're nicer than you look. My name's Sylvia, by the way."
"Sylvia? Alright, be quiet then."
"Wow, never mind; you're quite rude."
Wei An then ignored her; his pace quickened a bit. After a while they reached the gardens. The girl thanked Wei An; he nodded at her gratitude and then shooed her away. The girl happily left, waving him a goodbye.
"Young master! Let's be friends!" Sylvia yelled as she left.
After that, Wei An had made his way to his dorm. He entered his room, sitting down on the chair next to his bed. His attendant Alfred was busy cleaning the room.
"Ah, young master, you're back. Did you have fun?"
"Hm?"
A shit. This old man didn't know where I went. Why does it feel so eerie all of a sudden?
Alfred smiled benignly at Wei An. "Are you alright, young master?"
Creepy old man. I swear he's hiding something.
Wei An didn't respond; he just nodded and pretended not to care. After a bit Alfred served Wei An his usual snacks, tea, and a few pastries. Wei An peacefully sipped his tea until he stiffened up for a short while hearing Alfred's voice.
"Young master, next time you decide to go out and play instead of attending your class...please inform me of it."
...
"Right. Ok."
How the hell!? This old man is terrifying!
The atmosphere was silent for a while; eventually Alfred left, and Wei An sighed in relief. He then laid in his bed, ignoring the strange ambience that Alfred left.
I should really find out what that old man's intentions are. His presence is too strange. Well, he hasn't done anything...I should still be cautious.
_________________________________________________________________________________
The next day, Wei An woke up from his sleep, doing his everyday routine. It was the first official day of attending the academy classes. After doing what he usually does, he made his way to the large board where the rankings were posted. He originally never checked properly since it was crowded.
Let's see... What section...
Ah. Section S. Wait a minute... Section S!?
Wei An stood there frozen; his mind went completely blank. He then started walking away from the board, trying to clear his mind. He then made his way to section S.
This can't be real. Haa... I made my life harder. Well, I could always just perform badly and get demoted, but that would embarrass my family name...Shit. Why am I so unlucky?
As Wei An reached the classroom, he opened the door and was met with a few stares. He looked around for a while, not bothering to greet anyone, and he made his way to an empty seat in the first row.
'Is that him? '
'That's the guy who ranked first, right? '
'He didn't even bother to attend the get-together that the vice headmaster announced.'
'Look, that's the guy who ranked first! '
'Doesn't he look a bit arrogant? '
'Should we say hello? '
Wei An ignored all the stares and whispers. His face showed no emotion as he looked around a bit more; after inspecting the place, he then moved, leaning back to his chair in a comfortable position. He relaxed himself as he waited for the class to start.
After a while, the seats filled up with students, and a familiar mint-haired figure walked in, getting greeted by students that were both nobles and commoners. The figure then sat down next to Wei An, greeting him with a smile.
"I hope you don't mind that I stay here?"
"The seat is free; besides, it would be an honor to sit by His Highness Shin."
"Oh? Well, I think it's quite the honor for me to sit next to the 1st in rank."
1st rank?! Haa...my peaceful life....
"Surely you jest. How could I compare to you? Your Highness, you flatter me too much, Your Highness."
"Not at all. There's nothing wrong with complimenting a friend, no?"
Friends? This prince! I don't want to be involved with you!
"Ah... Yes, of course."
"Let's get along well, shall we? We'll be seeing each other quite often since we're in the same class."
Wei An nodded in agreement and then stayed silent. After a while, the professor in charge of section S came in. The man looked like he was in his mid-40s, wearing a black robe that was worn by the teachers. He had brown hair that was combed into perfection. He calmly walked in, greeting everyone. Before starting the class, he introduced himself and explained a few rules to the class.
"As you all know from yesterday, I am Professor George Syprys. You will address me as Professor George or Professor Syprys. I will not be answering to other names."
"Next, I do not condone any type of bullying in this academy. Stalia's academy is for people with class and no prejudice against any classes. Whether you are a noble or not, everyone is equal here."
"Now, does anyone have any questions?" Nobody answered the professor's question, indicating that everything was clear.
"Then, if there are no more questions, I'd like you to introduce yourselves."