Chapter 4: The Unexpected Visitors

A stern knock jolted Jun awake. It was the dead of night and Mei was at his garden door, wearing black—playing the role of a ninja.

Jun shook off the bleariness.

“Who?” he asked.

“Don’t know. We have company though. They intruded on the Matriarch’s estate and now you are being summoned. I wanted to alert you so you could be ready, old man.”

Jun began to slip on his extra layers while she talked. His heart jumped in glee. Perhaps the rumors had worked, and this was The School of the Chosen’s doing. With his short sword hidden in his robes, he adjusted his shoulder cloak to hide his burns, just in case he was wrong.

Mei led him near her wing. She changed into a dark dress with the family’s red colors and flowers embroidered on it. Then Jun led her out as Lira’s frantic shouts grew.

“There you are,” she heaved. Jun shrugged and Lira looked them up and down. Her eyes conveyed a sense of bewilderment then cunning as she put her finger to her lips and guided them towards the entrance of the estate.

Guided to the lacquered hall once more, Jun didn’t have to hazard a guess when he saw the group that stood inside. Uniforms that were foreign, white and silver flames embroidered in a few dignified individuals. They had to be representatives from The School of the Chosen.

The Matriarch took her seat, her fan hiding her lips and making it harder to read her intentions. But the subtle raising of her brow indicated she was not pleased to see them dressed this way. Perhaps she had tried to rush them, so they would be less presentable. Jun stayed in front of Mei, holding her hand quietly so she could assume her blind status.

“I know not how you learned of them, but these are the two,” the Matriarch’s nonchalant reply was concerning.

Who could only be described as the most decorated individual turned and bowed to them. Mei squeezed his hand, a signal that the person addressing them had a higher temperature about them. Jun’s eyes narrowed.

Without a word to them, the decorated individual addressed the Matriarch, seeking permission to test them on their faith. If it was insufficient, then they would leave without further incident.

Jun’s nerves grew, his stomach forming knots. Of course they would have a barrier for entry.

‘Be calm.’ The Silver Flame answered and Jun forced his nerves down. This feeling was worse than his exams back on earth.

A few of the guests produced strange sticks, upon opening them, they held embers that glowed blue and silver. At the approval of the Matriarch, the men approached and ordered them to hold out their hands. They placed the embers in their palms. Jun tried not to flinch—finding the embers to be cool instead of hot. Mei was also given one, and her head tilt and soulless eyes seemed to bother the proctor. Jun’s proctor seemed to be studying him, looking for something.

‘Close your hand and show your burns,’ The Silver Flame ordered. Jun curled his fingers on the ember, startling the man. Against the protests, Jun moved his shoulder cloak, silencing the proctor. The stares that gathered were strange.

This attire was sleeveless with a high collar. While it showcased both arms, it also hid the burns on his neck and his hair partially hid his ear.

Despite anticipating some reaction from them, his own gaze turned to his arm which glowed a faint blue where the burns were. Mei looked at him, her curiosity getting the better of her and then quickly closed her hand into a fist. Her eyes turned a yellow glow with a hint of blue.

A small movement, stopped Jun from digesting the scene. The Matriarch was speaking softly with her head servant.

As they returned the embers which glowed like before, that servant approached and bowed deeply. Jun kept still, refusing to show much emotion towards the man that could be used against them.

“It would seem that these two would have sufficient faith,” the decorated individual’s voice rumbled. She, Jun realized, was a perfect opponent to the Matriarch, who only seemed to appraise women as 'worth her time'. “We ask for your cooperation as they attend the School of the Chosen.”

Her words were not seeking permission, but rather a veiled threat. Jun’s heart leapt. Would they finally be freed from the Matriarch?

“Of course. I would not hold back such talented children of my beloved sister and our devoted vassal family.” Her coy words undercut Jun’s joy. What was she up to? Then a bit of dread formed in his throat. Perhaps her reach extended into the school, and their lives would not be safe from her influence. Why else would she be so calm? As he raced through the possibilities, it didn’t seem realistic. Why would she prevent them from leaving and being seen, unless she didn’t control that space as well.

While the ‘adults’ continued their talks, Jun and Mei were dismissed to pack their things and leave, tonight. The only comfort Jun felt, was seeing the cold light in the Matriarch’s eyes as they left. She desired to stall the departure—some nefarious plan to sabotage this, but it seemed the head representative seemed aware of her true nature.

Only as their things were being taken by the representatives and loaded into a carriage, did Jun allow himself to rest a bit easier.

They were guided to sit in the carriage with the decorated individual, the woman who had enough power to get the Matriarch to bow to her will.

“I’m sure you have many questions,” the woman said. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am The White Flame, Amalie Ernested. As for you two, I have heard quite a bit about you, but I want to hear from your mouths what the truth is.”