Chapter 23:
Second Chance At Life
Words are slowly passing amongst the students about the princess’ potential exile.
Though the gossip is small, it’s annoying to hear it on a daily basis.
“Something bothering you, Juliana?” Jericho says.
He looks worried for me.
“I-I’m fine, thank you…”
Rosaria’s teachings are basic.
We had to build our reputation as knights.
Our first task, help the children and elderly.
“It’s cruel, don’t you think? You have to teach children that fighting as a knight is nothing but a game,” Rosaria comments.
That’s depressing…
I don’t particularly like children.
They’re annoying, loud, and naughty.
If only they were like my niece and nephew.
Those two behaved well.
Raider, my german shepherd, loved to play with them.
Their company overwhelms me.
I’m forced to stay near Jericho, who easily interacts with those gremlins.
I feel so sorry for Sergey, though.
Nobody wants to be near him.
“Juliana, play with the kids otherwise I’ll take points off…” Rosaria giggles.
I groan in response.
For a nonchalant lady, she sure knows how to joke around.
“I don’t like children,” I admit.
“I don’t, either…” she counters.
“It’s okay, everyone! I’ll inspire them!” Jericho joins the conversation.
“Do I get points off if nobody wants to be near me?”
Jericho assures the minotaur with a pat on the shoulder.
“I have an idea for you!”
He stands up, making himself the spotlight for all the children.
“Kids, this is a minotaur. He’s the nicest person you will meet. Whoever is the bravest will get a treat from me!”
All the boys rush to Sergey’s company.
Like the naughty brats they are, they climb over his shoulders, hang on his long horns, and pet him as if he were a pet.
Realizing how calm Sergey is, the other kids sit on his lap; some even take a nap.
“I hope I didn’t overdo it, Sergey!” Jericho whispers.
The minotaur softly shakes his head
The children hanging on his horns laugh as he does that.
“No, this is better than having no one.”
After spending quality time with the children, the elderly were next.
This one was easy.
We had to help them with their groceries, assist them through the plaza traffic, or find their lost pets.
The next day was another rinse and repeat.
This time, the children were becoming more comfortable with Sergey.
In fact, they were spending more time with the minotaur than us.
“Looks like I’ll have to give Sergey extra credit for taking all the children from you two.”
“Hey, shouldn’t you give that to Jericho for helping him?” I argue.
“I guess you’re right about that.”
“Juliana?”
I turn around.
“Hey, Eunice, how are you doing?”
“I’m well, but have you seen Tsubasa anywhere?”
She looks worried.
Great, that asshole must be up to something.
I shake my head.
“I haven’t. What happened?”
“He and I were supposed to be training, but I can’t seem to find him.”
I think I know where he is.
“My guess is that he’s challenging Mira again.”
“What’s this? That no-talented peasant is challenging the Thunder Queen?”
Our squad captain gains interest.
Eunice furrows her brows.
“He may have no talent, but he works hard.”
Rosaria chuckles, “Silly girl, I mean no offense.”
“Squadron! We’re changing plans now. Let’s go on a field trip!”
“Where to?” Jericho asks.
“To the Thunder Queen’s Lair. We’re going to watch the peasant challenge the Royal Squad Captain, Mira.”
All the children surround Rosaria, jumping in the air and their hands held high.
“We want to go too!”
Rosaria stares at the teacher.
“Will this be okay?”
“Oh, it’ll be a great field trip for the children! The Rank-Up Selections are coming up, so the children are very excited to see all of the contestants!”
“Very well. I’ll keep an eye on all of them!”
Accompanying the large crowd of gremlins, we return to the academy.
The girls ask both Eunice and I about the school, and we are forced to be tour guides for them.
It’s hard to keep their mouths shut.
They are always so loud and excited to see everything.
It’s Rin all over again.
We are taken to the darkest abyss of the academy’s basement where the light source was scarce.
The kids glue to our knees, rendering our movement.
A portal awaits us which happens to be the brightest light source we had.
Entering it took us to Mira’s dimension.
As I expected, Rin was trying to challenge her again.
We already know who the victor is.
“What is the meaning of this, Librarian?”
“What? You don’t like the attention? You were always the star student. Besides, we just came to watch you fight. How fun is that?”
She rolls her eyes.
“You and Akimitsu…it’s like none of you don’t know your duties as squad captains…”
“Unlike Akimitsu, I know how to do my job.”
She casts a barrier in front of us; however, Rosaria gains an electrical restraint.
“Stay right where you are. By the time we are finished with this fight, your life will be taken by me. No questions.”
Her conditions had become so absurd Jericho and I could not stand it anymore.
“First, you agree to take Akimitsu’s life, and now you’re going to take Rosaria’s?!” I blurt.
“What kind of captain are you?!” Jericho yells.
“You two!” Rosaria raises her voice for the first time.
“There are children watching us. Lower your voices, okay? Mira is just joking…”
She tries to assure us with a smile, but that doesn’t help.
“I don’t understand…why is she like this?”
“It’s complicated…” Rosaria says, calmly.
“If I may ask, what’s the issue behind her strict conditions?” Eunice asks.
“She was once a joyous lady, who loved to teach her students. But during the Second Great War, all of her students had died. She was burdened to endure the deaths of the students she once taught.”
I still think it’s bullshit, but I understand why she’s like that.
There’s melancholy in her eyes.
Looking at them reminds me of mine.
I used to hate men for what they’ve done to me…especially Rin…
I should’ve never fallen in love with him the first time I saw him.
That asshole betrayed me…
He lied to me, manipulated me…all of it, I just wish he wouldn’t appear in my life anymore…
“It’s been a pleasure teaching you three! You best root for the peasant…”
How she says that so calmly deeply disturbs me.
As much as I hate it, I have to root for Rin’s victory.
Why does it have to come to this?
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