Chapter 40: Arrival (2)

Michael felt the gazes of hundreds of eyes on him, weighing him down. As he glanced around, he could see nobles whispering amongst each other, clearly speaking about them.

He stole a glance at Melody who was wearing a cold and indifferent mask as she gripped his arm. It was as if she was unaffected by the looks and words being exchanged.

“Well if it isn’t the young miss Melody Winterborne,” A figure walked out from the sidelines as they approached. It was a man with a well-trimmed black beard and a large stomach that protruded outward.

Despite this, his outfit was perfectly tailored, his sausage-like fingers gripped around the head of a silver cane. He smiled, yet it seemed fake since did not reach his eyes.

“Lord Marbury,” Melody replied, nodding in greeting.

“Your father did not make the trip with you today?” the large man queried, his expression impassive.

“No sir, he’s quite a busy man as you know.”

Michael stood quietly listening to the conversation. He could feel the tension in the air, but had no idea who this man was, nor his intentions.

Lord Marbury chuckled, his large belly bouncing for a moment, barely propped up by his belt. “Ah yes, I know this very well,” he stated, “but I had thought he would still take the time to attend his only daughter’s entrance into Arcadia Academy.”

His gaze lingered on her for a while before turning to Michael for the very first time, as if only just noticing him.

“Oh, but it seems he sent someone in his place—a butler perhaps?”

“Surely you jest, lord Marbury,” Melody replied, “this is my fiance, Michael Ellis.” She said, a brilliant smile blossoming on her face.

The smile was like the first rays of sunshine after a long and stormy night, stunning even Michael who had been caught off guard.

“Fiancé?” the large man flinched before anger flashed past his face for a fleeting moment. However, the man quickly hid his true feelings behind an impassive mask.

“How interesting,” he added, narrowing his eyes, “this is the first I’ve heard about your supposed betrothal.”

“I wasn’t aware that my Winterborne family needed to update the Marbury family on every small matter?” Melody shot back, her grip on Michael’s arm tightening.

The two stared at each other for a while, sparks seemingly flying between them. Michael felt stifled, not daring to interrupt whatever was happening in front of him.

It was clear that the large lord did not even consider him a person, let alone a threat, therefore even if he did speak up, it would have little effect.

“Well allow me to be the first to congratulate you on your betrothal, young Melody,” he said, taking a step back. “I truly hope that your fiancé is more capable than he looks,”

With that, he nodded briefly before returning to the sidelines, a small lopsided grin evident on his face.

“Are you okay?” Michael whispered. He could feel Melody’s arm trembling, stoking the protective instinct within him.

“That fat bastard…” She spat softly between gritted teeth, not even hearing him.

Oh shit, she’s pissed…

Thankfully, she was able to compose herself and began to walk towards the entrance once more with Michael in tow. The nobles spoke about her more openly now, and the information that she was now betrothed was likely being spread amongst them.

“Who was that guy?” he asked after a while.

“The father of one of my suitors… The Lord of Embervale.” She replied, her anger still visible beneath the surface.

He’s also a lord of a City? That must mean he is at least a Verdant mage on the same level as Lord Winterborne

At this moment, he could feel tens of fierce gazes directed at him from within the groups of nobles. As he glanced around, he noticed that these were all young teens, likely one’s that were here for the entrance exam.

Michael frowned. He didn’t need to be a genius to know why Melody’s father had told him to act like her fiancé when they attended the academy.

Damn it! I now have a huge target painted on my back… he cursed inwardly, feeling a sense of helplessness.

It was one thing playing the part, but receiving the ire of so many students from noble families was another thing entirely. They hadn’t even been accepted into the Academy yet, and he had already gained so many enemies.

As if sensing his despair, Melody leaned in close and whispered, “Don’t worry, you’re stronger than most of those pompous half-wits.”

If this were another time, he might be shocked at receiving his second compliment in only a matter of hours, however it was difficult to do so now—not while he was the subject of scrutiny from so many people.

Before he could compose himself, they arrived at the entrance of the academy. A large and ancient looking wooden door greeted them, its height at least thirty feet tall. In front of it was a long wooden table with three mages seated behind it.

Three single-file lines were formed in front of the mages, filled with kids patiently waiting for their turn.

“We need to register for the exam first, then we wait until the doors open.” Melody explained, finally unhooking her arm.

Michael nodded, however his mind was still elsewhere. Thinking of the trouble he’d gained through his short walk up the stairs to the entrance was making him depressed.

“Name?”

He was so deep in thought that he didn’t even realize he’d made it to the front of the line.

“Ah… Michael Ellis,” he replied, watching the mage who seemed to be in his twenties.

The man waved his hand, causing the pages of the giant tome on the desk in front of him to flip quickly. It stopped abruptly and the mage leaned in close, running his finger down the page.

“Alright, wait nearby, the exam will begin soon.” The mage directed.

Michael did as he was told, his gaze roaming around for a sign of Melody. Then he saw her some distance away wearing a cold mask.

He made his way through the crowd, only to see that someone was talking to her, or at least trying to. A young teen with curly brown hair was trying—and failing—to spark up a conversation between them.

Melody turned and saw him, her expression lighting up.

“Ah, Michael my love~” she exclaimed, rushing over to him and leaving the curly-haired youth stunned.

He wasn’t the only one. Michael blinked incredulously, watching as Melody dramatically threw herself into his arms, “I thought I’d lost you,” she said.

This is going to be troublesome…

Michael felt a headache coming on.

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