She sat back and took in a deep sigh as she went through the papers again with a satisfied smile.
"It would seem master was satisfied with the talk?" Zhang Li questioned curiously as she put away the tea set.
"You could say that." Peony hummed as she had the papers put away into her drawer, "Are you curious?"
Zhang Li sighed in dismay, "I'd rather not. Each time master has that smile, something bad is bound to happen."
Peony laughed, "Looks like you've understood my personality now."
Zhang Li sighed, "As your servant, I can only ask the master keep her mischief to a minimum."
She pouted, "Seriously? It's not like I'm trying to do something bad."
This time, she did not respond as she gone to clean out the tea pot. Once she returned, she was greeted with a book.
Reading the front cover, her eyes widen in surprise, "Master, this-!"
"I require you to remain here in my absence. So, take this chance to practice well before then... Things will become much messier than before." Peony muttered calmly.
"Me?" She muttered in bewilderment, "By myself?"
"No." Peony sighed as she got up and moved to the window, "My time here is almost wrapped up. I need to return to the school. During that time, my master will remain in the school and care for the students, but I require you to be my representative for the city until then."
"Is this due to the rumors?" Zhang Li hesitated.
"I've heard of those rumors." Peony hummed, "The ones about how the new headmage of Nobel Bell College, an private all boy's arcane school, is now being run by a female headmage. Leave that to me. Right now, I cannot leave the school for a prolong period of time and master is too old to take on the role of the government duties for me. I will need you to keep an eye on the city for me while I'm gone. The governmental matters will be taken care of by the mayor. My master will watch over the students until then. If there are any problems speak with me before you consult the headmage."
"Understood."
There was a series of knocks as Peony called over, "Come in."
The door creaked open as a figure stepped in. Curious, Peony raised a brow, "Old man? What is it? It's quite late for a midnight walk."
"Seriously…" Trill sighed as he spoke up, "I have a project for you."
"Oh?" She hummed curiously.
…..
The cool morning settle upon his shoulders as he heaved deep breaths.
"I thought you were willing to do whatever the old coot said." She hummed with visible disappointment.
Rollo scowled but said nothing before continuing to run around the field again. Turns out the old man had requested Peony to have Rollo under a strict training. "Strict" as he said but she knew her strictness can't possibly be achieved by him. Last she wanted to see was the guy sent to the border of life and death.
"Stop!" Her voice brought much relief to him as he collapsed onto the ground.
As he tried to catch his breath, Hoshi placed a wooden pole vertically on the ground and threw the another one to him, "Bring down this stick."
Rollo raised a brow in annoyance, "What are you- Nevermind."
Knowing she won't take no for an answer, he picked up the pole next to him and eyes the pole before taking a swing at it with all his strength. However, the stick refused to budge! He glanced at her with disdain but noticed she wasn't even sparing him a glance! He gnashed his teeth and tried to swing at it again!
The session went on for five minutes before Peony stood up from her reading. She sighed and easily picked up the stick with her bear hand. She then tossed the stick to him as he reached out to catch it. However, the moment he clasped it, he felt his entire body shift with the momentum of the stick and then he felt it as it came tumbling onto the ground! SO HEAVY!
"This is a type of wood from my hometown. Evolving under heavy pressure, the wood is not just sturdy but heavy as well. A very solid type of wood." She picked up the stick and swung it down on a nearby stone as bits of rocks flew all around, "It's roots crush boulder to grab a better grip onto the bedrock. Polished with some oil and you get yourself a stick of molten Redwood. Likewise, your goal will be to pick up this stick with your bare hands. Pick this up and I just might be willing to give you a break. Remember we need to leave by tomorrow morning."
"Say what?!" Rollo stared at her in horror.
However, she was not willing to talk as she focused back to her reading.
Fed up, Rollo was about to throw his stick onto the ground but paused. Having been pushed to his limit has nearly clouded his judgement. He can't falter now!
He glanced over to her and back to the stick on the ground.
The training went from morning to afternoon even as Rollo left to tow the bell and never missed his timing, it was clear he was over exhausted.
.....
The next day, they took a plane and flew back to the direction of the isle of mages before riding a boat to the ports of that said isle. Throughout the journey, Rollo was quite silent leaving Axel to feel a sense of pity for him after having heard what had happened from his father. With a sigh, they arrived at the port of the isle. The headmage and Professor Trein had been waiting for them for a while when the boat finally arrived. As they were leaving, Axel paused in confusion, "Where's Headmage Peony?"
Hearing this, Rollo jolted awake in surprise and looked around. The announcement of arrival was only ten minutes ago and, within the ten minutes, she had disappeared!
"Here we go again..." Rollo pursed in dismay.
"'Here we go again' what?"
They looked down to find a familiar figure before them with a cheeky grin across her face. It was the headmage in her student disguise!
"Mr. Xue! It's good to have you back." Crowley smiled before raising a brow, "But, where's the princess?"
Lotus hummed, "She had something to do. Something about a Shaftlands official and an official for Briarvalley. She sent me back first to deal with any other matters and hopes to speak with you at a later time."
The two looked to them in disbelief as Crowley nodded, "Ah, I heard she might not make it due to neogotiations with representatives from both countries. Then, let's return to the school and we can introduce ourselves in my office. It's the weekend and the other students sometimes visit the ports and the town. Despite the circumstances, you are free to explore the town and ports during the weekends as well."
They took a taxi and made their way towards the school. Not long after reaching there, they were met with the cold steel bars the school gates with the school name spelled out in steel. They walked in as they were soon greeted with Grim having ran across the lawn with a tuna can in his mouth. Surprised, they turned to the headmage for an explanation. However, before he could explain, Ace and Deuce had already gone after him with a giant net!
Where in the world did they find a giant net?!
Lotus shook her head and pulled out a whistle made of ice. With a loud blow, the ice whistle sounded as Grim halted on the spot and landed on his face!
"Fgnya!"
However, as soon as she did so, the whistle shattered in her hands as she hummed, "Looks like it's not good enough."
Lotus walked over and picked up Grim who began to kick, "Get your hands off of... me... Eep!"
As Grim looked up, he was met with a familiar yet terrifying face, "L-Lotus?! When did you get back?!"
"Today, of course." She smiled and carried him back to the group and apologized to the headmage, "Apologies, headmage. I've seemed to be quite lax in caring for Grim. He's begun to act wild again. Now, apologize."
Grim frowned, "H-Hold on! I did not act wild- Gah!"
With a good shake from her, Grim grumbled in defeat, "S-Sorry..."
"Lotus! You're back!" Yuu hurried over frantically with the other two following as he noticed the headmage, "Ah, I'm sorry, headmage."
"Well..." Crowley sighed, "Since he was excited to meet the new student, I am kind enough to overlook his behavior just now."
"New student?"
Ace looked over in confusion, "Who is he?"
"Ah!" Deuce's eyes widen in shock upon seeing them, "Flamme?!"
"Rollo?!"
"Ah, yes. I believe you must've already become acquainted from the trip last week to Nobel Bell College." Crowley nodded, "I hope the four of you will give him a tour of the school."
"Seriously?" Deuce muttered in surprise.
"I'll explain everything to them." Lotus suggested, "Then, Yuu and Grim can go around and give them a tour."
"Very well." Crowley nodded.
"Ah! Here!" She pulled out a small bell and placed it in his hands, "The headmage of Nobel Bell College wants to give this to Night Raven College for their help in the incident. Well, then, I'll see everyone later!"
As the group left, they became puzzled. Crowley cleared his throat, "Let's first go to my office and finalize the transfer."
Walking through the school, they noticed the eyes of some of the students staring at them as they walked by. Rollo simply ignored them but he wondered if news of what happened back then had spread. They walked by the main street with all seven of the great seven lined up along the street. It reminded them of the state of the righteous judge back in Nobel Bell College. They entered the school building with green lanterns lighting up the halls as they walked up the stairs and into the double door room. From there, the headmage double checked their information and spoke up, "According to your headmage, you will dorm in Ramshackle dorm. Normally, I would have requested otherwise and have the Dark Mirror decide your new dorm, but it was decided by your headmage that you should dorm with someone who does not have a lot of housewarden duties. It would also be better to have someone who will supervise your conduct during your studies here. Unfortunately, due to the history, this is what was decided and agreed upon between the two headmages."
"I understand." Rollo nodded calmly.
Seeing him like this, Crowley could scarcely believe that this student planned the entire incident a couple weeks ago. He was quiet and listens well, but he was not unfamiliar with such students who has the same behavior contrasting to their history and inner emotions. After saying this, there was a knock on the door as Yuu and Grim poked their head in.
"Ah, perfect timing." Crowley smiled and placed a handbook in his hands, "They will show you to your dorm. We expect you to be on your best behaviour."
"Of course." He nodded and follow the two out the door, "Then, please excuse me."
Crowley hummed in deep thoughts with uncertainty. He then recalled the artifact and pulled it out. He questioned Axel curiously, "By any chance, do you know what this is?"
Axel hummed, "I believe the former headmage stated the current headmage is a skilled craftsman of artifacts. According to my knowledge, that this may have been one of the artifacts produced by her for the school's usage. However, I've only seen it once a long time ago."
"She crafts artifacts?" Trein looked to him in disbelief.
Axel nodded, "The former headmage often received little trinkets from the princess since she was his pupil. Among all of them, he often carried this bell with him when he went out of the city. However, he never told me how it was used."
"I see, then- Whoops!"
The bell slipped through his fingers and fell onto the floor with a clang! The vibration sounded as the emblem of the Nobel Bell College appeared.
"Took you quite a while." An disappointed voice sounded from the other side, "I had told Flamme to notify you to ring the bell when you receive it. Not only did both of you forget, but you had me waiting for an hour!"
Her voice shocked them as Axel huffed in dismay, "The artifact was a communication device? Nevermind that. If I may, you have been training Flamme in martial arts to release any negative emotions he's had pent up. He was already struggling to stay awake when he made the trip. It would be difficult for him to remember information about the bell."
Peony hummed for a while before she huffed, "Fine. I suppose it was irresponsible of me to place all of that pressure onto him. Enough. I shall forget of this problem and make up for this mistake myself."
She hummed easily and continued, "Greetings, Headmage Crowley and Professor Trein. I believe this is our first conversation. As for Professor Trein, it has been a while since we've last chat. I hope you're resting well."
Trein nodded his head, "Thank you for you aid. I was able to recover much faster after your help."
Feeling ignored, Crowley nodded. "I heard what had happened from our staff. I hope you have provided an proper explanation for the incident."
"Of course. The matter is concerned with the student and the staff in question. Thus, I didn't skimp on the details. Due to the past of the student, I will not delve into that matter as it involves with other parties outside of the Board of Education's interference. The same goes with your new teacher assistant. However, due to this interference, we've provided a detailed explanation to you and deeply apologize to everyone who got involved, including the schools who sent their students to our school believing in the school's capabilities to care for the students. That said, what teacher assistant did in the past is inexcusable. Originally, we had planned to relinquish his position and remove his teacher license with prison time. However, with the plea of both parties who were involved, it was agreed upon that he would remain as a teacher student in a different school of a different country with a better environment."
There was a sound of a paper as she continued, "As for the student, he will study abroad for a few weeks in another school. He had a clean record within his education background. However, upon closer inspection, we noticed he has a gap within his memory cause from a traumatic history. Though it would be idea to have him remain in our school and kept under supervision, the former headmage, the president of the board of education who is also the president of the council of magic strongly requested a change of schools outside of the city." She continued, "From my evaluation of the situation, Night Raven College is the best choice in mind. I know of both the prestige and the rumors of the school. While some are facts, I can tell the school is simply full of ambitious students who are just too eager to prove themselves to society. Though it can become chaotic when all these students come together, I believe students who can express themselves would be best for him. I expect this child to learn and rehabilitate among these individuals. Due to the situation, however, he will require supervision. Hence, I've request the housewarden of Ramshackle dorm and the headmage to keep an eye on his growth and any suspicious behaviors." She huffed, "If this continues, the consequences will not be taken lightly. I sincerely hope this does not happen."
"I won't deny that our school is one of the best schools." Crowley hummed seemingly pleased with her evaluation of his school, "However, are you certain of this arrangement?"
"If it is about the overblot incidents, I am fully aware of the circumstances. The president of the Council of Magic is concerned as well. Though he's not a believer of divination, he's even requested me to perform one. If everything was a coincidence, even his hands are tied, after all. However, I've witnessed a couple more overblots in the future."
"Two more?!" Crowley's jaw dropped in horror upon hearing this, "We need to prevent them at all costs!"
Peony sighed, "The president and I advise you this in the school's trying times... My divination divines those that are bound to occur, meaning you've already given your all to prevent it. As it must've not worked, the Council of Magic can only aid the school in the repairs and funding that is required to keep the school standing. As for what came before, Nobel Bell College and Fleur City has agreed to provide aid to the school as appreciation for what they have done for Fleur city and Nobel Bell College."
"I understand that you want to place the student in Ramshackle dorm and the student teacher under the supervision of our veteran professor. However, are you certain of this decision?" Crowley frowned, "You do understand this child is from another world with no official backing aside from this school."
"Regardless, it sounds like this Yuu is a kind and obedient child. I hope this child I've sent over will rub off on this and relax a little more. His grudge against magic might not change, but what's important is how he plans to move forward from now on. His decisions from here is vital to his future growth. This, Yuu who has no magic but respects everyone's individual traits, is the idea person for Rollo to be around without overwhelming him. I hope this will help him over his trauma even if he continues to dislike Magic."
"I will keep a closer eye on the child and keep him under our wing as though he's one of our students. Still, I wasn't aware this device can also eavesdrop on conversation." Crowley frowned in dismay.
"Heh. People have said that the rivalry between Night Raven College and Royal Sword Academy is a battle not any schools can interfere. Not even the third best school. With such a dilemma, how can the Nobel Bell College simply stand by and watch the destruction just waiting to happen?"
Suddenly, a chill ran down their spine as she said this coldly with a devious tone. This time, her sarcasm was bare for them to interpret as though warning them not to take even another step forward when given an inch.
"With all due respect." Axel cut in, "I believe our situation isn't the only thing you wish to talk about. Otherwise, you wouldn't have bothered to give the school the bell."
"Well, that's rather adorable. Trying to read my mind already?" She chuckled before stating in a serious tone, "Anyway, what he says is correct. The Council of Magic has other plans for Rollo Flamme."
"Other plans?" Crowley muttered in shock.
"Think about it. Aside from the overblot, what would be so important that they'd be willing to poke their noses into a secondary level school with a high standing? Moreover, just what was it that brought him into your school to begin with?"
"You." Crowley muttered in dismay.
She chuckled, "You flatter me, but no. Perhaps something that is quickly but slowly endangering the society."
"Mass Senescence." Trein spoke up with a frown, "Wait. Rollo brought back the extinct the Fire Lotuses all on his own. So, you mean..."
"Heh! Well, who knows what they plan on doing. Just know, the president has granted us his approval over the child's wellbeing. So don't let his efforts go in vain. Keep Rollo out of reach of those people until he returns to Nobel Bell College." Peony scoffed, " I have to thank Headmage Crowley and Professor Trein for taking in this other trouble maker as well. I had been worried if there would be any other school willing to take in and guide him throughout his re-education. Axel! This is your last chance. Your next will be in prison and I won't be holding both of your hands throughout everything anymore. So do your best and don't mess up~!"
With that, the emblem vanished and the bell became silent. Crowley picked up the bell and quickly stuffed it into a container with a sigh of relief, "How can such an overbearing person become a headmage?"