Professor Arc

Chapter 20

Amber eyes gazed out over the rows of faces before her. Sat in small groups, the students from the various schools kept their attention locked on her, even as she slowly made her way to the centre of the room. Coming to a stop behind the singular desk, beside the large chalkboards.

The hopes of so many... these were the future Hunters and Huntresses of not only Vale, but also the other Kingdoms too.

How easy it would be to snuff them out.

So very simple...

"I am Professor Cinder Fall," she turned away from them instead, writing her name out in elegant script on the boards. "You may call me Professor Fall, or Miss Fall." The last thing she needed was some amorous fool believing they could get close to her, especially not the foolish young men who couldn't keep their eyes to themselves.

Not that she could blame them. It wasn't easy, being so close to perfection, yet unable to touch it. What hope did they have when faced with someone like her?

None at all...

"The esteemed Headmaster has seen fit to allow me the freedom to incorporate my own lessons here in Beacon, and as you will no doubt have heard, these will be Advanced Dust Manipulation and Politics. Our first class will be based on politics alone."

A few seemed disappointed at the news, mostly the females. There were more than a few male faces which looked to be more than pleased with the idea of watching her talk all lesson. The Headmaster had offered the services of Jaune for her first lesson, to lessen the burden, or so he claimed.

She'd considered it... truly, she had. Before thinking better of it.

It wouldn't be wise to involve Arc so much in her plans. Not when she was still no closer to revealing his true motive. He was a risk she was unwilling to take. Not this soon into her plans here, not when her position was still so uncertain.

No... this was to be her moment, one which she would use to her utmost.

"Now class," the sound of heels on tiles echoed through the room, "who here can tell me who rules the Kingdom of Vale?" A few hands shot up, faces lighting up as eager children sought to impress. Among them was one she recognised, the Heiress of the SDC – Weiss Schnee. Not the leader of her own team, as far as Cinder was aware. No, the small girl with dark hair beside her had that honour.

And she too had her hand in the air. Though Cinder didn't quite understand why that was prompting uncertain or shocked looks from her team.

"You, my dear, why don't you introduce yourself and give the answer?"

"Ruby Rose, Miss Fall," the girl's silver eyes were firm, despite the happy smile on her face. So this was the child that had caused Roman so much trouble? So far, she was less than impressed. "Vale is ruled by the Council, who make most of the decisions for the city."

"That is correct, well done." The girl sat back down, though Cinder could feel those eyes remain on her. "An unelected council that is able to control the fate of all within the Kingdom. They are beholden to no one, and cannot be held responsible for anything they do. No matter how cruel. Tell me children, do you know why this is?"

Nervous mumbling, uncomfortable glances, silence. She watched over it all, as excited teens turned to their peers, faces twisted in uncertainty. Not just at her question, but also at the situation they realised they were in. A ruling body that couldn't be held accountable for the actions they took. Who could make decisions without consequence – no matter who benefitted.

And who died.

"They're unaccountable because they need to be able to make decisions fast," a voice interrupted, drawing all eyes straight back to that stupid little girl. Even her teammates were looking at her, leaning away with wary expressions. "If there's an emergency then they need to be able to make decisions without having to consult people, or worry about what the public thinks."