Legend | Celeste Academy Series BK #2

Chapter 4 ♕ A Game of Chase and New Nicknames

The Twelve—the eight who entered—followed the man out of the tavern and started trailing after him as he started to walk away casually, humming a tune under his breath. He didn't look like he cared at all, only focusing on ogling the beautiful, star-studded sky that twinkled beguilingly in his eyes.

"Um, with all due respect, sir." Tamara started.

He stopped and turned to them with a grin. "It's been a long time since I saw you, Tama-dear!" He suddenly exclaimed. "You've grown so much! Your red hair got even redder since the last time I saw you!"

"You—"

"Charles, my son." He turned to the fourth-ranker. "I'm glad to see you've grown into a fine, young man. Rumors say you're quite a schemer. Haha!"

"Hm?" Annoyance creased his features at the man's words. "Well, when it comes to strategies, I doubt anyone could stand in my level . . ."

"You've grown your hair, young lord." He said to Corvan, who remained weakened. "I certainly apologize for a while ago! You always were the reckless one. Don't worry, you'll be fine after a few minutes. Neutralization does leave you in a weakened state, but it won't last longer than five or ten minutes." He patted his head, slightly messing up his hair before looking at Rowe, who carried Corvan's other arm.

He heard the first-ranker say something that went along the lines of 'I know' with an aggravated huff before he grunted. "Get your hands off my hair!"

It was then the lord realized he still had his palm on Corvan's head. He quickly removed his hand with a chuckle.

How fast children grow . . .

"A pleasure, Lord Lienhard." He bowed.

"Ah, as handsome as always, Rowe." He smiled. "You've turned into a lady-killer, haven't you?"

"I'm a perfect gentleman if I must say so, Your Highness." He replied.

"Yeah, right." Aneeka huffed, rolling her eyes.

"My, my, and we have the jealous one." The lord chuckled, turning to the tenth-ranker with a knowing smile. "How have you been, Neeka-dearest?" He asked.

"Please do not call me that." Aneeka sighed. "I'm no longer a child. Aneeka would be much better. I would appreciate it if you would call me properly by my first name."

"Request denied." Lord Lienhard told her before turning to Keelan. "And finally, the chubby-cheeked kid from before. You've grown quite thinner since you were six, my son." He chuckled. "Have you grown out of your abundant appetite, young lad?"

"Nah. He still eats at least fifteen square meals a day." Someone quipped from the background.

"Nice to see you, milord!" Keelan enthusiastically greeted that he ceased assisting Valeriana with Corvan and became the reason for both to fall over.

"Agh! Keelan!"

"Bastard—"

Their struggles went unnoticed.

"That's five times a normal person's. You've only worsened." He laughed, patting him on the shoulder. "But I see that being one of the Twelve keeps you in a good shape. I'm starting to wonder what will happen if you stop attending the academy."

And while Keelan and the king's brother were delightfully engaged in a conversation, Valeriana and Corvan themselves had gotten stuck in quite a situation, initiating another round of debate between them.

"Are you that weak, you wench?" Corvan grumbled. "You're getting my clothes dirtied."

"Shut up, jerk! I'm helping you already! You should be thankful!" The fifth-ranker bit back. "It's not my fault you weigh a lot. What do you eat? You're heavy like a pile of fats!"