The Web of Iron

Chapter One: Kiyora's Nemesis

It was rare to come face to face with one's life's great nemesis. There he stood at the head of the class. Ordinary, with nothing remarkable about him. Maybe it was her history with this dark-haired boy she'd never met. But Kiyora Yagos hated him at once. Especially the way her heart pounded as she looked at him.

"My name is Tenius Dreamer," he said in a friendly tone. "I'm going to be going to school here at Actovosh High. I'm glad to meet you all, and I hope we all have a good year."

"Great, just what we needed," muttered Laurus, who looked like he wanted a cigarette.

"I think he looks nice, Laurus," said Reya.

"If by nice you mean spineless, then yeah, sure," said Laurus.

"That's enough gossip, everyone," said Ms. Everard. "Tenius, why don't you take your seat over there by Kiyora."

Wait seriously? Was he going to sit next to her? Her irritation was turned up to bewilderment. Worse still were the jealous blushes of several girls. What was going on here? As far as she could tell, Tenius was an utterly bland individual. No strong characteristics or qualities save one—the ability to get things handed to him on a silver platter.

Granted, Kiyora had not met or talked with him before now. But, then again, she was one of the things which was almost handed to him on said platter. So she liked to think she knew more than most.

The class passed that day with Tenius heedless of her glares. Several times during free periods, he was approached by girls. All of them showed signs of being smitten. Why? He'd only just got here?

"Kiyora, are you alright?" asked Gisora at lunch. "You've been out of it ever since Tenius arrived."

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just distracted is all," said Kiyora. "What is he doing here?"

"How should I know?" asked Laurus. "Maybe they're hoping you'll fall in love."

"Shut up Laurus," said Kiyora. "I told you I fixed that." However, she wouldn't put it past Alchara to try it. Technically she'd only agreed not to force Kiyora into marriage. So if Kiyora married Tenius of her own free will, she'd get both.

William had given up the Goldenwood Harp for Kiyora. Meanwhile, the bitch Alchara was already using loopholes.

"Right, of course. You negotiated with Alchara in your dreams," said Laurus. "And I'm the God-Emperor Ictargo."

"We both survived an eldritch horror taking control of the entire city a few months ago," said Kiyora. "Give me the benefit of the doubt here. And I did get the engagement canceled, didn't I? So what's it matter how I did it?"

"I know, I know, I'm just screwing with you," said Laurus.

Then Gisora looked up. "Hey, look, Tenius is getting mobbed already."

Sure enough, he was being approached by yet more girls. These were a lot more forward about their intentions than the others. One of them was even hanging off of him like a cloak. Tenius looked somewhat awkward but otherwise was not treating this as anything unusual.