Doggone Academy

Chapter 132 The Phantom of the Guardian Tree (11)

Chapter 132 The Phantom of the Guardian Tree (11)

In the Rigved central plaza, in front of a grandiose ducal mansion owned by the principality, knights heavily clad in armor stood in an ominous formation. This place warranted the tightest security in all of Rigved, as it housed the heir to the principality, Lady Vivi Gainax.Visitt for the latest updates

As the afternoon drizzle set in, a carriage pulled to a stop before the estate. Upon its arrival, the line of awaiting knights collectively took a knee.

One servant scurried with a parasol to the carriage while another placed a step stool at its door. From within emerged a gorgeous lady with a wide-brimmed hat, her arrival as graceful as it was refinedit was none other than Lady Vivi Gainax.

Her aide, Gerald, followed closely by her side.

How was the party, Lady?

Just the usual ball.

Lady Gainax answered indifferently before striding into the mansion. Gerald dismissed the guards and servants with a wave of his hand as they walked through the corridor; there were sensitive matters at hand, and he intended to spare the innocent from potential backlash.

News has arrived from the capital.

Speak.

Theres been a dire calamity in the capital, prompting a command to reinforce the entire principalitys security measures. Consequently, a larger detachment will accompany your return, Lady.

Is that so.

And the principality has requested aid from the Order and Lady Silveryn for the calamitys investigation.

Lady Gainax came to a sudden halt as she traversed the Great Hall, but she remained facing away, showing her back to the aide.

Gerald clenched his eyes shut. He was all too aware of Vivis anger and feelings of inferiority towards Silveryn. For Vivi, who had inherited some imperial aspects from her father, Silveryns overwhelming authority was intolerable, even abhorrent.

After a brief pause, Lady Gainax questioned,

Who made that request?

The Archduke directly petitioned the Holy City, Lady. Silveryn will be traveling straight to our principality after her duties at the Continental Congress.

Without a word of acknowledgment, Lady Gainax moved towards the end of the hall and conjured a fire in the great fireplace with magic.

Before her was a long dining table, laden with food almost bending its legs under the weight. It was prepared for her delayed luncheon.

Such an elaborate meal isnt necessary.

Forgive me. Tomorrows post-party arrangement will be made far simpler.

Lady Gainax took a bottle of wine and seated herself.

Gerald made a motion to call a servant, but she stopped him.

Thats enough. What about the matter I requested earlier?

The guard duty assignment for Damian, the Archmages apprentice, was declined.

At this, a dangerous glint flickered in the drinking Ladys eyes.

Given the orders to reinforce the security force, the placement will be focused more on senior students who are available for immediate deployment

And as he spoke, plates from the table crashed down with a loud clatter. Lady Gainaxs unrestrained magical energy was the cause, randomly bursting forth from her in a fit of emotion.

Thats not what I asked for.

Gerald quickly kneeled, apologizing profusely.

Lady

Vivi spoke in a cold, almost warning tone.

I need that boy. Bring him here.

Her resolution seemed unyielding.

***

Tomorrow there was a combat class scheduled. This meant showcasing my skills in whatever form in front of everyone. The frighteningly powerful magic sword and the sharpest wooden swords were not allowed in the class, to say nothing of Gryphon potions. Hence, familiarizing myself with more rudimentary techniques was necessary.

It held a brief message advising a visit to the institute shortly. Apparently, the results of my crystal appraisal were ready.

I handed Trisha the umbrella,

Go to the dorm first.

***

With my face masked, I approached the Philaion Magic Research Institute. Peering through the window, the first thing to greet me was a piercing scream.

Hey! Calm down!

Ahhhh! Back off!

Where is the anesthetic? Where?!

There was the sound of breaking glass and smashing furniture, as though someone was causing havoc inside. One girl rushed out the entrance, sobbing past me.

I cant do this anymore. I just cant.

It seemed to be no dire crisis, given the reactions; not so much danger as an overwhelmingly disgusted confrontation.

Entering the building, I stealthily peeked through a crack into the noisy lab, unable to discern the full situation from such a narrow view.

A glimpse revealed the lengthy, furry leg of some creature.

Soon, a girl emerged from the lab, stretching, pushing the door with her entire bodyit was Cecil.

Our eyes met.

Oh, candy? Youre here already?

Despite the ongoing chaos inside, Cecils face was the picture of tranquility.

The Magic Department is always so lively.

Cecil chuckled somewhat awkwardly,

Oh, you heard? I was helping with combat class prep. Wanna have a look?

She swung the door wide, granting me a view inside.

Then, cages came into sight, housing an enormous spider large enough to devour a bull. Its fangs, the size of a human hand, and a good eight eyes, adorned its face.

Teaching assistants and a few students were removing some of its legs, sawing away at something.

Definitely not suited as an ornamental pet.

Cecil laughed wryly,

Its a fiend for combat practice. The freshmen have to deal with it tomorrow?

That thing?

Yes. Thank goodness the Magic Department is only assisting. How could one fight such a creature? I made the right choice not joining the Combat Department.

Someones bound to get killed during practice.

Of course, well remove its claws, fangs, and stingers. Thats what this trouble is all about.

.

Amid the chaos, Cecil noticed my drenched appearance and commented with faux concern,

But Candy, why are you so wet? Did you get rejected or something?

Just happened that way.

Oh dear, your face is really pale. You might catch a cold.

Look at her, acting like she can see through my mask with such cheek.

Cecil feigned drying me off, slyly threading her fingers inside my mask.

I politely lowered Cecils arm to stop her.

Then, playfully, she replied,

Come on, let me touch your cheek just once and Ill give you some interesting info related to the practice.