Chapter 15 “ royal faction” part 3
A new morning arrived for the other students, but for Nox, it was the worst start possible.
He had thought they were safe in their back dorm, hidden from Scarlet—but she had found out about what happened with Chris. Without warning, she pulled both him and Alber into her personal garden before class started.
She glared at them. “Do you two have any excuses?”
Nox and Alber exchanged glances.
Nox raised a hand. “Alber is innocent. Leave him alone.”
Alber whispered softly, “Thanks, Nox.”
Nox nodded. Well… this isn’t his fault in the first place, so it’s not a lie, he thought.
Scarlet turned to Alber. “For punishment… you’re going to study with Sisbell.”
Alber froze. “What? But why—?” His face turned crimson.
Nox and Scarlet exchanged smirks. At least try to hide your unhappiness, they both thought.
Nox looked at Scarlet.
“… now you’re saying it’s my fault? Alber, please leave us alone.” she said
Scarlet’s gaze softened slightly, but she shook her head.
Alber didn’t argue; he just looked at them and left.
Nox sighed.
‘ What is she thinking? I really can’t tell…
That’s why Velmira said not to get involved with her,’ he thought.
“Lady Scarlet,” Nox said,
“if you plan to punish me, it’s not going to work. I’m not from your side.”
Scarlet tilted her head, voice teasing.
“You’re annoying, I know…that but you go to the Royal Faction and… well, none of the other Kraft family members you know what’s going on. They are a snake family. You’re clueless, child.”
Nox muttered under his breath
“ Yeah… I’m clueless. First time I’ve heard that.”
She sighed. “I don’t fully know what’s happening inside their affairs either. ”
“So… please, can you just tell me? We have classes, and then I won’t scold you.”
Nox raised an eyebrow.
“Why are you scolding me in the first place…? But fine, if you talk with me, I’ll stop. ”
‘I just don’t want to make the Kraft family my enemy. As for Nosterio… well, the king can’t waste time on someone like me.’he thought
After nox tell half truth what happened inside the club room of the royal faction
Scarlet’s expression softened slightly.
“I see… well, that’s good.”
Nox smirked. At least something goes right today.
She turned to him, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “Now… can I ask you something? You don’t like Liora Altia, right?”
Nox froze. Scarlet was looking straight at him.
Scarlet continued, her tone hesitant.
“I don’t know why, but she’s not a bad girl. Friendly with me… I have no ill intentions. But…”
She paused, eyes flicking away.
Nox frowned.
She’s about to say something awkward, isn’t she?
Nox shrugged. “Your life isn’t my business. I’m going to class now.”
She moved to the left side, gesturing for him to follow.
“Scarlet… where are you going? We need to go left side,” Nox said, confused.
Scarlet tugged him along. “Left? No, right!”
Nox followed, trying to keep up. Left? Right? Which is it?
Scarlet’s face turned crimson. “Yeah, I know.”
She brushed past him as they walked.
Nox sighed. She really doesn’t have any sense of direction, he thought.
After that, Nox and Scarlet arrived at the Witchcraft class taught by Professor Mirella.
She finished the lesson and clapped her hands lightly.
“Alright, class is over. But before you leave, I need to inform you about the first-month test.”
The room instantly stirred. Students leaned forward, excitement buzzing.
“For this first month’s exam,” Professor Mirella continued,
“you will all go hunting in the Welf Forest, together with the second-year students.”
Excited chatter exploded.
She clapped sharply. “Quiet! That is your official test. However, since this will be your first time, there will be a sparring match next week between all first-year students.”
Groans and cheers filled the room.
“Of course,” she added, “anyone who does not wish to participate in the sparring match may withdraw. But the hunting exam is compulsory. If you will not participate in the sparring, raise your hand.”
Only three hands rose.
Nox.
Alber.
And Chris.
Scarlet and Sisbell whipped their heads around so fast it looked like war had started.
Sisbell jabbed Alber with her elbow. “You too? I thought you were a muscle-head!”
Alber flinched. “T-Thanks for the compliment… but I don’t want to participate.”
Scarlet stared at Nox and Alber. “So what are you two planning to do during the sparring match?”
Both boys shrugged at the same time.
“Slacking off.”
Scarlet rubbed her forehead. “As expected…”
Professor Mirella scribbled something on her paper.
“Alright then. Nox, Alber, and Chris—your names will be removed from the sparring list. Any others?”
No other hands rose.
Nox’s gaze met Chris’s across the room.
Chris smirked and turned away.
Scarlet leaned toward Nox. “By the way, I met Liora this morning. She said she’s fine.”
Nox nodded. “Good to hear. I don’t think anything will happen again.”
Professor Mirella dismissed the class, and everyone began packing their bags. It was the last lesson of the day.
Nox moved with his usual group toward the hallway—Scarlet, Sisbell, and Alber beside him.
Then—
“Lady Scarlet. It’s good to see you.”
Chris and Viona appeared, walking toward them.
But their eyes weren’t on Nox this time.
Their target was Scarlet.
Scarlet bowed perfectly, expression polite but distant.
“Yes, I’m well, Sir Chris. The weather is lovely today. I suppose everyone’s mood stays pleasant… until someone annoys them.”
Nox coughed. She really isn’t afraid of them… even though the Kraft family are practically royalty from another kingdom.
Is she brave or just reckless?
Chris smiled coldly.
“Yes… I also hope no one is annoying anyone in this academy.”
He waved casually at Nox.
Nox waved back with a smile.
But anyone watching closely could see it in their eyes—
both were ready to kill each other at any moment.
Chris smiled warmly.
“Isn’t it lovely to meet you again, Sir Nox? I’m glad we ran into each other.”
Nox smiled back just as politely.
“Of course. We’re classmates after all. This is good for both of us.”
Both laughed.
Both smiled.
And yet—
The hostility between them only grew thicker.
Sisbell leaned closer to Scarlet and whispered nervously,
“Why do they look like they’ll rip each other’s throats out if they keep talking?”
Scarlet answered just as quietly, her eyes never leaving them.
“Because they can.”
Viona stood behind Chris, calm and unreadable as ever.
That girl… Scarlet glanced at Viona briefly. She’s too calm. Are they really not here to provoke Nox or anyone else?
Chris spoke again.
“By the way, I was surprised you’re not participating in the sparring match. I wanted to see you fight.”
Nox replied smoothly,
“I could say the same about you, Sir Chris. You look strong.”
Chris chuckled.
“I don’t want to bully other students officially.”
Nox answered without missing a beat,
“And I don’t want to get bullied.”
Their eyes met—
Cold. Sharp. Hostile.
Chris laughed lightly.
“Is that so? Well, don’t worry. Those students who bullied others were expelled from the academy.”
He smiled wider.
“So rest assured, Sir Nox. No one will bully anyone anymore.”
Nox nodded.
“I see. Thank you for your advice.”
Then—
“Nox!”
In the middle of that quiet tension, Liora came running toward them.
She stopped abruptly when she noticed the atmosphere—and Sisbell standing there.
Sisbell stepped forward immediately.
“Lady Liora, we were just heading out. They’re busy right now. How about we sit in the cafeteria first?”
Without waiting for an answer, Sisbell pulled Alber along.
“Come on, Alber.”
She grabbed Liora’s wrist as well.
“They’ll join us soon.”
The three of them left quickly.
Chris glanced in their direction, then back at Nox.
“nice save don't you think sir nox but It looks like you were busy. Let’s talk next time.”
As he passed by, Chris leaned in slightly and whispered,
“By the way… have we met before?”
Nox didn’t flinch.
His expression didn’t change.
“What are you talking about?” he replied calmly.
“This is my first time in the capital.”
Viona and Scarlet hadn’t heard that exchange.
Both looked confused by the sudden pause.
Chris straightened and smiled.
“I see. Goodbye.”
He waved his hand casually and walked away.
Nox waved back.
Scarlet stared at him sharply.
“You’re a cheater.”
Nox blinked.
“What?”
“First Liora,” Scarlet continued, walking ahead toward the cafeteria, “and now even Chris.”
Nox stood there for a moment, watching her leave.
What does she even mean by that…?
A few minutes later, they arrived at the cafeteria.
Sisbell and Alber immediately started arguing near the counter.
“I want meat!”
“That’s too heavy this early!”
“Then don’t complain later!”
Scarlet and Nox watched them in silence.
This couple… why don’t they just get married already?
Both of them thought the same thing—at the same time.
Liora sat quietly at the table, trying to calm herself down.
She tried.
She failed.
Scarlet noticed and sat beside her without hesitation.
Nox, on the other hand, deliberately chose a seat far away from the girls.
Scarlet’s eyes narrowed immediately.
“Why are you sitting there?”
She patted the empty seat beside her.
“Come here. If you sit that far, you won’t hear our conversation.”
Nox blinked.
She talks like we’re close or something…
Then—
A sharp killing intent brushed against his skin.
…If I don’t sit there, she’ll really kill me.
Nox swallowed hard and moved to the seat beside Scarlet at once.
Orders started coming in.
Plates, drinks, desserts.
Except—
Nox ordered nothing.
Liora noticed first.
“Nox… aren’t you hungry?”
Nox flinched.
Scarlet turned toward him slowly.
Her gaze was cold.
“Answer.”
Nox coughed lightly.
“Well… I don’t even have money to buy coffee from the cafeteria, so—”
Alber paused mid-bite.
“…You still haven’t found a job?”
“Why don’t you take a request from the academy task desk?” Alber asked.
Nox sighed.
“I tried. But they require at least a four-member team or club membership.”
“Because I’m a first-year.”
Alber scratched his head.
“Ah… I see.”
“You’re still not in any club?”
Nox looked at him suspiciously.
“I thought you hadn’t joined any either.”
“Nope,” Alber said casually.
“You’re the only one left.”
Nox froze.and Slam on table
“…So basically,” he said slowly, “I’m the only one here who hasn’t joined any club at all?”
“Yes,” Scarlet answered calmly.
“Now sit properly and don’t shout.”
Nox sat up straight instantly.
Like a well-trained pet.
“…Can you all give me some advice?” Nox asked after a pause.
Alber spoke first.
“I’m in the Wind Ball Club.”
Sisbell raised her hand proudly.
“Alchemy Club.”
Scarlet crossed her legs elegantly.
“Tea Party and Noble Manners Club.”
Liora spoke softly.
“Botanical Club.”
Nox stared at them.
“…Why are you all in such troublesome and completely different clubs?”
His gaze stopped on Sisbell.
“And why are you in a different club? That’s the most surprising part.”
Everyone looked at Sisbell.
Sisbell paused mid-bite, cake still in her mouth.
“What?”
“Why are you all staring at me?”
Nox and Alber exchanged a glance.
Because you’re Scarlet’s loyal dog,
and it’s hard to believe you’d ever leave her side.
They didn’t say it out loud.
But the thought was perfectly synchronized.
