Chapter 53: Glorious Plans
The early hours of class passed like a slow, monotonous drizzle—forgettable and utterly draining. I sat at my desk half-awake, my chin resting on my palm, while Professor Leron, a man whose passion for logistics was matched only by his complete lack of charisma, droned on about fest protocol, vendor rotations, and the thrilling world of community service obligations. Not even the Headmistress’s more terrifying, soul-piercing stares during her own lectures could keep my focus in check today. My thoughts were a tangled, chaotic mess, a battlefield of future plans and past regrets.
Two days. That’s all I needed. Two days until the auction, until the sword, until the next, crucial step in my long, bloody game.
It was only when Professor Leron uttered the words that snapped half the class to life that I was pulled from my reverie.
"...and now, for your fest participation forms."
A stack of enchanted papers floated into the air from his desk, gliding down each row like a flock of obedient, parchment-skinned birds.
"The Academy Fest is our most prestigious public event," he said, his voice, for the first time, holding a note of genuine gravitas. "Noble families, wealthy merchants, esteemed royals—even foreign envoys from across the continent will be in attendance. It is an event that reflects not only our academic excellence, but our cultural prowess. Your contribution matters."
A sheet fluttered onto my desk. I barely looked at it. From the corner of my eye, I spotted the various, mind-numbing categories:
▢ Dancing
▢ Singing
▢ Acting
▢ Duel Exhibition
▢ Food Stall