Chapter 79: Witch’s Summons
The next day, Eirin returned to the Hissing Woods to train, uncertain if the young man would be there. ’Yesterday was such an embarrassment, but I have to keep going,’ she thought, trying to remove the memories of yesterday’s humiliation.
To her surprise, Shade Cromwell was already there waiting for her to arrive. They spent two consecutive days training in the Hissing Woods, so when Eirin arrived on the third day and found Shade Cromwell absent, a wave of disappointment, almost like a delusion, washed over her.
"Wait, why am I disappointed? It’s not like he really has to mentor me around," she told herself while looking at the library’s window.
Earlier that day, Shade Cromwell had diligently completed his library tasks, a quiet anticipation building for his time with Eirin Luxfield... until a familiar face appeared, seeking him out.
It was Miss Welkins, her arrival a clear summons. Shade was to report to the Director’s office. Instantly, a familiar dread coiled in Shade’s stomach. Only one reason ever brought such a summons, and it was never good.
The moment he stepped into the Director’s office, he spotted Mr. Arthur Blade’s hesitant expression, which made Shade sigh as he followed the professor’s gaze.
’Of course, who else would be making a fuss about me anyway except for that hag?’ Shade thought as he rolled his eyes. "What is it this time?" Shade’s voice was laced with undisguised annoyance as he stood, arms crossed, in front of the door.
"Shade, calm down and go to that room," Mr. Blade urged, gesturing to a smaller within the Director’s office. Shade’s eyes rolled again; he knew exactly what awaited him. Still, he obeyed Mr. Blade.
’I knew it, this old hag,’ Shade thought the moment he entered the other room and saw Ms. Hockenbury with crossed arms. "What is it this time, old hag?"
Ms. Hockenbury’s nose flared, and her eyes widened in outrage. "W-What did you just call me, you demon!?" Her voice escalated into a shriek as she launched her fury at the young man.
"Please, this is the Queen’s chamber, calm down," Mr. Blade said as he entered behind Shade. "And Shade, could you please show some respect?"