The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion

Chapter 12: Time to Reflect

Vana's POV

“Seems convincing enough,” Ms. Angela commented as she leans back on her chair. “What do you think, everyone, besides Storm?”

Storm gave Ms. Angela a quick glare before turning his attention away. Ms. Angela moved her chair sideways, tilting her had on the side to face the divider’s direction.

“It’s credible. And those bandits need to be interrogated. Especially the two leaders that introduced themselves as the culprits,” Mr. Alfred stated. “There’s also the captain of the ship.”

“They saved the hostages, and are hostages. They were fighting off those ship crew bandits when we arrived to rescue and sabotage the ship. I say we trust them,” Ms. Christine stated, acknowledging our words, which plastered a small smile on my face.

“Angela, Storm,” the King called, standing up from his chair. “Interrogate Camillo, Camillo, and the ship captain; track down all the numbers saved on that communication lacrima; and pay McValeri a visit.”

“McValeri is in Fortis, so we’ll have to ask for assistance from Fortis. I’ll be in contact with General Kale,” Ms. Angela replied in a casual voice, standing up from her seat. “What else?”

“I’ll handle informing the other kingdoms. Yuna, stay here and assist them. I want this all done within the day if possible. Find and send a spy to McValeri’s location. Oh, and detain them for a while in a proper room,” King Gregory added.

The King walked towards the glass divider, a smile curling up his lips as he gazes towards me and Jerome. He had a peaceful look on his face, a gentle, assuring expression that eases my mind. He gave a light nod at our direction before speaking.

“Thank you for protecting and saving the passengers, Ms. Vana, Mr. Jerome. It doesn’t matter if you’re students who ran away and broke the rule, you saved the lives of not only the people on the ship, but possibly even the people of the continent.

“Thank you. I’ll make sure to put up a good word to the deans, so you won’t be expelled,” he stated, assuring and praising us on our actions and feats on the ship. “Yuna, please contact Chairman Zerondale, I have something to talk to him about.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Ms. Yuna replied, taking a step forward towards the door.

The King lowered his head for a moment before leaving, making his way out of the door as he leaves us inside the room. Ms. Yuna followed her from behind, closing the door. The King’s words struck me, swirling inside my head as I let it sink for a moment. I blinked, mouth gaping.

Did I just receive a compliment from the King, himself?

I turned my head to Jerome in shock and awe, then to my brother on the other side of the room. My jaw dropped to the ground, trying to fathom the acknowledgement I received. It felt surreal. Almost unbelievable.

I chuckled in hysteria. “Well, I never expect to see the King today. Nor did I expect to receive a praise from him,” I exclaimed, losing it.

“Taken hostage, saved the hostages, meet the King, and be praised by the King…” Jerome enumerated absent-mindedly. “What a day…”

“Let’s escort the two of you to your room for the time being,” Ms. Angela implored, opening the door as she urges us to walk out of the room. “If the process would be fast, this ordeal will only take a day or two, but if not, it’ll take a week at most.”

“Does that mean we’ll be staying here until this investigation is completed?” I wondered.

“Probably,” Ms. Angela replied.

I made my way out of the door, heading straight out of the room as I wait for Jerome and Ms. Angela. Storm followe us out, going to a different direction without a single glance at me. I got a praise from the King and not a single word of praise from my brother.

“This way,” Ms. Angela said, guiding us on the opposite direction.

Jerome and I followed her, walking behind her as she guides us down the hallway. We were led to a room at the end of the hall, in a corner room that is on the far end of the front of the building.

Ms. Angela opened the door for us, showing us inside the room. The room had two single-sized beds parallel to each other. The beds were leaned against the walls, with a bedside cabinet sitting next to the headboard of the bed. The bathroom was next to the wall on the left.

There was a single, rectangular window in the center of the wall in front of me, where the harbor is in full display. The window is barricaded with metal bars, serving as a safety precaution in case a robber tries to get in… or get out.

“You’ll be staying here for a while until everything is resolved. For now, the two of you should take a rest. I’ll let the staff know to bring you food to eat,” Ms. Angela explained as we observe the room.

“So, we’re basically prisoners for a while?” Jerome wondered.

“Not exactly, your testimonies will be needed in case this case is brought to court,” Ms. Angela replied. “If you have any questions feel free to ask the soldier that will be guarding the room.”

“What happens once we’re released from here?” I asked before Ms. Angela leaves, trying to find out the demise waiting for us—for me.

“It won’t be over yet for you. You’ll probably be sent to a conference room with the academy deans to put you and Jerome in trial,” Ms. Angela answered with a steady voice.

She lowered her gaze, almost regretting telling us that. “Knowing His Majesty, he’ll surely put a good word for the both of you. I’ll do the same if they ever ask. And I doubt your brother will let you get expelled, Vana,” Ms. Angela assured.

“Thank you…” I murmured. The only thing I managed to get out of my mouth.

Ms. Angela nodded. “I will be going now,” she said and exited the room.

The door closed behind her, which is followed by the deafening silence inside the room. The atmosphere turned heavy as the thought of us being in trial weighted down on us. I sighed, flopping on the bed as I contemplate my actions.

“Would it be worth it when we can be expelled in the end?” I mumbled.

“Don’t be pessimistic. They said they’ll put up a good word for us. The King assured us that,” Jerome argued, sitting down on his bed. “Besides, your brother will help you so that wouldn’t happen.”

“At least there’s no pressure for you,” I growled.

“Isn’t the reason you snuck out is because you don’t want to graduate?” Jerome scowled.

“I changed my mind. I can’t drop out. Not when pressure is on me,” I stated.

“No one’s pressuring you, you know,” he said.

“That’s what you think,” I snapped, sitting up as I gaze at his direction. I glared at him in fury, enraged at his attitude.

“In order for me to be acknowledged, I have to graduate from the academy. I need to prove to them that I am capable to control my magic. I don’t want to be in the academy, but I have to in order to live my life as my own,” I retaliated, losing my cool.

I snapped myself, containing my emotions as I take control of the brewing magic inside of me. I took deep breaths, calming myself as I close my eyes. I clenched my fists, ending up laying on the bed, facing the wall.

“Forget it, I’ll just sleep. Wake me up if something came up,” I exclaimed, closing my eyes as I doze myself to sleep.

My sleep felt like forever until I woke up to my body being nudged. I grumbled, crunching my eyes awake. I yawned, making sense of my surroundings as I recognize the people gathered in the room.

Jerome was the first person that caught my eye, followed by Ms. Angela and Storm. I immediately jumped out of the bed as I realize what’s going on, nauseating myself after standing up drowsy.

“Good, you’re awake,” Storm greeted with a stoic expression.

“Nice to see you, too,” I snarled.

Ms. Angela heaved a breath. “Good news, Reynolds McValeri have been arrested, and right now, he is being interrogated. What you said about the lacrima is true after we found multiple lacrima that connects to the numbers on the history log of Camillo’s communication lacrima,” she explained.

I checked the clock, realizing I have been asleep the whole day. It was the next already, and it was morning. That’s not what I was concerned though. It only took the Special Forces a whole day to get to the bottom of the incident. They are no joke.

“Another thing is that you guys are free to go. With the evidence we have in hand against McValeri, your testimonies won’t be necessary anymore,” Ms. Angela added. “But you’ll have to meet the academy deans today.” My excitement deaccelerated as I hear the following news.

From good news to bad news, huh? I should’ve seen it coming.

“That’s why we’re here. To bring you there,” Storm stated, sending a shiver down my spine. “I believe Gregory would also be present.”

“Storm, manners,”

“Fine. His Majesty would also be present,”

My body trembled at the thought of being in trial. And now, even King Gregory would be present in the conference. This has got to be the worse day of my life. I feel nervous, my hands clenching into a fist as I hold my composure.

Vana, you have nothing to fear. The King, himself, is on your side. Maybe he’s there to cheer us on and convince the deans not to punish us. My brother is also on my side.

It will be okay. It will be okay.

“Are you ready?” Ms. Angela asked.

I nodded, but deep inside, I am not ready.

“Then, let’s go.”