BK1 Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Three

I stared at the paper in my hands as Lieutenant Cragborn returned to his desk. The sheet had a detailed overview of the intricacies of Alinor Keep. It included a list of the facilities available and the members in charge. A time schedule for the eatery and library alongside the rules expected as a member of the Army. I also saw a list of lecture sessions I could attend.

“You will have a scheduled weapon training session you need to attend every two days. All trainees are expected to attend this. If you can not learn to defend yourself by the social season, then you will not pass your evaluations.” The Lieutenant paused as he looked up at me from his seat. “At the evaluation, we would have trainee foot guards sign their blood packs. Only Summoner candidates will be signing a pact with me today.”

His features creased with a frown as he looked at me; his eyes strained.

“However, in your case, even if you do not pass combat evaluation by autumn, you will not be dismissed. Unfortunately,” he grimaced, “you will not be allowed the grace of dismissal if you cannot pass like the rest of the foot-guards.”

“Dismissal? I thought everyone had to sign when they reached the capital?” I asked, noticing the pile of parchment neatly placed on his desk. The red ink and familiar runes told me they were blood contracts.

“Summoner candidates do as a requirement for learning to control Aether. However, foot-guards are not obliged to follow the same rules as they do not risk their lives with Aether. If they cannot defend themselves in combat, they will be a risk and liability to the Army, so we only have them sign if they pass final evaluations.”

“I see”, I quietly replied. That grace probably saved a lot of commoners’ lives. Many only join to have a safe roof over their head and full bellies. At least, that was the case for many commoners from Talbour. Not everyone is cut out for battle, though.

I still have doubts about my own ability.

“General Saika is a brash man”, The Lieutenant sighed, somewhat aggravated. “I can only apologise for his actions.”

“No, it’s okay”, I forced a smile. “I agreed to it as well.” if I hadn’t, I probably wouldn’t be here now. Roger would never have allowed me to come.

“I doubt he explained any of this to you; he knew you would not be able to become a Summoner.” he pursed his lips. “His enthusiasm for your herbology skill clouded his better judgement.”

“Really, it’s okay” I waved my hand as I slowly began to notice the Lieutenant’s small facial fluctuations. He was a harsh, straightforward man, but I was learning from our conversation today that he seemed to worry a lot. In his own way, he had, in fact, shown concern for me.

“I see here that there are two Summoner sessions?” I asked, trying to change the subject. The Lieutenant’s frown deepened.

“We have already discussed this, Lady Heversham.”

“I know, I know!” I raised my hand in defence, “I was just curious about the Aether theories you teach.”

“That class is purely to discuss the applications of Aether and our current understanding of it.”

“So there isn’t any practical knowledge?” my eyes brightened as the Lieutenant sighed.

“I see where you are going, Lady Heversham; no, nothing in that class can cause you any risk. It will have little relevance to you, though.”

“Would I be able to sit in anyway? I am a noble, isn’t this knowledge I should at least have the privilege of knowing?” I knew I was pushing his buttons here; I hadn’t played my noble card in a long time, not since my second life.

“I see you are already applying your determination.” The Lieutenant shook his head. “Very well. You can join my sessions on Aether theories.”

The instant he agreed, I could feel the beam of my smile. “Thank you, Lieutenant.”

***

My disappointment was hard to hide when I left Lieutenant Cragborn’s study. Rian and Teresa had tried to cheer me up when I told them I didn’t qualify to train as a Summoner but a foot-guard. Rian didn’t seem surprised when I told them; her sympathetic look told me she had been expecting as much. Lacey gave me a comforting smile but didn’t say anything, afraid to make eye contact with me still.

Honestly? I wasn’t sure what I had expected. I maybe should have predicted this; General Saika had warned me, after all, I likely wouldn’t be able to become a Summoner at my assessment. I guess I had held on to a glimmer of hope.

Maintaining a smile when Teresa and Rian returned from their assessments made it all the more difficult. They, of course, were enrolled in training as Summoners. Teresa was apparently the only commoner with a core to have been accepted in years. I was happy for her, but a pang of envy gnawed in my gut. They would all learn how to control Aether, whereas I had only Albus to rely on. How far ahead would they get? Was I going to be left behind, to be forever the weakest?

At least Lieutenant Cragborn had allowed me to join his Aether theories lectures.

As the trainees received their evaluations, I sat at my desk in the lecture hall, reading the information sheet provided by Lieutenant Cragborn. The sheet contained detailed rules and regulations of the Army. It outlined all trainees' expectations of conduct, appearance, and behaviour.

The first rule emphasised the importance of maintaining a neat and professional appearance while in public. We were representatives of the Army and had to uphold its standards at all times. Additionally, trainees were required to request leave from the keep if they wanted to go to the capital.

The sheet also stressed the need for appropriate behaviour and adherence to the law. Breaking the law would result in severe reprimand, and disobeying orders from higher-ranking officers was not tolerated. It was mandatory for all recruits to take on jobs at the task centre, with a minimum of one job per month.

Respect and non-violent conflict resolution were encouraged among the trainees. Antagonistic behaviour was frowned upon, and disputes were to be handled without resorting to violence. However, members could request duels if approved by a higher-ranking officer, though summoners were not allowed to duel foot-guards using Aether.

As I read through the rules, an angry voice interrupted my concentration. I looked up to see Garret scowling as he slammed his evaluation sheet onto the desk. Kit, sitting beside him,

“What a load of crap”, he chided, causing a few heads to turn his way.

“What’s wrong?” Kit asked him, a little apprehensive.

“What do you think? He made me sign a blood contract! Of all things,” Garret gritted his teeth in frustration.

“Well, duh, of course, he did” Rian rolled her eyes beside me. “What did you expect?”

“I expected a delay”, Garret scowled at her before his eyes shot in my direction. “I explained I would be leaving as soon as Lady Heversham’s contract was revoked. The stubborn fool wouldn’t listen. Said it wasn’t his problem.”

I couldn’t help the small smile on my lips. “How disappointing for you, Lord Asher.”

“Very disappointing”, Teresa smiled innocently on my left.

“Shut it, commoner”, Garret snapped, casting a hesitant glance at his sheet on the table. “As soon as Viscount Heversham’s letter has been delivered, I will request a delay in my training.”

Rian raised an eyebrow, leaning on her hand. “You think they will allow that?”

“Of course” Garret waved his hand nonchalantly, nodding to himself. “It’s been done before.”

“You are placing a lot of trust in Viscount Heversham”, I sighed, relishing in his predicament. My opinion of Lieutenant Cragborn continued to improve.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Garret smirked, his confidence irking me. “You’ve only been accepted as a foot-guard. There is no worth in keeping you here.”

“Foot-guards are just as valuable as Summoners,” Teresa frowned, biting her cheek.

“Sure, they are useful to serve Summoners”, Garret grinned, leaning back in his chair. “A shame, really; if you were staying Lady Heversham, perhaps you could have served me.”

I felt a shudder run through me.

I hadn’t even considered that possibility.

The information sheet provided by Lieutenant Cragborn explained that once Summoners reached a certain level, a select few would train with foot-guards to learn leadership skills. However, I highly doubted Garret would qualify for such a position of authority. But the mere thought of it...

“I wouldn’t count on that” I narrowed my eyes at his red hair as my chest tightened. “Barons are rarely promoted to leadership.”

As expected, Garret’s expression twisted upon hearing my words, though he struggled to restrain himself due to our audience. I gave him my own smug smirk, further fuelling his hate. I purposely chose to demean his noble rank. He was always sensitive about only being a baron.

“Lady Heversham”, Garret spoke, his words restrained but aware of those around us. “I am saddened by your lack of faith in me.”

“Faith has nothing to do with it. Lord Asher,” I replied, offering him a saccharine smile. I swear I saw a vein bulge on his head in response.

Garret’s face turned red with anger, his attempt to maintain composure visibly failing. I could sense the boiling rage within him as he struggled to respond to my provocation. He most likely would have hit me in my last life married to him if I had said such a thing. Belittling his pride and skills was something he hated more than anything.

I usually would not have dared provoke him this way, but I couldn’t help it. Something inside me bubbled at the thought of following his lead in any situation. Being a foot guard had such a terrifying prospect. He never did achieve any prestige in the Army when we were married. He likely won’t in this life, either, but I had no guarantee of that.

Now?

The satisfaction that washed over me was undeniable. For once, I held the upper hand with our audience, he couldn’t do a thing he wanted as we weren’t alone, and Garret couldn’t stand it.

“Lady Heversham,” he finally managed to grit out through clenched teeth. “Have you no respect for a fellow noble’s ambitions? As your fiance, I am displeased by your words.”

A chuckle escaped my lips, unable to contain the amusement I felt at his response. Rian and Teresa were tense beside me at our confrontation, and I could see Kit sweating. Harold was choosing to look away with a frown as Lacey shrunk in her seat.

“Ah, Lord Asher, I think you are forgetting one very important fact.” I tilted my head as I rested it in my hand.

Garret frowned, his eyes narrowing into fiery slits as the tension in the air grew. “And what may that be?”

“Respect is earned, Lord Asher, and I have seen nothing from you that merits my admiration or esteem.” I met his gaze with a cool composure as my heart thumped.

Garret took a deep breath, visibly forcing himself to regain control. “Mark my words, Lady Heversham. I will prove you wrong. I will surpass your expectations.”

“Unlikely, Lord Asher. I suggest you focus on honing your personality rather than your skills.”

Garret’s face exploded in emotion. “Personality?” he scoffed, his voice laced with disdain. “I have plenty of personality, unlike you, Lady Heversham. All I see is a spoiled noblewoman who thinks she is better than everyone else. You will do well to remind yourself you are lucky to have my interest.”

A surge of irritation coursed through me, but I refused to let it show. Instead, I maintained my demeanour, my gaze steady and unwavering.

“Lucky?” I repeated, my voice calm and composed. “If being with you is what passes for luck, then I must have a very different understanding of the word. I have no desire to be tied to someone who lacks respect, humility, and the ability to see beyond their own inflated ego.”

Garret’s face twisted with anger, his fists clenched tightly by his sides. The tension between us was palpable, and the room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the next move. I could see his frustration and a flicker of disbelief that I would dare to challenge him.

“You think so highly of yourself, Lady Heversham,” he spat, his voice laced with venom. “But mark my words; I will prove you wrong. I will make you regret doubting me.”

I chuckled softly, a glimmer of amusement dancing in my eyes. “Oh, Garret, how predictable you are. Always seeking to assert your dominance, to prove yourself superior. But the truth is, no amount of bluster or empty threats can change who you truly are.”

His face contorted with rage, his control slipping further as his anger consumed him. I knew I had struck a nerve at the core of his insecurities. And as much as it pained me to stoop to this level, I couldn’t help but revel in the satisfaction of exposing his true character.

A door slammed, making us all jump and turn to the study door. Lieutenant Cragborn glared across the room at us. I felt my body still at his hardened gaze toward me; however, his narrowed eyes quickly fell towards Garret, and I saw a flicker of displeasure.

“Trainees.” The Lieutenant spoke loudly, his voice stern. “Now that your evaluations are over, I will explain about the task centre.”

I felt a soft warmth as my hand was gripped under my desk. Teresa forced a smile as I pulled my attention away from Garret, albeit with a lingering awareness of his eyes burning into me.