Doggone Academy

Chapter 129 The Phantom of the Guardian Tree (8)

In response to my question, Cecil whispered back,

Its a bit famous, I guess.

Right, in a world where beauty alone could prompt a journey across borders, such rumors couldnt help but spread.

The man in the mask relaxed a bit, shoulders slumping as he took in our unusual getups for a few moments,

Youre first-years, arent you? Why are you dressed like that? Made me jump for nothing.

By his manner of speech, he seemed to be an upperclassman. The canvas he cradled under one arm and the brushes tucked into his belt suggested he might be from the art club.

Cecil retorted,

Its you who looks the most suspicious and dangerous here.

Whatever, what are you doing here? This isnt a place for romantic escapades.

And what about you?

Exaggerating the canvas and brushes, he replied,

Im here for painting.

Cecil crossed her arms and muttered,

By the look of it, you could be some fanatical devotee ready to offer a sacrifice.

The man scratched at his mask awkwardly.

Victor stepped forward, speaking politely,

We heard there were ghost sightings in this area.

Upon hearing the word ghost, the masked man tensed up and muttered discontentedly,

Damn, I told them not to talk about it.

?!

He pressed us with the question,

Who did you hear that rumor from?

Cecil answered,

Its spread so much by now, its pointless to pinpoint who started it.

The man sighed deeply.

I figured you came out of curiosity. If you blatantly stick around in front of the Guardian Tree, the priestess will definitely not appear. Youre just a disturbance.

He spoke as if he had encountered her himself.

Curious, I also chimed in to probe further,

Have you personally seen the ghost?

Of course. I was the first to encounter her.

Have you ever spoken to her up close?

He shook his head.

No, I approached her while she was praying, but then I suddenly lost consciousness. Thats when I experienced an overwhelming holy power.

Have you seen her since then?

Just once more, just a glimpse from a distance.

Have you understood? Then, its time to leave, dont you think? The priestess only reveals herself to those with true desire and deep faith. Not to haughty youngsters like you all.

He spoke as if he owned the place, almost as if hed been lying in wait for the ghost as soon as the surveillance around the Guardian Tree loosened. Judging by the art supplies he carried, he was probably infatuated with the ghost. Ill probably see him in the art class tomorrow.

Tonight, Ill have to remind Trisha sternly once Im back in the Thorn Garden dormitory.

Cecil countered his remarks once again,

It doesnt seem like you came here with a devout heart either.

Wha- What do you know about me? Ive been faithful from birth.

Cecil was about to unleash a sarcastic retort, so I quickly took her wrist and guided her away. Arguing any further would just lead to a headache.

Please excuse us.

Wait Candy!

After we had put some distance between us and the others, I spoke to Cecil,

Lets head back.

Why are we leaving so soon?

There are too many people. Even if the security is lax, a crowd this big could attract the administrators.

I knew enough by now. If I gave Trisha a stern warning, this ghost commotion would likely die down without further ado.

Cecil let out a breath, her wine-scented exhalation brushing against my chin. She shook the bottle of wine in her hand, about a third of it still remaining.

Sigh, I didnt expect there to be so many party crashers.

Do you really want to see the ghost that badly?

Yeah, you know the Guardian Tree is a place for confessions? Theres something I really, really want to ask. Of course, Im also slightly curious to see a drunken Candy.

What are you curious about? If I ever meet her, Ill ask for you.

Ha, forget it. Your heart is too sly; the priestess wouldnt bother with you.

Although unlikely, if she really existed, Id have a few questions of my own, related to Silveryn, things I couldnt ask her directly. Purely out of curiosity, of course.

Then take me to the dorm now! Its scary in the dark.

Cecil sidled up next to me and looped her arm through mine.

As we walked, Cecil suddenly spoke as if something dawned on her,

But Candy,

Yeah?

Why did you send Stitch this morning?

Ah, I almost forgot.

I pulled out the crystal taken from the heart of the wingless dragon and handed it to her.

The previous resentment seemed to have faded a bit, so it was probably fine to ask.

When you have time, could you please appraise this for me?

Cecil examined the crystal against the moonlight and asked,

Whats this?

I got it from a lizard in the cardiovascular. It needs an expert appraisal.

***

After seeing Cecil off, I collected a few belongings and headed to the Thorn Garden dormitory within the labyrinth for the first time in a while. It was approaching midnight.

I stepped inside after opening the front door, and suddenly there was a loud crash from the second floor. Immediately after, Trisha came hurriedly down the stairs, bare feet pounding.

She paused halfway down, threw her body over the railing, and yelled at me,

Why have you come only now?!

Where were you during the day? You werent there when I checked.

I went to attend classes. What about the welcome ceremony?

Shoot, I had indeed promised to join the dormitorys welcome ceremony. Just like everyone else

Damn it, after all that chaos, the mere sight of underwear now makes my skin crawl. To this day, there are still three baskets full of fabrics taking up space in my room. I never want to experience that foolishness again.

Trishas eyes sparkled with anticipation. She slapped the railing, as if it were a drum,

Welcome ceremony! Welcome ceremony! You already had your fun, didnt you?

Yeah, had quite the ordeal.

I want to do it too!

Involuntarily, I shook my head as if disgusted,

Do you really want to go through that?

Yes!!

Distressed but bound by a promise, I conceded to hold a modest ceremony for her.

All right fetch a piece of underwear or a sock and meet me in the garden.

Okay!!

Ecstatic about something, Trisha energetically responded and bounded off, making a racket as she ran back to her room.

I went into the kitchen, grabbed a pair of firewoods, and also took a spare piece of underwear, then proceeded to the garden outside the main entrance.

I found a spot where the fire wouldnt catch and split the firewood into a cone-shape setup.

Trisha exited the entrance at such a speed, I worried she might trip. A white piece of fabric flapped in her hand like a flag.

Then she scurried to my side, her eyes shining brightly,

What do we do now?

Were going to start a fire.

I couldnt expose Trisha to the seniors barbaric rituals. We would perform the ceremony in our way, more mature.

I summoned a fire spirit to my hand and touched the firewood. The tiny creature fluttered its wings, igniting the wood before soaring upwards and naturally perching onto Trishas shoulder. That little one seemed to prefer being around others than me.

Trisha stroked the spirit with her finger and remarked,

He looks chubbier than the last time I saw him.

Really?

I couldnt tell the difference.

Yeah. Look how plump he is! You sure you havent been feeding him too much?

Ive never fed him. I dont even know what it eats.

Then who has? You should be taking care of him! If you feed him any more, he might not be able to fly.

I suddenly thought of someone who could be spoiling the spirit more than I would. This person used the spirit more aptly than me, but truly, I had no certainty whether they actually fed it or if it had really gained weight.

Sit down.

I sat down in front of the smoke-belching firewood, and Trisha followed suit, crouching opposite me.

The ceremony begins now.

What should I do from here?

As the fire started to grow, turning into bright red flames, I threw my piece of underwear into it.

Trisha asked, puzzled,

Whats that?

Throw it onto the fire.

Is this a tradition?

Yes. Do you dislike it?

No, its completely absurd, and I like it even more for that.

Her words were affirmative, but her tight grip on the fabric exhibited some reluctance.

Why? Is that an attachment thing?

Its my cherished underwear.

Then bring something else. Socks or gloves are fine too.

After hesitating, she made up her mind and said,

No. I want to throw it. Its got holes anyway, I cant wear it.

She unfolded the underwear to show me a hole, verifying its condition by sticking her hand through it.

Shes like a partially-civilized wild beast. There was no need for her to demonstrate it to that extent.

With resolve, Trisha flung the piece onto the firewood.

The piece of fabric made for the ceremony blackened, emitting thick smoke.

I closed my eyes and prayed to the goddess.

To let Trisha and me live well in Eternia.

This subtle and dignified approach felt appropriate compared to Eternias customs.

Trisha wrapped her arms around her knees, resting her chin on them, and watched the small pyre.

The roaring yellow flames reflected in her pupils.

After observing in silence for some time, she opened her mouth,

Ive seen this before.

Where?

I remember clearly. In a small village called Harongcos.

Do they have an academy there?

No, I saw it while passing through the village. Its an old place. There, they called this a soul marriage ceremony.

Soul marriage?

Yes. If an engaged couple didnt reach adulthood before their demise, they burned their beloveds underwear and hair together. The union was fulfilled in this manner.

Well, there are similar rituals involving the burning of clothes. Probably customary in some cultures.

It was sad. They loved each other but couldnt fulfill their relationship. Even though I didnt know them and hadnt heard their story, it was heartbreaking enough for me to cry. Thats why its memorable.

This ceremony is about new beginnings. Just push the memories to the side for now.

As Trishas expression became a bit sullen, I changed the subject,

Besides, tomorrows an important day showing up swollen-eyed wont do.

Why?

You promised to help, remember? The art clubs friend-drawing class.

Trishas eyes and mouth opened wide in surprise,

Right!

Come moderately dressed. If youre too flashy, it gets difficult to paint.

Got it. Ill dress very prettily!

Trisha shook off the gloom and returned to her usual buoyant self. Indeed, Trishas resilience is a joy to behold.

By the way, can you sit still for three or four hours while they draw you?

The art club seniors are rather peculiar, and Trisha is notoriously unpredictable, so I worried about potential conflict.

Trisha replied confidently,

No problem!