Doggone Academy

Chapter 137 The Phantom of the Guardian Tree (16)

The opening words of the letter sent a chill down my spine.

[If you play this kind of joke one more time, I will truly kill you.]

And that was the end of the letter.

It was the most intimidating and vicious thing I had heard in all my time with Silveryn.

I had never been spoken to so harshly and directly before.

Moreover, it seemed that the person, who claimed to be unreachable in prison unless I came to visit, had turned rather quickly.

And I felt a bit wronged. Wasnt it Silveryn who had started this prank? There was no reason for her to be this angry. Unless my reply had truly enraged her enough to turn the Capital upside down

For now, I needed to quell Silveryns anger.

I cradled my head in my hands, pondering. What should I write back? This was uncharted territory for me, and I had no idea how to proceed.

I hastily pulled out paper and ink. After chewing on my lip for a good while, I scribbled down a response that came to mind.

[My teacher has always left an unmistakable red marking next to the signature on her letters. However, I do not see it on this letter. Please send proof that the sender is indeed my teacher. If not, I will suspend my studies immediately and head to the Capital to find her.]

The underlying message was clear: just do as told. If my teacher was in danger, of course, I would drop everything to go. What good is a disciple lounging around in a dormitory?

The relationship between a teacher and student isnt equal. Silveryn was responsible for me, so it was my mistake to have caused unnecessary worry by not responding regularly.

I folded the reply neatly and affixed it to Stitch. It buzzed away like a wasp, soaring into the sky.

After sending the letter, I noticed a group of people approaching me. I had been so preoccupied with Silveryns letter that I hadnt seen them coming.

Five middle-aged men with pointed beards and fine tunics stood boldly before me. They were clearly not from Eternia.

Are you Damian?

And who might you be?

We were waiting outside of your dormitory, not realizing youd be out here. Allow us to introduce ourselves; we are envoys sent to deliver an invitation from the Duchy and the Lady.

You could have sent this through Eternia.

The esteemed Archmage Silveryn and our proud Ulyssia Duchy have always maintained good relations. Thus, the Duchy thinks it only proper to extend the same courtesy to her valued disciple.

One envoy reached into his robe and produced a scroll adorned with gold leaf, extending it towards me.

***

Gerald knocked before entering Lady Vivis chamber. He entered the room and kneeled on one knee.

The Lady seemed quite busy. Three maids were attending to her, one brushing her hair while the others fussed over each hand, manicuring her nails.

Vivis back was to him, obscured by the maids, so he had to confirm her face through the mirror.

What is it?

Ive come to report on the observation of the Eternia classes.

Ah, go on. Pay no mind to my appearance.

The boys swordsmanship is mediocrity incarnate. It is neither notably advanced nor lacking. He also seems to avoid proper confrontations.

The corner of the Ladys mouth, reflected in the mirror, curved slightly.

I told you. Hes hiding his true talent.

While Gerald remained noncommittal, the Lady almost seemed certain.

He keeps to an extreme reluctance regarding any external activities. He has politely declined both personal meetings and social gathering invitations.

The bait must have been insufficient.

Its my fault for the lack. My apologies.

Gerald felt a touch of injustice.

He thought of the suitors, drooling and jostling for a chance for an audience with the Lady. If it were a woman, he might understand, but for a young man coming into his prime hed likely pay any price to secure such an opportunity.

Was it possible Damian failed to grasp the magnitude of establishing ties with the most powerful figure in the Ulyssia Duchy? The very proposal was the most honest and potent lure.

Damian showed no interest in the offer, which might indicate his lack of worldly understanding.

Well, I expected as much. Resentful, but what can be done? Its how his teacher has instructed him.

The Lady waved her hand, and at her signal, the maids ceased their tasks and left the chamber in unison.

Vivi slowly stood up.

Her black corset dress accentuated her figure, and the sheer chiffon of her skirt fluttered in the breeze coming from the balcony.

She turned to look down at Gerald, her lips painted red and her hair elegantly draped over one shoulder. The countless accessories she wore, each worth a mansion, amplified her charm.

She placed a hat with a long feathered brim askew on her head and spoke.

Maybe he moves as his mother dictates.

Ill go to Eternia myself. I want to see with my own eyes if hes really worth rejecting the Duchy.

***

An awkwardly toned monologue echoed on stage.

Oh, long and tedious night, shorten thy hours. Let the easts blessing rise to greet my love.

Following that, the director tapped her baton, halting the rehearsal, and climbed onto the stage.

She chided the male lead with a voice worn from shouting.

Ive never seen such rubbish acting in my life.

Im sorry

Is that the emotion of a man whos been waiting outside his lovers house all night? Embody more longing, more pain! Simply mimicking a sad expression or tone isnt enough!

Um, how do I immerse myself

Oh, my fate. Does anyone have a decent example? Ah, Trisha! Stop hiding and come out.

Trisha timidly stepped out from behind a set door designed to look like a mansion.

Yes, sis?

Dont call me sis on stage! Call me director. You, the freshman, show them how its done.

What should I do?

Show us a portrayal of aching love.

Yes!

Trisha answered energetically, ascended the set, and flung open a window.

Ahem! Ill start now.

She struck an exaggerated pose and began reciting her lines.

Ah, his heart is like a shut door. I flutter about him like a butterfly, but the bud remains tightly closed. Oh, to love such a beastly man. My foolish fate! Should father learn of this, he would not even permit these feelings.

Trishas acting was not flawless, but she captured the emotional current well. For some reason, she was deeply immersed when it came to acting.

The director pointed with her rolled script at Trisha.

See, even that silly Trisha does it well. If your brother is such an accomplished actor, why cant you? Dig into your experiences, immerse yourself

Im not silly!

The director ignored Trisha and continued to the male student.

Never had a crush? There must be someone beautiful enough to consume your thoughts. Think of that person.

The young man seemed to ponder before replying.

Ah, I understand.

Who did you think of?

Someone in my imagination

No, think of someone youve actually seen.

Then um

From the audience, the older students teased.

They say the Phantom of the Guardian Tree is the prettiest.

Ill think of the Guardian Trees Phantom.

Have you seen her for yourself?

No

The director thwacked the students head with her script.

Dont think about things you havent seen. Picture someone around you.

Then, the young man glanced awkwardly at a girl sitting in the audience, scribbling in her script. It was Luna, in charge of the scenario.

Lunas gaze briefly darkened with a dangerous glint.

The director shook her head, clearly exasperated, and declared a break, clutching her neck as if it had overheated.

Ah, when will this boy become an actor? I might die before then. No use. Lets take a 10-minute break!

The tension on stage eased, and the waiting actors dispersed noisily behind the curtains.

She descended from the stage, still clutching her neck.

And Trisha quickly scurried to stand beside the director.

Sis, sis!

Aish, you brat. What?

Me, my friend, friend.

That friend again?

Yes!

Good grief, why do you analyze every action? Both of you will tire out.

But this time it was really strange.

Oh, my poor head

Listen, sis. I woke him up because he was oversleeping in the dorm. But suddenly, after looking at the calendar, he looked unhappy. It wasnt even a special practice day.

People check habitually when their day off is.

Hes always diligent, weekdays or weekends! Thats why it was so strange!

Maybe its the anniversary of someone hes forgotten or a commemoration he no longer observes.

Right! Thats exactly the feeling I got!

Then dont stir it up. Stay quiet, or youll start a fire.

Trishas expression became increasingly meaningful.

***

After a few classes and individual practice, the day had waned.

I made my way to the little theater where Trisha was, drenched in sweat, to pick her up.

Apart from Silveryns letter, it had been a satisfactorily uneventful day.

I leaned against the entrance railing of the theater to cool off and pass the time.

Suddenly, a white dog sauntered up and plopped down opposite me.

It looked vaguely familiar, and upon closer inspection, I realized it was Lunas wolf spirit.

The creature stuck out its tongue and panted, staring intently at me.

?

I remembered hearing that Luna was in the drama club. Maybe she was here.

Then, abruptly, the spirit stood up, growled fiercely at the door as if signalling something, and vanished into mist as someone came out.

It was Trisha.

?

Oh? Damians here. Have you been waiting long?

Yeah. Thought someone had kidnapped you since you took so long.

Even if someone did, my friend would come looking for me, right?

I let her odd comment slide.

Got to take you back. Its chilly. Lets go.

We walked towards Northern Village. I planned to stop by the dormitory to grab a few things to move to Thorn Garden.

As we passed through the student garden, Trisha asked me in a hesitant tone,

Damian, what day is it today?

Why?

Umm never mind!

If something happened and no one remembers, then its just an ordinary day.

Trisha seemed to mull over something, fidgeting to herself.

We walked on and paused briefly in front of Witthrush Hall dormitory.

Wait here. Ill just grab some stuff and be right back.

I want to come in too!

No.

Cant even show me around? I let you into my dorm.

Speak clearly. You dragged me there against my will.

Fine, come in. But stay quiet, no fuss.

Trisha hopped about, pleased.

Yeah!

But dont get startled if you see something weird in my room. It wasnt me who left it there.

I hadnt yet disposed of the welcoming waste equivalent to three baskets still left in my room.

Youre the weirdest one, so I wont be surprised.

Entering the dormitory, a maid in the corner greeted us lightly. A new face, she seemed suspicious of Trisha following me. I gestured that wed be leaving shortly, and the maid nodded.

Trisha and I passed through the hall and ascended the stairs.

Reaching the third floor, Trisha was already panting.

Why is it so high?

Were almost there.

We moved through the hallway to the end room.

In front of room 31F, I fumbled in my pocket for the key when I noticed an odd object placed before the door and halted.

A white box, the size of a fist, adorned with a carefully tied red ribbon.

Trisha, noticing something amiss, asked,

Damian whats up?

I picked up the box. My hands were trembling faintly.

Suddenly, my heart lurched, and nausea welled up within me.

It was as if the ground had opened, and I was being pulled into the deep darkness below.

An anniversary unknown to the nun who raised me, to Silveryn, and even to my only kin who probably had long forgotten.

A day unremembered by anyone. A day deeply cursed by those denied existence.

The weighty memories, piled up over the years, once unearthed, unleashed a torrent of emotions I could not bear.

That day, which I had hoped would pass as just another ordinary day.

This was an object that should not exist.

Beneath the ribbon, there was a note, with no name of who had left it.

On it, just a few words were written.

[Happy Birthday.]