Without Bell to guide me, I’d be hopelessly lost on my own property.
Well, it’s more Kierra’s property than mine and it’s really more the Grand Hall’s than hers, but we live here so...
2021-08-09 16:10:24 +0000 UTC View Post“Welcome back, Lou.”
At the end of a long day, Geneva waits in the doorway with her usual smirk. It’s a sight I’m accustomed to as she makes a point of greeting when whenever I return...
2021-08-06 13:44:02 +0000 UTC View Post“Yeah. Got to admit, I didn’t expect such a heavy conversation coming here.” My nerves are fried. If I had the option, I’d just go home and call it a day but my schedule is not my own. I am...
2021-08-06 13:40:44 +0000 UTC View Post“You seem to be deep in thought.”
I open my eyes to see Miss Talia standing over me, my refilled teacup in her hand. “Thanks,” I mumble, handing it to Bell. “This is a mess.”
<... 2021-08-04 18:26:28 +0000 UTC View PostSo, as promised I deliver side stories! My patrons, your votes decide what you see. Side stories will be posted on Wednesdays (replacing the one chapter) but will always be announced in advance. Ex...
2021-08-02 15:13:00 +0000 UTC View PostSeated with a cup of tea in my hand, I settle into the amazingly comfortable chair a quiet servant boy brought for me as Talia dives into her explanation. “I suppose the first thing is to ask how...
2021-08-02 15:03:49 +0000 UTC View PostThe lesson seems to end faster than usual. Kierra even sends me off with a kiss, getting me a few glares from the other initiates. I glare right back at them. They’re either Kierra’s admirers o...
2021-08-02 15:02:22 +0000 UTC View Post“Ah. Alana, Lou. This way.”
The moment we arrive, Kierra beckons us away from the gathering group of initiates to a part of the field where a plush chair is seated before a square carved ...
2021-07-30 17:14:56 +0000 UTC View Post“Good morning, Lou, Geo,” Mano with his usual short bow, palms pressed together. Can’t manage much else, seated on the grass. “I see you have another tagalong.”
I grip Bell tighter,...
2021-07-30 17:10:12 +0000 UTC View Post“Mm. There’s an idea.” Dammit, now Kierra’s giving me a similar look combined with one of her vicious smiles. I don’t like where this is heading but the slowly accumulating dread isn’t ...
2021-07-28 17:56:26 +0000 UTC View PostI pace in front of my bed, no doubt looking every bit as stressed as I feel. It can’t be helped. The encounter with the prince and Bell’s subsequent revelation has been weighing on my mind for ...
2021-07-26 15:56:25 +0000 UTC View PostThe royal eyes me and I feel my skin crawl, heart pounding in my chest. My eyes dart to the sides, looking for an escape route but the crowd is already closing in, anticipating a good show. If the ...
2021-07-26 15:54:58 +0000 UTC View PostWe of course stick out in our sweaty linens amongst the nobles and their finery. I see some of you remember me. This is a little ridiculous, the way they cringe away like simply being near me is da...
2021-07-23 20:40:47 +0000 UTC View Post“I…hate…you…Lou!”
“Ahaha! Save your breath, my friend!” I call back, swinging forward so that the fire heating my stomach is now on my back, feeling an even stronger burn in my ...
2021-07-23 20:36:07 +0000 UTC View PostMy group has come a long way. I remember plenty of the initiates being unprepared that first day, fidgeting as they tried to concentrate on their mana pools, and generally failing. Now, each of us ...
2021-07-21 16:35:10 +0000 UTC View PostI freeze. Normally, having someone like the dorm mother calling on me would make me giddy but…she gives me a bad feeling. The closest thing I can equate it to is someone going about their merry w...
2021-07-19 14:29:09 +0000 UTC View PostI’m awake early the next morning, bright-eyed and ready to work. An abnormal situation to be sure. I wouldn’t normally be up so early, let alone after a night of drinking suspicious concoctions...
2021-07-19 14:28:07 +0000 UTC View PostAn hour later, the two of us have relocated to one of the tables as I can’t trust Alana not to slip off a stool. Heh. Lightweight talked big but four mugs were enough to put her down. I’m on my...
2021-07-16 14:45:25 +0000 UTC View Post“Whatever you do, don’t drink the Devil Brine.”
I grin as I deliver the warning to Alana, getting the expected glare. It’s been half a year since I’ve come to the Grand Hall. Spring...
2021-07-16 14:44:40 +0000 UTC View PostAlright, here's the glossary. It will be added to as the series continues. Let me know if I miss anything! (except minor characters, they are doomed to be forgotten)
· Th...
2021-07-16 14:38:42 +0000 UTC View PostThe day of my duel arrives.
I don’t know how one is supposed to be in the hours preceding a battle that will very much decide my future going forward but the mood of the house is rather che...
2021-07-15 19:32:20 +0000 UTC View PostThe next day, I am back at the Bronze Dorm. Ah, I missed these basic stools, bare wooden floors, and rowdy people. Those nobles exude their pretentiousness into the air. Makes it hard to breathe fo...
2021-07-15 19:31:32 +0000 UTC View Post“Pete!”
For the past two weeks I have been hounding the poor man. I have to give him credit. He has been nothing but patient.
For the first three days, he tolerated me sitting at hi...
2021-07-15 19:30:49 +0000 UTC View PostThe next day, I’m bright and early to Mana Work along with Geneva, Bell trailing behind us with her head on a swivel. With an active threat to my life confirmed, it’s best to have her close at ...
2021-07-15 19:30:13 +0000 UTC View Post“You must tell us about the elves!” Oh, it’s the admirer. “Are they all as beautiful as your wife? And do they have such strange coloring? When I first saw the new instructor, I thought she...
2021-07-15 19:29:24 +0000 UTC View PostMy succubi weren’t intent on letting me get away anytime soon but the ‘fun’ is interrupted by Kierra coming in and reminding me about my mission. After a short break to turn my brain back on,...
2021-07-15 19:28:47 +0000 UTC View PostWe waste a bit of time on the main floor to show off for Maxine until an employee comes with a smooth wooden box. I don’t bother to check the contents, not caring if the party’s host likes the ...
2021-07-15 19:27:49 +0000 UTC View PostAs always, the Guiness Company building is spectacular. Though the gleaming gold and white insignia of a bird in flight draws the eye, it hardly stands out amongst the many magical advertisements. ...
2021-07-15 19:27:03 +0000 UTC View PostSurprisingly, the library isn’t beside the Center Hall, the core of the Grand Hall where all magic classes are held and research is conducted. I thought it was strange until Kierra and I arrive i...
2021-07-15 19:25:50 +0000 UTC View Post“It hurts…everything hurts…”
I groan out my complaints as I lean heavily onto Alana. Stupid. This is what I get for thinking it’s a good idea to try and poke fun at Kierra. Her payb...
2021-07-15 19:25:13 +0000 UTC View Post