They walked to a somewhat hidden corner a few meters away from the academy's gate. He looked at the closed gate and at the structure behind it. Slowly his eyes turned gold as the mana around him slowly moved.
It was the kind of magic that no one can notice unless they are on par with the master's level. His colorless mana slowly infiltrated the academy and spread throughout the area. His main goal was to check on Ezio and get an idea of the situation inside the institute.
Mr. C looked at the master and noticed what he was doing so he instinctively walked and stood in front of him. Every time he did this it was the butler's responsibility to be his defense. It had happened so many times in the past that he lost count of those people who wanted to kill his master and thought it was a good idea to attack him when he was in infiltration mode.
During this time, Ezio was inside the classroom with the seats around him empty. This became normal as nobody wanted to sit beside Ezio whom they concluded was someone lunatic. Cygnus couldn't help but smirk at what he saw and even more so when he noticed that Ezio was not the least bothered by it.
He seemed more relaxed without anyone bothering him. Cygnus used his mana to look around the room and to eavesdrop at the conversation of the students who were talking and pointing in his direction.
"I really feel uncomfortable whenever I'm in the same class as him," one of the students whispered, then he stole a glance at Ezio before he quickly averted his gaze.
Cygnus could feel the fear coming from them and the wary glances they were throwing at Ezio. He hummed to himself before he laughed which made the butler look at him. Mr. C wondered what the master saw and heard.
"Me too. Ever since he attacked those boys and made Lady Vinya cry, I don't want to be anywhere near him. I thought he was just someone timid from the first time I saw him but it turns out that he is dangerous. Just thinking about it already makes me shiver in fear." One of the girls shared her thoughts to which the others also nodded.
Cygnus laughed again because Ezio seemed to be having fun. Hearing those words from other people made Cygnus happy for some reason because the sweet and caring Ezio might have changed. He couldn't wait to know what happened to the child during his stay at that dreary tower.
Ezio ignored those students and only enjoyed the fact that he was now free from any disturbance. It's been a month and he was glad that he could practice his magic without interference from anyone. He was in deep thought when he suddenly heard a very familiar voice.
'Oh, it seems that you are having quite a lot of fun for the months that we haven't seen each other.' The voice commented inside his head which made Ezio's eyes wide.
His body shook and even his heart. He suddenly stood up and left the room without noticing the weird looks that were thrown his way. He quickly walked through the halls and towards the back of the building.
'Is that you master?' He immediately asked after he got to a fairly quiet and secluded place.
'Then who could it be other than me?' Cygnus asked with sarcasm in his voice.
'It's really you master,' Ezio leaned on the wall as he covered his eyes with his arms.
He didn't know how to react at all. The bottled-up negative emotions in his heart were released all at once just because he heard the master's voice. Relief washed over him at the fact that the master hasn't forgotten about him.
'Are you crying?' Cygnus chuckled when he sensed the other's emotion and how the child was covering his face but the tears on his cheeks can't hide anything.
'So, what? Is it wrong for me to cry?' Ezio answered without removing his arms over his face.
He did not know how the master even knew that he was crying but it must have been magic. But that doesn't matter, what was more important to him right now was that he was finally able to talk with the master.
'Tsk, I thought you've changed based on the reaction of your classmates to you but I think I was wrong.' Cygnus let him be but he did not forget to tease him for a little bit. 'I am supposed to compliment you but here you are crying like a baby.'
'Some things changed but the fact that I missed those times in Moonvale will never change. I'm just really happy to hear your voice right now master.' This was his genuine feeling and thoughts and he almost choked up while telling him those words.
Cygnus on the other hand remained silent for a while before he spoke again. 'Since we are in the capital, we will be visiting you soon, so prepare yourself.'
With those last words, the strange presence in his mind disappeared but even so, he would hold on to those words. He calmed himself and just stood there for the remainder of the afternoon because he was not in the mood to attend any of his classes. The only thought running in his mind right that moment was that the master was in the capital.
After touring the academy for a couple more minutes, Cygnus was quite satisfied. "We really need to visit the academy soon. The child was moved to tears when he heard my voice."
Mr. C left his position and went to stand beside the master. "Did you talk with him?"
"Yes, for a little bit. I'm sure that Astrophos will have information after he comes back. Let's wait for him at the manor." Cygnus turned around and walked away. Mr. C lingered for a moment before he followed the master.
"How is the young master?" The butler asked as they walked on the sidewalk.
Cygnus walked with both of his hands behind his back. The streets were busy and every shop they passed by did not lack any customers. It was indeed a busy place just as Linius described, even more so than the town of Alfonso which was considered to be a trading capital.
Cygnus wore a smile as he watched the people pass by, "He is doing fine. But I don't think he can be called promising. He still needed to train more and why do you always call him a young master?"
Mr. C looked confused at the question, "Because he is the young master and he inherited that magic. You are also fond of him so I will call him young master and you are not particularly angry about it."
Cygnus thought about it for a second and realized that the butler has a point. He doesn't hate it and he doesn't mind it. "Hmmm, that's odd don't you think?"
"That's not odd master, it is normal." The butler stated as a matter of fact. It happened in the past so it can happen again. He just hoped that what happened in the past won't happen again.
Cygnus was silent. He neither agreed nor denied the butler's statement. It was no use to think about it. He'd rather go with the flow and see how things would work out.
After they walked for a while, they returned to the manor. Nina and Astrophos were already there and waiting for them.
The Ginehart manor was a bit smaller than the one in the dukedom but it still exuded nobility and status. The decoration and structure were no different from the original one. Simple but the materials used were expensive.
They were seated in the living area and were served with refreshments as they waited for dinner to be served. Cygnus sat on one of the empty couches and looked through the assortment of pastries on the table.
After he chose a simple chocolate cake, he looked at the mage across him. "So, did you find out anything?" He asked before he took a bite of the cake.
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