Chapter 20 The First Weekend
Evelyn's POV
That was the academy's magic course schedule system, designed to discreetly distribute relevant study materials based on students' courses and status.
Inside one of the file bags was a thick book—Defensive Magic 101.
A note was tucked between the pages with Mia's handwriting: [Ms. Gray, I heard you ran into some trouble. Protecting yourself always comes first. Hope this book helps. —Mia.]
I opened the book and found one page carefully folded down. That page explained the spell and gestures for a magical shield.
I sat on the sofa with the book and read a few pages. It was actually really useful. Maybe it was the company of the starlight patterns on the wall, but I didn't feel the night was long at all.
After reading a few more chapters, I went into the bathroom for a shower, changed into comfortable pajamas, and got back into bed, planning to rest a bit more. Tomorrow was the weekend, and according to plan, Kane and I were supposed to go to Arthur's house.
Arthur would definitely prepare a massive lunch for us, looking forward to seeing me and my friend from early morning.
But as my fingers unconsciously traced the edge of the gauze taped over my collarbone, anxiety flared. If I canceled and didn't go home, Arthur's sharp intuition would immediately suspect something was wrong. But if I did go back and he saw me like this, he would be devastated—and terrified for my safety at the academy.
While hesitating, I fell asleep again. This time when I woke up, bright sunlight was already streaming through the window.
It was seven-thirty in the morning.
Before I was fully awake, there was a very soft knock at the door.
"Knock, knock, knock."
Very rhythmic. I knew it must be Kane. I quickly threw off the covers and got out of bed, grabbed a hair clip from beside the bed to pin my hair up, and hurried to unlock the door.
I opened the door a crack, and Kane was standing outside. Today he was wearing a black hoodie, looking even cooler.
"Morning." His voice was a bit hoarse, like he'd just woken up too.
"Morning, Kane." I stepped aside to let him in, a bit embarrassed as I pointed to my messy hair—I haven't had time to wash up yet.
Kane didn't seem to mind. His gaze moved past me to my collarbone.
"How's the wound?" he asked, staring at my injury.
I unconsciously touched the gauze on my collarbone. It didn't hurt anymore, just felt slightly tight.
"It doesn't hurt anymore, really. The medicine Dr. Clark gave me works great."
"Let me see." His tone left no room for argument. I pulled open the collar of my pajamas, revealing the gauze underneath.
Kane leaned down slightly, not touching it with his hands, just moving closer, seeming to examine the wound's condition very carefully.
After a few seconds, he straightened up, his brow relaxing slightly. "Not bad."
"See, I told you it was already healing." I said proudly, then had Kane sit on the sofa and wait.
I quickly rushed to the bathroom to wash up, then grabbed clothes from the magic wardrobe and went back to the bathroom. "Kane, I'm ready, let's go get breakfast."
Kane followed me out of the room. Even though it was the weekend, the cafeteria was still crowded.
As soon as we walked in, the loud, chaotic chatter of the hall seemed to violently hit pause.
This was the first time I felt so strongly what it was like to be watched by everyone. I figured something must have been posted on Nebula Chat again, but I didn't plan to find out what exactly was posted.
Kane acted like he couldn't see any of this. He led me to a corner by the window, had me sit there, then turned to get food. I watched his tall, straight back, feeling warmth in my heart.
He truly was an incredible friend.
Before long, Kane came back with two trays—one with strawberry tarts and hot milk, the other with an orange Americano and a pork muffin.
"Thanks." I picked up my knife and fork, cut a piece of tart and put it in my mouth, grateful that it was my collarbone that was injured. The sweet taste spread across my tongue.
I suddenly thought of something and hesitantly spoke up. "Kane, about my species—do you think I might be an unstable existence?"
Kane slowly set down his coffee cup, his eyes looking directly at me. His voice was low and firm: "Don't be afraid. I'll help you figure out what you really are. Someday we'll know the truth."
Looking at his unwavering eyes, much of my anxiety faded away.
Just then, my phone vibrated. I picked it up and saw it was a message from Arthur: [Evelyn, have you left yet? What does Kane like to eat? Or does he have any foods he can't eat?]
I looked at Arthur's message and couldn't help but laugh.
I replied to Arthur based on Kane's usual eating habits: [Grandpa, Kane isn't picky, he likes everything, especially meat. We'll probably get to your place around 10. You don't need to make a lot, just something simple is fine.]
After sending the message, I looked up at Kane. "My grandpa asked what you like to eat. I said you like meat."
He clearly hadn't expected Arthur to take his visit so seriously.
After finishing breakfast, we didn't leave right away but went to the infirmary first.
When Dr. Esko saw us, he raised an eyebrow. He teased us while skillfully changing my dressing.
"Looks like Evelyn and Kane really are good friends." He carefully removed the old gauze, checked the wound, then cleaned it and applied new ointment.
"Healing nicely, even better than I expected." Esko said while bandaging.
"Looks like your friend has been taking good care of you." Esko smiled, looking like he was fishing for gossip.
Kane didn't say anything, just stared intently at my wound. Only when Esko finished rebandaging did he relax.
"Don't get it wet these next few days, and no intense exercise."
"And don't let anyone bully you again."
Esko instructed.
I nodded with a smile. "Don't worry, Dr. Clark, I'll take good care of myself."
I thought about how I'd secretly showered last night, but the wound area had been covered with a large bandage, so it should be fine.
I didn't dare tell Esko, just made a mental note to be careful starting tonight—no more showers, so I wouldn't get caught.
After leaving the infirmary, we took the train to Amber District. At ten-thirty, we arrived at the eastern edge of the village, where Arthur lived.
Finally here. I wanted to stretch my arms, but remembering my collarbone injury, I gave up.
Kane followed behind me, looking a bit nervous. I quickly said, "Look, that's Grandpa's house. He's really happy you accepted his invitation. Come on, let's hurry home and eat something good."
We finally reached Arthur's door. I stopped and pushed it open. Soon I heard footsteps, and then Arthur appeared wearing a flour-dusted apron, holding a spatula. The moment he saw me, his eyes crinkled into slits.
"Oh my! It seems Evelyn must have smelled what Arthur was cooking!"
"This must be your friend—come in, come in!"
Arthur smiled so hard his eyes disappeared, and after looking at me, he turned to Kane.
"Hello, Mr. Gray. I'm Kane." Kane nervously greeted my grandfather.
Arthur smiled happily and quickly ushered us inside. "The lamb chops will be ready soon—you're in luck, you'll get to eat them hot."