“Rip those clothes off her! Let’s see if she’s still superior stuck-up bitch when she’s naked!”

Hearst’s hand flew, a bulging fist and soaring straight to her face. Power sparked hot in orchid lightning, and it surged like a striking snake, fangs wide, and going in for the kill. Ryunise simply tilted her head to the side, holding her shawl closed with one hand, the other at her side. A vibration was humming in the background, very faint, and gradually crept into the foreground until the exact moment. There was a burst of energy, a solid ripple, and it blew each bully clear off their shoes, flat on their back with a resounding smack, and knocked the wind out of them.

Ryunise idly patted her ruffled dress back down. Seems like there was some dust in the hallway that the maids missed.

“I told you,” She said as she stood over Hearst, “I wouldn’t do that. Haven’t you heard that attacking anyone within these walls are against the rules?”

The boy only groaned, his limbs twitching. But he did manage to scowl, “Who…gives…a fuck…what a commoner whore…says…”

“Please keep quiet. We’re in a church,” She said and walked, “I’m busy. Good day.”

Hearst snarled. He rolled to his side and lashed out to snag her ankle, but caught her dress. He smirked like a feral wronged and yanked to tear her back. But in the blink of an eye his hand was slammed down under her heel and pain burst through his body, breaking his mind and caused him to howl in agony.

“Ow! Fuck, fuck, fuck…! Get the fuck off me!”

Ryunise only pressed harder and passively watched the teenager flail, “I’ve had a very long morning. I’m not supposed to be talking to filth like you. Do not touch me. Or anyone. Ever.”

She then strolled off on her way. Ryunise had to step over two more bodies before the path cleared up. If she hadn’t stopped him, there would have been a much worser fate than merely stomping on his hand. Ryunise knew she also had to move. That burst would alert a lot of people, especially the adults at the entrance hall, and they would be running to find out what was happening.

I’m not going to stand around and wait to be caught, she thought. Caught for doing absolutely nothing but minding my own damn business.

She knew all too well. Ryunise was an upper crust commoner, but commoner nonetheless. Inside the walls everyone was supposed to be equal, or at least the gavel of nobility can’t be used against another. But that didn’t mean once you step outside, or even your family members, won’t be getting away scott free. Who’s to say that you would even have a home when the doors open?

Cobalt Nobelle, however, is special. No house - no matter what class one is ranked – can go against House Emerodelle. They were a hot wire to the ruling monarch, and only the king or kings can remove the power of the war crest. But there are always vultures at every step of the way. They can’t mess with her house or family. Not directly anyway.

The girl thought she made significant grounds, and in the nip of time. The teenagers’ fathers and associates came around the corner and were mudding up a fuss.

“Hold it.”

Oh great. Now what?

Ryunise stood straight, then decided she should turn her full attention to the newer voice. There was a young man standing near one of the pillars below a stained-glass window. He was embraced by cappuccino smooth cloak around his shoulders that dripped to gather at the floor. A handsome face done in the youngest shade of summer oak, dark brows, and crackle-stern admiral blue eyes with the softest golden wheat hair floating in a side style to his hollow.

“Now, Vin, that’s no way to speak to a Young Miss.”

Another one? Did someone plant a magnet on her today?

This was another male, standing just an inch taller than the first boy. His skin was a silken cashew butter, stunning eyes a curious shade of tender teal and even curiouser dusty rose for hair dancing around his ears. He was also dressed in a cloak, except his was at least a solid white color lined with a pale gold. He was also smiling softly, an air of appeal, maybe even beguiling. He was pretty, almost feminine. Just almost.

“Why didn’t you introduce yourself?” The first one, Vin, asked her. His gaze was strong, commanding, but easy on the pompous attitude.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Ryunise responded.

“You could have avoided all of that. It was unnecessary, but now it’s a situation.”

“It’s not my responsibility for how others react. If they’re going to do something, they’ll do it. I can think of better ways to spend my time.”

“Not your responsibility for others…” He said slowly.

“No. It’s not,” She said, “Everyone has freedom to do and be what they will. I have no right to interfere, no matter what is being done to me.”

“And yet you stepped on Jacobson, heir of the Oceallist house.”

“Yes.”

“You didn’t even try to deny it?” Vin looked slightly appalled, shock in his face.

“I have no reason to. All I wanted to do is be on my merry way.”

“You think you can just continue on your merry way without resolving what you did?”

“I thank you for your concern,” Ryunise said, “But there is nothing to resolve when it comes to trash.”

“…trash?” Vin paused.

The other boy began to laugh behind a gloved hand. If this world had angels, and if they were male, she was sure his laugh would sound just like that. How was that even possible?

“She really is his daughter, Vin,” He dwindled to a chuckle.

“Don’t laugh, Louis. This could have been a serious matter.”

“I think the Young Miss already knows that there is nothing to really worry about,” The pink-haired ‘Louis’ smiled with his eyes closed upwards at her, “Isn’t that right?”

“Yes.”

“You’ve shown a different kind of mercy towards the foolish Mr. Jacobson. You stopped him from further embarrassing himself, his house, and surprisingly added corrective behavior.”

“Is there an end?”

“The end could have come sooner if you had simply showed your medal pin,” Louis inclined with a soft look.

Ryunise’s fingers twitched around her shawl.

“But instead, you kept it hidden. Either you wanted trouble, or you thought it wouldn’t bring you trouble,” Vin, or whatever his real name was, further pressed.

“No. That’s not it,” Louis said to him.

“It’s not?”

“It’s not,” Ryunise affirmed.

“It’s like pulling teeth out of you, girl,” Vin scowled faintly, “Speak plainly.”

“I am,” She said, “You’re missing the point that I don’t want to waste any more time. I have an appointment to keep.”

“Please humor him,” Louis chuckles, “He’s an unruly fellow that needs things spelled out for him.”

“I do not!” The other teen indignantly sputtered.

Ryunise sighed, but spoke, “I didn’t show it because I refused. Nobility doesn’t give anyone the right to oppress or abuse anyone, nor make them unwilling servants. Respect, humanity, manners, and civility aren’t limited by class. If I was to use this, I would be no better than those young, immature masters.”

The two teens glanced at each other.

“Besides, nobles are supposed to embody what it means to be a leader, a supervisor, a potential and just ruler. Every house of Viscount and higher are required to have next to their Certificate of Title the Plaque of Oath: Shine for those who are lost. Guide those who have no hand. Rise to the front, for you will bear prosperity and burden.”

Louis curled a gloved hand in front of his mouth, hindering his petite smile, while Vin just mildly scoffed.

“You’re way more idealistic than I thought you were,” Vin said.

“Thankfully, I don’t care what you think of me,” She said coolly.

“It wasn’t a compliment.”

“Still don’t care.”

“You also knew, didn’t you?” Louis asked her, “This is Regina’s Sacred Oraclast’s Vanticanus.”

Ryunise mildly figured out what he meant, and she tilted her head slightly, “They say that attacks are strictly forbidden in its grounds. A force will be triggered if offensive magic is used without authorization.”

“Geeze. Are you seriously not yet a juvenile?” Vin crossed his arms.

Ryunise was silent, then glances over at Louis, “…does he also not know how to read?”

Louis burst out laughing, a hand on his chest and was purely tickled. It was like the very air twinkled faintly around his rosy hair.

“What?!” Vin flushed horrendously and growled.

“He does, he does!” Louis wanted to wipe at his eyes, his shoulders shaking, “He just missed it, Young Miss.”

“Missed what?!”

“The sign, Vin, if that is your name,” Ryunise rolled her green eyes.

“A sign?”

“The sign of conduct and rules, Vin,” Louis began laughing again at his blunders, “And one of them says magic and fighting is not tolerated. Security will respond accordingly.”

Vin stared, then flushed in his lightly tanned skin. He growled, then huffed, tightened his arms and turned his head away.

“Get out of here, kid,” He said.

“I don’t need your permission,” She retorted calmly.

“Don’t be that way, Vin,” Louis smiles.

He walked towards her in two steps, then crossed an arm across his waist and bowed over it. Ryunise could faintly detect the distinct smell of dewy citrus and young sandalwood. Why does that seem familiar?

“Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Elouis Silphyre of House Silphyre. It would be my honor to escort you, Young Miss,” He smiled with sincerity. It wasn’t an easy sincerity, his eyes and the slight crinkle telling of honest chivalry.

Ryunise blinked once. House Silphyre was one of the four main prominent families of Marquis and Marchioness in the Rakoul kingdom, and leaders of commerce, trade, and business. The Silphyres were known for their impeccable prowess of imports and exports and are rarely rivaled. Elouis Silphyre was the third son out of five children and is rumored to be well-versed in swordsmanship.

“Marquis Elouis, I apologize for my impoliteness,” She took hold of her skirt in her left hand and crossed her heart with her right hand in a bow.

“Elouis is fine. I’m not one to like being addressed as Marquis,” He smiled. Elouis still had his hand out to her, “But I will forgive you for supposed brazenness if you were to accept my services.”

Wow. The little devil in wings is good.