Arcane Heir: History's Strongest Mage

Later that afternoon, Melody approached Michael on the way back after the final class—catching him alone.

"Where is Rudy?" she asked, looking around suspiciously.

Michael's eyes narrowed slightly in response, "He's taking a dump, as usual…"

Melody scrunched up her face, giving him a swift glare. "You know, I miss the days when you were my butler. You were much more… pleasant." She said after a while.

"Wish I could say the same about you," he quipped, resisting the urge to smirk.

However, seeing Melody's serious expression, he quickly realized that this conversation was not one of their usual back and forth banter. In an instant, Michael's brow furrowed and he leaned in close.

"Whatever it is, just say it." He prompted.

After a few moments, Melody asked softly. "Why aren't you coming back to the manor during the break? Is it because of my father?"

"Hmm? I already told you the reason. Rudy has nowhere to go, and I don't want to leave him here by himself—can you imagine what kind of trouble he would get in?" he explained.

While it was true that he had a bone to pick with Brian Winterborne for all the trouble he'd caused him, Michael knew that the guy was just trying to protect his daughter. He would eventually have a proper discussion with him, but not now.

Melody looked unconvinced.

"So why didn't you ask if he could come back to the manor with us?" She retorted.

At this, Michael scoffed. "So your father can think of ways to use Rudy too? No thank you." He said, waving it off.

The reply seemed to catch the girl off guard. She lowered her head, fidgeting slightly—looking a little vulnerable. "Look Michael, I know you've been through a lot for me…"

Eh? Why is she acting like this?

Michael watched the girl looking pitiful, struggling to complete her words and felt a sense of incredulity. In just a short few months, Melody had changed so much, making it difficult to compare her to the girl he'd first met in the manor.

She finally raised her head, her sapphire eyes gazing at him helplessly. "Could you please come back to the manor? For me?"

Michael blinked in disbelief, taken aback by the sincere request. Before he could reply, the sound of footsteps entered their ears, followed by a familiar voice.

"Ah, I feel ten pounds lighter."

Rudy waltzed out of the bathroom corridor, massaging his stomach with a smile on his face. "Huh? What did I walk into…" he said with suspicion, eyeing his two friends.

Melody turned away, but Michael caught a flash of disappointment in her features. The sight caused an unexpected knot in his stomach.

Something must be wrong, she never asks me for stuff like this… he thought silently.

Perhaps it was because they'd grown closer since attending the academy, but he couldn't help but feel there was a reason for her actions.

Maybe she's nervous about going back to the manor by herself?

"Rudy, why don't we go to Whitevalley town instead of staying at the academy over the break?" Michael asked, his eyes still locked onto Melody.

He saw the girl stiffen in response.

"Whitevalley town? Isn't that where Melody is from?" Rudy replied, scratching the back of his neck.

"Mmm, Melody offered you a place to stay."

"Oh, I see… One moment." he replied.

His expression suddenly turned serious as he turned to Michael. He grabbed him by the arm and dragged him a few feet away, out of earshot.

"Tell me honestly…" Rudy began, his tone grave.

Ah man… what has he noticed?

Michael felt a sense of trepidation.

"What's the food like at her house? Is it worse than the food here? Because if it is, I definitely won't be going…" he said seriously.

Huh?

Michael's eyes drooped as he turned to Rudy, seeing the solemn expression on his face. From a glance, it was clear the guy wasn't joking.

Without warning, Michael sent a short hook into the guys stomach, causing him to let out a gush of air from his lungs.

"All you ever think about is food ya bastard." He said, shaking his head incredulously.

But a few moments later a smile crept onto his face. He turned back to Melody who seemed to be waiting for their decision—her eyes filled with hope.

Michael flashed her a thumbs up, eliciting a brilliant smile from the girl. In an instant, her features lit up, stunning him briefly. As their eyes met, he felt a small flutter in his stomach, prompting him to turn away.

"D-did you put mana into that punch?" Rudy complained breathlessly, still weezing.

"Quit your whining, let's head back to the dorm, I want to do some more studying before dinner." Michael replied, nudging him along.

The trio made their way upstairs together. Melody seemed to be in a much better mood after hearing that he would be joining her in the Winterborne manor over the two-week break.

Michael wasn't sure if it was because she didn't want to see her father, or because she didn't want him to leave her side. As he thought up to the last point, he shook his head vehemently, feeling his cheeks heat up.

That's a little presumptuous, he remarked inwardly. She probably just wants the support of a friend when facing her father.

"Oh, I overheard that Professor Murphy won't be here for our exam tomorrow." Rudy spoke up, knocking Michael out of his reverie.

"Really? I'm surprised the headmaster let him leave the academy during exams," Michael remarked. "I hope everything is okay."

Rudy shrugged in response, "Apparently he has business with the Arcane Church or something—or at least that's what I heard."

Hearing this, Michael pondered for a few moments before shrugging his shoulders. "It's none of our business," he remarked without interest, "just as long as it's not Quinn or Mia who replaces him…"

Both Rudy and Melody shuddered beside him.

"Surely not right?"