Arcane Heir: History's Strongest Mage

Michael left alongside Rudy shortly after, his injuries now healed. The healing potion was just a standard grade one, but it had worked perfectly. Besides a few stiff muscles, he felt fine—at least physically.

Braydon's words weighed on him, stoking his anxiety.

What does he mean they're planning something? Are they going to try and get back at me? But how? His mind raced, thinking about different possibilities.

However, there was something that didn't really make sense. If that were the case, then why would Braydon have been told to stop his pursuit of Melody?

Sure he was technically her fiancé, but that shouldn't warrant the guy stopping his advances—at least that's what he believed.

Which means Melody is probably the target…

Michael wasn't exactly sure, but for some reason this theory seemed to make the most sense. After all, he was a nobody right now. Sure he was a violet emblem student and a class representative, but such a thing meant little to the elite noble families.

"Alright, what's up with you?" Rudy asked, nudging him as they walked along the corridor. From his tone, it was clear that he wouldn't drop it until he was given a satisfactory answer.

Michael was silent for a while before he shook his head, "Wait until we meet up with Melody, it concerns her as well."

"Hmm?" Rudy looked surprised, but he did not refute his words—silently agreeing.

However, the duo could not find her at the great hall. The kitchens were currently serving dinner and it should have been a given that they'd find her there.

Michael wasn't worried though, at least not yet. They shared a dorm together, so they would eventually meet up again before the end of the semester.

After grabbing a meal, the two retreated back to the dorms, hoping to find her. Thankfully, they saw a pair of shoes out the front of her room door—though it was closed.

"Melody," Michael called out, knocking on the door gently, "Are you free?"

The sound of footsteps sounded out before the door opened slightly, revealing a pair of sapphire eyes staring at him. "What is it?" she asked, her tone flat.

Hmm? Sounds like she's in a mood…

For a moment he considered leaving the issue for now, but he quickly disregarded the notion. The sooner he could tell Melody about his theory, the more time they would have to discuss the issue.

"We need to talk, I heard something concerning from Braydon in the infirmary." He explained, gesturing towards the lounge area with his head.

A look of surprise painted her features before she nodded, appearing from her room shortly after. She was still dressed in her uniform, though her robe was no longer around her shoulders.

"You missed dinner." Rudy said, giving her an evaluating look.

"Wasn't hungry…" she shot back, casually taking a seat on one of the armchairs.

Michael watched her with some suspicion, his gaze eventually meeting Rudy's. The two didn't need to be mind-readers to know what each other was thinking.

Something was off.

"So, do you want to go first or should I?" Michael asked, taking a seat on the edge of the lounge, crossing his arms.

"Huh? You pulled me out here to tell me something…" Melody retorted, wearing an incredulous expression.

"Yes, but I have a feeling that whatever I'm about to tell you is related to whatever you're hiding from us." He explained, wearing a small frown.

Michael had known the girl for over three years now, and though some things still remained a mystery—he knew when she was hiding something. After all, they'd spent essentially every day together during this period of time, he would have to be a fool to not recognize something like this.

Melody was silent for a while before scrunching up her features. She then let out a sigh, shaking her head. "Alright, you go first…" she said with resignation.

Michael nodded, feeling proud of himself in that moment. It wasn't often that Melody made concessions, to see it happening without too much effort was pleasing.

So without waiting another moment, he filled in his friends on what Braydon had said verbatim, not adding any more commentary. He didn't want there to be any miscommunication, nor did he want to influence their opinions.

What he wanted was for them to listen to the words objectively.

Rudy frowned almost instantly, going deep into thought.

Melody on the other hand had her head lowered. It was clear that his suspicions had been correct—what she was hiding was indeed related to Braydon's words.

"So? Care to tell us what's happening?" Michael prompted, not wanting her to renege on her previous words.

After a few more sighs, Melody lifted her legs off the ground and crossed them under her upon the arm chair. She looked rather pale and destitute in that moment, causing his heart to ache.

"My father contacted me earlier…" she began, her head lowered. "The Bishop family have launched an appeal with the royal family regarding my betrothal…"

What!? They can do that? Michael exclaimed in his heart.

"What? Can they do that?" Rudy asked with utter shock and confusion. His words had mirrored Michael's exact thoughts in that moment.

"My mother is the sister of the King, there are old and outdated laws in place that allow for such an appeal…" she stated grimly, her eyes still glued to the floor.

Michael frowned. Though she had not stated the specifics, he wasn't at all surprised that the noble families would hang onto whatever thread they could when it came to such a matter.

Since the Bishop family no longer had anyone in Arcadia to try and win Melody's hand, they had decided to flip the entire chessboard. After all, such families only ever cared about two things—public image and benefits.

However, if the latter outweighed the former—that's when chaos ensued.

So they couldn't get her by normal means, so now they've resorted to this… Those bastards.