The Legend of Marvin

One morning, at the Magic Academy of the capital of Valdrith, Richard, Tristan, and Larry were strolling through the academy's hallway.

— So, Richard, how was your week of suspension? Tristan asked.

— It wasn't too bad, but honestly, man, I would have preferred to stay out for another year if I could, Richard replied with an amused grin.

— That's so typical of you, enjoying a suspension, Larry added with a smile.

The students in the hallway all glanced at Richard with different expressions. Some were happy to see him back, while others were not at all pleased.

Then, the homeroom teacher, Matthieu, crossed paths with Richard in the hallway and said:

— I hope you've learned your lesson, Marvin.

— Don't worry, sir, I fully intend to behave next time, Richard answered with a smirk that didn't bode well.

— You better, Marvin, Matthieu replied with a strict tone.

As Richard, Tristan, and Larry continued walking down the hallway, several students whispered while looking at him. Some had amused smiles, happy to see him again, while others seemed annoyed or wary.

— Look at that, he's already back… one student whispered.

— How much do you bet he'll get suspended again before the end of the month? another one added with a chuckle.

Richard raised an eyebrow at the murmurs but simply smiled nonchalantly.

— I love all this attention. Seriously, I feel like a celebrity.

Tristan burst out laughing.

— Yeah, a celebrity who attracts just as much admiration as trouble.

Larry, more pragmatic, patted him on the back.

— We should get to class before Mr. Matthieu changes his mind and decides to expel you on the spot.

They finally reached the classroom. Richard pushed the door open casually and stepped inside.

All eyes turned to him.

A heavy silence filled the room.

Then, a voice rose from the back of the class.

— Tsss… Him again.

It was Beldrick Von Halder, one of the academy's top students. He came from an influential noble family and had never hidden his disdain for Richard, whom he considered a "good-for-nothing troublemaker."

— I thought the academy was better off without you, Marvin. Are you planning to stir up chaos again, or will you finally try to learn something?

Richard, unfazed, flashed a mocking smile and leaned against a table.

— Oh, Beldrick… Still jealous? You should relax a little. It must be exhausting being so uptight all the time.

Laughter erupted in the classroom, making Beldrick grimace.

Before he could respond, Professor Matthieu entered and stomped his foot to restore order.

— Enough! Everyone, take your seats.

Richard shrugged and went to sit down, still wearing his signature smirk.

Matthieu stared at him for a moment before sighing.

— Alright. Now that we have our favorite troublemaker back, let's resume the lesson.

The lesson began, but Richard could still feel Beldrick's heavy gaze on him.

He knew that his rival wouldn't let their exchange slide without trying to get revenge… which promised a rather eventful day.

Sitting in the front row, Élisabeth had watched the entire scene with amusement.

— That one will never change… she murmured with a small smirk.

A few minutes passed in a light murmur before the room suddenly fell silent.

The door slowly opened, revealing an imposing figure. The academy's headmaster, a man with graying hair and an intimidating aura, entered with a firm stride. He stopped in front of the podium and scanned the classroom before speaking.

— Dear students, today is a special day. We are welcoming a new student who will be joining your class.

A murmur spread through the room. New students were rare, and the announcement immediately sparked curiosity.

The headmaster stepped slightly aside, revealing a young girl waiting behind him.

— I present to you, Lucille Kert.

All eyes turned to her.

Lucille was a noble from northern Valdrith. Her appearance instantly drew attention: long, silky silver-gray hair cascading over her shoulders and piercing red eyes, gleaming like rubies. Her cold and impassive gaze betrayed no emotion, making her all the more intriguing.

— Another new student… Richard murmured to Tristan, arms crossed.

Tristan, however, seemed lost in another world. He was staring at Lucille with an expression he rarely wore—admiration… and maybe even something more.

— She's really pretty… he whispered, blushing slightly.

Richard abruptly turned to him, surprised.

— Wait… What? Are you seriously crushing on her, or am I dreaming?

Larry, who had been following their conversation, burst out laughing.

— Looks like Tristan just experienced love at first sight!

— Stop it… That's not it! Tristan protested, turning even redder.

Richard and Larry exchanged a knowing look before flashing a teasing grin.

Meanwhile, the headmaster continued, his gaze sweeping over the class.

— I expect you all to welcome Miss Kert properly and provide her with an environment conducive to learning.

At that moment, his eyes landed directly on Richard, his expression growing sterner.

— And above all, I expect exemplary behavior from everyone.

Richard, who had been slouching slightly in his seat, straightened up with a start under the headmaster's piercing gaze.

— Why is it always me they look at? he muttered under his breath.

Larry snickered.

— Do you even realize how many problems you've caused in just one year? Even if you're innocent, you're guilty by default.

Lucille, who had remained silent until now, gave a slight bow to the class before calmly walking to an empty seat near Élisabeth.

Tristan couldn't take his eyes off the new student.

— Richard, don't you think she's really beautiful? he whispered, mesmerized.

Richard raised an eyebrow, skeptical.

— Are you serious? You're actually falling for her, aren't you?

Larry burst out laughing and gave Tristan a friendly pat on the shoulder.

— It's over, man. Looks like Tristan just got hit with classic love at first sight!

Tristan groaned, lowering his head, which only made his two friends laugh even harder.

Meanwhile, Lucille settled into her seat, completely ignoring the chatter around her.

But one detail didn't escape Richard.

Behind that noble and impassive demeanor, there was something… strange about her. A presence, an indescribable sensation.

As if this girl hadn't come here by mere coincidence.

And soon enough, that feeling would be confirmed.

Arms crossed, Richard discreetly observed Lucille from the corner of his eye. Something about her unsettled him, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. His instincts told him she was hiding something… and so far, his instincts had never been wrong.

He leaned slightly toward his friends and murmured:

— Guys… I don't trust this girl.

Larry rolled his eyes with an exaggerated sigh.

— Oh no, not again… he groaned. It was the same with Élisabeth, and in the end, you two became great friends. Now, it's Lucille who's got you obsessed?

— No, Larry, I swear! Richard insisted, looking more serious than ever. I feel something… weird about her.

Tristan, who had been staring at Lucille with a dreamy expression, suddenly lost patience and turned sharply toward Richard.

— Alright, enough with your nonsense! he exclaimed, visibly annoyed.

Richard raised an eyebrow at his friend's reaction.

— Hey, you okay? he asked, frowning.

— What's gotten into you? Larry added, intrigued.

Tristan crossed his arms and looked away, his face slightly red.

— Nothing… It's just that you're judging too fast, as always, he grumbled. Lucille just got here, and you're already labeling her as suspicious.

Larry burst out laughing and patted Tristan on the back.

— Or maybe… Tristan just wants to defend the honor of his dear Lucille? he teased.

Tristan blushed even more and immediately snapped back:

— Shut up, Larry!

Richard watched his friend with an amused smile, but his concern didn't fade.

He cast another glance toward Lucille.

She was sitting quietly, upright, her gaze fixed straight ahead, as if she wasn't paying attention to anything happening around her. And yet… something felt off.

A faint shiver ran down Richard's spine.

He didn't know why, but he had the distinct feeling that he was about to find out what this mysterious Lucille Kert was really hiding.

And he wasn't sure he was going to like the answer.