The next class took place in another room. Kieran learned something, but not much of it stayed in his head. The lecture was so dull that he nearly fell asleep.
That was, until a book hit his head.
Kieran yawned as he waited for the next professor to arrive. To his surprise, it was Celdric again.
Caught off guard, Kieran had expected a different instructor this time.
"Professor, may I know what your role is as my tutor here?" he asked curiously.
"To be honest, Mr. Luke," Celdric replied with a smile, "I've been assigned to most of your magic related classes. So we'll be meeting almost all day."
Hearing that, Kieran broke into a sweat. Celdric looked so happy that Kieran could almost see flowers blooming around him.
He probably had a hard time getting work, Kieran thought. Someone from the countryside, a commoner no noble would care what he had to say.
Being assigned as a private tutor to the prince must have thrilled him. But is he even realized he being used to the core?
This man looked like the happiest cow in a field.
Still, if Kieran thought about it objectively, it wasn't a bad thing. Celdric was knowledgeable. Perhaps in the future after they gotten close, he could even ask for one of the man's inventions early if Celdric ever made one.
He could be the one that hold one of cool gadget Celdric had invented in game. He got excited at the thought.
Kieran who just woke up from the previous class still bit disheveled, as his hair bit of messy.
Celdric noticed the weariness and rummaged through his bag. "Mr. Luke, you seem a bit worn out. Would you like to had some brew?"
Kieran's ears twitched at the word brew.
"Oh, sure. A little won't hurt," he replied calmly. But his heart was pounding. A magic potion?
Curious, Kieran watched as Celdric pulled out a small bottle. He accepted it with thanks. The moment he opened the lid, a strong smell assaulted his nose, making him cough that he want immediately return it.
Still, curiosity won over caution, and he took a sip.
He immediately spat it out, regret filled his mouth.
"OHOKK HOEKK UGHH AGHHH!"
Kieran coughed violently, tears forming in the corners of his eyes. He knew he sounded like a dying cat.
That brew was straight from hell.
He stared at Celdric in betrayal. "What… was that?"
"Pure coffee and bitter melon," Celdric explained cheerfully, beaming as if he had just shared a delicacy.
Kieran's eyes widened betrayed. He definitely wouldn't be falling asleep anytime soon after that.
Lesson learned: never fall asleep during Or before Celdric's lectures.
After class, Kieran wandered around the castle, navigating its corridors and courtyards. He searched for any opening or any weak point in the walls.
He needed to know the outside world. The castle and its library weren't enough, and he couldn't rely solely on Celdric's lectures.
Secondly, he wanted to try the food outside. Money wasn't an issue since the money is from Luke's funds.
Yet no matter how much he searched, he found nothing.
Frustration crept in as he scratched his head. The castle was built too well, just as one would expect. He bit his inner lip in annoyance.
Just as he was about to give up, his gaze landed on an apple tree nearly as tall as the wall.
Kieran tilt his head up to the top, it indeed a tall tree. He could probably saw the city from there, without thinking much Kieran climbed it.
Normally, he wasn't a good climber, but this time he put all his effort into it.
The bark scraped against his palms as he climbed, rough and dry beneath his fingers. His arms ached as he hauled himself higher, breath growing shallow with effort. When he finally reached the upper branches, a cool breeze brushed against his face, carrying the scent of leaves and distant earth.
He didn't want to fall. Still, the gap between the tree and the wall was too wide. His body was still small crossing it wasn't easy.
Even if he somehow managed to close the gap, the hard ground below would likely break his leg.
…Sigh.
It seemed sneaking out wouldn't be that easy. Luke was a prince. He couldn't simply walk out without drawing attention especially with ash white hair and deep royal purple eyes, symbols of royal blood.
"There you are, Your Highness."
Kieran looked down. Eric stood below, clearly searching for him. Worry was written all over his face.
"Your Highness, please come down. That's dangerous," Eric pleaded.
Kieran sighed. He should go down.
There was just one problem.
He didn't know how.
"Uh… how about I stay here a bit longer?" he said awkwardly. "I'm enjoying the view."
Why did he even say that?
In truth, he was sweating. He really wanted to get down.
"Your Highness, you could get hurt."
Of course I want to, but I can't.
"Then could you fetch me a ladder?" Kieran asked, tightening his grip on the branch.
"Right away!" Eric ran off in panic.
Kieran waited awkwardly as the wind brushed past his face. He felt like he might slip at any moment until Eric returned with a ladder.
"I'm back, Your Highness."
Eric positioned it carefully. Kieran descended slowly, and when his feet finally touched the ground, Eric hurried over to check him for injuries. There was only a small scratch on Kieran's hand.
"Please don't do dangerous things, Your Highness," Eric said anxiously.
"But I'm fine now," Kieran replied nonchalantly.
Eric wanted to say more, but stopped himself. "Please be more careful in the future."
Kieran nodded. "I will. I'm glad you came, though."
Eric paused, not expecting that.
"It's tea time. Shall we go?"
Kieran's eyes sparkled at the words. He nodded happily. "Sure. Please lead the way."
Eric sighed and turned to walk ahead, a faint smile appearing as Kieran followed behind him.