A Blade Meant to Kill
The nobles finally backed off after hearing what Videl said. They had determined that facing her directly would yield nothing. After acknowledging that the ring was real, the group of nobles apologized. The Principal didn't take too kindly to their insincere apologies and scoffed at them. Videl didn't say anything since she knew that this wasn't the end. These kinds of people would not give up.
Stillness crept through the academy lawns, yet underneath hummed something quiet but sharp, like heat under old cinders. Noblemen dipped their chins slightly - not much - but enough to seem polite, words slipping out even, practiced, empty. Their gazes stayed cold, untouched by what they said. Max stood still, arms crossed tight across his chest, shoulders stiff against pretense. Faces like theirs he knew well: quick to kneel when pushed, eager to name virtue whenever profit followed.
