LITMIR.BIZ

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around. Behind us was a square with a large statue of the founder, on the pedestal of which were embossed the symbols of all four main elements. But from where I was, I saw only two: land and water.

      To the right there was a park, standing out as a colorful spot against the background of total grayness. The crimson-brown-green riot was pleasing to the eye, reminding that colors had not disappeared from the world. Turning around, I began to look at the bizarre sculptures on the facade of the building. A massive hulk made of gray stone blocks seemed to prop up the leaden sky with its pointed roofs. Probably, the entire Blackrock estate could fit entirely in one of its halls!

      Despite the gloomy view and nasty weather, I wanted to climb everything here from top to bottom. Explore the hidden corners of the park. Look into the underground catacombs going deep into the mountain. Climb into the attic and see if there really is a ghost living there? I couldn’t wait to find out all the secrets that the ancient academy building conceals.

      Dad loved this place. He devoted his life to working here and talked a lot about him at home when he came on vacation or holidays, but I had no idea that in reality everything was much more interesting!

      Meanwhile, a delegation in uniform robes, led by an impressive man, came out onto the porch. It was Felsen Schwartz, the onyx dragon and rector of the Academy of Wind and Storms, about whom I had heard a lot. Among the men there was only one woman. Tall, with a bun on her head. From my father’s stories, I knew that this was Estella Krieger, the dean of the Faculty of Household Magic. And there was also the Duke of Blackrock – my father.

      Finding me with his eyes, dad pursed his lips in displeasure. Well, what does he not like, pray tell? What is he unhappy with? I smiled broadly at him. I missed my beloved daddy and wanted to hug him, but I’ll have to be patient until we’re left alone.

      – Girls, line up, please! – Alan Nett asked, and we lined up along the side of the stagecoach.

      By this time, the driver had already led away the tired wolves, but the carriage still hovered above the ground, awaiting transportation. This did not require draft power.

      The rector stopped on the top step of the porch.

      “Eshsheri, we welcome you to the Academy of Wind and Storms…” he began a solemn speech, but was interrupted and, turning to Dean Krieger, asked: “Where are the other two adepts?” There should be ten of them, but I only see eight.

      “Eshcheri Ricci seems to be late, and escheri Hugel…” she answered the rector and looked at the sky and added: “Already here.”

      I also raised my head and saw a rapidly approaching black dot.

      What did the rector say? Ashcheri Hugel? The Hygels were one of the younger branches of the ruling family of dragons. It turns out that a real dragon will study with us! Wow!

      “And here comes Escheri Ricci,” said Dean Krieger.

      – Wonderful! “Let’s wait a little,” the rector responded complacently.

      Indeed, from somewhere on the side of the park, a curvaceous girl with a shock of blond hair and a milky-white fitted coat was trotting towards us on thin heels. She looked like a bright spot against the background of total grayness and involuntarily attracted glances not only with her bright appearance and fashionable outfit, but also with her retinue – she was accompanied by several adherents at once. One was carrying a purse, the other was holding an umbrella over it, trying to keep up. Several more simply accompanied us, but when they saw the rector, they all dispersed somewhere, and Escheri Ricci came up to us alone. The beauty did not see the black dragon landing along the same trajectory, and she landed right in front of her. It was so “successful” that the fashionista’s white coat was covered with small specks of dirt.

      – Ah! – the blonde choked with indignation, and then the unexpected happened.

      Even more unexpected than the landing of a giant lizard. The blond fashionista swung her hand and hit the dragon with her fashionable handbag on a long handle right in the face!

      For a moment everyone was speechless. The silhouette of Eshcheri Hugel became hazy, blurred in space, and a brunette with a short haircut appeared in front of us. Her plump lips delighted the eye with bright scarlet lipstick, and her eyes were an equally bright orange shade, characteristic of the younger branches of the ruling family. The pants and jacket unusually, I would even say indecently, hugged the girl’s body, not hiding a single curve, and in the collar, unbuttoned right down to the neckline, I could clearly see rune marks.

      “If you do that again, I’ll bite your head off,” the dragoness stated phlegmatically, turning to the blonde.

      – Oh, sorry, eshsheri. “It’s me out of frustration,” the blonde immediately backed down, making her eyes wide. – This coat is from the autumn collection “Snakes”. It cost me a pretty penny…

      Escheri Ricci's voice was so sweet that I wanted to drink some water.

      “Send me the bill from the laundry, baby,” the dragoness grinned and added seriously: “Duel.” This evening at seven on…” she turned to the rector and unceremoniously asked: “Ascher Schwartz, where do you usually solve problems here?”

      – In my office, eshcheri Hugel! – the rector snapped, and then added softer: “Beata, be reasonable and don’t force me to write to your uncle.”

      The dragoness frowned with displeasure, and her orange eyes flashed brighter, promising trouble to anyone who dared to stand in her way.

      – Who is our uncle? – Ada whispered in my ear.

      “Uncle is the ruler of the Onyx Rocks,” I answered just as quietly.

      “Oh…” the northern woman was impressed.

      – Eshsheri, you are detaining the rector and the others. Remember about decency, finally! – Estella Krieger sternly scolded the girls.

      Having measured each other with derogatory glances, the girls stood at different ends of our small formation. The blonde is at the beginning, the dragon is at the end.

      – Adepts, for the first time the Academy of Wind and Storms opens its doors to female students. Both for us and for you it will be a new unique experience, hopefully successful. Serious changes are coming, and I am glad to welcome you to these ancient walls! – the rector began again.

      He introduced us to the teachers and deans, then we introduced ourselves one by one. By this moment, adherents had gathered on the square near the statue of the founder, on the side of the idle fountain and on the side of the porch, looking at us with interest. Trying not to be distracted by them, I listened carefully to the rector.

      Perhaps this would have continued, but I noticed that Asher Schwartz was talking to us, but was now looking somewhere to the side. Following his gaze, I came across a group of guys walking along the driveway past a stagecoach. They hardly paid any attention to us, they just glanced at us with indifferent glances and headed towards the park.

      So bright and different, they stood out among other adherents!

      One is blond with long hair as gorgeous as that of one of my friend’s northern dragons. The short fiery red hair of the second played with tongues of flame in the breeze. This one of them all smiled at us, as if he was unable to maintain a serious expression on his face for long.

      A brown-haired man with wavy hair combed to one side looked from under his brows with squinted eyes, latently evoking a feeling of anxiety. Completely inexperienced in romantic relationships, I instantly realized that it was better to stay away from people like him.

      But most of all I was impressed by the brown-haired, gloomy guy who walked with them, but seemed to be on his own. He didn’t even turn his head at us, and I experienced mixed feelings. Slight offense and interest. Offense because he didn’t consider us worthy of attention, but interest because I didn’t have time to see his face and eye color. All that remained was to admire the spread of the shoulders, covered with a uniform jacket, and the neck peeking out from the collar.

      I didn't think so, did I? Does he have tattoos there similar to those of Beate Hügel? Is he also a

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