Catherine stared down at the professor, her head in hand. The literary teacher was slightly more interesting than the chemistry one, but that wasn't saying much.
His "poetical" waxings were corny and off-putting. Catherine was starting to worry. If the entire school's teaching staff was this uninteresting the possibility of a decline in her mental state was inevitable.
Unfortunately surveying the room brought no relief to the inanity, on account that was exactly the same as the last two she'd been in.
In reality, virtually all of the classes had the same construction. That being the fairly standard concept of tiered rows of desks that looked down at the professor.
The only exception to this rule were the science classes, whose need for equipment nessictated easier access.
The professor finally wrapped up his speech with a particularly offensive groaner before excusing the students to converse amongst themselves.
It had been evident from Alice's fidgeting and glances toward Catherine that she was itching to discuss what transpired last period. Unfortunately, she hadn't been given the opportunity until now.
Alice faked a slight cough to garner Catherine's attention. It was wholly unnecessary. Catherine had been keenly aware that Alice was desperate to talk to her throughout the entire lecture.
"Was it necessary to antagonize that man as harshly as you did?" Alice asked.
It was clear from her tone that she wasn't cross with Catherine, but more so concerned. Catherine answered without hesitation.
"Of course it was necessary," She said plainly. "What right did that fool have to speak to you in such a manner?"
"I understand he wasn't being particularly…gentlemanly. I feel as if- Well, maybe you went a tad far?" Alice asked.
"Too far? I'm beginning to wonder if I didn't go far enough, if anything I should've slapped him," Catherine shrugged. "Oh well, there's always next time."
Alice had a horrified look on her face.
"Don't tell me you're serious!"
"I'm deadly serious. If words can't penetrate his thick skull, maybe something a little...more "physical" might compel him to act a bit more like a gentleman.
Alice groaned a little.
"Oh Catharine, please don't say such things. I don't want you to ruin your reputation. Especially for my sake."
Catherine flitted her hand dismissively.
"Oh if that's what you're worried about, you needn't. The rest of the nobles don't particularly like me, and to be honest with you the feeling is mutual. So slapping a bit of sense into them, either figuratively or literally isn't something to get worked up about."
Catherine continued her spiel.
"Besides what do you mean 'for my sake' I'd happily stick my neck out for any of my friends." Catherine thought for a moment, "Although in this case, I can't even say 'I'm sticking my neck out' ' it was little more than a triviality."
Alice thought to herself.
A triviality? Does that mean she does this all the time?
She didn't bring it up to Catherine for fear that it was an offensive question, but if she had the answer would've been a plain yes without shame.
"I have to admit I am happy to hear you already consider me a friend, but we just met today. Don't you think it's a little soon to be 'berating' people for my sake? Alice asked.
The idea of flying off the handle in public for a friend was already out there in terms of polite society, but it was clear they'd already moved past that point so there wasn't much use commenting on it.
"Let's just say I have a good judgment of character," Catherine said, smiling. "I don't see much point in running any sort of 'trial'' period."
Alice didn't really know what to say to that, what could anyone say to it? It was very sweet, but also slightly insane. Seeing that Alice wasn't adding any more to the conversation Catherine continued to speak.
"So have we settled it then?"
Alice was silent for a moment before answering.
"I suppose so," she said unconfidently. "But please promise me you won't put yourself in serious jeopardy for my sake."
Clearly, this isn't settled then, It doesn't seem like I'm getting through to her. Catherine thought.
"Sorry, I can't do that," Catherine stated plainly.
"Why not?" Alice asked, frustrated.
"Because I won't make promises I can't keep."
Alice looked down in defeat, but Catherine was determined to not let the conversation die out.
"I'm telling the truth, it isn't a big deal at all," She said seriously. "So there isn't any need to be worried about it."
Alice balled up her fists.
"I just hate the idea of something bad happening to you because of me," Alice looked up at Catherine. "I know I'm far from an expert on 'nobility', but even I'm aware that keeping up appearances is important."
Alice put a hand to her chest to emphasize her next point.
"I don't have a higher standing to worry about. But you do, and I'm well aware that being here at the school has painted a target on my back. I think it would be for the best if I got used to that fact, and to that end, you should too."
Alice smiled weakly at Catherine.
"I don't mind keeping my head down, and I'd rather avoid making a fuss," Alice kept up the facade of a happy expression. "I know you're just trying to be nice, but it just doesn't make sense to risk your reputation on nothing but a commoner. If we're not careful things could get very...messy."
Catherine sat silent taking in what Alice had to say. This was all hitting a little too close to home. She'd adopted similar ideals as Claire, and was well aware of what maintaining them eventually led to.
Catherine put a hand on Alice's shoulder.
"There's no need to think so lowly of yourself, I understand there's a preconceived notion of how the lower class should act for nobles. But this is a place of higher learning, everyone ought to be equal here."
"But that's not how it works," Alice interjected. "I've already noticed a divide between the lower and upper-class nobles, let alone the working class."
Alice might've been starting from a place of ignorance when she entered the Academy, but she was keen, and she could pick up on things quickly.
"I understand the divide between what should be and reality," Catherine said forlornly. "Frankly a lot of the core tenants of education have been bastardized here for the sake of money."
Alice looked shocked at how casually the spirited noble blasphemed the prestigious academy. A better idea of what Catherine's convictions were, had begun to form in her mind.
"But just because the system has been sullied by undue influence doesn't mean I'm just going to sit back and let it play out," Catherine said with convection. "If anyone has the gall to insist that the current way of things is just, they'd better expect a fight and that's all there is to it."
The fervor of the speech left Alice speechless. After a few moments, they realized that they were doing nothing save staring at each other. On top of that, Catherine still had her hand on Alice's shoulder.
Catherine removed it quickly and the pair looked down, blushing slightly. The duo remained in an awkward silence for half a minute before Alice broke it.
"I can't say I completely understand, but It's clear you've made up your mind on the matter." Alice smiled as she looked at Catherine. "I can at least comprehend that nothing I have to say will change it ."
"Yes, I'm afraid that's the case." Catherine said slyly, "I'm afraid you're just going to have to get used to it."
With a devious look, Catherine added, "But you might as well reap the benefits of the relationship."
Under another circumstance that might have sounded scandalous, but Alice was well aware of what Catherine meant.
Alice looked down again slightly embarrassed, mumbling as she spoke.
"Thank you for taking me under your care."
With that, the professor dismissed the students for their next class.
"Chin up there Alice, let's go to our next class," Catherine spoke.
Alice looked slightly confused.
"You talk as if we're also going to have the next class together, I suppose it'd be nice but I think the odds are against it."
You have no idea how much the odds are in our favor, Catherine thought.
"Well if you're so sure, what's your next class?" Asked Catherine.
"Mathematics."
Catherine smiled, "Well so much for your odds, because that's my next class too."
"You must be kidding!" Alice exclaimed.
"Must be fate." Catherine shrugged.
In a way, it might be fate. Their meeting was predestined, still, it wasn't playing out like it was supposed to.
Catherine considered the potential consequences of abstaining from the script, but the idea of living her life in accordance to a stupid game was sickening.
"If it's fate I guess that would explain a lot!" Alice said laughing. "Well, I suppose we best get a move on. We wouldn't want to mess up our pre-destined math class."
"Who knows what will happen if we miss even a second of our next professor's riveting speech?" Catherine said in a mocking tone. "Time itself might implode!"
On that note they left, Alice, being none the wiser that the odds would be bent even further to facilitate their being together.