The Royal Academy stood tall with its vast structure, crowned by a wooden roof painted deep blue, upheld by towering oak pillars. Stone towers rose high above it, their peaks sharp like mountain tops, with open windows draped in white curtains that swayed gently with the breeze.
Around the academy, few houses were built, leaving space filled with trees and shrubs to preserve the students' privacy.
Students walked about the academy grounds in black and golden robes, a small red lion insignia stitched onto their chests. Some strolled with friends, others studied nervously for upcoming exams.
The air of the academy was heavy, and the students' faces reflected worry and unease—an echo of the incident that had taken place just a few days earlier.
Youtab and Vantias arrived at the grand entrance of the academy, where two guards stood—clad in blue robes, spears in hand. One was an old man, the other stout and broad. The elder guard spoke:
"Why have you come here? Ordinary people are not allowed inside…"
Vantias glanced at Youtab. Youtab reached into the pocket of his coat and drew out an insignia marked with a blue star, saying calmly:
"We are special officers of His Majesty's Royal Guard."
The guard's face drained of color, and immediately he stepped aside, allowing them through. Youtab and Vantias began walking into the academy grounds.
As they moved, Vantias noticed the way the students stole glances at them from the corners of their eyes. He smirked and asked:
"So… what do we do now?"
Youtab replied:
"First, we see the headmaster. Perhaps he's learned something new."
After a short walk, they reached the headmaster's office. Vantias knocked gently, requesting entry.
A calm voice answered:
"Please, come in."
Vantias opened the door. Youtab entered first, then Vantias, who closed the door behind him.
The room was filled with shelves of old, worn books. Portraits of past headmasters and professors lined the walls. Gentle light streamed in through the window, and the air smelled faintly of old parchment and flowers.
Behind a wooden desk sat a man in his fifties, with snow-white hair and piercing blue eyes. He had a long beard, wore small glasses, and his calm face carried a gentle smile.
Without hesitation, Youtab dropped onto a sofa, stretched out his legs, and asked:
"Marcus, have you found anything useful?"
Marcus raised his brows slightly at Youtab's blunt manner, but seemed accustomed to it. He then answered softly:
"I was expecting you to bring me new information… but something far worse has happened."
His face shifted into worry and unease. After a moment's hesitation, he continued:
"This morning, the body of a student was found in the greenhouse…"
Both Youtab and Vantias were taken aback. Youtab's eyes widened, and he drew his legs in, his tone sharp now:
"Have you told anyone?"
Marcus closed his eyes, shaking his head.
"No one knows except myself, a few deputies, a handful of professors, and the servant who discovered the body."
Vantias leaned forward with curiosity:
"Who found it?"
With a heavy face, Marcus replied:
"One of the academy servants. The greenhouse is always locked at nine in the evening
...
no one is allowed in until the next morning, when the servant arrives to clean before anyone else enters."
Youtab's voice grew firm:
"Is the greenhouse sealed now? I need to see the body."
Marcus nodded.
"The greenhouse has been locked down completely. I ordered that the body not be moved at all, so you can conduct your work properly."
Youtab acknowledged with a nod. Marcus rose from his seat and made for the door, speaking calmly:
"I cannot speak of anything more on the way. Ask your questions once we arrive at the greenhouse…"
The three set out together. As they walked, Vantias surveyed his surroundings, his thoughts heavy:
"A new murder could ruin the academy's reputation entirely. No wonder he wants it kept secret from the public…"
Then his gaze shifted to Marcus leading them, and he thought again:
"It must be unbearable for him… multiple students killed in just one week…"
After several minutes, they crossed the academy courtyard, vibrant with flowers and a small pond where red fish swam gracefully.
Finally, they reached the greenhouse. Its entire roof was made of glass, sunlight cascading down upon the plants within. Inside grew medicinal herbs, poisonous blossoms, beautiful flowers, and dangerous ones alike. At the entrance, several soldiers stood guard, keeping students away.
As they neared the crime scene, Vantias's heartbeat quickened. Sweat trickled down his forehead.
When at last they entered, the stench of death filled the air even after hours had passed. Vantias froze at the sight of the body, his eyes widening, his skin paling. He staggered back a few steps.
Marcus too seemed unable to look at the corpse, his face etched with guilt and unease. Youtab, however, pulled a white handkerchief from his black coat, covered his nose, and crouched to examine the body closely.
The corpse lay among golden flowers, left abandoned in their midst.
The victim was a young girl, no older than seventeen. Her eyes were wide open, frozen in terror. Her chest had been ripped apart—her heart torn out, clutched in both her hands against her breast.
Her abdomen had been completely slit open. Her intestines and other internal organs were missing, replaced with flowers—Hydrangea and Azalea—stuffed inside the cavity.
Vantias turned his face away, whispering under his breath:
"Monstrous…"
Youtab leaned closer to the body and said firmly:
"Give me space. I need to think…"
Marcus nodded.
"I'll return to my office, so you may work in peace."
As he left, Youtab's face grew darker, his eyes sharpening as he studied the horrific scene…