The courtyard was thick with tension as Altine finally spoke up, her tone sharp and demanding,
"What is going on here?"
Her gaze moved over the students, waiting for answers.
Timi quickly stepped forward, his voice laced with accusation.
"Akeh was trying to break into the chief's house without permission!"
He said, pointing at Akeh with a smug look. The other students joined in, their voices rising as they protested against Akeh's actions, some even shouting that he needed to be taught a lesson.
Altine and Segun both turned to Akeh. Altine noticed something new in him...a stronger, deeper energy radiating from his soul. Enough to make her think, So, he's reached third-rate soul level.
Akeh, unbothered by the commotion, waved a hand.
"Relax. The door was locked so I couldn't enter."
His tone was relaxed, almost as if he found the whole situation amusing.
Segun's anger flared as he stormed toward Akeh, eyes narrowed.
"You must be very brave... or are you just stupid?" he snapped.
"You didn't even try to deny it!"
But Akeh ignored him completely, walking right past Segun as if he didn't exist, his focus solely on Altine. Reaching her, he asked calmly,
"Do you know why I came to the chief's house?"
Segun's patience snapped. Gritting his teeth, he spun around, ready to land a strike to Akeh's back. But just as his palm was about to connect, Altine smoothly parried his attack, redirecting it harmlessly to the side.
Segun shot her a look, his voice low with frustration.
"You're... taking his side? Be careful. The students are watching."
Altine's face remained calm.
"Let's hear Akeh's side first," she replied firmly.
After a beat, Segun reluctantly agreed, but for a split second, he thought he caught Akeh's glare, a cold, piercing look that vanished too quickly to be sure.
Akeh took a breath and spoke up, his voice steady.
"It's clear I'm not welcomed in Makoko," he began.
"Since the first day I arrived, only the purists and Juwon welcomed me."
He paused, his gaze settling on the crowd of students.
"The students made that clear... by emptying trash all over my room."
Altine's expression hardened, her eyes snapping toward the students, who looked away, their faces guilty. Some tried to mumble excuses, but her intense glare silenced them.
"Fine," Altine said coldly,
"Should I perform soul reading to confirm...?"
Her words hung heavy in the air, daring anyone.
The students exchanged nervous glances, their hesitation plain.
Then Akeh added, almost casually.
"I don't have a place to stay this night. So, I thought the chief's house would do."
Altine sighed, prepared to accept, but Segun quickly cut her off.
"He can sleep in my room then," he proposed, his voice hard.
"No need for him to stay in the chief's quarters."
Altine glanced at Akeh.
"What do you say, Akeh? Would you be alright sleeping in Segun's room?"
Akeh looked puzzled, raising a brow.
"Segun? I don't know who that is," He replied, his tone utterly serious.
Altine's eyebrows shot up, a faint flicker of surprise and amusement in her eyes, while Segun's face darkened, his pride stung.
Akeh shrugged and added,
"If I can't stay in the chief's house, I'll just go stay with the first-rates instead. I've passed their quarters a few times, it's big enough to fit one more."
Altine's expression softened, and she nodded.
"Fine, then. Akeh, you'll stay with the first-rates tonight."
Her gaze shifted to the students, her voice now firm and commanding.
"And as for those responsible for trashing his room...you will not sleep until it's spotless."
Timi visibly stiffened, realizing he was in for a long night.
With the matter settled, the students broke away to their rooms, murmuring among themselves, while Timi and the others on punishment dragged their feet toward Akeh's room, bracing themselves for a night of cleaning.
To be continued...