There was not much distance to cover from Horas's dorm to the greenhouse. But it was concerning how lacking the security was regarding this place.
Not to mention, it was the second time in a week that the greenhouse had been targeted by someone. At this rate, the greenhouse would have to become a red zone for students not to enter.
*Growl*
Tore seemed to have smelled something and she quickly turned the corner on her metallic legs. The ground had a small patch of dirt and nothing else. But one of the exotic plant species from the display case seemed to have been stolen.
"This is bad. I will need Mark to check the security footage for this tomorrow."
The reason Horas was worried was mainly due to the event tomorrow. It was the day for the fragrance club to hold their first activity of making perfumes.
Usually, it was not a dangerous event but now Horas was not sure about it. Some forbidden ingredients seemed to have been stolen from the greenhouse.
"Tora, it looks like you will have to accompany me tomorrow to the clubs. Make sure you remember this fragrance in front of you because we will be sniffing it out."
Toras purred as Horas rubbed her head. She leaned into his affectionate touch and then went back to sniffing.
Soon, the morning came and everyone pointed toward Horas and his companion as he went about his day. Everyone wanted to approach Tora but they were too afraid for Horas to come near.
Little did they know that this action just saved their lives. Tora did not like to be touched by strangers and would often snap at even Mark if he tried to pet her.
But of course, the only exception was Howard Spencer, Horas's younger brother, and the protagonist. And Horas only found out once the combat class for the day started.
It was being held in an artificial field that stimulated a dungeon-like environment. Horas walked around and coincidently found Howard training with his sword.
Tora noticed him as well and she jumped him. Howard noticed it too late and braced himself for the pain but nothing happened.
His chest was made into a warm pillow for Tora and that was it.
"Woah, what happened here? Oh, hi Horas. Is this kitty yours? Can you get her off my chest? I cannot practice if she uses me like a pillow."
Howard complained but he did not move from his position. He looked comfortable where he was and his hands were shaking due to fatigue.
It seemed like the protagonist was not sleeping properly these days and it worried Horas. His ticket home was not taking care of himself.
"Sorry kid but once Tora had made her decision even I cannot get her to stand up."
Howard sighed as soon as he heard those words and he gave up on getting Tora off his chest. Now that he was more relaxed than before, Howard looked like a kid his age.
The clearing was silent and Howard would have preferred to keep it as such had Howard not opened his mouth. And the question he asked almost made Horas choke.
"So, Horas, I heard from Emma that you came to her club yesterday. You do know that Emma is too young for you, right? N-Not that I disapprove of your interest or anything, but maybe let her grow up a little and-"
Horas groaned as soon as he heard Howard. It was like hearing Mark talk to him all over again and be teased for something he did not even do.
But unlike Mark, Howard was taking this topic a little too seriously. Howard could not believe that Horas liked Emma, right?
"Wait, hold your train of thoughts right there. Whatever you are thinking is not right and I do not like Emma Dew. Why does everyone keep on thinking that I like someone if I happen to look at them? Where is the logic in this?"
Horas had not meant to break out into a rant but he was not able to stop himself. It was frustrating for him how everyone made decisions about him, especially his love life.
Howard looked stunned to see Horas complaining but he soon broke out laughing.
"Man, I don't know who this 'Mark is but I can see why he enjoys teasing you so much. Your reactions, are hilarious to watch. Being like this makes me feel like I am closer to you. Almost as if we share a bond."
Howard spoke with ease but his words almost gave Horas a heart attack. He did not want the protagonist to know the relationship between himself and Horas. It would not be good for Horas in the long run.
"Stop talking nonsense about things you do not know anything about. Tora, get up as well because we need to head back now. We cannot be late for today's meetings."
Tora looked stunned as Horas picked her up and took her away. She tried to protest but settled down as soon as she noticed that Horas was not happy. Even Howard looked stunned at the sudden retreat.
He tried to speak to Horas but the time for training was ending. Howard needed to go and report today's progress if he did not want to be marked as absent.
"Horas, sorry but I need to head out now. I will talk with you and Tora later, alright?"
Howard waved Horas off as he hurried away. Horas breathed a sigh of relief as soon as he watched Howard go away. It had been too much for him to deal with Howard and his unending enthusiasm.
"Now then, let's get what needs to be done today and enjoy a long break. I hope nothing happens today."
Horas prayed as he let Tora go. The mechanical cat followed behind him to the scent club. They both had work to do now.
………………………
"Can you see it? I can't believe he brought his cat here."
"A beautiful man and a beautiful cat. It's a good combination. Now, if only Horas can smile a little, it would be even better for us."
All around the room, people looked at Horas and wanted to approach his cat. But Tora ignored them all and remained curled up against Horas.
Those who had seen Tora in action were nervous and tried not to get on her nerves. That was how the club began.
"E-Everyone, since today is your first class, we will start with some basic ingredients for all of you. Do not be too nervous and ask for more if you need them."
The club president was hesitant to start but he did when he noticed Horas not paying attention to him or his lecture. He was watching the kids mix perfumes with a laser focus.
The club leader watched nervousness as Horas moved between students. His sharp eyes looked at the ingredients, not missing anything in the process. It was nerve-wracking for the club president and members.
Especially even more so, when the devil spawn that was Tora decided to get down from Horas's shoulder and decided to sniff around the area. She was smelling the herbs and declaring if they were dangerous or not.
The club leader was assured that he had not mixed anything dangerous but not everyone was as calm as him.
After all, there was one person here who knew that dangerous herbs had been mixed in with normal herbs. He had raided the greenhouse yesterday so he still had the smell.
'Darn this man. Why is he here? Just to make me suffer like this. What the hell do I do now?'
