[X] What secrets are they hiding? Eavesdrop on the teacher's conversation. [There will be rolls involved.]
===
Just a second. It will only take you a second. They won't realise a thing.
You quietly prowl across the corridor, carefully stepping across to the threshold of the office before craning your neck across the door frame. Inside, Negi and Takahata-sensei are having a rather animated conversation. You cross the threshold and manoeuvre into place…
"… well, Shizuna's really impressed by what you've done for everyone's English grades recently Negi. Coming from her, that's high praise."
"Aha, well that's not really because of me. We've got very talented students here-"
"Don't sell yourself short, Negi. You've done so much in such a short time. Be a little proud of it."
You glide into position right behind the two of them, taking up a good angle to see the papers and documents that Takahata has under his arm. You're very careful to avoid even attempting to touch him. You freeze for a moment as you spot Negi's gaze briefly hovering over you before adjusting his glasses and going through his satchel.
He's got good instincts.
Letting out a silent breath, you carefully flex in place, keeping your satchel close to you as you reach a more comfortable position.
"Thanks Takamichi. Could you pass me my textbook?"
Takahata reaches past your head and grabs one of the many volumes stacked neatly on Negi's desk. You catch a glimpse of the books he's carrying. Just a class register and a couple of assorted textbooks as well.
"Here you go."
The older teacher checks his watch before tapping his forehead in amusement,
"Look at the time. We shouldn't keep our classes waiting," he smiles, gesturing towards the door, "Oh, by the way, are you busy tonight, Negi? Kataragi wants to show you around some time."
"Eh well. Maybe not this week Takamichi. The headmaster has a few things he wants me to look into."
"Hmm, figured as much. I'll let Kataragi know. I think he's been eyeing this one oden cart for the last few days. You ever had oden before?"
What an utterly banal conversation. In a way, this was to be expected from people who are having an otherwise normal day and by default, would avoid talking about unrelated topics, but you can't help but feel a little bit disappointed that they're not just talking about more interesting things (like magic).
The two of them continue walking out of the staff room. You're going to have to move quickly to remain ahead of Negi. He turns to Takahata as they continue down the hall,
"Takamichi, I need your opinion. Is it just me, or did Tenno-san seem a bit…"
"Tense? Mm. If she's still upset about last night, she would be a little tense."
Were you tense? You weren't tense. Did you come off as tense? You resist the urge to drum your fingers across your leg as they continue talking,
"I'm kind of worried she might do something to Evangeline later."
"It can't be helped," Takahata sighs, rolling his shoulders, "The two of them have been itching for a fight for a while now. It's our job as teachers to try and get them to be at least civil with one another in public."
"Un. What about Asuna and the class president then?"
"Well that's a different matter entirely," Takahata laughs, "Don't mind it- a little bit of rough-housing is how Asuna shows that she cares."
"Oh. I see…" The smaller teacher nods slowly, tapping his chin in deep thought.
Hmm? What does that mean? You're curious about what he's come to realise. Or did he realise something about Asuna? She doesn't hassle Konoka though…? You're getting distracted.
Your former homeroom teacher pats Negi on the back with his folder as he slides open his class' door,
"Well, this is where we split up. See you later, Negi."
"Have a good morning, Takamichi."
Negi waves once at him before he closes the door, before quickly power-walking down to the classroom, with you following close behind at a steady pace.
While Negi opens the door and makes his way into your class, you briefly realise that you can't just appear in the middle of class without eliciting attention. You're going to have to walk in after uncloaking. Negi-sensei would probably think you're up to something behind his back. He's not aware that you can go invisible, is he?
"Good morning class. How is everyone today?" he begins,
Damn it. You're going to have to take this.
Decloaking outside of the room, you take a breath and slide the door open again. The girls are all staring at you, mildly distracted from Negi's usual morning routine.
"Sensei, sorry I'm l-late," you mumble, "I got distracted on the way."
He waves off your apology, gesturing towards the back, "Don't worry Tenno-san. Just head over and take your seat."
Strange. That stupid vampire didn't show up this morning. Glancing around the class as you sidle over to your desk, you briefly lock eyes with Chachamaru. She nods minutely, as if to acknowledge your presence.
Zazie leans back from her seat as you flick through your textbook. You're strangely late today Ivara, she notes.
"Yeah. Just. Busy night yesterday, got distracted." you whisper back, tugging at one of your ponytails.
I heard something… happened, she says rocking back towards her desk, Is everything alright?
"Mmm. Everything is fine."
You can tell that Zazie seems a tad bit sceptical of your claim, but doesn't press further as she twirls her pen idly, raising her hand when Negi calls her name out.
===
Evangeline hasn't appeared in class all throughout the day. It is actually bothering you a little. If she isn't in class to at least pretend to abide by the pretence of caring about the school, where could she be? By the time first break rolls around, you're rather quick to march up to Chachamaru, stopping her at her desk,
"Karakuri-san."
"Tenno-san," the proxy nods, shuffling her classwork efficiently, "How can I help you today?"
You rap the table with your knuckles, "Where's your mistress? Where's Evangeline?"
She takes a moment to process, tilting her head slightly to the right.
"I am unsure. She stated that she had business to attend to elsewhere today." she answers, her voice steady and level.
Of course. She's a robotic proxy. She doesn't have tells or tics to try and read, and she can keep her voice calm. She could be lying through her teeth and you wouldn't realise. That's a bloody irritating trait actually. Physical violence is a no-go, and you don't even think she could feel pain. You're okay with terminals, but actually hacking artificial intelligences is something far beyond your skillset. How are you going to go about this...
Now that you think about it, you didn't see Chachamaru last night. Was this intentional? Did Evangeline intend to surprise Negi-sensei at some point with backup? Or was Chachamaru actually unaware of her mistress' activities during the night? Mana did mention that Evangeline basically used her as a manservant. From notes gleaned from Mana's experience, you also know that Hakase is the sort of person to build dangerously over-equipped devices and machinery for little to no reason.
It seemed as though she was unexpectedly similar to a lot of archimedians, actually.
That cowardly little bitch could have left her otherwise loyal servant out to dry while she laid low. It wouldn't surprise you at this point if that was true.
Breathe.
You ruffle your bangs out of your face as you give her another once over.
"Do you have any idea where she could be?"
"While I have some probable locations in mind," she states, turning to you, "If I may ask Tenno-san, what do you intend towards my mistress?"
[] I intend to extract retribution for last night.
[] I'd really like to speak with her. In private.
[] That's none of your business, really.
===
AN: Happy New Year, Tenno. I really have to figure out a proper way to test Stealth and Awareness without breaking the hell out of Prowl... We're forever in beta, I guess.