It was early in the morning. Romulus was in the middle of the days' lecture.

"Mr. Jones?"

Alfred didn't respond.

"Mr. Jones."

Still no response.

Everyone as looking at him now.

"Mr. JONES!"

That seemed to work. Alfred's head shot up at the sound of his name yelled out. "Y-Yes, Mr. Vargas?"

"Can you tell me the which Roman emperor was responsible for the persecution of Catholics in ancient Rome?"

"Uhh, 42?"

The class laughed.

But Romulus was not amused.

"See me after class, Mr. Jones."

//after class...

Riiiiiiiiiiinngg!

Lunchtime.

"You're all dismissed."

As usual, the class stood up quickly, packed their things, and rushed out the classroom.

Even Alfred.

"Get your butt back in here right this instant, Mr. Jones."

That stopped Alfred dead in his tracks. Fearing the thought of being sent to the  principal's office for insubordination, he obeyed Romulus' order and walked back in front of his desk.

"Alright, I'll get straight to the point." Romulus started off. "What's going on with you today?"

"Huh?"

"Don't 'huh?' me, young man." Romulus scolded him. "Contrary to popular belief, I'm not stupid. Hell, I'm a teacher here at the World Academy for goodness sake!"

Alfred remained silent.

"Alfred... you know you can tell me anything, right? I'll listen."

"You used to be Pagan before, right?"

Romulus's jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"

"You told us about it briefly while telling us all about the Aztecs."

"Well, yes, but..."

"But?"

Romulus shook his head. "I don't understand why you're so adamant on this, Mr. Jo-"

"Can you tell me what you know about the Midnight Man?"

Romulus's eyes widened in shock at his sudden request.

"M-Mr. Jones, is this what this whole thing is abou-"

"Please?"

"But why?"

"Because."

Romulus sighed and lowered his voice. "Alfred, HE is definitely NOT someone you would want to invite."

"Is it for real, though?"

Romulus leaned in closer. "It would be be best if you don't try to find out."

"But sir-"

"If this is what this whole thing is about, then I believe that we're done here, Mr. Jones. You are dismissed."

"But-"

"You are dismissed, Mr. Jones."

With a look of disappointment obvious on his face, he left the classroom without any further protests.

When he exited the room and shut the door behind him, Romulus leaned back in his chair and exhaled heavily.

'Why is he suddenly asking me about the midnight man? What is he up to?'

//meanwhile... outside in the halls...

Alfred was heading towards te cafeteria, disappointed in himself for not getting some answers from Mr. Vargas.

'Fine, whatever. I still have Iggybrows to annoy.'

With that, he started running towards the cafeteria, looking for the thick-browed Englishman.

// to be continued...

Thoughts so far ?