Chapter 135: Keeper

With word of his apparent conquest spreading like wildfire throughout the Academy, inviting speculation and giving rise to several rumors, Will found himself the reluctant recipient of numerous congratulations, some sincere, others mocking, and a wide array of accusations.

Though the identity of his first partner wasn't known, virtually everyone knew that Will was betrothed to Lyra. He was also widely resented by a preponderance of the male student population, particularly Nobles from the Tuaisceart, Deisceart, and Iarthar Duchies, so even though there was no basis for the claim, a handful of rumors regarding Lyra's incapacities as a woman began to circulate. Others tried to contend that his actions were an affront to the Crown, but since they feared the backlash of being made to take account or publically defend the assertion, it was something many talked about, but none took credit for.

Meanwhile...

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