“Is it him, Dorm Manager?” Delphine asked, leaning back in her chair, her piercing gaze locked on Victor.
The man nodded, his face drawn with seriousness. “Yes, Madam. He was the last person to enter the dormitory two days ago,” he confirmed. His voice was steady, but there was an underlying tension in his posture.
Delphine studied him for a moment before waving him off with a curt nod. “You may leave now.”
Once the door closed, Victor finally spoke. “What’s going on?” His voice was calm.
He had a strong suspicion of where this was headed, but it was crucial to maintain composure… Acting oblivious was sometimes the best defence!
Delphine’s lips curled into a knowing smile, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “Oh, don’t play dumb with me, Aether. You know exactly what’s going on.”
Victor sighed, his fingers reaching up to remove his mask. His expression was one of feigned innocence. “I really don’t know what you’re talking about, Del,” he said, though his tone carried a subtle challenge.
Delphine raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly, “Breaking into the dorm without permission, assaulting Finnian in his own room, gagging him, pinning him to the wall stark naked—” She paused for effect, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “And what’s these little words written on his abdomen?” She picked up a sheet of paper from her desk, reading aloud with exaggerated disdain. “‘Don’t be a dick’… Seriously, Aether? Was that supposed to be funny?”
Aether kept his expression neutral, “I’m still not sure what you’re accusing me of, Delphine. And for the record, I didn’t write anything. Please, don’t throw around accusations without solid ‘evidence.'” He deliberately emphasized the word, letting it linger in the air.
Delphine’s jaw tightened, her fingers tapping against the desk.
She hated that he was right!!
There was no concrete evidence tying him to the incident. Finnian himself couldn’t identify his assailant since he was ambushed the moment he opened the door.
“The only thing we know,” Delphine said through gritted teeth, “is that you were seen entering and leaving the dorm within minutes. It’s impossible to pull off everything you’re being accused of in such a short time, yet…” Her eyes narrowed.
Aether shrugged, his calm demeanour unshaken. “Then maybe you should consider the possibility that you’re accusing the wrong person,” he suggested with a mockingly polite tone.
Delphine’s gaze hardened. “You should be grateful Finnian decided not to press charges. If he had, the Principal would have gotten involved, and things would’ve spiralled out of control.”
Aether tilted his head, his innocent expression unwavering, “Grateful? I’m struggling to understand why I should feel grateful. After all, I’ve done nothing wrong,” he said, though his thoughts told a different story. ‘Of course, Finnian wouldn’t dare pursue this. He knows what’s at stake. One wrong move and his naked photos would be plastered across the Empire… ahahaha,’ Aether thought with a sly smirk.
What?
What else was he supposed to do? Stand by while some bastard hurt his beloved?
When he saw her cry like that… he almost snapped, you know!!
Finnian should be counting his blessings that Aether hadn’t gone further and cut off his dick.
Instead, Aether had devised a foolproof plan, ensuring that Finnian would never lay a finger on his beloved again. He deliberately kept Helena out of it, knowing Finnian might seek revenge later… Playing it safe had been essential.
Delphine exhaled heavily, her shoulders slumping. “Fine. Whatever. Let’s drop this for now…” She leaned back, exhaustion evident in her posture.
“Hisss~” Suddenly, Snowflake wriggled out from Delphine’s cleavage, her tiny head poking out.
“Snow, come here~” Aether’s voice softened, his gaze tender as he stretched out a hand.
But Snowflake hissed louder, turning her head away with an exaggerated pout. “Noooo~”
Delphine’s grin widened. “This is what you get for abandoning us,” she teased, crossing her arms.
Aether blinked, confused. “Abandoning? What are you talking about?”
Delphine shot him an irritated look. “Oh, don’t act clueless. You sent Snowflake to me and disappeared. Not once did you care to check on us.”
“W-Well, I was busy studying,” Aether stammered, his awkwardness clear. He hadn’t expected her to bring this up. After returning to the academy, he had sent Snowflake to Delphine, thinking he’d need time to focus on… well, important matters!!
There was too much woman to handle with his punny hands, you know!
Delphine wasn’t buying it. “Busy studying? Really? You didn’t have a single moment to spare? Not even during lunch? How noble of you, dedicating every second to your books. Color me surprised.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm, jealousy flickering in her eyes. “Especially considering those two beautiful girls you’ve been hanging around with.”
Aether blinked, caught off guard by her bluntness. Her pouting expression was new to him. He couldn’t help but smile.
He leaned in closer, his voice teasing. “Are you… jealous? Or maybe just a little lonely?”
Delphine flinched, then huffed, turning her head away like Snowflake. Both of them pouting now.
Aether chuckled, leaning in to press a soft kiss on her cheek.
[+4000 AP]
“HMPH!” Delphine turned the other way, still pouting. Aether chuckled and kissed her other cheek.
[+4000 AP]
Her expression remained defiant. “Do you think kissing me will solve this ma—mmfff~” Her words were cut off as his lips claimed hers.
Her eyes widened in shock before she pushed him back, her face flushed. “Y-You… What are you doing here?!” Despite her protest, a small, genuine smile crept onto her face.
Aether giggled, thoroughly enjoying himself. He loved to tease her more as he lowered his head… towards her chest.
“W-What are you—” she began, panicking, but then saw him kissing Snowflake on the head. She exhaled, torn between relief and disappointment.
“Maaaasssssttteerrrr~” Snowflake squealed, jumped from her cleavage and hugged him tightly.
Delphine smiled softly as she watched Snowflake playfully wrapping herself around Aether, but soon, an unexpected wave of nervousness crept over her. Her heart began pounding harder. She hesitated for a moment before asking, “A-Aether… after the exam, what are you going to do?”
Aether leaned back, letting out a tired sigh. “Well, since I’m just a servant to Kai, I’ll have to return before my clone gets caught by the old man,” he said, his voice carrying a tinge of exhaustion.
“I-I see…” Delphine bit her lip, lowering her head to hide the disappointment in her eyes. She fiddled with her fingers, unsure how to respond.
Noticing her sudden change in demeanour, Aether frowned slightly. Then, offering a small, reassuring smile, he added, “Well, if there’s anything important… I can delay my return. I’ll make it work.”
[+4000 AP]
“Oh! I see…” Delphine’s eyes lit up, her expression brightening instantly. She leaned closer, her voice shy and uncertain. “W-Well, I was wondering… would you like to try my cooking sometime?”
Aether’s mind immediately veered into dangerous territory, but he managed to keep his composure. “Whatever the food, if it’s made by you, I’ll eat it,” he replied smoothly, though his thoughts were anything but innocent.
Delphine’s smile widened into a genuine one, and she clenched her fist in a silent victory motion. She had no idea what kind of thoughts were brewing in that bastard’s mind and… asked him to meet her later at her house!
…
…..
After exams over,
“Aether, I’ll be leaving today…” Helena mumbled, standing before the teleportation station. Her eyes shimmered with tears, her voice trembling. “I-I’m going to miss you so much!”
Aether pulled her into a tight embrace, his voice calm yet warm. “Me too. But there’s no need to cry, Helena. It’s only two months, okay? We’ll see each other again soon. Promise me you won’t do anything dangerous on your own. Contact me the moment anything happens, alright?”
Helena nodded against his chest, her fingers tightly gripping his shirt. She hesitated before whispering, “I-I love you~” Her lips pressed softly against his, and without waiting for his reaction, she turned and walked into the portal.
Aether blinked in surprise at her sudden boldness, his heart skipping a beat. A rare emotion washed over him as his eyes grew misty. “Fuck, man…” he muttered, rubbing at his eyes with the back of his hand.
Just then—
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“Helena!! Wait for me!” Finnian’s voice echoed through the station. He sprinted towards the portal, panic evident on his face, and disappeared right after her.
Aether’s lips twitched in frustration. ‘Maybe I should’ve killed him when I had the chance…’ he thought darkly before turning away from the teleportation station.
Back at the academy…
“You’ll need this… and this…” Ashara muttered to herself as she packed her clothes, sorting through what to take and what to leave behind.
“The old lady at the orphanage might ask for a souvenir. You’d better be prepared, or she’ll be a pain in the ass!” Nightfire’s voice echoed in her mind, dripping with sarcasm.
Ashara sighed, rolling her eyes. “Of course, I prepared something for the children. I’ve got everything they need. Sometimes, you’re more of a worrywart than I am. Why don’t you show this caring side to others instead of being so haughty?” she teased with an amused smile.
Nightfire didn’t say anything just snorted.
“Hahaha—” Ashara laughed, but her voice faltered as she noticed Aether standing at the door, watching her with an unmistakable smile.
[+600 AP]
Her cheeks flushed instantly. “W-W-What are you doing here?! You’re supposed to knock before entering a lady’s room!” she stammered.
Aether’s smile widened. “I thought I’d bring a special prize for someone who deserves it,” he said, his voice playful.
“Hmm?” Ashara tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “What prize?”
Aether chuckled mischievously, taking a step closer. Without a word, he began undoing his belt and—
“KYYAAAAAAAA!!” Ashara screamed, her face turning scarlet. Meanwhile…
“Hehehehe… come on, baby~” Nightfire’s voice purred, her eyes gleaming with unrestrained lust.