"Excuse me, we were in the middle of a conversation." The sky-blue haired guy glared at Arnold, looking upset that his plan to ensnare prey was interrupted, "If you wanted something from her, you could have approached us more politely."
Ignoring him, Arnold walked up to Lauran.
"…" she looked nervous for some reason.
"There's someone I'd like you to meet. Come on."
"Y-Yes." She hurriedly stood up and took out her wand. With a flick, her research papers vanished.
"Wha—Hey!" Just when Arnold was about to walk past four eyes, he felt his arm being grabbed.
"Stop it! We can talk again tomorrow!" Lauran's voice cracked as she hurriedly pulled on the guy's hand to free his grip from Arnold's arm.
Despite wearing a cleric robe on top of his uniform—evident that he's a divine magician—he had quite the strong grip. That sword at his waist wasn't for show.
"Wait a second, aren't you… Arnold?" the guy narrowed his eyes as he stared up at Arnold's face. He gritted his teeth, "Why are you still listening to this man, Miss Lauran!? He is not your master anymore and certainly not your lord since he was kicked out of the Berkley House!"
"Kyle…" Lauran's eyes swam around the room. A crowd gathered outside the library, staring at them curiously. The other students who were also in the library peeked behind the corners and over their shoulders to see what the commotion was about.
-"Is that really Arnold? He looks more jacked and way taller…"
-"And his hair is way different."
-"How the hell did he become even more handsome!?"
"I'm in a good mood. Let me go or I'll tear your arm off." Arnold said while looking down at Kyle.
"Your threats and bullying won't work on me! I've been meaning to confront you about your behaviour for a while now! You treat Miss Lauran like she's still your servant! Her actual young master barely orders her around on campus and doesn't sexually assault her like you used to!" Kyle spoke in a single breath, "Just mentioning your name to her makes her tremble! The depraved things you used to do with her when she was your slave—I cannot forgive something like this! Despite your talents, you choose to laze around the academy and bully people or harass the girls! Have you no shame!? Your past actions have left deep scars on those around you! I fear Miss Lauran will never be able to love normally because of what you have done to her!"
The murmurs in the background grew louder, with students exchanging glances, some whispering their agreement, while others simply observed with wary anticipation.
Arnold looked at the guy like he was some cockroach.
"So that's what this is about. You think you're some kind of hero, standing up for the timid sheltered princess?" He pulled his hands out of his pockets, causing Kyle's grip to tighten instinctively, though his expression betrayed a flicker of hesitation. "You must be feeling awfully brave, putting on such a show for an audience."
"A show!? How is pointing out your awfulness me putting on a show!?" he fumed.
"…You talk a big game about protecting Lauran, but do you really know anything about her?"
Normally Arnold would punch this guy's face in but he was in a good mood today and didn't want to lift his hands for anything other than training.
Kyle's glare deepened. "What the hell are you talking about?"
Arnold chuckled, a dark, almost nostalgic sound. "That body of hers—delicate, soft, and oh-so-responsive—was once covered in blue marks and scars. Do you know how they got there?" He tapped a finger against his temple. "That's right. I put them there."
Gasps erupted in the library. Some students turned pale, while others exchanged disturbed glances.
-"So the thing about him abusing Miss Lauran was… true?"
-"Al was kind of rough in bed with me too but not to the extent of leaving bruises…"
-"M-Maybe he's just taunting the guy, right?"
-"Yeah, he's the kind of guy who riles people up before kicking their asses."
Kyle's face contorted with rage. "You…!"
Arnold continued, unfazed. "A slap across her thigh leaves the most beautiful imprint. The way she twitched when I ran my fingers over those marks…was like a small animal." He closed his eyes for a moment, as if savoring the memory. "And her voice? Ah… even when she was hoarse from crying, she could still beg so sweetly for me to shove it inside."
Lauran's entire body stiffened, her face drained of color. Her fingers gripped the edge of her skirt so tightly they turned white. She kept her gaze low, refusing to meet anyone's eyes, her shoulders trembling ever so slightly.
"—Al." Celeste appeared at the entrance. Hearing her cold voice, the students gave way, "Are you done?"
Staring at Kyle for one more second, he turned around and headed for the door, as if to say the guy wasn't worth the trouble, "Don't run ahead. I thought you were trying to ditch your duties."
Celeste sighed but followed after him.
"Miss Lauran—" before Kyle could say anything, Lauran ran off, catching up to Arnold and Celeste.
Left to his lonesome, Kyle stared at Arnold's back with a glare but his face seemed composed on the surface.
'Tch, I'll take her from you one of these days, you bastard.'
**
"—So, how did it go with Anais?" while wlaking down the hall, he asked Celeste.
"She didn't seem like herself. I thought she would be happy to spend time with me. I suppose I can't blame her since she survived such a dangerous dungeon."
"I see."
"She didn't want to be around others so we went to the rooftop for a quick chat."
"Did you mention anything about me?"
"No. Why?"
"Just wondering…"
She should've heard by now that Arnold was back since the students made quite a fuss earlier when he went to get Lauran. Maybe she just wasn't around others?
Regardless, he wanted to see her expression when she sees him, for himself.
"Here we are." Celeste looked towards the door that read "Student Disciplinary Committee". It was the very top floor, on the same floor where the Student Council office was. In fact, both were right across the hallway from each other.
Arnold glanced back, noticing Lauran was still going through notes.
Since getting here, Lauran hasn't said a thing, only meekly following Arnold like a good servant.
Anyway, more and more students were starting to appear in the halls even though it was still so early. Many chose to laze around while others looked at their new classrooms.
Come to think of it, Arnold never heard what class he'll be joining. Maybe Celeste knows?
"Let's get this over with." Without knocking as a good student should, Arnold barged in and announced his arrival, "Arnold reporting for duty—"
But on the other side, he was met with a familiar face—
Evelyn von Berthlaith, who was carrying a box filled with the belongings she brought here over the years.
In a flash, she conjured an ice sword from spirits and was about to attack him but he moved way quicker than her, appearing behind her and choking her with just one arm. It felt like restraining a toddler with how easy he managed to immobilize her.
Robbing her of the ability to summon her spirits with Elven tongue, she could only claw at his thick arm that was like tungsten around her throat. Even using Sword Intent to cut his skin ended in failure.
"I'm glad to see someone other than me hasn't lost the hatred in their heart." He remarked coldly.
"A-Al, what are you doing to Evie!" Celeste rushed forward, finally noticing what had happened.
"S-Stay back! He's dangerous, Celeste!" managing to squeeze out, Evelyn held up her hand to stop Celeste.
"Arnold! Release her before you kill her!"
On Celeste's order, he let go of her but not without pushing her to the side like a petty bastard. She crashed against a shelf.
"Y-You!" she made a gesture to draw her iron sword.
"Draw your sword one more time, then I'm taking both your hands."
Hearing that threat and seeing his cold eyes, Evelyn trembled on the floor.
Slap!
But Celeste suddenly slapped him across the face.
"C-Cease this at once and tell me what's going on with you two!"
"He killed Madi!" Evelyn screamed as tears were on the verge of falling out.
"W-What?" Hearing that, Celeste looked at Arnold to explain. He had already gone over to one of the couches and sat down, putting his feet on the coffee table. He wasn't in the mood to look at that traitor's face.
Well… at least it isn't Sabrina…
He doesn't know how he'll act if she was in front of him. Thinking about her, his fist clenched on instinct.
"We… We were supposed to announce Arnold's death at the send-off ceremony along with Madilith's…"
"So, that's it… I heard that the professors who went with you wanted to share details of what happened in the dungeon and what you faced but only when everyone is gathered at school. The vice principal even arranged for the public to come so the school day will be shorter than usual."
"Where is Arthur?" he asked without looking at her.
"W-Why would I tell you!?"
"I will destroy this empire if I have to force the bastard out of hiding. Our exchange won't end up the same way. And you better not hide anything to protect him otherwise you will be next."
"Al!"
"Shut up, Celeste." His cold eyes made her go stiff.
"W-What do you even plan on doing once you find him!" she shot back even when confronted with that terrifying murderous intent. Noticing her trembling, he eased his killing intent a bit.
"I plan on killing him and the divine titans."
Unable to even respond, Celeste and Evelyn just looked at him.
'No longer am I burdened by a demon's weakness.'
He clenched his fist.
'I can kill even gods if I utilize this power correctly.'
'Tell em, Papa! No one should get in the way of your revenge~!' Ceru cheered him on. He could barely keep his serious face when hearing her innocent voice. But is she really fine with this…?
She's an angel and should be able to remember her previous lives protecting humanity and the divine realm but here she was in her current reincarnation, cheering on someone who wants to murder her kin.
Maybe Cherubims and other pure angels just aren't as attached to their previous lives as he thought they would be, unless they're raised in the environment.
"—Evie, dear. Are you done packing your things yet—" the door suddenly opened at that moment, interrupting the tense atmosphere.
The one who came inside was a mature blonde woman wearing a fancy red and black dress. At her side were two children, one a boy and the other a girl.
"Oh, I didn't know you had friends over. We were just about to head to the auditorium. The teachers want to speak with the guardians and parents of the students first before the announcement coming in an hour."
The woman walked up to Evelyn and gave her a hug.
"…Hello, Madam Isolde." Celeste curtsied to the woman, as is expected of a student when in a noble's presence.
She smiled and greeted Celeste back. Lauran did the same thing even though she was standing in the corner, the woman not even knowing she was there.
"Hm?" noticing that Arnold wasn't standing up, her stare turned into a glare, "What sort of delinquent have you allowed in this office, Evelyn? His feet are even on the coffee table! You there, it is common courtesy to greet a noble since you are a student."
He just sighed and leaned further into the couch, face up to the ceiling.
"Young man, look at me when I'm talking to you." The woman's calm voice was starting to crack into annoyance.
"Please forgive him… He is usually like this." Celeste smiled wryly.
"Hm? Why are you, a well-mannered girl with a bright future, covering for delinquent scum like him? He not only acts like one but dresses like one! Where is your tie and blazer!?"
"You're starting to get on my nerves, old lady. Take Evelyn and get out of my sight. I have an appointment with Isaac." Though he said that, he couldn't really sense Isaac. Maybe that guy learned how to hide his signature? If not, he might still be on his way to the academy.
"What!? How dare you speak to me that way! Tell me your name!"
"Why not tell me yours? You're called Isolde and are affiliated with Evelyn but what's your connection to her?"
Arnold recalled that Evelyn had a family member called Isolde but didn't know her surname.
"It's Berthlaith!" the boy next to the woman said while glaring at him and standing in front of Isolde, "Stop talking to Mama like you're her friend!"
"Bethlaith, huh." Arnold got up as he chirped that surname, trying to remember this woman, "Oh, right. I saw your name in one of the papers I skimmed through last night. I didn't recognize you right away."
"?" Isolde looked at him in confusion.
"Aren't you supposed to bow to me since I'm your superior? I mean, I'm the one who's going to support your dying household that has no sources of income besides investments you made. Thousands of gold every month to some hag who can't even recognize her master."
"W-What? W-Who are you? Tell me your name this instant!" she withdrew when he came closer, realizing only now that he wasn't some ordinary boy but closer to a grown man.
"He's… the eldest son of the Berkley Household." Celeste sighed, "Officially, he was disowned but unofficially he chose to leave the Berkley House to pursue the position of city lord of Whitage City. From there, he will grow into a nation that relies on its natural resources for profit."
"W-Wha." The color drained from Isolde's face, "So you're!" she suddenly gripped the hem of her dress and bowed her upper body, "Please forgive me for my rudeness! I was unaware it was you, Milord! T-The reports only mentioned a young man with dark blue hair!"
'Well, I can understand her confusion…'
"A-Auntie?" Evelyn blinked blankly, "What are you doing!? In front of this guy!"
"He… is our benefactor." She said as sweat leaked down her chin, probably afraid that she offended him somehow. He didn't really care for her feisty attitude. It was cute, if anything.
"What? He's the person… whose crystals you have to resell…?"
"Yes… I apologize for being so vague… I couldn't reveal much since our former vassals are like vultures who catch wind of anything we do."
The aunt and niece duo shared a silent stare.
"…Please allow me to introduce my children," Isolde pushed the two forward gently, "This is my daughter, Faesha. And this is my son, Ushain. Remember what I told you two—he will be like Mama's employer so treat him with respect."
"Ah, hello!" the boy cheerfully greeted Arnold, his pout from earlier gone.
"H-Hello…" the girl was a bit shy, blushing as her gaze swam around the room but sneaking quick glances at Arnold.
"Al, what is going on…? She's a reseller of some sort?"
"Competition in the crystal trade is brutal, especially so for a foreign noble like me, so getting a reseller is a no-brainer. Other countries wouldn't be a problem since they don't really know me but some people here hate my family so they'll do whatever it takes to sabotage my business here and take everything I have. In fact, I expect some ridiculous court order to come to my desk in the coming weeks."
"Couldn't Anna help with that? She's done business dealings with foreign nobles before."
"I don't want to involve Anna in this since she might end up in the crossfire which is why I'm using a noble from the empire itself to sell my crystals here. Who better than a duchess?"
"That is… the less complicated explanation for it," Isolde said, "But I'd like to correct one point—the empire has no claim to your land since they have left it abandoned for decades after declaring the city independent. Only one trade route lay in the city's direction but that only means the empire cuts through his land but can't lay claim to it."
"Like I said, if they try anything, it will be some ridiculous loophole they found in the law. Think of the citizen laws we have where netizens can kill rapists or other criminals however they like if their city doesn't persecute the suspect, for example. There might be something out there they can use, even using my citizens against me. They might even make up some long-lost relative who tried to fight for the city after their father or uncle got hanged but was driven out of the city."
"He's… right." Celeste agreed, "It's not like something like this hasn't happened before. This is how nobles seize territories without starting conflicts."
A bell suddenly rang.
"Ah, that's the bell informing the adults to head to the hall immediately." Isolde sighed in relief for some reason, "Evelyn, take your things to the carriage. To lighten your load, I'll take everything home once we finish the meeting."
"…Okay." Glancing at Arnold one more time, Evelyn left the room.
"Before I leave, I must ask—when will we hold a meeting to discuss business? The demon girl told me to wait for you…" Isolde's fire from before was now just a spark.
"Are you that eager for your first paycheck?"
She shifted uncomfortably.
"At the end of the school week—so two days. I'll have Lunaria come get you at your residence since I prefer meeting up in my city."
"Splendid. Then I will await further orders. If there is anything you require of me, please do let me know." She bowed again, but quite stiffly. It must eat at her to bow to someone younger than her.
Arnold watched her hips sway from side to side as she walked. For an old woman with two children, she had a great body.
Soon Isolde and her two children also left the room.
"That was… something." Celeste sat on the couch, "Would the two of you like some tea while we wait for Morwenne?"
"Morwenne? I thought Isaac will be conducting the ceremony?"
"Isaac is busy at the moment so she's taking over."
"Ugh…"
That witch with the nasty attitude… Yes, Arnold once tamed that beast and was even her first. But as with many of his other relationships, that one ended badly and with her hating his guts. He wouldn't be surprised if she was part of the little group that schemed to expel him.
"So, no tea? What about you, Lauran?"
Lauran tottered over.
While getting the tea ready for her and Lauran, Celeste changed the subject:
"There was some tribe living in the mountains near your city—did Lunaria tell you about this?"
"She did." He confirmed, "The so-called Chief requested to see me but I don't have time for him. He can wait. But I heard Lunaria said you played a role in settling things peacefully. If a conflict broke out then the Red Knight definitely would've slaughtered them all. This would've caused my citizens to fear me, which is something I don't really see as beneficial to make my city grow…"
Crime rates weren't an issue since Vetis' strange shadow demons can sense distress and malice and move through any surface, catching criminals in or before the act.
"In any case, thanks for that."
"…You are most welcome…"
She scratched her cheek, unable to reply. The way she was looking at him like a puppy that just got praised made him feel awkward.
"What's that you're reading?" noticing Lauran reading through a book while enjoying her tea, Celeste asked.
"It's… material for my assignment from Lady Adrianna."
'Ooooh, it's about divine power, Papa!' Ceru chirped, floating upside-down behind Lauran, peeking into the pages. 'I can help!'
'If it's an assignment, it's better she finishes it herself without real help,' he replied silently.
Ceru huffed. 'But I just want her to do well! She's precious to Papa, right?'
'…She will—but only if she learns it properly. She won't grow if someone else does the work for her. Guidance is fine. Doing it for her isn't.'
It was like teaching someone to cook. If she didn't know how to crack an egg, giving her a finished omelet wouldn't teach her anything. But showing her how to crack the egg, guiding her hand, and letting her make the mess herself—that's how she'd learn to make it perfectly one day.
As if splinters were thrust into his back, Arnold felt a chill on the back of his neck. Even though he is the strongest human alive today, the hatred that he felt enter that room made him go stiff and sweat profusely.
He didn't even hear the door open, only feel a majestic presence hang over his head like a sword above his throne. If she were an assassin, he would already be dead.
Slowly, his neck creaked upwards, staring into a twisted and disgusted expression that was like a human looking at a pile of steaming shit.
"Ah, there you are, Morwenne!" Celeste chirped with a smile.
The beauty whose bangs were perfectly trimmed on her face, smiled warmly but from Arnold's perspective, that warm smile looked like a creature whose face was being cut in half by its mouth.
"It has been quite a while, hasn't it?" she bent down close to his ear and whispered the pet name the two of them gave each other all those years ago, "Snuggle Bear."