Chapter 143: Become a Black Sheep Part-1
[Author’s Note: Please check the Comment section… I asked a few questions and wanted to know feedback… Please give me your honest answers]
“I am truly grateful that Ms. Delphine took care of my snake in her bosom. Thank you, Ms. Delphine… hehehe.”
Ever since Aether made that public statement, Delphine had been suffering immensely. She almost lost her job due to his playful and misleading words.
Left with no other choice, Delphine had to tell the truth to the Empress when the Empress pressed on to her.
Had the Empress not supported Delphine and clarified that Aether really meant a literal ‘snake’, Delphine would surely have lost her position as a professor at the Academy.
Each Empire is represented by only five professors in the Academy, making it crucial for the Aquaris Naiadae Empire to maintain their stronghold. Losing Delphine would have been a significant disadvantage in areas such as research, information exchange, advanced spell theories, and support for their chosen ones. The implications were vast and far-reaching, affecting not just Delphine but the entire empire she represented.
Despite having other professors, only five were permitted to teach or access dangerous information at the Academy, highlighting the importance of Delphine’s role. These select few held immense responsibility and wielded considerable influence within the institution. Losing one of them would be a serious blow to the Academy’s knowledge and capabilities.
“I-I see…” Aether nodded nervously after hearing this. To be honest, he had indeed intended a double meaning at that time… Yeah, although he had unconsciously said those things before, that time he really meant it!
He never thought his words would almost make Delphine lose her job.
“Now you understand,” the Principal said, looking at Aether, who was still held by Snowflake.
“I understood,” Aether replied, glancing at Delphine, who maintained a stern, professional face.
“I heard a lot from Delphine about you… You are quite… a pervert,” the Principal said with a frown.
“Hmm? Who?” Aether was confused.
“You”
” Me?”
“Yes”
Aether glanced at Delphine, who still had a stern face, though her sternness was broken when,
[+10 Affection]
‘Yup, I’ll teach her later who the real pervert is here,’ Aether mumbled inwardly, then widened his eyes.
“A lot?”
“Yes, she told me a lot of things about you… Even Sandra mentioned a few things,” the Principal said.
“Sandra?” Aether frowned, trying to place the name, then realization dawned on him.
“Marisandra Naiadia… She asked me to take care of you,” the Principal explained, her tone revealing a hint of reluctance.
“I-I see…” Aether nodded again, feeling the tension in the room heighten. He patted Snowflake, who looked at him with concern. After he gave her a reassuring smile, Snowflake returned to her normal size and nestled into his pocket, her head peeking out.
“Hmm… You really tamed her well,” the Principal observed Snowflake, who was still glaring at her despite not being nearly as powerful as the Principal. ‘I suppose it’s not about taming… He truly earned her loyalty, but how?’ she thought, turning serious,
“Sandra said you’re a special dog to her and wants me to let you enrol so you can learn many things and become a special pet lion for her.”
“OH!” Aether was momentarily overwhelmed by the Empress’s endorsement, his heart softening before he snapped back to the peculiar term, ‘Dog?’
“Pardon? Did you say dog?” Aether asked, confused.
The Principal shook her head, indicating he had misunderstood. Aether sighed, ‘Maybe I’m just tired…’
“Special dog,” she repeated with a smile, emphasizing the phrase.
Aether’s eyes twitched, but he forced himself to remain calm. He saw this as an opportunity to learn more and possibly uncover the truth about his slave status. He knew he had to lower his head when necessary to gather valuable information.
Suppressing his urge to punch the Empress’s face, he said with a professional smile, “I am very much honoured to d–”
“However, I don’t think I can now,” the Principal interrupted before Aether could finish.
“W-Why is that?” Aether asked, unable to hide his surprise.
“Well…” The Principal shrugged as if the answer were obvious. “Because I am an OLD HAG!”
Aether’s expression shifted to one of disbelief, ‘Are you serious? Are you really going to hang on that?’ he had this expression, while the Principal’s face clearly conveyed, ‘I am damn serious’ with her expression.
Without hesitation, Aether said with a straight face, “Oh! The principal, the almighty of the Academy, your presence is a testament to timeless grace and wisdom. Your elegance transcends the boundaries of AGE, exuding a beauty that is both captivating and ENDURING. The poise with which you carry yourself, the sparkle in your eyes, and the warmth of your smile are UNMATCHED. Your charm is enough to make suffer of nightm- ahem, wonderful dreams.”
The Principal’s lips twitched. Even though Aether spoke with a straight face, there was a hint of sarcasm in his words.
“10 points… I guess,” she mumbled, then said, “Still, I cannot accept you though….”
Aether’s lips twitched, and before she could finish, he tried to interfere,
“If you’re truly worried about that, I’m telling you, you really a GIL–”
“Because it will break the rule, but since Sandra asked me and I still owe her, so…”
Both of their voices overlapped, creating a moment of mutual confusion.
They looked at each other and asked in unison, “”What did you say?””
Aether flinched, a slight tremor coursing through him. “N-Nothing, please, carry on.”
The Principal’s brows furrowed in mild concern, she wanted to press but she already wasted enough time so she got into matters, her voice measured yet authoritative,
“Next week, we have an upcoming contest integral to our Ranking system… and you must participate.”
“What manner of contest might this be?” Aether’s curiosity piqued.
Delphine, interjected, her voice calm and composed, as she spoke while the Principal took a moment to hydrate herself with a sip of water.
“It’s a contest to determine the hierarchy/Rank among the Chosen Ones… Ten teams shall be formed, each comprised of five individuals and led by Chosen ones.
The contest is none other than Capture the Flag!
As the name implies, each team will stake claim to its own base and flag…
Their mission: protect their flag while strategically infiltrating the enemy’s base to seize theirs…
The number of flags they manage to secure will ultimately determine their team’s rank.
That sums it up,” Delphine concluded short and sweet.
pronovels.com
