ARTHUR LEYWIN POV:
The carriage came to an halt, indicating that we've reached the Central Academy. I lowered my gaze to see Caera, still leaning against my shoulders, sound asleep.
I slightly shook her shoulder, making her shift position, still asleep. "Caera, wake up." I whispered into to her ear. She groaned and lifted her head, her gaze went to the carriage window. After taking a look outside, she turned towards me, her hair tumbled around her face, covering most of her features. Her eyes were bleary and drool dripped from the corner of her mouth. I let out a small laugh, slightly amused by her appearance.
Caera looked at me with confusion, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. Before I could say anything, she lowered her gaze and stopped at my chest. I noticed her eyes widening and face turning red. "G-Grey, I-I'm sorry!...Please, l-let me...clean it", she shouted, her voice deep and hoarse than usual. I followed her eyes to see that my shirt has been covered with her drool and more of it fallen on my pants.
Caera shifted close to me, making her body lean forward as she took out a cloth to wipe my shirt. I didn't move, but a smirk appeared on my face. "I see that you've slept well" I said, in a teasing tone. Caera kept silent, her face still red in embarrassment, as she continued wiping my shirt.
"It's fine, Caera, we've reached our quarters anyway. Let's just leave", I said in a consoling tone, feeling slightly guilty for making fun of her. She nodded her head silently, and rose back up to open the carriage door.
I grabbed her reaching hand, and pulled her back. "Oh, I almost forgot" I said, as my hand reached her face. Using my thumb to wipe off the drool left on Caera's chin. "Okay done, let's go now!"
Caera glared at me incredulously. I ignored her reaction, not wanting to make her feel more embarrassed, as I opened the door and leapt off the carriage. Caera came out a while later, redness covering her face and neck.
We reached the large black iron gate of the Central Academy. Coming to an halt, I glanced back at Caera. "Come on", I lifted my hand and gestured her to take it. "Grey, I don't think it'll be appropriate to walk hand-in-hand through the campus, especially at this time of the night", she said with a smirk. I rolled my eyes. Without answering, I pulled her close and activated my god rune to teleport us to my room directly.
We reappeared inside my room. "W-what, why?" Caera asked, her voice flustered. "I took your advice" i said with my lips forming a smirk, "we don't want anyone to see us walking back to our quarters this late at night, right?".
Caera rolled her eyes. And glared at me "so you thought it will be okay, if I just walk out of your room? This will be worse than getting caught walking in public. I have a reputation to maintain, you know."
'She's got a point, chief' Regis commented, clearly amused by my actions.
I scoffed. Not wanting to show my embarrassment, I grabbed Caera, again, as I activated the god rune. We reappeared inside her room. "Here. Happy now" I said gesturing with my hands wide open as a cheeky grin formed in my face. I heard Caera yelp , her face in horror, as soon as she realised what I had done. Without answering, she leaped toward me. Before I could react, she wrapped her hands around my eyes, obstructing my vision.
"Uhh Caera, what're you doing?". I heard her huff "Y-you- why did you bring us here? To- my room" she didn't wait for my answer, as I felt her hand lifting from my face. But before I could open my eyes, I felt a strong punch on my gut. I winced in pain, my body arching front. "W-why-", my voice came out as a whisper, due to the surprise attack. Before I could finish the sentence, Caera spoke "Keep your eyes closed. And next time you want to enter a woman's room, ask for permission first!"
I felt Caera's hand lifting off my face. I didn't dare open it though. I stood there in silence, while Caera moved some things around. I could hear Regis wolf-whistle, his excitement seeping through our mental connection.
'Ohh my, I didn't think fair Lady Caera would posses such-intimate-items' Regis barked out a laugh. My mouth hung open in surprise at his words. I tried suppressing my laugh, as my lips quivered. Caera hummed, clearly noticing my actions.
'Regis, shut up, before she kills you' I thought. Out loud I said, "Are you done-doing whatever-you were doing?"
'I wouldn't mind dying, now that I've seen this' Regis continued. I ignored him and focused on Caera. Waiting for her to reply. Moments passed, before Caera gave all-clear.
I slowly opened my eyes, seeing Caera standing right in front of me, with her hands crossed, her eyes peering at my-sternum, looking at Regis, I presumed.
Silence passed, before Caera shook her head frustratingly. She handed back my coat that I had given her earlier. I noticed that her face was red. I kept my thoughts to myself, not wanting to piss her off anymore.
"So-good night, then?" I asked with a grin, trying to escape her wrath. Caera walked forward without answering, closing in on the distance. She halted her steps before our bodies could touch. 'She's standing so close', I exclaimed in my mind, before steeling myself for another punch. 'Nice view' Regis thought contentedly. 'Stop talking before I cut off your aether' I shot back, silencing my companion. I kept my smile on and kept my gaze on Caera, not wanting to reveal any traces of my interaction with Regis. I opened my mouth to talk, but shock crept on my face as my mouth went slack, by her action. Caera wrapped her arms around my body and laid her face against my chest. I broke out of my stupor, as her grip tightened around me, I couldn't help but hug her back. One hand caressing her soft navy-blue hair, while the other gently held her waist in place.
Moments passed as we stood there in each other's embrace. Caera broke the silence, "Grey-y-" she started, her voice contained a slight hesitation. I kept my silence, hoping that she would continue. And she did, "d-does th-this mean that-you-trust me?"
Past memories passed through my vision, as my body stiffened by her words. I was caught off-guard by the sudden question.
A lot of things have changed since my appearance in the relictombs, not anymore looking at all the Alacryans as potential enemies. I had even started considering some as just- normal people- going about their life. While I might not have complete trust on any Alacryan, can I still say the same about- Caera? I asked myself.
The thoughts of us walking hand-in-hand through the Denoir Estate came to my mind, and the way I had reacted seeing her dejected face after her conversation with Lenora. It had bothered me, to say the least. I remember feeling the urge to know what made her sad, my curiosity only controlled by my resoluteness to let Caera process things in her mind first. I had clearly accepted that Caera was not just another Alacryan that I had met on the way. 'If I was so curious about her life, wouldn't she feel the same way about me? After all, she has seen me suffering every night unable to sleep during our journey through the relictombs. It is only natural for her to be curious about my p-' I was brought out of my stupor as I felt Caera lifting her head off my chest. It took me a moment to realise that I had been silent through our conversation.
I opened my mouth to speak, but Caera lifted her hand and placed her finger on my lips. And shook her head, a solemn smile appeared on her face. "It's okay, Grey. I won't push you for any answers. But- I want you to know that I'm willing to listen to it, whenever you are ready to open up to me. I promise I won't judge or change the way I think of you" she said, her gaze sincere.
I felt a sense of relief wash over me and my body feeling lite at her words. I gazed at Caera, letting few moments pass, while taking in the sight of her presence. 'She looked beautiful' I thought.
Not waiting anymore, I reached out with my hands and held her face on my palms, slowly moving my face near hers, as I planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.
She shivered under my touch for an instance before melting into my hands.
I felt the warmth of her skin, kissing me back like a morning sun.
Caera's face had turned a few shades crimson, my hands still holding her. I caressed her cheeks, making her soft skin gain more colour by the second.
"It's time to sleep, I guess" I said softly. She held her gaze as few moments passed in silence, before nodding her head slightly.
I let out a soft chuckle, my eyes still on Caera's figure, before lifting off my hands and disappearing from her room.
***
Sleep eluded me, my body turning to all sides, but in vain. The thoughts of the war came back to haunt me. I looked for Regis, hoping that he'd be awake.
Regis was lying down on the floor, by the bed. I tried to probe him through our mental connection, but nothing came back. He must be meditating, I thought.
I tried clearing my mind. But it didn't help. I let out a small grunt and tried to think about anything- other than the- awful memories that has been eating me from the insides for a while now...
My thoughts went to Caera. To the sight of her blushing face after I gave her the kiss. My lips smiled unconsciously, and my body relaxed, as I felt myself being embraced by the sweet sleep.
***
'-thur!...Arthur' I jolted up from my bed, hearing the voice inside my head. Regis-I realised. "Unless you want to get kicked out of the academy, I suggest you wake up" Regis said, his voice happier than usual.
'What's got you so happy this morning?' I asked him in annoyance. Regis barked out an audible laugh and looked at me with his goofy wolfish grin. "Oh-nothing. Just happy that my princess has finally found his prince" Regis said, looking all mischievous.
"What-shut up!" I yelled, my voice high pitched. Regis ignored my outburst and jumped up on the bed and strolled next to me, still grinning ear to ear, looking all creepy. "Did you sleep well, princess?" his tone, teasing. "You were sleeping so peaceful without any movement that I thought you were dead. What's got your Asuran body-so tired?" he barked out a laugh. I completely ignored his jabbing and got myself ready for the class.
As I got ready to leave, I let my sense linger to the ceiling, to the room above. I felt Caera's breathing , rhythmic thumping of her heart. Not wanting to disturb her sleep. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, momentarily immersed in the sensation. Calming myself, i walked out of my quarters, with a smile plastered on my face.
Walking down the pathway with my mind still lingering on the after effects of previous night, I took long strides to reach my class on time. I noticed familiar faces along the way. Students greeted me one by one as I neared the classroom. I felt happiness sweep though me, as I let myself wave my hand and smile at their formalities. Some students looked happy seeing my actions, while few were-surprised. I ignored their reactions and kept walking blissfully.
'Uhh Arthur, you're scaring the kids' Regis commented. Before I could retort, a familiar looking young girl with brown hair rushed towards me.
"Mayla, what's wrong?" I asked the young girl from Maerin Town. She gasped for air, calming herself, she spoke "Pr-professor-Grey...there are people waiting- for you in the classroom"
I froze at her words, my smile completely gone, replaced by coldness. 'Did the scythes finally found me? Did Agrona send his lackeys to capture me? This is sooner than I thought...'
On the outside, I simply nodded at Mayla and walked past her, half curious and half cautious about the waiting 'guests'.
'Finally we can let loose! Let's kill a scythe or two. My paws are itching for a fight' Regis exclaimed. His excitement and nervousness seeping through our mental link.
I kept my focus on the entry doorway to the classroom. There were a group of men standing next to it. 'They don't look like the scythes or even retainers we've seen' I said to Regis. Hoping that he would point out some familiar face, using his memories from Uto.
Regis didn't answer. But I could feel his excitement dying down.
'Yep. Definitely no powerhouses here. They're all weaklings' Regis replied in my head. I resisted the urge to shake my head and sigh.
The group of men noticed my arrival and turned towards me. They moved away, letting a middle aged man walk past them. It was a familiar figure, a tall man with short black hair and stubble on his chin, dressed in a silvery battle robe, walked forward and stood in front of me "Grey, I'm afraid you're gonna have to come with us", the man spoke with a grim tone.
After Sulla, head of 'The Ascenders Association' in Cardigan, stepped forward and spoke, I was momentarily confused. My mind raced through all of my activities in the past few weeks, looking for a clue to what it might be, that made the Ascender Association come to me.
Knowing that I won't get any answers here, I simply nodded and started walking with the group.
We walked past the buildings of the academy on our way, to the Ascender Association building that was situated on the opposite side of the campus.
"Grey!" I heard a familiar voice from behind, making me stop in my tracks. The corner of my lips arching up unconsciously. "Lady Caera of Highblood Denior" Sulla bowed and said in a polite tone.
I turned around to see Caera standing in front of us, her face impassive and posture straight.
"Lady Caera, how may I be of service to you?" Sulla's polite tone resounded, the ascender still bowing. Caera gestured him to rise, making the ascender relax a bit.
"Where are you taking Professor Grey?" Caera asked in a levelled tone. Sulla took a few glances at my direction from the corner of his eyes. After a few seconds he answered, "Lady Caera, we have received reports from a reliable witness that- Professor Grey is..." the ascender hesitated to continue, his gaze went down to the ground. Caera didn't react. Her posture and face set in stone. The ascender let out a sigh and continued under the relentless gaze of the Alacryan Highblood. "We've received reports that Professor Grey is attempting to cheat in the Victoriad. He is to be questioned and pr-" the ascender's voice was cut short by Caera. "You've got the wrong person, whatever the claims that have been made against Professor Grey, I can personally vouch for his innocence. It will be better if you let him go, here and now"
Sulla glared at me, as Caera's authoritative voice rang through the group. "You must accept my apologies- Lady Caera. I have been order to question him by the High Hall, and they expect an answer regarding the charges that has been filed...I do not have any say in this matter. I'm sure you would understand the situation" his voice soft yet firm. His eyes darted from Caera to me, showing his awkwardness.
Caera's eyebrows slightly furrowed at the ascender's words, showing her dissatisfaction. I couldn't help but let out a sigh. "I believe, my father, Highlord Denoir, will be contacting you soon." Caera declared, a tinge of irritation and helplessness in her tone. She turned to me, and I could see her gaze soften and her voice less firm, "Grey, don't worry, this matter will be taken care of- I promise." A slight smile appeared on Caera's face. I returned her expression and shook my head at her. "I'll see you later. Go now"
Sulla bowed and once again greeted Caera, before turning to gesture me to follow him. I watched Caera leave, before turning to follow the ascender.
***
(Read Chapter 365: Unfinished Grudges- Conversation between Grey/ Sulla/ Corbett. And Grey/ Corbett at Goldeberry's Throne)
***
Three hours later, after the meeting ended with Corbett, I exited the Highblood cafe, my mind drawing out plans on how best to deal with this 'situation'.
The fact that Nico had been acting in the shadows didn't surprise me, if anyone would want to see me dead, he's definitely the first on the list. But, this is what I've wanted, when I used my name from the past life. I should take more risks if I want to achieve my goals. I've already set the bait, now, it's time to catch the rats.
I walked down the High Street, wanting to get back to my quarters to lay out a foolproof plan to deal with 'the Grandbhel's'. Corbett's help will be crucial, I thought. Although I was not sure about his full intentions.
With my mind going through the conversation I had with the Highlord, I noticed a large carriage stop on its tracks, right next to my path. My brows furrowed by the drivers sudden actions, I shook my head and tried to ignore it. But before I could turn away, I saw Caera walking out the carriage. She looked at me in surprise, her furrowed brows visibly relax and concern on her face instantly replaced by a warm smile. She walked out of the carriage, her gaze still fixed on me. "Grey, you're here! I was coming to get you."
I gave her a small smile and shook my head. "You didn't have to do that" I said, gesturing her to walk with me. She followed wordlessly, her face showing slight concern.
"It was just a small mix-up. Nothing to worry about" I reassured her with a smile.
Caera gave me an uncertain look. "Did you meet Corbett?" I nodded at her question. "I don't understand-" she shook her head "-for the High Hall to take you in for questioning, I thought the whole 'Grandbhel incident' was over, once and for all" she said, more to herself than me, while her gaze was fixed to the ground, her face showing slightly confused frown.
Before she started to get lost in her wild thoughts, I took her hand gently and spoke "Whatever it is, I'll take care of it. Now, let's go back. I'm sure my students will have a million questions for me when I get back".