Ashura's expression shifted from casual interest to steely determination as Chairman Azure uttered the words "ABYSS" and "UNDERGROUND." *This is a significant opportunity to unearth more clues,* Ashura mused, feeling an urgent need to edge closer to the garden house. Empress Rozaria's warning suddenly felt ominously validated; something clandestine was undoubtedly unfolding within the academy. Unfortunately, the conversation had veered off course, leaving Ashura with a lingering sense of frustration.
"Lord Azure, I am truly grateful for the opportunity you have bestowed upon me. I assure you, I will not waste it," Veramount declared, his voice brimming with sincerity. Ashura barely concealed his surprise; to witness Veramount, who typically reserved his respect for their father and elder brother, displaying such deference to another person was unexpected. *To think that guy, who shows hardly anyone respect, could be so earnest with Lord Azure,* Ashura thought, his mind racing.
*There are two possibilities,* he reflected, weighing the implications. *First, Lord Azure possesses some quality or has done something that evokes genuine gratitude from Veramount. Or second, he might be orchestrating something more insidious.* As Ashura wrestled with these thoughts, he was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. He recognized them as belonging to Luzis Julion and Ferris Rafael.
"Oh, you both arrived at the perfect moment," Chairman Azure greeted them warmly. The two students inclined their heads slightly in acknowledgment, their gazes quickly shifting towards Veramount, intrigued.
Noticing their interest, Chairman Azure smiled vaguely and gestured toward Veramount. "I called you both here to introduce you to your senior, Veramount." After taking a leisurely sip from his cup, its sweet and smooth flavor rolling down his throat, Chairman Azure turned his attention back to the students, his eyes gleaming with pride.
"I've heard much about you two. Seeing you here today, I can confirm that the rumors hold merit; both of you are indeed talented individuals worth cultivating," Veramount spoke, his tone laced with genuine admiration. Chairman Azure beamed at the compliment, eager to foster this budding mentor-mentee relationship. "I knew you'd be pleased to meet them. The reason I summoned you is that I want you to guide them as their mentor."
"You wish for me to mentor them?" Veramount queried, a puzzled expression crossing his face, clearly taken aback by the request. Chairman Azure nodded affirmatively, his tone firm. "Yes, I want you to take them under your wing; they will prove to be invaluable in the future."
"If it is your command, I understand and will accept this responsibility," Veramount replied, a hint of reluctance evident in his voice. The two students, feeling a blend of nervousness and excitement, responded in unison, "Thank you, Senior. We will be in your care."
With that, Luzis and Ferris sat down, positioning themselves at the table alongside Chairman Azure and Veramount. "Oh, if I recall correctly, your younger brother also joined this year's intake, yes?" Chairman Azure inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Without a hint of enthusiasm, Veramount replied in a matter-of-fact tone, "He's nothing worth noting. Just a lazy wimp in our household." Luzis nodded in agreement, sharing Veramount's lack of concern, while Ferris, on the other hand, couldn't shake the feeling that Ashura was more enigmatic than he appeared in the rumors. Yet, he struggled to discern what lay beneath the surface.
"This won't obstruct our planning, will it?" Chairman Azure pressed, a note of urgency in his voice. Veramount replied confidently, "Our progress will continue unaffected." Ashura, hidden in the shadows, listened intently to their conversation, his expression clouded with dejection. However, he quickly masked his emotions as he made his silent exit, feeling as though he had gathered sufficient information for the day.
As he slipped away, his thoughts grew increasingly grim. If his brother was entwined in any malevolent scheme that posed a threat to the Empire…
"I will not hesitate to kill you, Brother Veramount," Ashura whispered coldly under his breath, his resolve hardening with every passing second.