CHAPTER 184: ’I KNOW YOU, YOU KNOW ME!’

A barrier of Archon Tier had arisen around the Academy, spotless yet preventing any intrusion, built by the Principal himself.

Which was why Mel was quite relaxed; aside from the only Archon ranked skilled in intrusion, no one could break through the academy.

A long mewl escaped Mel, her head idly leaning toward Maria’s.

"Sorry, Rosana."

Feeling the smooth, brown hair caressing her cheek, Mel muttered.

Then, a mischievous, teasing smile played at her lips.

"But my heart belonged to everyone! Not for sale, but for my own whimsical liking!"

The open provocation, loud and clear, stirred a rustling in the grassland nearby.

Rosana blinked, then frowned slightly behind her; her nose briefly picking up a familiar scent.

An annoying one, to be precise.

Mel and Maria, kindred spirits that fully sympathised with Rosana, folded their palms over their quivering lips.

Coughing twice, Mel pretended a serious face.

"And also. I did promise to go to your room next week naked, no? Don’t you think it’s enough to satiate your appetite?"

Another rustling, as Maria continued. "Aw. Mel. I wouldn’t recommend saying such things out loud, or people might... misunderstand."

"Alright you two."

As Rosana unfurled her arms on Mel’s, she raised her palms with an eased smirk.

"I’ll stop here. It’s unsightly of me to be stubborn when Mel has already made her decision."

She then waved off while striding away, her posture elegant and steady.

"Take care, Mel. I look forward to tomorrow when we spar again."

As Rosana’s back drifted off, Lila’s arms lingered at Mel’s finger.

Then with a ’mm’, she let go.

"Later, Mel."

She tiptoed and tapped a kiss on Mel’s cheek.

Then, Lila’s brows knitted together, her emerald eyes glittering with innocence.

"Remember not to be tricked by that bad woman!"

And, not allowing Maria to tease her, Lila trotted off.

Maria’s palm grasped deep at Mel’s uniform, yet her brown eyes locked onto both their backs, heading off to the warm, comforting sunset.

The coldness of her past almost melted away with this simple moment.

"Maria?"

She then shook her head. No. Those witches were not important.

Facing Mel’s inquiring gaze, Maria then cupped Mel’s cheek hard.

"Mmm!"

And kissed hard into her lips, biting greedily before her tongue intruded in a skilled manner.

"Mm...mm...er..."

Look at her. Her Mel was blushing while timidly clutching onto her uniform for balance.

Pulling away, Maria licked away the string of saliva.

"I’ve missed you..." Maria’s finger grazed over Mel’s face, heated at just the right redness of her liking.

"A...aria..."

Knowing there was a ’Dad Figure’ still watching, Mel arched her waist into Maria’s in submission.

"Me too..."

"Hehe..."

Maria eventually pulled Mel’s hand before darting her eyes sneakily to the grassland again.

The piercing white gaze from Rosana’s father met hers, yet unintruding as they slightly narrowed.

Too confident. Though she supposed that’s how the Dragoness chose this man despite years passing.

"Ah, I almost forgot."

Maria then flicked a finger at Mel’s skin, before a panel popped up.

[ Rizzler’s distance to Us: 20m ]

She pulled Mel. "Let us go. I’ve a lot to talk about with you."

As Mel tugged a hair back, she briefly nodded.

Right now, it’s all the more important to guess and follow her Partner’s vague intent.

Only she, whom Maria fully trusted, could do this.

Mel’s heart fluttered at this realisation, before she was led to the Northern Gateway.

----------------

Passing through the patterned, gold-laced gate of the North, they arrived at the Noble District, with another wall encircling the whole area for protection.

Mel’s eyes widened; the Valiance Castle entered her view and settled neatly inside another tall wall, yet its tall towers were still visible.

"Come on."

As Maria pulled her away from the academy gate, Mel spotted the pedestrians, all dressed in glamorous dresses, suits, and jewelry.

The road pavements were in polished stone with no rust, and the shops were all indoors with gold or silver-trimmed names on their signposts.

Mel hurriedly straightened herself before Maria chuckled; her elf ears perked up to pick up any sign of mockery.

Luckily there was none.

"Relax."

Maria’s hands slithered around Mel’s right arm before clasping it tight.

"No one would dare glare at an Academy Student, the future talent and glory of the Kingdom."

She then muttered sharply. "As the Saintess herself ordained."

So. So cool!

Mel nearly squirmed and gave her body to Maria again! Ah, but restraint. Restraint!

"Okay... I trust I trust!" Mel nodded, a little more complicated than usual. "So you know where the Mochi shop is?"

"Mhm. Ah, and in case you didn’t remem-"

"The Mochi Shop was only ordered in tickets for entries, due to its popularity among the nobles for luxurious desserts, right?"

"You’re informed well." Maria chuckled, their strolls now perfectly in sync.

"Hehe."

Mel glanced over her shoulder, then at Maria’s stare, which faced forward.

Hm. It’s a signal! Maria always, and she meant always, locked her gaze with hers, never leaving Mel out of her sight!

Mel’s possessiveness elicited a shudder, but the message to stay low and quiet for now was clear.

A silent walk then continued as they passed by unknowing nobles and ladies; the ’follower’, as the panel notified Mel.

[ Rizzler’s distance to Us: 20m ]

As expected of a Professional. 20M, no give or take.

"Mel."

"Yes?"

Oh, finally a move from our sides?

As Mel glanced slightly upward, Maria’s lips curled up mischievously.

Ah, that smile.

Mel, too, perfectly mimicked it.

"By the way," Maria whispered. "Were you hurt by the Second Princess in the duel?"

As Maria’s eyes blinked for a sign, Mel could only frown a little.

As if she needed to contemplate, despite it being a flawless match.

"Actually..."

Mel’s lips curled to a soft, trembling smile.

"I was not hurt. But in truth, I was... terrified the whole time."

Then, the panel appeared again.

[ Rizzler’s distance to Us: 21m ]

Ah, someone was a little moved.

Chuckling inside, Mel continued her ’complaint’ to Maria.

Time to grind favorability from Rosana’s father.