Chapter 231: the True Face of the Moon Queen (3)

Sistine quickly grew flustered, trying to pull her hand from Shia’s grasp, but her efforts were futile. Her gaze darted around nervously, her heart racing like a frightened deer.

She wanted to speak, to break the awkward silence, but her words stuck in her throat.

Why did she feel this way now, when she’d never felt such unease around Shia before?

The atmosphere between them, though quiet, was undeniably tinged with a subtle pink hue.

Finally, Shia broke the silence.

"Senior, have you remembered what happened before?"

His curiosity had been eating away at him. After all, several days had passed without any retaliation from her, which deviated from the storyline he knew. Had she not regained her memories?

Sistine’s body stiffened at his question, and she hesitated, stammering as she tried to respond.

"I… I… yes, I remember."

Her ears turned a deep crimson, as though about to drip blood, and she avoided his gaze like it might burn her.

Shia grew even more puzzled.

If she remembered, why hadn’t she sought him out for an explanation or revenge? This didn’t align with the plot he knew.

"You’re not mad at me?"

"Actually, I should be the one apologizing," Sistine said, though her voice grew softer with every word.

Shia blinked in confusion, completely thrown off by her response.

What?

Sistine’s face flushed like a ripe tomato as she stammered through her explanation.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"You… it was your first time, too. And it was to save me. I was the one who… forced you."

Her voice grew so faint by the end that it was barely audible, but she still managed to squeeze out a "Sorry."

She finally gathered the courage to meet his gaze, but the moment her eyes locked with his, she jerked her head away like a startled bird.

Shia was utterly dumbfounded.

What was going on?

A girl who spoke up for the guy’s perspective? This was a first—and genuinely moving.

Still, he was a man, and with that came responsibilities.

Since he’d crossed the line with his senior, he naturally had to take full responsibility.

"Senior, I…"

He wanted to tell her outright—to claim her as his girlfriend, to give her the rightful status she deserved as a mark of his commitment.

But before he could finish, Sistine interrupted him.

"I have important matters to attend to. I need to leave first."

She fled as quickly as she could, her shame over that night still too overwhelming to face directly.

---

The Moon Queen walked at an unhurried pace, her steps elegant, though her speed betrayed her urgency.

The gates of the Seven Shields Academy came into view, and there, leaning against a quartz pillar, was a familiar figure.

Diana stood casually, her voluptuous figure nearly obscuring half the gate.

Hearing the approaching footsteps, Diana lazily lifted her gaze, flashing a relaxed smile at her approaching friend.

"Care for a drink?"

"No, I’ve got things to do," the Moon Queen replied.

"If you’ve come all the way to my territory, at least let me play the role of host properly," Diana said, her tone playfully persuasive.

Their eyes met and held for a few seconds before they both broke into soft laughter.

"Fine, it’s been a while since we’ve caught up anyway."

Diana extended her hand, and the Moon Queen took it naturally.

Their exchange was wordless yet filled with the familiarity of long-time friends.

Under the dim lighting of the bar, several bottles sat on the counter, some already emptied.

Behind the bar, Diana lounged in her seat, her raven-black hair framing her alluringly curvaceous figure. Her movements were casual and languid.

Beside her, the Moon Queen sat upright, her every gesture graceful and poised.

Diana leaned forward, her ample chest resting on the counter as she toyed with a wine glass, watching her friend delicately pour herself a drink.

"So, how do you like the person I recommended? He’s solved your biggest headache—how do you plan to thank me?"

"Quite satisfactory," the Moon Queen replied succinctly.

The image of Shia flashed through her mind. Yes, he was someone worthy of her trust. Leaving Sistine in his care put her at ease.

Her thoughts flickered briefly before she set the wine bottle down, lifting her glass to take small, measured sips. Her every move remained as refined as a painting.

Her elegance, however, was entirely lost on Diana, who frowned in dissatisfaction.

Reaching out, Diana tried to snatch the glass from her hand.

"Hey, it’s just the two of us. Stop pretending. Loosen up a little."

The Moon Queen deftly turned her wrist, evading Diana’s grasp. She gave her friend a light glance and shook her head with a smile.

"I’ve always been like this—poised and composed. Unlike you, so indecorous."

Even her teasing carried a gentle tone, her elegance unshaken.

Diana rolled her eyes, pouting slightly.

"You’re such a bore, always living like this. Not even a single romance—you’re an old maid, you know that?"

Always so composed, always so restrained, never letting herself act freely.

"As if you’re any different," the Moon Queen countered, placing her glass down and glancing up with a sharp look. It was a clean strike.

Their banter was as sharp as ever, each quip like a well-practiced riposte.

Diana muttered something under her breath, then tilted her head back to down her drink in one gulp.

She slammed her glass onto the counter with a loud thud.

"Another round!"

"Do you not have hands of your own?"

Though her words were laced with mockery, the Moon Queen still reached for the bottle to refill Diana’s glass.

In this relaxed atmosphere, neither of them bore the weight of their titles.

For all their fame and prestige in the outside world, here they were just two old friends enjoying each other’s company.

The room was filled with a light, carefree air.

Even in silence, their camaraderie spoke volumes.