CHAPTER 283: CHAPTER 282- RELIEVED

[Adrian’s POV:]

"Agh..." My head throbbed, though not as badly as last night when I first woke up.

Blinking, I looked around and saw Annabelle standing by the window, gazing outside.

That single sight... it settled something in my heart.

The last thing I remembered was her falling from the sky. And now, the first person I saw after opening my eyes again was her.

I was about to move, to let her know I was awake, when a notification flashed before me:

[Since the host forgot about the commodity sent to the other world, the system transferred her out of the Time Chamber before the ’commodity’ could explore it.]

’Crap... Sylvie.’ I had sent her to Raven so she could be treated. And then I... completely forgot about her.

’I’m sorry for being irresponsible,’ I whispered inside. The system’s tone was still monotonous but I could sense slight anger from it. And I know exactly the reason.

Once again... I had taken someone else into the Time Chamber.

And because of that—

[Now, the host must learn the two steps of the Fifth Thread within a month, or the Time Chamber will be locked for two weeks.]

I let out a long breath. ’That’s... fair enough.’

"D-Darling..." Annabelle must have heard my sigh, because she turned, her eyes widening the moment they met mine.

I smiled faintly. "Did you miss me?"

She didn’t even let me finish. In a heartbeat she was against me, her arm sliding across my chest, her face pressing close.

Her voice shook. "I hated it. Seeing you like that. Why do you always throw yourself into danger for someone else?"

I met her eyes and smiled gently. "Because... I’d do the same for you."

The words struck her. Her lips trembled as she clutched at the sheet covering me, her whole body shivering.

I whispered, "How is everyone? Ariana and Ruby... are they safe? And Sylvie?"

"Why don’t you ever ask about me first?!" Bella’s voice cracked. Her eyes glistened with tears as she looked up at me. "I’m wounded too, you know..."

I exhaled softly and lifted my hand, brushing her cheek with my palm. "Alright then... tell me. How is my Bella?"

Her voice broke. "Terrible! I cried so much they had to change the sheets. I didn’t eat for two whole days. All that time I cursed myself... for not coming sooner."

I held her gaze, steady and warm. "No, Bella. You did the right thing. I’ll never allow anyone to bind you with a Vow."

That was always the plan. To make Albec the one to use it.

Now, there was only one person left who could make any request for Annabelle.

And sooner or later... I would make him spend that request—on my terms.

Not so long after, two people entered the infirmary.

My gaze landed on my fiancée and my student.

Their gaze clearly told me how much I had worried them.

After that, as one would expect, I was surrounded by complaints and tears.

I took my time to comfort them.

In the end, what matters is that everyone I care about is safe.

Slowly people began filling.

Allen, Brendon, Aries, Gilbert, Altia, and many others came and showed how relieved they were to see me alive and awake.

Naturally, they weren’t allowed to crowd the infirmary; that’s why, in the end, only Bella, Ariana, and Elana stayed.

"What is on your mind?" Ariana asked as she saw me smiling.

I sighed, "Well...a few months ago, I was the most hated person in the academy."

Taking a deep breath, I added, "Now...I might be the most blessed Professor of the academy."

Ariana fondly smiled as she briefly kissed my lips, "Not maybe. You are the most loved Professor of the Academy. You saved so many lives, Adrian."

Annabelle kissed my forehead, "Darling is the best!"

Elana seemed confused and thankfully, she settled with a hold of my hand, "You are my hero, Professor."

I closed my eyes, enjoying the bliss of a man being loved by so many beauties.

Yeah, I sounded like a scumbag but let this patient enjoy a few moments of bliss.

....

[Third Person POV:]

By nightfall, Adrian was finally moved back to his own room.

He insisted he could walk on his own, but no one was willing to listen.

Annabelle even tried to lift the entire bed with him still on it, but Adrian quickly scolded her, forcing her to stop. In the end, Ariana supported him all the way until he returned safely.

Now, only Ariana and Bella stayed behind in the room.

Elana had wanted to tag along as well, but Ariana’s sharp gaze stopped her in her tracks. "Want me to put you in detention? Go back to your room."

Elana puffed her cheeks. "This is so cruel..."

But Adrian gave her a gentle promise: tomorrow, during breakfast, he would come see her.

That was enough. With that assurance, she left the room, grumbling but a little more content than before.

It felt comfortable, lying down on his bed after what felt so long.

"The tournament was supposed to bring us glory." Adrian muttered with a defeated smile, "Well, not like we weren’t expecting things to go this way."

Annabelle held his hand, "Don’t be sad, Darling." She wanted to say much more, to comfort him, but seeing him sad made her sad too.

In the end, she just rested her head against his shoulder and lay down beside him.

Ariana was preparing coffee for them as she said, "Things have elevated beyond what we anticipated. The Tower is devastated to know that there are traitors in their organization."

Adrian chuckled, "They should have been cautious ever since the incident during the AAC."

During the Arcane Anvil Cup, Moret was involved with the Acolytes. He was responsible for framing Adrian and later handing him over to the Acolytes.

The Tower should have already known that trusting anyone blindly was foolishness.

Acolytes have a lot to promise and provide.

Their numbers are increasing at a more signicant rate than in the past.

While Adrian had resolved a few events, his involvement had gathered uncessary attention.

Evidence was, "They saw you using teleportation."

Hearing Ariana’s words, Annabelle stiffened, her eyes widening.

Adrian was expecting it, "Did someone mention it?"

Ariana nodded, "Sarah mentioned it."

Adrian sighed before he remained silent for a few moments. Then, he said, "Can you ask them to meet me in a few days. I think it’s time to be more open about this."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.