CHAPTER 176: CHAPTER 176 - HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO REPAY YOU?

The morning sky stretched endlessly above them, painted in hues of azure and streaks of gold as the sun climbed higher. The Qilin soared gracefully, its crimson mane rippling like liquid starlight in the wind. Each beat of its hooves against the clouds echoed faintly, like distant bells, as if the very heavens acknowledged its presence.

The awkward silence that had lingered since their departure from the academy had melted away. Aurelia leaned lightly against Luca, her cheek brushing against his back, her breath warm in the cool breeze. The closeness between them felt natural now—no longer tense, but steady, as though the sky itself approved of their bond.

Luca’s voice, soft and thoughtful, broke the quiet.

"Aurelia," he asked, tilting his head slightly so his words would reach her ears, "do you still have that ambition of leading the Drayden family?"

Aurelia hesitated. Her amethyst eyes lifted toward his face, the wind brushing strands of her crimson hair across her lips. For a moment, she said nothing. Finally, she spoke in a low, steady voice.

"Even if I do... I don’t plan on acting on that."

Luca blinked, tilting his head curiously.

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

Her gaze softened, and she leaned just a little closer, her tone carrying a rare vulnerability.

"I don’t want you to marry into my family. I can’t allow my man to bear that weight."

For a second, Luca was silent. Then, a sudden laugh slipped past his lips, warm and amused, though his expression quickly shifted into something more resolute. His crimson eyes gleamed with determination as he glanced forward.

"But your ambition... is my ambition now. If you want to be the Drayden family head, I’ll fully support you."

Aurelia’s body stiffened slightly at his words. She straightened in her seat, her hands tightening around his waist. Her amethyst eyes locked with his crimson ones, her voice wavering despite the strength in it.

"I can’t do that to you. Especially now that I know my feelings for you."

Luca’s lips curved into a small, confident smile.

"Who said the only way is for me to marry into your family? And even if I did, it wouldn’t guarantee you’d become the duchess—you’d only act behind the shadows. Instead," he paused, his tone steady with conviction, "I plan to make you the real head of the Draydens."

Aurelia’s eyes widened, surprise flashing across her face. A soft breath escaped her lips.

"D-do you really mean that? I mean... don’t you feel anything else about it?"

Luca studied her expression for a moment. He knew what she was truly worried about—that many men would balk at the thought of their wives holding power above them. He chuckled lightly, tilting his head.

"Of course I feel something."

Her gaze fixed on him, waiting, her heart hammering louder than the wind rushing past.

"I feel proud," Luca said, his voice rich with certainty, "being the future husband of the Duchess."

Aurelia’s cheeks burned scarlet, her lips parting slightly in flustered shock. She quickly turned her face away with a huff, masking her embarrassment.

"Hmph! Who said I’m going to marry you?!"

Luca laughed at her reaction, the sound bright and teasing as he leaned slightly back toward her.

"Oh? And who was the one that proposed marriage first, then?"

Her blush deepened as she bit her lip, unable to find a retort fast enough. The two bickered playfully, their voices mingling with the wind as the Qilin carried them higher and higher.

Just like that, with laughter chasing away every trace of awkwardness, they returned to the academy. By the time its spires and walls came into view beneath the afternoon sun, it felt as though their hearts had drawn even closer together.

Luca and Aurelia stood there for a moment longer before Luca raised his hand and pulled out a small box, neatly wrapped in gift paper.

"Here," he said, holding it out to her.

Aurelia blinked in surprise. "Again? Just where are you keeping all these things? Don’t tell me it’s that weird ability of yours again."

Luca chuckled softly. "Take it. You’ll understand once you open it."

Her delicate fingers brushed against his as she accepted the box. For a moment she looked as though she wanted to say something, but instead, she turned and began walking toward her dorms. Halfway there, she glanced back at him, her amethyst eyes lingering for a heartbeat before she moved on again.

When she finally disappeared from sight, Luca exhaled, a wry smile tugging at his lips. Well... I definitely didn’t expect things to go quite like this. Still, it isn’t so bad... is it?

His thoughts drifted as he started walking toward his own dorm. Making Aurelia the head of the Drayden family... it’s beneficial to me in every way. But... His expression darkened slightly. The Devil Cult... although I said I wouldn’t speak of traitors or point fingers without proof, this matter is far too serious to stay hidden.

He rubbed his temple as the weight of that truth pressed on him. Just then, his communication crystal flared to life, glowing faintly in his palm.

"Come to my office, student Luca!!" Seraphina’s clear, authoritative voice rang out.

Luca stopped mid-step, his eyes narrowing. Again...! Did she already catch wind of what happened?

With a small sigh, he turned his steps away from the dorms and toward the faculty wing. The academy grounds were already settling into a quieter rhythm as students returned to their dorms, their chatter echoing faintly in the halls.

At last, he arrived before a heavy door. Raising his hand, he knocked lightly, then said in a composed tone, "Can I come in, Professor?"

"Come in."

Seraphina’s voice was steady but faintly strained.

Luca opened the door and stepped inside. She was seated behind her desk in her usual instructor’s attire, her posture immaculate, sky-blue hair tied into a severe bun. Not a strand was out of place, yet the faint crease between her brows betrayed her mood. With a curt nod, she gestured toward the chair opposite her.

"Sit down."

The legs of the chair scraped softly against the polished floor as Luca lowered himself into it. He clasped his hands together, waiting. The silence stretched on. Seraphina pinched the bridge of her nose, then pressed her fingertips against her temples, her elbows resting on the desk.

At least say something already... Luca thought, resisting the urge to fidget. He let out a small sigh and leaned back slightly.

Finally, her gaze lifted to him. Her expression was a mix of weariness and sharp authority.

"You did it again, huh."

Luca blinked, shoulders stiffening. Ahh... she surely knows. With a sheepish smile tugging at his lips, he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Well, it was something I had to do."

Her eyes narrowed. "But why?" Her voice was sharper now, frustration slipping through the cracks of her composure. She straightened, crossing her arms tightly against her chest. "Why do you have to do it? It’s not like it’s mandatory for you."

Well, that’s true. The missions aren’t mandatory. But this time... Luca scratched his cheek, trying to look casual, though the corner of his mouth twitched.

"This one was for my personal reasons."

The strict mask on her face faltered, if only for a moment. Her arms slowly lowered, and she leaned back into her chair, fingers curling against the edge of the desk as though bracing herself. Her eyes softened, shadowed by something unspoken.

"Then..." she said quietly, almost to herself, "how am I supposed to repay you?"

Luca tilted his head, brows knitting in confusion.

"Huh? Why would you repay me for completing a mission? Killing a few dozen cultists, although there was one spatial expansion stage clone among them, anyway—the Academy should reward me for that, right?"

The words barely left his lips when Seraphina froze mid-breath. Her hands tightened against the wood of her desk until her knuckles whitened. Slowly, her eyes widened, disbelief flashing across her face.

Then, in a sudden movement, she shoved her chair back with a screech and shot to her feet, her palms slamming down on the desk.

"You did WHAT?"

Luca flinched at her thunderous voice, nearly tipping his chair backward. His hands shot up in mock defense.

"Weren’t we... talking about the mission?"