NOVPUBThe raindrops hammered on the window like countless little hammers, making the vintage Victorian window frames inside the shop appear slightly gloomy.
Every time a raindrop hits the glass, it creates a moist stain, and the scenery outside the window becomes more blurred.
Despite this weather, the shop maintained its typical tranquility and warmth.
Accompanied by a long and crisp "ding-dong" sound at the door, a pair of hands splashed with a few drops of rain pushed open the thick wooden door. The faint chill and dampness instantly mixed with the warm air inside the shop.
It was a gentle and refined young man, sprinkled with a touch of rain, his boots slightly damp from the rain. Most striking was the fluffy Little Black Cat, with its eyes wide open, cradled in his left arm.
The Little Black Cat seemed a bit dull.
Its brain seemed to be in a dormant state.
However, once inside the familiar environment of the shop, its pointed ears instinctively twitched, as if to clarify the surrounding sounds.
The young man took a few careful steps. Water droplets fell from the umbrella in his hand, the rain dripping from the tip of the umbrella onto the floor.
The counter worker quickly peeked out from behind the counter with eager anticipation. Her apron clean and crisp, with a distinctive seriousness to her, her eyes locked firmly onto the little black cat, as if she had been waiting for it for a long time.
"Cat boss, why are you only returning now? The kitchen is swamped!"
The counter worker quickly walked over to Lanci and addressed the Little Black Cat.
"Oh, meow, sorry, meow."
About time the Cat Boss snapped out of it, it quickly hopped onto the ground and headed to the back kitchen.
It turned its head back, casting a complex look at Lanci.
He seemed amiable, modest, kind, and loyal; an exceptional young man.
However, it was beginning to feel that there was something incredibly off about him!
It had never seen someone go about match making like Lanci did!
Strange indeed.
It will need to observe him some more.
This newborn dawn might not be worthy of love!
The counter worker watched the Cat Boss go into the back kitchen and let out a sigh of relief.
"Oh yes, Miss Tata said that if you came, you should go to the warehouse on the second floor to find her."
She subsequently turned towards Lanci and said.
"Thank you."
Lanci thanked her and then headed in the familiar direction of the second floor.
He naturally understood what she meant.
They had now caught the Rebirth Church traitor within the Arolan Royal Academy Academic Visiting Team. There would surely be continuous surprises when Dean Loren returns.
By the time he goes on a date with Knight Commander Juliana, there would surely be an abundance of topics to discuss.
There’s a chance Juliana might even travel from the Arolan Kingdom to actively seek a date with Loren if Lanci put in a little more effort in the remaining days.
The staircase was made of dark wood, each step weathered with time. On this rainy day, a slightly worn carpet has been deliberately laid out.
When he reached the second floor, a long hallway stretched out before him.
Along the walls were vintage picture frames. The dim, yellow light added a touch of mystery to the hallway.
Doors lined the end of the hallway, each with its unique color and number, giving a feel reminiscent of an old inn.
Lanci walked slowly, searching for something.
His gaze lingered on each door for a moment before finally stopping at a door labeled "warehouse."
"Tata, Hyperion, are you there?"
Lanci lightly knocked on the door twice.
"Come in."
He soon heard Talia’s familiar voice.
Obviously realizing it was Lanci, she temporarily lifted the barrier.
Lanci subsequently placed his hand on the doorknob, pushed down slightly, and the originally unopenable warehouse door opened readily.
A wave of aged, somewhat damp air spread out, and Lanci also stepped in.
A quick glance around the room revealed Hyperion and Talia guarding a man who was bound to a chair; presumably, the suspect.
But that wasn’t important. What was important were—
The looks on their faces.
Hyperion appeared to be in good mental shape and mood, seemingly unharmed.
Talia also seemed more serene than expected, and didn’t show any signs of discontent due to Hyperion’s presence.
Their interaction seemed more harmonious than Lanci had anticipated, to the point where it inexplicably seemed they got along well.
"Lanci, you’re here."
Hyperion walked up to him with a smile and said.
"Hmm, it’s a pity that I lost to Adams today."
Lanci gave a slightly embarrassed nod.
Immediately, Hyperion’s face became frozen.
If Lanci had won, she thought it was okay.
However, if Lanci lost so easily.
The severity of the problem may have gone beyond her imagination.
She didn’t want to go back to school.
At least she didn’t want to face Dean Loren tomorrow morning.
Talia glanced at the face of Hyperion and then at Lanci, but made no comment.
"Thank you, Tata."
Lanci then thanked Talia.
He didn’t expect Talia would be so easy-going this time.
It seemed that age brought some kind of human demeanor.
"..."
Talia stared at Lanci, not saying a word.
"But now that the traitor in the Arolan Royal Academy’s visiting team has been caught, Hyperion can return tonight."
Lanci looked at the unconscious Phoenix on the chair and spoke to Talia and Hyperion.
If they continued to stay, Lanci worried that being there would make Hyperion feel wronged and Talia to get angry.
However, Hyperion looked up and said,
"Lanci, I..."
She seemed to be hesitating, not knowing how to start.
If possible, she actually wanted to stay with Tata for a few more days.
But the idea was too embarrassing, and she couldn’t find an excuse.
Even if Miss Tata promised to teach her magic, it doesn’t mean she has to live at Miss Tata’s house.
"Let her stay a few more days here, so as to avoid any accidents."
Talia said in a flat voice,
"After all, according to the contract, she should stay with me for two weeks."
She emphasized her point in a business-like manner.
"...!"
This caught Hyperion by surprise and she was moved as she looked at her.
If Miss Tata was only following the agreement previously, then now she really was considering her feelings.
"Hyperion, what do you say?"
Lanci naturally had no objection.
If Talia could get along well with Hyperion, it would be extremely beneficial to his future plans for [Ju Ai Corporation].
Upon thinking deep, Talia had always been this way, she never tried to take advantage of someone in a deal, if promised to protect for two weeks, she would do so.
"If Miss Tata doesn’t mind, I’d like to stay here for a little longer." 𝑛𝘰𝑣𝑝𝑢𝑏.𝘤𝑜𝘮
Hyperion looked at Talia, hesitating a little, and mumbled.
"But I’ll be going to school in the meantime."
Hyperion added,
Next, she would be back to school and take over the student council work.
She didn’t dare let Lanci out of her sight, or else something might go wrong at Ichrite Academy while she was on a two-week vacation.
"Then I’ll pick you up and drop you off at school each day," Talia nodded and said.
"Thank you then."
Upon hearing this, Lanci let out a sigh of relief.
With Talia’s protection, Hyperion’s safety was undoubtedly ensured.
But their conversation made Lanci felt it was like a mother sending her kid to elementary school,
That was weird, this couldn’t be Talia’s plan to take over the Ducal family by acting as a mother, right?
