Chapter 80 - Meeting Professor Deventhia
80 Chapter 80 - Meeting Professor Deventhia
Zeph's POV
As the spirit bird vanished into the distance, my attention shifted to the bathroom door. 'What was that? ' I wondered as felt killing intent from inside.
A sudden chill coursed through me making me realise my situation "Oh man, I'm only in my underwear it's really cold outside."
'Do your function properly, Zendal ' I commanded my portable heater to supply more mana as I don't want to get cold out of nowhere.
[M-master, but I...]
'Shut up and don't speak like you always do,'
I had more pressing matters at hand than engaging in conversation with an artifact, which was why I often used one of the clauses of our contract to mute them.
I swiftly changed into formal attire as the sun started to fall. It was a clear signal for me to meet someone who still had a promise to fulfill.
I couldn't afford to waste any more time now, I need to master mana technique, as I had already committed to give «Zendal» to diana.
Leaving the room, I didn't wait for Diana to exit the bathroom. I had to prevent any chance of losing my composure and teasing her once again.
.
.
.
Diana's POV
Exiting the bathroom, I immediately noticed Zephyr's absence in the room.
My initial thought was that he must have felt shy after realizing his state.
"Yes, that must be it,"
I thought to myself, deciding to forgive him this time.
I checked the time and saw that evening was approaching.
"It's time for my night training."
Staying true to my disciplined routine, I headed towards the training grounds to continue honing my skills as I always did.
********
Zeph proceeded through the hallway and exited the dormitory building, originally with the intent to meet Professor Adriannel.
However, as he reached the grounds connecting the main building and the dorm rooms, he couldn't help but notice the presence of Professor Deventhia and Valeriana Hedrian.
Approaching the two, he greeted Professor Deventhia with politeness, saying, "Greetings, Professor."
Then, he turned his attention towards Valeriana and added, "It's a pleasant coincidence to see you here, Ariana." n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
Professor Deventhia, who had already noticed his approach, responded with a warm smile. However, her eyes widened upon hearing her niece's nickname.
"Oh my~, Valeriana, it's really a nice name you got there,"
Deventhia remarked, teasingly.
Valeriana shot a cold glare in Zeph's direction, her usual icy demeanor unchanged.
But then, suddenly her eyes narrowed as if she had come to a sudden realization.
Deventhia, who had been watching her niece's reactions, knew that Valeriana was using her unique abilities.
She waited to see how her typically stoic niece would respond, fully aware that it was highly unusual for her to let a boy use such a nickname.
"Yes, Zeph and I have become friends, so I told him to call me that," Valeriana explained calmly.
Professor Deventhia's eyes widened, and she turned her gaze toward Zeph, who had a visible frown on his face while looking at Valeriana.
'Don't tell me, is this for real? ' she mused. Her amusement was evident as she turned her attention back to her niece.
'My little girl has fallen into the trap of this trickster.'
Deventhia, with her exceptional abilities was already aware of the artifact that Zeph had been using since he arrived here.
She possessed the power to discern the truth, and she could have easily compelled Zeph to confess everything.
However, she refrained from doing so just because of her niece, more especially the niece she saw in future.
Deventhia's strength and insight were such that no illusion, not even one created by a dragon, could deceive her. She knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the memories shown by that egg was genuine.
Deventhia's concerns went beyond her own well-being; her primary duty was to protect the Hedrian Kingdom at any cost even if she had to sacrifice her own life. However, her deepest fear lay in the potential transformation of her beloved niece.
She dreaded the possibility of Valeriana becoming someone who indiscriminately slaughtered demons, regardless of their actions.
Deventhia possessed the unique ability to delve into people's minds, and she had observed individuals of the Saint realm concealing dark secrets and performing wicked deeds.
She had also seen inhabitants of the demon realm harboring memories of compassion and virtuous acts, So for her, the race one belongs to was just a facade.
As she gazed at her niece and then at Zeph, the anomaly in this equation which was absent in the future she saw, and through her abilities she knew atleast he was not evil.
At least, that much she knew.
However, she had no intention of simply handing her dear niece over to a swindler. Nevertheless, she chose to refrain from intervening at this moment.
Deventhia decided to let Zeph continue his efforts to win Valeriana's heart.
After all, Valeriana needed someone by her side who genuinely cared for her.
The true test of Zeph's character would come when he eventually ask for her niece's hand in marriage, and that was when Deventhia would assess him by her own methods.
Zeph, curious about Valeriana's reaction, shifted his gaze toward Professor Deventhia, 'Is she alright?' as he saw the sight of Deventhia wearing the most wicked smile he had ever seen, made his brow furrow.
"Cough... Zeph, I heard you're going to receive personal lessons from Professor Adriannel," Deventhia noted, feigning ignorance about everything else.
Still focused on Deventhia, Zeph replied, "Yes, Professor Adriannel will be teaching me about mana." He deliberately kept his attention away from Valeriana, who was now intently watching him as his mind was already doing all the work he needed to entangle her.
"Hm, that's good then. I hope you'll work hard and be diligent. He's the best teacher you'll find for mana," Professor Deventhia advised.
"I'll keep that in mind,"
Zeph responded with a bow before taking his leave.
He had contemplated informing her that he knew Professor Adriannel better than anyone, but he held back, taking into account Deventhia Hedrian herself.
It will be stupid of him to play mind games in front of her.
*********
Valeriana's POV
As I engaged in a discussion with my Aunt about some runic theory, I noticed Zeph approaching us. I didn't find it unusual, given that Aunt was here too.
Zeph greeted Aunt and then turned his attention to me, saying, "It's a pleasant coincidence to see you here, Ariana."
I was ready to tell him not to use that nickname again when suddenly I heard his thoughts.
"'Professor Deventhia asked me to look after Valeriana, but I can't always be with her due to my studies hope she might get upset about me using her nickname."
What?
Did Aunt actually tell him to take care of me?
Why did I need others to take care of me?
'I knew it' a sudden realisation came into my mind understanding the motive he had to try avoiding accompanying me, I intensely looked towards him ,'he's smarter than he looks'.
He's trying to hide some secrets from me by avoiding any contact and relation but why?
Not wanting to let his goal fulfilled, I turned my gaze towards Aunt and decided to accept Zeph as my friend.
There, I noticed his visibly frowning face and felt satisfied with his reaction.
When Aunt asked him about Professor Adriannel , I heard his thoughts, making me confused before a sudden surge of emotion rise in my heart as I understand meaning behind them, 'What is this all about!? '
"' This time I will protect Professor Deventhia even if I have to sacrifice my life "'
WANT YANDERE!!!, NO HAREM