Chapter 224
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Chapter 224
Reality didn’t let her think for too long. Sylas hesitated and raised her head, her emerald eyes causing her heart to pound like a drum.
Sylas quickly lowered her head, her eyelashes fluttering like a hesitant butterfly. But soon, she raised her head again.
Before the archmage’s heart could calm down, it was pulled back into the heights once more.
But Sylas’s eyes lowered again. Xerath realized that maybe Sylas had something to say and gently asked, "Hmm?"
Sylas seemed greatly encouraged by this very subtle and yet inexplicable sound. Suddenly, she lifted her head and just stared at her, not saying anything.
Xerath patiently waited, as time slipped away. There had been many moments like this between them, where they unknowingly stared at each other without realizing time passing.
It is the same now.
In the year that Sylas was away, the scent in her room gradually faded. Every morning when Xerath woke up, she couldn’t help but doubt if the "correct" scent of the beast she now perceived was truly Sylas’s own scent.
But… now she held her little beast in her hands, and the enchanting scent coming from it matched her memory, which put her at ease. However, this activated a series of habits – she was used to smelling Sylas’s scent and longing for a hug, and hoping for more intimate contact.
In the past, it was just a thought, but now she had the opportunity – the best opportunity ever. Everyone around her was huddled together, some embracing, some kissing. The lights almost didn’t exist, only a few hundreds of firefly-like orbs floating around in the vast space. Sylas was right there in her arms, lying obediently, even raising her delicate little face. There were so many people, it could even pass off as accidental touches after being bumped into.
She slowly lowered her head.
What’s even more dangerous was that Sylas was unknowingly getting closer, her arm sliding onto Xerath’s shoulder, giving the illusion that she would wrap it around her neck any minute now. As a result, Xerath instinctively tightened her arm.
"Comrade, you’re hurting me."
"Shh!" Luna’s eyes blinked without pause. "It’s about to happen… Sylas is so daring, actually taking the initiative to get closer? I knew Kuowa wouldn’t have taught her anything good in the activity room."
Jane nodded absentmindedly.
In her opinion, Sylas was indeed reckless. Her restless, looking-around eyes made it obvious to even the most clueless person what she was up to. If it wasn’t for the archmage’s shameless indulgence, she would have been exposed long ago!
However, Xerath persistently held her tenderly, allowing her to look around in her embrace. Finally, she bravely leaned closer.
As long as they were a bit closer, their lips would touch. The tension at this moment was no less than that of exam results being announced. Jane held her breath uncontrollably. In fact, they were both holding each other’s hands, only the pain confirmed that this moment was not a dream.
Sylas couldn’t even determine if this was a dream or not, but whatever it was, Xerath’s face was just inches away. She could smell the sweet breath she exhaled, and she could even feel the warmth emanating from her lips.
This didn’t feel fake at all. This… this hinted that her desire could soon be fulfilled…
But suddenly, the lights brightened, and hundreds of light bulbs returned to their normal brightness. The hall became resplendent in gold and jade. The previously silent pool revealed a full symphony orchestra, playing a joyful and impassioned tune. The host, Miss Viper, (also their dance teacher) happily announced, "The farewell party ends here. Remember the rationality and perseverance that Star Song Castle has taught you, and continue to work hard in your future lives just like you did in school!"
Unable to bear it, Sylas raised a hand to shield her eyes and complained, "What is all this for, anyway?"
Xerath’s heart suddenly filled with anger, disturbed from her sleep. Then, she turned her head in embarrassment, wondering: What was I even doing?
"Teacher…"
Xerath sighed and interrupted her, saying, "Pick up your luggage, let’s go home."
Suddenly, she felt exhausted, turned around and walked towards the entrance of the auditorium. The flattering wind had another chance to flatter, and the cold and chilly strong wind unconsciously made way for the crowd. Hyectra, who appeared out of thin air, rolled up Titus, who was enjoying the deluxe treatment of being fed grapes by beautiful women. Sylas anxiously followed Xerath’s footsteps, trying to figure out if she had made her angry, but her hand was suddenly grabbed by Xerath.
The archmage’s pace was as decisive as ever, and just when Sylas felt a little relieved, Xerath suddenly let go of her hand, leaving her heart hanging again.
Luckily, Xerath just shook off the mage’s robe on her hand and put it on herself. Even when putting on the sleeves and buttoning up, she didn’t pause at all. The wind caused by the flipping robe slightly dissipated the heat on Sylas’s face. However, this was just a drop in the bucket. When Xerath grabbed her hand again, her face became hot once more.
When the water lords walked out of the school with their bags, the sky was already completely dark. The night breeze couldn’t quickly cool down the restless little creatures. Sylas loosened her tie, unbuttoned one button, and then unbuttoned another.
Xerath might have heard a change in her breathing rate, so she turned around and glanced at her. Seeing Sylas looking at her innocently, she sighed and furrowed her brows in annoyance.
Coming down the long slope in front of Star Song Castle, they arrived at the guild’s entrance. The teleportation array to Withered Leaf City had not been closed yet, so they were able to return to Aimekotes on time.
After the blue glow of the portal completely disappeared, the library was pitch black. The starry sky, which was translucently blue, was even brighter than inside the house. The constant sound of the wind reminded Sylas that she had finally returned here.
"Teacher…"
"…hmm?"
The old teacher didn’t immediately turn on the lights in the library. He seemed lost in thought in the darkness and even when he answered, he seemed absent-minded. Sylas whispered, "I’m back."
"…hmm." Xerath responded indifferently, taking her hand again and leading her back to her room.
Xerath had already tidied up before leaving. She probably wouldn’t be home for a week before today. Titus was being taken care of outside. Before leaving, she changed the sheets, duvet covers, and pillows, and took her clothes back to her room.
When she returned to this room with Sylas, she realized that this behavior was actually quite sick and shouldn’t be like this. It was simply low, weak, and disgusting. Someone should have stopped her.
Especially her young apprentice, who was totally unaware and looking at her with a pure and admiring gaze.
"What’s wrong?" She leaned against the door.
"…nothing." Sylas sadly lowered her head. All the way, she thought about the interrupted romantic moment, even naively thinking they could continue it in the open space of the library.
She wanted to invite him to speak, but she didn’t know how to start.
Each opening line seemed like a typical plot in a novel, revealing hidden intentions.
"It’s almost eleven o’clock, let’s take a shower and go to bed."
"…And you?"
Xerath felt a bit strange about this question and replied, "Of course, I’m also getting ready to sleep. Do you remember when you asked if my dance partner was tired? I even loosened my tie and unbuttoned two buttons on my shirt. It feels much cooler now."
But then, both of them spontaneously remembered the moment when Xerath wiped away the sweat that dripped down her cheek. Xerath hadn’t forgotten the touch of the smooth cheek, and the one whose fingers did the wiping hadn’t forgotten either.
Sylas nervously swallowed and took off her jacket with her back turned to Xerath. But she was afraid that if she came out, she wouldn’t be able to see Xerath again, so she leaned against the door and hesitated to go inside.
"What’s wrong?"
"Um… I don’t want to be alone." Sylas said boldly.
Xerath walked over to sit down on the sofa that was almost exclusively hers, and smiling, she said, "Alright, I’ll wait for you here."
Sylas immediately had a satisfied smile and ran into the bathroom with a thud thud thud.
Xerath closed her eyes and listened to the rushing water, deeply reflecting on the unusual events of the day. "This is not right, none of this is right," she thought. The joy had clouded her mind, causing her to forget the boundaries she should have kept. She had initially only wanted to kiss her on the forehead. Then she wanted to hug her, and with boldness, she took Sylas away from everyone who tried to covet her. In the end, she wanted a kiss, and because it was just a kiss, she wanted to carry it out in the darkness.
No, it can’t be like this. Sylas needs to have her own judgment, her own choice.
Xerath stood up, wanting to quietly leave. But after taking two steps, it felt as if her heart was being torn apart, as if with each step, she was ripping the toxic weeds that had taken root in her heart.
She hesitated, thinking that the act of pulling should be more violent in order to cause less pain. But she couldn’t make up her mind. In a dilemma, she made a pact with herself, "If I satisfy one wish, I will leave immediately."
But what should be used as a reward? Xerath’s gaze fell on the bathroom door.
The door had a gap, Sylas hadn’t fully closed it. Xerath knocked on the door, but there was no response. When she pushed the door open, Sylas was hunched over the sink, resting her head on her arm, lost in thought.
When she saw Xerath come in, she was startled and almost jumped up. Nervousness left her speechless. But at the same time, her skin longed for touch so much that it hurt, even the slight ripple of water made her uncomfortable.
She came in… for… for… the scene she had once imagined, right?
Sylas looked at her in a dazed manner, watching her getting closer and closer.
Xerath walked over and sat beside her, gently tracing a finger across her upper arm. Sylas stared at the finger, as if her whole soul wanted to break free from the traced mark and merge with her master.