After Louise''s enthusiastic wee, Analise took the initiative, gently guiding the frozen Louise back into the room with a warm smile directed my way.


    Badump!


    The rhythmic sound of my heart betraying its elerated pace echoed in my ears.


    It was an undeniable truth; my heart raced every time I saw Analise. Reflecting on the situation, I realized that this was the first time Analise and I had crossed paths since Aria took her away.


    As I approached the room, ready to rejoin the unfolding scenario, my attention was diverted by a stunning woman standing just around the corner.


    Her white hair shimmered in the room''s light, and her gentle sky-blue eyes held a mixture of relief, confusion, and happiness as they met mine. Elena, her lips curved into a smile, approached me with purpose.


    However, as Elena neared, her gaze shifted toward Aria, who still clung to my side. With a sudden and unexpected gesture, Elena smirked at Aria before initiating a passionate kiss that left everyone in the room—including the revived Louise on the couch—in stunned silence.


    The kiss lingered for a solid 30 seconds beforeing to an end. Aria, taken aback, emitted a shocked gasp, and the room was filled with an air of tension.


    Elena''s triumphant smirk spoke volumes as she surveyed the reactions of the girls in the room. The light in the eyes of Louise, Aria, and even the typically gentle Analise seemed to dim


    ….


    After our initial greetings and the unexpected kiss between Elena and Aria, we all settled into our respective seats.


    Analise, despite my protestations, had taken it upon herself to prepare something in the kitchen, insisting that it would be just light snacks.


    Grateful for her care, I expressed my thanks, though my attention quickly shifted to the brewing tension between Elena and Aria.


    As we took our seats, the room seemed poised for a calm reunion, but the atmosphere took an unexpected turn when Elena voiced her annoyance at Aria''s choice of seating.


    Aria, unfazed and wearing a smug expression, responded defiantly. The two women locked eyes, and the room became a battlefield for their unspoken rivalry.


    "Hey, why do you get to sit there?" Elena eximed, her frustration palpable.


    Aria, still seatedfortably next to me on the couch, shot back.


    "What''s wrong with me sitting here?" Her smugness added fuel to the mes of their disagreement, and the room echoed with the rising tension between them.


    The verbal sparring continued, their voices ovepping in a heated exchange that left me sighing in resignation.


    I had envisioned a warm wee and perhaps some serious discussions upon my return, but instead, I found myself caught in the crossfire of an unexpected argument.


    The dynamics in the room had shifted dramatically, and the once-harmonious reunion now hung in the bnce, teetering on the edge of discord.


    While I had hoped for a smooth transition into the heart of the matters at hand, it seemed that the unresolved tensions between Elena and Aria were destined to take center stage.


    Amidst the escting tension between Elena and Aria, I couldn''t help but steal nces at Louise, who was sitting quietly but with an intense gaze fixed on me.


    It was evident that she harbored questions that needed answers, and the ongoing dispute between the two women seemed to be the only thing holding her back from voicing them.


    Our eyes met, and for a brief moment, Louise''s face brightened, but soon she blushed and covered herself up.


    I couldn''t shake the feeling that her choice of attire, a seductive dress that added an unexpectedyer ofplexity to the already tense atmosphere, wasn''t entirely coincidental.


    ''Why did she even wear that in the first ce?''


    ….


    "We''re finally here!" M eximed with infectious enthusiasm as they stepped onto the bustling academy grounds. Despite thete hour, themercial district of the academy, sprawling and reminiscent of an entire city, remained vibrant and illuminated, casting a sparkling glow in the night.


    "Hey, boss, we''re finally here!" M called out once more, attempting to rouse Siena from her apparent daze.


    "Boss!" M''s second attempt at grabbing Siena''s attention was apanied by a louder shout. The abrupt volume caught the notice of people passing by, prompting a brief moment of curious nces. M quickly offered apologetic smiles to the onlookers.


    "Oh, uh, yes. It seems we''re here," Siena responded, her voice tinged with mild surprise as she scanned her surroundings. Her preupied mind had failed to register their entrance into the academy, as M had practically dragged her here while she was lost in her own thoughts.


    The lively atmosphere of the academy district beckoned, and Siena''s attention gradually shifted from her internal musings to the vibrant scene unfolding around her.


    The academy, with its towering structures and animated streets, seemed to pulse with energy, ready to envelop them in the unique experiences and challenges that awaited within its walls.


    "Boss, please stop that! It''s already been more than a week, and you''re still thinking about something"


    "And didn''t you say you wanted to meet your disciple to begin with?"


    M dered, her tone a mix of frustration and concern.


    She red at Siena, who appeared lost in thought and out of ce. Siena let out a sigh, acknowledging M''s reaction and feeling a twinge of apologetic guilt for her prolonged introspection.


    M''s straightforward reminder jolted Siena back to the present.


    She realized that dwelling on her thoughts about the past week served no purpose.


    Though she harbored curiosity about how someone became a hero, she acknowledged that it wasn''t necessarily a bad thing.


    With a determined smile, Siena approached the smaller M and gently patted her head.


    "Sorry, M. Haha, how about we try that barbecue ce over there?" Siena suggested, pointing to a nearby establishment.


    The scent of sizzling delicacies wafted through the air, enticing both of them. Siena''s attempt to lighten the mood with the promise of a delicious meal seemed to soften M''s lingering disapproval.


    Although M retained a hint of curiosity, the mention of the barbecue ce, coupled with the irresistible aroma that now enveloped them, proved too tempting.


    M''s saliva intensified at the thought of the mouthwatering dishes awaiting them.


    Unable to resist the allure of a shared culinary adventure, M couldn''t help but cave in and ept Siena''s nonchnt yet effective way of extending an apology.


    "A barbecue ce won''t be enough for all the hardships you''ve brought me this past week, and I''m even injured to begin with" M dered, pointing to the bandage wrapped around her neck.


    The weariness and frustration in her voice were palpable, and Siena couldn''t help but feel a pang of guilt as she recognized the truth in M''s words. Siena had indeed been a source of trouble for herpanion throughout the past week.


    "I know, M. I know," Siena admitted, her tone carrying a sense of remorse. The acknowledgment of her own shorings hung in the air.


    Siena''s presence had undeniably added challenges andplications to M''s life, and the bandage served as a visible reminder of the toll it had taken on her.


    Feeling a responsibility to make amends and lift M''s spirits, Siena suggested.


    "How about we try every stall here?" Her proposal was an attempt to offer a variety of culinary delights to make up for the hardships M had endured.


    Siena hoped that the prospect of exploring and indulging in different stalls might bring a spark of excitement to M''s eyes.


    Hearing Siena''s suggestion, M couldn''t help but smile. Despite her attempt to hide it, a yful grin tugged at her lips as she feigned a frown and replied.


    "I-if you say so" M''s reaction betrayed the delight she felt at the prospect of sampling a wide array of treats from the various stalls.


    Observing M''s adorable response, Siena couldn''t help but smile in return.


    "I wonder how that dear disciple of mine is doing right now," Siena mused, her thoughts drifting to the one who had trained under her guidance.


    Despite the lingering concern for her disciple, Siena decided to immerse herself in the experiences the academy had to offer that evening, apanied by M.


    The two of them meandered through the vibrant academy grounds, indulging in the diverse culinary offerings and relishing the lively atmosphere.


    Laughter, enticing aromas, and the bustling energy of the night enveloped them as they allowed themselves to be carried away by the festivities.


    As the night progressed, Siena found herself drawn to the allure of a casino, where she tested her luck amid the vibrant array of games.


    The clinking of coins, the hum of conversation, and the asional cheers filled the air.


    Despite the lightheartedness of the atmosphere, Siena found herself losing track of time and, as a consequence, losing at the casino.


    Apanied by M, who was eventually caught up in the excitement, by forcing her to y many times, they eventually decided to call it a night.


    The two of them sought refuge in a modest inn, opting for a budget-friendly amodation to rest their weary bodies.


    As Sienay down to sleep, the events of the night swirled in her mind.


    The revelry, the indulgence, and the shared experiences with M created a tapestry of memories. However, the following day brought an unwee surprise.


    With a groggy head and a mouthful of nagging reminders of the previous night''s indulgence, Siena woke up to the consequences of her escapade at the casino.


    As she rubbed her temples, she couldn''t help but chuckle at the antics of the night before.


    She turned to face M, her gaze serious and unwavering. M, noticing the intensity in Siena''s eyes, immediately focused her attention on her mentor, ready to hear what Siena had to say.


    "We''re broke" Siena dered, her voice carrying a weight of reality. With a dramatic gesture, she moved her hand up and down, indicating the emptiness of her pockets.


    M couldn''t even find words to say to her and pped Siena, but all it gave her was a bruised palm though.


    ''Oh Goddess, please help me!''