The midday sun streamed through the grand windows of Stellar Academy's private lounge, bathing the room in soft yet imposing light. Alya sat upright in one of the stiff, ornate chairs, with Kris seated beside her, calm but alert. Across from them stood Stella, her expression cool and detached, and Lucas, who radiated a stern seriousness.
Stella: (flatly) "The Celestia family… naturally belongs in Class S. Your performance in the exam was impressive, as expected."
Alya nodded curtly, accustomed to Stella's formal demeanor in public. Kris remained silent, his gaze fixed on Lucas.
Lucas: (in a low, sharp tone) "While your skills are commendable, both of you still lack real-world experience. Yesterday's exam should have been a crucial lesson. Remember, you're not just competing with others—you're competing with yourselves."
Alya and Kris exchanged glances, absorbing the weight of his words. Kris nodded firmly, taking Lucas's advice to heart.
Lucas: (turning to Stella) "Excuse me, Miss Stella. May I speak with Kris privately for a moment?"
Stella: (still flatly) "Go ahead."
Lucas and Kris exited the room with measured steps, leaving Alya alone with Stella. The moment the door closed, the atmosphere shifted entirely. Stella's icy expression melted, and she quickly moved to embrace Alya tightly.
Stella: (with deep concern) "Alya! I was so worried about you. Thank goodness we secured the contract with the Star Guardian, or I don't know what might have happened!"
Alya smiled faintly, used to Stella's dramatic shifts in demeanor.
Alya: (chuckling softly) "I'm fine, Master. Thank you for everything."
Alya then looked at her mentor with a curious glint in her eyes.
Alya: (hesitantly) "Master… there's something I've been wondering. Why are you so interested in Raka? You even helped him during the entrance exam and gave him that expensive custom weapon. I know he's my brother, but… what's your real reason?"
Stella grinned and let out a soft laugh, her face radiating a warmth rarely seen by others.
Stella: (gently) "Alya, just knowing he's your brother was enough to pique my curiosity. You talk about him constantly—like he's the only thing on your mind."
Alya's face flushed, embarrassed that her mentor had noticed.
Stella: (continuing softly) "But more than that, Alya, I want to see you happy. You'd feel better if your brother is happy and close to you, wouldn't you? Even if, unfortunately, he couldn't be in the same class as you."
Hearing this, Alya felt a deep swell of emotion. Tears welled up in her eyes, and without hesitation, she hugged Stella tightly.
Alya: (voice trembling) "Thank you, Master… thank you so much. This means everything to me."
Stella returned the embrace with equal affection. After a moment, she pulled back but held Alya's face in her hands.
Stella: (pinching Alya's cheeks into a smile) "Be happy, Alya. I helped your brother because you've worked hard and deserve this. Consider it a small gift from me."
Alya chuckled, her face looking silly with her cheeks pinched, but her heart was full of joy.
Alya: (smiling sincerely) "I'll work even harder, Master."
Stella beamed with pride, her heart swelling at the sight of her earnest disciple.
Alya left the room with a lighter heart, but when she saw Kris waiting outside with a bruise on his cheek, she smirked, knowing exactly what had happened.
Alya: (teasing lightly) "Heh? Did you spar with Lucas again?"
Kris: (narrowing his eyes, glaring at Alya before noticing her reddened cheeks) "Did the Saintess force you to smile again?"
Alya chuckled, feeling a slight ache in her cheeks from Stella's earlier pinching.
Alya: (tapping her cheek) "They really should hold back a little so they don't leave marks, right?"
Kris: (nodding in agreement) "Agreed."
Once their laughter subsided, Kris took a deep breath and returned to his formal demeanor.
Kris: (seriously) "Miss Alya, I actually came here to deliver a message from the Master. The Temple Council has sent word for you."
Alya's eyes narrowed immediately, her expression turning serious.
Alya: (displeased) "A message from the Temple Council?! It seems they want to meddle in my life again. I'll listen while we walk!"
Kris: (nodding respectfully) "Understood, Miss Alya."
They began walking toward the dormitory, with Kris at Alya's side, ready to explain the important message that might alter the course of Alya's life.
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[To Be Continued]