Chapter 1042 Uncomfortable Nephew
Chapter 1042 Uncomfortable Nephew
Her skin was exceptionally fair, almost flawless beneath the light. It possessed none of the artificial perfection that came from supernatural enhancement. Instead, it was the natural beauty of someone blessed with outstanding genes.
Her face was delicate yet mature. High cheekbones complemented a slender jawline while her nose was straight and elegant. Her lips possessed a natural softness that made her gentle smiles appear particularly warm.
Unlike many women who preferred long hair, Mia kept hers short. The dark hair ended just above her shoulders, framing her face perfectly and emphasizing her graceful neck.
The style suited her surprisingly well, making her appear both mature and sophisticated.
She was also tall. Not quite Michael's height, but still noticeably taller than most women. Her figure was elegantly curved, neither exaggerated nor lacking.
Every proportion seemed balanced, creating a sense of natural grace whenever she moved.
There was a quiet maturity to her appearance.
Countless women in the Federation were beautiful. Many were even objectively more stunning due to supernatural enhancement. Yet Mia possessed something rarer.
Warmth. The kind of beauty that made a house feel like a home.
For a brief moment, Brian found himself staring longer than was appropriate before quickly recovering his composure.
Aunt Mia, on the other hand, felt slightly flustered beneath Brian's polite gaze. Thankfully, she maintained her composure.
"I hope Michael has not been causing you too much trouble."
Michael's eyelid twitched. "Aunt."
Brian paused. Then, almost instinctively, a faint smile appeared on his face. "Not at all."
Michael looked at him silently.
Brian continued with a perfectly calm expression. "Michael is one of the most talented students I have ever taught."
That was true. Whether he was troublesome or not was a completely different matter. Though, since when had Teacher Brian started teaching him anything?
Aunt Mia smiled with visible pride. "I am glad to hear that."
Michael felt the atmosphere heading in a direction he did not particularly like. So he coughed lightly. "Let's sit first."
Aunt Mia nodded and turned toward the kitchen. "I will get something for our guest."
"There is no need to trouble yourself," Brian said quickly.
"It is no trouble at all," Aunt Mia replied with a smile. Then she left.
Brian watched her leave for only half a second before looking away naturally.
Unfortunately for him, Michael had noticed.
The room became quiet. Michael slowly turned his gaze toward Brian. Brian looked back calmly. For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Michael's eyes narrowed slightly. "Teacher."
Brian's expression did not change. "Yes?"
Michael stared at him. Brian stared back. The silence lasted for several seconds.
Then Michael finally sat down. "…Nothing."
Brian also sat across from him.
Moments later, Aunt Mia returned carrying a tray. "Sorry for the wait."
"You really didn't have to," Brian said.
"It is fine," Aunt Mia replied.
She set the cups down before taking a seat opposite them.
This was the first time she had been this close with one of Michael's instructors. She was very curious.
For a few moments, the conversation remained normal. At least it started that way.
"So, Teacher Brian," Mia asked politely. "What exactly do you teach?"
Brian smiled. "Combat."
Mia blinked. "Just combat?"
"Mostly combat."
Michael lowered his head and quietly drank his tea.
"That sounds dangerous," Mia said.
Brian nodded. "It can be."
"Do you get injured often?"
"Occasionally."
Aunt Mia frowned. "That's unfortunate."
Brian's smile widened slightly. "It comes with the job."
Michael suddenly had a strange feeling. A very strange feeling.
Then Aunt Mia asked another question. "Are you married? Your line of work must make your family worry."
Michael nearly choked on his tea.
Brian remained calm. "No, I am not married. Well, I was before, but she passed away."
"I see." Aunt Mia nodded thoughtfully.
Michael slowly lowered his cup. Why was this conversation happening?
"Any children?"
"…No."
"Busy career?"
"Very."
"I understand."
Michael looked from one adult to the other. Neither appeared embarrassed. In fact, both looked strangely comfortable. Meanwhile, he felt increasingly uncomfortable.
Brian politely returned the questioning. "And you, Madam Mia?"
Aunt Mia smiled. "Also single."
Michael closed his eyes. Why? Why was he sitting here?
"Life has been busy," Mia continued. "Raising children leaves very little free time."
Brian nodded. "I can imagine."
"You don't have children though."
"No."
"Then how can you imagine?"
Brian opened his mouth. Paused. Then laughed. Aunt Mia laughed as well.
Michael stared at the ceiling. What was this conversation?
Several minutes passed. The two adults somehow moved from discussing work to discussing cooking, then from cooking to gardening, then from gardening to travel. The strangest part was that they seemed to genuinely enjoy talking to each other.
At one point Brian mentioned visiting a coastal city. Aunt Mia immediately responded.
"Oh, I have always wanted to visit one."
Brian smiled. "Perhaps one day you should."
Michael immediately sat up. "No."
Both adults turned toward him. Michael realized what he had just said.
"…I mean." The room became silent. "Nothing."
Aunt Mia looked confused. Brian's lips twitched. The older man suddenly seemed to be enjoying himself far too much.
Michael could already feel a headache forming.
Finally he stood. "Teacher."
Brian looked up. "Yes?"
"I just remembered why you came here."
Brian raised an eyebrow. "You did?"
"Yes." Michael nodded firmly. "Important academy business."
"There is?"
"There is now."
Aunt Mia seemed to realize she had indeed gotten carried away. A faint smile appeared on her face before she excused herself.
Michael's headache immediately worsened.
After Aunt Mia excused herself, the atmosphere in the room finally returned to normal. At least for Michael. For Brian, that was debatable.
The moment Mia disappeared upstairs, Michael immediately looked at his teacher. Brian calmly sipped his tea.
"…Teacher."
"Yes?"
Michael stared at him. Brian stared back.
Eventually, Michael gave up.
A few minutes later, the conversation finally shifted to more relevant matters.
"The operation was a success," Brian said. There was visible satisfaction in his voice. "We achieved far more than expected."
Michael became interested. "Oh?"
Brian nodded. "Several demonic strongholds were destroyed. Multiple Rank 4 enemies were eliminated and a large amount of their infrastructure was wiped out."
For a moment, a cold light flashed through his eyes. "They will recover eventually. They always do. But not anytime soon."
Michael understood immediately. "How long?"
Brian leaned back slightly. "Based on current estimates, the Federation should enjoy close to two years of relative peace."
Michael raised an eyebrow. Two years was indeed a meaningful window.
Brian continued. "The damage was not merely physical. Their manpower, resources, and influence networks all suffered heavily."
"Good," Michael replied honestly. The fewer demonic supernaturals causing trouble, the better.
The two continued discussing a few academy matters afterward before the conversation finally came to a close.
Soon, Michael escorted Brian toward the front door. "Thanks for visiting, Teacher."
Brian smiled. "Try attending the academy before everyone starts thinking you have dropped out."
Michael coughed awkwardly. "I will consider it."
Brian laughed.
As he stepped outside, his gaze unconsciously drifted toward one of the upstairs windows. Michael immediately noticed.
"…Teacher."
Brian looked innocent. "Yes?"
"Goodbye."
Brian smiled. "Goodbye, Michael."
A few moments later, Michael watched the man disappear into the distance before slowly turning his gaze toward the second-floor window.
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