Chapter 694: Arlene’s Heart

Third Person’s POV

"Remember, Aurelia, there is nothing noble about a person simply because they possess power and prestige.

One’s sense of righteousness and integrity is innate.

It is not something decided by their level of power or authority."

Ethan suddenly spoke in a calm voice, causing both women to look at him in surprise.

For a moment, they simply stared at him.

Despite his young age, there was a strange weight and maturity behind those words, almost as though an experienced elder was speaking through the young man standing before them.

The contrast created a slight sense of incongruity in their hearts.

Aurelia nodded slowly, a faint understanding appearing on her face, while Eleanor remained thoughtful, quietly considering his words.

"Even though Shixea tried everything she could, I managed to reach a stalemate with her through the mystic facade I put in front of her about my identity and background, and by giving her proof of my strength."

Ethan paused briefly before continuing.

"But another unexpected variable appeared after I directly met that Headmaster Dominic, the very next day after my lopsided deal with Shixea."

The instant he mentioned Dominic’s name, Eleanor’s eyelashes quivered slightly.

Ethan noticed the subtle reaction but did not point it out.

He simply continued speaking.

"He managed to get a vague sense of Shixea’s scheme and invited me to join his side.

And it happened because the very secrecy surrounding my true identity, which would have allowed me to act in accordance with Shixea’s scheme, became meaningless in front of him."

Ethan suddenly turned his gaze toward his mother, his eyes becoming sharp.

"Do you know what that factor was, Mother?"

Aurelia looked at Eleanor in confusion.

She had not expected Ethan to suddenly direct the question toward his mother, but Eleanor’s answer caused her eyes to become melancholic as she said,

"Yes. It’s because he knew about your true identity and the fact that you are my son.

Your mention about you hailing from Dark North City most likely confirmed his suspicion."

Ethan continued looking at her, seemingly waiting for something more.

Eleanor noticed his expectant gaze and sighed softly.

"As for how he came to know about this... well, it’s a long story.

If I tell you concisely, it was basically because of my desperation to find you."

Her expression became somewhat complicated as she recalled those years.

"He was the best opportunity I encountered during my search for you, and since he also needed me for a task, we made a deal... or a transaction of sorts."

"But you didn’t expect that he would renege on his end of the deal, did you, Mother?"

Ethan sighed as he continued.

"He was the same.

He intended to use the fact that he knew about my family to make me do his bidding.

I also suspect that he was the one behind me not discovering the two of you in the academy’s square this morning, and the fact that we only managed to catch a glimpse of each other in the end moment during the realm teleportation."

His eyes narrowed slightly as he recalled the events.

"After thinking about it carefully, I realized that he wanted me to switch sides and join Arlene rather than remain with Erius.

Most likely, he also told her about you two and your connection to me, while also giving her your aura signatures."

Ethan paused for a moment before giving a faint, almost amused smile.

"Frankly, his plan worked.

Erius abandoned me, and I am now in Arlene’s party."

The smile on his face disappeared, replaced by a more thoughtful expression.

"But there was one thing he didn’t account for."

Eleanor’s expression changed.

She was already shocked and enraged by Ethan’s multi layered conjecture, and although she suspected that his reasoning was most likely correct, she forced down her rage at the old headmaster and asked calmly,

"And what was that?"

"He didn’t account for Arlene’s heart."

"Arlene’s heart?"

Both Eleanor and Aurelia looked confused.

Ethan’s answer had been so vague that neither of them understood what he meant.

Seeing their reactions, Ethan smiled and explained.

"He didn’t expect the fact that Arlene isn’t the type to use others purely for her own benefit like him and that bitch Shixea."

There was a faint brightness in Ethan’s crimson eyes as he spoke about Arlene.

"I had talked to her before, and despite being a princess, I felt that she was a kind girl, especially toward people who have been her allies or those she has developed a good impression of."

The moment Eleanor and Aurelia noticed the brightness in Ethan’s eyes and the warmth in his voice whenever he spoke about Arlene, their expressions subtly changed.

Both women felt a sudden irritation.

What was so good about this Arlene?

Eleanor managed to conceal her feelings beneath a calm expression, but Aurelia wasn’t nearly as successful.

Her reaction was immediately visible on her face.

Ethan noticed it.

"You don’t believe me, Aurelia?"

"N-No, when did I say that?"

Aurelia became visibly flustered.

Seeing her reaction, Ethan couldn’t help but laugh.

"Do you know the reason I was able to arrive in time to save you both today?"

Hearing his question, both women’s eyes widened.

Eleanor was the first to understand what he was implying.

"Could it be...?"

"Yes."

Ethan nodded. ℯℯ𝑙.

"The moment she sensed that you two were in danger, she immediately contacted me through the soul-linking treasure I gave her and informed me of your rough location."

His expression became slightly more serious.

"She didn’t realize it, but at that moment, I was able to judge her emotions through the soul-linking treasure since I am its owner, and what I sensed wasn’t some cold, calculating desire to use me for her own benefit."

His gaze softened slightly.

"I felt her genuine desire to help the two of you and me."

He paused before continuing.

"And do you know one thing, Aurelia?

Just for this reason alone, I will aid her with my full support against her enemies, Erius and Shixea.

Well, I am not losing out in helping her, as they are my enemies anyway."