Chapter 409: You don’t have to [2]

"You don’t have to worry about my plans."

Was I being honest?

I wasn’t.

But Sophie didn’t have to know that.

And my words seemed to have generated the intended effect, as Sophie’s eyes visibly widened, though the girl was pretty skilled in getting back her earlier composure.

Only someone with a keen eye could have noticed that, or at least I thought so.

Because from my peripheral vision I could see Diana smirking by herself... and her smirk, it could only mean one thing—

"Are you trying to manipulate and drill your good side into my mind?"

Huh?

Even before I knew it, I had already blinked my eyes in surprise, as Sophie stopped in her tracks before turning towards me, and taking a small step in my direction, thereby closing the distance between us to a mere few inches.

"I may not have seen the world for long, and yes... I may not be as smart and... strategic as you, but please... do not take me for a fool."

The words were spoken in a completely calm tone, devoid of any emotions whatsoever.

Looking at Sophie’s face, I couldn’t help but think to myself whether the girl standing before my eyes was truly the daughter of Arthur Dimitri—

"She’s interesting."

Sigh.

Diana was quick to add fuel to the fire, as she giggled softly, her voice... penetrating deep into my soul, and wearing off my already tired mind.

"Alright. I was just trying to make you feel comfortable, but well... it doesn’t really matter to me what you do in the academy or what you don’t. It’s your life, and you have the right to decide for yourself."

This time my voice had no hints of the earlier softness, as I uttered the words from the bottom of my heart or what was left of it.

Sophie didn’t reply, though the change in the expression on her face felt closer to her dismissing my words in their entirety.

"Just keep one thing in mind before acting out in any way."

I had tried to be polite with the girl out of ’respect’ for Arthur, but well... if she wanted it rough, then so be it.

"If your actions cause any hindrance to my ambition, then... your father will be the one who will pay for it."

"..."

"..."

Sophie’s eyes were narrowed as she observed me with barely contained rage in her eyes.

The girl indeed had the guts of steel, but that was it.

She may have the talent, but it hadn’t reached a level to surpass me, so... I didn’t really think I had any reason to take the kid seriously.

Even Diana stood silent by the side, while putting a stop to all her previous theatrics.

"I hope my intentions are clear to you."

Saying the words, I took the first step before heading towards the class.

There was no need for me to wait for Sophie, as just a moment later, I could sense her following me from behind.

She loved her father, and that meant... she didn’t really have much of a choice in the matter.

’That was cold.’

Hm?

A very familiar voice echoed in my head, prompting me to look at Diana, who simply smirked at me.

’No need to be so shocked, it’s a basic ability.’

This...

Was the girl able to read my thoughts—

’I can only hear the thoughts that you want me to. You just have to actively speak in your mind.’

The statement should have eased me, but I couldn’t help but feel a little concerned.

’I wasn’t being cold... I was just honest.’

This time I actively spoke the words in my mind, prompting Diana to nod her head.

Maybe... she had listened to my words.

Though being honest with myself... it felt a little creepy to have your thoughts read out.

"There would be a tournament soon, to elect the next student council president. Diana will help you to know all the factions that would be participating, and then you can decide to align with one of them—"

"Which faction are you in?"

I didn’t like to be interrupted, but well... I couldn’t be petty enough to get upset over it.

Slightly turning my head, I glanced back at Sophie, who soon increased her pace to match her steps with mine.

I thought the girl would stay silent for quite some time, after the... words that I had uttered, but well... she was indeed an adaptable one.

"Ashlyn Levaith... I have decided to make her the president."

Hearing the words, Sophie made some lip movements, which I believed was her way of letting Ashlyn’s name roll on her tongue—

"Hey—Kael!"

Hm?

Turning to the right—

"How may I help you, instructor?"

Somehow Zenur had appeared by my side, without me realizing his presence.

I should have been surprised, but I wasn’t.

Seeing the actual fight between Diana and Arthur, one thing had become very clear to me.

The beings at a higher level... they couldn’t be judged by my mortal logic.

"I want to speak to you."

Just as I stopped in my tracks, Zenur shifted his gaze to Diana and Sophie, prompting Diana to give me a quick glance before smiling at the instructor.

"We will take our leave then."

Taking Sophie’s hand in her own, Diana walked out of the scene, and Sophie, though a little confused at first, didn’t retaliate.

"Are you stupid?"

Hm?

The moment the girls were a little farther away, Zenur quickly appeared by my side before grabbing me by the arm.

The act triggered me, but I took a breath to calm my mind.

I wasn’t arrogant enough to fight an instructor, and someone who I believed was far stronger than instructor Elsa... which meant he was likely an Immortal.

"I don’t understand why—"

"Joining House Black was the most foolish move you could have ever made."

Zenur stared at me with an intensity that was unlike his usual behaviour.

"Do you even understand what you have gotten yourself into?"