Chapter 306 Priscilla's Request
"You'll pick up where you left off in your book last time. You should be more efficient after the previous classes. I count on you for that. If you don't understand any questions, ask me or Christina; we will gladly answer them," Priscilla Tepes instructed.
I opened my book to the 56th page and began training on the new circle, but it was challenging to concentrate, honestly.
Even though I tried to ignore them, furtive glances from Victor, Celeste, Cylien, and others came my way. Only Selene, already aware of my engagement with her sister, paid me no attention.
The most scrutinizing gaze, however, came from my professor, Priscilla Tepes, also Elizabeth's aunt. Fortunately, it wasn't as threatening as the one from that old prophetess, more of an assessing stare.
Whatever.
I ignored it and focused on my task. My control over mana circles was improving, and I felt on the brink of fully awakening the Olphean Bloodline. Mom had sealed it with the pendant she gave me, along with the black coin, but it was released now.
Maybe that's why I felt more adept at drawing mana circles?
I was clearly faster in understanding them, so that might be it.
"You're doing well, Amael," Christina said, approaching me.
I grinned at her. "Right? I guess everyone in our family is a genius, don't you think?"
"Usually, I would sigh at your usual overconfidence, but I can't deny that," Christina nodded in acknowledgment.
"Exactly. The truth hurts, but the Olphean House is above all the other Houses. They will soon start to understand it," I said with a chuckle.
"Well, our House has always been something greater than others, and it would never change," Christina grinned back at me.
"Christina Olphean." Suddenly, Professor Priscilla's voice rang out.
We both turned around, and we saw everyone looking at us—some dumbfounded, some grimacing, some gritting their teeth in anger. Victor was smiling wryly at me while Celeste and Cylien's lips were twitching.
Ah, we probably spoke too loudly.
"I'm glad that your image of your House is so grand that you can easily look down on other Houses like mine, but at least speak in a low voice," Priscilla said with an exasperated smile.
"Yes…" Christina blushed in embarrassment and left hurriedly.
Seeing Professor Priscilla approaching me, I swiftly turned my head away and resumed my task.
She just stood there, observing me drawing circles, and I felt really uncomfortable with that.
"Follow me outside, Amael," she suddenly said.
I nodded and followed her under everyone's gazes.
Once out of the classroom, I spoke. "Professor…I really like you. Please believe me that I didn't do anything wrong purposefully. I don't want to antagonize another professor…"
Gamir Teraquin and Celeste's father already hate me, not that I cared about it, but I would like to have a little peace even at school if possible.
"Your words can lead to a lot of misunderstandings, Mr. Amael," she shot me a glare.
Ah, right…
"No, I mean, I like you as a Professor. It's not like I'm cheating on you; no, I…forget what I said, actually," I quickly stopped myself from worsening the already hopeless situation as Priscilla's gaze on me grew colder.
It's all because of that bite on my neck!
I can't think properly with that thing itching me and m-making me remember about that day!
Professor Priscilla let out a weary sigh. "Let's set that aside for now. I've been informed about the incident involving you and my niece. Elizabeth spoke with me, attributing it to an unfortunate accident caused by another troubled relative of mine."
Indeed, Elizabeth proved to be a staunch ally in that situation.
"Hopeless might be too lenient a term for her, Professor. She nearly subjected Victor to a traumatic experience. I can only imagine the lasting impact it could have had on him," I remarked, seizing the opportunity to subtly criticize Selene.
Actually I already know what kind of trauma it had caused on poor Victor…
Priscilla nodded with a touch of bitterness. "This child has always harbored an obsession with Victor, but I never anticipated it would escalate to this extent. Ironically, the ones who suffered the most are Elizabeth and, evidently, you. Your intervention in trying to prevent the incident has led to this predicament."
"Only you, Professor, and Elizabeth seem to be in my corner within your family," I added with a bitter laugh. "The rest of the Tepes House places blame squarely on me, as if I orchestrated the entire affair."
Claudia, the granny Prophetess...
I fervently prayed even Eden would swiftly strip her of all her powers and bestow them upon Celeste. Perhaps then, she would cease stalking me in her dreams.
As for Duncan Tepes, Elizabeth's grandfather, his motivations remained an enigma to me. He readily gave me his precious granddaughter, even though we had never crossed paths personally. Additionally, Claudia should have forewarned me about her prophetic visions.
"My parents are...quite challenging, yes," Priscilla acknowledged in an awkward tone. "But their overprotectiveness stems from genuine concern for Elizabeth and Selene. That's why, Amael," she smiled faintly at me, "I trust you. I don't believe my father would engage Elizabeth with someone harboring ill intentions. He's exceedingly cautious in such matters and undoubtedly places his trust in you."
"I don't feel I've done anything to earn that trust, though," I replied.
"Indeed, even as your professor, I don't know you very well. Yet, my instincts tell me that you're not a malevolent person," she reassured.
"I feel quite uncomfortable with this estimation. I'm not as good as you might think," I said honestly.
"Well, I do acknowledge that you don't quite measure up to your brother, Connor," Priscilla suddenly adopted a stern tone, giving me a disapproving stare. "I've heard about Mr. Edward Falkrona's accomplishments in the Gold class. Queen Tanya is furious against you."
I remained silent, prompting Priscilla to become more serious. "Tell me, did you act to save your friend, or was it driven by a desire for revenge?"
"Both," I retorted with a casual shrug.
"Really?" Priscilla raised an eyebrow.
I sighed in surrender. "Fine, it's true. John is my brother-in-law, and I can't leave him to fend for himself, or else my fiancée will give me the cold shoulder."
"Ah, then that's reassuring," Professor Priscilla nodded emphatically. "I can trust you with Elizabeth, then."
"Huh?" I responded, thoroughly perplexed.
"Elizabeth holds great significance in my life. She may be somewhat peculiar and introverted, but please, Amael, take care of her," Priscilla implored.
"W-Wait, there seems to be a misunderstanding here. I hardly know her," I protested, raising my hands in defense.
"I understand, I do. But this girl needs someone to rely on," Priscilla spoke with a somber expression. "She has faced numerous challenges since childhood because... she is special. Thanks to your brother, she began to exhibit some semblance of normalcy, but she's once again withdrawing, and it worries me."
"Why are you telling me this? Even if it was an unfortunate incident, she'll associate me with negative memories," I reasoned.
"That's true, but..." Priscilla paused, hesitating. "You, as a person, have been the 'closest' to her..."
I grimaced, feeling a slight warmth in my cheeks. I couldn't find words to refute her.
"Now, you are her fiance. I'm not asking you to play the role of a devoted fiance or, heaven forbid, a husband. But, at the very least, be there to support her when she's not feeling well. I'm certain she's harboring a lot in her heart, and it won't benefit her to keep it bottled up," Priscilla earnestly pleaded.
Is that why she called me?
Honestly I thought of acting distant with Elizabeth for both her and me since I'm certain that just by seeing each other, these memories will come back. Putting me aside, it would make her really uncomfortable so I thought we could just avoid each other without gathering suspicions until the day we broke off our engagement but…
I remembered again of Elizabeth's crying expression after the incident, her forced smile this morning. She is really piquing my protective instinct or whatever it was.
"Alright…I will help her if she needs help," I relented in the end. I just didn't want her to feel awkward but whatever, I will still maintain a certain distance. "Thanks," Priscilla smiled gratefully.
I really like this Professor.
[<Already thinking about a third fiancee, Amael?>]
Shaddap.
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