Chapter 670 148.1 - Armory

Chapter 670 148.1 - Armory

"Bring him here. It seems he has earned a conversation."

A few moments later, Astron stepped into the dining room, flanked by the servant who had escorted him. Clad in fresh clothes provided by the Emberheart household, he looked composed, his posture steady and unbowed. His face was calm, his gaze unwavering, as if the previous night's ordeal in the Chamber had barely affected him. The Matriarch's eyes narrowed slightly, betraying a flicker of surprise that she masked quickly. She had expected him to emerge weary, perhaps showing signs of strain or even quiet relief at surviving the Chamber's trial. But here he stood, exuding the same steady resolve that had infuriated and intrigued her in equal measure.

"Mr. Natusalune," she greeted him, her tone measured, laced with an undertone of challenge. "I trust the Chamber was... enlightening?"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Astron inclined his head respectfully, his voice calm. "It was a worthwhile experience, Madam,"

The Matriarch's eyebrows lifted slightly at his understatement. Worthwhile? she thought, the faintest glint of amusement mingling with her skepticism. Few who entered the Chamber spoke of it so casually, especially after facing the grueling intensity of even the first level. Yet Astron spoke as if it had been merely another trial.

"Worthwhile, indeed," she replied, her tone cool. "One would think a night in the Chamber would leave a more lasting... impression."

Irina's gaze flicked to Astron, her eyes betraying the hint of a smile. She had anticipated his resilience, but even she was surprised by how composed he appeared now, standing firm beneath her mother's sharp scrutiny.

Astron met the Matriarch's gaze without flinching. "The Chamber challenged me, but it also provided an opportunity to learn and adapt. For that, I'm grateful."

The Matriarch leaned back, observing him intently, her gaze penetrating as if searching for any hint of weakness. After a pause, she inclined her head slightly. "Interesting. Few emerge from the Chamber of Emberheart with such... poise. Even fewer would speak of adaptation so calmly. It seems you may indeed have a resilience beyond mere words."

Irina's expression softened, a small hint of pride flickering in her gaze as she looked at Astron. He had not only endured the Chamber-he had emerged stronger, more resolute, proving himself in a way that few ever could.

The Matriarch allowed a faint smile, her eyes gleaming with a grudging respect. "Very well, Mr. Natusalune. You have passed this trial, and with it, you have earned the access Irina requested."

She paused, her gaze shifting to Irina briefly before returning to Astron. "But

remember this family values strength, consistency, and loyalty above all else. Your actions may have earned my attention, but respect in this household is earned time and again."

'Especially, if you wish to get my daughter.'

She did not say this part out loud.

"We understand, mother.....So, please can you let him have a breath..... He just got out from the chamber."

The Matriarch's expression softened slightly, a rare, almost indulgent smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she observed her daughter's protectiveness. She let her gaze linger on Irina for a moment, something unspoken yet significant passing between them.

Astron held up his hands, his face the picture of innocence. "I wasn't going to say

anything," he replied, his tone calm, but she could see the glimmer of humor in his eyes. It only made her blush deepen, and she turned away, silently cursing the

interruption and her own impulsiveness.

"You.... You really...."

Irina trailed off, her cheeks still burning as she struggled to find words that wouldn't

betray how flustered she felt. She spun around, making her way to the table where the maid had left the plates. Her hands moved quickly, almost as if by instinct, lifting the lid to reveal a well-prepared meal, likely something her mother had ordered to be served to him as part of her own silent acknowledgment.

As she picked up the plates, it dawned on her that the maid had discreetly given them some privacy, likely to spare them both the awkwardness of her witnessing that almost-moment. The thought made her cheeks flush even more, but she steadied herself, determined to focus on something practical. Astron had just emerged from a brutal trial, and she knew he hadn't eaten anything substantial all day.

"This... is for you," she said, clearing her throat as she set the plate in front of him, trying to keep her tone steady. "You've been through enough already. Now's not the time for distractions."

Astron looked at her as he took his seat. "I suppose, thank you? Lady Irina."

She took her own seat across from him, trying to shake off the embarrassment still lingering in the air between them. Watching him begin to eat, she felt her own tension ease a little, reminded of the simple importance of just... being here. After everything he'd endured, her worries and blushes seemed trivial, and she found herself smiling

faintly as he ate.

"Eat," she murmured, almost to herself, as if the reminder was as much for him as for

her own peace of mind.

******

And just that night....

Astron stood right before a place.

"This is the place....."

It was the armory of the Emberheart Family, as Irina had promised.....