"You've caused so much trouble, and you don't even care!
Do you know how many rumors are flying around about why you disappeared?
Some people think you're dead, some think you were kidnapped, and a few are even saying you ran off with a lover."
"Romantic," Noah said dryly.
"At least they're being creative."
Eliza jabbed a finger in his direction.
"You think this is a joke, but people are actually worried.
Well, not worried about you, specifically—more like the consequences if anything happens to you."
Noah stood up, towering over them just enough to make his presence felt.
His voice took on a sharper edge.
"And what, exactly, does any of that matter to you two?
You're not the ones who have to deal with the Ashbourne name or the mess my family politics bring.
You're just along for the ride."
Clara glared at him.
"We didn't ask to be dragged into your stupid schemes!"
"Exactly," Eliza chimed in.
"And don't think for a second we're keeping quiet because we like you."
Noah stepped closer, his expression calm but his tone commanding.
"Then I suggest you ride along quietly.
Because if word gets out, it won't just be me dealing with the fallout.
So, let's save us all the trouble, hmm?"
Before either of them could retort, Noah raised a finger, then dramatically pressed a hand over Clara's mouth and another over Eliza's.
"Not. A. Word."
Clara slapped his hand away, her face flushing with indignation.
"Don't touch my lips, you arrogant jerk!"
Eliza smacked his other hand, glaring at him.
"Seriously?! That's disgusting! Do you even wash your hands?"
Noah stepped back, looking offended.
"I'll have you know my hygiene is impeccable."
Clara rolled her eyes.
"Says the guy who's been hiding in a dusty shop for who knows how long."
"Besides you two look like you don't get kisses...or even ever did..."
Noah said.
Ariana, watching this unfold, couldn't help but burst into a small hushed laughter.
"You're impossible!"
Clara huffed, crossing her arms.
"And you're predictable..."
Noah shot back, his smirk returning.
"But I appreciate your loyalty, even if it's begrudging."
Eliza groaned.
"This is the worst day ever."
"Yet here you are..." Noah said smoothly.
Spirits and mana beasts demanded immense reserves of mana, draining their contractors with every use.
For someone like me, it would be a gamble.
But one I was willing to take.
Who better to teach me than Ariana herself?
Of course, asking her directly would be absurd.
Out of character. The system would probably penalize me for it.
No, I had to frame it differently.
As a punishment.
I smirked at the thought.
Yes, that would work.
She'd already let Clara and Eliza in on my secret, after all.
This would be her way of making amends.
"Hey Ariana...."
I said.
"Yeah?"
She said, her tone uncertain.
I crossed my arms, leaning back against the wall.
"I've been thinking..."
I began, my voice smooth and measured.
"About how you let Clara and Eliza in on our little secret."
Ariana's face immediately reddened.
"I-I said I was sorry! It just slipped out—"
I held up a hand to silence her.
"Spare me the excuses. I've already decided on your punishment."
Her eyes widened, and she fidgeted nervously.
"P-punishment?"
"Yes," I said, straightening up and stepping closer.
"You're going to teach me spirit and beast taming.
Thoroughly. No shortcuts, no holding back."
She blinked at me, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.
"T-teach you? But—"
"No buts," I cut in, my tone firm.
"Consider it your way of compensating for your blunder."
Her expression twisted with guilt, and I knew I had her.
Ariana was nothing if not predictable.
"I... I'll do it..."
She said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Good," I said, smirking.
She buried her face in her hands, clearly flustered, and mumbled something I couldn't quite catch.
Inwardly, I let out a sigh of relief.
This was one step closer to securing a spirit or mana beast, a crucial edge I'd need for what lay ahead.
Outwardly, I kept my composure, maintaining the air of arrogance that everyone expected of me.
Ariana turned to leave, muttering something about preparing for the lessons.