Chapter 109: Louise Obelia

"Long time no see Aria how have you been?"

'Why is she asking a question she already know the answer of? Aren't you spying on me and Liam in the first place?'

"Yes.... I've been well elder sister"

Despite Lilliana's meticulous efforts to deploy experts and even some students who could seamlessly blend into the surroundings to spy on her siblings, these spies found it nearly impossible to elude Aria's naturally strong sense of awareness.

Aria's mana and magical resonance were off the charts for a normal student, enabling her to detect any suspicious presence or individuals observing her for extended periods.

Though Aria grew tired of constantly being watched and the persistent nagging of her heightened senses, she realized that defying or complaining about the situation would only lead to more problems.

Aria understood that, beyond personal interest, her elder sister Lilliana orchestrated this elaborate surveillance to provide comprehensive reports to their father about their situation and status in the academy.

However, she couldn't help but grumble slightly at how excessive Lilliana's monitoring had become over the past few months especially after her secret meeting with Adrian.

'Probably, only Adrian and I noticed people watching us all the time. Liam is a lost cause; he may be a bit above average in terms of martial arts, but that's only with his peers. He probably doesn't realize that elder sister is aware of all his secret fiascos'

'Father will probably call for him soon...'

Though Aria was quite surprised to see Lilliana visiting here so late, as Aria was quite aware of Lilliana's feelings towards Adrian that bordered on obsession.

'Is she also one of Adrian's secret lovers?'

"It's been a long time as well miss Louise.... I didn't know our prime suspect was hiding inside my brother's room...... it's quite perplexing don't you think?"

Although Aria raised an eyebrow finding it slightly funny how her sister could lie so confidently without stuttering,

"Yes? ......I mean yes long time no see, Lady Lilliana...... I mean no---"

Bewildered and at a loss for words, Louise struggled to find an appropriate response to Lilliana's unexpected confrontation.

In her mind, she toyed with the idea of explaining that she hadn't intentionally hidden in Adrian's room, but a sense of caution held her back. Louise feared that any attempt at clarification might only fuel Lilliana's suspicion further.

The intensity of Lilliana's gaze sent a chill down her spine. It was unnerving to think that someone as esteemed as Lilliana, often regarded as the epitome of grace and nobility in the empire, could harbor such animosity toward her.

Louise found herself trapped in a tense situation, caught in the scrutiny of the student council president, Lilliana. As the school's number one suspect in the recent events at the commercial district, Louise considered herself fortunate that Lilliana hadn't yet involved the authorities or taken matters into her own hands. Despite Louise's confidence in her own strength, she couldn't shake the feeling that a confrontation with Lilliana would be a losing battle.

Currently, the three ladies were gathered in a room, seated across from each other. Aria and Louise occupied one side, their heads slightly bowed, while Lilliana sat in front of them, her gaze piercing and intense.

'I knew Aria kept coming to Adrian's room ever since he disappeared, and some of my spies even told me they saw the saintess entering as well. But I didn't expect to see Louise here. Did Adrian plan this all along? I knew I should've come here much sooner. That damn principal passing most of her tasks to us!!! I knew we're the student council, but isn't she abusing her power too much?'

'And does he have a thing for blonde hairs?'

Lilliana internally grumbled while looking at the two blonde beauties in front of her.

Despite Lilliana's meticulous efforts to conceal the mana barrier enveloping her body, Aria detected it almost immediately.

While Louise and her spirits remained oblivious to this hidden layer of defense, Aria's heightened awareness picked up on the subtle traces of magic weaving around Lilliana.

'Why did she cast a barrier? Is she preparing for a fight?'

The tension in the room escalated as Aria, perceptive as always, questioned the sudden appearance of a protective barrier.

Suspicion lingered in the air, prompting Aria to ready a defensive spell, anticipating a potential conflict.

The silence that enveloped the room was finally shattered when the intense gaze in Lilliana's eyes softened and her countenance shifted.

Lilliana's gaze shifted between Louise and Aria, and with a sense of formality, she extended a key toward Aria.

"Here"

"Elder sister this is?"

Aria, puzzled by this unexpected gesture, inquired about the purpose of the key.

"It's the key to a currently vacant room here at Lucian Hall. You may keep the room; I've already asked the school head for permission, so feel free to use it" Lilliana explained, her tone carrying a mix of politeness and calculated intent.

Aria, while appreciative of the offered accommodation, couldn't help but feel a tinge of discontent. She quickly realized that this was, in essence, Lilliana's way of orchestrating her departure from Adrian's room.

"Elder sister, I appreciate your gift, but as you already know, the principal assigned and gave me the privilege to use this room as Adrian is still away. Besides, it may not look like it, but Louise needs me right now" Aria asserted, her voice holding a firm yet respectful tone. She directed a meaningful look at Louise, prompting her to nod in agreement.

"T-that's right, Lady Lilliana. Aria has been a great help, and I feel safer with her around" Louise added, her words expressing gratitude for Aria's support.

"And besides—"

But Louise couldn't finish her words as she saw a green-haired woman with emerald eyes floating in mid-air. Their eyes locked, and the green-haired woman smiled at her. Louise could sense that the beautiful woman in front of her wasn't human but a very powerful high-ranking spirit.

"Are you Louise?"

"Y-yes?"

"Louise?" called out Aria.

Aria and Lilliana looked at Louise as if she was crazy. Louise suddenly looked up mid-sentence and seemingly talked into thin air. Although they were aware of Louise's special gift of seeing and hearing spirits, they still found it weird seeing someone suddenly talking to nothing.