Chapter 118: Coming back 2

As I delicately held the rings Aunt had given me, my gaze fixated on the intricate details that adorned them.

Despite their seemingly minimalist design, the craftsmanship and materials used were nothing short of astounding.

Each ring held a unique allure, with colors that resonated with the distinctive features of the recipients they were intended for.

The first ring, adorned with a golden body and a central ruby, immediately brought to mind Aria. The vibrant red gem echoed the fiery spirit and passion that defined her character. The interplay of gold and ruby created a striking contrast, capturing the essence of Aria's bold and dynamic personality.

The second ring, featuring an opaque black body with a small golden diamond at its center, was meticulously crafted for Analise. The dark hues represented the mysterious yet motherly nature that veiled Analise, while the golden diamond symbolized the preciousness that lay within her. The juxtaposition of black and gold conveyed a sense of elegance, mirroring Analise's graceful demeanor.

The third ring, characterized by a pristine white color and a blue frost crystal at its center, served as a tribute to Elena. The ethereal combination of white and blue reflected the pure innocence and holiness that defined Elena. The frost crystal added a touch of enchantment, capturing the essence of her gentle and magical presence.

Lastly, the fourth ring, adorned with a golden hue and a deep pink diamond at its center, was a reflection of Louise's gentle nature. The warm gold complemented the deep pink diamond, mirroring the softness and kindness that emanated from Louise. The choice of materials and colors encapsulated the tender and loving qualities that defined her character.

As I continued to marvel at the rings, the thought of presenting each one to its intended recipient filled me with a sense of anticipation and warmth.

As the weight of the rings lingered in my hands, so did a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The realization hit me—yes, I was really doing this. Presenting these rings to the girls felt like a monumental step, and I couldn't help but wonder how they would interpret this gesture. In many ways, it felt akin to asking for their hands in a more traditional sense, a prospect that both excited and made me uneasy.

The prospect of a harem hung in the air, and while I had secured Elena's approval and doubted Aria would object, Analise presented a unique challenge. I cherished our friendship, and the last thing I wanted was to hurt her feelings. Louise, on the other hand, and I weren't officially a couple yet. Perhaps, when the opportunity arose, I could casually present the ring to her as a gift or souvenir from my travels.

Aunt's instructions to give these rings to "my ladies" added a layer of formality to the situation. Her decision to bless each ring raised questions about the significance and potential implications of this symbolic act. Louise, while not officially my lover, posed an interesting dynamic that made me pause and reflect on the nature of our evolving relationship.

The revelation that Aunt already knew about my relationships with all the girls caught me off guard. It seemed my sister had already shared the details with Aunt, adding an unexpected layer of awareness to the situation.

Beyond being tokens of my seriousness and commitment, these rings also held a practical purpose. Aunt's blessings served as a protective charm for the upcoming chaos in the continent.

Wearing these rings marked the girls under my family's protection, ensuring that no harm would befall them during the impending battles.

As Lucian Hall loomed closer in the distance, my eyes widened with surprise and delight at the sight of someone already standing at the front doors.

The moonlit night accentuated her features—luscious golden hair, gracefully swaying in the cold winds, and an alluring figure that managed to radiate through the confines of her uniform.

The allure she effortlessly exuded made everything around her seem to stand still, adding to her captivating and seductive nature.

Despite the uniform concealing most of her figure, the subtle hints of curves and the way it clung to her hinted at the enticing silhouette beneath.

Aria's beautiful face, framed by her golden hair, showcased deep crimson eyes that sparkled with excitement. It was evident that she eagerly awaited someone's arrival.

"We have arrived, master" my coachman announced with a respectful tone, accompanied by the gentle opening of the carriage door through the use of his telekinetic magic.

In a world where most coachmen lacked magical abilities, this particular individual stood out as a demon with a unique set of skills, specializing in espionage and mimicry.

However, a slight glare from me served as a silent reminder of the error he had committed by using magic. Immediately, he bowed his head in acknowledgment, recognizing his mistake.

The understandable surprise on Tristan and Alex's faces mirrored the fact that I had kept a low profile for over a week, making this unexpected reunion a bit more dramatic than I anticipated.

However, the situation seemed to be teetering on the edge of awkwardness, and I couldn't help but feel that things were spiraling out of control.

Tristan's expression was one of surprise, more like someone who had stumbled upon an unexpected sight. On the other hand, Alex's gaze bore a mix of suspicion and subtle animosity, which was not entirely surprising. I knew the handsome, gorilla-like man had feelings for her, but fate had its own plans, and Aria was now mine.

As the awkward silence stretched between us, I decided to take the initiative and defuse the growing tension.

With a subtle motion, I signaled Aria to adjust her clinginess, and she reluctantly shifted to my side, hugging my arms instead.

Although her dissatisfaction was palpable, she quickly grasped the situation upon noticing Tristan and Alex.

"H-hello, Tristan, Alex! Long time no see?" I greeted them, attempting to inject a sense of normalcy into the situation. The forced cheerfulness in my tone aimed to mask the awkwardness that lingered in the air. Aria, standing next to me, added a sheepish smile as if to play along with the pretense of a casual reunion.

"Adrian, you're back?" Tristan's voice cut through the air, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in his tone.

"Yes, as you can see...." I began, but before I could elaborate, Tristan's barrage of questions erupted.

"Where were you? Do you even know what happened? Louise, that's right, Louise! Have you seen her? We heard you were one of the witnesses who was personally there when the incident happened—"

Tristan bombarded me with a rapid-fire sequence of questions, drawing closer and grabbing onto my shoulders in his urgency to get answers.

The intensity of his questions revealed a concern for Louise and a genuine curiosity about the recent events.

His interrogation might have continued if not for Aria swiftly stepping in, using her wind magic to swat Tristan's hands away. The sudden gust created a brief barrier, and Aria, with a protective demeanor, addressed him.

"Excuse me, Mr. Tristan, but that was quite rude, you know?" Aria's words carried a hint of admonition, and she punctuated her point with a hateful glare directed at Tristan.

Tristan, taking a step back, quickly apologized, realizing he had perhaps overstepped boundaries. "I'm sorry, I got too excited there" he admitted, bowing slightly in acknowledgment of his enthusiasm.

Aria, always protective, interjected.

"My brother just arrived after a long, atrocious travel, you see. So, whatever inquiries you have, please ask him tomorrow."

With a firm grip on my arm, she decisively began guiding me toward the dorms, leaving Tristan behind.

I turned to Tristan, offering a conciliatory smile. "Let's talk tomorrow" I suggested, attempting to diffuse any lingering tension between us.

He gazed at me with a perplexed expression as Aria continued to drag me away.

The unspoken understanding lingered in the air that there were matters to discuss but not in the immediate aftermath of my return.

With a parting nod, I followed Aria into the dorms, leaving Tristan behind, his curiosity and concerns momentarily deferred until the next day.