"Short black hair, golden eyes."
"His handsome face was just as she remembered."
How could he be here?!
"This is Orion, a transfer student from Ohema." Anaxa said. "Alright, you can go sit down and listen to the lesson."
Whispers instantly filled the classroom.
"Is he a Chrysos Heir from Ohema?"
"His eyes are golden!"
The female students' gazes were all drawn to him. And Castorice's heart pounded so fast in that instant, it felt like it would leap out of her chest. Lord Orion… He's still so good-looking… No, he seems even more mature and charming than before. A hint of uncontrollable joy flashed in her eyes. But the next second, reason reminded her. He is Aglaea's lover. And she… was just a foolish, self-deluded girl. A wave of shame instantly washed over her. Castorice, what are you thinking? He has a lover, what right do you have to be happy? She lowered her head, trying hard to suppress the turmoil in her heart. She couldn't show it. She couldn't let him see her feelings. And even more, she couldn't… cause him trouble.
Your gaze swept across the classroom. When you saw Castorice, your eyes clearly paused for a moment. Then, you smiled. That familiar, gentle smile. Castorice felt like her heart was melting. No, she couldn't be ! She gripped her pen tightly, her knuckles turning white.
You walked directly to the empty seat beside her. As you sat down, a familiar scent wafted over.
"Long time no see, Castorice." A gentle voice sounded, just like ten years ago.
Castorice took a deep breath, trying to make herself appear normal. "Lord Orion… long time no see." She responded cautiously, with a hint of joy in her voice that she herself didn't notice.
"After so long, why has your form of address become so distant?" You smiled. "Aren't we friends?"
Friends… This word stung Castorice's heart slightly. Yes, just friends.
"That's better." You nodded in satisfaction. "How have you been doing in the Tree Garden?"
"Not bad." Castorice replied softly. "The teachers and classmates have been very kind to me."
"I can tell." Your gaze lingered on her. "You've changed a lot."
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"You've become more confident." You said earnestly. "Your eyes don't dart around like they used to."
Being looked at by you like that, Castorice felt her cheeks flush. "Is… is that so?"
"Of course." You smiled and said, "This is very good, I knew the Tree Garden suited you."
You knew? Could it be… Orion has always been paying attention to me? No, she couldn't think that way. He was just saying it casually.
"Why did you come to the Tree Garden?" Castorice couldn't help but ask.
"To enrich myself." You replied. "The affairs of Ohema are becoming increasingly complex, and I need to learn more things. And…"
"Some people I haven't seen in ten years, it's time to come and see them."
Castorice's breath hitched. Some people? Who was he referring to? Was it her? No, it couldn't be. How could Orion specifically come to the Tree Garden for her?
"Then… did Aglaea ask you to come?" She cautiously probed.
"No, I wanted to come myself." You said frankly. "I've been too tired recently, and I wanted a change of environment."
Castorice was stunned by the reply. Is that so… so he wanted to come himself…
"Then how long will you be staying here?"
"Not sure, maybe a few years, maybe longer." You looked at her. "What, you don't welcome me?"
"No!" Castorice quickly denied. "I just…"
Just what? Just afraid she couldn't control her feelings? Just afraid of falling for him again?
"I'm just worried you won't adapt to life here." She found an excuse.
"With you here, I think I'll adapt very quickly." Your words made Castorice's heart race out of rhythm again.
"I… I might not be able to help much…"
"Don't say that." You looked at her earnestly. "You are an excellent scholar here, I'll need your guidance a lot."
For the rest of the lesson, Castorice couldn't concentrate at all. She could feel the presence of the person beside her. She could smell your faint scent. She could hear your breathing. The years of separation seemed to not exist. You were still you. And she… was still her, who loved you.
Calm down, Castorice. She admonished herself inwardly. Orion is Aglaea's lover. You cannot harbor improper thoughts. Absolutely not…