CHAPTER 174: 174. ERIN AND RIN

Erin held Leo tightly as she guided him through the silent hallways of the Academy. She could feel the rage spilling out of him, and he barely suppressed his desire to kill Elara, but his silence gave her a tiny victory. They entered the large Academy grounds, which consisting of a grass field illuminated by the moon between the dormitories for boys and girls. After making sure there were no people nearby, Erin released Leo’s hand and turned to face him.

His crimson eyes met her violet ones with a tight jaw and a burning intensity. "You didn’t tell me that Elara set up that duel, even though you knew she did?" His voice was rough and low with betrayal as he growled.

Erin had already used a spell to prevent their voices from getting to the dormitories. She appeared both calm and irritated as she crossed her arms. "What if I had? How would you have reacted? challenged her? Or worse—killed her, as you almost did back there?"

His breathing slowed, the fire in his eyes dimmed, and he fell silent, his fists loosening. With a softer but still worried tone, Erin shook her head. "After Rin’s duel didn’t break you, I thought she would back off. Her level of obsession amazed me."

His expression was one of frustration as he ran a hand through his red hair.

However, Erin’s voice was playful as her lips curled into a smirk. "Reo, tell me, how do you do it? picking girls wherever you go." She smiled and counted on her fingers. "Chloe, now Rin, Ashtera, and Elara. What is your secret? How many hearts did you collect Before Chloe?"

Leo’s face stayed serious, but he lunged forward, aiming a flick at her forehead. Smirking, Erin grabbed his wrist in mid-air. "Not falling for that; I’m not Ri—" His other hand snapped quickly, flicking her forehead before she finished. Her violet eyes narrowed in a phony rage as she yelled, "Ow!" and rubbed the area. "Absolutely cheap shot!"

Leo’s voice sounded rough and worn out. "You want to know about my love life while I’m drowning in this mess? I assumed you were already fully aware of my previous life."

Erin’s smirk returned as she rubbed her forehead. "So how many?"

"Drop it," Leo snapped, his tone sharp but not truly angry. He lowered his voice, frustration clear. "We’ve got a lunatic to deal with now."

Erin’s smile faded, her tone turning serious. "Ever wonder why I stepped back from the council? Why, I’m politically neutral but signed up for the tournament?"

Leo’s brow furrowed, his voice careful as he leaned closer. "What are you getting at?"

Erin’s gaze held firm, her voice calm but strong. "Elara’s challenge tonight? I saw it coming months ago, when she targeted Rin to get to you. I joined the tournament to shut her down." She paused, a small smirk returning, now with a hint of grit. "She’s been playing too big. I’m here to end them."

His crimson eyes narrowed as his voice low and curious. "So, you entered the tournament to take her down?"

She shrugged, her violet eyes shining with mischief and grit. "If Elara makes it to the quarterfinals, I might get to face her. But it’s not just about her—I’ve got my own reasons to settle things."

In the open corridor of the girls’ dorms, Rin Valarune watching them, her figure cloaked in stealth magic that made her nearly invisible, her mana suppressed to avoid notice. She’d been heading to her room when she saw Leo and Erin, their closeness sparking a sharp pang of jealousy that rooted her in place.

Erin’s noise-cancelling spell prevented her from hearing their words, but she caught every movement of them with her pink eyes, her violet hair swaying in the cool night breeze as she gripped the stone railing.

Leo’s amusing flick to Erin’s forehead, which he used to do with her. Her heart twisted at their effortless closeness, and her grip tightened.

As their talk ended, Leo gave a quick wave, his face unreadable like always, and headed toward the boys’ dorms, Nimbus trailing behind. Erin waved back, her grin bright, but as Leo faded into the diem building, bur suddenly, her violet eyes turned to Rin’s spot.

Rin flinched and she turned to rush to her room, her pulse racing. Erin’s voice stopped her, teasing and close. "Leaving so soon, Senior?"

Rin froze, turning to find Erin right in front of her in the corridor. "How did you—" Rin started, but Erin cut her off, her smirk growing.

"Come on, Senior, they don’t call me a once-in-a-century genius for nothing," Erin said, stepping closer, her voice dropping to a playful whisper as Rin’s stealth magic faded completely. "I’ve mastered advanced magic and warrior skills. So, why were you spying on us?"

Rin’s annoyance flared, her pink eyes flashing as she snapped, "I wanted to see if you’re the reason Leonhardt’s changed. He’s been different since you started hanging around him."

Erin laughed, her tone light but with a hint of mockery. "Jealousy looks kind of adorable on you, Senior."

Rin’s glare sharpened, her expression like she was looking at something gross, her voice sharp. "What are you trying to do with him?"

Erin’s smile softened, though her eyes stayed teasing. "You really think I’m after him or something?"

Rin’s gaze held steady, doubtful, her hands clenched into fists.

Erin waved a hand, her laughter bursting out, unrestrained. "Seriously? Leonhardt? That’s never happening, not in this lifetime or any other."

Rin blinked, her anger fading, confusion creeping in. Erin placed a hand on Rin’s shoulder, her voice warm but still teasing.

"I’ve been wondering for a long time—how do you even fall for a guy like him? Sure, he’s decent, but what’s the big draw that’s got all these girls swooning over him?"

Rin’s face reddened, a mix of anger and embarrassment rushing through her. She shoved Erin’s hand off. "Don’t touch me!" She turned and stormed down the corridor, her lavender hair swishing, Erin’s soft chuckle following her.

Rin’s heart pounded, her mind tangled with hurt, doubt, and Erin’s mocking words as she disappeared into the dorms.

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Meanwhile, Leo reached his dorm room, the warm glow of mana-lamps casting soft light across the wooden floor. Liana greeted him as she held out a sealed letter. "Young Master, an urgent letter arrived from Zarethune."

Reo’s brow rose, and he crossed to the table, taking the letter. The seal bore the Threx Dukedom’s emblem, its detailed design shining under the lamplight.