Chapter 158: A Quiet Disappointment
Chapter 158: A Quiet Disappointment
Morning light streamed through the tall windows of Ambrose Academy, illuminating the polished stone corridors as students moved toward their classrooms. Conversations overlapped in the halls—some discussing assignments, others already talking about the holiday the following day.
Andras walked through the crowd at an unhurried pace. He had only recently returned from Darkmoor. After several days away, the familiar atmosphere of the Academy felt slightly different, though not enough to matter.
When he reached the Class A classroom, most of the seats were already taken. His gaze moved across the room before settling on a familiar figure.
Saraphina Valebright sat near the middle row. Her long silver-blonde hair fell neatly over her shoulders, and the Darkmoor engagement ring on her finger caught the morning light as she adjusted the notes in front of her. The moment she noticed him, her blue eyes lingered for a brief second before she looked away.
Andras walked over and took the empty seat beside her.
She glanced at him.
"So you finally returned from Darkmoor."
"Yes."
There was a short pause. Saraphina looked toward him again.
"Have you watched the moving picture with your mother?"
Andras nodded. "I did. Lyra and General Selene were there as well."
Saraphina’s fingers stopped moving for a moment. It was a small reaction, but Andras noticed it immediately.
"I see."
She lowered her gaze toward her notes. Andras studied her expression for another second, but before he could say anything further, the professor entered the classroom and began the lesson.
---
Monster Studies was relatively straightforward that morning. The professor discussed general classifications of monsters, explaining how different species varied in physical strength, intelligence, natural abilities, habitats, and hunting behavior. Some relied almost entirely on their physical bodies, while others possessed innate magical traits that made them considerably more dangerous. Some lived alone and defended large territories; others hunted in groups and relied on cooperation.
Andras listened quietly. Most of the information was basic, but a few details were still worth remembering—particularly regarding how certain creatures developed unique abilities as they matured, or possessed unusual organs that allowed them to survive in environments ordinary beings could not. He made a few brief notes. Knowledge was never useless.
Beside him, Saraphina remained unusually quiet throughout the lesson. Normally she would occasionally speak to him when the lecture grew dull. Today she did not. Andras noticed it but did not bring it up.
Eventually the lesson ended. The professor dismissed the class, and students began gathering their belongings. Andras closed his notebook. When he looked beside him, Saraphina was already standing.
"I’m leaving."
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked toward the door.
Andras watched her for a moment. Something was clearly bothering her. He simply had not decided whether to address it yet. There was also little reason for him to remain behind. Warrior Specialization no longer required his attention now that Selene had taken responsibility for Lyra’s training.
He followed Saraphina into the corridor.
The Academy was already crowded with students moving between classes, but Andras quickly caught up to her.
"Saraphina."
She stopped and turned around.
"Yes?"
Andras looked directly at her.
"Are you angry at me?"
Her expression remained composed. "No."
"You are."
Her eyes widened slightly. Then she looked away.
"I said I’m not."
"And I heard you," Andras replied. "But I don’t believe you."
Saraphina looked back at him. For several seconds neither of them spoke. Students continued passing around them, their voices filling the corridor.
Finally she let out a quiet sigh.
"You really noticed?"
"Yes."
She looked mildly embarrassed. "I thought I was hiding it."
"You weren’t."
"That makes me feel better," she muttered.
Andras gave her a faint look of amusement. "You don’t have to be embarrassed."
"I’m not embarrassed."
𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂
"You are."
Saraphina frowned slightly. "You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?"
"A little."
She stared at him for a moment before looking away again.
"Fine." Her tone softened. "You went to watch the moving picture with your mother, your maid, and General Selene."
Andras nodded. "Yes."
"And you never asked me."
There was no real anger in her voice this time—only disappointment.
Andras looked at her quietly. "So that’s the reason."
Saraphina crossed her arms. "Isn’t it enough of a reason?"
"It is."
She seemed slightly surprised by how easily he accepted it.
Andras continued. "I was planning to take you."
Saraphina’s expression changed immediately. "You were?"
"Yes."
"Then why didn’t you?"
Andras considered the question for a moment.
"Because we are engaged. I thought you deserved to watch it with me alone, rather than with everyone else."
Her expression softened. "Alone?"
"Yes."
"Not with your mother?"
"No."
"And not with Lyra or General Selene?"
"No."
A faint smile appeared on Saraphina’s lips before she quickly tried to hide it.
"Then why didn’t you tell me?"
"I didn’t have the opportunity."
"You could have sent a message."
"I could have."
"Then you should have."
"I know."
She blinked. The straightforward answer seemed to catch her off guard.
Andras looked at her calmly. "I had already decided to ask you before returning to the Academy. I simply hadn’t found the right opportunity."
Saraphina studied his face. "So you’re not asking me now because I got angry?"
"No." His answer came without hesitation. "I had already decided. Your reaction simply made the timing convenient."
Saraphina stared at him for a moment before shaking her head. "You really know how to make things sound strange."
"Was that supposed to be an insult?"
"A little."
Andras gave a faint smile. "Fair enough."
For the first time since leaving the classroom, the tension between them eased.
Then Andras spoke again.
"Tomorrow is a holiday."
Saraphina nodded. "I know."
"Come with me."
She looked at him. "To watch the moving picture?"
"Yes."
She hesitated for a moment. "You’re serious?"
"I wouldn’t have asked otherwise."
Saraphina lowered her eyes. "I just thought... perhaps you’re only saying this because I was upset."
"I already told you. I had decided before returning to the Academy."
She remained silent for a moment, then looked back at him.
"Fine."
Andras raised an eyebrow. "Fine?"
"I’ll go."
"Good."
Saraphina adjusted the strap of her bag. Andras continued,
"I’ll come to your residence tomorrow morning. Then we’ll leave."
She nodded.
Andras nodded. "I’ll be there."
Saraphina took a few steps before stopping. She turned back toward him.
"Andras."
"Yes?"
"Don’t be late."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"I won’t."
Satisfied, Saraphina turned and continued down the corridor. Andras watched her leave until she disappeared among the students.
The situation had been simpler than he expected. Saraphina hadn’t been angry about the moving picture itself. She had been disappointed that he hadn’t thought to invite her.
That distinction mattered.
Taking her alone would give them time together without the Academy or their families around. It was a convenient arrangement, and one that would naturally strengthen the connection between them.
Andras continued down the corridor, the noise of the Academy returning fully around him as he moved toward his next destination. The holiday would not be wasted.