Novel's Extra: The Lost Heir of Dragon Queen-Chapter 59: Zarenth Arrival and Lumia Curiosity
Zarenth stepped forward, his red eyes gleaming with suspicion as he stood in front of the window.
His aura, heavy and intimidating.
"Can I talk to him?" Zarenth asked Elowen.
She nodded slightly. "Go ahead."
Without a moment’s hesitation, Zarenth jumped from the window, landing effortlessly in front of Kael, who nearly tripped in surprise.
"Hey, you," Zarenth said, pointing a finger at Kael.
"Uh...yes?" Kael stammered, blinking at the sudden appearance of this imposing figure.
"How are you related to her highness Sephina Searath?" Zarenth’s voice carried both authority and a sharp edge, like a sword drawn halfway from its sheath.
Kael swallowed, attempting to maintain his composure.
"Oh, Her Highness? She’s my only hope. Her Highness gave this orphan a chance to attend the academy." He forced a smile, hoping his words sounded convincing.
"Stop that." Zarenth’s voice cut through Kael’s pretense like a blade through butter.
"How did you meet her?" He further asked.
Kael shifted uncomfortably, scratching the back of his head.
"Uh, Her Highness? Well, I was...uh...running away from some people, and then I, uh, met her by chance. She helped me," he said, fumbling with his words.
Zarenth raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.
"Do you think I’m a dumbass who would believe that lie?" He said.
Kael flinched at the bluntness.
"I’m not lying!" he protested, his voice a little too high-pitched for his liking.
"You’re terrible at acting," Zarenth said flatly, crossing his arms. "Do you seriously think I can’t tell?"
Kael clenched his fists, his jaw tightening.
"I’m telling the truth," he insisted, his voice growing firmer.
Zarenth’s gaze bore into him, as if trying to peel back Kael’s very soul.
"You’re hiding something. I can see it in your eyes," Zarenth said, stepping closer.
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"What are you so afraid of, boy? Me? Or the truth?" Zarenth asked.
Kael’s heartbeat quickened, but he refused to look away.
"I don’t owe you my life story," he said, his tone steadier now.
"Whatever your suspicions are, they’re wrong. Her Highness helped me. That’s the truth." Kael said.
Zarenth studied him for a moment longer before letting out a dry chuckle.
"You’re stubborn, I’ll give you that. But this conversation isn’t over. I will find out what you’re hiding." He said.
Kael’s shoulders relaxed slightly, though his guard remained up.
"Good luck with that," kael muttered under his breath.
As Zarenth turned to leave, he glanced over his shoulder.
"For your sake, I hope you’re worth Her Highness’s trust. If you’re not, you’ll answer to me." He said slightly showing the bloodlust.
With that, Zarenth strode away, leaving Kael feeling as though he had just faced a storm—and barely survived.
’I should tell mother about him,’ kael thought as he took out his phone from his pant pocket.
Kael sighed as he dialed the number, knowing he was in for another round of lectures.
The call connected almost immediately.
"Kael! Why haven’t you called me for three days?" Sephina’s voice was stern but carried a familiar warmth.
"Uh… sorry, I was busy," Kael mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Busy? Too busy to call your mother?" her tone sharpened.
Kael groaned inwardly. He knew where this was going.
The rules set by Sephina for Kael’s academy life were clear and absolute:
1. Kael must call her daily.
2. If Kael fails to call for five consecutive days, Sephina would personally arrive at the academy to ’check’ on him.
These rules were unique to him, thanks to an academy policy that restricted incoming calls to avoid outside interference, like threats from guilds or rival factions. But somehow, Sephina had turned this one-sided rule into a weapon of maternal enforcement.
"Three days, Kael! You’re lucky I’m generous, or I’d already be packing my bags," she continued.
Kael’s eyes widened at the mental image of Sephina barging into the academy, her overprotective instincts on full display.
"Okay, okay! I won’t miss another call!"
"You better not, young man," Sephina huffed. Then her tone softened.
"I worry about you, Kael. That academy is full of dangers, and you’re always throwing yourself into chaos." She said.
Kael smiled despite himself.
"I’ll be fine, Mom. Really." Kael said.
"Fine enough to forget about your poor mother for three days?"
Kael sighed. He was never going to win this argument.
Kael leaned against the tree, holding phone close to his ear.
"Zarenth came to see me," he said, his tone a mix of curiosity and unease.
"Zarenth came to see you? Why?" Sephina’s voice on the other end carried mild amusement.
Kael shrugged, even though she couldn’t see it.
"Well, I think he came to see the student his sister has sponsored."
"Oh! That’s why," Sephina replied, her voice teasingly dismissive.
Kael frowned. "Huh..."
"Don’t worry about it," Sephina said.
"He’s just a pain in the ear. Don’t waste your time talking about him. Tell me what’s been going on instead."
Kael hesitated. "He might figure out that I’m... your child."
Sephina laughed softly.
"It doesn’t matter. Let him. Zarenth likes to think he’s clever, but he’s more bark than bite. Now, stop worrying and tell me about your life at the Academy."
Kael smiled slightly and began recounting his experiences, talking about the challenges, the victories, and the bonds he’d formed with his team.
It felt good to share, and for once, his burdens felt lighter.
---
(POV: Lumia Ruinous)
Lumia wandered down the Academy’s cobbled paths, her fingers idly brushing the leaves of nearby bushes.
Her mind was focused on the three remaining A-rank missions her team needed to complete.
"Just three more," she muttered under her breath, determination flickering in her eyes.
As she turned a corner, her gaze fell on Kael.
He stood under a tree, holding his phone , laughing.
Lumia froze.
She had never seen Kael like this before—his usual serious demeanor replaced by a carefree laugh that lit up his face.
For a moment, she was captivated.
Her thoughts swirled.
’Who is he talking to?,’
A pang of curiosity, and perhaps jealousy, surged through her.
She clenched her fists.
"Kael, laughing? This is new," she muttered to herself, unable to tear her eyes away from the sight.
Lumia’s curiosity burned.
She couldn’t help but wonder who had managed to bring such happiness to Kael.
For now, she stood in the shadows, watching silently, her mind racing with questions.