Chapter 147: Chapter 147- Sincere
Julian’s voice carried a sharp edge as he spoke. "I already know you’re not just a catalyst."
Beatrix froze for a moment, her eyes widening ever so slightly before she quickly masked it with a calm expression. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, her tone steady, though a faint tremor betrayed her surprise.
Julian glanced at her only briefly, then shook his head. "Forget it. If you won’t admit it, then I won’t force you."
He resumed walking, his footsteps echoing down the quiet corridor. But just as he passed her, Julian halted again, his words low and cutting. "Don’t try anything you’ll end up regretting."
Without waiting for her reply, he continued on his way, leaving Beatrix standing in silence.
Beatrix watched Julian’s figure slowly fade down the corridor. With a weary sigh, she muttered under her breath, "Since when did he become like that...?"
She shook her head, forcing a faint, crooked smile. "Truly, today must be another unlucky day for me." With nothing else to do, she turned and continued down her own path.
Elsewhere, in a quieter chamber, Sebas was carefully preparing tea. He measured the leaves with practiced precision, let them steep, and soon poured the warm, fragrant liquid into a porcelain cup. Carrying it with steady hands, he placed it gently on the table in front of Glain.
Glain, who had been buried in documents, raised his eyes briefly and offered a curt nod. "Thank you."
Sebas bowed respectfully. "If I may ask, my lord, did your discussion yesterday go smoothly?"
Glain lifted the cup and took a slow sip before answering, his gaze thoughtful. "The conversation itself went well enough. But I still worry about Leo’s movements. He may try to provoke something sooner than expected."
Adjusting his glasses with a calm gesture, Sebas said, "Perhaps it would be wise to recruit Mr. Joe into our fold, while he still carries a debt of gratitude toward us."
Glain shook his head lightly, setting down the cup of tea. "That won’t be possible. Joe is the kind of man who refuses to bow to anyone, no matter the circumstance."
Just then, a firm knock echoed at the door. Sebas glanced at Glain, who gave him a subtle nod. "Excuse me," Sebas murmured politely, before moving to the entrance.
He opened the door and found Julian standing there. Straightening, Sebas dipped his head respectfully. "Please, come in, Mr. Julian."
Julian gave a brief nod and stepped inside, the air in the room subtly shifting with his presence.
Glain rose slightly from his chair as Julian entered, his expression calm and measured. "Welcome," he said in his usual courteous tone, gesturing toward the seat across from him. "Please, have a seat."
Julian inclined his head in acknowledgment before lowering himself into the chair, his posture straight but relaxed.
For a brief moment, Glain studied him with sharp eyes, then broke the silence. "I trust your rest was peaceful last night?"
Julian nodded once, his reply short. "Peaceful enough. So, what is the plan you wanted to discuss?"
Glain allowed himself a faint smile. He could see Julian’s aversion to idle small talk, the way he always cut straight to the heart of the matter. "Very well," he said, folding his hands neatly atop the documents spread across his desk. His tone shifted, firm and deliberate. "I will tell you the plan in its entirety."
-------×-------
The scene shifted to Clarissa, who was walking along the road beside Dori and Vivi. They had just paused for a short rest after finishing their preparations for the battle against the Sky Whale, whose massive form was drawing ever closer on the horizon.
Dori broke the silence first, her voice edged with unease. "The whale keeps getting closer... it feels like it’s practically breathing down our necks."
Vivi stretched her arms behind her head, her expression calm despite the looming threat. "Relax. We’ll be ready when the time comes." She then turned her gaze toward Clarissa, a sly grin tugging at her lips. "Besides, you could always throw us with your telekinesis if things get bad."
Clarissa shook her head gently, her tone soft yet firm. "That would kill you instantly."
Vivi let out a small laugh, brushing off the warning with stubborn pride. "There’s no way I’d die that easily."
Clarissa spoke softly, her voice calm yet tinged with a hint of warning. "Then I won’t hesitate to throw you at the whale if I have to."
Dori frowned slightly, her worry evident. "Do you really think we can fight it?"
Vivi tilted her head, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Are you scared? That whale only wins because it’s big."
Clarissa gave her a measured look, her tone gentle but honest. "It’s normal to be afraid. You’ve seen how it destroys everything around it."
Dori shook her head, her voice quieter now, filled with concern rather than fear. "It’s not fear... I’m just worried there might be casualties in the fight."
Clarissa’s eyes softened slightly as she asked, "Are you worried about Julian?"
Vivi’s smile deepened, almost knowing, as she murmured, "Hmm... I see how it is."
Dori’s face flushed pink, and she stammered, trying to hide her feelings. "N-No, it’s not like that..."
Vivi patted Dori lightly on the shoulder, her tone reassuring. "It’s okay, don’t be embarrassed."
Dori’s cheeks flushed, and she spoke with a shy, almost hesitant voice. "It’s not that... I’m just worried about everything."
Clarissa smiled gently, her eyes warm. "It’s alright. I won’t get angry, so don’t deny your feelings, Dori."
Hearing Clarissa’s words, Dori’s face deepened in blush, and she muttered, her voice trembling slightly, "I really don’t have any feelings... I just... admire him."
Vivi’s expression softened into a knowing smile. "Admiration can turn into love, you know."
Dori’s eyes widened slightly at Vivi’s words, and she shook her head, still blushing. "No, no... I mean, I really just admire him. That’s all. It’s not... like that."
Clarissa’s smile remained gentle, but her gaze was sharp, perceptive. "Admiration often grows quietly, Dori. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. You just have to recognize it for what it is."
Dori fidgeted with her hands, the nervous energy clear in her posture. "I-I guess... maybe. But I’m focused on the fight. The Sky Whale... it’s coming closer, and we need to be ready. I can’t... get distracted."
Vivi chuckled softly, nudging her again. "Don’t worry. Recognizing your feelings doesn’t mean losing focus. You can admire him and still fight. Maybe even more fiercely because of it."
Clarissa’s eyes softened, yet carried a quiet strength. "Exactly."
Dori nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. Despite her embarrassment, a small spark of understanding appeared in her eyes. "I... I understand. I’ll try."
Vivi shook her head slightly, her tone a mix of disbelief and curiosity. "But I didn’t expect Julian to... keep attracting so many girls."
Clarissa’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "That’s just his charm," she replied simply, her voice calm yet confident.
Vivi frowned slightly, still trying to wrap her head around it. "I don’t get it... How can someone like him have so many?"
Clarissa chuckled softly, tilting her head as if comparing the situation. "Think of it like this, like how you feel about Luke. That kind of connection doesn’t vanish just because there are others."
Vivi’s eyes widened a little, her expression thoughtful. "Hmm... I see your point, but I still can’t believe Julian could have that many girls. Don’t you ever think about that, Clarissa?"
Clarissa’s gaze softened, and she answered without hesitation. "I don’t mind, as long as Julian never forgets about me."
Dori glanced at Vivi with a teasing smirk. "So... if Luke suddenly decided he wanted a girlfriend, would you even allow it?"
Vivi’s face flushed with anger, her voice sharp. "If he even suggests that, I’ll... I’ll cut off his dick" She clenched her fists, glaring as if daring anyone to challenge her.
Clarissa let out a soft, amused laugh. "That’s a bit extreme, don’t you think?"
Dori giggled, nudging Clarissa. "If Luke ever hears that from you, Vivi, he’ll probably run off immediately."
Vivi crossed her arms, her expression stern. "I won’t allow Luke to be with any other woman, and especially... I won’t let him even glance at someone else."
Clarissa’s smile softened, her tone gentle yet teasing. "Well... I guess that’s how most women think, huh? They want their man’s eyes on them and them alone."
Clarissa glanced at Dori, then continued in a calm, gentle tone, "But we also need to understand the feelings of our men. I respect Julian’s decisions."
Vivi’s eyes softened, a hint of admiration in her voice. "You’re such a sincere woman, Clarissa. Julian is truly lucky to have you."
Dori nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that’s true."
Clarissa smiled warmly and added, "I hope you, too, find the courage to express your feelings, Vivi."
Vivi let out a soft sigh, shaking her head. "No... I won’t give up. I’ll wait until Luke confesses his feelings first."
Clarissa’s smile deepened, her tone filled with hope. "I hope that day comes soon."