Ciella... one of the Holy Trinity, the head of Mirt Academy, and the human who used to pin Aya to the ground and rub her face in it along with Tiran, the previous one.
Now, can she still make a run for it?
Aya suppressed the urge to immediately bolt away with all her might. Facing a Holy Rank, and one that could knock her out a few decades ago, the chances of her getting away if she were recognized were close to zero.
"Oh? Young man, you seem familiar...," Cold Garments squinted her eyes and smirked teasingly.
"Uh, really? Maybe you mistook me for someone else. People often say I look like so and so. Hahaha, well, I'll be going now!" Aya rubbed the back of her head and forced a laugh.
"Hold on."
"Yes!" Suddenly called from behind, Aya shivered, drew her sword, and stood at attention, then slowly turned around with a slightly stiff movement. "Is-is there something?"
"Well... young man, you've waited in line for so long. Isn't it for our autograph?" Cold Garments tilted her head and gave an innocent smile.
"Uh, um, of course! Just sign on the cover, please!"
Aya quickly handed over the book she had already taken out and watched as Cold Garments smoothly signed her pen name on the cover. After receiving a souvenir, she turned and walked away.
Coco, who was behind her, almost bounced up and eagerly chatted with Cold Garments. The true nature of an enthusiastic fan revealed itself after meeting with an idol.
But in times like this, Aya was actually grateful that Coco caught her attention. It seemed lucky that the Aluminum Man didn't recognize her. Well... was it because it had been too long or because she had grown up a bit and the human form wasn't recognizable?
In any case, it was a good thing to get through. Now, she should hurry up and leave here and go find Coco later.
Jumping off the makeshift stage, Aya felt like she had shed a layer of nerves... What a weird metaphor.
Slipped away—
"Stay put backstage and don't wander around, okay? We've already marked you, little dragon. Don't think you can escape. Did you really think we didn't recognize you?" The voice resonated in her mind, obviously using some kind of telepathy.
In other words... she had still been recognized! Aya's soul lost color in an instant.
The staff responsible for organizing the signing event couldn't help but be puzzled when they saw a fan falling to their knees just as they stepped off the stage, their hands supporting them on the ground. Their body trembled slightly, as if they were so excited they might cry.
Uh, is it really that thrilling to meet an idol?
...
At the same time, in the heart of the Academy City, in the Headmaster's Office.
"Please, Your Highness Hoshimiya."
Taking the tray from the attendant, Lucius picked up a cup of hot tea from the plate and handed it to Hoshimiya, who was leaning against the huge floor-to-ceiling window, admiring the view outside.
"Thank you." Hoshimiya nodded in gratitude after taking a sip from the cup.
Generally, unless invited by the headmaster personally, no one is allowed to enter the Headmaster's Office. But with Hoshimiya's prestigious status, even Ciella would not refuse her entry.
Of course, this invitation had nothing to do with the missing Tiran or Ciella. It was purely Lucius's personal action and could be considered an abuse of power.
However, the Vice Principal didn't have the time to worry about these details now. He was more concerned about the unusual behavior of Gaia Academy this time. Elite guards, Holy Rank presence... Lucius didn't believe for a second that they weren't preparing for something.
Originally, Lucius had intended to patiently wait for the guest to explain themselves. But it seemed that Hoshi hadn't noticed Lucius' intention of inviting him, and he continued sipping his tea and gazing absentmindedly at the panoramic view of the academy city outside the window.
If it was just some inconsequential matter, Lucius wouldn't have cared much. However, considering the smooth running of the Martial Arts Festival and the safety of his own school's students, Lucius had to take it seriously and find out the truth as soon as possible.
After pausing for a moment, Lucius prepared to speak.
"Mr. Lucius, if you want to ask about the situation at Gai Xia, I'm afraid I can't say anything," Hoshi replied without turning around, calmly shutting down Lucius' question that was about to escape his lips.
"But the problem signal from Gai Xia has forced us to take notice," Lucius pushed his glasses up and said, "The Martial Arts Festival is a grand event participated by almost all combat academies in the western continent. If there's any unexpected threat, it would also trouble Milt, the organizer."
"What if I refuse?" Hoshi asked.
There was another moment of silence. Lucius took a deep breath and said slowly, "In that case, according to the rules of the Martial Arts Festival invitation tournament, I have the authority to cancel Gai Xia's qualification and expel any potential danger out of the academy city."
In simpler terms, it meant "I will kick you out and make you leave", Lucius himself also held his breath when saying this, afraid to provoke a Holy Rank individual.
"I see..." Hoshi's tone remained calm, with no discernible change in emotion, "Alright, Mr. Lucius. Although I can't reveal much to you, I can assure you one thing in the name of the Pleiades constellation, which represents twenty-eight stars. At least, there will be no accidents caused by the Eastern direction during this Martial Arts Festival within the Milt autonomous region."
"Assurance?" Lucius hesitated, wondering if accidents could really be guaranteed.
"The power of the stars," Hoshi smiled, "Guidance from the celestial stars."
"But even with such assurance..." Lucius hesitated to speak further, he himself didn't believe much in the Eastern Witchcraft's astrology system, Hoshi's assurance didn't carry much persuasiveness.
"Well, in addition, if any accidents do occur, I will lend a hand depending on the situation," Hoshi held up a finger.
Compared to vague assurances, such a promise did provide much more reassurance. Lucius nodded, "With your word, there should be no problem then."
With Hoshi and Ciella, and also the reputation of Crown Prince Tiran outside, even if someone had ill intentions, they would have to carefully consider their own strength.
"But," Hoshi's face revealed a playful expression, "even if the Eastern continent doesn't bring any surprises, it seems that unexpected guests have arrived at Milt."
...
After the book signing event ended, the sun in the sky gradually began to set, painting the horizon with a flaming red twilight, creating a floating halo.
Aya and Coco also found a place to rest as planned, while taking the opportunity to organize the spoils of the day.
It wasn't just some random street food stall, but a VIP lounge set up specifically for the attending guests by the organizers.
In a tastefully decorated and minimalist room, the three of them sat around a square table, with Coco still excitedly looking at her loot, and Aya seated across from her trembling in fear.
As a die-hard fan of Master Lengxiang, Coco felt extremely honored to be invited in, but the other person obviously didn't feel the same way.
"Um, Aya, are you feeling okay?"
Noticing Aya's expression, which could be described as being kicked in the groin, Coco asked with concern, "This is in front of Master Lengxiang, don't embarrass yourself."
"I'll embarrass your grandfather's face..." Aya said weakly. Suddenly, she became spirited and slammed the table angrily, "This person is not Master Lengxiang at all! She's just the unreliable headmistress of this damn academy!"
Whatever! Aya had already made up her mind that she wouldn't reveal any information no matter what Ciella said. She would just stay quiet and pretend to be dead. She didn't believe Ciella could actually kill her.
"Ah~ My, my, no manners at all. Lengxiang is indeed who I said she is, and of course, the headmistress is our other identity," the mature big sister with blue-grey long hair said, tucking a strand behind her ear and smiling with one eye closed.
"Eh... eh?!" It was only at this moment that Coco understood what Aya meant. She widened her eyes and looked at Lengxiang, or rather, Ciella. "Master Lengxiang is one of the Holy Triumvirate?"
"Although most people don't know." Ciella hmphed and seemed quite pleased with herself.
"I knew it! That's why all the classes you take are about appreciating books. It turns out it's related to your profession!" Aya couldn't help but comment.
"Emmm... Do you know about our elective courses? In other words, Little Dragon, your appearance here is not a coincidence," Coco suddenly asked, startling Aya, who almost fell out of her chair.
"Aya? Oh... is that your name, Little Dragon? Not bad. Also, Coco, the big sister you're talking about is..."
"Coco, shut up!" Aya panicked and jumped up, trying to cover Coco's mouth, but it was too late.
"Tiran Elysian, huh." Coco casually replied.
Hey, hey, are you doing this on purpose? You're not supposed to sell out your teammate like this!
"So it's you, the servant girl next to Tiran. I had a feeling of familiarity back then." Aya felt like crying without tears. What teammate? She had already spilled the beans about herself, even mentioning the place where she accidentally fell when she was young and cried so much that her nose and tears were all over the place...
Speaking of which, Coco is a fan of Lengxiang, and from the very beginning, she was on the opposite side!
"Relax, Aya. We've known each other for decades. We're old acquaintances. Your dejected look makes people think I did something to wrong you."
"Didn't you? Wasn't it you who threw me into various potions tests and used me as a magical target because of Dragon's excellent magic resistance?"
"The past is like smoke. Those little things don't matter," Ciella waved her hand generously.
"Alright, let's forget about the lantern incident as well. Let's all be happy. Goodbye."
Aya stood up expressionlessly, ready to leave.
"Hold on, the lantern incident is not something that can be easily forgotten. Sit back down!"
The dean suddenly exploded with anger.
