The Next Day
The morning sun had yet to fully show itself when the atmosphere in Bella's house already felt warm. The girl woke up earlier than usual, wearing a simple white apron with small floral patterns, busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast. The scent of toasted bread and warm soup wafted through the house. In the corner of the dining room, a round wooden table was neatly set with two porcelain plates, two glasses of fresh fruit juice, and a large bowl of creamy mushroom soup still steaming.
Exafanos sat calmly in his chair, as usual — his face blank, his eyes as calm as a wave-less sea. Bella watched the man from across the table, her gaze mixed with admiration and worry.
"Exafanos..." she called softly, scooping a spoonful of soup into her mouth. "Are you nervous? Today's your first day teaching, right? Normally, anyone would feel a bit anxious."
Exafanos slowly turned to her, raising an eyebrow slightly. "No," he replied flatly, in his usual monotone voice.
Bella chuckled lightly, beginning to share her stories. "Back when I had my first assignment to teach, I couldn't sleep all night. I was so scared — especially afraid that the students wouldn't listen. But well… you get used to it eventually."
As she continued eating, Bella kept chatting — about her past experiences, her unique students, and various funny incidents at the academy. Exafanos merely listened in silence, occasionally nodding or giving short comments. But for some reason, Bella felt at ease. Like she could say anything without being judged.
After breakfast, they got ready to leave. Bella wore her sky-blue academy robe with a golden emblem on the chest. Meanwhile, Exafanos wore his usual clothes as he hadn't received his official uniform yet.
At the Academy
Upon arriving at the academy, they separated at the main entrance. Bella headed to her own class since she was scheduled to teach that morning. Exafanos walked alone to the headmaster's office.
In the Headmaster's Office
The door to the headmaster's office slowly opened, revealing Exafanos entering with calm steps. Inside, Lithuana was seated behind her desk, reviewing several important documents. Beside her stood a neatly dressed man, his blond hair slicked back and sharp eyes full of confidence.
Exafanos ignored the man. He spoke directly to Lithuana in a flat tone. "The teacher's uniform. I don't have it yet."
Lithuana, who previously looked a bit annoyed due to a prior conversation with the man beside her, suddenly smiled. A smile that seemed natural but full of intent. Lightly, she stood from her chair and walked toward Exafanos. Without hesitation, she took his hand.
"Come with me," she said softly, then led Exafanos to a large wardrobe in the corner of the room.
The man by the desk stiffened. His eyes narrowed, jaw clenched, and the faint sound of grinding teeth could be heard as he tried to control his anger. He was Arnold, one of the senior teachers at the academy. His family was a well-known merchant family with significant influence in the kingdom. He came to the academy not just to teach, but also to get close to Lithuana — a woman he had long desired as his future wife.
But the scene before him shattered all his confidence. Seeing Lithuana act intimately — even holding hands with a strange man — made his blood boil.
Lithuana opened the wardrobe and took out a set of pitch-black garments with gold lines along the collar and sleeves — the official uniform for theory-level instructors. She handed it to Exafanos with a small smile.
"Perfect for you," she said.
Exafanos accepted the clothes without saying much, then walked to the changing room. A few minutes later, he emerged, immediately drawing attention. The outfit fit him perfectly, highlighting his ideal build and enhancing his mysterious aura. Lithuana even paused for a moment, mesmerized. Unable to hold back a compliment, she said, "You look amazing… beyond expectations."
But Exafanos knew it was all an act. He understood that Lithuana was merely using him to distance herself from Arnold publicly. He responded only with a cold look and a slight nod.
Arnold, who had been restraining himself, finally stepped forward. He approached Exafanos, and with a fake smile, clasped his hands in a noble greeting.
"Oh, so this is the new teacher Lithuana mentioned," he said sarcastically. "Nice to meet you."
Exafanos glanced at him briefly, then turned to Lithuana. "I'll head to class now," he said flatly, then walked out, leaving Arnold clenching his teeth in fury.
After Exafanos Left
Lithuana sat back in the headmaster's chair as if nothing had happened. Meanwhile, Arnold remained standing beside her, his face still showing restrained emotion. He plopped into the guest chair harshly and glared at Lithuana with accusing eyes.
"So… that's the guy you're into?" he asked sarcastically. "You've got terrible taste, Lithuana."
Lithuana merely shrugged and smiled slightly, eyes on the documents on the desk.
"I'll consider being your lover… if you can beat him," she replied casually.
That statement made Arnold laugh — but it was a bitter laugh. He felt insulted. But as a man used to winning and getting everything easily, Arnold accepted the challenge in his heart. He was sure he could defeat Exafanos anytime.
"Alright, we'll see," Arnold said as he stood up. "I'll teach him a lesson about who really deserves to be on top in this academy."
With a burning gaze, he left the headmaster's office and made his way to his class.
To be continued…