Volume 03, Chapter 86

  Returning Home

  “Hahh!” Arthur stretches his arms high, letting out a contented sigh.

  Célestin raises an eyebrow, his trademark smirk playing at his lips. “Enjoyed your beauty sleep, O king of knights?”

  Arthur shoots him a glance, his brows furrowing slightly. “I do not even know where you come up with these nicknames,” he mutters, shaking his head. “But yes, I did enjoy it—mostly because I did not have to hear your voice for a while.”

  Célestin chuckles, unbothered by the jab. “Oh, come on. I am not that insufferable, am I?”

  Arthur sighs but does not reply. His gaze drifts across the train station to where Dominic stands at a counter, handling some last-minute details. For a moment, he simply watches him, his thoughts elsewhere.

  His mind wanders back to the conversation—the one from the dream. Even though the Dominic standing before him is Clark, the words of that Dominic still linger. They gnaw at him, unraveling the certainty he has always had about why he protects Dominic.

  Doms, Arthur thinks, his eyes lowering to the polished floor beneath his feet.

  He has always believed his reasons are simple: protecting Dominic is the right thing to do. But when Dominic—his Dominic—had coldly questioned his motives, it struck a nerve. It made him wonder: Why? Why does he want to protect Dominic so desperately? Is it truly because they are friends, or is it something more selfish?

  Célestin, sharp-eyed as always, notices the shift in Arthur’s expression. “Hey, are you good?”

  Arthur blinks and looks up. “Yes,” he replies automatically, though his voice lacks conviction.

  Célestin’s smirk softens, a rare flicker of seriousness crossing his face. “No, you are not.”

  Arthur hesitates, then exhales heavily. “…No, I am not.”

  Célestin leans back against the station’s cool stone wall, crossing his arms. “Is this about the gas?”

  Arthur nods reluctantly. “…Yes.”

  Célestin’s eyes dart briefly to Dominic, then back to Arthur. “It is about him, is it not?”

  “…Yes.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?” Célestin offers, his tone unusually gentle.

  Arthur glances at him, surprised. They are not particularly close, but for some reason, he feels like he can confide in him.

  “In the dream,” Arthur begins, his voice quieter now, “I relived a memory. I was treating Doms after some bullies beat him up. While I was wrapping his wounds, he asked me why I was friends with him—why I protected him. But…” His voice falters. “His tone was cold. Like he was not asking for an answer, but demanding one.”

  Célestin listens intently, his expression neutral. Arthur presses on.

  “I told him it was because we were best friends—that it was the right thing to do. But then he said…” Arthur swallows hard, his hands clenching into fists. “He said I only protected him because I needed to feel important. That he was just… a tool to me.”

  Célestin’s gaze flicks upward. For a long moment, he says nothing, then speaks softly. “You know, illusions like that are not just random tricks. They are designed to hit where it hurts most—to paralyze you with doubt and fear. But here is the thing—they are not real. They twist the truth into something ugly, but it is never the whole story.”

  Arthur’s jaw tightens, his voice trembling. “But what if there is some truth to it? What if I only protect him because it makes me feel… needed? Like I have a purpose?”

  Célestin studies him momentarily, his usual playfulness replaced by rare sincerity. “Arthur,” he says firmly, “you have fought for him and risked your life for him. You stood by him even when it was not easy or convenient. That is not something you do to feel important. That is what real friends do.”

  Arthur looks up, his eyes searching Célestin’s for reassurance.

  “And,” Célestin adds with a faint smirk, “if you were as selfish as that illusion made you out to be, you would not be tearing yourself up about it right now, would you?”

  Arthur blinks, the weight of his doubts lifting ever so slightly. “…Maybe you are right.”

  “Of course I am right,” Célestin says, his smirk returning in full force. He pushes off the wall and gives Arthur a playful pat on the shoulder. “Now, stop brooding and focus. We have got a train to catch.”

  Despite the reassurance, Arthur cannot entirely shake his lingering uncertainty. The doubts still lurk like shadows at the edges of his mind. But for now, he takes a deep breath and nods, deciding to set them aside.

  “Hey, I am done. Let us go home.”

  They turn to see Dominic walking toward them, his tired yet warm smile greeting them.

  Both Arthur and Célestin smile in return.

  “Yes… let’s go,” Célestin replies.

  The three start walking out of the station, the familiar lavender fields outside swaying gently in the evening breeze. The soft, floral scent welcomes them, a comforting reminder of home.

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  “I see you all enjoyed your little vacation.”

  The unexpected voice makes them pause. They turn to see Lumi Everheart standing a few steps away, her figure dressed in the standard female Académie d'E?eforte uniform. Her sudden appearance catches them off guard.

  “Ah, good evening, Lumi,” Dominic greets, waving lazily.

  “Good evening, Dominic,” Lumi replies politely before her sharp gaze shifts to Arthur. “And Arthur Lyon—skipping school for a vacation, were we?”

  Arthur lets out an exasperated sigh. “Lumi, I am not in the mood for one of your lectures. Besides, the class was optional today because of the Stargate incident. Surely you have not forgotten that?”

  “I am well aware,” Lumi says evenly. “However, as the heir of Les Arcanes éternels, you have responsibilities. You should set an example, not shirk your duties.”

  Arthur groans, tilting his head back as though pleading with the sky.

  Dominic watches the exchange, his lips twitching into an amused smirk. To him, Arthur and Lumi’s bickering resembles that of an old married couple.

  But then something else catches Dominic’s attention. He glances at Célestin, only to find him staring daggers at Arthur.

  Dominic’s eyes widen. ‘Is Célestin… jealous of Arthur?’ he thinks, bewildered.

  In the web novel, Célestin and Lumi had a history of dating. Knowing Célestin’s regressor status, Dominic figures his feelings for Lumi might run deep. But jealousy? That is uncharacteristic of the usually laid-back Célestin. This reaction surprises him.

  Without warning, Célestin strides forward and casually slings an arm around Arthur’s shoulders. Arthur raises an eyebrow but does not push him off.

  “Come on, Miss Everheart,” Célestin says, his tone playful and light. “Give the guy a break. He has been through a lot.”

  Lumi’s attention shifts to Célestin, and her heart skips a beat for reasons she cannot explain. She frowns inwardly, confused. She had seen him before—during the Stargate attack at the camp—and even on the news. However, he had never made her feel this way before.

  Célestin is a known figure. He was the heir of Moreau Aether Mining Inc., a company steeped in controversy due to its questionable practices. Lumi’s opinion of him had been low, colored by the company’s reputation. But after hearing about his actions during the Stargate attack, her view softened.

  Still, this reaction—this inexplicable flutter—is unfamiliar and unsettling.

  Clearing her throat, Lumi steps forward, extending a hand toward Célestin. “I believe we have not been formally introduced. I am Lumi Everheart. It is a pleasure to meet you, Célestin Moreau. Please, call me Lumi—since you are friends with Dominic.”

  Célestin removes his arm from Arthur’s shoulder and takes her hand. But instead of shaking it, he kneels gracefully and kisses her hand lightly. “The pleasure is all mine, Lumi,” he says, his voice smooth and rich.

  Everyone freezes, except for Dominic, who expects this.

  Lumi’s heart races, her composure threatening to crack. She does not know this man—at least not personally—yet it feels as though she has known him forever. The sensation is unnerving, but she forces herself to remain calm. As the heir of Les Pilleurs de Portails, maintaining poise is second nature.

  “Yes… it is a pleasure,” Lumi manages, though her voice wavers slightly. Her eyes flick toward Dominic as if seeking reassurance.

  Dominic notices her gaze and offers an awkward wave, unsure what to make of the situation.

  Lumi feels a strange pang of guilt she cannot quite explain. Why does she feel so… conflicted?

  Meanwhile, Célestin, having noticed Lumi’s glance at Dominic, smiles faintly but says nothing. He does not appear jealous—if anything, his expression carries a knowing amusement.

  He stands and releases her hand, his movements fluid and confident. “Lumi, may we ask what brings you here?” he inquires gently.

  Lumi straightens, regaining her composure. “I noticed you three heading toward the train station earlier this morning. After school, I decided to see if you were still here. And, well, here you are.”

  Célestin chuckles softly, his gaze warm but unreadable. “I see. How thoughtful of you.”

  Dominic tilts his head, curious about the subtle tension in the air. Arthur remains quiet, his arms crossed, while Lumi seems torn between irritation and intrigue.

  “Well,” Dominic interjects, breaking the silence. “If that’s all, we should get going. It’s been a long day.”

  “I agree,” Arthur says, glancing at his watch. “I am heading back to the Académie before Max arrives to pick me up. I do not want him thinking I skipped school today.” He starts walking, then pauses to look back. “Bye.”

  Just as he turns, Arthur suddenly stops. “Oh, by the way…” He turns back around, a spark of determination in his eyes. “Cla—Doms, about the duel we talked about last time. Let us settle it this Friday!”

  Without waiting for a reply, Arthur resumes walking.

  “Uhh… sure,” Dominic replies, caught off guard.

  Today is Monday, and Dominic cannot deny that he has a packed schedule. Tomorrow is the Manaficial Ritual.

  Originally, Wednesday is meant for the Belard strategy meeting. However, with Arthur’s duel now scheduled for Friday, that changes the timeline. As a result, Wednesday becomes his only available day for training—just one day before the duel takes place.

  “A duel, huh? I didn’t think Arthur would challenge you to one,” Célestin says, his tone amused.

  Lumi nods thoughtfully. “Neither did I.”

  Dominic lets out a weary sigh. “It’s a long story.”

  “I want to watch it!” Célestin exclaims, his eyes lighting up.

  “Same here,” Lumi adds, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “I’d like to see what the heir of my rival guild is capable of.”

  Dominic rubs the back of his neck. “Uh… sure, I guess.”

  Lumi smiles for a moment. “Well, I should head back to the Académie too. Goodbye to you both.”

  Célestin’s smile softens as he gently brushes a stray strand of hair from her face. “Be safe, Lumi.”

  Lumi’s cheeks tint pink as she glances at Dominic, who raises an eyebrow at her uncharacteristic fluster.

  “Uh… get home safely, Lumi,” Dominic says awkwardly.

  Lumi smiles and hurries away, her brisk steps echoing against the cobblestones. Both Dominic and Célestin watch her go.

  “Weird…” Dominic mutters.

  Lumi is depicted as someone cold, and distant, not easily would fall for someone. But, Célestin being a regressor might have a factor here.

  Célestin chuckles, turning to Dominic with a knowing look. “You know, in another timeline, Domy and Lumi dated. More than once.”

  Dominic’s eyes widen at the revelation. “R-Really? That… kind of explains why she kept looking at me. Maybe she feels something, even if she doesn’t remember who Dominic is. Too bad I’m not him.”

  “Yeah,” Célestin says with a wistful sigh. “The body is a strange thing. Even without memories, some people can still recognize their feelings for someone.”

  “Oh…” Dominic murmurs, his thoughts swirling before something else clicks. He eyes Célestin curiously. “By the way, were you jealous of Arthur earlier?”

  “What do you mean?” Célestin asks, his tone calm but guarded.

  “Well,” Dominic begins, “you gave him a pretty hard look when he and Lumi were talking.”

  Célestin sighs, his expression briefly darkening. “It wasn’t intentional. I thought I was keeping my cool. But… I guess I can’t help it. I get jealous easily when another guy flirts with Lumi. Even when she just talks to another guy, it bothers me.”

  Dominic blinks, surprised by the candid confession. “So, you admit it?”

  “Jealous? Possessive?” Célestin lets out a self-deprecating laugh. “Yeah, I admit it. I’ve regressed countless times, yet this flaw of mine has never disappeared. It’s a part of who I am, for better or worse.”

  “Oh…” Dominic replies, unsure how to respond to such honesty.

  Célestin’s tone lightens as he grins. “Anyway, how about we head to your place? I’m planning on crashing there tonight.”

  “Sure…” Dominic says with a tired sigh. His energy is spent, and the idea of home is all too appealing. “While we’re at it, let’s discuss our plans for Belard after the Manaficial Ritual.”

  Célestin nods. “Sounds good.”

  Dominic gives a small smile, stifling a yawn. “Let’s go home.”

  As Dominic starts walking sluggishly toward the lavender fields, Célestin follows, watching his friend with a fond smile.