Chapter 208: Lance Definitely Wouldn’t Crash and Burn So Easily

It was just slightly past two in the afternoon, and the living room finally fell quiet. Dazzling autumn sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting golden beams that drifted like fish across the grain of the dark flooring.

Yet, on this lazy Friday afternoon, which was a time usually reserved for naps, no one felt the least bit sleepy.

Lance had just come perilously close to a trip to the crematorium. Had the Poet of Boundless Love simply chosen to utter a few words to provoke Talia, he could have skipped the hospital visit entirely and gone straight to the afterlife. However, the Poet was in a good mood today and decided to save Private Lance.[1]

Seeing Talia still holding tightly to Lance, the Poet said with a hint of resignation in her voice, "Oh, never mind. If I were to argue with you over every little thing, it would only reflect poorly on me."

With that, she voluntarily dismissed her summoning, reverting into two enchanted cards, one orange and one purple, before vanishing. Out of sight, out of mind. Having said her piece, she felt it best not to let Talia see her any longer.

Hyperion was left speechless. She desperately wanted to tell the Poet, "If you want to learn from humans, don't pick Lance as your role model..."

Meanwhile, by the wall, once the Poet had vanished, the silence in the living room deepened.

"Lance..." Talia kept her gaze fixed on Lance, waiting to see how he would wriggle out of this or what he would say.

However, Lance didn't say a word. He simply smiled and closed his eyes. It was as if he was leaving his fate entirely in Talia's hands, willing to accept whatever punishment she deemed fit, so long as she no longer misunderstood him. Or perhaps he was gambling on her heart softening.

Time seemed to resume its normal flow. Talia was left momentarily bewildered. She was certain Lance felt no fear. In fact, he looked remarkably composed. His willingness to accept whatever judgment came his way didn't feel like a game of nerves or a ploy to toy with her emotions.

She carefully reflected on the summon’s words.

According to the Poet, Lance had always treated her with a certain detachment, clearly distinguishing the difference between the Poet and Talia herself. Besides, if he had ever harbored romantic feelings for the Poet, he would have long since suffered the backlash of that dangerous enchanted card. Therefore, it was effectively impossible for Lance to entertain such thoughts...

Complex emotions stirred in Talia's golden eyes, though they had clearly softened significantly compared to before. She felt that perhaps she had misjudged Lance. He had always been loyal to her. Perhaps she ought to be a little gentler with him too. Even if she didn't quite know how to be gentle just yet.

Talia released Lance and turned her face away, no longer looking at him.

Hyperion, who had been watching the simmering conflict from the sidelines, let out a sigh of relief. Although Miss Tali maintained her usual silence, making it impossible to tell what thoughts lay beneath that habitually stoic expression, she didn't seem angry anymore.

Hyperion figured that made sense. Given Lance’s capabilities, it was unlikely he’d stumble into a chaotic romance mire unless he really pushed his luck and courted disaster. And knowing the extent to which Lance courted disaster, she shuddered to imagine what a catastrophe it would be if things actually went south.

Then again, Hyperion thought, that day probably wouldn't come. Well, probably... After all, Lance was the type whose guts were backed by genuine skill.

Talia scooped up the little black cat from the floor and turned to speak to Lance and Hyperion, "I'm taking Boss Cat back now. I'll come back to campus to pick up Hyperion this evening."

Boss Cat, having spent the last few minutes watching the drama unfold, had once again short-circuited. It couldn't fathom why this guy wasn't afraid of a romantic showdown.

Hyperion thanked her as she saw her and Boss Cat off. "Alright, thank you, Miss Tali."

Only after Talia closed the door and left did Lance and Hyperion finally relax and sit down on the living room sofa.

This was the first time Hyperion had ever visited Lance’s dormitory. Yet, sharing the same space with him felt completely natural. There was no awkwardness between them. It felt just like being at home.

Perhaps it was because they spent so much time together and knew each other so well. After all, they had spent time together at Tali’s place just like this before.

Lance scratched his head, looking puzzled. "Why does it feel like she’s your mom?"

Even though Talia and Hyperion had only known each other for a few days, their bond had visibly deepened. In fact, there was a clear sense of maternal care in the way Talia treated her.

Of course, Talia was certainly old enough to be Hyperion’s mother, but one had to consider her situation: if she were saddled with a "kid" at several hundred years of age, her chances of ever getting married would drop to zero.

Hyperion’s voice trailed off as she voiced her denial, "Don’t say things like that. Miss Tali is still very young. She’s more like an older sister; how could she be a mother figure..."

In truth, she often secretly fantasized that Tali’s warm, attentive care was the kind of affection a mother would show. It was just that thinking such things felt impolite and made her feel rather pathetic.

"Fair point. I certainly can’t picture her as a devoted wife and mother, haha."

To Lance, Talia was the furthest thing from words like "gentle," "virtuous," or "motherly." Just then, the door to Lance’s room opened again. His laughter cut off abruptly, and he straightened up a bit. Talia silently studied him for a moment before turning her gaze to Hyperion.

While cradling Boss Cat in her arms, she asked, "Hyperion, are you having dinner out with him tonight or coming back home to eat?"

Hyperion thought for a moment before answering, "I think I’ll eat with you Miss Tali."

Her time at Miss Tali’s place wasn’t infinite. Eventually, she would feel too awkward to keep imposing on her hospitality. That was why, over these two weeks, she wanted to cherish every moment of living with Miss Tali.

"Alright, I’ll come pick you up at five." Talia nodded, and the door to Lance’s room closed behind her.

Lance fell silent, looking as though he were pondering the origins of the universe. Had Talia simply reached an age where her maternal instincts had naturally awakened? That didn't seem right, though. Even a demon mother raising their own child wouldn't be this gentle...

Hyperion was watching Lance closely now.

She finally realized something. Perhaps the reason Lance always claimed his teacher was so harsh on him wasn't entirely Miss Tali’s fault. After all, the guy had a habit of unconsciously making snide, mocking remarks! It was as if he were constantly thinking incredibly rude things but trying his absolute best to keep them from slipping out!

While looking at Lance, who was seated on the sofa opposite her, Hyperion clenched her hands nervously as she urged him, "Lance, could you please stop teasing Miss Tali? I'm worried something bad might happen to you..."

She couldn't tell if Lance was simply a man who valued sincerity and speaking the truth, or if he found life too dull and was seeking some kind of extreme thrill by provoking Miss Tali.

Lance smiled innocently, leaning back against the sofa and turning his head to look at Hyperion. "How could I possibly tease my teacher? Besides, I spend my days doing good deeds and accumulating merit. The Goddess of Fate will surely watch over me."

Hyperion stayed silent, utterly speechless. She could only offer a silent prayer of contrition to the Goddess.

She had done her best to hold Lance back. She just hoped that if, if a massive disaster ever did strike, Lance wouldn't drag her down with him...

1. The raws did say "Soldier Lance" ☜