Chapter 356: One Of A Kind

In an unknown location, a black-robed figure knelt before a white, glowing orb, their expression respectful.

"Leader, we have executed your order. Kita City is at our mercy now."

A moment passed, and a voice replied through the glowing orb. "Good job. Now, proceed with the next phase of the plan. Make sure nothing goes wrong this time."

"Understood, Leader." The figure bowed their head. "And rest assured, we will definitely get back Young Master Lucent."

"...Don’t get overconfident. Or else, you’re gonna end up like Aeshvin."

"Y-Yes, I apologize for my arrogance." The figure lowered their head further, a visible tremor running through their shoulders. "I promise I will not fail you."

"See that you don’t. Now go. I want to see the results by this evening."

The orb dimmed, and the figure rose slowly, their expression unreadable beneath the shadow of their hood. Then they turned and disappeared into the darkness.

───────

"We are here..."

"Mm..."

"How does it feel to be back?" Zura asked, glancing at Ethea as she pushed the wheelchair through the academy gates.

"...Strange," Ethea admitted, looking around at the familiar buildings and courtyards. "It hasn’t changed much... But I have."

"That’s life, I suppose." Zura shrugged. "Places stay the same while people move on. It’s been, what, two years since you last visited?"

"...Yes." Ethea nodded. "And I’m sorry for not contacting you. I got caught up in work and other matters, and I forgot to keep you in the loop."

"Hey, no need to apologize." Zura waved a hand dismissively. "You’re here now, aren’t you? Besides, I could have contacted you myself, but I didn’t. Because I knew you were busy and I didn’t want to add to your plate. And honestly, I regret that decision to this day and perhaps forever."

"..."

"If I reached out to you sooner, perhaps... you wouldn’t end up like this."

"...Nura, thank you for caring about me, but you shouldn’t feel guilty. None of this was your fault, and worrying over what could have been won’t change where we are now." Ethea smiled gently at her friend. "Besides, even though I hate the condition I’m in, I’m actually happy with where my life has led me. I have a husband who loves me, friends who care about me, and a future I’m actually looking forward to. That’s more than enough for me."

"...You’re right." Zura sighed and nodded. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring down the mood."

"You didn’t. You were just being a good friend."

"Mm." Zura smiled, then her expression shifted into something more playful. "Speaking of which... a husband who loves you? Look at you, making declarations like that with a straight face. When did my stoic best friend turn into such an unrepentant romantic?"

Ethea didn’t even blink, meeting Zura’s mischievous look with remarkable composure. "It’s simply the truth."

"Is that so?" Zura leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, her smile widening into a knowing smirk. "And what about you? Does the feeling go both ways, or is he doing all the heavy lifting here?"

Without a second of hesitation, Ethea gave a firm nod. "Of course I love him too, more than anyone else in this world."

Her tone was solemn, but the sudden flush creeping over the tips of her ears betrayed her embarrassment.

"Hahaha!" Zura burst out laughing, clapping her hands together at the sight. "Look at you! You say it so casually, yet your face is giving you away entirely." She shook her head, genuinely impressed. "Honestly though, I have to hand it to Mr. Soren. A man who can melt your heart like this deserves a medal, you know. I already respected him for looking after you, but now? I’m even more curious to see what kind of guy he really is."

Ethea’s chin tilted up slightly, an unmistakable flicker of pride crossing her features at the praise for her husband.

Seeing that subtle reaction, Zura’s lips curled into a smirk once again. "So... will you tell me about your lovely husband now? I want to know everything, if possible. And hey," she skilfully adjusted her posture, smoothing a hand along her waist to showcase her striking figure with effortless confidence, "if you want, I can even help you test his loyalty. See if he really only has eyes for you."

Ethea stared at her blankly, completely unbothered by the attempt at provocation. "Try it, and you’ll just end up embarrassing yourself."

Zura tilted her head, a dangerously charming grin touching her lips. "Oh, are you really sure? You won’t cry if I end up winning him over, right?"

"Not at all," Ethea said with a serene smile, not a single trace of doubt in her eyes. "I believe in my husband and in the love we share. Nothing you do could ever shake that."

"...Tsk." Zura clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes, though a fond smile broke through her playful annoyance. "Fine, fine, I yield. There’s no need to brag so much."

"...You started it first." Ethea replied, her tone calm but with a hint of satisfaction.

"Yeah, yeah, I did." Zura shook her head, still smiling. "But seriously, I’m happy for you. You deserve this. After everything you’ve been through, you deserve someone who makes you smile like that."

Ethea’s expression softened. "...Thank you, Zura."

"Don’t mention it. But if you are really thankful, just help me find a man like him." Zura grinned again.

Ethea shook her head, her tone perfectly even. "Even if I want to, I can’t."

Zura blinked, leaning in with genuine curiosity. "Why not?"

"Because he’s one of a kind," Ethea replied flatly, without a single trace of hesitation. "There is no one else like him in this world."

Zura froze completely, turning into a statue as the shameless declaration hung in the air. For three full seconds, she didn’t move an inch.

Then, she snapped back to life, throwing her hands up in utter disbelief. "Oh, come on! So cheesy! Are you not embarrassed saying things like that with a completely straight face?!"

"..." Ethea stared back with the same expressionless face.

"Urgh!" Zura groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead. "Who are you and what have you done with my friend?"