Chapter 104: Meeting Eleanor [1]

Night had already settled over Grayhaven Academy by the time Klein left the administrative wing.

The corridors were quieter now.

Most students had returned to their dorms, and only the soft glow of the lamps lined the pathways, casting long shadows across the stone floors.

A cool evening breeze drifted through the open archways, carrying the faint scent of the academy gardens.

’If you want your share of the credits from me... come meet me in my room later.’

The words lingered in Klein’s thoughts as he crossed into the Spirit Division’s section of the campus.

A few late-working students passed him, giving quick nods or curious glances before continuing on their way.

Eventually, he reached the room reserved for Eleanor.

Klein stopped in front of the door.

For a brief moment, he simply stood there before raising his hand and knocking twice firmly.

A few seconds passed and then the door opened.

Eleanor was standing on the other side, wearing a white tank top revealing her cleavage and black shorts.

Her long blonde hair fell loosely over her shoulders, and the soft light from inside the room framed her figure gently.

A faint smile appeared on Eleanor’s lips, and she stepped aside, holding the door open for him.

"Come in."

As he stepped in, Eleanor closed the door behind him with a soft click.

Klein stepped in and glanced around at the luxurious room for a moment.

She turned to face him fully, "You’re quite bold, aren’t you?" she said in a teasing voice.

"Coming to a woman’s room at night like this."

Eleanor tilted her head slightly, a small smile playing on her lips.

"I did invite you... but still. Most people would have waited until morning, or at least sent a message first. Yet here you are, walking into my room after dark without hesitation."

Klein’s lips curved into a faint smile.

"Sorry for that, I just returned from the headmaster’s office and then came here."

"If you didn’t want me to come at night, you could have specified a time, Miss Eleanor."

Eleanor’s eyes grew tender slightly "That’s true, I suppose that means I have no grounds to complain."

She gestured toward the couch "Make yourself at home. I will bring something for you."

Klein gave a small nod and walked over to the couch, sitting down with a relaxed posture.

From where he sat, he could see part of the night sky through the window.

Eleanor moved toward a small side cabinet.

She opened it and took out a wooden box, along with two delicate cups.

After a moment, she also retrieved a small pot of tea that had already been prepared and kept warm.

She brought everything over to the low table in front of the couch and set it down gracefully.

"I thought you might want something warm after walking across the campus at this hour," she said as she poured the tea into the cups.

The soft aroma of the herbal blend rose into the air.

She placed one cup in front of him and kept the other for herself before sitting down on the opposite side of the table.

Eleanor folded her hands lightly in her lap and looked at him with her usual gentle expression.

"You performed remarkably during the ranking event today, and even the duel that day was amazing." she said after a moment.

"I imagine the Headmaster also had words for you earlier."

Klein picked up the cup, feeling the warmth against his fingers, "He did."

Eleanor’s smile remained soft "I thought as much."

She was about to continue speaking, but then she remembered something.

Without saying anything further, she stood up and walked toward a small refrigerated cabinet in the corner of the room.

Klein watched her curiously as she opened it and took out a neatly covered plate.

When she removed the cover, he saw a rich, dark red cake with smooth white frosting.

Eleanor brought it back to the table and gently placed the plate in front of him.

"I had this prepared earlier," she said lightly. "I thought you might like something sweet with the tea."

A faint look of genuine surprise crossed his face "...Red velvet."

He glanced up at her.

"That’s my favorite."

Eleanor’s expression remained calm on the surface, but she was grinning in her heart ’I already know.’

She simply inclined her head slightly, as if the coincidence was nothing more than good fortune.

"I’m glad it suits your taste," she replied softly. "Please, help yourself."

He picked up the small fork she had placed beside the plate and took a bite.

Eleanor watched him quietly as he ate the cake.

And her eyes softened in affection, looking at the faint look of appreciation that crossed his face with each bite.

A brief silence settled between them before she spoke again.

"Before I transfer the credits... shall we exchange contact information? It will make things more convenient if we need to communicate later."

Klein gave a small nod "Alright."

Eleanor took out her phone and Klein retrieved his own phone and completed the exchange with her.

"There," Eleanor said. "Now we can reach each other directly."

She then opened the academy app used for credit transfers within the academy.

After a few precise motions of her fingers, a soft glow appeared on the screen.

"I’m transferring the portion of credits that belong to you from today’s ranking."

A notification appeared on Klein’s phone a moment later, confirming the successful transfer of a substantial amount of credits into his account.

Klein glanced at the number, then back at her "That’s more than the split we agreed on."

Eleanor giggled under her breath "Consider it a personal gesture. You performed well today... and I found our brief cooperation rather pleasant."

Klein was amused ’Well, she is a great ally.’

He gave a small nod and picked up the cup of tea, taking a slow sip.

The warmth spread through him as he finished the rest of it without hurry.

Once the cup was empty, he set it down on the table and rose to his feet.

"I should head back. Thank you for the tea and the cake."

Eleanor stood as well and stepped closer, closing the remaining distance between them.

Hm? Before Klein could fully register her intention, she wrapped her arms around him in a gentle hug.

The soft fabric of her tanktop brushed against him, and a faint, clean scent of white flowers reached him.

Then, without hesitation, she leaned in and pressed a light kiss against his cheek.

"Mhm, see you later."