章 3: A Stepmother's Duty
Kieiran Bloodmoon's education unfolded within the hallowed halls of an aristocratic school.
Renacimiento Cenizas Academy is an institution known for its exceptional cadre of werewolf and mage instructors. Unlike typical human schools that fixate on college entrance exams, the academy had a unique focus. Here, the end goal was more than achieving high grades or getting into good universities.
Instead, it aimed to nurture the next generation of military strategists, scientists, and business leaders by sending them to the mother school for werewolf elites, Liciunthize Cienzcia University.
The school also places an emphasis on practical skills and real-world application. Even the student body encompassed those blessed with exceptional grades, for whom tuition fees were but a triviality, as well as those whose parents willingly invested in their children's acquisition of life skills.
Unquestionably, Kieiran, the hero, belonged to the latter category. His father can throw a lot of money for his son to stay and learn things. If it were another school, Kieiran would be kicked out anytime, or he would still be obliged to fight for his grades to stay.
The aristocratic school, which Seraphyne was about to visit, existed as a place shrouded in mystery for her. Before she stepped into the shoes of a character within the book, her knowledge of prestigious schools had been confined to human institutions with a reputation for high undergraduate acceptance rates.
Under the radiant sun, Seraphyne ventured forth from the towering walls of her residence.
'The walls are very high. Escape is not ideal here. But the ambiance of the garden is relatively pleasing.'
A journey of three hours awaited her, and a voyage made aboard a flying-hybrid car, an embodiment of the world's technological innovation.
'I can't believe this fantasy world also embraces technology like this. Well, who would believe me if one day I'd be born back to Earth and say, I've ridden a flying car before, and the lowest speed was like... 200 mph?'
Initially, Seraphyne presumed she would disembark at the school's gate. However, to her surprise, the driver effortlessly maneuvered the car onto the school grounds before she could even unfasten her seatbelt.
On regular days, the driver had accompanied the Alpha, and this proximity had cultivated an acute ability to interpret words and expressions within him.
Noticing the astonishment etched across Seraphyne's features through the rearview mirror, he calmly offered an explanation, "Last year, the Alpha made a significant pledge to the school. A donation encompassing seven teaching buildings, a playground, and an experimental laboratory. And this year, the Alpha commenced the project."
At that moment, Seraphyne tried comprehending the Alpha's wealth source and the power to generate vast sums of money.
'This husband must be working nonstop 24/7? Else, how could he escape the honeymoon? He must also get involved with the underground businesses, or he might have lots and lots of industries to run. Otherwise, how could he fund things so easily?'
Confronted with parents who bestowed such magnificent generosity, the school's administration was undoubtedly inclined to grant an array of 'privileges' in return.
'How happy could it have been if the original Seraphyne and the Alpha were in a romantic relationship! Money's flying farther and farther from me...'
However, another issue promptly came into view.
Within the confines of the school, the hero, a figure known for his commanding presence and unique privileges, committed an act so egregious that it warranted the school's invitation to his parents.
A foreboding sensation settled over Seraphyne, casting a shadow of unease upon her thoughts.
'Will I be a pig on the chopping board, ready to be butchered when I arrive at the academy?'
Seraphyne couldn't help but question the rationale behind her decision to visit this place.
Why had she subjected herself to this potential trouble?
When the beta had initially suggested her involvement, she possessed the ability to decline gracefully.
After all, Kieiran wasn't her son, and his behavior wasn't her responsibility to manage. Yet, here she was, grappling with the consequences of her choice.
Could she truly entertain the notion of regret at this juncture?
'I suddenly want to abort the mission!'
In the Senior High School's Section-1B, Kieiran exhibited arrogance, using class time to compensate for lost sleep.
Completely aware of the school's invitation that extended to his parents, he displayed an air of nonchalance, even a sense of contentment. However, his forehead bore a faint scar, partially concealed beneath his hair.
Among the teenagers that populated the senior high school department, the prospect of inviting their parents held minimal fear for some. A couple of reasons governed their attitudes, like a dwindling sense of parental authority and a confidence that their parents would not heed the invitation.
Kieiran squarely fell into the latter category.
He recognized that his mother was engaged in meetings in Eldoria alongside her newfound husband and other family members. Meanwhile, his father remained engrossed in his career, persisting on his ongoing business trip and even leaving some of the pack's business to him. There was no one around who would come, a fact he had grown accustomed to.
His expectations aligned with his reality.
A sudden, piercing vibration emanated from his pocket as he closed his eyes, endeavoring to rest his mind. Impatiently retrieving his Celestiphone, he was met with a NanoChat notification.
[Brother Ran! Big news! Your parents are here!]
The message struck him like a lightning bolt, prompting a rare display of bewilderment across his typically composed countenance.
Kieiran's reaction to the message was filled with shock and disbelief.
For a moment, his confidence wavered, replaced by a hint of vulnerability rarely seen in his demeanor. His brow furrowed, and his usually composed expression gave way to an uncharacteristic flicker of uncertainty.
"Here?" he mumbled to himself, his mind racing to make sense of the unexpected news. It was as if the world had shifted beneath his feet, leaving him momentarily off balance. The prospect of his parents' presence at the school was something he had never entertained. It was something he believed he had complete control over.
'How can they be here? That's impossible!'
As he processed the message, the impact of the words began to sink in.
Was it a surprise? Confusion? Perhaps a touch of annoyance?
He couldn't deny the pang of discomfort that accompanied the realization that his parents had gone against their usual disinterest and actually showed up.
It was a stark departure from the norm, and he was forced to confront a truth he had neatly tucked away—that his parents' attention, though sporadic, still held power over him.
The scar on his forehead seemed to throb. In his quest for dominance and autonomy, he had walked a path that sometimes led to clashes with others. But now, with the news of his parents' arrival, he felt a sliver of unease. A part of him wished they hadn't decided to make this unexpected appearance.
Deep down, he was aware of the root of his mixed feelings. Despite his outward confidence, his parents' absence had always cast a shadow—a lingering void he had learned to cope with. Their sudden intrusion into his carefully crafted world disrupted the delicate equilibrium he had established.
As the seconds ticked by, Kieiran wrestled with conflicting emotions.
He might let down his guard for the first time in a long while.
As the old adage goes, once the arrow is released from the bow, there's no turning it back.
Seraphyne found herself in a situation where there was no easy escape. Had she not yet entered the campus, she might have urged the driver to execute a swift U-turn and depart within every passing minute. After all, she held no true maternal obligations, and fleeing from the scene didn't evoke any guilt within her.
'I am not nervous, but I suddenly feel so uncomfortable! I wasn't even introverted in my last life, but how could I feel societal pressure at this moment?'
But now, with her presence established within the school premises, reversing her course wasn't so straightforward. The thought crossed her mind, presenting itself as an easily executable solution, yet it bore consequences that she couldn't ignore.
'I really can't run in this situation! If I were still on Earth, walking wouldn't be a problem, and then I could find a taxi and go home! But now, the problem is that this school still needs a map and a flying car to roam back! And everything here is monitored!'
The last thing she desired was to exacerbate the already challenging role of a stepmother.
'Maybe I just need to remember that I am a stepmother. A stepmother needs to have a good backbone! And I can't ruin the reputation of the Alpha. I heard he is scarier than the academy's school leaders! There's even less possibility of winning against him.'
Consequently, she was left with no choice but to steel herself and proceed, mustering the courage to step out of the car in front of the school building.
'Come on, Seraphyne! You're no longer a teenager. You must remember your place, a stepmother! You can do this! Just remember how you used to bravely face angry customers in the restaurant in your previous life.'
-- 贈り物
が届きました 
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット