บท 153: Leaving The Empire

Scion lifted his gaze to Cassian, clear disdain in his eyes.

Cassian believed that if he didn't show any embarrassment, the awkwardness would fall on others.

Ignoring the stares, he turned his face to a more flattering angle and, while answering Drexel, he kept his eyes on Arix. "I've already gotten my parents' permission. Besides, Arix is heading back to the Alliance tomorrow. As her closest and most trusted friend, how could I miss her farewell party?"

His words sounded perfectly reasonable, and Arix was genuinely touched. She responded warmly, "Thank you, Cassian. You're my best and dearest friend too, and Scion, you're like a brother to me."

Cassian's heart sank; he felt like he had shot himself in the foot. 'Does Arix misunderstand something?' He wanted a relationship far beyond mere friendship!