Upon seeing him nod, Yuriel inspected Nicolaus and found multiple stains on his body. She couldn't help but frown, somewhat worried that her target of vengeance might die, before she can exact her revenge.

Although, that's just how Yuriel interpreted her feelings.

In truth, the raging fire against Nicolaus was long gone. It was overshadowed by other things, like her recent dream and future goal. But while Yuriel didn't hate him, it doesn't mean her feelings are lost and she had taken a liking to him, not at all.

She still wanted to get back at Nicolaus, even if it's just a simple act of doodling his face. Yuriel did try though, by entering his dreams. However, she couldn't find the opportunity as Nicolaus had never fallen asleep within her range.

With that being the case, Yuriel continues to stare at Nicolaus with a frown. She's pondering what to do, whether to confront or ignore the guy. But before she can decided, Nicolaus abruptly stood from his seat and bowed deeply.

"I'm sorry for what I did!" He sincerely said, cutting off Yuriel from her thoughts. "I have no excuse, even though it's an accident, I'm still at fault so I'm very sorry!"

"....."

Yuriel didn't know how to respond, or how to accept his apology. In fact, Yuriel had an impression that Nicolaus is the type that would never accept his fault. Not to mention, he hadn't apologized these past few days after it happened, not even once.

That said, Nicolaus had his own reasons that prevented him from apologizing. Tachibana never gave him a chance, obstructing his way to Yuriel and enabled him from apologizing.

But right now, at this very moment, outside the school, beyond Tachibana's awareness and reach. Nicolaus had found the perfect time to apologize, and while he knows that Yuriel won't take him seriously, he didn't care. Nicolaus is ready to receive a punishment, he deserves that much after throwing a dark slime on her face.

"I know your angry right now, and im not gonna defend myself. Punish me however you want, and if you will, allow me to treat you as an apology."

"....."

There was still no response.

Feeling as if the gaze are piercing him, Nicolaus raised his head and found Yuriel with a thoughtful expression. She wasn't sure how to answer his words, which Yuriel could tell is sincere enough. She was willing to forgive, and didn't have any intention of holding a grudge either, so there is only one thing he can ask him of.

"Do me a favor then." Yuriel finally says, after a while. "Stop your friend from pestering Ainsel, only then will I forgive you."

"Friend...." Nicolaus muttered, recalling a small youth in his head.

Certainly, Nicolaus knew who Yuriel is referring to. In fact, they have quite a decent relationship that sprouted from common interest. Kallen is a quiet guy, but possess a peculiar mind that surpasses that of Nicolaus. Not that he can tell what Kallen is thinking, the guy was just too mysterious even for him.

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He didn't even know why he fancied Ainsel Liddell, a young woman who's equally unapproachable as Yuriel.

"Can't you do it?" Yuriel immediately asks, noticing his hesitation.

"I will try, however, we aren't that close enough to have a serious conversation about his interest." Nicolaus replies, scowling at the thought.

"That's enough." Yuriel nodded, already satisfied. "But putting that aside, what happened to you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You look completely beaten from, and your clothes are a mess. Did you got into a fight or something?"

"No... I just stumbled into the road, nothing serious."

"The amount of blood says otherwise, and it's not yours is it?"

"There is someone too, yeah my friend also stumbled faced down."

"....."

While Nicolaus was busy making excuses, he didn't notice a Mercedes benz arriving by his side. The window opened, and Mark's tanned face appeared, shrouded in long wheat blonde hair.

"Nico it's done, we should be going now...." Mark paused, noticing Yuriel glancing from the side with a curious gaze. "Wow, it's kinda hot out here. I'll go ahead and wait for you at the restaurant."

Mark closess the window, then attempts to drive forward but Nicolaus blocked his way. Although the windshield was dark, Mark knew his friend is staring at him saying: "You can't f*cking escape."

"Bastard..." Mark spat, before leaving his car and immediately kowtow. "I'm very sorry for being part of the accident!"

"It's fine, sir Faust and I had settled the matter." Yuriel replied, indifferent to Mark's actions. "You can stand up now."

"Glad to hear it. If you'll excuse us then, western house is waiting!"

"Your heading to the western house too?" Yuriel suddenly asks.

"That is correct, what about it?"

"I'm heading there too."

"Oh if that's the case, how about we eat together? Our treat, right Mark?" Nicolaus suddenly chimes in, patting Mark's shoulder. "His wallet is pretty full, so his inclined to be charitable these days."

Mark scowled at Nicolaus's words that emphasizes his charitable, yet nodded quietly.

"No need, I'm eating with a friend."

"Lady Ernight, this is our only opportunity to express our apology." Mark immediately responded. "So please, I'll even treat your friend to whatever meal she and you desire."

As she heard that, Yuriel's ears perked up. Ainsel's appetite is certainly big, she had no doubt that they'll spend a large sum of money at the restaurant. Since Mark Cromwell was offering, Yuriel might as well accept and gladly eat.

"Okay, I'll take your offer then."

*****

Ainsel was waiting, sitting at the table of a fine dining restaurant. The western house, a culinary paradise that serves european cuisine at it's best. She was waiting for Yuriel, checking on the menu with furrowed brows.

After a while, she had finished familiarizing the dishes and determined her choice. Hence, Ainsel gained a free time to read novels on her phone. It was then that she caught sight of Yuriel, entering the restaurant with two more person in toe.

"Eh....!?" Ainsel uttered in surprised, certainly not expecting this. "Wait, did Yuriel arrange a blind date? No way right? Of all people?"

Ainsel couldn't believe it, that's probably not the case. There might be reasons as to why Yuriel brought those two, someone she had grudges to settle with. It's certainly not a date, Yuriel wouldn't entertainment the idea, not even a second.

While engrossed in her own thoughts, Yuriel spotted Ainsel and casually took a seat beside her. She then whispered something into Ainsel's ears, giving her a brief explanation of what happened.

"They're gonna treat us?" Ainsel asked, confirming what she just heard. "Are they serious?"

Yuriel nodded.

"No need to be on guard lady Liddell, rest assured, Kallen is not here and will not arrive." Mark says, taking a seat as well. "I promise you that."

"And why would I believe you?"

"Kallen is a lone wolf, he hangs out with us sometimes, but that's not often the case." Mark responded. "That said, I don't think you'll hate his company even if he's here."

Ainsel gave Mark a blank look, then glanced at Nicolaus who's pretty battered from head to toe. He looked pitiful, yet didn't seemed bothered by her or the people's gazes around them.

"Whatever, your gonna treat us right?"

"Of course."

"Fine.... Don't complain later."

"If it reaches a hundred thousand, your mother is definitely gonna scold us Mark." Nicolaus commented, already seeing the look of regret in his face later. "I'll help you prepare an excuse."

"Ughh... Isn't this your fault?" Mark retorted sternly. "But really, it's a small prince to pay for getting closer with two fair maidens."

"You wouldn't be saying that later."

"You two are weird, you know that? Well, Yuriel and I are weird too..." Ainsel suddenly interrupted, glancing at Mark and Nicolaus. "I guess our lives are relative to each other."

"Im not weird." Yuriel interjected, but Ainsel ignored her and ordered multiple dishes.

"I want this! And that! And here too! Certainly this! The special, give me that! Desert of course!"

Once she finished ordering, a number of food carts arrived in their table. Yuriel briefly glace at them, smiled, then enjoys herself with the small portion of a desert.

"Dear god...." Mark couldn't help but mutter, speechless at the sight.