Void snapped out of his daze as Rin approached him. "You really are a brave boy, Void," she said, her eyes reflecting a hidden agenda. "To fight someone like Brandy and thirty-five people trained under Maria! And I saw you both dancing; thanks for dancing with my daughter. You two looked beautiful together."
Void blushed and managed a shy smile. "I don't think I'm that amazing. Vivi was the one who took down that crazy woman," he said, trying to hide his red face. What on earth was happening to me? I guess I have trouble managing my emotions, he thought.
Aoi, who stood before Void, suddenly grabbed his hand. "No, Mr. Void, you really... are... an... amazing person!" Her boldness was a stark contrast to their previous meetings; her personality had changed so quickly, leaving Void puzzled.
"Well... if, um..." Void struggled to find his words, his face turning bright red. "You say... Miss Aoi..."
"It's the first time I'm seeing Aoi so open to someone," Rin observed, noticing Aoi's encouragement of Void. "I have a request, Void. Will you befriend her?"
Her gaze shifted to Aoi. "Now, why don't you go enjoy the party, Aoi?" Rin suggested. With a nod, Aoi took Void by the arm, her grip firm.
Aoi offered Void a drink. "Say, Mr. Void, how were you able to create that chilled atmosphere around us? It was amazing; it really helped me relax," she said, her gaze locked on him.
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"I have an affinity for ice magic, but that spell... I can't quite explain it. It's like bam-booh-swuing! You know!" Void stumbled over his words, struggling to explain. "It's just that I can't do it every time. It drains my mana, and I've had a hard time dealing with the aftereffects of using natural mana."
Understanding dawned on Aoi as she realized the depth of Void's ability. "I see, Mr. Void. You're having a hard time. I'm sorry for asking; I shouldn't have..."
"It's alright," Void said gently, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'm not mad at you."
"Since I was born, my father was the only one who cherished me," Aoi began, her voice tinged with sadness. "He was kind, but he passed away when I was eight due to illness. After that, I didn't let any other men or boys come near me. Everyone started staying away because of my background and origin. But you, Mr. Void, are different. Every time I look at you, I feel this intense warmth, and it hurts but also feels good. It's like you're the missing piece, the prince I've been searching for!"
They stared at each other, lost in their own world, until...
"Mr. Void! What are you doing?" Cassey's voice cut through the moment. "It's inappropriate for a boy to act like this!"
Both Aoi and Void snapped out of their trance and turned slightly away from each other.
"Ahem! I was just helping Miss Aoi, nothing more. She's my new friend," Void said, trying to hide his blush. What the heck? I need to control myself; I'm only 13. Where are my manners? Void's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.
"Mr. Void and I were having a small talk, nothing much!" Aoi retorted, her tone icy. "And what business does an all-haughty elf like you have here?"
"Mind your words, Miss Aoi! I'm talking to Mr. Void, not you!" Cassey's voice carried a monstrous aura, like a beast ready to rampage.
"Calm down, both of you. Why don't we just have a nice chat..." Void tried to mediate but was cut off by both of them.
"You must stay away from Mr. Void," Aoi and Cassey said in unison, their anger palpable.