A month later....

Shiki, holding a cup of coffee, approached Emma and said, "Good morning, Emma. Did you have a good sleep?"

Emma stirred awake and smiled at Shiki. "Good morning, and thanks for the coffee. I had a good sleep for the first time in a while."

Shiki smiled at Emma and said, "That's good to hear. Breakfast is ready, so why don't you get up and refresh yourself?"

Emma looked at Shiki's gentle smile, and her cheeks turned red. She quickly turned away so he wouldn't see her blushing. She murmured to herself, "Why does his smile always have this effect on me?"

Shiki goes to the kitchen and prepares a ready-made meal for Emma. After refreshing herself, Emma sits down at the dining table and begins to eat, a delighted expression on her face. She looks at Shiki and says, "This is delicious, Shiki. You've outdone yourself."

Shiki replies with a gentle smile, "Thank you, but it still doesn't compare to yours, Emma."

Emma smirks, "Of course, I am the one who taught you, after all."

Shiki cheerfully agrees, "Yes, without you, I wouldn't know anything."

As Emma finishes her breakfast, she looks thoughtfully at Shiki. "Shiki, do you think you could attend one of our schools?"

Shiki, who was washing the dishes, turns around and replies, "Can't I just learn from you?"

Emma smiles warmly, "Yes, I can teach you, but you also need experience and to learn about humans. You need to make friends who will help you. There's a world beyond these walls, and you need to explore it."

Shiki nods, "Alright, I will do as you say, Emma."

Emma then goes to her room and activates a holographic communication panel. She calls Dr. Kimura, who appears on the screen, busy at her workbench. Dr. Kimura glances up and says, "If this is about your picture, I've already deleted it."

Emma, flustered, replies, "No! That's not why I called you."

Dr. Kimura raises an eyebrow, "Didn't you want to delete the picture of Shiki carrying you while you were puking on him?"

Emma closes her eyes in embarrassment, "Yes, I wanted that too, but that's not why I called."

Dr. Kimura looks at Emma and asks, "Is it about Shiki then?"

Emma nods, "Yes, Shiki agreed to join a school, so I thought I'd tell you."

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

Dr. Kimura pauses to consider this and then says, "That's a good thing. He will gain experience and learn about his emotions more if we expose him to real-world situations. I will talk to the director and get him admitted to Aeternus Academy."

Emma's eyes widen in surprise, "Aeternus Academy? Are you sure about that? It's one of the greatest schools in the world, where only the most skilled students are accepted. Once he joins, we cannot interfere with his education."

Dr. Kimura stands up from her chair, "I know you're concerned about Shiki, but he needs this. Even if our country still follows feudalism, it's useless at Aeternus Academy since everyone is treated as equals there. He will thrive and learn so much."

Emma sighs but smiles, "Alright, Dr. Kimura. If you believe in this, then I trust your judgment."

Emma approached Shiki, her expression clouded with disappointment. "Sorry, Shiki," she began, her voice tinged with regret. "It seems you'll be attending a school where we won't have any authority. I wanted you to join one of our schools, but Dr. Kimura said that you would be better off at Aeternus Academy."

Shiki looked at her, a hint of doubt in his eyes. "Is that a bad thing? I mean, whichever school I attend, won't they all teach me the same?"

Emma sighed, trying to find the right words. "It's not about the quality of education, Shiki. Aeternus Academy is... different. It's an elite institution with its own rules and culture. While the education is top-notch, it also means you'll be exposed to a world that's very competitive and sometimes harsh. Also there might be chance that you discriminated since our country still follows order of fuelism.We won't be there to guide you every step of the way."

Shiki pondered her words, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I understand, Emma. But if Dr. Kimura believes it's the best place for me, I trust her judgment. I'll do my best to adapt and learn."

Emma managed a small, proud smile. "I know you will, Shiki. Just remember, no matter where you are, you're never alone. We're always here for you, even if we're not physically present."

Shiki nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Thank you, Emma. I'll make sure to make you and Dr. Kimura proud."

Emma approaches the window, her gaze distant as she looks out over the sprawling city with a somber expression. The lights of the megacity reflect in her eyes, mingling with a deep sadness.

EMMA: I never told you about our country, did I?

SHIKI: (shaking his head) No, you and Dr. Kimura have never mentioned it.

Emma turns to face Shiki, her eyes filled with a mix of pain and longing.

EMMA: Our country may be advanced in technology, but it’s still bound by the archaic rules set by our ancestors. These rules have led to widespread poverty and the deaths of countless innocent people. Yet the nobles, in their ignorance and arrogance, refuse to see the suffering they cause. They abuse their power, treating commoners like disposable tools.

Her voice trembles slightly as she continues, the memories clearly haunting her.

EMMA: I was one of the victims. Abused by a cruel lord who saw me as nothing more than a means to his own ends.

She pauses, the weight of her past hanging heavy in the air. Shiki watches her, his expression one of deep empathy and concern.

SHIKI: (softly) I’m sorry, Emma. No one should have to endure that.

Emma nods, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears, but there’s a resolve in her voice as she speaks again.

EMMA: It’s why I’m here, Shiki. Why I fight to protect you. So that no one else has to suffer the way I did. But when you join the academy, I will not be able to protect you. I am sorry shiki,"

Shiki smiles and reassure emma," you don't have to worry about me since I can adapt and also in that academy it seems like every one is treated equally, so I will have no problem and work as a student..

Emma smiles," okay, I will believe in you, shiki....