CHAPTER 28 – DESTINED ONE
HIRAYA MISTELTEIN
The tall, black dragonoid entered the room, commanding attention with an air of quiet authority. His crimson eyes, warm and compassionate, met mine. Alris Vortigern, a figure both imposing and handsome, introduced himself.
“I was tasked with investigating the students here, particularly their involvement with the terrorist group Neo Arcadia. I wanted to coordinate my investigations with you, as you're the new president of this campus,” Alris explained, his voice a gentle, manly cadence.
In the days following, investigations had intensified, especially after Former President Gregory's tragic demise. Initially, the Chevalier Unit monitored the students, but now the Imperial Police had joined the efforts.
“Oh, that will be great. It's an honor to work with you, Mister Detective,” I replied, attempting to convey my gratitude with a smile.
“I'm glad to hear that. And don't be so formal with me, Madam President. You can call me Alris.”
Smiling back, I extended my hand. “The same goes for you, Alris. Just call me Hiraya.”
Alris accepted my hand, and I felt the warmth and texture of his gentle yet slightly rough palm. It hinted at a diligent work ethic, and a handsome smile adorned his face.
In an unexpected turn, my heart skipped a beat, and then it raced like a boombox. A strange warmth coursed through my body, and I noticed a similar reaction from Alris – his face flushed red.
This is not good. The sensation was overwhelming, and if it persisted, I feared I might faint. Some girls in my class insisted that this sensation was synonymous with falling in love, but having never experienced it before, I couldn't be sure. Love was unfamiliar territory for me.
For a moment, I forgot I was conversing with Lysander just a while ago. Perhaps introducing him to this dashing detective could lead to a collaborative effort in identifying the Neo Arcadians hidden among us.
I withdrew my hand from Alris's, glancing back to the student council room. To my frustration, it was empty. Lysander had a knack for appearing and disappearing abruptly, a habit that bordered on annoying. Only the blue curtain swaying with the wind is the only movement I can see in this abandoned room.
Alris tilted his head, inquiring, "What is it?"
"Nothing," I replied with a shake of my head. "I'll show you around the campus so you can get familiar with it." I offered a smile.
"That would be great!" Alris responded eagerly.
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Alris and I leisurely strolled around the campus grounds, exploring various buildings and their rooms. As we meandered through the corridors, I couldn't help but notice the hushed gossip circulating among the students. Whispers followed us, and it was evident that some had already set their eyes on the dashing detective walking beside me.
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"Good morning, Madam President!" a girl from Class 2-F greeted. "Who is this handsome detective?"
Smiling, I introduced, "Hello. My name is Alris Vortigern. Your kind Madam President is helping me get familiar with this school." Alris graciously bowed.
The girl's eyes widened, and she exclaimed, "W-Woooow! You're handsome! And act so matured! Kyaaaa!" She ran around the campus, seemingly lovestruck.
Chuckling, I scratched my blushing cheek. "Ahaha, let's go somewhere else."
"Okay," Alris replied, flashing a handsome smile.
As we walked side by side in the corridors, it became increasingly clear that Alris had become the apple of the eye for the entire campus.
"I-Is he with Prez Hiraya? Dammit! It should have been me, not him!" lamented some of my male admirers.
"Hey, hey, Prez! Is he your boyfriend!?" inquired a curious girl.
Chuckling, I replied, "Ahaha, no, no. He's just an acquaintance. He's here because of his work." I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks.
"You guys look good together, though," remarked one of the girl students.
Alris and I exchanged glances, both a little embarrassed. Our cheeks turned strawberry red by the minute.
"Ahahaha."
"Hahaha."
Both of us shared an awkward laugh before I attempted to break the ice.
"Don't mind them. You know that high school girls love to dream about loveteams," I explained, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"I don't mind," Alris replied with his ever-handsome smile.
Deciding to change the setting, I guided him to the music room. Inside, the Magical Music Club was diligently cleaning their instruments. I introduced Alris to everyone, and he politely greeted them. Much like other students, the girls seemed lovestruck by the famous junior detective, while the boys appeared somewhat threatened by my acquaintance with him.
Alris's gaze fell on the old piano situated at the center of the music room. He looked at the club members and then turned to the Music Club President.
"May I borrow that piano for a moment?" Alris politely asked.
"Sure~" the lovestruck female president of the Music Club hummed.
"Mister Detective, Mister Detective!" one of the music club girls eagerly asked. "Do you know how to play?"
"Just a little. My mother taught me when I was young," Alris replied with a smile.
Taking a seat at the piano stool, Alris's fingers gracefully moved over the keys. What started as a simple tune quickly transformed into a captivating melody that resonated throughout the entire music room. His performance held everyone in the room spellbound, capturing their hearts with the beauty of the music.
I found myself clutching my chest as my heartbeat quickened. The emotion of the moment enveloped me, adding to the enchantment of the scene.
Word of Alris's impromptu performance spread to neighboring clubs, drawing curious onlookers. There, in the midst of the crowd, was Alris, playing the piano with the skill of a prodigious genius. Phones emerged, capturing the mesmerizing moment for posterity.
When the melody reached its dramatic conclusion, the applause erupted from all the students who had witnessed Alris's remarkable performance, myself included. But then, something extraordinary happened – it was as if the world paused, and a spotlight centered on him.
Alris's crimson dragonoid eyes locked onto mine with passion. Slowly, he stood from the stool and began to walk towards me. I stood there, transfixed, my heart pounding so intensely it felt like it might burst. Labored breaths escaped me, and the warmth of his affectionate gaze left me feeling feverish.
"You've been feeling it for some time now, haven't you?" Alris asked, touching his chest, matching the rapid rhythm of my own heartbeat.
"E-Eh?" I stammered, utterly confused.
Suddenly, Alris gently took my hand, his warm fingers enveloping mine.
"You are my destined one, Miss Hiraya. This is the power of the Vesryn Pulse."