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Chapter 235 [Event] [Entrance Day] [2] John\'s Reason

I had indeed been disrespectful.

"I\'m sorry. I\'m just... cautious and protective of you," I admitted as the elevator ascended to the upper floors.

Elona\'s loss still haunted my thoughts. Her final words and the look in her eyes were seared into my memories. I couldn\'t bear to lose another sister.

Christina was an unknown factor in my calculations, given that the game had originally portrayed her as deceased. That uncertainty about her future weighed heavily on me. I didn\'t have the luxury of knowing how things would turn out for her.

As these thoughts swirled in my mind, Christina hugged me from behind, resting her head on my shoulder. "Connor protected me without telling me anything, and you\'re doing it without even hiding it." She smiled softly and playfully ruffled my hair. "Thank you, little brother."

\'Samara, stay with her today. Let me know if anything seems amiss.\'

I wouldn\'t make the same mistake with Christina that I had with Elona.

...

After a short walk, Christina pointed out the gathering hall and left my side, as she couldn\'t remain with me.

Confidently walking forward and displaying my pendant as proof of my Great Noble status, I made my way to the grand hall.

The noise grew louder as I approached, and it reached a crescendo upon entering the hall itself.

The hall was massive, with hundreds of students gathered within. The students from all years were assembled here.

"You made it," John\'s voice reached my ears.

I nodded as he approached.

"Why did you skip the orientation yesterday?" I inquired.

"It sounded boring," he responded nonchalantly. "Or was it entertaining for you?"

"Nah," I sighed. "I wasted my time there too. That Allen guy seems to despise me now, but I did manage to talk a bit with Victor."

"Good for Victor. But Allen, you mean the youngest of the twisted Teraquin trio of siblings?"

"That\'s the one," I replied with a wry smile.

We were definitely on the same page when it came to them.

"I doubt I\'ll be able to hold myself back when it comes to those jerks," John muttered, a hint of disgust in his voice.

"Well, just hope you don\'t end up in their class from hell," I said.

I fervently hoped that I wouldn\'t end up in a class filled with those degenerates. Lady luck, please be on my side this time.

"Here," John interrupted my silent plea, handing me a new phone. "I got this for you yesterday. My number is already saved."

I stared at him in surprise. "Is this really you, John?"

"Cut the crap. If we want to survive this messed-up Game, we need to cooperate," John replied, his expression slightly pained.

"You\'re right," I agreed, turning on the phone. I navigated to my contacts, and there was only one entry with a number. But there was no name attached to it, so I remedied that.

"What\'s this?" John glanced at my phone and furrowed his brows.

"Just giving you a proper name," I answered, saving the entry.

"Why \'Brother in law\', then? This is awkward."

"I\'m not wrong though?" I raised a brow. "Layla\'s my fiancée."

"I know that. You keep reminding me whenever I\'m around," John said, annoyed.

"Then tell me." My tone shifted into seriousness.

John met my gaze but tried to avoid the intensity. "Tell what?"

"If you truly wanted to, you could have refused the King\'s order. Even if he coerced you, Uncle Jarrett could have intervened somehow. But you didn\'t put in any effort," I pressed on.

"I have no idea what you\'re talking about," John mumbled, deliberately looking away.

"Fine, I\'ll paint a picture for you," I said, quickly taking a picture of his grimacing face and saving it as the contact image for his number.

"What the hell! When did you even take that?!" John exclaimed as he saw the photo.

"Then tell me," I repeated with a grin, dodging his attempt to snatch my phone.

John stared at me for a moment, his resolve wavering before he finally relented. "Layla asked me to look out for you."

"..."

I knew it.

I let out a relieved exhale, a smile tugging at my lips.

"You went to such lengths, accepting the \'criminal\' label for her sake? Quite the brother, you are. A true sis-con."

"Shut up," John grumbled, clearly embarrassed. "You should have seen her when she asked me to watch over you. I\'ve never seen her so vulnerable and genuinely requesting something like that."

"I understand," I replied, tucking my phone away.

John\'s expression turned serious as he stared at me, his voice cold. "Listen carefully, Edward. If you dare to betray her, make her cry, or play with her feelings like that bastard Alfred did, I won\'t hesitate to end you."

I looked at him, then turned my gaze to the ceiling. "It won\'t happen because I love her. I\'ve loved her from the very start."

"What about Miranda, then?"

"I love her too."

"I really want to kill you sometimes."

"Excuse me! May I have your attention, please?" A commanding voice cut through our conversation.

In the distance, there was a raised stage, and a group of educators stood upon it. My eyes picked out my mother among them. Standing in front of a microphone was a handsome man with golden-blond hair, a fair complexion, and deep crimson eyes. He was none other than James Raven, a teacher at the Academy and also Victor\'s father.

As James started speaking, the hubbub of students gradually quieted down. Once the silence was palpable, he stepped back, allowing Melfina to take the spotlight. "I welcome all of you to the Trinity Eden Academy. For some, this is your first year here, while others are returning for their second or third year. Regardless, you are all my students, and as the headmaster of this Academy, I, Melfina Indi Zestella, wish you every success."

Applause rippled through the crowd, and I joined in, clapping politely.

"All the freshmen and new students have already been informed about the Academy by their kind senior students, and I addressed them yesterday, so I won\'t prolong my speech."

Ah, most of the new students except for me and John...

I had slipped away earlier, and it seemed John didn\'t even bother showing up. Well, at least we were spared a long and boring speech.

"Now, let\'s move on to organizing the classes, starting with the First Year students!" Melfina continued before handing the microphone over to a striking elven teacher with green hair. Despite her pleasant smile, I knew appearances could be deceiving. This teacher was anything but warm-hearted.

"I\'m Edea Elaryon, and I\'ll be your homeroom teacher for the First Year Gold Class. Please step forward when I call your name," she announced, consulting her book. "Alicia Angelica Raven."

A hushed murmur swept through the crowd.

Raven.

A powerful Great Noble House of Sancta Vedelia.

Curiosity was palpable as everyone waited expectantly.

From the audience, a figure emerged. Every male\'s jaw dropped at the sight of her, a masterpiece walking among mortals. Her golden-blond hair was meticulously tied into a regal ponytail adorned with a vibrant red ribbon, and cascades of golden strands framed the sides of her pale face. With poise and confidence, she walked, climbing the stairs gracefully. Crimson eyes locked onto her teacher, her gaze unyielding. She donned the white uniform, a gold tie declaring her as a First Year, and her skirt gracefully hovered above her knees, paired with white stockings that enveloped her legs.

Fortunately for the men and unfortunately for the girls, the other Heroines didn\'t lose to her. Anyway, Roda and Alicia were the only Heroines in the First Year.

"Congratulations, Alicia. You\'re the sole student to achieve a perfect score on the entrance exam," Edea said, her lips curling into a smile.

"Thank you," Alicia responded with a nod, her gaze skipping over James Raven\'s proud expression. James\' face gloomed slightly but nonetheless he clapped for his daughter.

Alicia Angelica Raven was the [Hidden Heroine] of the Second Game, and my knowledge of her was limited. During my playthrough, her interactions with Victor were strained, and I rarely encountered her due to their somewhat tense relationship. I had heard that the Third Game brought some changes, but my information was limited. Regardless, being a [Hidden Heroine] wasn\'t an empty title. Interacting with them was a rare feat. The same held true for Miranda, although her circumstances were even more precarious.

[<You managed to win her over though?>]

\'It\'s mostly because we\'ve known each other for a long time.\'

With Jayden, it was nearly an impossible task to get Miranda as badly or not, I was still occupying her mind.

In the meantime, my attention was drawn to Victor, who was watching his half-sister with an unmistakable smile, joining in the applause for her achievement.

Ah…Family…