Chapter 19: Anyway, it’s very cute

The training ground was filled with wails.

After receiving the notification, the medical Teachers hurried over to examine the students whose eyes had been blinded by the intense flash of light.

Fortunately, the examinations showed no lasting damage—just temporary visual discomfort that would subside after some rest.

Instructor Toronto was at a loss and could only suspend the training session for the time being.

After sending the medical Teacher away, he turned to Aiden with a look full of helplessness.

“You always manage to come up with some new trick.”

At that moment, Aiden was leisurely sitting in the shade at the corner of the field.

Seeing Toronto’s helpless gaze, he shrugged innocently and wore an expression that said,

“How can this be my fault?”

“Tsk, I didn’t expect these students’ eyes to be so fragile. The card description only said Blinding Light for two seconds, right? I’m used to glaring headlights in my past life, so such a bright flash would hardly faze me.”

“Aiden, how did you manage to do that just now?”

Celeste, sitting beside Aiden, asked with a puzzled expression.

Although she had closed her eyes early on Aiden’s advice, she still felt a strong burst of light.

Considering the miserable state of the other students at the scene, it was easy to imagine just how dazzling the flash of Light Element magic Aiden had used was.

“It’s nothing, just hard work and sweat.”

Aiden said this shamelessly, as if that flash of magic had truly been the result of diligent practice.

[The Familiar really has no shame.]

Ruby rolled her eyes at Aiden, muttering under her breath.

So Aiden quickly explained.

“Actually, it was a case of ‘accumulated strength bursting forth.’ The previous attempts to release Light Element failed, so the magic overflowed uncontrollably at the end. Pure coincidence.”

“Then how did you know to tell me to close my eyes early? It was like you foresaw it.”

Celeste tilted her head, still full of confusion.

“Uh…”

Aiden was momentarily at a loss, scratching his head awkwardly.

If it really was an accident as he said, how could he have warned Celeste beforehand?

So he forced out a couple of nervous chuckles to cover his embarrassment.

[Looks like you can’t weasel your way out of this one.]

Ruby spun around gleefully but was met with a sharp glare from Aiden.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have pressed you. Actually, what you did, Aiden, was to help me out, right? Thank you.”

Celeste sensed Aiden’s awkwardness and softly apologized.

She understood that everyone had their unspeakable secrets—this black-haired boy was no exception.

From Aiden’s seemingly omniscient Theory knowledge to his record of defeating Rufus, everything left her deeply shocked.

Though Aiden always claimed it was luck, Celeste knew very well that luck wouldn’t be enough to face a Mage like Rufus.

Aiden must be hiding many secrets.

Celeste realized her questioning had been a bit abrupt.

“I’m the one who should be thanking you. Not only did you teach me how to control Elemental power, but you also stood up for me. I’m grateful.”

Aiden smiled, managing to steer the conversation away.

Before Celeste could reply, he continued warmly.

“But don’t do that again. I don’t care about their Rumors. Let them say whatever they want. Standing up for me like that will only cause you trouble. Rumors are just Rumors—they always collapse on their own.”

Hearing this, Celeste was momentarily stunned, feeling a strange warmth in her heart.

Even though Aiden was being criticized, he was still thinking about her.

What a kind and gentle person.

This feeling was something Celeste had never experienced before.

Since childhood, aside from her mother, no one had cared for her like this, which touched her deeply.

[Celeste’s Favorability has increased by 20 points. Master, you’re amazing!]

Ruby excitedly reminded from the side.

“Why… do you care about me so much?”

Celeste hesitated slightly, asking softly.

“Maybe it’s empathy.”

Aiden tilted his head thoughtfully.

“Empathy?”

“The Rumors around you must be causing a lot of pressure, right? I’ve been through the same thing. When I was a kid, people accused me of cheating just because I had good grades.”

Aiden nodded, recalling his childhood.

This wasn’t fabricated—it really happened.

“At first, I tried to explain, but it only made things worse. In the end, I ignored it and just kept doing my own thing. My grades eventually shut those people up for good.”

He added after a pause.

“I think your situation is very similar to mine back then. The fact that we became desk mates is a kind of fate, isn’t it? So I’ll help when I can.”

After hearing Aiden’s words, Celeste fell silent for a moment.

She hugged her knees, resting her chin on them, her ice-blue hair flowing like a waterfall.

Her eyes fixed on the ground, she murmured softly to herself.

“I still can’t be as confident as you, Aiden…”

“Judge your actions by your own standards, ignore praise or blame from others, and calmly accept success or failure as fate.”

Aiden looked ahead with a calm expression.

“What does that mean?”

Celeste tilted her head, her blue hair swaying gently.

“Judge right and wrong based on your own consistent standards. After acting, let others praise or slander you as they will. Accept the outcomes and fate with equanimity.”

Aiden explained patiently.

“I really envy you for being so carefree.”

Celeste’s sapphire-like eyes stared at Aiden, her voice soft but full of admiration.

“No one is born able to do that. I’m no exception.”

Aiden leaned back against the tree trunk, sunlight filtering through the leaves casting dappled shadows on his face.

“But like you said before, as long as you try, effort will be rewarded. So you have to believe in yourself.”

He said this because, during his reincarnation, he had glimpsed Celeste’s life in the goddess’s vision.

Although the details were sparse, the overall picture was clear—betrayed by a man, crushed by public opinion, isolated and helpless, ultimately turning dark to become the Witch of Destruction.

To change this grim ending, he had to guide Celeste to become someone who would not fear these hardships.

“I still lack confidence… Aiden…”

Celeste hesitated, her face filled with inner conflict.

She lifted her delicate face to look at Aiden, her eyes full of hope but also a hint of unease.

“Will you help me?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be by your side.”

Aiden answered gently.

It seemed the plan to change the Witch’s fate was progressing smoothly.

At his words, Celeste’s cheeks suddenly flushed.

She hurriedly lowered her head, unsure how to respond.

Fortunately, the other students were resting at the time, so no one noticed the ice-cold beauty blushing like this.

[Master, that sounded like a confession.]

Ruby gave a friendly reminder from the side.

“W-wait, Celeste, don’t misunderstand. I didn’t mean anything else. I meant it as classmates and friends…”

Aiden realized how ambiguous his words sounded and quickly clarified.

A misunderstanding now would be troublesome.

“So even Aiden gets nervous sometimes.”

Celeste couldn’t help but smile faintly at Aiden’s flustered expression.

“Heh…”

Aiden could only scratch his head awkwardly and smile sheepishly.

Meanwhile, Celeste watched the black-haired boy in front of her and quietly murmured in her heart.

Flustered Aiden… is kind of cute…