School's Blessing

Chapter 44 - Lightning Collides

Arthur Leywin POV

"Ahhh, it feels nice to be home."

We just arrived at the Helstea Estate, and as we opened up the doors, a familiar sight presented itself. Despite only being gone for a few weeks ever since we began school, it felt nostalgic to return.

We walked into the main sitting room together before laying back on the set of comfortable chairs and sofas, exhaling in satisfaction. Tess sat directly next me, to absolutely no-one's surprise, laying her cute figure on me. Sylvie sat with Ellie as they got along and played like best friends, whilst mom and dad sat to our right.

"It's been a long day, how about some dinner?" Mother asked pleasantly, to which we all nodded.

As she opened the door to leave for the kitchen, Vincent and Tabitha were just about to walk in.

"O-Oh, good evening... Arthur? Princess Tessia?" Tabitha stammered out, surprised to see us.

"Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Helstea. I hope mine and Arthur's presence is not a bother this evening." Tessia quickly stood and gave a polite bow.

"Nonsense! You're both welcome anytime!" Vincent rushed over, patting me on the back. "That goes for your entire family as well, of course, Tessia."

"Thanks Vincent. It's nice to see you too." I greeted, this time with a firm handshake.

The two of them took a seat on the sofa towards the left as we talked about school, training, amongst others, and just as we were, a topic I was dreading came up.

"By the way Art, what core stage are you at now?" Reynolds asked, hunching forwards as he placed his chin on his knuckles.

I looked nervously at Tess, to which she only giggled and winked at me.

"I'm... A Silver Core..." Their jaws dropped as Tess continued to laugh cutely.

"Dear god..." Tabitha muttered.

"Silver at twelve years old... I can't believe it." Vincent held his head, looking like he was amidst a mid-life crisis.

Taking the situation to my advantage, I decided to rope in my not-so-helpful partner.

"Hey, I'm not the only one! Tess is Light Yellow, almost at Silver!" Tess quickly met my gaze with disbelief, as if I had just betrayed her, making me chuckle.

"Meanie." She voiced herself mentally. Looking over, Sylvie shook her head in agreement. I suppose I will forever be outnumbered against these two girls...

Once the shock was out of their system, mom returned alongside three maids, holding several plates filled to the brim with food. Swamp Pig chops with eggs.

I could quite literally FEEL Sylvie drooling through our connection, making myself and Tess giggle.

"Sylvie, have some manners and eat respectfully." I was warned immediately. "Or else, no more meat for the week."

Her joyful expression quickly shifted to one of terror, not being able to imagine her own life without the simple joy of indulging in succulent flesh.

"Y-Yes, papa..." She slowly picked up the cutlery with her tiny hands and began to eat with at least some resemblance of etiquette.

I picked up my knife and fork, beginning to cut up my first bite as a loud bang resounded from the other side of the estate.

Showtime.

Everyone stood up, startled by the noise as they looked around nervously.

"Everyone out, now!." I pointed towards the back. "To the gardens!"