TBATE-REDEMPTION

Chapter 9

As Caera slept peacefully, Art crawled to her side, seeking a moment of rest himself. The sun had yet to rise, and the quiet of the room enveloped him.

***few hours later***

A sudden noise jolted him awake. Footsteps approached from outside, prompting him to shake Caera gently. She stirred, still half-asleep. "W-What happened, Art?" she mumbled, her eyes barely open.

"Quickly, pull out the cloak relic; someone is coming," he whispered urgently. Instinctively grasping the situation, Caera fumbled to retrieve the cloak, donning it to become invincible.

Just then, the door to Art's room burst open. Tessia entered, her eyes wide with confusion. "Uhh—huh?? Who are you, and where is Arthur? Tell me immediately, or I will call the guards!" Her tone was sharp, but Art's heart sank as he realized his changed appearance might lead to misunderstandings.

"It's me, Tessia. It's Arthur," he said, trying to sound calm despite the chaos in his mind. "My beast will just had an effect on my body, changing my appearance. That's all."

"Are you really Art? If you are, then answer my questions," Tessia demanded, crossing her arms as suspicion lingered in her gaze.

Art nodded, the weight of the moment settling over him.

"How did Art first come here?"

"If my memory serves me right, a crybaby princess dragged me here, claiming she was too scared to walk through the forest alone," he replied, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

"Okay, to my second and last question: how was Art allowed to stay in this castle?"

"After Gramps tested me, he offered to become my mentor, promising to help me assimilate with my beast will." Art's voice carried a sense of pride, but he could sense Tessia's skepticism.

Tessia rushed toward him, pulling him into a tight hug. The warmth was comforting, but Art couldn't shake the feeling of bloodlust lurking just behind him. It was an unsettling sensation, as if it could rival that of an asura's. Knowing he had to tread carefully, he refrained from returning the embrace, hoping to preserve his life.

"Tess, can you leave my room? I need to get a quick shower and change my clothes. I'll be at the training ground in a couple of minutes," he said, gently breaking the hug.

"Okay, sure, Art," she replied, stepping back as she exited the room.

Art closed the door and turned to Caera, who had already stepped out, a smile gracing her face. She stood with her arms crossed, an aura of determination surrounding her.

"Art, I know you can't do anything in this situation and all, but I swear, if that little elf pulls any tricks on you, I don't care if she's royalty—she's going to die a miserable death," Caera declared, her intensity making Art break out in a cold sweat. He nodded vigorously, surprised by her sudden ferocity. What the heck? Why did she suddenly turn into a yandere? Not that I'm complaining; she looks cute when she does that.

Art quickly approached her, leaning in to give her a peck on the forehead, then pulled her into a brief hug. "Don't worry, Caera. I won't give any chance to any other girl," he assured her, earning a satisfied hum in response.

"Now then, do you want to take a bath first?" he asked.

"Yeah, sure," she replied.

"Then go take a quick shower; I'll go after you come back. I still need to attend Gramps' training," he told her. Caera nodded and headed toward the bathroom.