Dragon Savior A New Beginning ( Update Version)

Echoes of a Restless Mind (169)

The boy hesitated, the bravado momentarily faltering. She saw a flicker of understanding in his eyes, but he quickly masked it with defiance. "That's not my concern, though. I just want what I came for."

The woman leaned back, catching her breath. She recognized this wasn't about the armor anymore; it was a clash of wills. Our trios had been watching this whole ordeal for a good couple of minutes and Starfania was getting tired of this boy's attitude towards this lady. She absolutely despises when someone treats others like they're below them. Her eyes that were normally shining now were becoming doctor with each word he spoke. Right before Aeron or Violet could stop her, she was already making her way towards them. Starfania's voice became sharp and commanding in less than a second.

"Enough of this nonsense," she said, cutting through the tension like a knife. The boy turned, surprise flitting across his face.

Starfania had a way of drawing attention, even when she wasn't trying. "You think you can waltz in here and demand respect without earning it?"

The woman's expression shifted, a flicker of pride crossing her features. It was as if she recognized a kindred spirit in Starfania's passion. Meanwhile, the boy's bravado wavered further. His fists clenched at his sides, betraying his uncertainty.

"Who do you think you are?" he retorted, his voice filled with defiance, yet it lacked the conviction it had earlier. Starfania stepped closer, her gaze steady and unyielding. "I am someone who values respect, not just for myself, but for everyone."

Her voice dropped, the intensity palpable. "You don't have to be a bully to get what you want."

The words hung in the air, heavy with truth. Aeron and Violet exchanged a glance, sensing the shift in the dynamics. They both felt the tension, and in that moment, it was clear that Starfania had no intention of backing down.

The teenage boy locked eyes with Starfania midnight eyes, arms crossed and shoulders slumped. Frustration flickered in his expression, as if he wrestled with words he couldn't quite grasp. A charged silence settled over the shop, every onlooker anticipating what would happen next. Then, a sharp voice cut through the tension. " ROMAN GRAYSCALE! "

Roman's head snapped towards the voice, scanning the shop before spotting a woman. As she approached, her presence commanded authority. Without hesitation, she smacked the back of head. Causing a loud thud! To echo around the shop.

" That, " she said, her voice even but unyielding, " is what happens when you disrespect others and cause trouble. "

The entire shop fell into hushed observation as she leveled a stern gaze at him. " You're grounded. Two weeks. No exceptions. Now, go wait for me outside. "

Roman hesitated, clearly weighing whether to protest, but the look in her eyes told him otherwise. With a reluctant sigh, he turned toward the exit. However, just before stepping outside, he shot Starfania a glance and said with a quiet conviction, " We will meet again. "

Starfania met his stare with an icy glare, understanding in that moment that this was only the beginning of a much more complicated connection. As the door swung shut behind him, the women turned to Starfania with an expression of sincerity.

" I want to apologize for my son's behavior, " she said. " It's not like him to act this way. "

A moment of hesitation crossed her face, as though debating whether to say more. Finally, she added, " I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive him. He's often misunderstood. "

Then, shifting her attention to the red-haired woman Roman had argued with, she addressed her with equal earnestness. " Katherine, I'm truly sorry for what you had to endure. "

Katherine blinked, caught off guards by the unexpected support. The tension in her shoulders eased ever so slightly, and after a pause, she managed a faint but genuine smile. Katherine offered the woman a reassuring smile.

" It's not a problem at all, Savanna, " she whispered. Savanna sighed, her shoulders slightly slumping. " Still, his behavior was unacceptable. I know I raised him better than that. "

A shadow of concern crossed her face, the weight of motherhood and discipline evident in her expression. Seeing her distress, Katherine reached out, placing a comforting hand on Savanna's shoulder. Her voice softened. " Savanna, I know you're doing your best to raise him. I'm not upset with you. "

Savanna glanced at her, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. Katherine continued, her sincerity unwavering. " And I could never resent you for any reason. "

A flicker of relief passed over Savanna's face. Gratitude shone in her eyes as she said, " Thank you. "

To make amends, Savanna insisted on paying for her son's armor, but Katherine shook her head with a kind smile. " With you, that won't be necessary. I still have a debt I owed you. "