Chapter 768 Behind The Scenes [Pt 1]
"...."
Ater had proven his case, and he didn't seem to be lying to Rey about anything. If he was, one of the Curses would have activated, and Ater would be dead on the ground.
Besides, Rey could tell if his Familiar was lying due to their bond.
'He's telling the truth about everything…' The details were still lost to Rey, but there was no doubt about it; Ater was on his side.
"If you still have your doubts, there is a way to prove the validity of my claim." Ater spoke up, forcing Rey to look in his eyes as he made a confident proposal.
"Hm? What's that?"
"Alicia White. Have her summon a Beast Familiar so you can use [Clairvoyance] on it. That way, you'll be able to—"
"No." Rey's response was flat and final.
He had a serious expression on his face, though none of it indicated anger of any kind. "May I ask why?"
Ater's sincere voice wafted through the air, causing Rey to sigh and lean backwards a little, his gaze on the Familiar, but his thoughts far away.
"Alicia still hasn't gotten over her trauma. It would be selfish of me to make her summon a Beast Familiar just to satiate my curiosity." He mumbled. "Besides, I can already see that you're telling the truth, so there really is no need for that."
For a second or two, there was silence.
Ater then gave a silent chuckle and bowed his head in respect and satisfaction.
"Understood, Master. Thank you for trusting me."
Rey smiled.
"Yeah. I guess I fully believe you now."
This wasn't just for show either. Rey found no reason to doubt Ater, and was now instead questioning the validity of The Oracle's warnings. Both Emil and Ater had only profited him in one way or the other, and while he was yet to see the full picture, he determined that it was best to simply trust in his own camp.
"I trust you'll complete your task flawlessly, as you always do."
"And I trust that you will achieve your objective in the Dragon Academy, Master." Ater beamed back.
Both parties understood each other perfectly, and so there was not much more to be said. "You may rise, Ater."
**************
[Later That Night]
"You may rise, Frey'ja." Ater's voice echoed in the massive hall that was the White Dragon Lord's office.
He was seated very comfortably behind the desk—a place she usually occupied—while she was on her knees, paying homage to his magnificent presence.
The moment she heard his instruction, she rose from her subservient position and offered him her warmest smile.
The figures behind her also followed suit.
"Two students will be visiting your Academy next week. The details will be submitted to you prior to that moment, but I want you to make sufficient preparations to ensure that their transition goes smoothly."
"Understood." Without asking any questions, she responded.
"Other than their admission and entry into the Academy, also ensure that you look out for them. Make sure they're settled in perfectly, and that they do not enter into any kind of trouble. In essence, their stay in the Academy should be without incident."
"Pardon my question, but what if they cause an incident?"
"Ahh…" Ater smiled broadly, his eyes shining bright crimson as he narrowed his lids. "Then let them take care of it."
"R-really?"
"Indeed. I doubt an incident would occur without any thought placed in it. Besides, you'll be reporting to me about their life in the Academy, so I suppose if there are any changes to my initial instructions, I can let you know."
"Understood." The remnant tension in the atmosphere slowly began to dissipate as Ater rose to his feet and left the chair, only to rest his behind on the desk while maintaining close proximity to the White Dragon Lord.
From any distance, one could see how gorgeous she was, but an appreciation of her beauty only amplified the closer one got to her. Ater could see it all.
Her flawless white hair only matched her pale skin and pure white gown. Her voluptuous chest nearly spilled out of her outfit, with cleavage that would make any man run mad. Her face was flawlessly beautiful, and the nervousness she displayed in his presence made her appear even more attractive.
Anyone who laid eyes on her body would desire her, but Ater was different.
His eyes were disconcerted, and the excitement he displayed was directed at none other than the incoming incident, rather than the Dragon Lord before him.
In a way, that made the dynamic opposite.
Ater did not desire her. She desired him.
"You've been a good girl so far, and as a result… I am willing to return your wards to you." Ater gently placed his hand on her chin and lifted her head so she could stare him in the eyes.
His crimson eyes drowned her face in its glowing radiance, reflecting the passionate gaze she used to look at him.
"R-really?"
"Yes. Shai'ya and Kat'erin…" He muttered, his eyes slowly drifting away from Frey'ja to two of the five figures who stood behind the White Dragon Lord.
"Yes, Sir Ater?"
They both stepped forward, appearing no different than the Dragon Generals that they had been. Flawless Skin. Regal Attires. Perfect Forms.
They were the real deal.
"You will now return to serving your Lord, as I promised. Your loyalty to her must never waver, and your devotion to her cause must remain. Is that understood."
"Yes, Sir Ater."
He returned his gaze to Frey'ja, whose body was now slowly trembling as she kept her eyes on his own face.
His corrupted darkness heavily contrasted the purity that she represented.
It was alluring.
"Thank you, S—I mean, Ater."
"Yes… that's it." He drew his face closer to hers, causing her trembling to increase, and her face to become much hotter than usual.
Frey'ja's breathing became uneven as she remained still in his presence, and steamy clouds flowed from her lustrous lips and nostrils.
All of this only caused Ater to smile even more.
"Your eyes… they're wonderful." Gently stroking her face, he whispered those words passionately.
For a moment, the world seemed to stand still, but he broke the silence easily.
"How are you enjoying your new eye?"