Aurora was taken aback by my words. The idea of a hidden affair between a noble and a commoner was frowned upon in the world of nobility. What's worse is a liaison between a Royal Princess and a commoner, like as I said before to threaten Lyra. While my words were a lie, it was enough to tarnish her image. I said it out of anger but also to spread rumors about Aurora's friendship with Jayden around the academy. They had been meeting frequently and had developed a little bond over the past month.
What was strange though was that she wasn't acting like in the game with Jayden and it was because of me. I was attracting more her attention than Jayden—of course in the wrong way.
I focused again on Aurora who spoke.
Aurora replied, "Your jokes are unworthy of nobles."
Despite her response, the damage had been done, and I knew that my words would spread throughout the academy and the kingdom in the coming days. However, my mind was preoccupied with another matter at hand.
I had to find that guy, but before that I think time had come to give 'them' to Jayden.
"Then, I wish you good luck on your quest for happiness, Your Highness," I said before taking the elevator and leaving.
"..."
As the doors closed, I noticed Aurora's panicked expression. She was probably racking her brain for a solution to the bombshell I had just dropped. She probably never expected me to say such things. No one would dare...not even the most powerful nobles.
In the last two weeks, she spoke often with Jayden, who was her neighbor, so there were witnesses. I just tarnished her image of a perfect princess.
Damn…
What have I done?
I had insulted a royal, and the repercussions would be severe. Nonetheless, I shrugged it off and continued to the 8th floor, where Jayden's room was located.
[<I don't know what to say. Even I felt sorry for her.>]
Whatever.
My shitty father will do something about it, as always.
After knocking on his door, Jayden opened it a minute later.
He was wearing panda pajamas.
"..."
What the hell is that?!
The more time I pass with him, the more I learn about his weird side that I couldn't learn in the game. He was pathetic at the start of the game but then he became bold and strong. Don't tell me even the awakened Jayden wears a panda pajama? Did he stole it from Milleia?
"Edward?"
Jayden rubbed his sleepy eyes.
I tried my best to ignore the panda pajamas and put on a serious expression.
"Let's go out."
"Huh? Why?"
"Time has come."
I stared at his eyes, and he understood what I meant, fortunately. Sometimes he was acting dumbly, but other times smartly, and I couldn't understand him despite having played that game.
"Give me two minutes."
I nodded to him and leaned on the wall, waiting for him.
It was getting late, and I wanted to finish that quickly. Now, more than ever, I had to give him that. For me, which was a burden, and for Jayden.
[<Are you going to do it really?>]
Cleenah asked.
'Well, I've never been that sure about a decision. Jayden needs protection now more than ever.
He will get my Wings Krona from me.
[<Tomorrow, your father will learn two unpleasant pieces of news.>]
Cleenah's remarks made me cringe.
I hope he won't beat me up.
I'll tuck myself under Aunt Belle in the worst case.
[She is the one most likely to beat you.]
Don't scare me like that!
Only nasty things were coming from these two guys.
As I stood waiting, the elevator doors opened, and to my surprise, Aurora stepped out onto the same floor as me.
Oh, yes. Her room was also on this floor.
I looked at her.
Something seemed off about her demeanor as she walked past me with a tense expression, devoid of her usual confidence.
A tinge of guilt grew at the sight of her distress, especially since I was well aware of the numerous hardships she had faced in the past. It made me wonder if I truly had a split personality as I fought with my inner thoughts like a psycho.
[<Did you just notice that? We already knew that you have a problem.>]
But before I could dwell on it further, a snarky comment interrupted my train of thought.
Shut up!
I just lost my cool, that's all!
I cursed Cleenah and brushed off my unease, reminding myself that l should control myself.
"..."
Aurora entered her room without acknowledging my presence, and I let out a sigh, knowing that she was more than capable of handling any challenge that came her way.
Focusing on my own tasks, I turned to see Jayden at the door, who was signaling me his readiness.
"It's time to hurry up and get this done," I urged him as we headed towards our destination.
…..
…..
The night was dark and calm as I stepped outside the dormitory with Jayden. Despite the strict curfew of 10 p.m., we managed to leave after threatening the guards or asking them kindly, thanks to my status.
We made our way to a hidden spot near the third years' building, which was known throughout the academy as the most beautiful place. A pure blue lake shimmered before us, filled with various types of manafishes that danced and jumped in the water. Colorful butterflies fluttered about, and lush green grass surrounded the area, making it the perfect spot to relax.
As I gazed up at the dark sky, I couldn't help but admire the beauty of the stars in this different world. However, the moon paled in comparison to the one on Earth.
But the most important thing about this place was that it was a confession area. Every student in the academy confessed their love to their beloved here. Although I had no intention of confessing to anyone, it was an excellent spot to be alone and do something illegal, as nobody would come soon, and I could take my time.
[<Could it be you came here with Jayden to…confes->]
'Don't finish it, useless goddess! There is no way I came here for that!'
I cringed just thinking about it.
Please don't get me wrong!
'It's just the best place to be alone when doing something illegal! Nobody is coming soon, and I can take my time!'
[<You are digging your own grave.>]
[Strange. In my data, Edward was not supposed to swing the other way.]
I gritted my teeth.
They were not assisting me at all.
"Edward?"
Jayden's voice snapped me out of my reverie.
He was right in front of me and seemed concerned.
[<You are more popular with him than any girls of your academy…>]
[Don't go down the wrong path as a result of this. Remember your heinous death.]
"..."
I tried to ignore them and moved away from Jayden.
Now I feel awkward around him!
"Are you all right, Edward?"
Don't tilt your head like a girl, will you?
"I'm fine. Simply remain still. "I'll get started."
I said.
"I'm fine," I said, taking a deep breath. Despite never having done it before, I knew how to transfer my protection to Jayden, thanks to the game.
I closed my eyes and concentrated on the task at hand.
[<Amael,I know I'm repeating myself, but are you sure you want to give up the protection of your House's ancestral God? It can be considered sacrilege to give it to someone not belonging to your family.>]
Cleenah was right, and I knew I could be driven out of the Falkrona Family. But I had to ensure Jayden's safety for the first, second, and third games. I had altered Ante-Eden's initial plan of recruiting me, and they would soon make contact with me, seeing the threat of Jayden sooner than before. Jayden was stronger than me, and with Zeus as Legacy, I could make him protect me. That was why I was giving my most powerful protection to him.
I smiled, feeling a bit embarrassed to say it out loud, but I firmly believed in my words.
'I have the lifestone, Mary, Jarvis, and you, Cleenah, near me. I am already overprotected.'
[<...>]
Someone is embarrassed.
I would have loved to tease her, but I am in a hurry, unfortunately.
"Close your eyes."
Jayden closed his eyes, and I put my hand on his shoulder, closing my eyes as well. I felt his anxiety and nervousness, but I was about to give him something beyond any price.
"As my true Falkrona name, as my true Falkrona blood. Krona, Deity ruling over the vast sky, I hereby give away my wings, which you graciously lend me."
I released my pure gray mana, which was reserved for those descended from the Falkrona's sacred bloodline. It was way stronger than any ordinary mana, though it exhausted me a lot. A gray circle appeared around us, forming a circle with complex patterns and symbols. The circle shone gray, and the energy from it assaulted me, causing me to bite my lips and hold back from screaming in intense pain.
However, it was nothing compared to what I had gone through in the cursed temple. I could feel it taking away my blessing, and then slowly, the gray energy floated above my body like a pair of wings before seeping into Jayden's body.
I slumped, completely drained of energy, and my complexion became ashen. A faint smile flickered across my lips, betraying my weary state. Despite my exhaustion, I still had access to the Falkrona bloodline abilities, but without divine protection, I was vulnerable. Moreover, I could no longer tap into the Falkrona's unique and powerful mana, which I had struggled to control even when I had it.
Well, honestly, that mana was more a burden to me than a blessing. Since a child, I have struggled to control it, but it was difficult. I was doing very well in every other domain except that-
"Gah!"
My eyes widened with alarm. Something felt off within me, and I could not place it. The strange sensation should have subsided when the energy flowed into Jayden's body, but it hadn't. The pain came out of nowhere, and I couldn't comprehend it. I let out a painful groan, coughing up blood that spilled onto the ground.
"W-Wh-at…"
The agony was unbearable, and it felt like my body was imploding. In my weakened state, my mind became hazy, and my consciousness started to slip away.
I grabbed the grass in a desperate effort to fight the pain, but it was useless.
I am really treated like a punching bag in this world.
I thought before closing my eyes.