NOVEL NEXT Chapter 224 - Farewell For Now!
Morning light slipped gently through the narrow gap of the dorm's curtains, spilling across the room in pale golden streaks. Luca lay on his back atop the bed, eyes open, yet unfocused, staring blankly at the wooden ceiling above him. His chest rose and fell in steady rhythm, but his mind was anything but calm.
On his chest rested a small, warm weight—the baby dragon girl. Her golden hair glimmered faintly in the light, spread like silk across him as her tiny head nuzzled closer. Absentmindedly, his hand stroked her soft locks, fingers brushing against the curve of her tiny horns. He stayed like that for what felt like half an hour, not moving, not speaking. Just thinking.
What should I do? The dean's words circled endlessly in his mind, pressing against him like a vice. Should I listen? Should I just leave it alone? The thought twisted in his chest until even the silence of the room became suffocating.
Then—
"Nyuuuhh~"
A tiny, high-pitched yawn broke the stillness. The little dragon stirred, her body shifting against him as her lashes fluttered open. She blinked once, twice, her sleepy crimson eyes hazy at first before they focused on him. A small giggle bubbled from her lips, her face lighting up in innocent delight as she sat up clumsily and crawled higher until she was perched right on his stomach.
"Papa, papa~! Heheh… papa!"
Her laughter was like bells, bright and unrestrained. She leaned forward, poking his cheek with her tiny fingers before trying to smush his face, her giggles echoing through the quiet room.
Luca blinked, startled out of his storm of thoughts, and then—despite everything—his lips curved into a quiet smile. His hand rose, ruffling her messy hair before moving to gently stroke the small, budding horns at the top of her head. "We'll be going home today," he said softly, voice tinged with a strange mix of fondness and weariness. "Are you happy?"
She tilted her head to one side, blinking in confusion. "Papa?"
Luca let out a breath, almost a laugh but heavier, as he gazed at her tilted head. "Even you're surprised by it, huh? I am as well." His smile faded into a sigh, his hand pausing against her hair. "But what can I do? Mother gave me an ultimatum—she wants me to come home no matter what."
The words felt like chains around his chest. He had wanted to roam, to explore hidden pieces, to strengthen himself. Yet that plan had been severed before it even began.
"I was planning to explore more hidden places and increase our power," he murmured, eyes drifting toward the ceiling again. "But it seems… first I have to convince Mom. And take Lisa home as well."
"Ehehe~ Papa!" The baby dragon only giggled again, oblivious to the heaviness of his thoughts, her little hands clapping as though the word home itself was something to celebrate.
Luca closed his eyes for a moment, listening to the sound of her laughter. It's alright, I guess. Nobody was convinced to come with me anyway. I'll have to go alone. Either way… getting stronger is my priority.
I think I should go meet her… The thought settled heavily in Luca's mind as he lay back against the sheets. After I'm gone, I won't be able to come here for at least two months. And last time… I didn't even see her.
The image rose unbidden—violet hair fluttering softly in the breeze, a quiet figure by the lakeside, her reflection rippling in still waters. A pang tightened in his chest. With a slow exhale, Luca pushed himself upright, careful not to disturb the small form resting on him. He looked down at the baby dragon girl, her wide eyes blinking curiously at his sudden movement.
"It's time for you to go back now," Luca said gently.
The little dragon tilted her head, then gave a small nod—earnest, almost grown in its subtlety. Luca couldn't help but smile. Hmm? She's becoming more and more understanding now. How great. Stroking her golden hair once more, he summoned her back into the beast space, watching her form dissolve into shimmering light.
Alone again, he pulled on a set of casual clothes, his fingers moving slower than usual, as though weighed down by the decision he'd just made. Finally, he left his dorm, his steps carrying him steadily toward the lakeside. The campus paths stretched quiet and near empty in the morning sun.
Such a good view and ambience here, he thought as the breeze rustled leaves overhead. Don't know why no one ever comes here.
When he arrived, the familiar scene greeted him—crystal waters of the pure lake glimmering like polished glass, birds darting across the sky, and at its edge, the figure he'd come to see.
The violet-haired woman knelt at the shore, her pale reflection fractured by the ripples as she leaned forward with childlike intensity. A small fish leapt out of the water, glittering like silver under the sun, only to escape her grasp. She pouted, cheeks puffing slightly, before plunging her hand back in to try again.
Luca couldn't help it—his lips curved into a laugh, his earlier heaviness easing just a little.
"Leave that poor fish alone, will you!"
Startled, she turned, violet strands catching the light as her pout melted into a bright smile. Her golden eyes softened instantly at the sight of him.
Luca walked closer and lowered himself at the water's edge, dipping his legs into the cool lake with a sigh. A moment later, she came over, settling beside him, the warmth of her presence chasing away some of his lingering unease.
"Are you okay now?" she asked softly.
Luca gave a small nod, meeting her gaze for only a moment before looking back at the lake. "Where were you when I woke up? I couldn't find you."
Her expression shifted faintly, a flicker of something unreadable before she answered, "I had to return due to something." She tilted her head slightly, curious. "So… what brought you here today?"
"Oh, it's nothing." Luca forced a casual tone, though his voice carried an undercurrent of reluctance. "As you know, we'll be going back home for the holiday. So I came to say goodbye."
Her smile faltered, her eyes dipping as a shadow of sadness crossed her face.
"Don't get sad now," Luca said quickly, his tone softening as he tried to ease the weight in her gaze. "I'll be back in two months. And I promise, I'll look for you first thing when I return."
Her lips curved faintly again, her expression brightening if only slightly. "Then don't go and invite danger in those two months."
Luca stayed silent, her words cutting deeper than he let show. Danger, huh… His eyes darkened for an instant before something brushed against his leg.
"Hm?"
Both of them looked down. The little fish that had escaped her earlier was now brushing against his submerged legs, darting playfully in the water.
The woman's pout returned, her brows furrowing as she let out a small huff. "That's not fair."
The two of them burst into laughter, the sound carrying lightly across the water's surface. Afterward, they sat in companionable silence, the lake shimmering before them.
Finally, Luca exhaled, pushing himself to his feet. "Okay then… I guess it's a farewell for now."
She rose as well, quiet, her hands clasped in front of her, eyes lowered.
"See you then," Luca said, giving her a small smile before turning away.
She didn't reply. But as Luca walked away, each step heavy yet steady, he could feel it—the weight of her gaze lingering on his back. His chest tightened, but he didn't turn around. Instead, he sighed softly, letting the sound dissolve into the morning breeze, and kept walking until the lake disappeared behind him.
Luca was making his way toward the dorms, the quiet of the afternoon settling over the academy grounds, when a voice suddenly pierced the air.
"Here you are! I've been looking for you!"
Turning, Luca saw Eric sprinting toward him, sweat gleaming on his forehead, his breath ragged as if he'd been running across half the campus. His usually neat hair was disheveled, and his hand clutched at his chest while he struggled to steady his breathing.
Luca frowned, his steps halting. "What happened?"
Eric bent forward with his palms pressed against his knees, sucking in sharp breaths before forcing out words between gasps. "It's—It's about Big Bull!"
The urgency in his tone, the slight tremor that edged his voice, made Luca's chest tighten. Eric wasn't the type to panic easily. For him to look so shaken… it could only mean trouble.