The Useless Extra Knows It All....But Does He?

The afternoon sun draped the academy grounds in a mellow warmth, its golden light spilling across the courtyards and cobblestone paths. Students drifted here and there in small groups, laughter and chatter rising faintly in the distance, but around Luca and Eric, the air felt heavier—charged with urgency.

They stood facing each other near the central path, shadows stretching long behind them. Luca's brows furrowed as the words Eric had just thrown at him sank in.

Oh shit. He rubbed the back of his neck, exhaling slowly. After what happened yesterday, I completely forgot about Big Bull. I should have talked with the dean about this. His shoulders sagged in helplessness for a moment, but he quickly straightened, eyes sharpening. No—this isn't the time to dwell on mistakes.

"Tell me what happened!" Luca demanded, voice firm.

Eric, still catching his breath, raised his head. His face was pale, but the panic in his eyes had dulled to something steadier, though no less grim. "Big Bull, he—he's being sent to the Empire's imperial palace. To their custody." His jaw tightened, his tone almost bitter. "It seems… even they want to conduct experiments on him. From here on, it'll only get tougher."

Luca's expression froze, his voice breaking out in disbelief. "What? Can the academy even send him there? How can they do that?"

Eric exhaled heavily, running a hand through his messy hair. "The academy's in a tight spot. After already falling out with the Holy Kingdom, they don't have much room to maneuver. The academy's strong, yes, but even its influence has limits…"

Luca lowered his gaze, his thoughts sinking deep. His fists clenched once, then slowly loosened. Well… maybe it's not entirely bad. With my relationship with her majesty, I can at least expect, If big bull ends up there, her majesty can definitely keep him safe. And as for his origin… that's on me. I'll take responsibility for finding the truth.

His head lifted, clarity in his eyes. "Don't worry, Eric. I'll take care of it."

Eric blinked at him, uncertainty flickering across his face. "Are you sure?"

"I am." Luca's reply was firm, his tone carrying a confidence that left little room for doubt.

Eric scratched his cheek, still not entirely convinced, but finally gave a small nod. "A-alright then." He let out a breath, trying to shake off the tension before asking, "So… when are you leaving?"

"In two hours," Luca answered. His gaze turned toward the horizon, already picturing the journey ahead. "I should reach home by tomorrow morning."

"Got it. I'll be there to see you off." Eric's voice was softer now, almost reluctant.

Luca gave him a faint smile and nodded. "Thanks."

The two walked together in silence for a short while, their footsteps echoing lightly against the stone paths, before parting ways at the dorm buildings.

Luca climbed the familiar steps up to the fourth floor, his mind heavy with everything yet to come. But the moment he turned the corner, his steps faltered, his eyes widening slightly.

Two figures stood waiting by the door to his dorm—Aurelia, her posture poised but her gaze quietly searching, and Lisa, her small frame clutching the strap of her bag as she peeked around curiously.

"You're already here, huh," Luca murmured, his surprise softening into something warmer as he approached them.

Fishing out his key, he unlocked the door with a quiet click before swinging it open. Turning back to them, he gestured with an easy smile. "Come on in."

Aurelia entered first, her steps calm and deliberate, as though she were entering her own space rather than Luca's. Without hesitation, she perched gracefully on the edge of the bed, smoothing down the folds of her crimson skirt with that practiced composure that never seemed to waver.

Lisa, however, was the complete opposite. The moment she stepped inside, her eyes darted everywhere—the desk, the shelves, the bed, even the window. She let out a delighted little gasp before hopping around with childlike energy. "So this is where my brother lives!" she announced, as if declaring the discovery of a hidden treasure.

Luca chuckled, leaning back in the chair by his desk, amusement flickering in his crimson eyes. His gaze shifted to the bag in Lisa's arms, stuffed to the brim. "What's with the bag? I didn't think you'd run away from home already prepared."

"Eh?" Lisa blinked, then puffed up her cheeks indignantly. "Run away? No! These are all the things I bought while shopping with Sister Aurelia." She hugged the bag protectively to her chest and grinned wide, her eyes sparkling.

Luca's gaze slid toward Aurelia. "I apologize for the inconvenience she caused."

But Aurelia only smiled softly, resting her cheek against her hand. "Don't fret about it. She's like my little sister."

Luca nodded, a faint warmth stirring in his chest at her words. But before he could reply, Aurelia tilted her head, her expression shifting.

"So," she asked evenly, "when are we leaving?"

"In some time—" Luca started, only to falter mid-sentence. His eyes narrowed with sudden realization. "Wait… what do you mean by we?"

Aurelia blinked, her brows lifting slightly in mock surprise. "Didn't we discuss earlier that I'll travel with you?"

Luca's eyes widened. "Yeah, you did, but—"

"Did you think I was joking?" she cut in, smirking. Her voice dipped into that familiar teasing lilt as she rose from the bed. With unhurried steps, she closed the distance between them, leaning down, closer and closer. Strands of her crimson hair brushed against Luca's face, carrying the faintest trace of her perfume. Her amethyst eyes locked onto his, sharp and alluring.

"I'm not leaving you alone for the next two months," she whispered, her voice low and sensual.

Luca coughed, heat creeping into his cheeks, his back pressing slightly into the chair as though retreating might save him. Before he could form a coherent response—

"I—I am not seeing anything!"

The small, trembling voice snapped them both out of the moment.

They jerked their heads toward the sound. Lisa stood near the door, her little hands slapped over her face—but the gap between her fingers betrayed the way she peeked nervously. Her cheeks were burning red, eyes wide with embarrassment.

Aurelia's face stiffened, and she instantly turned away, a cough slipping out as a flush crept visibly over her ears. Luca nearly jumped to his feet, waving his hands frantically. "We were just talking! Casual talking, that's all. We do it all the time."

"All… the time?!" Lisa squeaked, her voice muffled behind her hands as her blush deepened even further.

Aurelia whipped back toward Luca, her eyes blazing. "Can you shut up!"

The air froze for a beat before Aurelia suddenly crouched down to Lisa's level, her expression softening into something conspiratorial. She lowered her voice, coaxing. "Lisa, how about this—you forget what you just saw, and in return…" Her eyes flicked meaningfully toward Luca. "Your brother will buy you a gift of your choice. Anything you want."

Lisa's hands slowly parted, her eyes sparkling with sudden excitement. "R-Really?"

"Really," Aurelia confirmed smoothly, a satisfied smile tugging her lips when Lisa finally nodded eagerly, the earlier scene all but erased in her mind.

Luca buried his face in his palm, sighing helplessly. "You're unbelievable."

Straightening again, Aurelia flicked her hair over her shoulder, composure neatly restored. "Problem solved."

Lisa, still beaming, tugged lightly at her brother's sleeve. "By the way, will Brother Vincent come with us?"

Luca shook his head. "No. He's still tied up with his exam."

"Ohh." Lisa nodded, her expression thoughtful before her childish grin returned.

The three of them slipped into light chatter after that, the tension of the earlier moment gradually dissolving into an oddly comfortable warmth that filled the small dorm room.

Luca finally stood up, brushing the dust from his clothes as he muttered, "Well, it's time to leave now."

Aurelia rose gracefully at his side, Lisa following right after. The three of them walked toward the exit together.

"Have you packed everything?" Aurelia asked softly.

Luca gave a small nod.

Lisa tilted her head, her brows furrowing as she glanced between them. "Huh? Then where's your backpack? Even Sister Aurelia doesn't have one."

Luca's lips curved into a faint smile. "Give me your bag."

Lisa immediately hugged her bag against her chest, glaring. "Why?"

Chuckling, Luca shook his head. "Just give it to me."

She hesitated, then reluctantly handed it over.

Luca hovered his hand over the bag, and with a faint shimmer, it vanished into thin air.

Lisa's eyes widened, her jaw dropping. "W-where is my bag?"

"Where mine is," Luca said casually. "I'll explain later. Let's go."

Still dumbfounded, Lisa trailed after them. Luca locked the door to his room before they made their way downstairs. At the office, he quickly signed the necessary documents, and the three of them stepped out into the bright morning air.

By the time they reached the academy courtyard, Luca slowed his steps. His eyes widened as he froze in place, shock flashing across his face.

"W-what are you doing here?"