Chapter 114: If It Were Up to Me
Rowan took it.
"Thank you."
He paused for a moment, then frowned slightly.
"Wait why am I the only one getting food like this? I don’t see anyone else bringing meals for other students."
From a distance, Velqira, who had passed by, quickly waved her hand.
"No, no nothing like that," she said before walking off.
Rowan narrowed his eyes slightly, then looked back at Elian.
"Is there something you’re not telling me?"
Elian hesitated.
Then sighed softly.
"Well when you enrolled in the academy, you were supposed to receive a meal card like everyone else"
She looked a bit proud as she continued.
"But I decided to prepare your meals myself instead. I make them in my dorm and bring them to you."
She smiled.
"My cooking is better anyway. I can guarantee it’s tastier."
Rowan looked at her for a moment
Then sighed lightly, but a small smile appeared on his face.
"I see."
He opened the container.
Inside
Plain rice.
Steak.
And sauce.
"Well time to eat."
He sat down and began eating.
And surprisingly
He enjoyed it.
After finishing his meal, Elian handed him a bottle of water.
Rowan took it and drank.
"Ah that was really good," he said.
As he lowered the bottle, he glanced at her.
Her expression gave something away.
Rowan narrowed his eyes slightly.
"I can tell from your face is there something you want to ask me?"
Elian hesitated for a moment.
Then nodded.
"Yes, Master."
She straightened slightly.
"Will you be participating in the tournament? The class matches I heard about it."
Rowan shook his head.
"It’s true, but I don’t plan to participate for now."
Elian’s shoulders relaxed a little.
"That’s good," she said quietly.
Rowan looked at her more seriously.
"Elian there’s something I want to ask you."
She blinked.
"What is it?"
"Are you really okay staying here as my maid?" Rowan asked. "Because it doesn’t seem right to me."
Her expression changed immediately.
"What do you mean? I’m fine."
She paused, then added quickly
"And not just that I was actually planning to apply to the academy tomorrow. As a student."
Rowan raised an eyebrow.
"I’m a mage," she continued, "but I can still use a sword. With my connections, I should be able to get into your class."
Rowan smiled faintly
Then shook his head.
"I don’t think there’s any need for that."
Elian froze slightly.
"You told me about your past. And I’ve also heard things from my parents."
Rowan’s gaze softened, but his words remained firm.
"Your family is powerful. You’re still young."
"You should be enjoying your life not spending it following me around."
Elian’s brows furrowed.
"Master what are you saying?"
Rowan exhaled quietly.
"It’s not fair," he said. "You’re the only one being treated like this because of me."
He looked at her directly.
"And I also know ever since Moonbeam was defeated even if no one knows it was me your father has been calling you back."
Elian’s eyes widened slightly.
"You’re from a noble family. You went through a lot you were depressed."
He paused.
"But now, you’re better. No one is chasing you anymore."
Silence filled the room.
Elian slowly let out a breath.
"So you know all that," she said quietly.
Rowan nodded.
Elian looked down, her expression dimming slightly.
"Do you really want me to leave, Master?" she asked softly.
Rowan immediately shook his head.
"No, no it’s not like that," he said quickly. "Not in that way."
He paused, then sighed lightly.
"To be honest I actually enjoy your company."
Elian slowly looked up.
"I like having you around," Rowan continued. "Having you by my side caring about me."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"And if it were up to me, I wouldn’t mind if things stayed like this forever."
Her eyes softened.
"But" Rowan added, his tone turning firm, "it’s not fair."
"You have your own life. Your father, your family your future."
"You should live it to the fullest."
He looked at her seriously.
"You’re a powerful mage. You can make a name for yourself."
He then softened his voice again.
"You can visit me anytime you miss me. And if I miss you I’ll come see you too."
Elian slowly raised her head.
"Alright," she said quietly, nodding.
Then she looked at him again.
"But tell me what do you plan to do?"
Rowan blinked.
"What do you mean?"
"Your path," she said. "Do you plan to grow your abilities as a mage? As the Ice God?"
Rowan scratched the back of his neck and smiled awkwardly.
"I haven’t really thought about it."
"Maybe I will."
Elian smiled faintly.
"You call me the Ice Goddess but you’ve already surpassed me in my own specialty."
Rowan didn’t respond to that.
Elian took a small breath.
"Then I’ll take my leave tomorrow, since that’s what you want."
She straightened slightly.
"But I’ll still come visit you."
"And I’ll keep preparing your meals."
Rowan opened his mouth
But she continued.
"I’ll have my family’s butler deliver them to the academy every day. Morning and night."
Her tone became slightly commanding.
"Don’t go eating in the cafeteria. Do you understand?"
Rowan chuckled lightly and nodded.
"Alright."
Without warning
Elian stepped forward and hugged him.
Then
She kissed him gently on the cheek.
Rowan froze for a second.
Elian quickly stepped back.
Her face turned bright red.
Without saying another word, she picked up the empty container
And hurried out of the room.
The door closed behind her.
Good thing she agreed Rowan thought.
I was worried she might refuse.
He let out a quiet breath.
She really does care about me ever since we were young.
He leaned back slightly.
But she has her own life ahead of her.
She’s in her early twenties she should live freely. Maybe even settle down someday.
She can’t stay tied to me forever.
He paused.
A faint uneasiness crept into his chest.
Why do I feel like this?
His expression shifted slightly.
And not just that since yesterday since we arrived at this academy