Chapter 209. Arriving at Starfire Academy
Ciel’s life was full of hardship, a tale marked by relentless struggle and resilience. Ciel’s father had once been an aristocrat, but due to political tensions, he had fallen from grace. Left with little choice, Ciel’s father had married a commoner and retreated to a humble village, hoping for a fresh start. That was where Ciel and his younger brother were born, in a modest household far removed from the luxuries of high society.
Despite his family’s circumstances, Ciel had worked harder than anyone, clawing his way through the ranks of one of the academy’s branch schools. He had studied relentlessly, day and night, barely sparing time for anything else. His dedication paid off, and eventually, he secured a position as a professor at the main academy. For many, this accomplishment alone would be a pinnacle of success, but Ciel was driven by something deeper—an intense loyalty to the academy and a desire to prove himself worthy of his father’s legacy. His ambition had not gone unnoticed. Rumors had circulated among students and faculty alike: one day, it was said, Ciel might even become the Vice Principal of the academy.
As GG told story about Ciel. Tyler could feel the weight of Ciel’s story settling over him.
GG noticed Tyler’s quiet observation of Ciel and decided to offer some insight. "Mr. Ciel probably has a crush on our Head. That’s why he always finds a reason to come by," she whispered, a smirk on her face.
Tyler turned, glancing toward where Ciel and Serena were engaged in conversation at a distance. Serena looked as weary as ever, her expression disinterested, while Ciel spoke animatedly, his gestures lively and his tone enthusiastic. Yet something didn’t quite add up. Ciel’s apparent enthusiasm felt almost... performative.
"Something seems odd," Tyler murmured, his gaze narrowing. "It doesn’t really look like he’s that interested."
GG shot him a skeptical look. "Are you really a kid?" she asked, though she quickly dropped the question. After recalling how Tyler had confidently kissed the girls on the tram, she decided to leave her suspicions unvoiced. He was no ordinary kid.
"Maybe he’s just hiding his feelings," she said instead, trying to rationalize it.
"Maybe," Tyler muttered, still unconvinced.
Once Ciel finished his conversation with Serena, he took his leave, offering a polite nod in Tyler and GG’s direction as he passed. Shortly afterward, Serena called GG over and spoke in a low tone, asking her not to allow any further interruptions. GG nodded, understanding the underlying frustration Serena held toward Ciel’s visit.
As Serena turned to go, she noticed Tyler’s thoughtful gaze following Ciel’s retreating figure. "Are you suspicious of him?" she asked, a note of curiosity in her voice.