boyutpedia Chapter 674 - 149.1 - Really
Chapter 674 - 149.1 - Really
Chapter 674 - 149.1 - Really
With their exchange winding down, Irina cast a quick glance at Esme, who had been silently observing from a distance. As she'd anticipated, Esme's expression betrayed a hint of disapproval, her usual calm demeanor tinged with something sharper. The display between her and Astron had evidently struck a nerve, though Irina felt little concern. 'We didn't do anything wrong,' she thought with a shrug. Besides, she'd made her intentions toward Astron quite clear from the beginning, even if Esme had reservations.
Esme stepped forward, her gaze shifting between Irina and Astron, before settling on the bracelet. "Is this truly your final choice?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with curiosity. Irina could sense her subtle intrigue—Esme, like herself, was likely wondering what Astron had seen in such a simple piece.
Irina watched Astron, who only nodded in quiet confirmation, his expression unchanging. She noticed the brief flicker of curiosity in Esme's eyes as she studied the bracelet once more. "To choose a modest artifact like this... I suppose there must be something unique to it," she murmured, half to herself. "After all, anyone who can endure the Chamber of Emberheart has already proven to be resilient. And since you are one of those, I wonder what you have seen in it."
Irina felt a pang of pride at Esme's words, realizing how Astron's reputation was growing even within her own household.
Astron glanced at Esme, his expression as calm as ever. "What do you think, Miss Esme? Can you sense anything different about this bracelet?" His tone was polite, but Irina couldn't help but feel there was a subtle edge to his question, almost as if he were testing her perception—or her opinion of him.
Esme's gaze lowered to the bracelet, her face composed as she examined it, though Irina could see her cautious pause. "I can't sense anything out of the ordinary," she replied, her tone respectful but measured. "And I certainly don't possess qualifications above those of the appraisers who have examined it. They would have noted any unique properties." She lifted her gaze, the statement hanging in the air as a quiet challenge. If Astron was mistaken about this artifact, it might imply he had overestimated his insight, possibly lowering his standing within the household's eyes.
Astron, however, didn't seem fazed. He shrugged slightly, his expression unbothered. "That's normal," he replied with an expressionless face. "Most people wouldn't notice. You don't need to worry." The words were mild, yet there was an unmistakable undertone that Irina picked up on—a subtle assertion that Esme was just like most people in matters such as these, lacking the insight he possessed.
Esme's eyebrows lifted ever so slightly, her gaze sharpening, though she maintained her composure. She chose not to respond, merely inclining her head in acknowledgment, though Irina could sense the flicker of disapproval beneath her stoic expression.
With a final nod from Esme, who had been observing them carefully from the start, Irina and Astron exited the Emberheart armory. Esme had seen every move they'd made, noting that Astron had only taken the single item the Matriarch had allowed. Satisfied that nothing amiss had transpired, she closed the doors behind them, leaving the two alone in the quiet hallway.
They stepped out into the slightly cool air of the Etheria Haven, the twilight casting a gentle, muted glow over the surroundings. Irina took a deep breath, letting the crispness of the evening air calm the lingering thoughts from their exchange in the armory. A silence stretched between them, comfortable yet tinged with the weight of their earlier conversation.
Irina cast a sidelong glance at Astron, the bracelet now settled on his wrist. She still couldn't shake her curiosity—there had to be more to that artifact than met the eye. He walked with his usual calm, but there was an undeniable air of satisfaction about him, like he'd achieved something only he understood.
"So... was this all part of the plan?" she asked her tone light yet probing.
"What do you think?"
Irina rolled her eyes, crossing her arms as she walked. "Of course, I remember. Do you think I endured three weeks of burning in the Chamber of Emberheart just to let this slip?" She huffed, though there was a playfulness to her tone that she couldn't hide. "For the whole week, you're mine. You promised."
He raised an eyebrow, his gaze steady. "I did. Though I have to admit, I'm curious what exactly you're planning."
She smirked, a mischievous glint lighting her eyes. "You'll find out soon enough. But first..." She hesitated, looking away as a flicker of uncertainty crossed her face. For all her anticipation, now that the moment was here, a small part of her felt oddly self-conscious. 'After all this time waiting, I can't back down now,' she thought, steeling herself.
"Hehehe.....You will see."
Hearing her saying that Astron raised his eyebrows.
Irina shot him a smug grin, crossing her arms with a self-satisfied look. 'Get a taste of your own medicine, you bastard,' she thought, feeling a surge of satisfaction at the baffled look in his eyes. Astron had left her hanging so many times, tossing her half-answers and cryptic remarks whenever it suited him, always keeping her guessing. Now, finally, it was her turn to keep him in the dark.
"Oh?" he asked, his curiosity piqued, but she could see the flicker of wariness beneath his calm expression.
But she wasn't about to give him anything more. "Just wait," she replied, practically humming with triumph. She could practically feel him straining to figure her out, and it was a glorious reversal.
They walked side by side, her mind racing with the plans she'd laid out for their week. Every detail was tucked away in her mind, carefully prepared. She wanted to give him a glimpse of her world—the parts she valued most. And, maybe, she wanted to learn more about him, to coax out the person beneath his usual guarded front.
In the silence, she felt the anticipation build, knowing she held all the cards this time. Glancing over at him, she caught the slight crease in his brow as he pondered, and her grin widened.
'Now you know how it feels to be on the other side,' she thought with a quiet thrill. 'Hope you're ready, Astron. This is just the beginning.'
As they continued walking, Astron suddenly stopped and turned to her with that familiar, unreadable expression of his. "By the way, Irina," he began, his tone casual, "is it possible to use one of your training grounds?"
Irina blinked, her momentum halted. "Our training grounds?" She raised an eyebrow, eyeing him with suspicion. "Why? Planning to give me a private show of your skills?"
He shrugged, his gaze unbothered. "Not quite," he replied smoothly. "I need to test the equipment. That's it."