My Family in the Novel?

Chapter 176: First Act 45: The Sun 2

"Aria!"

"Adrian, Euphemia!?"

My voice echoed through the chaotic scene as I called out to Aria.

Her eyes widened as we approached her, and I could sense a mixture of surprise and relief in her expression.

Seeing us here might have been an unexpected turn of events for her.

Despite my relief at finding her unharmed, there was a twinge of worry that lingered.

I couldn't shake the concern for Aria's safety when I had teleported her near the city square with Bella, a hot spot for monsters.

However, the organized efforts of the knights and academy faculty seemed to be keeping the area secure. It was evident that this location had become a focal point for various people, preparing for a grand celestial magic.

As we closed the distance, a sudden impact hit my chest – not a physical one, but the warm embrace of Aria.

It felt like my worries were instantly alleviated as she hugged me tightly.

"I'm glad you're okay," she expressed, her words muffled against my shoulder. I could feel the genuine concern and relief in her hug.

It dawned on me that my actions might have caused her considerable worry.

Considering the state of the academy…

'She probably thought of the worse….'

Seeing the faint glimmer of tears in her eyes as she held me close, my instinctive response was to reciprocate the hug.

Chuckling nervously, I gently suggested, "Haha, you know, I'm perfectly fine now. Maybe you can let go?"

Aria, however, had no intentions of releasing her embrace.

"No!" she exclaimed, looking up at me with a determined expression. The situation seemed to attract more attention than I anticipated, with curious and judgmental stares from the onlookers surrounding us.

As I tried to navigate this awkward moment, Euphemia, standing beside me, didn't seem too pleased with the scene unfolding. With a subtle yet venomous tone, she commented.

"Well, isn't this a touching family reunion. However, miss Aria, it wouldn't hurt to show concern for your friend as well, would it?" Her words, accompanied by a forceful separation of Aria and me.

Aria's eyes widened seeing as she was forcefully pulled away from me.

Looking at Euphemia with a venomous glare Aria retorted.

"Hey, since when did we become friends?" her voice laden with sarcasm and a tinge of animosity as she glared at Euphemia.

"And why are you ruining our moment? Go join the others and rest up, mind your own business, you Bitch…!" she added, leaving no room for pleasantries.

"What did you say to me, slut?" retorted Euphemia, her tone laced with disdain. "And what type of little sister hugs her brother like that? You're practically pressing your chest against him! And what's with that horny look you're making while touching him? Disgusting slut!"

Aria, not one to back down, countered with an assertive tone, "Wha— you dare call me a slut? T-this is just the way I look, you nosy... bitch!"

The exchange of venomous words intensified, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere around us. I could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on me, silently urging me to intervene and defuse the situation.

'Haah....!'

Inwardly, I sighed at the unfolding drama – a scenario that would typically elicit envy from other men but had now turned into a source of embarrassment for me.

All of them were looking at with eyes full of disdain they're eyes were basically telling me.

= HEY LUCKY BASTARD! CALM YOUR WOMEN!"

It wasn't my fault to begin with why give me that look?

Being the unintentional cause of a public dispute between two girls was certainly not a situation I liked In the first place.

The judgmental stares from the crowd only heightened the awkwardness of the moment.

"Both of you, calm down"

I intervened, stepping between Euphemia and Aria, who were on the verge of launching spells and potions at each other.

The tension was palpable, and I couldn't fathom why they were resorting to violence instead of resolving their differences through words.

It reminded me of the times my mother would react similarly when I won an argument with logic.

Her punishments ranged from locking me up in her magical domain to the occasional slap on the backside – all reminiscent of treating me like a mischievous child.

'Agh... Why are you making me remember those awful memories, dear brain of mine?'

But why did mom even have to punish me in the first place?

It's not like it's my fault at the time it was only a natural reaction to begin with I mean what kind of mortal man wouldn't get hard after seeing the literal goddess of love and beauty naked right in front of you?

And I was still in my early teens that time, my hormones were at their peak, she didn't have to publicly humiliate me like that…!

I still remember the chuckles of those nymphs and goddesses in that banquet.

"Your son is quite the honest cutie isn't he, ########?"

"Shut up Aphrodite and why are you even naked in the first place!? This is a banquet you even organized, for a host to act like this…. Go ahead and dress up before you corrupt my son with your illogical ideas"

"Please~ we're gods our existence is pretty illogical in and out of itself"

"Look at Ishtar over there… already having an orgy~ fufu"

"Even Lilith is joining the fray~"

"That's it we're getting out of here Ian!"

"Ah wait~!"

Reflecting on it, I couldn't help but wonder if my preference for individuals with lighter hair was unconsciously influenced by Aphrodite.

The memory of encountering the goddess of love and beauty remained etched in my mind, her radiant golden hair and majestic face making her the epitome of beauty itself.

Even the goddesses of this world seemed to pale in comparison, although my mother, unsurprisingly, stood leagues above them all.

And that was a fact.

'Yup I'm not biased at all'

Pushing these memories aside, I found myself bewildered by the sudden tension between Euphemia and Aria.

Weren't they supposed to be close? Louise had always been more open about her dislike for Euphemia, but seeing these two at odds caught me off guard.

Was it because of me?

"....."

Regardless, the current situation demanded resolution.

'This two has to stop for now…'

"Aria, let's stop this pointless bickering. Apologize for calling her a bitch. It was a bit too much, you know?" I urged, attempting to diffuse the tension.

"But she started it, this nosy bit—" Aria began, but a stern look from me silenced her.

"Aria…" I warned, and she reluctantly muttered, "… I'm sorry," keeping her head down in front of Euphemia.

Euphemia wore a smug look, thinking she had emerged victorious. However, I didn't let her revel in it for long as I swiftly delivered a gentle karate chop to her head.

"Ow!" she exclaimed.

"You, too, apologize. you really learn to mind your won business and what's with calling Aria a slut? She's probably the most innocent, purest, and gentle girl any man will ever meet" I asserted, defending Aria's character.

Euphemia and the onlookers gave me a blank look, as if questioning my judgment. They alternated between looking at me and Aria, conveying a silent message of, "Are you blind?"

Aria did have a somewhat villainess appearance, and her attire may have seemed seductive, but her true nature was innocent and pure.

'Everything they're seeing right now was only her natural allure, they have no idea who she really is inside'

Though she does do some crazy things sometimes, as most of the memories I had with my childhood with her was a mix of pure innocence and downright nightmare…. Seriously the way she bullies the OG Adrian was something I can't even imagine a kid could do.

"But she called me bit—" Euphemia started to protest.

"Apologize...." I interrupted firmly.

"… I'm sorry, Miss Aria…" she reluctantly conceded, realizing the necessity of diffusing the tension.

She said while also slightly bowing her head.

"Huh, what's that? I couldn't hear you, though" Aria teased, wearing a slightly smug expression.

Dealing with the playful banter between these two was proving to be quite the challenge.

"Seriously, stop you two…!" I urged, feeling a bit exasperated. Their antics were becoming more of a headache than dealing with Elena and Aria in the same room.

Upon sensing my growing frustration, they ceased their banter with a scoff. Aria, quick to seize the opportunity, slid into my arms, offering a triumphant smile to Euphemia. Her pettiness was quite remarkable.

'Should I give her the same punishment as Elena?' I pondered, contemplating whether Aria needed a similar lesson in maturity.

Observing the unfolding situation, everything seemed to be progressing as planned. However, there were certain variables we couldn't fully control, like the actions of Siena, the grandmaster, and the response of the secret organization Gobel belonged to. Since we were essentially doing their job for them, I anticipated a more welcoming reception rather than resentment.

Speaking of which, Elaniel seemed to be performing her duties effectively. Siena hadn't made any drastic moves yet, prompting me to wonder what Elaniel did to placate that spiteful woman.

In the bustling scene at the academy square, I noticed Mila unexpectedly aiding the principal with Bella in the execution of the teleportation spell. It was an unusual sight, seeing her choosing to assist rather than standing by her boss's side.

Amidst the commotion, Aria suddenly gripped my sleeve, her expression filled with sadness. Sensing that she was on the verge of tears, I gently pulled her towards me, running my fingers through her hair.

"What's wrong?" I inquired, concerned for her well-being.

"It's about Louise…and Ana. They're…," Aria hesitated, unable to articulate her thoughts, a shadow of worry cast across her face.

Given the devastation visible from our vantage point, she likely assumed the worst for Louise and Ana. The last time she saw them was at the Lucian Hall dorms.

Should I reveal that they're both safe? It would offer her relief but might also raise suspicions about my knowledge of their well-being.

But it hurts seeing the pain in Aria's eyes, inching closer to spilling tears.

"Don't worry, I'm sure they're both fine," I reassured Aria, gently patting her head sideways. "Louise is a strong girl, much stronger than you, and she can protect herself and Analise quite easily. They've probably escaped to a faraway place by now," I added with a gentle smile, attempting to lighten the mood.

My attempt seemed to work, as Aria's mood brightened, and she smiled slightly, nodding in acknowledgment.

Tsk…!

I heard Euphemia's loud click of her tongue as she observed Aria and me.

Her disdain was evident, likely fueled by the growing unease she felt towards our closeness.

The onlookers also seemed displeased, perhaps interpreting our interaction as inappropriate given the circumstances.

Though most of the gazes carried a hint of jealousy.

Surveying the scene, I realized that Princess Christine and Alex were notably absent from the group.

They haven't reached this place yet?

"By the way, Alex and Princess Christine were here with us just a while ago, but they joined the rescue squad to save as many people as they can… Elder sister also joined them" Aria said.

"I see…"

I guess that answers my curiosity, I can understand Alex and the princess trying to save the others, but really even Lilliana joined how unexpected?

'I thought she would just be running around like crazy trying to find me though?'

I guess she does take her role as student council president quite seriously.

Aria tried to say something while looking at me but chose to not say it, did something happen?

"What's wrong?" I asked her.

"I-it's about elder sister…. You know what forget it—"

Seriously what is it now? As I was about to ask her again a loud nose got my attention.

—Hey, where are you going!?"

Suddenly I could hear a loud bickering just right behind us looking back I saw Bishop Austin and the older looking Kid that we brought with us arguing.

Looking at the direction where the bishop was going it seems he intends to leave this small sanctuary, his eyes were full of conviction, now what is this old man going to do?

As their arguments intensified, the Bishop's final words to the kid ended up securing his victory. The kid gently released his protesting arms, attempting to prevent the Bishop from leaving.

"I need to find my daughter." These were simple and natural words that anyone could say. However, the conviction and sincerity in his eyes as he spoke made me and those who heard it regard the Bishop more respectfully. Seriously, this old man exuded charisma, much like Alex and Tristan but in a different way.

But this posed a problem; the main event was about to start soon, and now he was trying to leave? I couldn't allow that; it would ruin the whole plan. Besides, Elena was perfectly fine. Should I just tell him? No, that would only raise more questions.

With no choice, I let go of Aria. "Adrian…?" She seemed confused, but I ignored her for now as I approached the departing Bishop.

"Bishop, please wait...! Please let me go with you."

"Young man, no... Adrian… I don't mind but, why would you come with me?"

"Well, that's because your daughter is a very important person to me....." I said nonchalantly but....

"..."

He didn't have words to reply, and instead looked at me with an intense glare while his brows slightly twitched.

Fuck...!

Did I just openly admit my relationship with Elena to him?

But it's not exact admission right?

Did he realize I knew about him this entire time?

Shit...

There goes trying to make a good impression on this man.