Chapter 150: Aunt Ella's "Extra Lesson" and Mary Sue's Eavesdropping (2)
As his teacher, it was only natural for her to have authority over him, right?
Straightening up, Ella picked up the lesson plans and turned to Shia with a serious expression.
"Shia, let's have a little extra lesson, shall we?"
Her demeanor shifted completely as she assumed the air of a dignified educator.
She now exuded a scholarly aura, her posture upright and composed.
Her outfit—a crisp white blouse tucked into a form-fitting gray-black pencil skirt—enhanced the effect. Her violet hair was tied into a high ponytail, with a loose strand framing her face.
Even with her strict appearance, the slightly open collar of her blouse revealed a tantalizing glimpse of skin. Depending on the angle, one might even catch sight of her gentle curves.
Her voice, magnetic and cool, carried a strict tone as she prepared to "educate" her student.
In Seven Shields Academy, attendance didn't matter much, nor did combat class grades. But when it came to lessons from Ella? That was an entirely different story.
The monthly trial missions were a crucial part of the academy's curriculum.
With the first month of the new term nearing its end, the academy had prepared missions specifically tailored for the freshmen.
"This time, your task is to eliminate goblins and other low-level magical creatures," Ella explained, her tone calm yet serious.
"But don't underestimate them. Lately, there have been reports of unusual mutations among goblins."
While Ella spoke, Shia found his mind wandering.
Goblins… They were practically synonymous with certain infamous tropes of the underworld—most notably their devastatingly cruel treatment of the opposite sex.
Especially when it came to incidents tied to goblins, there was one particularly critical event…
Shia's brows furrowed slightly as he fell deeper into thought.
"Pay attention!"
Ella's voice rose slightly, her attempt at maintaining an air of authority evident—even though her trembling voice betrayed her nerves.
Still, it was enough to snap Shia back to the present.
He offered a faint smile.
"Please continue, teacher."
---
Meanwhile, a familiar figure approached Ella's home.
Golden curls shimmered in the sunlight, cascading like fine silk.
Her long, slender legs, wrapped in black stockings, were a vision of elegance, the curves accentuated by the smooth lines of her stride.
The fiery red skirt she wore radiated vibrance, both bold and eye-catching.
Lilith's destination was clear—her beloved mentor's home.
Though she'd recently been showering Nia with endless attention, as a true master of time management and manipulation, Lilith would never limit herself to just one target.
The elven princess? Yes, she wanted her.
The dignified and elegant widow mentor? Absolutely deserving of her warmth and care.
Lilith's daily schedule was packed, managing her time between courting different people and strengthening bonds.
Standing at Ella's doorstep, Lilith adjusted her outfit and tidied her hair to ensure she looked impeccable. Then she pressed the doorbell.
"Ding-dong~!"
The crisp, cheerful chime echoed.
Lilith stepped back slightly, her face adorned with an impeccable, radiant smile.
When Ella opened the door, Lilith planned to unleash her full charm, demonstrating unparalleled care and concern.
She had heard rumors that Ella hadn't been feeling well recently. Surely her timely visit would leave a lasting impression.
If things went smoothly, building their relationship further would pave the way for all kinds of opportunities later.
Lilith's smile grew even brighter at the thought.
But moments passed, and there was no response from inside.
"Not home?" she muttered, frowning slightly.
Before coming, she had confirmed that Ella was recovering at home. So why was there no movement?
Frowning, Lilith took out her phone and called Ella.
From outside the door, she heard a faint ringtone coming from within.
'She's home. So why isn't she answering?'
She rang the doorbell again.
After several seconds, the call was finally answered.
"Hello."
The voice on the other end was curt and breathy.
"Teacher, it's me, Lilith. I'm at your door. Could you let me in?" Lilith spoke warmly, her tone as sunny as ever.
But she couldn't help noticing how exhausted Ella sounded.
"No!"
Ella's voice, trembling and labored, made Lilith freeze.
"Why not?" she asked, stunned.
Wasn't she one of Ella's favorite students? Why wouldn't she be allowed in?
And why did her mentor's voice sound so… strange?
Before Lilith could probe further, Ella launched into an explanation, her words hurried.
"It's not convenient for me to entertain guests right now. I'm currently giving Shia some remedial lessons. His grades have been so poor lately, he's on the verge of expulsion!"
"I can't ignore this as his teacher, especially with the upcoming trial mission. I must help him prepare. Please leave for now, Lilith."
With that, Ella hung up abruptly.
The busy signal in Lilith's ear left her standing dumbfounded at the doorstep, unable to get a word in edgewise.
But Ella's explanation only deepened Lilith's concern.
'So, Shia is inside?'
She wasn't worried about Shia, though—her concern was entirely for Ella.
Her teacher's voice sounded strained, as though she were on the verge of collapse. Even her normally gentle tone was trembling.
'What could Shia have done to upset her this much?'
He had already caused trouble with Violet—now he was angering her mentor, too?
Lilith made a mental note to have a serious talk with him later.
As she contemplated, a muffled sound from inside the house reached her ears.
Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.
The noise was rhythmic, steady, and repetitive.
Muffled as it was by the walls, it was hard to discern exactly what it was.
Lilith frowned, pressing her ear to the door.
'What are they doing in there?'