unedited


    It looks quite suitable for you. Tap, Rashids finger lightly brushed Haniels cheek. But this time, it wasnt painful like how she had remembered it to be. Rather, it felt quite ticklish, and Rashid held back his chuckle as he brushed against her other cheek.


    You seem to like it.


    [N, no! I dont like it!] Haniel fell down again once more. Though her reaction waste, but she remembered what Mr. Darren had said.


    I shouldnt be lying though. She had found it slightly interesting, but not most of the time. Mr. Darrens words about her not being able to be a virtuousdy if she lied rang by her ears, and her face turned anxious.


    [Uh]


    What are you upset with this time? Rashid put a hand to his chin while holding back a sigh. Haniel couldnt ovee the weight of the jewel hung at one end of the ribbon and hit her head heavily, which Rashid then wound it up for her.


    Do you not like this?


    [N, no, thats not it!] She started chirping back as she had no intentions of lying any longer. Even so, the expression on Rashids face hadnt changed one bit. Instead, he continued to stare intently at Haniel with his hand still supporting his chin.


    Alright, if so, Ill let you have until this part


    Cut.


    Rashid made a gesture with his hands like a scissors and grabbed that end of the ribbon. Though she still didnt like his voice, it wasnt as detestful as before.


    [Hmm?]


    Ill give the rest to your mother.


    ***


    Mr. Darrennnnn! I yelled at the top of my lungs, almost ruining my vocal cords. I could feel fire burning at my throat just as the school came into sight.


    Mr. Darrn! Where are you!


    [Cough.] Whilst I was shouting, Selene on the other hand, seemed to be in a huge shock as her beak twitched non-stop.


    Anyone would think that her husband had died if they saw her state. Her flurried body was shaking, and her head drooped.


    Ahh, what should we do! You saw it earlier right? That size and shape, the way it looked after all its feathers were plucked out, and its shiny luster, it definitely looked like someone from ourke


    [Your Ladyship?]


    Mr. Darren? I turned around with the still shaking Selene in my arms. Mr. Darren, with his soft silver feathers shone neatly, was here where he should be.


    H, how are you here


    [Pardon? I came after hearing you call for me so desperately What is the matter?] Mr. Darren folded back his wings with a slightly flustered look. Now that I had a closer look, the oneid on the table at the Winter Pce had a different build and size.


    After confirming with my own two eyes that Mr. Darren was well and alive, my legs had given way and I plopped to the ground. Ahh, what a relief, really.


    [Just whats the matter? And why has Ms. Selene fainted?] The kind Mr. Darren expressed his concern towards Selene who was just about to step foot into her grave. However, seeing that he didnt approach any further, it seems that Selenes one-sided love would just end at a crush.


    Ah Dont worry about her. Ive misunderstood something earlier.


    [What kind of misunderstanding was it? Are you both all right?]


    Of, of course. I couldnt bring myself to exin that we reacted in this manner after seeing himy motionless in a grilled form on the table. However, I wasnt fully relieved just yet.


    Um, are there any missing animals from theke?


    [Missing animals]


    The ones who are cursed. Are there any who suddenly disappeared today or reported missing?


    [No. Im not sure about wild animals, but as you know, those who are from theke dont venture too far out on their own.]


    Ah Thats right. Though I knew about that, it was only now when I heard from Mr. Darren that I felt totally relieved and nodded my head.


    As per his words, the animals at theke there were rarely any animals who would venture out of the boundary from the Dukes residences. It was for the first time I felt relieved that were scared of Lania.


    Um How did Mr. Darren end up here at theke? I thought to myself as I stared nkly at him.


    I heard that Lady Melleo had invited him to theke so I hadnt suspect much but I never thought that a handsome looking teacher would appear so randomly.


    [Your Ladyship, are you alright?]


    Yes. Why do you bother? Just be thankful that a handsome looking teacher appeared.


    I felt my cheeks flush as Mr. Darren tapped his wings on the back on my hand,forting me.