Chapter35-Journey to the Ethereal Kingdom

Seeing how insistent Andrew was, Owen sighed and took the application to glance over it.

The content was all formal language, clearly stating Emily's self-assessment and the contributions she believed she could bring to the student council.

Her self-assessment was fair and impartial, without any flaws.

"No problem, I approve it. Starting today, you're a member of the student council. Andrew will assign you your duties."

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of joy flashed in Emily's eyes.

"Thank you, Chief!"

"No need to thank me. Your abilities are clear, and I had no reason to reject your application. However, joining the student council might reduce your personal time. If it starts affecting your studies, it'll be hard to quit once you're in."

"It's okay, I won't let my studies fall behind!"

"That's good to hear. After all, the new student enrollment period is approaching, and the mentors of each School will have their students represent them.

You should focus on leveling up quickly; you need to at least break through to platinum-tier, or else Fire School's competitiveness will only diminish."

"I understand, Chief!"

Under Emily's intense gaze, Owen felt a bit uncomfortable and looked away.

This girl seemed to be growing more and more fond of him. She had completely cut ties with John, and since returning, John had tried to ask Emily out a few times, but she had rejected him coldly.

"Fiona has prepared dinner. Why don't you two stay and have something to eat before you go?"

"My sister's cooking? I'm in for a treat."

Andrew grinned. He was always very fond of his younger sister.

Entering the mansion, Emily marveled at the lavish interior decoration, exclaiming, "I never knew the Chief Mansion was this... luxurious?"

"Not at all. When I first moved in, this place was just an empty house. Fiona has gradually made it feel like a home. Every single item here, she brought from our family home."

Andrew smiled wryly and added, "That's true. Our family was in a panic for a while, thinking a thief had broken in and was stealing things."

"Fiona, we have guests. I remember I saved a bottle of wine; could you bring it out?"

"Who's here? Oh, brother! What are you doing here?"

"I had something to deliver to the Chief, and I came to check on you."

"Right, checking on me was just an afterthought."

Fiona pouted, but when she noticed Emily looking a bit uneasy, a hint of displeasure flickered in her eyes.

"And who is this...?"

"Hello, Fiona, I'm Emily. I've just joined the student council."

"I've heard of you. Master Owen invited you to dinner for a month straight, and you rejected him seventy-something times. Why did you suddenly visit today?"

Emily's smile stiffened at those words.

"I... the situation back then was a bit complicated."

"Sure, that's what everyone says."

"Enough, Fiona. Don't give her a hard time. Emily is just here to submit her application."

"Master Owen, you really need to stop being so nice. It's one thing with others, but why are you still being polite to her? During that time, you almost became a laughingstock!"

Sensing the growing tension, Emily forced a smile, trying to keep her composure, and softly said, "I... I just remembered that my mentor needed to see me, so I'll be going now..."

"Take care."

As she watched Emily's dejected figure leave, Owen sighed and said, "You didn't need to be so hard on her."

"I just don't like her, is that not allowed?"

"Enough, Fiona. It's been a while since I've tasted your cooking, so let's eat."

"Eat, eat, eat, that's all you think about!"

Fiona glared at her brother and stomped off in a huff.

...

The next morning!

Fiona quietly pushed open the door, gently placing a washbasin by the bed, only to find the sheets neatly folded, and Owen already gone. He had left behind only a note.

"Fiona, I have to go to the Ethereal Kingdom. I should be back within ten days."

"Master Owen is such a jerk, always leaving in such a rush without even saying goodbye."

Fiona bit her lip, annoyed, and tossed the note aside, but quickly picked it up again, carefully saving it before starting to clean the room.

Meanwhile, in the Ethereal Kingdom, at Fox Academy...

Elaine rested her chin on her hand, feeling utterly bored as the mentor droned on about advanced shadow magic in class.

"When is Owen coming to see me?"

When Elaine first heard the news of Owen's death, she refused to believe it. She even went to Crossbridge Academy herself to confirm with Headmistress Catalina before she reluctantly accepted the truth.

After that, Elaine became increasingly despondent, losing interest in everything, even in transferring schools.

If Owen wasn't at Crossbridge Academy anymore, what reason did she have to go there?

However, just a few days ago, Crossbridge Academy suddenly announced Owen's return, like a shot of adrenaline that revived Elaine, sweeping away her gloom.

But she had waited so long, and Owen still hadn't come to find her...

"Could he have forgotten about me?"

Elaine felt a little unhappy.

Finally, when class ended, Elaine checked her schedule for the next few days. It was mostly basic lessons, so skipping class wouldn't have any real impact. Elaine decided right then and there that she would sneak out of the academy and go to Crossbridge Academy to see Owen.

With that thought in mind, Elaine headed back to her mansion, but she was stopped halfway.

"Chief Elaine, someone asked me to deliver this letter to you."

"A letter? Who sent it?"

"They said they were from Crossbridge Academy."

"Crossbridge Academy? Was it from Owen?"

Elaine eagerly tore open the envelope, recognizing the familiar handwriting.

"To Elaine:

When you receive this letter, I should have already arrived at Gambling City in the Ethereal Kingdom. Come find me; I'll be waiting for you."

"I knew it!"

How could Owen forget about his promise to her? He must have been tied up with something and delayed for a few days. But now, here he was!

"Who brought the letter? Was it a man or a woman?"

"They've already left. It was a pretty girl."

"Then it must be Fiona. I know her. So Owen is in Gambling City... Perfect, I'll go see him today!"

Her longing had only grown stronger with time, and Elaine couldn't wait to see Owen, to make sure with her own eyes that he was safe and sound!

"Thank you, Cathy! Oh, and if the Headmaster asks where I went tomorrow, you must keep it a secret. Just say you don't know!"

"I got it, Elaine, now hurry up and go."

"Hehe, Owen, my Owen, wait for me!"

Watching Elaine's quick departure, Cathy let out a long sigh, a sly glint flashing in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Elaine. I really need that Chief position. They promised me that if I delivered this letter to you, they'd help me become Chief.

I hope you can understand."

Cathy lowered her gaze, pulling out an echo stone and infusing it with mana.

"Elaine has taken the bait and is heading to Gambling City. You can start your preparations now."