After I parted ways with Livia and was on my way to Miss Roselia's mansion, I called Aegis to find out why she had called me earlier.
Ring!— Ring!—
"So you've finally found the time to contact me back, huh?" Aegis said as soon as she picked up my phone.
"Yes, I was quite busy. As I was planning about the ways to beat the crap out of my brother," Ares answered.
"Whoa! Which of the brothers is it?" Aegis responded enthusiastically.
"Of course, the one who is my Academy senior," Ares responded.
"Oh, I was hoping to see you beat your older brother. I heard he planned an assassination on your way back to the academy," Aegis stated.
"I'm still not sure who was behind it...but have you been in contact with Silvia?" Ares was curious.
"Yeah, we chat on a regular basis; she doesn't seem to be a vampire at all, as she appears to be no different than humans," Aegis replied.
"...."
"She's saying that because she didn't see her consume blood," Irethiel remarked.
"And why aren't you calling her? She seemed to be waiting for your call every day," Aegis inquired.
"...She can call me if she wants to talk to me about something," Ares replied.
"She stated she doesn't want to bother you and will wait for you to call her when you are free," Aegis said.
"...I'll contact her when I'm free then," Ares said.
"...."
"...When are you going to be free again?" Aegis inquired, curious.
"Why did you call me earlier? Why don't you state the purpose because I have a class to attend?" Ares said, ignoring her previous question.
"...Class on Saturday?" Aegis questioned in a suspicious tone.
"Well, I'll talk to you later," Ares said and he was about to hung up the phone, knowing what Aegis would say if she found out about his private class with Miss Roselia.
"Wait! Wait! I received a phone call from Tania's assistant," Aegis talked quickly.
"...."
"...Continue," Ares urged her.
"Did you watch Tania's press conference?" Aegis questioned.
"Yes, I did," Ares replied.
"Well, I didn't, but she said that Tania made a mistake and revealed you being Mika's disciple," Aegis explained.
"That's exactly what happened. So did she just call to tell you that?" Ares inquired.
"No, she apologized and stated that they are willing to accept any responsibility," Aegis replied.
"...What kind of responsibility was she referring to? Will Tania act as my personal bodyguard to keep anyone from approaching me?" Ares remarked casually.
"Not precisely, but she said she'd teach you her martial arts to help you protect yourself," Aegis said and giggled.
"...."
"Do they have a death wish?" Ares stated casually.
It was definitely a bold move on her part to volunteer to teach me even though she knew I was already Mika's disciple.
Who would ultimately impart their special techniques to her rival's disciples? What if I was getting ready to exact revenge on her for trying to kill Mika?...Because what if I am a petty person?
I was pondering to myself until I heard Aegis, which snapped me out of it.
"I know right, thank goodness Mika didn't hear them or the hell would break out," Aegis stated while continuing to giggle.
"How is Mika doing these days? Did she awaken from her vegetative state?" Ares was curious.
Aegis paused in her laughter and fell silent for a few seconds.
"...Yeah, it's been two days since she awoke, but it's best you don't come to visit her for the time being," Aegis said awkwardly.
"It's been two days, and you're only now telling me about it? And just because I asked?" Ares remarked.
"...W-Well, it's not that I intended to hide it from you or anything...wait, let me turn on the Video so you can see it for yourself," Aegis explained as she connected the Video call.
"...What the freaking hell!" Ares exclaimed as he watched what Aegis was showing him in the video connection.
He saw a vast area filled with multiple fallen mountains that appeared to have transformed into erupted flames, and there was a woman dressed in training clothes standing in the middle.
...It was Mika dressed in her workout gear, and she appeared to be diligently training.
"...."
"Are you getting it now?" Aegis said.
"...Oh, and is that Helena with her?" Ares queried, perplexed.
"Yup, She came as soon as Mika woke up," Aegis explained.
"... That's fine then, and let's just hope Mika doesn't find out about the Conference or Tania's offer," Ares spoke.
"Don't worry about it because she's too busy to care about watching some conference.
But what will you do about Tania's offer to teach you her martial arts?
That deal is too tempting to turn down," Aegis stated inquisitively.
"To be really honest, it is undoubtedly a fantastic offer, but Mika wouldn't appreciate it, and learning from someone she lost doesn't feel right.
It's as though I'm jumping ship after witnessing her defeat," Ares expressed.
'Actually, I reckon that perfectly describes your personality,' Irethiel thought to herself.
"...In my opinion, you should accept her offer to learn what she wanted to teach rather than giving it any thought," Aegis stated abruptly.
"Hmm?" Ares furrowed exclaimed.
"Not everyone has the chance to grasp Tania's distinctive martial arts, and opportunities like this don't arise frequently.
Additionally, although it may be true that Mika wouldn't like it, but she wouldn't be angry with you for learning Tania's martial arts.
...As She is quite aware of the fact that in order to succeed in this world, you must do anything and everything to gain power.
Even if it means turning your enemy into your mentor," Aegis explained.
"...."
"I can't say that what you stated is incorrect because it is unquestionably precise, but I will wait and give it some more thought.
As I don't want to make Mika sad as a result of my choice," I expressed.
That was my sincere belief, as I may be a scheming and manipulative bastard...but I would never bite a hand that fed me in my most difficult times.
Even though Mika allowed Helena to train me despite her high regard for me as her disciple, but given that they were childhood friends, it worked out nicely, but I doubt she will appreciate Tania.
"...."
Aegis seemed surprised by my reaction and remained silent for a few moments.
"...Okay, you can ask Mika's approval before refusing Tania's offer to get the training.
Mika isn't ready to confront you yet, so I'll let you know when you can talk to her about it.
As Helena revealed and insulted her, as how you were present when Tania beat the heck out of her.
So she appears embarrassed to display her defeated self to her disciple," Aegis stated awkwardly.
"Alright, But don't end up crying like you did after inviting Helena to train me," Ares teased her.
"S-Stop talking! I'm doing everything I can to help you become stronger, but instead of being grateful, you're taunting me," Aegis was embarrassed when she remembered how she acted back then.
[Hey, Aegis, come here and treat me already. What are you doing on your phone? This b*tch will kill me while you're still on your phone.]
Helena's voice could be heard in the background.
"That's what you get for mocking her," Aegis retorted while remaining on a video call with me.
[Ahhhh—I'm going to die. Stop it, you bitch, are you actually trying to kill me?
I only said it to encourage you in your training.
Hey, Aegis! Help me out here will you? She is attempting to murder me.]
Helena's screaming could be heard in the distance.
"...."
"...I think you should go help her out, or Mika will eventually kill her," Ares said.
"What are you on about? I didn't hear anyone calling out to me," Aegis pretended to be unaware.
"...."
'Hang in there Helena, these difficult days shall pass as well,' I could only console Helena's poor soul.
And knowing Helena's quickness, I think she will survive somehow.
***