Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

...After all, Rhea's ability to recognize any plant, herb, or ingredient she has learned even only once is remarkable. It's an invaluable skill for any alchemist, especially one as knowledgeable as Veda. Or she might have accepted her just because she was kind. Unnecessarily so considering her first disciple.

Anyway, I can't tell Aria that I already know. Gotta keep acting.

"Was that why Aurelius said those things?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation back. "So he wasn't just trying to console her."

"Yeah, I think they have probably seen what she is capable of," Aria nodded.

"By the way, how do you know about this? Are you perhaps close with them?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"No, but I get all the potions from her. As for the story, it is a well-known one among the citizens," Aria replied.

I nodded, absorbing this new information. "Makes sense... Wait, you do-?" I asked, clearly taken aback.

"Yes, my grandfather only trusts her, and he helped her once before, so she always prepares potions for me," Aria replied. "Even though she stepped back from the public eye, her reputation remains strong. Anyone serious about alchemy knows about her. However, it is impossible for others to get her potions now. Only her old loyal friends and close people have such privilege..."

"Ooh..." I nodded, sometimes I forget that she is the principal's granddaughter... Wait...

Does the principal know about our relationship then?

"Um... Do you think he knows about us?" I asked, a bit hesitant.

"...Yes."

"He does?" But how?

"Because I told him myself."

"Eh?" I looked at Aria completely dumbfounded. She told him herself. Wait, then what did he say? Knowing how much he treasures her, he definitely didn't agree to it...

Urgh... Is there gonna be a 'that' kind of drama? Where overprotective parents don't give their permission to the lovers... Will I have to go through that?

"W-What did he say then?" But first, I need to know. I can't just jump to conclusions.

"He agreed when I told him who my boyfriend was and I mentioned your name."

"And then?" I urged, my curiosity piqued.

Aria took a deep breath and smiled softly. "At first, he was surprised. He looked at me with like I was finally grown up, and I could see a million thoughts racing through his mind. But after a moment, he nodded. Then he hugged me and wished us happiness. He said that if you make me happy, then he supports us wholeheartedly."

I was left speechless. The image of the overprotective principal, ready to fight off any potential suitor, melted away. "So... I was just overthinking everything?" I mumbled, almost to myself.

Aria chuckled. "Seems like it."

Wait? Did she read my mind?

"No, you are too easy to read right now, hehe." She giggled looking at my reaction. Cute...

But then she added, "Ah, I remember something else. He also said, 'If he makes you sad or cry, I'll speak with him myself. I have lots of things to talk to.'"

As soon as I heard those words, I suddenly felt a cold sensation over my body. The idea of facing the principal's wrath was enough to send chills down my spine. He was one of the strongest individuals on this continent after all...

Aria noticed my reaction and laughed. "Relax, Adrian. Just make sure you don't give him a reason to talk to you like that."

Wait... Why am I even worried?

"Don't worry, I would never do something like that." I looked at her. "There's no way I would let my cute and beautiful girlfriend cry. Well, in a sad way..."

"..." Aria was silent, her expression frozen.

Wait, did I say something wrong?

"Ergh... A-Aria?"

Swish!

Before I could react, she was already in my arms.

"Adrian, you're such a dummy," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth and affection. "But I like that about you."

I hugged her back, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. "And I like everything about you, Aria."

We stayed like that for a while, just holding each other, letting the world outside fade away. It was moments like these that made everything worth it—the battles, the challenges, the uncertainties.

Eventually, we pulled back slightly, looking into each other's eyes. "Let's make a promise," She said softly.

"What kind of promise?" I asked, curious.

"No matter what happens, no matter how tough things get, we'll always trust and support each other," She said. "We'll face everything together."

I smiled. "Alright then, I promise that I will always trust and support you, no matter what happens. We'll face everything together."

Aria's eyes sparkled with emotion as she nodded. "And I promise the same to you, Adrian. We'll get through it all, together."

With that heartfelt promise, we sealed our pact with a tender kiss. It was a simple gesture, but it held so much meaning. It was a vow to each other, a commitment to stand by each other's side through thick and thin.

After a moment, we pulled back, still holding each other close. The room was quiet, the only sound being our steady breathing. It felt like time had stopped, allowing us this precious moment of peace.

Well, until it was broken by someone who must have been lonely.

"Chirp-! Chirp-!" (Chirping)

Both of us looked at the source of the sound and found Noxy who seemed to be calling for us.

[Pa... Ma... Eat...]

...or hungry.

Aria and I exchanged amused glances before we released our hold on each other. I stood up and walked over to where Noxy was perched, her tiny eyes looking up at me expectantly.

"Alright, alright, little Noxy. Let's get you some food," I said, reaching for the small container of her favorite seeds. As I fed her, I couldn't help but smile at the simplicity of the moment. It was a stark contrast to the intense emotions and heavy conversations we had been having.

Aria joined me, her eyes soft as she watched Noxy happily pecking at the seeds. "She's adorable," she remarked, gently stroking Noxy's quills. "It's nice to have moments like these, isn't it?"

"Yeah, it really is," I agreed. "It feels like we are a family."

"Right, a family..."

____

(A/N: The two were blushing after this, and unfortunately nothing happened. Aria left for her room in a hurry, either embarrassed or...

It was too awkward...)