Chapter 331: We are close...

"Oh my, if it isn’t Lady Lyria Sunweave." Justinian’s expression brightened as he approached, a charming smile spreading across his face.

Lyria, who was standing beside Arisha, immediately straightened and gave him a light bow. "Greetings, Your Highness."

Arisha followed her lead and bowed as well. "Greetings, Your Highness."

"There is no need for such formalities. We are within the academy, after all. You may simply address me as Senior."

His tone was polite and friendly. And this time it looked genuine, unlike how it felt false mask while talking with Noah and Damien.

Both girls straightened at his words.

"It’s been a while, Senior," Lyria said respectfully. "And please don’t call me ’Lady’ while we’re here. I’m merely a student and your junior."

At her words, Justinian’s smile widened slightly. "Very well, Junior Lyria."

His silver eyes then shifted toward Arisha, taking in her equally striking appearance. "And you?"

"Arisha Willow."

"Oh. Junior Arisha."

Noah watched the exchange from the side, his eyebrow twitching slightly.

’Is this bastard interested in Lyria or something?I didn’t like it.’

His eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

’Let’s test it.’ Without giving anyone time to react, Noah stepped forward and moved beside Lyria.

"It appears you know Lyria quite well, Senior."

Before anyone could question what he was doing, Noah casually placed an arm around Lyria’s shoulders and gently pulled her toward him.

Her soft side of big chest pressed against his side. Lyria let out a small gasp. "No-Noah?!"

She looked at him in surprise, her pink eyes widening as a warm blush quickly spread across her cheeks.

"What are you doing?"

Noah calmly met her gaze. His fingers gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, almost as if reassuring her.

His expression remained perfectly calm. His eyes seemed to tell her without words.

As if he was trying to say, ’Just go along with it.’

Lyria stared at him for a moment, confused and flustered.

Arisha, meanwhile, raised a single eyebrow. Damien and Emma looked equally stunned watching from side, they were also just few steps away.

Even several students who had been about to leave stopped in their tracks and turned around to watch.

But among all of them, one reaction immediately caught Noah’s attention.

Justinian’s expression had turned icy cold. "What is the meaning of this, Noah?"

His previously charming smile had vanished. "Touching Junior Lyria in such a manner is most inappropriate. You cannot simply—"

"Your Highness—" Noah paused. "Ah, I mean, Senior."

He smiled politely. "I’m quite close with Lyria, and she doesn’t mind it."

Noah looked down at Lyria. "Right, Lyria? Or are you angry?"

"I-I mean..." Lyria’s face became even redder. "I’m mean I’m certainly not angry... but we’re in public, so this is..."

"Come on, why worry about what others think?" Noah smiled casually. "We’re close, aren’t we? I don’t think we need to hide it."

Justinian’s jaw tightened. His teeth clenched slightly, though he quickly concealed his reaction. His gaze shifted toward Lyria.

Her face was flushed with embarrassment, her expression shy and flustered. Clearly, he wasn’t enjoying what he was seeing.

And Noah noticed. ’This guy really does have something for Lyria. Dammit! My innocent saint is in danger!’

Noah’s expression remained perfectly composed despite the alarm bells going off inside his head.

Justinian took a slow breath, seemingly forcing himself to calm down.

He then looked back at Noah. "I was not aware... that the two of you were like this."

His smile returned, though it looked somewhat forced. "Well, regardless, I shall take my leave. It was a pleasure meeting you all."

With that, Justinian turned around and began walking away.

Noah’s eyes widened. ’Wait!’

"Senior—"

"Noah!" Before he could call after him, Damien suddenly rushed over.

Emma followed closely behind. "What the hell was that?! When did this happen?"

Noah glanced at Damien and clicked his tongue internally. ’Not right now.’

By the time he looked back, Justinian was already walking away with his followers, leaving them behind.

’Well...’

Noah sighed. ’It’s not like that me clearing things will change anything.’

Still, he couldn’t deny one thing. ’But damn that expression on his face was pretty amusing. I liked it.’

"Noah, I’m asking you something!"

Damien’s voice brought him back to reality.

Noah looked at him and sighed. "Whatever you’re thinking, it’s not like that between me and Lyria."

"Then why did you act like that?" Emma asked in confusion. Damien nodded, clearly having the same question.

"And could you release the poor girl from your clutches?" Arisha pointed toward Lyria.

Only then did Noah realize something. He was still holding Lyria against him. He immediately released her and stepped away.

"Ahem. Sorry about that Lyria."

He coughed lightly, pretending nothing unusual had happened. "I only did that because I wanted to understand something."

"Understand what?" Lyria asked, still looking slightly flustered.

She didn’t seem angry, though. "I didn’t push you away because I knew you must have had a reason for doing that."

Noah nodded. "I did."

He glanced toward where Justinian had disappeared. "I’ll explain everything while we eat lunch."

Just then, a loud voice echoed across the cafeteria.

"Hello, everyone! What’s up? Why are you guys just standing around here? Did something happen?"

Leonard and Kaelan had just entered the cafeteria and were making their way toward the group. Leonard looked around at everyone’s expressions.

Noah glanced at them. "Well..."

A faint smile appeared on his face. "You two certainly missed something amazing." he shook his head.

Then he looked at Damien. "Also, Damien, I would like to understand what you did to make the prince angry."

Damien frowned but nodded. "I didn’t do anything wrong. That man just got offended over something so small. Let’s find a table. I’ll tell you all about it."

And so, the group once again carried their lunches over to a table and sat down.

Whatever Damien was about to tell them, this conversation might turn out to be either very interesting or maybe dangerous.