Chapter 360 172: A Sad Story

Konina had actually noticed Sean the moment he and the others entered the club.

But because of her angle, she could only see his profile. Though he looked familiar, Konina didn't rush over to say hello. After all, her identity was sensitive, and Sean was far away in Siracle State. He hadn't replied to her messages in a long time, and she had even started to think he'd failed to escape the Black Fruit Rainforest and had been killed by Witch Hunters… No matter how she looked at it, Sean shouldn't be here.

Konina just figured she missed him so much that she was starting to see him everywhere.

But when Sean actually turned his head and called her name, Konina knew she hadn't been mistaken.

A potent wave of joy surged from the depths of her heart, hitting her like a wasabi-laced shot. Konina's eyes flew open, her beautiful face filled with delighted surprise as she shot up from the sofa.

"Sean??"

"It's really you!"

Ignoring the stares of the other patrons, she ran straight for Sean, arms wide open, about to throw herself into his embrace.

Only someone who has experienced a long-awaited reunion with a friend could understand how she felt at that moment. Konina was overwhelmed with excitement, her eyes welling with tears that shimmered like spring water—so much so that she completely missed Sean frantically trying to signal her with his eyes—

'Don't!'

But it was too late.

"THWACK."

"Ouch!"

Konina had slammed headfirst into a barrier of glass conjured from Magic Power.

Rubbing her head, she cried out in pain and instinctively looked up.

She saw a beautiful young woman standing between her and Sean.

The Magic Power in the woman's hand had yet to dissipate, and she was eyeing Konina warily.

Slightly irritated, Konina demanded, "And who are you?!"

'Can't you tell Sean and I are old friends?'

Elvire sneered. "I was about to ask you the same thing."

'Trying to throw yourself into Sean's arms the second you see him. How shameless!'

"What's it to you who I am?" Konina shot back, her own anger flaring.

Konina had clearly changed from the charming, gentle woman she once was.

Seeing that the two of them were about to start fighting, Sean quickly stepped in as the peacemaker, standing between them. "Okay, okay, calm down. We're all friends here..."

"Who said I'm friends with her?"

The two women said in unison.

Sean: "..."

Elise shot Sean a gloating look. Having likely guessed Konina's identity, she had already sat down with Yisha, ready to enjoy the show.

The Eleanor Sisters, meanwhile, wore complicated expressions.

As girls themselves, it was easy for them to see that the look Konina gave Sean contained something more than platonic friendship. It seemed their Master and this beautiful stranger had a history that predated their arrival.

'So, the Master isn't as strait-laced as he appears…'

'But can the Master get past the Lady of the House?'

The Eleanor Sisters peeked at Elvire.

Sure enough.

Seeing Sean standing between them, Elvire's gaze turned dangerous. "So, this is that 'someone who misses you' that you mentioned? The little mistress you're keeping on the side?"

Sean: "?"

He nearly choked.

'How did she make the leap to "mistress"?'

"No, no, you've got it all wrong," Sean explained. "You should know about her. She used to be my next-door neighbor."

"Oh, so this is that beautiful neighbor of yours." Elvire did know such a person existed, but she had never been clear on her appearance. Now that she had a look...

"She is rather attractive." Her gaze passed over Sean to land on Konina as she added meaningfully, "No wonder you couldn't forget her after all this time."

Sean: "..."

'I've been wronged!'

'He'd never talked about Konina.'

'At least, not in front of Elvire.'

Not to be outdone, Konina met Elvire's gaze directly. "You seem to have a lot to say. Now, how about you tell me who you are?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Elvire declared, forcefully taking Sean's hand and lifting her chin. "I'm his girlfriend."

"I don't care what kind of history you two have, or if you were neighbors. That's all in the past."

"He's my man now, so you'd better stay away from him. Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude."

"Got it?"

As these domineering words of declaration came out, the entire pool hall fell silent.

Elise's eyes widened as she stared at Elvire in disbelief.

'What the hell, what did Elvire just say?'

'She actually admitted out loud that she's Sean's girlfriend??'

Yisha's mouth hung open. Stunned, she stammered, "Big Sis Elise, I didn't mishear that, did I?"

Sean wanted to ask the same question.

'What's going on?'

'Did the tsundere princess have a personality transplant??'

It wasn't until Konina asked quietly, "Sean, is she really your girlfriend?"

That snapped Sean back to reality. He went with the flow, tightening his grip on Elvire's small hand and lacing his fingers with hers. Forcibly suppressing the smile that threatened to break out, he nodded. "Yeah, we've been together for a while now."

"Well, all right… sigh." Konina sighed. Though clearly reluctant, she quickly composed herself and extended a hand to Elvire. "My apologies. I was too forward just now. I thought he was still single."

"I'm Konina."

"Elvire."

Seeing Konina take the initiative to apologize and make peace, Elvire's expression softened considerably.

'She had said her piece. If Konina kept harassing Sean, she wouldn't be so polite. But since Konina knew to back off, Elvire was willing to be gracious. She was Sean's "friend," after all. As long as she didn't cross the line, Elvire wouldn't make things too ugly.'

"It's over already?"

Elise pouted. "How boring."

"Seriously," Yisha chimed in, wrinkling her nose.

'I thought today's sudden drama would be juicy, but it turned out to be a dud!'

'It was over before I even got a taste.'