Nathania's Other Identity & Ethan's Punishment

Instantly, everyone in the class turned their attention to Nathania and then to Aether.

However, they refrained from asking any further questions, surmising that it must be related to Aether's national ranking.

Aether, on the other hand, raised his head and nodded at Nathania with a gentle smile.

"Of course!" Aether rose from his seat and followed Nathania out of the classroom.

Yet Nathania suddenly halted and turned towards the entire student body.

"By the way, even though you can go home and classes will be adjourned for one week, I expect the homework I assigned earlier to be placed on my desk," Nathania calmly addressed the students.

Then, in an instant, her gaze sharpened as she added, "And for those who haven't completed it, there will be consequences; you'll be standing in the middle of the field."

With that, she exited, with Aether trailing behind.

As her words left her lips, fear coursed through all the students, prompting them to hastily retrieve their homework from their bags and place it on the front desk.

However, one student remained frozen, his expression dull and unchanging—Ethan.

"Damn! I'm finished!" Ethan muttered in despair, desperately fighting back tears that threatened to surface.

...

In the study room,

Nathania and Aether sat across from each other. Nathania leaned back on the sofa, clearly exhausted.

Upon seeing her like this, Aether couldn't help but crack a faint smile and chuckle.

"Why? Have you been feeling unusually tired lately, Sister Nathania?" Aether reclined on the sofa and gazed at Nathania playfully.

In addition to her role as a young teacher at Zeon Academy, Nathania held a special position: she was the chief instructor of the Guardian troop, a role that had her working closely with the Arcana Federation under Aether Father's leadership.

Nathania also shared a close friendship with Aether's older sister, Flora Luke, and their lifelong bond extended to Aether as well.

So, Nathania wasn't just a young teacher at Zeon Academy; her accomplishments as a Guardian troop instructor were truly remarkable.

"Indeed, I'm truly exhausted. There was so much to prepare for tomorrow's meeting with the Martians, and I didn't get any sleep last night." Nathania, who typically wore a cold and stern demeanor, momentarily discarded her facade, speaking with a touch of helplessness.

She seemed more like a weary older sister confiding in her younger brother.

Observing Nathania's exhaustion, Aether contemplated briefly before rising from his chair and taking a seat beside her.

"Well, since you're quite tired, how about you recline on the sofa and rest your head on my thigh?" Aether patted his thigh, surprising Nathania for a moment.

However, she quickly dispelled her initial confusion and obediently stretched out on the sofa, positioning her head comfortably on Aether's thigh.

Aether's hand caressed her head gently, his fingers delivering a soothing massage.

Savoring Aether's tender touch, Nathania relaxed entirely, feeling a sense of calm and tranquility envelop her entire body.

The bond between Nathania and Aether had endured for years, and Nathania had always regarded Aether with a deep sisterly affection.

Consequently, she welcomed his comforting gestures without hesitation.

"So, when is the formal agreement between the two armies scheduled?" Aether inquired gently as his fingers continued to glide through Nathania's hair.

With her eyes closed, Nathania provided a casual response.

"The formal meeting will take place tomorrow afternoon at the Federation Palace Square, where representatives from the other two Federations will also be present. I hope you'll join us, Aether."

Aether pondered for a moment, his gaze seemingly lost in thought as he murmured, "The Federation Palace Square."

He then directed his attention back to Nathania and asked, "Sister Nathania, are you and my sister going to serve as Princess Sharon's bodyguards?"

Nathania nodded in confirmation.

"Yes, both Flora and I will lead squads representing the Arcana Federation, although in separate groups."

Aether acknowledged her response with a slight nod.

His thoughts remained concealed as he fell into silence, choosing not to delve further into the matter.

As they sat together in silence, Nathania, feeling both physically exhausted and comforted by Aether's presence, noticed her breathing gradually stabilize, a sign that she had fallen asleep.

Aether recognized this and released a soft sigh while gently stroking her cheek.

"I hope tomorrow unfolds smoothly, without calamity or misfortune," he whispered. With that, he leaned back, closed his eyes, and the two drifted into a peaceful slumber.

...

In the academy's hallway, Aether strolled with a sleepy yawn, oblivious to the fact that he had nodded off in Nathania's study.

The blazing sun outside took him by surprise.

"Heh, I hope Arshley and my two friends have already departed and aren't waiting for me," Aether mumbled to himself, silently hoping that they hadn't waited for him.

His eyes swept across the academy, which now appeared desolate and deserted, devoid of students and with only a few teachers meandering about.

As he contemplated, something caught his attention in the middle of the courtyard—an unmoving figure, none other than Ethan, who stood there like a statue.

"That pudgy fellow hasn't left yet?" Aether exclaimed in astonishment, hastening his steps toward Ethan.