The Price of a Stare

"All right, you're all dismissed, students," Robert announced after the last battle concluded.

"Tomorrow, I'll share your compiled information during class, so you can identify areas for improvement and strive to grow stronger." 

As he finished speaking, the students began to disperse, each heading off to pursue their own interests and activities. 

The sound of chatter filled the air as they exchanged thoughts on the day's events.

As Elion prepared to leave, he spotted Clarice approaching him, her gaze locked firmly onto his. 

Anticipating more trouble, he braced himself for a bicker. 

To his surprise, however, she paused and offered him a small bow before speaking. 

"I'm sorry, Elion," she said, her tone sincere. "I was upset earlier because I thought you relied on connections to get into the academy. But I realize now that the princess recommended you for a reason. You're strong." 

"I shouldn't have called you Princess Seraphina's blood sack," continued Clarice, a little embarrassed for her previous antics.

Her admission caught him off guard, and he could see a hint of respect in her eyes, softening the tension that had previously hung between them.

They didn't have any big grudges, it was just a small fight between kids, and no harm was done, so he quickly forgave her.

At this moment, Valen smirked internally, thinking how right she was with this nickname.

[Hehehe.]

'What is it, Valen?'

[Nothing important, kid. I just remembered something funny.]

'Oh, ok,'

"It's all right, Clarice. I hope we can get along from now on," Elion said, extending his hand toward her with an encouraging smile.

"Of course!" she replied eagerly, reaching out to grasp his hand and smiling at him.

Elion felt the tension between them dissipate.

"I should get going now; I need to put in a lot of training. Just know that I'm determined to beat you in our next fight—I won't give up so easily!" Clarice declared.

"Of course, I'll be waiting," Elion replied, nodding.

After his conversation with Clarice, Elion made his way to meet Princess Seraphina. Although he hadn't planned on training today—intending instead to allow his body to rest and recuperate—it was his obligation to inform her so she wouldn't be left waiting. 

'I still don't have a way to contact the Princess. I should ask her about that later,' he thought, mentally asking himself if it would be improper for him to ask for her contact information.

He soon spotted Seraphina waiting for him in their designated meeting spot.

Nearby, people were stealing glances, captivated by her beauty. 

It was clear that wherever beautiful individuals gathered, they drew attention, and Seraphina was the most stunning girl Elion had ever seen. 

As he approached her, he offered a warm smile and a small salute. 

"Hello, Princess."

"Hi, Elion. Should we get going to your training?" she asked, her smile radiant.

"Actually, Princess, I'm planning to take a break from training today. My body could really use some rest," he replied.

"Oh, I see. That's perfectly fine; I'll wait for you tomorrow," Seraphina replied, her voice tinged with disappointment.

'Am I imagining things, or does she seem disappointed? Does she enjoy seeing me fainting?' Elion pondered, observing Seraphina with confusion.

[Hahaha, yes, she loves to see you suffering and bleeding all over.]

Elion directly ignored Valen's antics.

"Princess, could I get your contact information? This way, I can reach out to you easily when I need to, and you won't have to waste your time waiting for me here."

Upon hearing Elion's request, Seraphina's expression brightened, and she quickly responded, 

"Hand me your phone," extending her hand toward him with an eager smile.

"Uh, sure. here it is," replied Elion as he gave her his phone.

She swiftly entered her contact information, saving it under the name "Sera <3." 

Elion blinked in surprise at the heart symbol. 'Why the heart?' he wondered.

"Princess, I'm heading to eat something. There is a restaurant close by that is quite liked by the students. Would you like to join me?" asked Elion.

"Sure, let's go, I'm quite hungry myself."

As they arrived at the restaurant, they were welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Lively chatter filled the air, creating a cheerful ambiance. A large sign hung prominently above the door, displaying the restaurant's name in bold letters: 'The Siren's Song'.

Elion located a table for two and gestured for the waitress to bring the menu. 

As the waitress approached, he immediately recognized Princess Seraphina seated next to Elion. With a respectful nod, she addressed her warmly. 

"Princess, it's an honor to have you here in our humble establishment. I hope you enjoy your time with your friend," he said, bowing slightly as she spoke.

Seraphina, who seemed accustomed to this, just nodded at her. "I'll have a cup of elf's blood."

Elion couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of ordering blood in a restaurant, momentarily forgetting that she was, after all, a vampire.

"And for the boy?" the waitress asked, turning her attention to Elion.

"I'll have the chef's specialty," he replied, quickly adding, "Human food, please."

"All right."

As they waited for their food to arrive, Elion and Seraphina engaged in small talk about their academic experiences over the past two weeks. 

The food arrived promptly, and Seraphina savored the elf's blood, sipping it slowly. 

'Ah, I used to like elf's blood, but now, after experiencing Elion's blood, this tastes so bland,' she thought, a hint of disappointment for not drinking Elion's blood today.

After tasting Elion's blood, she got addicted: nothing else could satisfy her desire, only her hunger.

A small drop of blood trickled from her lips, landing on her breasts. 

She quickly grabbed a napkin and cleaned it, pressing the paper against her ample chest.

Elion had just begun to eat when he caught sight of the scene. His eyes widened in shock, nearly popping from their sockets as he stared at her hand pressing the napkin against her breasts.

'These are weapons of massive distraction!'

Seraphina noticed his gaze fixated on her as she wiped away the blood, a mischievous smile curling at the corners of her lips. 

"Elion, you pervert. I didn't realize you were like this."

Elion quickly avoided her gaze. "S-Sorry Princess, I've been rude."

Seraphina's smile widened playfully as she leaned closer to him. "It's all right; I don't mind if you want to stare. But I'll need some compensation for your indiscretion…"

"C-Compensation?" Elion stammered, his eyes widening in shock as he stared at her.

"Yes... Compensation. Since you enjoy staring, and I have a taste for blood, how about you give me a little of yours? That way, I'll let you gaze as much as you like."

'What?! Fuck!' Elion's mind raced, overwhelmed by her unexpected proposition. His expression froze, and Seraphina's words left him momentarily speechless.

Noticing the shock on his face, Seraphina realized she might have pushed it a bit too far. She quickly added, "Haha, just kidding! Let's get back to our meal." 

Still, a small part of her thought, 'What a pity. I wouldn't have minded him staring in exchange for a little of his blood.'

"Let's eat, let's eat," replied Elion, digging in his food.

[This Princess is wild. Quite to my liking, I approve of your relationship!]

'What relationship?!' Replied Elion to Valen, ignoring him completely after this.

'Should I milk a little blood from my body? I do have plenty of that…'