weird dream
---
Asher's POV
I was soaking in a bubble bath. A really big bubble bath, in an absurdly oversized bathroom that was mine alone. Man, this is what being a noble feels like.
I sank deeper into the warm water, letting the bubbles rise to my chin. For years, I never understood why people went on and on about bubble baths. Now, I got it. It felt like every muscle in my body was melting into relaxation.
I leaned back, staring at the ceiling. If only my old schoolmates could see me now. Just imagining their shocked expressions made me grin.
"Kekeke," I chuckled quietly to myself.
I swirled my hand through the water, letting my thoughts drift back to what had happened earlier. Arthur and I had traveled straight to the Crimson Estate in the capital. We were supposed to return to the Crimson Territory, but apparently, my father—the Duke of Crimson Territory—was coming to the capital himself. For now, I had some time to breathe.
But the events in the dungeon? They weren't so easy to forget.
---
It was my fault. I couldn't deny that.
Now, if anyone from my academy were to ask, "Who stabbed you? Was it Elvin?" my answer would be the same: Yes. Elvin was the one who stabbed me.
But… the reason behind it? That's where things got messy.
The truth is, it wasn't entirely his fault. It was mine—or rather, it was the fault of the me from this world. My past self was, to put it bluntly, a jealous, insecure mess.
---
Think about it like this:
Imagine growing up with a girl you really like. She's your childhood crush—the kind of crush that sticks with you, year after year. You think you've got a chance with her. She smiles at you in a way that makes you think she might like you too.
Then, out of nowhere, some guy shows up. He doesn't just show up; he overshadows you completely. Suddenly, the girl you like—the girl you thought you had a chance with—falls for him.
To make matters worse, this guy is better than you at everything. Things you've worked so hard to master, he outshines you in as if it's nothing. And he doesn't even seem to care.
That was my story. That was why I—no, why the old me—hated Elvin so much.
Thinking about it now, I couldn't help but sigh. It was petty and childish, but it was also painfully human.
---
My lips curled into a bitter smile. Man, my luck with women is awful.
In my first life, I got bullied for liking a girl. I died trying to save a girl who probably didn't even notice me. And now, in this new life, I'd almost died because of my own jealousy over another girl.
It wasn't just bad luck; it felt like a curse.
Sigh...
---
As I was busy feeling sorry for myself, my stomach growled loudly.
"Alright, alright. Food first, pity later."
I climbed out of the bath, wrapping myself in a towel. A platter of fruit sat on a nearby table, and I grabbed one that looked like an apple.
I bit into it and was immediately hit with a burst of flavor—sweet like a strawberry but crisp and juicy.
"Not bad," I muttered, reaching for another.
---
Meanwhile, at Aetherion Academy
David Johnson, the Vice Principal of Aetherion Academy, walked briskly toward the principal's office. His expression was grim. The events of the dungeon trial had thrown the academy into disarray.
When he reached the door, he knocked twice.
"Come in," a calm, aged voice replied from within.
David entered, taking in the familiar sight of the principal's office. The walls were lined with bookshelves, every inch crammed with ancient tomes and scrolls. Several books floated mid-air, their pages turning as if being read by invisible hands.
Behind the desk sat Principal Arnold. Despite his silver hair and aged features, there was a sharpness to his gaze that made it clear he missed nothing.
"Good evening, sir," David said respectfully.
Arnold nodded. "Good evening. What do you have for me?"
David stood at attention and began his report. "I've come to update you on the incident during today's dungeon trial…"
He detailed everything: the conflict between the students, Arthur Crimson's unexpected intervention, and Elvin's attack on Asher. Though David spoke calmly, the gravity of the situation was evident.
The principal listened silently, his expression unreadable. When David finished, Arnold leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin.
"What's your take on Asher's reaction? Claiming he 'forgot' what happened?" Arnold asked.
David hesitated. "It's hard to say. From what I know of Asher Crimson, it's not impossible for him to say something like that just to defuse the tension."
Arnold chuckled. "That boy reminds me of his grandfather."
David continued. "We've detained Elvin for now. He didn't resist and has been cooperative so far."
"And his mentor?" Arnold inquired.
"We've informed Professor Ariana of the situation. She's on her way as we speak."
"Good," Arnold said, his tone firm.
David hesitated again before asking, "Sir… do you think this will escalate into a larger issue?"
Arnold's eyes sharpened. "That depends entirely on how the involved parties handle it. For now, leave it to me."
David nodded, though his worry was evident. "Understood, sir."
Arnold smirked faintly. "Anything else?"
David shifted awkwardly. "Can I… request some vacation time?"
Arnold's smirk widened into a grin. "Denied. Now, get back to work."
David sighed deeply. "Of course, sir."
---
Asher's POV
I jolted awake, my heart racing. I looked around, realizing I was lying in my bed.
"Wait… what?" I muttered.
I rubbed my eyes and glanced around. Everything looked normal. My room, my bed, my stuff.
Was it all a dream?
Just to be sure, I pinched my arm. "Ow. Okay, not dreaming."
I swung my legs over the side of the bed and glanced at the clock. All the hands pointed to 12.
"Is this thing broken?" I frowned and walked over to the window. Outside, everything was shrouded in thick fog.
"What the hell is going on?" I muttered under my breath.
As I turned to leave the room, I noticed something strange: the computer on my desk was on, even though I hadn't touched it.
As I moved closer to investigate, I suddenly felt a voice—no, a presence—calling my name.
---
I opened my eyes again.
I was back in the bathtub, the bubbles still clinging to my skin.
A man in a butler's uniform stood beside the tub, bowing slightly. "Young master, your meal has been prepared."
I stared at him for a moment, my mind racing. "Uh… right. Thanks."
What the hell just happened?
-----------
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