Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 562

Chapter 562 152.3 - Finally Free (?)

Alfred felt a chill run down his spine as he caught the gleam in Maya's eyes. It was the same crimson hue that had unnerved him during the airship encounter. That brief moment when her composed demeanor had slipped, revealing something far darker, something lurking beneath the surface.

Her smile, wide and unsettling, only amplified the unease. He hadn't seen her like this in quite some time. The way her words lingered in the air, laced with obsession, made him question how far his Lady was willing to go to ensure this individual remained by her side.

For the first time in years, Alfred, the ever-composed butler, felt a flicker of intimidation from the girl he had watched grow into a refined woman.

"Isn't it better to keep things open for the person you hold dear?" Her voice was still smooth and gentle, but the undercurrent was unmistakable. "So that they can never leave your side."

He didn't answer immediately, his mind processing the shift in her tone. That glint in her eyes—he had hoped it was something fleeting, a phase, but it had resurfaced. And now, with the banquet and this unknown figure, it seemed to have gained strength. Could she be losing control of herself again?

Just as quickly as the unsettling moment had arrived, it vanished. Maya's expression softened, her usual serene smile returning as if nothing had happened. She exuded calm, but Alfred wasn't fooled. He had seen the darkness lurking beneath that composed exterior.

"You should take a rest, Alfred," she said, her voice returning to its usual gentle cadence. "You've done more than enough for today."

Alfred, ever dutiful, gave a slight bow though his eyes lingered on her for a moment longer. "Very well, My Lady. I shall retire for the evening. If you require anything, do not hesitate to call upon me."

Maya turned back toward the window, her hands clasped behind her as she gazed out at the forest once more, her thoughts seemingly elsewhere. "Of course, Alfred. Rest well."

With a final glance, Alfred exited the room, his mind troubled. The young woman he served with unwavering loyalty was slipping into something dangerous. And though his duty was to serve, he couldn't help but wonder how long he could watch over her like this without intervention.

As Alfred's footsteps faded from the room, Maya continued to gaze out at the vast expanse of the sky. The twilight was settling in, casting hues of purple and gold over the horizon, a serene contrast to the storm brewing within her heart.

"It's time," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. "Time to introduce him to the family."

She had been considering this idea for a while already, but she did not have any opportunity to do so. She couldn't find the correct time interval or reason to call him to her household.

While her relationship with her Junior was different from a usual relationship, the things that she knew about him were still limited to quite an extent. And she felt that if she were to call him to her household, that would be akin to some sort of forcing him, which at that time she did not like.

SLEAK!

Her fingers delicately traced the edge of the window, and for a moment, her eyes softened, her expression one of pure, almost childlike joy. But beneath that purity was something else—something darker, fueled by a desire that had grown stronger with each passing day.

'It's a pity that Father and Mother aren't here,' she thought, her smile faltering slightly. The absence of her parents made things more complicated. Though she could understand it given the reasons….

But her brother—yes, he would be here. He would understand, and he would see what she saw in Astron.

Her gaze darkened, filled with longing and obsession. 'At the very least, presenting him to my brother should be fine. He'll come to accept him… once he sees how important he is to me.'

Maya's smile, though radiant, was now tainted with a possessive desire. She felt her heart throb with anticipation, excitement coursing through her veins at the thought of finally bringing Astron into her world.

With a slow, deliberate movement, she reached for her smartwatch. The sleek device responded immediately, lighting up in her hand as she navigated through the contacts. She found his name—Junior—and, without hesitation, initiated the call.

As the device rang, she could already imagine his calm, composed voice answering her. She wanted to hear him, to feel the connection that only he could provide. It was time to bring him closer, closer to her, to the life she had carefully crafted for him—whether he realized it or not.

The call connected, and a soft click echoed in the quiet room. "Senior Maya," Astron's voice came through, steady and calm as always.

Maya's smile widened. "Junior. I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time."

"No, you didn't."

Maya leaned back in her chair, her fingers lightly tapping against the surface of her desk as Astron's steady voice filled the room.

"Are you ready to come here, Junior?" she asked, her tone soft but carrying an air of expectation.

"I am," came Astron's calm reply.

Maya's smile deepened. "Good, then. Everything is ready from my end. It should be smooth once you arrive."