'This is... going to be a long morning.'
As Maya settled into her meditation, attempting to drown out the distracting thoughts, she realized that it was harder to focus than usual. Astron's presence nearby, along with the residual energy from their intense conversation the night before, had unsettled her in ways she hadn't expected.
'This won't do,' she thought, reluctantly accepting that concentration would not come easily today.
With a soft sigh, she rose from her seated position and decided to remedy the situation another way. Her family's heritage as part of the Elven lineage granted them access to rare and high-quality herbs—resources that, in many other parts of the world, would be considered luxuries. Here, however, such herbs were a common part of their daily life, used for everything from medicine to relaxation.
Maya gently pressed a small rune on her bracelet, connecting her to the mansion's communication system. "Please have a drink prepared for me," she requested, her voice calm and composed. "The usual mix: [Serenity Brew]." This specialized blend was something created specifically for her, using rare herbs that heightened clarity and balance, and it was a perfect drink to complement her training.
She paused, then added thoughtfully, "Also, prepare a rejuvenating drink for Astron. Use the [Vervain Vitalis]—the one made from the [Paraxial Rebirth Herbs]." The [Vervain Elixir] was an expensive, potent blend known for its invigorating and restorative properties, something designed for those who pushed their bodies to the limit.
Well…..Someone who is rich and pushes themselves to the limit would be more appropriate to say.
Normally, it would be a drink that not many people would even ever dream of drinking, but knowing Astron's tireless nature, Maya felt it was an appropriate gesture.
Also, she did not have any shortage of such things in their storage either. Instead of rotting them in there like that, wouldn't it be better for them to be used in such a manner?
Her maids would understand her orders perfectly. Their estate prided itself on blending refinement and practicality, and she trusted that both drinks would be ready soon.
As she waited, she glanced back at Astron, watching his movements again, though this time from a more relaxed perspective. Despite the earlier distractions, she couldn't help but admire his dedication.
'I wonder if he's ever had anything like the [Vervain Elixir],' she mused quietly. It wasn't something most people would encounter.
Maya couldn't help but indulge in the thought as she watched Astron, her lips curving into a small, amused smile. 'Even if my junior is as capable as he is,' she mused, 'surely he's never had anything like the [Vervain Elixir], right? It's not exactly something you come across easily—especially not in the circles outside our family's reach.'
The idea entertained her more than she expected, a lightness settling in her chest. For all of Astron's skills, his intellect, and the mysterious air he carried, there was still something about introducing him to these small luxuries that gave her a sense of satisfaction.
'Does that mean I've claimed another first from him?' The silly thought brought a bit more warmth to her smile, a playful feeling bubbling up inside her. It wasn't often she allowed herself such lighthearted indulgences, but the idea of showing Astron something new—something only she could give him—felt oddly significant.
Her gaze lingered on him as he continued his rigorous training, unaware of her internal musings. Despite the cool morning air and the early hour, there was a graceful intensity to his movements, a kind of controlled power that never ceased to impress her.
Still, the thought of sharing this small luxury with him—a gesture only she could offer—filled her with a sense of quiet pride.
While it is true that it was not she who had built this wealth, at the end of the day, this richness was also a quality that belonged to her, wasn't it?
As Maya's thoughts danced around the idea of claiming another small victory in her silent game with Astron, she was pulled from her reverie by the soft sound of footsteps approaching. Her maids had arrived, moving with their usual grace, carrying the carefully prepared drinks she had ordered. They placed her personalized mix down on the table before her, and one of the maids, with a respectful bow, held the tray with the [Vervain Elixir] intended for Astron.
"Shall I deliver this to the...Young Master?" the maid asked, her voice polite and measured.
At first, it seemed like an innocent question, one spoken in the line of duty. But something bothered her.
It was a slightly tingling feeling that made Maya narrow her eyes. Her senses were warning.
And as if to prove that, when Maya looked up, something about the maid's expression caught her attention—a faint blush coloring her cheeks as her eyes briefly flickered to Astron, who was still in the middle of his intense training. There was a softness in her gaze, a clear sign that the maid was not entirely unaffected by his presence.
Maya's lips tightened slightly, her eyes narrowing as she observed the subtle shift in the maid's demeanor. The realization hit her instantly. Even though Astron was focused solely on his training, it appeared that he had unknowingly charmed the maid, a feat that was no small thing. The Evergreen household was filled with those who possessed natural beauty, grace, and refinement thanks to their elven lineage, and the maids who served here were well-trained, disciplined, and not easily swayed by outward appearances.
Yet, somehow, Astron had managed to make an impression.
For a brief moment, Maya felt a pang of irritation flare in her chest. It was an irrational feeling, she knew, but it was there all the same. 'Of course,' she thought, her mind bristling with a possessive edge she hadn't expected. It wasn't just anyone who could hold her attention like this, and seeing someone else—even a maid—react to him in that way didn't sit well with her.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest