Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 660

Chapter 660 - 145.2 - Emberheart Mansion

As they stepped out of the car and approached the mansion, Irina felt a small knot of tension settle in her stomach. She had never brought anyone here like this before, much less someone like Astron, whose calm indifference masked a world of complexities. She stole a quick glance at him, trying to gauge his reaction, but his expression was as composed as ever—completely unaffected by the grandeur of the Emberheart estate or the formality of the situation. His calm demeanor seemed almost absurd in contrast to the sheer weight of the occasion.

A faint laugh escaped her, the sound almost bitter. Why was I even worried? she thought, shaking her head at herself. This guy… he's always been like this, hasn't he? Astron had a way of facing situations, even the most intense ones, with that quiet, unshakeable calm that made him so different from everyone else she knew.

As if sensing her inner turmoil, he turned to her, his gaze steady. "You should calm down," he said in that soft, level voice of his. "It's fine."

His words were simple, but they carried a surprising reassurance that eased the tension in her chest. Irina met his gaze, taking a slow breath and nodding, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

"Easy for you to say," she murmured, her tone half-teasing, half-grateful. "You're not the one who has to introduce someone to… her."

Astron only shrugged, his calm expression unwavering. "Your mother's just another person."

Irina's eyes widened slightly, an incredulous laugh bubbling up. "Another person?" She shook her head, both amused and a little stunned. "I don't think anyone's ever called the Matriarch of the Emberheart family 'just another person.'"

He raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Titles don't change what people are," he replied quietly. "She'll either approve, or she won't. Worrying about it won't change anything."

Irina took a breath, letting his words sink in. Somehow, his logic made the impending confrontation seem… manageable, or at least less daunting. She straightened her shoulders, feeling the weight of her usual confidence return.

"Fine," she said, giving him a sidelong glance.

But then, just as they were about to walk towards where her mother was, a maid who was waiting for them in the entrance hall came forward. She inclined her head respectfully, her gaze flickering briefly to Astron before settling on Irina with a reserved but attentive expression.

"Lady Irina," the maid began, her tone calm and formal, "the Matriarch has instructed me to inform you that she wishes to meet you both at dinner this evening, at 6 P.M."

With that, the maid offered a respectful bow before retreating, leaving the two of them in the entrance hall once more.

Irina sighed softly, the hint of tension creeping back into her posture. A dinner meeting. Of course, she thought, an uneasy understanding settling in her mind. Her mother, ever strategic, was giving them time—a seemingly generous gesture. But the implication was clear: dinner was a test.

In a noble society, meeting someone over a prolonged meal meant evaluating their manners, their poise, and their command of etiquette. It would be a chance for her mother to watch Astron closely, to observe his every reaction.

"Seems she's not planning to make this easy," Irina murmured, glancing sideways at Astron, who looked unperturbed, his expression as calm as ever.

He noticed her slight frown and raised an eyebrow. "A dinner test?"

"Something like that," she replied, folding her arms. "It's not just a casual meal. In noble society, a dinner invitation like this is a way to measure someone—whether they're aware of the subtle rules, whether they know how to handle themselves for an extended period under scrutiny."

Astron gave a small nod, as if digesting the information, his gaze thoughtful. "So, it's not just a meeting with your mother. It's a prolonged evaluation."

"Exactly," she said, a wry smile crossing her lips. "She wants to see if you can keep up. If you make even one mistake, she'll see it."

"Then I suppose I'll have to be on my best behavior."

"You need to," Irina insisted, her gaze sharp and serious. She didn't want him taking any of this lightly, especially not with her mother. She knew the Matriarch's methods better than anyone; her mother was not someone to underestimate. Every glance, every gesture—nothing would go unnoticed.

Astron's expression narrowed a little, though he remained focused. "I'm not underestimating her," he replied calmly, meeting her eyes. "She's an Archmage, after all." His voice was steady, unwavering. "Just trust me."

Irina's gaze lingered on him, her usual worries easing slightly. His confidence, as always, felt solid, and reassuring. She let out a small sigh, nodding in reluctant acceptance. "Fine," she said, finally relenting. "Now that it's come to this, let's take a look around the mansion. Might as well get you familiar with the place."

Astron nodded, following as she led him down the grand corridors, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floors.