Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 697

Chapter 697 156.3 - She can't say

The late afternoon sun cast warm golden hues over the Emberheart estate as Irina led Astron down a side path that meandered away from the grand main mansion. Her fiery red hair shimmered in the sunlight, but her pace was brisk, and her posture

carried an air of determination. Astron followed without a word, his calm demeanor a steady contrast to the quiet energy radiating from her.

Irina's heart beat faster as they neared their destination. This is it. All the planning, all the work-everything comes down to this week. She glanced at Astron, his sharp purple eyes scanning their surroundings with his usual composed expression. He probably doesn't realize how important this is to me... but that's fine.

As they walked, her mind wandered, weaving through fragments of her past. I've never had this kind of freedom before. My life has always been about training, appearances, and meeting expectations. Even the smallest decisions were scrutinized. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she suppressed the memories of countless scoldings, lectures, and carefully monitored actions.

'And now? Now I get to choose. For once in my life, I get to act on my own terms.' A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Though, I never thought I'd be doing it with someone like him.

The thought sent a flicker of warmth to her cheeks, and she quickly shook it off. "We'll be leaving tonight," she said abruptly, breaking the silence. "Our carriage is ready, and everything's been packed. We'll arrive at the first destination by dawn."

Astron raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking toward her. "You've thought this through." Irina's smirk returned, a hint of pride in her expression. "Of course. Did you think I'd handle this carelessly? This trip is the reason I endured all those weeks of grueling training in the Chamber of Emberheart, not to mention the endless social meetings with sycophants." She let out a soft huff. "If it wasn't for this, I might have gone insane."

Astron nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. "I suppose that explains the determination."

She glanced at him, her fiery gaze narrowing. "You sound skeptical."

"Not skeptical," he replied, his voice calm. "Impressed. You've put more effort into this than most would."

Irina's steps slowed for a moment, caught off guard by the quiet sincerity in his tone. Impressed? He doesn't say that lightly. A small, unexpected flutter stirred in her chest, but she quickly pushed it aside and picked up her pace again. "Well, someone had to make sure it would be perfect."

They continued walking in silence for a while, the path winding through the estate's outer gardens. Irina's thoughts drifted again, this time to her younger self. There was a time when I used to dream about something like this-a vacation, a chance to escape everything, even for a little while. A faint, bittersweet smile crossed her lips. Back then, I imagined it would be with... someone else.

The memory sent a pang through her chest, but she quickly dismissed it. That was then. This is now. Her gaze flicked to Astron once more. I never expected it would happen this soon. And I definitely didn't expect it would be with him.

As they reached a secluded area near the stables, Irina stopped and turned to face Astron, her fiery gaze locking onto his. "This week," she began, her tone firm but tinged with something softer, "isn't just a vacation for me, nor for you."

Astron tilted his head slightly, his sharp purple eyes narrowing, "What do you mean?" What do I mean? Heh.... Irina thought, a faint, bittersweet smile tugging at her lips. I mean this is my first real chance to act on my own-to live freely, without someone breathing down my neck or pulling the strings. But it's also about you.

She stepped closer, her gaze unwavering as she continued. "This isn't just about escaping my responsibilities or breaking free from the constraints of my family." Her voice softened, taking on a vulnerable edge. "It's about showing you something too." Astron remained silent, his expression steady as he waited for her to elaborate. Irina's heart clenched slightly, and she took a steadying breath before speaking again.

'You've spent so much of your life chasing something that's... destructive. It drives you, yes, but it's also consuming you.' Her fiery gaze flickered, a mixture of resolve and sadness shining in her eyes.

Estelle. The name lingered in her mind, unspoken but heavy with meaning. Your sister. The one you lost. She's the reason behind everything you've done, isn't she? The reason you push yourself so hard, the reason you've become who you are.

She clenched her fists at her sides, her thoughts swirling. I've seen what happens when that path takes you too far. In another timeline, another life, you became someone unrecognizable-a demon contractor who lost himself in the very revenge he sought. And eventually, you lost your life too.

Her chest tightened, a flicker of fear sparking in her heart. Even though this Astron is different-vastly different-I can't ignore the possibility. What if it happens again? What if I lose him the same way?

Irina's fiery eyes softened, a rare vulnerability flickering in their depths. Her gaze lingered on Astron, his composed expression as steady as ever, and she took a moment to collect her thoughts. This trip meant more to her than she could ever put into words-not just for her own sake, but for his.

He's detached from this world, she thought, the pang in her chest tightening. He's been so consumed by his goals, by the weight of revenge, that he's forgotten-or maybe never learned-how to actually live.

She stepped back slightly, her posture straightening as resolve filled her. This wasn't just a vacation. It was an opportunity-a chance to show him a side of life he'd likely never considered. For someone like him, who's missed so much... I want him to experience the world outside of his mission. To see the little joys, the moments of peace, the simple happiness he might never have known.

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she studied him. Of course, I can't just say any of this outright. If I did... who knows how he'd react? Astron's like me in some ways-he doesn't take well to being guided. He'd resist if he thought I was trying to show him something he didn't want to see.

Her fiery red hair caught the soft glow of the setting sun as she took a step forward. "This trip," she said finally, her tone steady but tinged with a quiet determination, "is about letting go of everything that weighs us down. It's a break, a chance to breathe." Astron tilted his head slightly, his sharp purple eyes narrowing in thought. He didn't respond, but the way his gaze lingered on her told her he was listening-truly listening. That was enough for now.