Chapter 422 - Translation

<h1>Chapter 422 96.2 - A Slight Misunderstanding</h1><p>Chapter 422 96.2 - A slight misunderstanding</p><p>The night was cloaked in darkness, the only light coming from the faint glow of the moon and the occasional flicker of a distant lamp post.</p><p>Irina sat on a bench under the canopy of a large tree, the shadows providing a sense of privacy and seclusion. The cool night air brushed against her skin, but she barely felt it, her mind occupied with thoughts of recent events.</p><p>'That senior…..From when she was a vampire….'</p><p>No matter how much she had thought about it, she wouldn't have known. It didn't make any sense. No, it was not even close to making any sense. After all, there was no reason for it to make one.</p><p>How come a vampire could be here working in the academy?</p><p>And how come she was the top student right under their noses like that?</p><p>She had called Astron here, wanting answers about what she had witnessed earlier. The image of him with that senior, Maya Evergreen, was still fresh in her mind.</p><p>The way Maya had protected them, the concern she had shown, and how Astron had interacted with her—it all left Irina feeling a mix of confusion and jealousy.</p><p>After all, how could she not feel jealous?</p><p>For this whole time, she thought of herself as the sole person that Astron was close to. Sure, Sylvie was somehow different from other people, and Astron seemed to care about her, but after witnessing their dynamic firsthand, she had noticed something peculiar.</p><p>Astron was more like a teacher and a guide for Sylvie. And it made sense. Since Irina also knew the talent Sylvie possessed from the start, when she found out what Sylve was capable of, she thought the same thing.</p><p>Making connections with her and getting close to her. Since it was evident that she was bound to become a great person.</p><p>But, never once did she think of Sylvie as a threat. That was how she had seen it, or maybe her own heart, but she never harbored such feelings in her heart.</p><p>But that was different now.</p><p>'How much does that Senior know? How close they are?"</p><p>Irina's thoughts were a whirlwind, her emotions a tangled mess. She was furious, not just because of Maya, but because of the realization that Astron kept many secrets and there was nothing she knew about this. Secrets that she wasn't privy to despite their growing closeness. She clenched her fists, her anger simmering just beneath the surface.</p><p>Irina's thoughts swirled with a mixture of anger, jealousy, and confusion as she replayed the events of the past few weeks in her mind.</p><p>All those moments with Astron, all the times she had felt like she was someone special to him, now seemed tainted by the revelation of his secrets.</p><p>She recalled the countless times he had been there for her, guiding her through difficult situations, offering advice, and sharing moments that felt uniquely theirs.</p><p>The camaraderie and understanding that had developed between them felt genuine, but now, she couldn't help but question if it had all been a facade.</p><p>'Was it all meaningless?' Irina asked herself, the thought gnawing at her heart. 'Or was I the only one who thought about it as special?' The quiet conversations were where he listened to her fears and doubts, offering words of comfort and reassurance. The way he looked at her with intensity made her feel like she was the only person in the world who mattered.</p><p>'Yeah,' she thought, shaking her head slightly. 'Most likely.' It was a bitter smile playing on her lips. After all, looking back now, I see that he never made any type of advancement towards her. Most of the time, his actions stemmed from logical reasons, and he wasn't someone who acted with emotions.</p><p>'Still. Doesn't he owe me an explanation at least?'</p><p>She thought. That was what she had deserved after all the things that they did together.</p><p>TAP! TAP! TAP! The sound of footsteps approaching broke her from her reverie.</p><p>'Ah…' She looked up to see Astron emerging from the shadows, his expression as unreadable as ever. He moved with his usual grace, his presence almost blending into the night.</p><p>Though her mind was a mess, she couldn't help but think that he made these sounds intentionally to notify her about his presence. After all, with his skills, he could easily hide in the shadows and appear on her face suddenly without any explanation at all.</p><p>"You are here."</p><p>She said, looking at him with her eyes ablaze.</p><p>"I am here."</p><p>He replied, standing before her with his coat all over his body. The night was cold, being the coldest month of the year.</p><p>Though there was no snow and the weather was clear, it was frosty and cold.</p><p>Irina's gaze met Astron's, her eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and confusion. "I called you here because I need answers," she said, her voice unwavering despite the turmoil within her.</p><p>Astron nodded, his expression serious but calm. It was as if he was already expecting this to happen.</p><p>"I understand. Ask what you need to."</p><p>And this calm answer infuriated her more. It felt like everything was a game for him, and the same was true of her feelings.</p><p>Taking a deep breath, Irina began. "What were you doing with that senior, Maya Evergreen? And why didn't you tell me anything about it?"</p><p>"Do I have any obligation to tell you about what we are doing?"</p><p>The reply was cold and harsh. His voice was calm but distant.</p><p>"Is this how it is?"</p><p>And those words pierced her heart like a needle. After all that time, it felt like her efforts had been in vain all along.</p><p>"What did you expect?" Astron replied, looking directly into her eyes.</p><p>"I at least thought….."</p><p>"You at least thought?"</p><p>Irina's voice trembled with a mix of frustration and vulnerability as she spoke, her words laced with the sting of betrayal. "I thought... At least... We were close enough to share our secrets."</p><p>Astron's expression didn't change even slightly, his gaze boring through her eyes, remaining unwavering. And that made her somehow tense since he was always like that.</p><p>She expected the words coming out of his mouth to be something that would hurt for sure. Though she wanted to close her ears, she wasn't someone that would do such a thing.</p><p>"You were right. And you still are."</p><p>However, the words spilling from his mouth were different.</p><p>"Huh?" Irina was taken aback by Astron's unexpected response. She blinked, her anger momentarily giving way to confusion and a flicker of hope. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, her voice softer, tinged with curiosity.</p><p>Astron met her gaze. "What I mean is, you're right. I do trust you enough to share some of my secrets."</p><p>Irina's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink at his nonchalant but sincere words. His directness left her momentarily flustered, but she quickly regained her composure. Narrowing her eyes, she refused to let him off the hook so easily. "You only revealed your strength to me because you didn't have any choice. It wasn't because you wanted to. You were forced into it."</p><p>Astron shook his head slowly. "Do you really think so?" he asked, his tone challenging yet gentle.</p><p>Irina's silence was his cue to continue. "Think about it, Irina. There were numerous ways I could have avoided your attention. I could have downplayed my abilities, made excuses, or simply stayed out of your way. But I didn't."</p><p>He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "When we were in that dungeon, I could have let you fend for yourself. I could have chosen not to intervene when you were in danger. But I didn't. I showed you what I was capable of, even if it was risky."</p><p>Irina's mind raced back to those moments. The times Astron had stepped in to help, the subtle displays of his talent had gradually shifted her impression of him. She recalled how he had saved her in the dungeon, how he had led their team through difficult challenges with unwavering confidence.</p><p>'His words are right.'</p><p>He was hiding from the world, but one way or another, he made sure to let her know about his capabilities.</p><p>And now they were even competing.</p><p>"But what is with Senior Maya, then? Why didn't you tell me about her?" she asked.</p><p>"Because Senior Maya's situation is not for me to decide. She is the one who was put into that situation. It is not my secret, but hers. Unless she decides to talk about it, I have no right to speak to someone else. Regardless of who the person is."</p><p>He stopped slightly, raising his hand.</p><p>PAT! He patted her head suddenly.</p><p>THUMP!</p><p>Irina felt her heart beating suddenly at his touch. Her body was never cold because of the innate heat the Emberheart family possessed.</p><p>But, his hand was.</p><p>"Do you think I would talk about your situation to other people if you were in her position?"</p><p>Irina blinked, caught off guard by the gentle gesture. Her anger and confusion began to melt away, replaced by a warmth that spread through her chest. His touch was reassuring, a silent promise that he valued her trust and privacy.</p><p>"I... I see," she stammered, her voice softer now. "I didn't think about it that way."</p><p>Astron continued to pat her head, his touch steady and calming. "Irina, I trust you," he said firmly. "And I respect your privacy. Just as I respect Maya's. There are things we all have to keep to ourselves until we're ready to share them."</p><p>They had already thought about this before, and Irina knew his words carried some truth. After all, there were also many things that she had always kept to herself, not telling anyone.</p><p>And she knew there were things that Astron never talked about as well.</p><p>But she also couldn't help but suspect that he was redirecting the conversation.</p><p>"But why?" Irina's voice trembled as she tried to hold back her anger. Her fists clenched at her sides, and she struggled to keep her emotions in check. "Why did you intervene in my life if you have such a relationship with Maya?"</p><p>Astron's calm demeanor remained unshaken, his eyes steady as he looked at her. "What relationship?" he asked, his tone even.</p><p>"That...Aren't you a couple?"</p><p>At that moment, she saw him shake his head.</p><p>"…..No. We are not."</p><p>And her world went white.</p><p>'Noooooooooo! What did I just do!'</p><p>She made a big blunder.</p>

**Chapitre 422 96.2 - Un léger malentendu** La nuit étendait son voile d'obscurité, percé seulement par la lueur pâle de la lune et les clignotements intermittents d'un lampadaire solitaire au loin. Irina, assise sur un banc niché sous la canopée d'un arbre centenaire, se laissait envelopper par l'ombre protectrice qui lui offrait une illusion d'intimité. La brise nocturne caressait sa peau sans parvenir à distraire son esprit, trop absorbé par les récents événements. *'Cette étudiante plus âgée... Depuis quand était-elle une vampire ?'* Malgré ses efforts pour rationaliser la situation, aucune explication ne lui venait. L'absurdité même de cette révélation la laissait perplexe. Comment une créature de la nuit pouvait-elle évoluer librement dans l'académie ? Et surtout, comment avait-elle pu devenir la meilleure étudiante sous leurs yeux sans éveiller les soupçons ? Elle avait convoqué Astron ici, exigeant des réponses après l'avoir vu en compagnie de Maya Evergreen. L'image de leur interaction lui brûlait encore les paupières : la façon dont Maya les avait protégés, l'inquiétude sincère dans son regard, la complicité évidente entre eux... Autant d'éléments qui alimentaient en elle un mélange toxique de confusion et de jalousie. *Comment ne pas ressentir cela ?* Tout ce temps, elle s'était crue la seule véritable proche d'Astron. Certes, Sylvie occupait une place particulière à ses yeux, mais leur relation ressemblait davantage à celle d'un mentor et de son élève. Une dynamique qu'Irina avait elle-même perçue dès qu'elle avait pris conscience du potentiel exceptionnel de la jeune fille. Sylvie n'avait jamais représenté une menace. Jamais elle n'avait éprouvé à son égard ce pincement au cœur qui la taraudait maintenant. Mais Maya... C'était différent. *'Jusqu'où va leur complicité ? Quels secrets partagent-ils ?'* Ses pensées tournoyaient, emportées dans un tourbillon d'émotions contradictoires. La colère dominait — pas seulement envers Maya, mais surtout envers cette prise de conscience brutale : Astron dissimulait une partie de lui-même, et elle se retrouvait exclue de ces zones d'ombre malgré leur proximité grandissante. Ses poings se serrèrent, les jointures blanchissant sous l'effort. Le ressassement des dernières semaines ne faisait qu'attiser son agitation. Chaque moment partagé avec Astron, chaque instant où elle s'était sentie privilégiée, semblait maintenant entaché par ces non-dits. *'Était-ce vraiment si insignifiant à ses yeux ?'* se demanda-t-elle, la pensée lui vrillant la poitrine. *'Suis-je la seule à avoir cru à cette connexion ?'* Les souvenirs affluaient : ses confidences murmurées dans le creux de la nuit, les regards chargés de complicité, les silences éloquents... Autant de signes qu'elle avait interprétés comme une preuve d'attachement. *'Pourtant...'* Un sourire amer naquit sur ses lèvres. À bien y réfléchir, Astron n'avait jamais franchi le pas de son propre chef. Chaque geste, chaque parole trouvait sa source dans une logique implacable. L'émotion pure semblait étrangère à sa nature. *'Mais cela ne l'excuse pas ! Il me doit au moins une explication après tout ce que nous avons vécu !'* **TAP ! TAP ! TAP !** Des pas résonnèrent, la tirant brutalement de sa rêverie. *'Ah...'* Elle leva les yeux pour voir Astron émerger des ténèbres, son expression aussi impénétrable que d'habitude. Sa silhouette se mouvait avec cette grâce féline qui lui était propre, comme s'il faisait corps avec l'obscurité. Une pensée lui traversa l'esprit : ces pas étaient probablement intentionnels. Avec ses capacités, il aurait pu apparaître devant elle sans un bruit. Ce léger avertissement était sans doute sa manière à lui de montrer du respect. « Tu es là. » Sa voix était chargée d'une colère à peine contenue, ses yeux brillant d'une intensité fébrile. « Je suis là. » Sa réponse était calme, presque détachée. Son long manteau ondulait légèrement dans l'air glacial — décembre était le mois le plus rude de l'année, et bien que la neige fût absente, le froid mordant transperçait les os. Leurs regards s'accrochèrent, celui d'Irina brûlant d'une frustration mal dissimulée. « Je t'ai fait venir parce que j'exige des réponses », déclara-t-elle, la fermeté de son ton masquant mal le tremblement intérieur. Astron inclina légèrement la tête, son visage empreint d'une sérénité presque agaçante. Comme s'il avait anticipé cette confrontation. « Je comprends. Pose tes questions. » Cette placidité ne fit qu'attiser son irritation. On aurait dit qu'il traitait la situation avec une détachement insultant, comme si ses sentiments n'étaient que futilités. Elle inspira profondément avant de lancer : « Que faisais-tu avec Maya Evergreen ? Et pourquoi m'as-tu caché la vérité sur elle ? » « Ai-je l'obligation de te rendre compte de mes relations ? » Sa voix était froide comme l'acier, posée mais distante. « C'est tout ce que tu as à dire ? » Les mots la transpercèrent comme une lame. Après tous ces mois de complicité, c'était comme si leurs liens se réduisaient à néant. « À quoi t'attendais-tu exactement ? » rétorqua-t-il, son regard inébranlable. « Je pensais au moins... » « Tu pensais au moins ? » La voix d'Irina vibrait d'une vulnérabilité qu'elle détestait. « Je croyais... que nous étions assez proches pour partager nos secrets. » Le visage d'Astron demeura un masque impénétrable. Cette impassibilité la fit se raidir — elle connaissait trop bien ce présage. Les paroles qui suivraient seraient sans doute cinglantes. Pourtant, contre toute attente : « Tu avais raison. Et tu l'es toujours. » «... Hein ? » La surprise la fit cligner des yeux. Sa colère vacilla, remplacée par une confusion teintée d'espoir. « Qu'est-ce que tu veux dire par là ? » Son regard se fit plus intense. « Exactement ce que j'ai dit. Je te fais suffisamment confiance pour partager certaines parts de moi. » Une chaleur monta aux joues d'Irina. Cette franchise inattendue la déstabilisa, mais elle se ressaisit rapidement. « Tu n'as révélé tes capacités que parce que tu y as été contraint, pas par choix », rétorqua-t-elle en plissant les yeux. Astron secoua lentement la tête. « Vraiment ? » murmura-t-il, avec une pointe de défi dans la voix. Devant son silence, il poursuivit : « Réfléchis, Irina. J'aurais pu maintenir le masque indéfiniment. Minimiser mes interventions, inventer des excuses... Pourtant, je ne l'ai pas fait. » Une pause calculée. « Dans le donjon, j'aurais pu te laisser te débrouiller seule. Mais j'ai choisi de me révéler. Consciemment. » Les souvenirs affluèrent : son intervention salvatrice, sa maîtrise impressionnante lors des épreuves... *'Il a raison.'* Malgré sa nature secrète, il avait soigneusement veillé à ce qu'elle connaisse ses véritables capacités. Et maintenant, ils se retrouvaient même rivaux dans ce tournoi. « Et Maya, alors ? Pourquoi ce silence ? » « Parce que son secret ne m'appartient pas. À moins qu'elle ne choisisse de le divulguer, je n'ai pas le droit d'en parler. Peu importe à qui. » Il marqua une pause, puis — **PAT !** Sa main se posa sur sa tête avec une douceur inattendue. **BOUM !** Le cœur d'Irina fit un bond violent. Le sang des Emberheart la protégeait naturellement du froid... Mais pas de cette chaleur soudaine. « Crois-tu que je parlerais de tes affaires privées si les rôles étaient inversés ? » Sous ce contact inattendu, sa colère commença à fondre, remplacée par une étrange sensation de réconfort. Ce geste simple contenait une promesse silencieuse : il respectait sa confiance autant que celle de Maya. « Je... vois », murmura-t-elle, le regard soudain moins dur. « Je n'avais pas envisagé les choses sous cet angle. » Sa main resta posée sur sa tête, apaisante. « La confiance va dans les deux sens, Irina. Certains secrets demandent du temps avant d'être partagés. » Elle savait qu'il avait raison. Après tout, elle-même gardait bien des choses enfouies. Tout comme lui. Pourtant, un doute subsistait : ne détournait-il pas habilement la conversation ? « Mais alors pourquoi ? » Sa voix tremblait de colère rentrée. « Pourquoi t'es-tu immiscé dans ma vie si tu as... une relation particulière avec Maya ? » Son calme demeurait inaltérable. « Quelle relation ? » « Vous... vous êtes ensemble, non ? » À cet instant, elle le vit secouer la tête. «... Non. Absolument pas. » Et son monde devint blanc. *'NOOOOOON ! Qu'est-ce que je viens de faire ?!'* La réalisation de son erreur monumentale la frappa de plein fouet.