Chapter 188: The Empty Office, A Scolding Lady, and What Would You Do? (1)
"Shia, you sure know how to have fun, don't you!"
Ella's teasing tone carried a hint of contempt, but beneath it lay a subtle note of jealousy.
Shia, however, showed no guilt; his expression was calm and unapologetic.
"Aunt Ella, what's that supposed to mean?"
"What do I mean? Hmph, don't play dumb with me. I saw everything."
"Saw what?"
Shia pressed her further, unyielding. After all, he was the "victim" here. What did he have to feel guilty about?
Ella's face turned a faint shade of red, irritation mixed with embarrassment.
This brat knows exactly what he did, doesn't he?
Yet scolding him outright felt inappropriate. How could she even articulate what she had witnessed?
Was he banking on the fact that she wouldn't expose him?
But Shia had no such intentions. Instead, he put on a look of sudden realization.
"Aunt Ella, you're not talking about Aph's situation, are you?"
"Hmph."
Ella's chest felt tight, her frustration evident.
At least this brat seems aware of his wrongdoings. Let's see what kind of excuse he comes up with.
"If you're talking about that, then Aunt Ella, you're really wronging me. I'm the victim here! I couldn't even resist the entire time!"
Shia spoke with an air of righteousness, his tone so serious that Ella almost believed him.
Although she didn't outright voice her doubts, her skeptical gaze said it all.
Shia sighed audibly, his expression appearing slightly melancholic.
"Aunt Ella, your lack of trust in me... really hurts my feelings as a student."
Shia lowered his head, making it hard for Ella to discern his emotions.
Could he really have been the victim?
The thought only flashed briefly in her mind before she dismissed it with a soft snort.
Even if he was... so what?
Her heart was filled with a strange, sour feeling, an unexplainable discontent.
But before she could delve deeper into her thoughts, a startled gasp escaped her lips.
Ella instinctively covered her mouth with her hand, stifling the sound.
The office was empty, and no one outside noticed a thing.
Shia, on the other hand, had completely turned the tables, his bold actions carried out without a trace of hesitation.
Ella glared at him, her initial panic giving way to a hazy, water-like softness in her gaze.
The boy's face seemed tinged with sadness, as though he couldn't accept her distrust. Naturally, a little "punishment" was in order.
Ella's soft, damp eyes peeked out above her trembling hand as her lips quivered faintly.
"You..."
She stammered but couldn't form a complete sentence.
Shia flashed a friendly smile, his tone carrying a hint of playful mischief.
"Aunt Ella, this is just a small punishment."
Her expression turned aggrieved, a mix of indignation and helplessness on her face.
Despite her outward rejection and frustration, deep down, Ella found herself feeling... oddly pleased.
The brat's dependence on her clearly showed she still had her allure.
Once the "punishment" subsided, Ella steadied her breathing, her gaze still carrying a hint of resentment as she glared at him before finally moving to the main topic.
"I called you here to discuss the first-year students' initial mission assessment."
"This time, your task is to exterminate a goblin nest."
"Since this is your first mission, as a special privilege—"
"The mission will involve all the first-year students working together, and the academy will even assign upperclassmen to lead the group."
"In terms of safety, you can rest assured."
Safety stemmed not only from the group effort of the first-years but also from the guidance and leadership of the senior students.
While Ella spoke casually, Shia appeared thoughtful.
Instead of focusing on who would lead or the mission details, he was more interested in the location of this goblin nest.
"It's in the Dark Forest of the Turku Mountains."
Hearing her answer, Shia finally relaxed.
It didn't seem related to the catastrophic event he anticipated six months from now.
This first-year mission should indeed be safe.
As his mind wandered to the disaster six months ahead, Shia fell into deep thought.
Meanwhile, Ella, noticing he hadn't left yet and glancing at the empty office, suddenly grew nervous.
"I'm warning you, don't try anything funny here!"
Her sharp tone broke Shia's train of thought, and he instinctively looked up at her, confused.
What funny business?
Why was she suddenly warning him?
Then Shia noticed her outfit—a classic black-silk teacher ensemble.
The tight pencil skirt clung snugly to her curves, highlighting her mature, voluptuous figure. Her stockings wrapped around her full thighs, leading to the elegant lines of her shapely legs.
Despite its formal design, the outfit exuded an unintentionally seductive charm, enhanced by her widow's aura and the way her figure filled out every inch of the fabric.
In the quiet, dimly lit office, the atmosphere was subtly charged.
The faint bustle from outside made their secluded space feel even more intimate.
Shia's expression brightened with realization, and he flashed a sly smile.
"Aunt Ella, you really do care about me. If you hadn't brought this up, I might've forgotten."
He took her words as a reminder.
Now that the serious discussion was over, it was only natural to indulge in some affection.
Ella's body trembled as she covered her mouth with her hand, trying to suppress her nerves.
She insisted she hadn't meant to bring it up, but who would believe her?
If she had known it would lead to this, she would've kept her mouth shut.
Now she had no escape.
Shia blocked the door, his face wearing a gentlemanly smile.
"Aunt Ella, come to think of it, it's been a while since I've visited you for a massage. That's my oversight."
Shia's voice carried a hint of regret, but Ella couldn't hear it clearly.
In the empty, quiet office, she found herself cornered against the door, her elbows resting against its surface while her hand covered her lips.
Her back arched slightly, creating a breathtaking curve that radiated softness and femininity.
Even as she worriedly glanced at the door to ensure no one would come in, she turned her head slightly, her eyes flashing with a mix of reproach and allure as she looked at the little rascal behind her.
"You really are..."
This is the office, after all!
'How Could He Be So Over the Top?'
If someone caught her in this situation, how could she ever face anyone again?
Ella's heart brimmed with irritation, though even she couldn't quite determine who she was truly angry at.
"Shia, is this what I taught you in class—disrespecting your teacher?"
Her words carried a tone of authority, but anyone who actually looked at her would see the truth.
Ella's face was flushed with a deep, enticing blush, her eyes betraying panic and vulnerability, exuding a fragile beauty.
Even her voice, soft and sultry, didn't sound reprimanding at all—it was more like a coquettish plea.