The opera house trip, led by Orion, broke Bronya's unapproachable impression. In the days that followed, the atmosphere in the class changed a little. Orion gradually won the favor of most of his classmates. He wasn't deliberately flattering; he was just always gentle and polite in his interactions, and he could always offer just the right advice when sothing ca up. He would help classmates solve so learning difficulties and participate in light conversations during leisure ti. Gradually, he beca the focus of the class.
And Bronya, with Orion's intentional guidance, also began to try to befriend her classmates. Everyone gradually discovered that this future Supre Guardian, after shedding her cold protective shell, was actually an approachable girl. Orion also beca the bridge connecting Bronya with her classmates. He would often direct interesting topics towards Bronya, encouraging her to express her thoughts. He would also naturally draw Bronya into discussions during group activities. Orion could always find a suitable entry point so that Bronya wouldn't feel uncomfortable.
Gradually, Bronya's surroundings were no longer a vacuum; she began to have a few female friends with whom she could chat. They would arrange to go to the library or share their lunches during their midday break. This was a kind of classmate friendship Bronya had never experienced. But everyone could see that Bronya was most relaxed when she was with Orion. She would often stare at Orion and giggle softly at his occasional jokes. So even saw Bronya being caught by Orion peeking at him several tis during class. Then she would hastily bury her head in her book, blushing and pretending nothing had happened. And sharp-eyed girls noticed that on the flyleaf of Bronya's thick book, there were so doodles—a blurry side profile of a boy with short black hair and deep eyes. He looked exactly like Orion.
During one physical education class, heavy snow suddenly fell. The students were caught off guard by the sudden wind and snow and scurried awkwardly towards the indoor gymnasium. Bronya was only wearing a thin tracksuit, and a blast of the biting cold wind made her shiver uncontrollably. Just then, a figure quickly approached. Orion, quick-witted, took his academy uniform jacket and draped it over Bronya. He took her hand and ran through the wind and snow.
Snowflakes flew, hitting their faces and bodies. Bronya's silver-gray long hair brushed against Orion's neck unintentionally. Her heart pounded so fast it felt like it would burst from her chest. That night, Bronya tossed and turned, unable to sleep for a long ti. The jacket, already clean and carrying a faint scent of soap, was clutched tightly in her arms. She buried her face in the soft fabric, inhaling the lingering scent of Orion. Suddenly, she recalled the scene from the evening, Orion holding her hand, running in the snow. His broad shoulders and the sense of security he provided by protecting her from behind. She felt an imnse warmth and reassurance.
After that, Bronya and Orion's relationship beca that of close friends who could talk about anything. Moreover, their relationship quickly ward up during their daily interactions. Orion keenly perceived Bronya's changes. He understood that although Bronya might still not fully rember the past, she had developed enough trust and reliance on him. It was ti to make that request.
After school that day, the two of them, as usual, were packing their bags, preparing to leave the classroom. Orion suddenly called out to Bronya: "Bronya, I've been in the Overworld for a while now, and I'm very curious about everything here."
"I heard Qlipoth Fort is magnificent and beautiful... Can I... co to your house to play?"
Bronya's movents instantly stopped. Go to her house? Go to Qlipoth Fort? That was Belobog's center of power; her mother's residence and office were both there. It was heavily guarded, and ordinary classmates could not enter or exit freely. She instinctively wanted to refuse. But looking at Orion's eyes, filled with expectation and curiosity, she couldn't bear to. Over these past days, Orion had brought her many new experiences and much happiness. She also hoped to do sothing for him.
Bronya hesitated before speaking: "Qlipoth Fort... is very strictly managed."
"I... I need to ask my mother first."
"Okay, I'll wait for your news." Orion smiled and nodded.
That evening, Bronya returned to Qlipoth Fort with a nervous heart. She walked to Cocolia's office door, took a deep breath, and knocked.
"Co in." Cocolia's slightly tired voice ca from inside.
Bronya pushed the door open and entered. Cocolia was sitting behind the enormous desk, one hand propping up her forehead, her eyes tightly closed. Her face showed an undisguised weariness, and there was a tight knot between her brows.
"Mother, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Bronya imdiately walked forward with concern.
Cocolia opened her eyes, and seeing it was her daughter, she forced a smile. "It's nothing, Bronya, just a lot of official duties recently, a bit tired, that's all."
Bronya looked at her mother's pale face and felt uneasy, but she didn't dare to ask more. She hesitated for a mont, then whispered: "Mother, I... I want to ask you sothing."
"There's a classmate in my class, he wants to co to our house to play and study together, is that okay?"
Cocolia rubbed her temples. "A classmate? What kind of classmate is worth you asking about?"
Bronya lowered her head, her two fingers unconsciously poking each other, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. "It's... the one I ntioned to you before, who transferred from the Underworld."
"He's very smart; in this last test, his ranking was even higher than mine."
"Oh? Is it him? That Jiang..." Cocolia was about to say the na. She suddenly changed her expression, her brows furrowed tightly, and the pain in her forehead seed to intensify. She couldn't help but press her hand to her head.
Bronya, imrsed in her own shyness and anticipation, didn't fully notice her mother's unusual reaction. She only realized sothing was amiss when she looked up. Then she quickly stepped forward: "Mother, are you alright? Should I call a doctor for you?"
"No need!" Cocolia interrupted her with so impatience, her voice rising a few octaves. But then she imdiately realized her gaffe and softened her tone. "I just need to rest. You're talking about... Orion, right?" She seed to be trying very hard to endure sothing.
"Yes! Yes, Mother, it's Orion. Can he co?" Bronya looked up, gazing at her expectantly.
Cocolia looked at her daughter's rare, pleading gaze. And felt that inexplicable stinging pain and irritation in her mind. She just wanted to end this conversation as quickly as possible. Cocolia waved her hand impatiently: "Alright, alright, let him co."
"But, rember, Qlipoth Fort is not an amusent park; tell him to follow the rules, and he must leave before dark."
"Really?! That's great! Thank you, Mother!" Bronya was overjoyed, a smile blossoming on her face.
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