Transmigrating Into a novel as a Rich Second-Generation. Chapter 36: Improved Relationship

Inside the infirmary, Nurse Williams had Sebastian sit on one of the dical beds while she retrieved proper cleaning supplies and bandages.

Alia stood nearby, her arms crossed, her expression a mixture of concern and barely-contained anger.

"I’m calling the principal," she said firmly. "This kind of violence is completely unacceptable. Those students need to be found and expelled."

"Please, Miss Sloane," Sebastian said weakly, wincing as the nurse dabbed antiseptic on his cut. "I don’t want to make a big deal out of this..."

"A big deal?" Alia looked at him incredulously. "Sebastian, you were assaulted by three people. This is a big deal."

"I know, but..." Sebastian hesitated, as if wrestling with sothing difficult. "I just... I don’t want people thinking I’m weak, you know? That I couldn’t defend myself."

His voice carried just the right amount of vulnerability—pride wounded, but not wanting to appear overly victimized.

Alia’s expression softened imdiately. "Sebastian, being attacked by three people doesn’t make you weak. It makes them cowards."

"I appreciate that," Sebastian said quietly. "But still... maybe we could keep this between us for now? At least until we know who did it?"

Nurse Williams finished cleaning the cut and applied a small butterfly bandage. "You’re lucky. It looks worse than it is. No stitches needed, but you’ll have a nice bruise for a few days."

"Thank you, Nurse Williams," Sebastian said.

The nurse gathered her supplies. "I’ll give you two so privacy. Sebastian, rest here for at least twenty minutes before you try to leave, understood?"

"Yes, ma’am."

The nurse left, closing the door behind her.

Now it was just Sebastian and Alia alone in the quiet infirmary.

Alia pulled up a chair and sat down beside the dical bed, her expression serious but kind.

"Sebastian, I need you to be completely honest with . Do you have any idea why soone would do this to you?"

Sebastian looked down at his hands, seemingly considering his words carefully.

"I... I have my suspicions," he admitted quietly.

Alia leaned forward. "Tell ."

"There’s been so... tension lately. With other students." Sebastian’s voice was reluctant, as if he didn’t want to tell tales. "I’ve been spending ti with a girl—Isabelle Tian. And another student, Ethan Cole, he’s... he’s had feelings for her."

Recognition flickered in Alia’s eyes. "Ethan Cole?!"

"Yes." Sebastian nodded. "I don’t think Ethan would do this himself, maybe he’s not that kind of person. But he has friends. People who might think they’re helping him by... by intimidating ."

It was a masterful balance—not directly accusing Ethan, which would seem petty, but planting the seed of connection without being explicit.

Alia’s jaw tightened. "If that’s true, then Ethan needs to know his ’friends’ are taking things way too far."

"Please don’t confront him about it," Sebastian said quickly, reaching out to touch her arm—a brief, earnest gesture. "I don’t have proof. And I don’t want to make things worse. I just... I just want to move on."

Alia looked at him for a long mont, clearly impressed by his maturity.

"You’re very level headed about this," she observed. "Most students in your position would be demanding imdiate retaliation."

Sebastian gave a small, tired smile. "My father always taught that revenge just perpetuates cycles of conflict. Better to be the bigger person."

"That’s... remarkably wise for soone your age."

There was a brief silence, comfortable but charged with the intimacy of shared confidence.

Sebastian seized the mont.

"Miss Sloane, can I ask you sothing?"

"Of course."

"Why did you co running when you heard I was in trouble?" Sebastian asked, his tone genuinely curious. "You don’t even know . I’m not in any of your classes."

Alia smiled gently. "I don’t need to know a student personally to care about their safety, Sebastian. Every student in this school matters. And when I heard soone was being attacked, I didn’t think—I just acted."

"That’s... that’s really admirable," Sebastian said softly. "Not many people would do that."

"Then not many people are doing their jobs properly," Alia replied simply.

Sebastian looked at her, his expression one of genuine respect and growing admiration.

"I wish I’d had you as a teacher," he said. "You actually care."

Alia’s cheeks coloured slightly at the complint. "Well, it’s not too late. If you ever need help with anything, academic or otherwise, my door is always open."

"Actually," Sebastian said, as if the thought had just occurred to him, "I’ve been thinking about improving my literature analysis skills. I’m strong in sciences and math, but I feel like I’m lacking in the humanities. Would you... would you be willing to tutor ? After school, maybe?"

Alia hesitated, clearly considering the request.

"I know you’re busy," Sebastian added quickly, "and I’d completely understand if you don’t have ti. I could pay you for your ti, of course—"

"Sebastian, no," Alia interrupted, shaking her head. "I don’t accept paynt for helping students. That’s not why I beca a teacher."

She paused, then smiled. "But yes, I’d be happy to help you with literature. How about we start next week? Say, Tuesday and Thursday after school?"

Sebastian’s face lit up with what appeared to be genuine gratitude. "Really? That would be amazing. Thank you so much, Miss Sloane."

"It’s my pleasure," Alia said warmly. "And please, when we’re working one-on-one, you can call Alia."

"Are you sure? Isn’t that a bit informal?"

"I prefer my students feel comfortable with ," Alia explained. "Formality can create unnecessary barriers."

"Then... thank you, Alia." Sebastian tested the na, and she smiled at hearing it.

[Ding! Relationship Established!]

[Alia Sloane - Status: Teacher/ntor]

[Affection: 55/100 - Status: Neutral First Impression]

[You have successfully created a regular, private eting schedule with the heroine.]

[Reward: -10 Protagonist Halo, 10 Villain Halo]

Sebastian allowed himself a small, satisfied smile.

Alia stood up. "Rest here for a bit longer. I’m going to speak with security about reviewing the footage from this afternoon. We’ll find out who did this."

"Thank you," Sebastian said. "For everything."

Alia placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "That’s what I’m here for."

She left the infirmary, closing the door softly behind her.

Sebastian waited until he heard her footsteps fade down the hallway.

Then he stood up, walked to the mirror, and examined the bandage on his face.

A small price to pay for what he’d gained.

Regular after-school sessions with Alia Sloane. Private, one-on-one ti. The perfect foundation for building a relationship.

And Ethan? Ethan had been pushed even further to the side-lines.

Sebastian pulled out his phone and texted Derek.

Sebastian: Perfect execution. I will send you five hundred bucks later, distribute it amongst yourselves. You’ve earned it.

Derek: Thanks, boss! Glad we could help!