CHAPTER - 37

  Narrator: The next day, October 13, 2035,

  Dav woke up still a bit tired and walked over to the fridge to get some fresh water, despite the warm night, even with the air conditioner on.

  He got ready an hour early and took his dirty clothes to the laundromat, which was just a few minutes away from his room.

  There, by pure chance, he ran into Elysia, who was doing the same.

  Dav placed a hand on her head, gently ruffling her hair with his large, warm hands while waiting for the tokens from the vending machine.

  Elysia, happy, hugged him.

  For her, the possibility of receiving such affection from a father was unthinkable, having only known pain and trauma.

  "Go to class," Dav said in a serious tone.

  "I'll take care of your clothes, or you'll be late and won't have time for breakfast."

  He placed his own clothes in the washing machine as he spoke.

  Elysia felt a little embarrassed, thinking about the fact that her undergarments were among the clothes, but then she reminded herself that her father was neither a monster nor a pervert.

  He would always protect her.

  Accepting his help, she went to have breakfast and prepare for class.

  Meanwhile, Dav waited half an hour for the clothes to be cleaned and dried.

  He carefully folded both his and Elysia's clothes and then headed to her room.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Once inside, he placed them on her bed, covered with soft pink blankets and scattered plushies.

  An hour later, he arrived in class and saw Professor Kael explaining mana comprehension.

  He didn't interrupt, simply watching with a positive expression.

  Meanwhile, Elysia approached Dav discreetly, asking Gabriel, Leo, and Fin not to let anyone sit in her spot, jokingly threatening them with deadly consequences if they dared.

  Silently, she moved closer to her father and handed him a sweet and a juice, knowing he hadn't had breakfast.

  Her gaze was warm, her smile reserved only for him.

  Then she returned to her seat and watched from afar as he ate without disturbing Kael's lesson.

  Kael noticed and, with a smile, continued his explanation, feeling almost flattered by Dav's attention.

  The fact that a colleague with such experience was listening to his lesson with interest gave him even more confidence.

  The students adored Professor Kael, who had been teaching there for two years and was particularly popular among the female students—unlike Dav.

  The latter, in fact, mostly attracted the boys, fascinated by his battles and strength.

  The female students, on the other hand, tended to keep their distance, perhaps because of his reserved nature, his reputation, or his face, full of deep scars that could be intimidating.

  When the lesson ended, everyone headed to the cafeteria, chatting and laughing, driven by hunger.

  Dav walked with Elysia, Leo, Fin, and Gabriel behind him, following like a small, tight-knit group.

  Upon arriving at the cafeteria, they sat together, waiting for lunch and discussing various topics.

  While Dav listened to his "nieces and nephews," his brother, and his daughter, he noticed a presence behind him.

  Cedric Von Grauer approached and, with a polite voice, asked if he could sit with them.

  Elysia looked at him with a slightly arrogant smile, though without malice.

  "No need to ask, sit down."

  Dav said nothing, letting things unfold naturally, while the other professors continued their conversations.

  Gabriel, Leo, and Fin invited Cedric to sit near them, and soon, they started talking about video games and board games, making the wait for food more enjoyable.

  No one yet knew about the bond between Dav and Elysia, except for the director.

  To everyone else, he just seemed like a good friend to her.

  No one asked too many questions.

  At one point, Valeria Moretti turned to Dav.

  "If you have time, could you stop by the library today? I'd like to show you that exploration book I spent the whole day reading."

  Iris, hearing this, felt a little jealous but continued eating, smiling at Dav as she watched him.

  Dav nodded calmly, his gaze serious and professional toward Valeria.

  Then he turned to Cedric Von Grauer, observing him for a few moments.

  The usual confident smile and proud demeanor seemed to have faded.

  It was as if, deep down, Cedric had never sought glory, strength, or respect.

  Perhaps what he truly desired had always been something else.

  Dav remained silent, as usual, enjoying his meal and watching the others laugh and chat.

  From afar, the hidden woman continued to watch him.

  END OF CHAPTER - 37