My Borderline Supervillain-Slash-Hero System
Chapter 95 Tea Ceremony (2)

Chapter 95: Chapter 95 Tea Ceremony (2)

Pudge caught the card midair, scanning it swiftly with his wristwatch. The transaction records flashed in front of him. After a moment’s silence, he tucked the card away.

"This still doesn’t explain your failure," he said flatly.

"Hey, come on, man. I thought we were sitting here as equals, playing nice," Director Aaron replied, a smile playing on his lips. But his words carried an undertone—Sure, you’re the invincible God of Weapons, but here, I’m the Director. Not your servant, Dean Pudge.

Pudge’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly, but he reined in his irritation. His next words were calmer, smoother.

"Then what happened to the remaining shares? I thought no one would pay any interest to that House."

"Right," Aaron replied with a faint smirk. "The way you tried to buy out House Drakon might have ignited a little spark—others suddenly found it worth investing in."

He took a sip of his tea, eyes never leaving Pudge’s face.

"I don’t believe it," Pudge said, also taking a sip. "Who would bother with that house?"

The room sank into a brief silence. The two men stared at each other as if the walls around them didn’t exist.

Finally, Aaron said, "Ah, fine. I’ll be honest. Nothing to hide."

Pudge raised an eyebrow, watching him.

"You want to know who?" Aaron leaned forward, placing his cup down.

Pudge nodded.

"That would be me. I bought the remaining 25% of the House."

Pudge slowly set his teacup on the table, blinking once.

"Oh my god," he muttered. "So all this... tea and this invitation—it was just a way to ease your guilt after stabbing me in the back?"

He shook his head in disbelief. "And here I was, foolishly playing Tea Ceremony with you. I should’ve listened more to my master’s jibes about you, Aaron brothers." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Wait—wait. You’re putting all the sequences of the event in the wrong order. Let me explain," Aaron interjected, holding up a hand.

"You want to explain more?" Pudge’s gaze turned cold. "Alright. Explain."

Aaron leaned back, composing himself. "Pudge, we both know the condition of House Drakon among the Academy’s Six Student Factions. It’s been terrible—no sponsorship, no infrastructure, no support. A complete mess."

He paused for another sip. "For over two decades, it’s been overshadowed by the other Houses."

"Is it because of that incident?" Pudge asked darkly.

"Yes, yes—it’s because of that incident with the Holy Tree," Aaron confirmed.

"Damn him," Pudge growled, teeth grinding.

"You’re angry. I’m angry. Everyone is angry. Since you are angry, that means—You know the name too well—Zorro Carter," Aaron said quietly. "He was a once-in-a-lifetime genius. Rose through the Academy on his own strength. Became the Student President of House Drakon."

Aaron’s voice dipped into regret. "But ever since that scandal, sponsoring House Drakon became taboo—especially among the higher echelons. It’s stupid, really. I realized long ago that the House itself shouldn’t be blamed. If they want someone to condemn, they should go after that shana-bah-bitch. Only him, not a student faction."

He looked Pudge in the eye. "That old curse has held back the Academy’s progress long enough. I just wanted to do something for House Drakon. And then—you came to me a few weeks ago."

He exhaled and said, with solemn conviction, "I’m the Director of this Academy. It’s my job to be fair. And it’s been unfair for House Drakon for too long. That taboo had to be broken. I bought those shares to ease my conscience. Is that so wrong?"

Pudge raised his empty teacup.

Aaron beamed and leaned forward to refill it.

Pudge downed the tea in a single gulp and said, "Whatever, man. I’m still the major shareholder. Partnering with you isn’t such a bad idea. I don’t know how long I’ll be staying at the Academy—but even if I’m away, you can manage House Drakon. So, I’d say this is a win-win."

"Yes, let’s toast to our partnership!" Director Aaron filled both their cups again.

They clinked glasses and drained them in one shot.

Suddenly, both men froze. A subtle shift in energy. Their gazes drifted toward the door.

"May I come in, sir?" a woman’s voice called politely from the other side.

Aaron glanced at Pudge, about to decline.

But Pudge raised a hand, gesturing otherwise.

"She must be in a hurry to come at this hour," he said, casting a private law—a subtle frequency only the two of them could hear.

Aaron studied him for a beat, unsure what the bulky man was thinking, but then relented.

"Come in," he said aloud.

The door creaked open, and a woman entered. She shut it softly behind her.

"Oh, it’s Dean Kora Veyne," Aaron said, his tone suddenly rich with warmth, a wide smile plastered on his face.

Pudge’s eyes narrowed.

One moment he’s drowning in gloom, the next he’s glowing like the sun. What an actor. If this were before the Awakening, you’d have at least nabbed an Oscar, he muttered through their shared law, inaudible to Kora.

Kora, unaware of the subtle exchange, looked around and noticed the guest.

"I didn’t realize you had company. Please forgive me, sir. I’ll come back in the morning."

She turned to leave.

"Don’t. Come, join us," Aaron gestured. A chair materialized beside the round table, along with a steaming cup of tea.

Kora hesitated briefly before sitting. She picked up the cup, took a sip, then stole a quick glance at Pudge.

"Actually, you arrived just in time," Aaron said. "I was going to introduce him to the deans tomorrow." He gestured at the large man. "This is your fellow Dean, Pudge. From today, you’re colleagues."

"Hello, Dean Pudge," Kora greeted with a smile. "I’m Kora Veyne." She stood and extended her right hand.

"Pudge," he replied curtly, not even standing. He didn’t shake her hand.

Kora froze mid-gesture, her hand hanging awkwardly in the air.

"Kora, don’t take it personally," Aaron interjected smoothly. "He’s not fond of being touched—by anyone."

Kora sat back down, but her smile had stiffened. Her first impression had already soured.

Spiteful man, she thought. I’m never talking to him again.

The three of them continued sipping tea, though only Aaron and Kora exchanged words, laughter spilling freely from the director. Pudge remained silent, barely acknowledging Kora’s presence.

As time passed, her dislike toward him only deepened.