Return of the Legendary Runesmith
Chapter 222 - 221- Say sorry

Chapter 222: Chapter 221- Say sorry

For the next few days, Adrian’s routine remained almost the same.

He attended his classes as usual, trained the students preparing for the contest, and then, when the sun dipped below the horizon, he spent his evenings with Annabelle.

What did they do?

Not much, really.

Annabelle simply wanted to be near him. It didn’t matter where they were—on the bench outside the academy, in the garden, or even in the empty halls—she just wanted to sit beside him and listen to his voice.

They spoke about many things—memories from the past, and moments from the present.

Annabelle shared stories from her time as a Warden—the hardships she endured, and the endless politics she had to navigate.

"You really cut ties with your nation just because of that?" Adrian asked, brows raised.

Sitting casually on the table, her legs swinging lightly, Annabelle nodded. "Yep."

Adrian let out a quiet sigh.

He remembered. A few years ago, when she had just turned eighteen, she received over two hundred marriage proposals from noble families.

They were all desperate to pull her into their lineage, hoping to bind her strength to their names.

Annabelle knew that if she stayed tied to the nation, those proposals would never stop. Sure, she could reject them—but she couldn’t stop them from arriving, one after another.

So, to save the nation from further embarrassment—and herself from a life of constant pressure—she made a clean break. In return, she secured an official agreement that allowed her to leave on her own terms.

Adrian leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly.

He remembered the stories people used to whisper, and the headlines in the newspapers.

A three-headed hydra had attacked the capital. Over seven high-ranking warriors perished that day.

And the one who brought the beast down—alone—was Annabelle.

From that day on, she was known as the strongest Warden in the world.

"So..." Adrian mused, sipping his tea. "What perks do you get as the world’s strongest warrior?"

Annabelle tilted her head in thought. "Hmm... I actually haven’t collected my monthly wages in a while. But I heard they give around a hundred thousand or something?"

"Pfft—!" Adrian choked on his tea, spilling it across his shirt.

Annabelle quickly pulled out a handkerchief and leaned forward to help him wipe the mess, but Adrian wasn’t focused on that—his thoughts were still stuck on what she’d said.

"A hundred thousand?!" he exclaimed. "Are you serious?"

His shock was more than justified.

As an instructor, Adrian received a thousand gold coins per month—a respectable sum. He had also received a few thousand extra from Olivia as compensation when they parted ways.

To put it in perspective: a single gold coin was enough to comfortably last a day. Even someone spending recklessly would barely go through two thousand coins a month.

So hearing that Annabelle earned a hundred thousand—every month—was beyond comprehension.

That kind of money would be a lifetime’s savings for even the most successful workers.

And Annabelle earned it like clockwork.

Annabelle shrugged casually. "I don’t really care about money anymore. If I need anything, I just ask Ruby abou—..."

She suddenly paused.

Adrian noticed. His brows knit together. "What is it?"

Annabelle’s expression dulled, and her shoulders slumped slightly. "I... had a fight with her."

Adrian’s face tightened as the reason slowly clicked.

"It’s because she hid my identity from you, isn’t it?" he asked, his voice quiet, heavy.

Annabelle looked away.

That was answer enough.

Adrian stood up suddenly, frustration leaking into his voice. "Bella, I told you not to blame her. I was the one who asked Ruby to keep it a secret."

Bella lowered her head, her fingers gripping the edge of the bench.

"I know," she whispered, a frown forming on her lips. "But... she’s like a sister to me. The only person I ever told... how much you meant to me."

Adrian rubbed his brow, letting out a slow breath. "Ruby isn’t the one to blame, Bella... I wanted to keep my distance from you back then. I didn’t know anything about you."

Bella didn’t respond. She just lowered her head and listened quietly.

Adrian stepped closer and softened his voice. "Listen, Bella... I’m not upset with you. I just feel bad for her. She was caught in a tight spot. On one side, I made her promise not to reveal my identity as Avirin. And on the other side... there was you."

Annabelle slowly looked up at him, her eyes softer now. "I know... and I’m sorry."

Adrian shook his head. "That apology isn’t for me."

Annabelle groaned. "Okay, okay... I’ll apologize to her when I see her—"

"No," Adrian interrupted, tugging her gently off the table. "You’re seeing her today."

Annabelle blinked in surprise. "Are you seriously sending me back now? But it’s only been—"

"Ten days since we’ve been together?" Adrian finished with a raised brow.

Annabelle’s shoulders slumped, her voice barely above a whisper. "...Are you tired of me?"

Adrian was taken aback. "What? No—why would you even think that?"

He gently took hold of her shoulders, his gaze steady and warm. "I could never be tired of you, Bella. You’re family to me."

She slowly looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"But there are things you need to do," he continued softly. "And... you should apologize to your friend. I can only imagine how miserable she must be feeling right now."

Annabelle lowered her gaze again. She didn’t want to leave—not yet. Every moment spent with Adrian felt too precious, too fleeting. But she knew he was right.

And she remembered something Ariana had told her once: don’t cling too much... even to the things you love most.

Taking a quiet breath, Annabelle gave a small nod.

"But... before I leave... can you give me a kiss?" she asked with such innocence, it felt like she was asking for just a few extra candies.

Adrian let out a soft sigh, then leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head.

"Take care," he murmured.

Annabelle smiled, content with even that simple gesture. She gave a quiet nod... and then slipped out of the room without another word.

The door closed behind her with a soft thud.

Adrian stood there, staring at it, a heavy sadness settling in his chest.

For the past ten days, they had been inseparable.

Her laughter, her whining, her wild and unhinged requests... they had filled the quiet spaces in his life. And somehow, in those few days, it felt as if he had lived through another lifetime—one filled with warmth, chaos, and the kind of comfort he had long forgotten.

Adrian shook his head and decided to return to work.

Though his classes for the day were over, he still had responsibilities—especially overseeing the students preparing for the upcoming contest.

After changing into more comfortable clothes, suited for movement, he made his way to the indoor gymnasium where the students were currently sparring.

Inside, Allen and Aries stood on one side of the ring, facing off against two others. They were going hand-to-hand—no magic, just technique and grit.

Adrian’s eyes scanned the room until he spotted Ariana approaching him.

"Professor," she greeted.

"Ariana," he nodded back, arms folding across his chest. "How are they doing?"

Naturally, Adrian hadn’t been able to visit regularly or monitor them for long periods.

Between managing the Fifth Thread, spending time with Annabelle, and guiding Ariana, his plate was full.

That’s why Elana had been entrusted with their direct supervision in his absence. It was the smart choice—she was not only a capable manager, but also a fitting leader. Having her take charge helped the others gradually accept her as their captain.

"They’re doing fine, I guess?" Ariana replied, her tone thoughtful. Then she added, "Maybe... Allen isn’t too happy with the role he’s been assigned?"

Adrian wasn’t surprised.

Allen had always been the type to prefer the frontlines. It wasn’t out of arrogance or disrespect for his current position—it was simply where he felt he belonged. The vanguard, the first to clash with the enemy, was where he thought he could make the most difference.

"Well, I will do something." Adrian already had something in mind that he could do to let Allen know why he was given the post.

Ariana glanced at the older one before asking, "Sir...can I ask you to make me an artifact?"

Adrian hummed in question, "What kind of artifact?"

During the tournament, a student can take an artifact with them. However, it can’t be above first grade.

Elana soon responded, "A heating artifact. Sometimes, my spells freezes me too. That’s why."

Adrian nodded, "Alright. Let’s go to the workshop later and build it."

He would just ask Allen or the second year girl to help.

"Hmm?" Adrian hummed as he suddenly caught a grin on Elana’s face.

...exactly, what she was planning?

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed yourself reading the Chapter, leave a comment. Thank you.