Let Him Help Me Clean Up

Sean Shaw shifted into his dragon form, slender as a finger, floating in midair under the rain.

He liked the rain.

The cool drops hitting his body felt incredibly pleasant.

He kept glancing toward the Instruction Hall.

Lucia Lu still hadn’t come out.

When she finally came out, he’d shield her with a spell—make sure she didn’t get a single drop on her.

No, better yet, he should just carry her back!

That way, even her feet would stay dry.

Just as he was thinking this, Lucia Lu walked out.

He was about to approach her when someone suddenly appeared, holding an umbrella.

Hovering in midair, he couldn’t see who it was at first.

Then the person lowered the umbrella, and he finally saw—it was the Qilin Divine Lord: Soren Lann.

He watched Soren Lann take Lucia Lu’s hand.

He overheard their conversation.

And Lucia Lu’s happy, close smile...

He changed back to human form, standing dazed in the rain, watching the two figures walk away together under the same umbrella.

...

At the door, Lucia Lu tried to send Soren Lann off.

“It’s pouring—aren’t you going to invite me in for a bit?” Soren Lann teased.

“Aren’t you here to see His Majesty the Celestial Emperor? Isn’t it rude to keep him waiting?”

“Let him wait!” Soren Lann grinned. “Doesn’t bother me at all.”

Lucia Lu burst out laughing, pointing at him. “Alright, come in and sit for a while!”

The two of them went inside. Lucia Lu let him sit wherever he liked, while she went to make tea.

Soren Lann looked around and said, “Not a bad place you’ve got! Seems His Majesty the Celestial Emperor treats his students well.”

“His Majesty is very good to us,” Lucia Lu replied.

“Very good? Facing elimination every month, overloaded with study, homework till midnight—is that what you call good?” Soren Lann teased.

“Pfft! Who’s been tattling to you?” Lucia Lu laughed.

“If I want to know, I’ll know—even without a tattletale.”

“Hey, hey, hey, don’t say things like that! If His Majesty hears you, he’ll think you planted spies in the Divine Guard Barracks at Drake Abyss!”

“Eh? After serving as a Divine Guard for a while, you’ve gotten cautious! Not bad, not bad! My Senior Sister is getting smart…"

“Of course!” Lucia Lu smiled, pouring him a cup of tea. “This tea drives out dampness—try it.”

Soren Lann took a sip, gave her a thumbs-up. “Delicious! Us Qilin prefer things dry, but Drake Abyss always feels damp and uncomfortable. This tea is perfect.”

Lucia Lu nodded.

“Did you blend it yourself?”

“No… It’s palace tea,” Lucia Lu said.

“Oh? Who gave it to you?” Soren Lann asked, watching her.

“It was… Fifth Highness,” Lucia Lu replied.

“Fifth Highness?” Soren Lann raised an eyebrow. “The Celestial Emperor’s youngest son?”

“Yep! He’s good friends with Adrian Drake. After a while, we all got to know each other.” Lucia Lu explained.

“Oh… I’ve heard of him, but he’s always been a legend to me.” Soren Lann said. “What kind of person is he?”

“He…” Lucia Lu was about to answer when someone knocked at the door.

She went to open it and found Mia Quinn standing outside.

“Mia? Why’d you come out in this rain?” Lucia Lu asked.

“You told me to move in today, remember? I’ve been waiting for you forever.” Mia Quinn replied.

Lucia Lu smacked her own forehead. “Sorry, Mia! I had to rewrite my exam and only just got back. I haven’t even had time to tidy up your room! Maybe tomorrow—”

“I want to stay tonight,” Mia Quinn said. “I’m scared of thunder.”

“But… I’ve got company right now, and I haven’t had a chance to clean your room…"

“It’s fine!” Mia Quinn said. “I’ve already found someone to help me clean up!”