At that moment, Hesta said nothing, but Jahadorei's figure suddenly flashed through her mind. She frowned, then quickly relaxed.
"...Mm. See you in a while," she murmured.
Boheng watched her disappear behind the door, his feelings complicated. He suddenly felt that he had been far too talkative tonight, forgetting that the more one said, the more likely one was to slip up—could Hesta understand his good intentions?
No matter the outcome, he had to make a decision tonight.
Hesta's return drew almost no one's attention. Her movements were light and careful enough, but Jahadorei still noticed her return.
Almost at the very moment Jahadorei looked toward Hesta, Hesta looked in her direction as well. Jahadorei immediately sensed a kind of baseless concern in Hesta's gaze. She frowned and glared back at her. Hesta gave a quiet snort of laughter and looked away.
The moment she sat down, Stella immediately scooted over beside Hesta.
"How did your talk with him go?"
"We didn't talk about much," Hesta said softly. "He just complained that Pakart's teaching methods were impractical, then said he had something to discuss with me tonight."
"What?"
"He hasn't said yet."
"I think things might get a little complicated," Stella said quietly. "He's never been as annoying as he was tonight—like he's stopped pretending a little. He might lay something on the table with you later. Are you prepared?"
"What is there to prepare for?" Hesta said. "No matter what he intends to do, my plan won't change. I'll deal with whatever comes."
In the darkness, Stella glanced in Hesta's direction.
"Are you saying that because you have everything under control, or because you want to avoid this question for now?"
Hesta turned to her as well and laughed softly. "You tell me."
"Hmph." Stella looked away. "I'm