Chapter 47 Negotiating Terms
Cecilia Blackwood's POV
"In other words, the more volatile their temper, the stronger their power becomes. That's why the academy arranged special classes specifically for Kane."
After hearing Jenny's explanation, everything clicked into place. "I see. Thank you for telling me."
Though I still desperately wanted to see Kane, I knew I had to hold back. This was for his own good.
The next morning, the alarm clock on the wall went off. For the first time, I didn't find it annoying—I almost liked it.
Maybe because I hadn't slept at all. That's right, I'd been awake the entire night, now sporting two massive dark circles that probably looked ridiculous.
I quickly got ready and opened the door, planning to go straight to Kane.
But the moment I opened it, I froze completely at the sight before me.
Kane was leaning against the wall, his face more haggard than I'd ever seen it, as if he hadn't slept in three days.
"You... what are you doing here? When did you come? Don't tell me you've been here all night?"
Kane kept his head down, not meeting my eyes, not saying a word.
I grew anxious. "Say something! Were you standing here all night?"
Kane nodded slightly.
"Why? Why didn't you go back to your room and rest?" The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them.
I could guess Kane's state was similar to mine—unable to sleep, so he'd stood guard here all night.
I felt awful. Not just for asking that question, but for not coming out last night.
If I'd cleared things up with him yesterday evening, he wouldn't have lost a whole night's sleep.
But before I could apologize, Kane spoke first. "I was wrong. I shouldn't have ignored what you said. I shouldn't have made you angry. Please forgive me."
"You can punish me however you want, but please don't ignore me. Don't stop being my friend. I'm... I'm begging you."
My eyes widened, my heart pounding wildly.
I'd heard Rowan say before that every Dark Mage was arrogant beyond measure, looking down on everyone.
Yet here was Kane, apologizing to me. Begging me!
It was unbelievable. If other students heard this, they'd probably think their ears were playing tricks on them.
"You... you still don't want to be my friend?" Kane asked cautiously.
I shook my head quickly. "No! I do want to be your friend. We'll be best friends forever!"
"Really?" Light finally returned to Kane's eyes, and his haggard face seemed to recover somewhat.
Yes, my words had quite the healing effect.
But then I put on a stern face—not because I was actually angry, but because I wanted Kane to understand the seriousness of the issue.
"Do you know why I was angry yesterday?"
Kane nodded again. "I know. Because I didn't listen to you and didn't let go right away."
I patted my forehead, torn between laughing and exasperation. Was that really what he thought?
"You've got it wrong. I wasn't angry because you didn't listen to me. I was angry because you were so irresponsible with yourself! I'm glad you wanted to stand up for me, to get revenge for me, but the cost shouldn't be you getting punished or even expelled!"
"Promise me you'll control your temper from now on. Don't get angry so easily, and even if you do get angry, don't resort to violence! As long as you promise me that, I'll be your best friend for life!"
Kane nodded firmly. "Okay, I promise."
Though he agreed, I could sense a hint of reluctance on his face, as if he had something more to say.
"What is it? Is there something else? If there is, just say it. We're best friends—we shouldn't hide things from each other."
Kane didn't speak. I saw a struggle playing across his face.
I pouted. "What? You don't want me as your friend?"
Kane shook his head rapidly. "No, no, no, that's not what I mean. It's just..."
"Come on, whatever it is, just say it. After that we should go eat. I checked the schedule—we have no classes today, a rare free day. After breakfast you can catch up on sleep."
Under my encouragement, Kane finally opened up. "I can promise not to use violence, but what if there really comes a time when I have no choice?"
I paused, surprised that was what concerned him.
He had a point. What if someone went too far, to the point where action became unavoidable? Should he just let himself be bullied?
Though I'd played the role of the "invisible girl" before, I couldn't expect Kane to let himself be pushed around.
Honestly, I couldn't tolerate that either.
Just then, Jenny poked her head out from the dorm room, her face wearing its usual smile. "That's easy. If it comes to violence, you can handle it. As long as you attend class and study hard, you'll definitely be able to protect Kane someday!"
After hearing Jenny's words, my mouth fell open. I couldn't process it for a long moment.
Me protect Kane? Was that real? Was she serious?
Kane also frowned, his face showing clear surprise.
Jenny rolled her eyes and nudged my arm with her elbow. "What? You're not willing to protect Kane? That's pretty stingy of you."
I coughed lightly. "Ahem... then I'll protect you from now on."
Strangely, Kane didn't refuse. He even nodded in agreement.
I knew full well this was probably just for show—when the time came, he'd definitely take action himself.
But right now, my heart felt genuinely warm. That feeling couldn't be faked.
"Alright, let's go to the dining hall. I'm starving."
At breakfast, Kane naturally picked up my tray just like before.
As for the stares and gossip from others, I'd long since become immune. Let them say what they wanted. I chose my own friends—I didn't need to care about anyone else's opinion.
After we got our food, Jenny suddenly went to sit at a different table.
I frowned slightly. "Why aren't you eating here? There's an empty seat."
Jenny smiled. "I won't intrude on you two. You probably have a lot to talk about, and it wouldn't be appropriate for me to interrupt."
I could tell Jenny was teasing me, but since we were in the dining hall, I couldn't say much. The more I said, the more awkward it would get.
While eating, an idea suddenly popped into my head, and I couldn't help but smirk. "Actually, I've been thinking—I need to negotiate a condition with you."
"A condition?" Kane's brow furrowed slightly.