They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 431: It’s a Small Price to Pay

The same silent pride she had clung to like armor now felt like it was being chipped away.

She looked at Arthur, silently pleading for him to say something, anything. But his expression didn’t change. No flicker of defense. No anger. No warning glares shot at the whispering students.

He simply said, “Quiet down,” when the murmuring finally disrupted his focus.

The class instantly shut their mouths. A wave of silence swept over them like a sudden storm. Of course, how could they forget? They were gossiping about his sister, right in front of him.

Ava’s lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. Finally, she thought. He said something. To her, that was his way of standing up for her. And that was enough, for now.

Chin high, she walked back to her seat with her henchwomen trailing behind her, her steps steady, her pride barely stitched back together.

The class continued. Arthur resumed his teaching, instructing the rest of the students with calm precision, his sharp eyes catching every mistake, his voice never rising.

He moved with quiet authority, offering individual corrections as he moved down the list. Despite his cold demeanor, there was no doubt he was committed to helping each of them improve.

When the final pair stepped off the line and the last arrow thudded into the target board, Arthur let out a silent sigh of relief.

Finally.

His back was straight, his expression unreadable, but inside, he was reminding himself why he was here. Why he, the Crown Prince of Riverum, was teaching a freshman martial class at all.

The person I’m looking for… according to our intelligence, they’ll most likely appear in this academy.

Her parents were both graduates of this academy. Arthur remembered overhearing his own parents once saying, “They always dreamed of their child studying here too.”

gone the way they were supposed to… then by now, she would already be

calculated her age. She would be within the

to the school elders, and her grandparents were once among the ruling council, she wouldn’t

have to do was state who she was, and once her identity

was… he

beyond her peers. And if she was anything like the child she

could’ve already come

gnawed at him. So he made a bold

had immediately mentioned his intention to lecture at the academy. And of course, they couldn’t wait

way to keep watch, quietly, from the inside. If she was

No matter what.

to the senior levels, Years 3 through 6. After all, his reputation and skill warranted

Year One

But for Arthur, the reason was simple, Year One

even cross country postings. If he

that wouldn’t help

present. To watch. To observe. And Year

who rarely let anyone get closer than five feet to him, now

inwardly for what felt

was far from ideal. But he shook

a small

than this to find her, he would do it without question. So why complain when

environment was beginning to stir something in

what it was