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

Chapter 461: The Manipulative Carl

Carl did not even look at him now, like the matter was settled.

Arthur clenched his jaw. This manipulative bastard.

"Good one, Carl. A real good one." Arthur said, his voice low and dark, eyes narrowed in quiet fury.

Carl tilted his head, all innocence on the surface. "I don’t understand what you’re talking about," he replied mildly, though a satisfied glint flickered in his gaze. "But I appreciate your suggestion. Somto will do just fi—"

"Shut up."

Arthur’s voice dropped so low it was almost a growl. The air itself seemed to grow colder, the leaves around them shivering as if the trees felt the sudden tension too.

Carl paused, then smiled to himself. Finally, he thought. This is the reaction I was aiming for. Now that Arthur had shown his real intentions, there was no need to keep pushing.

He lifted a hand in a small surrender, as though he were only now giving in.

"Well... since you insist," Carl said with a deliberately reluctant sigh, though his eyes danced with amusement. "I guess you can teach her, since you are indeed the best martial artist I know."

He turned to Nnenna, looking completely serious again. "Nnenna, quickly, say hello to your new martial arts teacher."

Nnenna blinked, caught off guard by how fast this had escalated, but she reacted quickly. She turned to Arthur, her voice soft but clear. "Hello, Sensei Arthur."

Arthur snorted, trying to look annoyed, though his ears turned a little red. He was still furious at how Carl had baited him, but inside, a strange rush of happiness welled up.

He had wanted this, and now he had it... But he wouldn’t let any one know that.

The rest of the journey back to the castle was steeped in quiet. Everyone sank into their own thoughts, the mood shifting like a slow tide.

Ava stared out the window, her mind replaying every word. Arthur leaned back, arms crossed, refusing to look at anyone, his expression locked in a permanent scowl.

a festival instead

settled onto her reading table with her textbooks, determined to study for a few

was a

choose your two talent courses, one of us will teach you. If it’s

heart warmed. She hurried to reply, her thumbs

[Okay, thank you.]

It felt strangely good, satisfying in a way she couldn’t fully

reading, changed into her pajamas, and climbed into bed. Just as she was drifting toward sleep,

It was Somto.

message

heat up. But before she could put her phone

[I miss you.]

caught

she could do was stare at

thought it might fly right out of her chest. A hot flush crawled up her neck, turning her ears bright red. She suddenly felt too warm under her blanket, her

trembled as she typed a

[Okay, come back soon.]

to tell him that she actually missed him too. That she had been thinking about him

bring herself

the blanket over her head. It took a long time for

---------------

building in another kingdom on the same continent, Somto stood by the window. The city lights glittered beneath him, but his attention was fixed on the phone in his

like decades as he

to the time. Midnight. He should have been resting, tomorrow’s negotiations would be brutal, but he couldn’t make himself put the phone

Then it lit up.

[Okay, come back soon.]