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.

different. He hummed happily, tapping the steering wheel with his fingers as if he were driving to a festival instead of heading home. His good mood was so obvious it felt out of place

her textbooks, determined to study for a few more hours. But her phone buzzed, breaking her

was a message from

you choose your two talent courses, one of us will teach you. If it’s not in our specialties, I’ll find

to reply, her thumbs

[Okay, thank you.]

face. It felt strangely

into bed. Just as she was drifting toward

It was Somto.

message with a bright

her cheeks heat up. But before she could put her phone away, another message

[I miss you.]

caught

was stare at the screen, her heartbeat

flush crawled up her neck, turning her ears bright red. She suddenly felt too warm under

trembled as she

[Okay, come back soon.]

tell him that she actually missed

she couldn’t bring herself to

aside and pulled the blanket over her head. It took a long time for her heartbeat to calm

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

another kingdom on the same continent, Somto stood by the window. The city lights glittered

decades as he waited for

to the time. Midnight. He should have been resting, tomorrow’s negotiations would be brutal,

Then it lit up.

[Okay, come back soon.]