CHAPTER 49

  Dav: (Tired) We've arrived, go to your rooms and rest.

  Fin/Leo/Cedric/Gabriel: Goodnight, Sir!

  Narrator: Elysia, before going to her room, kissed her father on the cheek, thanking him for the ice cream and the wonderful day.

  She then joined the others, and they all headed back to their rooms.

  Valeria, a little embarrassed, thanked Dav with another kiss on the cheek, trying to make him feel uncomfortable.

  She felt a bit disappointed because, in her eyes, Dav didn't react at all... but then she remembered she had an iceberg for a heart in front of her and smiled.

  For her, the only thing Dav ever responded to was her surprise attacks.

  Iris, watching from afar, noticed everything and was waiting for Dav to bring her what she had prepared for the next day's event.

  As the group walked away, chatting amongst themselves, Valeria stayed still for a moment, observing Dav with a slight pout.

  Valeria: (Thinking) Is it possible he never reacts? At least a little embarrassment... nothing?

  But then, seeing the small, tired but sincere smile on Dav's face, she sighed and shook her head with an amused smile.

  (Smiling softly) Goodnight, Professor.

  Dav: (Nods) Goodnight, Valeria.

  Narrator: From a distance, Iris observed the scene with a faint smile.

  For her, it was nice to see the professor surrounded by people who cared about him.

  When Dav approached, she greeted him with her usual kindness, ready to receive what he had prepared for the next day's event.

  She smiled at him as always, her gaze sweet and caring.

  ~ The next day ~

  Dav: (After finishing the lesson, calls the brats) Cedric, call the group and bring them here.

  (Serious) Listen, tonight you need to do this, this, and this.

  Got it?

  brats: Got it, we'll take care of it!

  Narrator: After the lessons, Dav went to Iris to check that everything was ready for the evening.

  During lunch, he invited everyone to his room to have something to eat.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Everyone eagerly accepted, excited for the evening ahead.

  ~ Evening arrived ~

  Gabriel: (Entering Martina's room, sitting on the bed) How's it going, Marco? Martina? Are you ready for dinner?

  Martina: (Tired, waiting for Marco) He's the last one... Hurry up, Marco! He said he needed the bathroom...

  ~ 10 minutes later ~

  Gabriel: Let's go then.

  (Thinking) Martina seems a little sad... Maybe because of what I think?

  (Stopping) We've arrived. Ladies first. Go ahead, Martina.

  Narrator: As Martina stepped into the room, she saw it was shrouded in darkness.

  Gabriel closed the door behind her, and suddenly the lights turned on, revealing all of her friends and family, who cheered enthusiastically:

  Happy Birthday, Martina!

  Martina froze for a moment.

  Her heart raced in her chest as warmth filled her body.

  Then, unable to hold back, she began to cry tears of joy.

  She truly thought everyone had forgotten her birthday, on October 18th.

  Dav: (Approaching gently and giving her a warm hug) Happy birthday, Marty.

  Narrator: The Director, Kael, Valeria, Lucrezia, Iris, Evelyn, Eldrin, Rugerus, Margherita, and the whole group gave her many gifts.

  In the center of the room stood a large cake decorated with the number 10, surrounded by plenty of food.

  Martina smiled brightly, holding her uncle tightly as if she never wanted to let him go.

  The evening passed with conversations, games, and laughter. The Director and Eldrin entertained her with fascinating stories, while the rest of the group enjoyed the food.

  Little by little, exhaustion took its toll on the younger ones. One by one, they fell asleep, some sprawled on the bed, others on the couch, immersed in peaceful slumber.

  ~ On the balcony ~

  Outside, the fountain sparkled under the full moon.

  Dav stood, hands in his pockets, gazing at the sky.

  Next to him, Iris and Valeria watched the same moon, but in their eyes, there was not just the beauty of the night.

  They were looking only at him.

  Valeria: (With her chin resting on the railing, glancing at Dav) Does he really not realize how special he is to all of us?

  (She thought with a small smile.)

  Iris: (More discreet, lowered her gaze to her hands. She felt a slight warmth in her chest, a sweet and reassuring sensation) As long as he's here, everything will be fine.

  Narrator: In the silence of the night, no one spoke.

  Yet, that was the most intense conversation of all.

  Shortly after, Dav turned, moved decisively, and approached the still half-asleep group.

  Dav: (Smiling, but in a serious tone) Hey, guys, it's late. Time to sleep.

  Eldrin: (With an amused smile) Yeah, right. I can't wait to see who falls asleep first tonight.

  (Looking at the others)

  Dav: (Looking at the group waking up from their sleep) Alright, help me with these two.

  [Indicating some of the younger ones who were still trying to wake up]

  Eldrin: (Dramatically) Ah, but I'm an expert at carrying sleepy kids!

  Narrator: With a light laugh, Eldrin bent down to pick up one of the younger kids, while Dav lifted the other.

  Both walked with steady steps, careful not to wake them too much as they rubbed their eyes.

  Eldrin: (Whispering) You know, Dav, sometimes I wonder how you manage them all.

  It's not easy, huh?

  Dav: (With a tired smile) I guess the hardest part is managing their energy.

  But, in the end, you get used to it.

  We can't always treat them like babies.

  Eldrin: (Raising an eyebrow) But they're not babies, they're young, which is a whole different story.

  (With an ironic smile) Anyway, good luck when the others arrive!

  Dav: (Laughing) Oh, thanks for the support, as always.

  Narrator: The two reached the students' rooms, and as Dav settled them in, Eldrin stayed at the door, observing silently for a moment.

  Eldrin: (Muttering) Sometimes, Dav, you seem really too calm.

  But I know you do it for them.

  Dav: (Looking at Eldrin, more serious) I do it for everyone.

  Eldrin: (Nods) I know, I know. Goodnight, Dav.

  Dav: Goodnight, Eldrin.

  Narrator: Eldrin walked away, and Dav, with one last look at the peacefully sleeping students, gently closed the door, letting the quiet of the night settle over the room.

  Days passed, and all the students grew accustomed to having Dav there to guide them.

  He continued searching the library every day with Valeria and Lucrezia, aiming to find things faster.

  Lucrezia helped Dav with some things about the scrolls and how to use them in different ways when he would go outside the human kingdom to explore the world...

  out of concern or maybe just the fear of losing him... Who would ever know?

  END OF CHAPTER 49