CHAPTER - 130
Narrator: Professors, brats, and guards, drinking and laughing, sat at the tables a little tipsy.
It was nearly time to return to the academy, yet the evening went on a bit longer, with Dav watching them and Lucrezia asleep on his shoulder, softly snoring without much noise.
After a while, Dav stood up, asked one of the ma?tres where to find the director, and, with a smile, turned and asked him to follow.
Selene, still sober from drinking very little, approached Dav and silently followed, keeping him company.
They reached the room downstairs, noticing a calmer atmosphere, with relaxing music, dim lights, and people enjoying those last moments.
Dav paused for a moment, looking around, and asked Selene:
"Sele, did you have fun tonight?"
Selene, looking at the floor with a faint smile, thanked him for the wonderful evening and gave him a long kiss on the cheek while he was distracted watching the guests.
Dav slowly smiled and, still looking ahead, said:
"I suppose that means yes, then."
He spotted the director, quite pleased, watching everyone to make sure there were no problems, until he noticed Dav approaching from behind.
"Director, I believe it’s time for us to say goodbye.
Thank you again for the splendid evening."
The director, touched and happy with those words, shook Dav’s hand.
"Hero, please come back whenever you wish."
Dav pulled out his wallet, holding it in his hand, and with a slightly tired look, said:
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
"Would you mind telling me how much I owe, so we can be on our way?"
The director gently held Dav’s hands in his and lowered them with kindness.
"It has been an honor to have you here tonight. You don’t need to pay anything.
Thanks to you, we had many other important guests tonight. Word got out that you were here."
The director laughed a bit.
"It might sound bad... like I used you for that, but that’s not exactly it...
I’m truly happy you chose our restaurant.
As a further gesture of gratitude, I’d like you to accept this bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Gold Label. It’s worth more than 3,000 euros.
It’s one of the few we have, carefully preserved."
The director, bowing respectfully, said:
"Thank you again for coming, Hero."
Dav accepted the gift and the complimentary dinner offered by the director, shook his hand, and went back upstairs to gather everyone and return to the academy.
Back upstairs, Dav saw everyone drunk and laughing, running around like children and actual children included.
With a serious but humorous look, he said:
"Sele, we’ve got a mission... get everyone into the cars without being noticed..."
Selene giggled, understanding perfectly, and began helping him escort everyone out.
Dav: (Approaching Vik) Vik, carry Lucrezia and tell the guards to get the students into the cars.
(Pointing) I’ll take care of Iris, while Rafael and Selene will look after Valeria.
(Thinking) Same old Rafael... that guy’s a tough one, doesn’t get drunk easily...
Vik: (Calm) Understood, sir.
Narrator: Dav approached Iris, but she insisted on staying, wearing a goofy, drunk face.
Dav gently caressed her cheek to calm her and whispered in her ear:
"If you're good, we’ll go on vacation this summer."
Iris, suddenly clear-headed and bright-eyed from what she heard, calmed down, clinging tightly to Dav’s arm, going down with him without letting go.
They managed to get out without any issues.
The students, tired but still awake, entered the cars and, yawning, closed their eyes.
Gabriel: (Looking at Leona) If you close your eyes now, you’ll fall asleep for sure.
Leona: (Eyes closed, back relaxed) Don’t worry, I’m just resting my eyes, not sleeping-
Arthur: (Laughing) Pretty sure she knocked out in a nanosecond, haha.
Gabriel: (Funny face, lip curled) As expected...
Narrator: Meanwhile, in the car with Dav, Iris and Valeria had fallen asleep on his shoulders, enjoying the little breeze brushing their faces.
Dav thanked Vik for the day and the help he’d given.
Vik: (Looking at the girls) They truly care about you.
I’m sure you’re proud of them.
Dav: (Eyes closed) I’m very proud of them. All of them.
They’re people who never asked for much and had so little in return.
(Quiet voice, looking at Iris) People for whom a simple smile is enough to be happy.
(Looking at Lucrezia in front of him) People who lived their lives alone, crying each day locked in a room.
(Looking at Valeria) And others who were just trying to survive, never expecting anything, only to find everything, I guess.
Vik: (Closing his glasses) Remarkable people.
I hope my daughter can learn a lot from them at the academy.
Dav: (Glancing at Vik with a faint smile) We’ll find out soon enough, then.
END OF CHAPTER - 130
