Aster Veren
Episode 146's

- Esther

This morning one by one the students in the dormitory have returned to their residence to enjoy their school holidays that lasted for two weeks.

And me, I'm still lounging in the dorm. Kalea, Nadin and Tia left a few hours ago.

"... Do I not have to go home?" I muttered while standing in front of the window of the room, enjoying the gentle breeze blowing on my face.

I read back the wall clock that had shown at 09:15 am with a heavy sigh before noticing the bright blue sky this morning.

Tok, tok!

There was the sound of a room door being knocked from the outside, breaking my mood that was starting to improve. Yes, because for two days my mood was very chaotic when I learned about the condition of his mother Carel of Teo. Even the night of the festival before Teo told me about Carel returning to his residence, I was forced to apologize to Carel by Kalea and Nadin after I told him my plan to keep him away from me. They were really angry when they heard my explanation, but all that I did for Carel.

I lazily opened the room door in front of me, displaying the figure of the dorm mother who had smiled gently at me. "Your pick has arrived Aster."

"Eh? Who?" I was surprised when I heard the hostel mother tell me that my invitation had arrived. I was not told I would be picked up.

"The man said his name was Hans, your father's subordinate."

"Uncle Hans?"

"Yes,"

"... ka–then I'll be down soon." I said then after being silent for a while, then I quickly returned to the room to bring my things that I had packed since last night. It was also with Kalea's coercion that helped me.

When I said I didn't want to go home, he forced me to go back home and asked me to rest for two weeks.

But if you remember, I'm alone, right? After entering the haunted house I could not sleep well at all. Then now I have to go home and .. I'm alone at home, my mind tries to shake off all my bad imagination that starts haunting me.

"It's over?" Ask the hostel mother who was still waiting for me outside the room.

"It." I answered after leaving the room and facing him.

"Let's help, please,"

"ah! Ti–no need to bother, I can–"

"It's okay. Mom doesn't feel bothered. By the way, congratulations Aster for getting the general number one ranking in your first school year at the academy. I'm really proud of you." It made me feel ashamed to be half dead.

I never even expected to get a general rank one in academy– in the building where I learned his point. Because in the building where Carel studied. He is the one who gets the first rank generally.

I wasn't so desperate in my studies, and I thought all my friends were smart and hardworking.

***

After saying goodbye to the hostel mother, I immediately went with Uncle Hans to the Veren residence.

"By the way uncle, did papa tell you when he's coming back?" I broke the silence in the car.

I saw Uncle Hans staring at me in the mirror just before he answered my question, "mister said he'd be in Singapore for a while. Once the work is done, you will be back soon. He said he didn't want to miss the holidays, maybe soon you'll be back." He was still busy with his drive.

"Hmm, that? Then is there any word from Ansel's uncle or Khael?"

"No miss."

So no incoming mail from them yet? Short messages, calls and even emails are not available. How are they doing okay?

"Welcome back, miss," greeted the few maids who had lined up at the door as I entered the house made me a little surprised. Though the welcome I received today was not the first one I received again, but I still felt uncomfortable and was not used to their treatment of me.

"Ah, ya–thank you. I'm gonna go get some rest." I said immediately go through a bunch of stairs to my room.

***

- Carel

"So can explain everything to me?" I was trying to hold back my emotions when I overheard my father and grandfather talking unintentionally.

"Carel? You–" muttered father with his surprised expression.

"Explain me!" My master stared at the beads of father and grandfather in turn.

"Nothing to explain. You just focus on your education and your fiance!" Grandfather said making me tighten my fist even more when I see the look of his eyes that look cold.

What exactly did grandfather think to the point that he did all this to me? Did our previous deal mean nothing to the point that he didn't trust me in the least?

I seriously studied at the academy with all my determination, did he think I would embarrass myself if rumors about me circulated? And again why should my family submit to people whose level is below ours?

"What does our deal mean?" I asked after gathering all my courage to keep talking as calmly as possible.

"What do you mean?"

"Aren't we in agreement? You're just gonna keep an eye on me?"

"true."

"Then why are you doing this garbage match? And without my knowledge? Are you so afraid of the old geezer of the academy? Ah no, you're just afraid my name is smearing this family's good name again, right?" I said making the look on Grandfather's face unsightly, especially his bitter gaze that was very piercing.

"So your words are Carel!" Excite me a little snapping.

"What I'm saying is true, right? Why do I have to keep your word if you just don't listen to me and respect my decision? If the family name is so important to you than me as your son and grandson, you better just throw me away!" My shout got out of control, I'm really angry right now.

It feels so sad to live in a family full of rules and always attach more importance to good name and work than the happiness of his family.

"Quite Carel! You've grown up and I'm sure you're very smart. Try to understand our current situation." Said father again showed his sharp gaze. He said he didn't hate me, but that look?

"... haha, okay? You never try to understand, why should I?"

"This kid!" Grandfather's growl along with Dwi's arrival suddenly opened the door of the grandfather's study very tightly.

"Ah–maaf. Are you guys talking seriously?" Ask while showing her annoying wide smile.

"Hah~ no." Father replied after sighing tiredly while rubbing his face violently. Trying to return the expression of his face that had flushed red upset because of me.

"Then can I bring the boy? I have something to tell him." He said while pointing at me with his index finger.

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Thanks for reading...