Harem Stealer: Reborn with the God-Tier Sharing System novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Towards The Academy

Chapter 26: The Road to the Academy

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the estate, illuminating the grand purple carriage that would take Noah to the Academy.

He stood before it, hands in his pockets, his face calm yet unreadable.

Behind him, his mother, Selene, along with an assembly of knights, servants, and mages, all stood with pride in their eyes.

And... there was an unexpected guest.

A silver cat with piercing purple eyes perched on Selene's shoulder.

Noah's brows twitched. His gaze flicked to Neko, the black-furred cat sitting smugly on his head.

"...Am I meeting your mother?" he muttered.

Neko, in response, flicked her tail, feigning indifference.

Selene stepped forward, wrapping him in a tight embrace.

Her voice trembled. Just a little.

"I'll miss you, my baby," she murmured, pressing her cheek against his. "If you encounter any problems there, just let me know. I'll come and freeze them all."

Noah's expression softened.

His mother... was too cute.

Three years. In those three years, he had grown to love her deeply. And for that he would protect her, no matter what.

He smiled.

"You're worrying over nothing, Mother," he said, smugly. "Who would dare to harm the beloved son of Selene Weaverheart, the Witch of Eternal Cold?"

Selene's sorrow vanished. Her smirk returned, full of pride.

"Of course, of course," she said, puffing her chest. "No one would dare."

Then, her gaze shifted to the silver cat.

"Luminara, you insisted on coming. Are you not going to say something? Or maybe a word to that rebellious daughter of yours?"

The silver cat—Luminara—clicked her tongue.

A very human action. Eerie.

"I only came to see him off" she said coolly. "Not to talk."

Then, her violet gaze locked onto Neko's.

A deep chill filled the air.

Her voice was cold. "You better behave yourself, Neko. Do not cause unnecessary trouble for Noah."

Neko scoffed. "I am not a child, Mother."

The two continued bickering, their cold, sharp words carrying a level of tension only mothers and daughters could manage.

But suddenly—

A shadow shifted.

A woman stepped forward.

She had raven-black hair, piercing red eyes, and a presence so lightless that it seemed to devour the surrounding light.

For the first time, Noah saw her face to face.

Selene's shadow.

Sari.

She gave him a deep bow. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter."

Then—she was gone, disappearing into Selene's shadow as if she had never been there.

Selene smiled. "She's shy."

Noah shook his head.

At last, he stepped into the carriage.

But before the door shut, he turned back.

His silver eyes gleamed with a mad glint.

"The entrance test will be recorded," he said. "Everyone can watch from everywhere."

He smirked.

"Look at your son, Mother."

His grin widened.

"I will not hold anything back."

"I will go all out."

The carriage doors closed.

The wheels began to turn.

Noah Weaverheart had departed.

...

In front of the golden palace gates, a golden carriage stood ready.

Princess Sophie Castria was about to step inside when—

Her father's voice stopped her.

"Do not forget, Sophie."

She turned.

Rome Castria—the Emperor—stood on the palace steps, hands behind his back, expression cold.

"You are going there to win over Elijah," he said. "And discard Noah."

His voice hardened.

"Do you understand me?"

Sophie stood silent.

Seconds passed.

Then, at last, she spoke.

"...Father," she said slowly, her voice almost hesitant. "What if I don't want to be used as a mere political tool to secure the Chosen One?"

Her hands clenched.

"What if I want to compete for the throne?"

Silence.

Rome Castria stared at her.

Then—he laughed.

Not warm. Not amused.

Cold. Contemptuous.

"Don't spout nonsense," he said, voice sharp as steel. "This Empire has been ruled by men since its beginning."

He turned.

"I will not be the Emperor who changes that tradition."

Then—he was gone.

Sophie stood there, staring at the empty space where her father had been.

A presence flickered beside her.

A crackle of lightning.

A woman appeared.

Emily.

She smiled softly. "Now, do you have your answer?"

Sophie exhaled. Slowly.

Then, she stepped into the carriage.

Her expression unreadable.

"No mercy, then."

The carriage doors shut.

And she, too, left for the Academy.

Emily stood there, watching her go.

She smiled.

The game had begun.