A Chemist's Interstellar Saga
Chapter 153: Leaving The Empire

Chapter 153: Leaving The Empire

Scion lifted his gaze to Cassian, clear disdain in his eyes.

Cassian believed that if he didn’t show any embarrassment, the awkwardness would fall on others.

Ignoring the stares, he turned his face to a more flattering angle and, while answering Drexel, he kept his eyes on Arix. "I’ve already gotten my parents’ permission. Besides, Arix is heading back to the Alliance tomorrow. As her closest and most trusted friend, how could I miss her farewell party?"

His words sounded perfectly reasonable, and Arix was genuinely touched. She responded warmly, "Thank you, Cassian. You’re my best and dearest friend too, and Scion, you’re like a brother to me."

Cassian’s heart sank; he felt like he had shot himself in the foot. ’Does Arix misunderstand something?’ He wanted a relationship far beyond mere friendship!

Scion, watching the whole scene unfold, looked at Cassian with a hint of glee. The mocking curve of his lips was the most irritating part. Cassian, feeling a vein pop on his forehead, mouthed sarcastically at Scion, "Brother."

Scion ignored Cassian’s sarcasm; he only needed to keep an eye on this budding romance, ensuring Arix wasn’t led astray.

Cassian, on the other hand, was irked that a male who was as powerful as him kept hovering around Arix. That made him feel threatened. Thus, the two began exchanging hostile glances again.

Arix, the focus of their rivalry, was somewhat used to their antics. Weren’t she worried about being rude, she might have pulled out some cookies to munch on while enjoying the show.

After returning to the Tiger clan, Arix had no time to dwell on these matters.

The farewell banquet hosted by the clan was the grandest event in recent years, with every clan member who could make it in attendance.

As the stars of the day, the siblings were made to drink quite a bit.

Arix didn’t hold her liquor well; her head was spinning when Cassian suddenly took her by the wrist and gestured towards the balcony.

Thinking Cassian had something to say, Arix followed without resistance.

On the balcony, Arix pressed her temples, surprised by how potent the alcohol felt, even with her physical and psychic power struggling to cope.

"Arix..." Cassian, having drunk quite a bit himself, blushed as he awkwardly called her name.

"Hm?" Arix responded softly, looking at Cassian with confusion, patiently waiting for him to speak.

In the moonlight, Arix’s face looked almost divine, like a goddess. Her clear, delicate eyes added an extra layer of beauty. Cassian was instantly captivated, his cheeks flushing red, and the shyness in his golden eyes deepening.

"Um, I was thinking... since you’re going back to the Alliance... I wanted to ask you... if you..." Cassian awkwardly began, his voice shaking with nervousness. But before he could finish, a cold voice interrupted.

"Arix, Drexel is looking for you," Scion’s chilly tone cut through the night.

Scion stood at the balcony door, staring coldly at Cassian, his gaze full of warning.

Arix, tipsy from the night’s drinks, missed the thick tension between Scion and Cassian.

When she knew Drexel was looking for her, she hesitated, remembering Cassian had something to say.

Turning back to him, she asked, "Cassian, what did you want to tell me?"

Cassian forced a smile, hiding his inner turmoil. "Nothing important. Just wanted to remind you to be safe heading back tomorrow."

"Thanks," Arix replied, wincing from her headache. She decided to find Drexel as soon as she could before crashing in her room for the night.

Once Arix left, the balcony’s air turned icy. Cassian’s smile vanished as he glared at Scion with cold, golden eyes. "The mighty Empire Admiral and future Pontifex of the Moon Goddess Temple, have feelings for someone? Guess how people would react to that?"

"Prince Cassian, mind your words. Arix is like a sister to me," Scion replied, his gaze equally frosty.

Cassian scoffed, "A sister? Arix might see you as a brother, but do you really only see her that way?" His tone dripped with sarcasm as he locked eyes with Scion.

Scion paused, then said calmly, "Rest assured, Your Highness, Arix is just a sister to me."

Before Scion could finish, Cassian unleashed a terrifying psychic blast, slamming Scion against the wall. Scion crumpled to the ground, groaning but didn’t retaliate. Instead, he wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth in silence.

"Scion, if you like her, go after her boldly. Even if I lose to you, I’ll accept it. But who are you fooling with this pitiful act? I’m glad Arix only sees you as a brother. If she fell for someone like you now, it would be almost insulting," Cassian spat bitterly before storming off the balcony.

Out of Scion’s sight, Cassian smirked to himself. He was sure that Arix would surely only have eyes for him in the future.

He couldn’t allow Scion to keep playing the martyr in front of her. If Scion ever became Arix’s chosen one, where would Cassian find solace?

After Cassian left, Scion remained on the balcony alone. He opened his palm and quietly stared at the red mark in the center.

Then, he looked up at the full moon in the sky, and Cassian’s words echoed in his mind. Yes, it wasn’t others holding him back, it was himself.

But what use was it to know that? He couldn’t even guarantee his own future, let alone someone else’s. Instead of hurting her in the end, it was better to hide away.

The next day...

Arix and Drexel were saying goodbye to the people of the Tiger Clan.

"Drexel, Arix, make sure to come back to the Empire during your break!" Krylak said, his eyes misty with tears, clearly reluctant to see them go.

"Sure," the siblings nodded obediently, afraid that Krylak might start crying at any moment.

"These two Space Buttons are gifts from the clan. Just accept them. Don’t say no to me," Krylak said as he thrust the buttons into their hands, not giving them a chance to refuse.

Arix and Drexel exchanged glances, feeling awkward but accepting the gifts.

Seeing that they accepted, Krylak felt much happier. If they had said no to his love, it would have hurt his feelings.

"Alright, I won’t keep you any longer. Be safe on your journey," Krylak said, his voice choked with emotion.

The siblings, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the Tiger Clan’s emotional farewell, quickly said their goodbyes and headed on their way back to the Alliance.

...

In the space station...

Arix sat quietly in the waiting area, reading her mecha extracurricular book while waiting for Drexel to buy the tickets. However, a lone beauty often attracted unwanted attention. At that moment, two sleazy therian men approached her, looking to make a move.

"Hey there. It must be lonely all by yourself. How about some company?" they said, their intentions clear from their lecherous eyes.

Arix initially didn’t want to bother with these pests, but as they got closer, the air around her seemed to grow more foul. She looked up coldly and said, "Leave in three seconds, and I’ll let you go intact."

The two therians were stunned for a moment before laughing. Arix’s harmless appearance made them doubt she could be any threat.

In fact, they looked even more excited after hearing her words.

When they stepped within a meter of her, Arix lifted her hand indifferently. With a swift downward motion, two terrifying waves of psychic power slammed the therians heavily onto the ground.

Looking at the two who would definitely need a year to recover, Arix nodded in satisfaction. She then resumed reading her mecha book.

Arix’s swift action sent a clear message, causing several therian men who had thought about intervening to reconsider and stay quiet. The commotion quickly drew the attention of a few police officers.

After reviewing the footage and talking to witnesses, the officers pieced together the story.

Worried that Arix might be shaken, they approached her to offer some reassurance.

"Thank you, but I’m okay. My brother will be back soon," Arix said, blinking her eyes politely in gratitude.

Despite her reassurances, the officers were still concerned about the seemingly fragile young woman. They decided to have a female officer stay with Arix for added comfort and safety.

At first, Arix tried to decline their offer, but the determined looks on their faces made her sigh and give in. She knew Drexel would return soon, and it wouldn’t take much longer.

So, with the policewoman by her side, Arix continued reading her book in peace.