Chapter 252: Chapter 252 Inspection of teaching quality
Alina coughed harder at first, then slowly steadied, one hand pressed to her chest and the other gripping the edge of her chair. Her eyes watered from the fit, but at last she managed to breathe evenly again.
"I–I’m fine," she said between breaths, her voice soft and a little hoarse as she glanced up at Gabriel. His face was far too close, far too worried, and his hand still lingered protectively on her back.
She blinked, surprised, her heart fluttering at the rare glimpse of alarm in his usually composed and gentle expression.
Gabriel’s brows furrowed, his hand still resting on her shoulder. "Are you sure?" he asked firmly, like he wouldn’t believe her unless she repeated it again.
Alina smiled faintly, embarrassed but touched. "Yes, I’m fine now. Really."
Only then did he relax, slowly pulling his hand back, though his eyes lingered on her face for a moment longer than necessary.
Alina left the staffroom with a soft smile lingering on her lips. The morning had been pleasant—Professor Hobb had even greeted her first for the very first time.
Her shoes clicked lightly against the floor, the air faintly cool with the scent of old stone and traces of ink. She was already planning her next class in her head, thinking about how to keep the babies entertained and focused, when a tall shadow suddenly cut across her path.
Her heart jumped.
"Are you okay, Miss Alina?"
She froze and looked up, startled, only to find Dante standing in the middle of the corridor. His presence was commanding as always—broad shoulders draped in dark attire, his eyes glowing faintly crimson beneath the fall of his black hair. He wasn’t smiling, not quite, but there was something intent in his gaze that made her cheeks warm instantly.
"Sir?" she asked softly, unsure why he was looking at her so seriously.
His eyes scanned her face with unyielding sharpness. "Your face is red. If you’re unwell, you can rest at the nurse’s station. There’s a bed there. No one will disturb you." His voice carried no room for argument, only steady concern.
Alina blinked, then quickly shook her head, laughing a little to ease the tension. "S-sir, I’m fine. Really. Earlier in the staffroom, I just choked while drinking water. That’s why my face is still red. Nothing alarming."
Her bright smile lit her features as she explained, and for a moment, Dante’s eyes softened ever so slightly, as though reassured by her words.
"Alright. If you say so," he murmured, though his gaze lingered on her a moment longer, crimson flashing faintly in the morning light.
She adjusted her papers against her chest and gave a polite nod. "Okay, sir. I should leave now. Class is about to start."
With that, she turned and began walking briskly toward Class D, her pace quick and purposeful. But after a few steps, she realized there was still a steady, silent presence following her.
She glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, Dante was walking right behind her, his stride long and measured, his heavy aura of command never wavering.
Her brows shot up. "Sir? You’re... coming to Class D as well?"
"Yes," Dante replied without hesitation. His tone was calm, clipped, but held a weight of authority that made her pulse quicken. "I am doing an inspection of teaching quality."
Alina nearly tripped over her own feet. Inspection?! Her throat went dry, and she clutched her attendance sheet and bag like they were a lifeline. "Oh... I-I see. Of course." She forced a smile, though her mind was already whirling. Inspection. Oh no. What if I laugh too much? What if Boo decides to spin on his head again? What if Drake protests math? What if—
"Why do you look so anxious?" His deep voice broke through her spiral, startling her.
She squeaked softly, then gave a nervous laugh. "Me? Anxious? No, not at all. Just... teachers always feel a little pressure when the principal comes to observe. Perfectly normal!"
Dante’s lips curved—just slightly. Not a full smile, but enough to make Alina’s heart flip. "You don’t need to perform for me."
"Haha..." Alina laughed nervously, clutching her attendance sheet and bag like a shield.
"You just need to teach as usual," he said, his voice calm but laced with quiet amusement. "I’ll observe without disturbing you."
His deep crimson eyes softened for the briefest moment as he looked at her flustered face.
"Okay, sir..." she replied, though inside she was praying desperately. Please let Boo and Drake not have planned anything today...
She pushed open the door to Class D, and for a fleeting second, relief washed over her. The children were all sitting neatly at their desks, their little faces innocent, their hands folded like perfect angels. Oh, thank goodness, she thought, exhaling. They’re being obedient—
Her thought cut off.
"...Wait. Where’s Boo?"
She scanned the room again. Every little head was there—Drake bouncing with restrained energy, Luna sitting stiff and pretending she wasn’t hiding a candy under her desk, Felix looking princely with his chin propped on his hand, Rocky fiddling with his sleeve, Kelpie peeking shyly, Lucien calm as ever beside Sable, who was scribbling something in his notebook... but Boo was nowhere in sight.
"Uh-oh," Alina whispered under her breath.
At that very moment, a faint whisper tickled her ear. "BOOOOO!"
She gasped and nearly dropped her papers as Boo’s mischievous little ghost face popped right next to her cheek.
The entire class burst into giggles.
Alina pressed a hand over her racing heart. "Boo!" she scolded, glaring at him with wide eyes. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
Boo floated upside down, giggling like a little troublemaker. "Teacher, it’s my ghostly duty to keep mornings exciting!" he declared proudly, spinning mid-air like a disco ball.
Dante raised a brow, his expression unreadable, as he stood outside the door watching. The children hadn’t noticed him yet.
Meanwhile, Drake slammed his desk with his tiny fist, standing dramatically. "Teacher, I told him not to do it, but he wouldn’t listen!"
Boo spun dramatically and pointed both hands right back at him. "Liar! It was YOUR idea! You said, Boo, scare Teacher so everyone will think we’re the funniest class!"
Gasps erupted around the classroom.
"Drake!!" Luna growled, ears twitching. "You’re going to get us ALL in trouble!"