<h4>Chapter 530: Arthur ish Way</h4>


    She could already imagine Ava’s over the top reaction: "Wait, you mean he was the one driving us the whole time?!" Complete with a dramatic gasp and probably a forehead p.


    With that amusing thought easing her nerves just a little, she finally turned to the silent driver still seated in the car.


    "Thank you," she said quietly, respectful but cautious.


    "It’s nothing," Arthur replied, his voice cold and t, exactly what she expected from him.


    She gave a small nod and reached for the door handle, ready to step out.


    But then


    "Are you nervous?"


    The words were simple, but they stopped her like a p of cold water.


    She turned back to face him slowly, blinking. "...What?"


    Not because she had not heard him.


    But because, Arthur had just asked if she was nervous.


    Arthur. The human iceberg. The training demon. The guy whose emotional range seemed permanently set to "chilly indifference."


    He met her stunned gaze with his usual unreadable expression.


    His tone had not changed, but his eyes... they held something just slightly softer. "Are you nervous?" he repeated, voice patient this time, as if he did not mind saying it again.


    Nnenna just stared for a second.


    The first time, she thought maybe her ears had malfunctioned.


    The second time, she knew she was not imagining it.


    Arthur, of all people, being concerned about her mental state?


    That was... new.


    Again


    Arthur White had asked her a personal question. A real one.


    Was she nervous?


    She blinked again, still stunned, unsure what surprised her more, the question itself, or the fact that it seemed toe with genuine patience.


    Something shifted inside her.


    Maybe this was Arthur’s way of showing care, quietly, awkwardly, like he was not even sure if he should be asking. But asking anyway.


    Nnenna nced at him again, trying to read the expression on his face, but, as always, it was unreadable. Calm. Distant. That same cold exterior that never cracked unless he was fighting or scolding someone.


    Still... the question lingered in the air.


    She hesitated, wondering if it was just a formality, something he said out of obligation, not real care. If that was the case, she could give a polite, brief answer and move on.


    But what if it wasn’t?


    What if he genuinely wanted to know? What if, in his quiet, Arthur ish way, he was trying to support her?


    He hadn’t had to drive them. He could’ve sent someone else. He could’ve ignored the day altogether. But he didn’t. He came. Drove them. Said nothing, but still showed up.


    Her gut told her this wasn’t a coincidence. He didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to y chauffeur.


    He came because he cared.


    Nnenna looked down for a moment, gathering her thoughts. She could really use someone to talk to, even if that someone was Arthur, the least talkative person she knew.


    After watching him closely onest time and still finding no clear answer in his expression, she trusted her instinct.


    She took a quiet breath.


    "...I’m nervous," she said finally, her voice low, but honest.


    "I’ve trained. A lot. I’ve studied. I’ve practiced. But... I still don’t know how I’ll measure up. This isn’t just an exam, it’s a test of everything. Of whether I even belong in this grade, in this arena, with these people..."


    Sheughed lightly, the sound short and awkward. "I know everyone thinks I’m brave or crazy for trying to skip years, but... I don’t feel brave. Not right now."


    Arthur was silent.


    She didn’t expect a long response, she wasn’t even sure she wanted one. Just saying it aloud already helped. She turned to step out again, ready to end the conversation and gather herself before entering the arena.


    But she still felt it would be rude to just walk away, so she stayed,a few minutes waiting for his reply.


    Arthur, however, was stuck.


    For the first time in a long while, he felt unsure. A part of him wished Carl were here, Carl would know exactly what to say, how to say it, how to make someone feel better without even trying.


    Should he call Carl?


    No. He dismissed the thought quickly.


    I should be able to do this on my own, he told himself. Even if I don’t get it perfectly right... I’ll try. And if trying isn’t enough, then I’ll go back and learn.


    He inhaled once and spoke.


    "I’m your Sensei."


    Nnenna blinked. "Uhm... I know that?" she replied, confused by the sudden statement and unsure where he was going with it.


    Arthur noticed her puzzled expression and, though it was subtle, he looked just the tiniest bit helpless. Still, he pressed on.


    "I’m your Sensei," he repeated, slower this time. "You don’t have to be nervous."


    He held her gaze, his tone calm but firm, like a silent promise wrapped in steel.


    And for once, she understood.


    The words weren’t fancy. They weren’t long. Buting from someone like Arthur, they held weight. More than weight, they carried quiet assurance. A rare, quiet form of care.


    And that... was enough.


    At first, Nnenna didn’t get it. She sat there, confused for a moment.


    But then she thought about his words again... and slowly, it clicked.


    "I’m your Sensei."


    He wasn’t just reminding her of his title. He was telling her something deeper, something he didn’t know how to say with fancier words.


    He was telling her she didn’t have to be nervous because he had trained her. Because he knew what he was doing. Because she was ready.


    Because he had made sure of it.


    Strangely, those few wordsforted her more than any long speech could’ve. They wrapped around her like quiet armor, steadying her heart.


    It was a new kind offort, one that didn’te from warm hugs or reassuring pats on the back. It was subtle. Strong. Silent.


    "Thank you," she said softly, her lips stretching into a wide, genuine smile.


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