SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 483: Morning After

Trafalgar awoke gradually, the lingering warmth persisting before the illumination fully pierced his vision. For a moment, he remained motionless. The bed retained the heat from the previous night, linens slightly rumpled, while the atmosphere felt tranquil in a way that seemed well-earned rather than merely vacant.

His line of sight shifted laterally.

Aubrelle was already awake.

She was positioned by the vanity, her back partially turned toward him, maneuvering the fabric of her attire while Pipin buzzed nearby, smoothing out minute details with careful exactness. Her hair descended loosely past her shoulders, not yet fully styled, and there was an added softness in her carriage now, a quality that had been absent previously.

She observed him through Pipin first.

"Good morning, Trafalgar. Did you rest well?"

Trafalgar hoisted himself up slightly, one hand dragging across his features, his gaze still lethargic. "Considering you didn't allow me much repose... well enough."

Aubrelle’s mouth curved faintly at this, a hint of amusement manifesting as she adjusted the final detail on her sleeve.

"You were the one who insisted on proceeding."

There was no hesitation in her tone. It was merely a candid declaration, held with quiet poise.

Trafalgar watched her briefly, his focus now more composed. "Are you bothered by it?"

She paused for a heartbeat, then turned slightly more toward the mirror, leveling a final fold. "No. I am not."

Aubrelle reached upwards, aligning a stray lock of hair with a subtle motion, Pipin mimicking her intention as always. When she replied again, her voice remained airy, though a steady undertone lay beneath it, something more grounded than before.

"However, next time, you might want to regulate your pace."

Trafalgar expelled a soft breath that was almost an exhale of laughter, reclining slightly against the headboard.

"I shall bear that in mind."

She did not retort instantly, but the slight arc at her lip corners remained, captured clearly in the mirror as she met his eyes through the reflection. Aubrelle finished smoothing her sleeve and lingered at the vanity for a moment before speaking once more.

"Incidentally, we are hosting a celebration tonight with our comrades from the academy alongside some others we know. I preferred that things didn't conclude solely with yesterday's events."

Trafalgar reclined against the headrest, looking somewhat fatigued. "You mentioned something about it, but I wasn't aware you had already orchestrated everything."

"I secured a reservation at a restaurant in Velkaris. It is located in the northern district." A soft smile graced her lips. "So, yes, I had everything fully prepared."

Trafalgar regarded her intently then. "The northern district, eh? So you opted for one of the more opulent venues."

"I did," Aubrelle stated without even a trace of apology. "I believe it is worthwhile to enjoy something exquisite with individuals we genuinely appreciate. If you ask me, what transpired yesterday felt cold and impersonal."

Trafalgar released a soft breath through his nostrils. "That is because it was. It was a political pact above all else."

"I am aware." Aubrelle rearranged a loose hair strand with Pipin’s assistance before continuing. "That is precisely why I intended for this to be different. Something smaller... something that truly feels like a celebration."

Trafalgar gave an abbreviated nod. "Who is attending?"

"Bartholomew, Cynthia, Mayla, Xavier, and Zafira," she remarked. "A few of my own acquaintances will join as well. Individuals you have yet to encounter."

Then, her gaze drifted slightly toward him through the glass partition.

"What about you? Did you invite anyone from your circle?"

Trafalgar was silent for a second before replying. "Yes. I invited a friend."

That caused Aubrelle to angle herself further toward him.

"A friend?" she reiterated, somewhat surprised, though not in any negative capacity. "Do I know her?"

"I don't suspect you have met her prior to this," Trafalgar remarked. "But Mayla recognizes her. Her name is Rhosyn. She will be joining as well."

Aubrelle blinked once at the mention of the name, then nodded slowly.

"I understand." There was curiosity present, but nothing sharper than that. "Then I shall have the pleasure of meeting her later this evening."

Trafalgar observed her for a moment. "You don't mind?"

"No," Aubrelle clarified. "Why would I? If she is someone of sufficient importance for you to extend an invitation, then I would prefer to meet her properly."

That left him silent for a brief moment.

Aubrelle faced the mirror once more. "Besides, tomorrow we return to the academy. It feels quite surreal to state that after everything that has transpired."

Trafalgar draped one arm over his bent knee. "Indeed. Back to the cycle."

"I have missed it," Aubrelle confessed. "After being absent for such an extended period, and following all the turmoil during the war... I believe I crave normalcy for a while. And since my father is keeping me away from other affairs for now, I intend to savor it while it lasts."

Trafalgar nodded once. "That sounds acceptable to me."

Following a slight pause, he added, "I have a meeting to attend before we depart tonight, but I will be there."

Aubrelle glanced at him once more and gave a subtle nod. "Very well. I presumed you had obligations to address regardless."

Trafalgar cast aside the linens and stood, then retrieved a pair of trousers, donning them without particular contemplation.

Aubrelle’s eyes immediately tracked him through the assistance of Pipin.

She did not attempt to conceal it at all.

Trafalgar took notice after a few seconds and glanced at her sideways. "What is the matter? Are you still unsatisfied?"

Aubrelle’s lips crooked into a sly smirk at the remark. "Perhaps. But we lack the time currently."

"That is true," Trafalgar agreed.

She moved closer then, raising a hand. A moment later, her cane materialized, appearing seamlessly within her grasp. Pipin drifted from the mirror and hovered near her shoulder as she traversed the short distance between them.

Upon reaching him, she paused without hesitation, rose slightly on her toes, and kissed him.

It was brief, yet intense enough to leave the room feeling more quiet for a short while after.

Aubrelle pulled back just enough to maintain eye contact. "I will see you this evening."

Trafalgar offered a slight nod. "Indeed. Tonight."

She lingered for another breath, then turned and proceeded toward the exit, cane in hand, with Pipin trailing close behind. The chamber felt different after her departure. Not vacant, merely still.

Trafalgar stared at the shut door for a second, then pivoted toward the washroom.

The moment he crossed the threshold, the temperament of the room soured.

The warmth of the morning, the fluidity of their interaction, and the peaceful start—everything evaporated as his mind gravitated toward the encounter awaiting him before the Velkaris celebration.

He had a meeting scheduled first.

And it was not a meeting with any ordinary individual.

It was with a Primordial.