Beast Academy: Raising Baby Beasts with Cashback 500%

After saying everything in one breath, Shani quickly said goodbye and immediately ended the call.

She wasn’t worried that Cedric would discover her lie. Even if Cedric asked Damon, Damon wouldn’t be able to confirm anything with the headmaster.

Only the headmaster and the vice headmaster knew about their agreement. Even Mercer didn’t know there was supposedly a specific amount given to Shani.

Well... there actually wasn’t.

She simply didn’t want to argue any longer with Cedric and give the orphanage director another excuse to return the money.

Meanwhile, Cedric fully intended to send it back.

He hadn’t checked how much Shani had transferred yet, but from hearing her say she wanted to give Mina 1,000 Credits, he knew she’d sent far more than that.

Cedric let out an exasperated sigh. He hadn’t even scolded Shani yet for returning the 400 Credits he’d given her before.

When he finally checked the notification showing the transfer amount, he immediately called Shani back.

But she didn’t answer because she was already on another call with Aster.

It had been quite a while since the two of them had talked. Partly because Shani had been busy, and partly because Aster seemed busy as well.

Shani told him about her life at the academy.

”I have a baby beast now. I also received a scholarship, and even though my rank is low, I won’t be expelled from the academy...”

Aster was genuinely happy to hear that things were going well for her, though he couldn’t help worrying after learning that her partner was a prince who could become a ticking time bomb at any moment.

”You don’t have to worry that much. How’s your job over there?” Shani quickly changed the subject.

”I’m getting used to working at the shop. I’m the store supervisor now,” Aster replied.

”I’m glad you’re settling in. By the way, I’ve been sharing the milk you gave me with my friends, including my partner. He really likes it, and as thanks, he gave me some money. I’m sending it to you since the milk was yours,” Shani lied.

Lately, she had become surprisingly good at lying without batting an eye.

Still, she believed some lies were necessary. Like now. If she told the truth, she was certain Aster would never accept her money.

”That money is your thank-you gift. Don’t send it to me,” Aster refused.

Shani ignored his protest and transferred the money anyway.

”If you feel uncomfortable spending it, just save it for now. I’ve earned quite a lot myself.”

After arguing for several more minutes, Aster finally gave in.

Just then, Shani heard someone else’s voice through the phone.

”Aster! You’re supposed to be watching the store, so why are you delivering packages instead? You’re such dead weight. All you know is how to freeload, but when it’s time to wo—”

Before she could hear the rest, the call suddenly ended. Shani’s heart tightened with worry.

”What happened to Aster? Why is he doing deliveries now? And who was insulting him?”

She immediately tried calling him back and sent several messages, but none of them received a response.

Nearly two hours later, Aster finally replied with a short message. ”Sorry, Shani. They were talking to the wrong person earlier.”

Shani didn’t believe it at all. ”If they had the wrong person, there’s no way they would’ve known Aster’s name.”

It seemed the relatives Aster was staying with weren’t exactly welcoming.

She was deeply worried, but she didn’t want to sound confrontational.

Then she remembered Mina, who would soon be leaving for Lunarion with her adoptive parents.

”I can ask Mina to check on Aster. At the same time, Aster can also see how Mina gets along with her adoptive parents.”

...

Jeryon was practicing alone in the combat training hall. The massive training hall was empty. Every other student was in their classrooms for resonance.

His movements were interrupted by a call on his smartwatch. After putting on his earphones, he accepted it.

”Did you find the information I asked for?” Jeryon asked.

A mature man’s voice answered from the other end. ”I’ve gathered information about Shani Rowan’s parents, Your Highness.”

Jeryon listened calmly as he walked to the side of the training hall and sat down on a nearby bench.

Although Jeryon had a terrible reputation and even the king had already given up on him, he still had people who served as his eyes, ears, hands, and feet on the outside.

”Shani’s father, Samuel Ashbourne, was one of the pillars of House Ashbourne. After his death, the Ashbournes gradually declined. Even now, they’re still searching everywhere for Shani.”

”Could it be they’re looking for her because they believe Samuel’s daughter can restore House Ashbourne to its former glory?” Jeryon guessed thoughtfully.

The man on the other end offered no comment. After delivering the rest of his report, the call ended.

Jeryon fell into thought.

”If Shani doesn’t want to return to her family because she’s afraid she won’t live up to their expectations... because she can’t become as remarkable as her late father... I can help her.”

His fingers tapped lightly against the bench’s armrest.

”Maybe I should tell House Ashbourne about Shani. I could warn them beforehand so they won’t mistreat her.”

Jeryon’s eyes brightened. It sounded like a good idea.

But he quickly shook his head.

”No. I can’t. Shani asked me to keep it a secret. She probably wouldn’t like it if I acted behind her back.”

”I’ll gather more information first before deciding what to do,” Jeryon concluded.

He glanced at the time. It was almost dinner.

He hurried out of the training hall, only to remember that there was no reason to rush anymore.

They no longer had nightly resonance sessions.

Jeryon’s shoulders slumped. He wasn’t used to spending his evenings without Shani.

He returned to the dormitory to wash up. As he stepped out of the elevator, he stopped in his tracks at the sight of a familiar figure.

Lara Benett.

”Must be nice for the two of you! The first pair with a baby beast, without giving a single thought to what my little sister has gone through.”

Her eyes narrowed as she glared at him. ”Especially you, Jeryon!”

...