Inside the Student Council Office of Ranoa Magic University.
"President Ariel, this list is for this term's new entrants. The students circled on the list are those we've assessed as having high potential. We can focus on cultivating them."
A girl wearing gold-rimmed glasses handed a document to the person above her. Luke took the file from her hand and presented it to Ariel.
"Recently, have there been any updates regarding the citizens from the Fittoa Territory?" Ariel asked casually while examining the list.
"I apologize, Your Highness Ariel. Other than finding news about a few Fittoa Territory citizens shortly after arriving in Sharia, we have received no further similar messages. The Transfer Incident happened two years ago. If people haven't sent word by now, their situation is likely extremely perilous. They have probably already perished among monsters or rogue soldiers?"
Ariel glanced at Fitz, the bespectacled girl standing to her right rear, noticing her pursing her lips. She then turned back and said, "Continue investigating. Also, inform me immediately if there is any news about a mage capable of no-incantation magic."
The people below responded in unison, "Yes, Lady Ariel."
A bold knight spoke up, "Lady Ariel, the no-incantation mage you mentioned—are you referring to Lord Dorin?"
"Kalam, hush. I am not talking about that heartless man. The person who tricked us here and whom I haven't seen for two years—I don't want to see him at all. Do not mention him in front of me again. I am referring to someone else. If there is news of a red-haired, no-incantation mage, you don't need to report it."
The tall knight answered submissively, "Yes, Lady Ariel."
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
A servant dressed in a maid's uniform opened the door from the outside.
"Lady Ariel, Madam Doris is here to visit. She says a friend wishes to see you."
"Is it someone with red hair?" Ariel interrupted the attendant before she could finish speaking, asking eagerly.
Sigh... everyone in the Student Council Office looked at Ariel with surprise. Ariel realized her reaction and felt a bit awkward.
"I apologize, Lady Ariel. He was wearing a hood, so I couldn't see his whole face clearly, making it hard to confirm if it was Lord Dorin. However, judging by his temples, his hair should be red."
"Who asked you to check if that person was Dorin? But since you couldn't see clearly, we should still meet him. Elmoa, Krinie, help me get ready. Everyone else, you are dismissed for today! Luke, Fitz, you two can rest as well! I don't need anyone following me here."
"Lady Ariel, I am your Guardian Knight. I cannot allow you to be in a dangerous situation. I must respectfully decline your order," Luke said emotionally.
"Luke, the greatest duty of a Guardian Knight is to carry out my orders. Are you refusing to obey me now?"
Luke struggled internally before slowly resigning himself, saying dejectedly, "Understood." He then left the room, and the few attendants who secretly adored him hurriedly followed to comfort Luke.
After some preparation and fuss, Ariel received Doris and the friend she brought.
Upon entering the room, I was surprised to find it empty except for Ariel. Did she guess I was coming to see her?
I told Doris to wait outside the room and walked straight up, taking Ariel's hand and kissing the back of it.
"Dorin, why are you becoming so ill-mannered? Where is your knight's bow? Why are you directly taking my hand to kiss?"
"Lady Ariel, every time I attempt to perform the knight's bow, there is a puddle of yellow liquid on the ground, making it impossible for me to kneel. To kiss the back of your hand every time, I decided to skip that step."
Ariel's face looked as if it had been steamed in a hot pot; it visibly began to flush red from white.
"Do you just enjoy teasing me? Every time that sort of thing happens, wasn't it you who scared me? Think about how many times you have bullied me?"
"Oh? I scared you? I feel like certain people were secretly enjoying it?" I pulled her hand and embraced the beautiful woman before me.
My other hand reached down and said, "I want to see whether I caused it, or if you secretly enjoy doing this yourself."
Ariel frantically caught my hand reaching downwards, pleading, "No, don't do it here. There are many attendants and guards outside. Someone might hear us here."
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