Jennis glances back at the girls as we leave. “Anyone catch your fancy?” I tease.

Smiling, he looks back at me. “Actually, yea.”

“Really? Who?”

“You.”

“Aw, that’s sweet.” He merely smiles in response, looking back ahead. I really hope he was just joking. Truly. “So, what have you been up to?”

“Just my classes. I didn’t realize the duty of a Tier Mage was so hard.”

“Are you talking about directing your mana to another’s spell?” He nods. “Are you selfish?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, do you like sharing your things with others. I would assume so, since you shared your meals with me, but…”

He laughs. “I’ve only ever shared things with you, so I suppose I am very selfish. But what does this have to do with redirecting mana?”

“It’s a mental block. You don’t like sharing things with others, and this subconsciously leads to being unable to direct your mana for another to use in their spell. You said it yourself, that you would do this to back me up, and it seems I’m the only one you are not averse to sharing with. So think of sharing your mana as sharing it with me, and you will find it a lot easier.”

His mouth drops open. “Can we try it now?”

“Sure.” I lift my hand and say, . A ball of red fire appears over my palm. “I’m controlling the size of the fire.”

He points to the flame and says, . The flame slowly turns a bright yellow, and then blue, and then completely white. I stare in awe as I subconsciously say, “I forgot how beautiful fire can be.”

Jennis laughs and the fire returns to its original dull red color. “I didn’t think that small wonders could make you so impressed.”

Canceling the spell, I drop my hand and stretch my shoulders. “Well, we live to see the wonders of the world, right?”

“Since you enjoy doing so, would you like to go to see a sight with me this weekend? I can’t just accept your help without giving you something back.”

“You seem to have grasped the idea a bit too quickly.”

“It is only because you taught me.”

“Then I would be happy to oblige, if this is merely payment.”

“Of course.”

We part ways and I walk over to the library. At the doors I’m stopped by a girl with familiar red hair. “Lady Allandis,” she says.

I stare at her in surprise. “Selina Bartron. You’ve already converted all of them?”

“It’s already been almost three weeks. If I took longer, I should not have the right to follow you.” She grins. “Your plan worked perfectly. My cousin quit this school to attend the Royal Academy and the rest of the girls all look up to you. They even said that if anyone deserves Jennis’ attention, it would be you.”

Wrinkling my brow, I shake my head. “Someone’s much happier. Since you’re here, you have something to report?”

“Lady Allandis, you are only ten years old, but I feel that you must have gone through much to be as mature as you are.” She calms herself down visibly and I don’t comment. “A few students found a demon body in the middle of the flower field yesterday. It’s a woman’s body, different from the one that appeared on campus last week.”

“Have the teachers done anything?”

“A few of them are saying that the Principal disappeared and no one can get in touch. The Vice Principal is trying to keep the news under wraps.”

So the fake Price decided to flee? Does that mean he finally figured out that the room was bugged? “Thank you. Keep me updated on the situation with the news.” I turn to the library entrance, but stop when she calls.

“Wait.” She shifts between her feet. “When… When can I get my chance?” Her face immediately flushes and I can’t help but laugh.

“Be patient.” Then I head into the library with many thoughts swirling in my mind.