"Ah! Adam. I almost thought you tried to avoid us when I visited Orion a few months ago."
The corner of Elisabeth's lips curled slightly as she spoke, causing icy dread to permeate his soul like a slow-acting poison threatening to consume him.
Fortunately, water splashed between them as Marina flashed before him.
She sized the elegant arcanist up and down, her lip raising in disdain and a red light flashing in her eyes.
"What do you want bi... Ah! I mean, wonderful princess of the mighty Franca empire?"
He almost lost consciousness before Marina corrected herself. Yet, he felt grateful for her interference.
As he sighed in relief, the archmage snickered and rolled her eyes at him.
"Aren't you competing? What are you still doing here after carrying my bag? Shoo, shoo. Go out."
Despite the harsh words, a warm sensation spread around his soul.
