"Alice? Brother, do you like Alice?"
Alan was momentarily lost in thought when Isabella teased him with a mischievous smile.
Alan almost nodded, as he did admire Alice as a rival.
But he quickly realized Isabella was just trying to provoke him, so he shook his head and replied, "She's merely a worthy opponent, nothing more!"
"Pfft, brother, come on! It's just the two of us here; can't you be honest with me?" Isabella huffed, puffing her cheeks in mock annoyance. "I like Lady Alice a lot! She's so beautiful, like a goddess from a legend, and so fierce and valiant. I think she's amazing!"
Then, looking a bit downcast, Isabella tapped her forehead thoughtfully. "Brother, when do you think I'll be able to study magic? I want to be like Lady Alice too. I want to protect you!"
Alan patted her head with a smile and said, "Don't worry. Once we get to Lioncrest Academy and you're better, you'll start leveling up your magic too!"
