As we made our way back to the manor, Alicia's simmering frustration was impossible to miss. Her clenched fists and the searing glances she shot at Cedric were warning signs that her patience was nearing its limit.
Cedric, either blissfully ignorant or brazenly unbothered, trailed along behind us, whistling casually. "Arthur, I bet you'll get into the Combat Department too. You've always been so strong!"
"Shut it, Cedric," Alicia snapped, her voice like a whip.
He blinked in confusion, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "What? What did I do this time?"
Alicia spun on her heel, her glare intense enough to freeze him in place. "What did you do? You ruined a perfectly good morning, you insufferable pest!"
Cedric raised his hands defensively. "Alright, alright! I get it. Geez, sis, no need to blow up on me."
I chuckled under my breath, nudging Alicia gently. "Let him be, Al. He's just being his usual self."
