Ilana looked at the enthusiastic Anjie with a face that was both amused and exasperated.
To be honest, she had a clear understanding of her own abilities, and trying to "make a mark" in the Maze Trial with her Black Iron Level skills was simply a pipe dream.
Even though the goblins there weren't real goblins, and the man-eating treasure chests wouldn't actually eat people...
However, Anjie's invitation was so enthusiastic, especially with that final reason, that she couldn't bring herself to outright refuse.
Maybe...
Trying it out didn't seem like a bad thing?
After all, it's a rare qualification, and Prince Colin had always encouraged his apprentices to actively participate in the activities of the Mage Tower.
Ultimately, these were all just excuses; she really couldn't refuse a friend's request... especially a well-aning one.
In the end, Ilana gently nodded.
"Hmm... I'll think about it."
Anjie bead with a sunlit smile, hugging the unprepared Ilana tightly before that sunny smile gradually turned cunning.
"Oh! Ilana! You're the best! I'm so grateful to you!"
Although it was just an ambiguous reply, she knew Ilana's personality well. As long as this bookworm didn't directly refuse, it ant she had already agreed...
…
The afternoon sunlight stread through the dormitory tower's arched windows, spilling into Miss Ophelia's luxurious single dorm, which was no different from the Holy City Duke Mansion, warm and cozy.
Although most apprentices were packed like sardines in their cage-like eight-person rooms, clearly not everyone needed to train that damned willpower and social skills.
"Miss, you have a letter."
The maid, responsible for taking care of Miss Ophelia's daily needs, respectfully presented a letter bound with kraft paper.
At this mont, Ophelia was idly flipping through a Poetry Anthology from the Holy City, a pasti in her leisure from researching magic and science.
Upon hearing that a letter had arrived for her, she raised an eyebrow in surprise, her lazy eyes glinting with a hint of interest.
In this cold Mage Tower, besides the occasional letters from her father, who else would write to her?
"Elifit, bring it to ."
"Yes, Miss." The maid respectfully approached and handed over the letter.
Ophelia elegantly stretched out her finger, opening the plain envelope to read its contents.
The handwriting on the letter was slightly immature, with even a few minor grammatical errors, and the phrasing was exceedingly formal.
However, it was clear that this boy nad "Sana" had put in a great effort. The Rhode Kingdom was the countryside of the countryside, after all; the difference from Holy City's grammar was understandable.
Getting to the point, the boy in the letter, "Sana," with an almost humble tone of admiration, invited her to et at the entrance of the Magic Potion Classroom on the twelfth floor north district of the Tower of Great Sage at dusk today, saying there was sothing important to discuss.
Important things...
What important things could a boy of that age possibly have?
Ophelia's lips couldn't help but curve slightly, a knowing smile spreading in her eyes, like watching a monkey peel a banana at the zoo.
"A love letter... hehe... how interesting."
She casually placed the letter on the table, resting her cheek on her hand, speaking to the air with a voice laced with a subtle hint of amusent and delight.
As Miss Castellion, she was most experienced with such matters.
In the Holy City, the love letters she received daily could fill a desk drawer, to the point where a cart was needed to clear out the waste.
She could even tell from experience that this love letter was definitely written by a boy who had never been in love, who may not even have spoken more than ten sentences to girls this year.
Ophelia gracefully stood up, walked to the dressing mirror, and looked at her flawless face and glittering golden hair in the reflection, lightly sighing.
"I'm really sorry, Mr. Sana, but I already have soone in my heart... Please save your feelings for your future wife," she said, with a sowhat regretful tone, her intonation as though performing in a play.
"Don't be discouraged, it's not your fault; it's just... I prefer more mature n. What? You'll try your best? Haha, no need, you're not a match for that person."
If it were at the Holy City Royal Art Academy, such a timidly signed letter wouldn't even be worth opening; she'd just have the maid toss it into the fireplace.
But...
After all, this is the Academic State.
The maid Elifit quietly exited the room, closing the door, pretending she hadn't seen or heard anything.
This was purely for Miss's sake.
If she recalled what she'd done unconcernedly, she might bury herself under the covers, fasting and wailing all day.
"As a representative of the Castelion family, studying in the Imperial vassal state, every action represents the family's honor. I mustn't forget my manners. Yes, Miss Castellion, you're a capable woman, you can't lose face over such small matters."
Ophelia nodded in satisfaction at herself in the mirror, "I won't allow barbarians to think that our Castelion family mbers are all ill-mannered barbarians."
She would never admit that the reason she was willing to open the letter, and even contemplated attending a rendezvous, wasn't due to family honor but rather a stirring, small vanity deep within her.
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