TWOTCL༘ ೀ⋆｡

Llll

“Ragnos people can walk on land this well, huh?”

This was a taunt aimed at the Ragnos, a race primarily associated with marine ecology, by most of the residents with beast blood. However, Marcel remained unfazed.

“Seeing the red lion I read about in history books in person is quite moving, Lord Lark.”

An invisible struggle for dominance was brewing between the two men, who treated each other with hostility like cats and dogs.

The Ragnos vassal state was currently loyal to the emperor, but historically, the southern sovereigns, the Duke of Lark, had consistently hindered any movement toward independence or autonomy from the empire.

Caught off guard by the unfolding situation, only Elysia found herself nervously wedged between the two men.

The animosity and hostility Hadeon and Marcel displayed towards each other naturally shifted to a power struggle over Elysia.

“You said you were his professor. I wonder what kind of scandal you’re looking to hear by freely handling a student’s guardian’s hand like that. Or are you trying to shorten your career in academia?”

Hadeon harshly pressed Marcel, but Marcel did not back down.

“I don’t think that’s something I need to hear from you, Lord Lark. I’m curious about what legal rights or influence you have over Miss Elysia. You’re not her parent, sibling, fiancé, and certainly not her husband.”

The one who felt embarrassed and blushed at those words was Elysia. Hadeon scoffed.

“You have no tact. Or maybe your social skills are lacking because you spend too much time studying.”

“I’d like to ask Miss Elysia about that. She’s the one I want to talk to, not you, my lord.”

“If you want to talk to Elysia, write your name on the visitor’s list and wait. Your turn will come when you’re about to enter the afterlife.”

“Who decided that? If someone heard, they might think you’re hiding your lover so no one else can see her. She’s a person with her own free will.”

Elysia tensed up the moment Marcel met her eyes and started speaking.

“Maybe that’s how things work in the South, ruled by a tyrant like you, but here, she can talk to anyone she wants, anytime. At least within the confines of this academy, where individual freedom is guaranteed.”

Marcel was the first to end the conversation and leave.

“For now, let’s postpone our discussion. Lady Pearlman, I hope you enjoy the joy of reuniting with your brother today.”

He then approached Elysia, took her hand again, and, in a brazen manner, bowed deeply and kissed the back of her hand.