“Teacher Mevis, I… I’d like to invite you to dinner!”
“Hmm, alright.”
“Really?! I heard you never have dinner with any of the male teachers, but you’re actually agreeing to go with me?”
“Of course. Bring my student along—we’ll have dinner together as three.”
“…N-never mind.”

The man sighed, and the rose he held seemed to droop along with his spirit as he walked away, dejected.

Noa, standing nearby, maintained her expressionless demeanor but couldn’t hide the faint irritation in her tone.
“Teacher Mevis, this is the thirteenth time this semester you’ve used me as a shield.”
“Hmm, that sounds about right.”
“What do you mean ‘about right’?”
“There are only about fifteen male teachers in the Dragon Division. You’ve helped me reject thirteen of them—only two and a half remain. Keep up the good work.”

“That’s a lot more than just a ‘few’!”

Mevis’s faint smile appeared, her dimples softening her usually cold features.

Her smile was rare, reserved for moments when she spoke to Noa.

Reaching out, Mevis gently ruffled Noa’s hair.
“Are you spending tonight with your sisters?”
“It’s Friday. They’ve already gone home.”
“So, you’ll stay back and train again?”
“Yes.”