An excellent lackey must not rigidly follow their master's orders; they must learn to strike proactively.

Even when there's nothing to do, they must create opportunities for themselves.

That’s why, even before Moen had arrived at the academy, Emon had already planned this challenge.

In front of everyone, he planned to ruthlessly bully and humiliate Ariel, who was despised by Young Master Moen. This, Emon believed, was the best gift he could give to Young Master Moen!

Young Master Moen would undoubtedly be delighted! After all, last year, he had been frustrated by Ariel's repeated counterattacks against him.

If he could please Young Master Moen, the son of a duke, how could he not rise to prominence in the future?

"......"

Seeing Emon’s silly grin, Moen had already guessed his thoughts.

If it had been the old Moen Campbell, perhaps he really would have been pleased by this.

—That’s assuming Emon could actually defeat Ariel.

“I see, I think I understand,”

Moen said,

“Well done, Emon.”

Heh.

See? Young Master Moen praised me, just as expected.

Emon thought proudly, holding his nose high in the air.

“But—”

Moen continued:

“There’s no need.”

“Huh?”

Emon froze.

“Young Master, what do you mean by that?”

“What I mean is...”

Moen picked up the glove from the ground, brushed off the dust, and placed it into Emon’s stunned hand.

“From now on, there’s no need for you to do such things.”

“No need to do these things... but these are...”

“These are things done for my sake, aren’t they?”

Moen patted Emon’s shoulder.

“So I truly appreciate your efforts, but starting now, you don’t need to waste your time on these foolish matters anymore.”

“Why... why is that?”

Emon asked in confusion, “Aren’t these the things you wanted to do, Young Master?”

“Because...”

Moen smiled, his golden hair shimmering in the sunlight, appearing especially radiant.

“I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf.”

“...Huh?”

“What?”

“I must’ve misheard...”

“The Moen Campbell?”

Moen hadn’t bothered to lower his voice, so everyone present heard his words.

And everyone froze in shock.

Ariel, in particular, looked as though she had been struck by lightning.

In her heart, she even questioned a certain someone whether the person before her had been possessed by the Dark God or something.

Of course, the response was a resounding no.

“Turn over... turn over a new leaf? What does that mean?”

Emon alone remained confused.

“Young Master, are you alright?”

“Of course. Turning over a new leaf means...“

Moen glanced at the crowd around him, as if intentionally speaking for their benefit.

“In short, it means I will no longer bully others with my status, I will no longer flirt with girls, I won't act as a scumbag, and most importantly...”

Moen turned toward Ariel and said earnestly,

“Ariel Bugard, from now on, I won’t cause you any more trouble.”

“...Are you serious?” Ariel finally managed to squeeze out a few words after a long silence.

“Absolutely serious.”

Moen tilted his head, perplexed.

“Am I not being serious enough right now?”

“But...” Ariel still maintained a skeptical attitude.

After all, you’ve done so many awful things to me before—how could one claim of turning over a new leaf erase it all?

“It won’t be that simple to resolve, will it?”

As if seeing through Ariel’s thoughts, Moen smiled ruefully.

Then, he stepped closer to Ariel once more.

About two steps away.

He stood straight.

Took a deep breath.

And then...

He bowed, at a perfect ninety-degree angle.

“Although compared to all the things I’ve done to you before, this may seem insignificant, but now, please allow me to apologize to you.”

Moen lowered his head and said sincerely,

“I deeply apologize for the excessive actions I have taken against you in the past, Ariel Bugard.”

“...Ah... you...”

Ariel's eyes widened even further, her mouth opened even more,

She could practically fit an egg inside.

She began to wonder if this wasn’t a dream.

Or perhaps during training, she had been too reckless and had been cursed by some strange, unknown force.

The Moen Campbell, the arrogant and self-centered Moen Campbell, was bowing and apologizing to her?

“Could this mean the world is ending tomorrow?” Ariel thought uneasily.

“I had planned to prepare more actually, bringing a gift and formally apologizing to you. But given the sudden circumstances...”

Moen straightened up, touched his pocket, and smiled sheepishly.

“Other than the one million Amelia currency I swiped from Ann as pocket money, I have nothing on me. I imagine using money as a gift would insult you, so I won't do something so tacky.”

Moen looked around before finally placing the half-eaten skewer in his hand into Ariel’s. Then he said earnestly:

“Third stall to the left outside the school gates; their grilled skewers are really delicious.”

“...”

Ariel glanced at Moen, then at the skewer in her hand. She said nothing.

“Well, I'll make up for the gift when I get the chance. I’ll be going now.”

Moen prepared to leave, but before he did, he leaned toward Ariel and lowered his voice:

“You don’t need to feel conflicted about whether to forgive me. It’s okay even if you don’t.

I’m apologizing simply because I was wrong before. That’s all.”

“Goodbye, Ariel Bugard.”

“I hope our relationship can become that of ordinary classmates, rather than enemies.”

“......”

Moen left without turning back.

But even long after he left, the place remained silent.

The crowd, shocked into speechlessness, dispersed quietly.

Only Ariel remained, her delicate body shivering suddenly as she snapped back to reality.

“Huh? Wait! Moen Campbell, gifting the million currency would’ve worked too! I’m quite a materialistic person!”

---

Clock Tower, Office.

The Magic Department Chair, a stern-looking figure with white hair and beard, Professor Pulan stood by the window, gazing at the students coming and going outside the school gates.

“So, any promising candidates this year?”

A light chuckle came from behind.

Professor Glam, also from the Magic Department, walked toward Professor Pulan and stood beside him, gazing into the distance as well.

“The incoming freshmen arrive this afternoon.”

Professor Pulan glanced at him,

“As a professor, shouldn’t you be showing more care for your students?”

“Haha, my dear students—I care for them deeply!”

“Try saying that after lifting the average grades of your subject.”

“Well, it can’t be helped; potion studies is such a dry subject, and it doesn’t directly enhance combat ability. These days, few kids are willing to learn it.”

Professor Glam shrugged helplessly.

“That’s why, since the freshmen arrive in the afternoon, what are you looking at?”

“If I can’t observe the freshmen, I naturally observe the seniors.”

Professor Pulan said expressionlessly.

“The first day of school best reveals a student’s spirit and demeanor. Just by observing their expressions, I can surmise whether their holiday was wasted or held some sense of purpose.”