A burly young man strode into the flower shop, his crew-cut hair bristling with swagger and arrogance.

Two sword-bearing guards followed him, faces impassive, but a hint of arrogance flickered in their slightly upturned eyes.

Ada swiftly tucked away the letter in her hand, her expression sour. "We don't welcome you here, Walker."

"Huh?" Walker pretended not to hear, swaggering over. "I'm here to buy flowers. Flower shops sell flowers—that's common sense. You sell, I buy. What's wrong with that?"

Another voice rang out from outside.

"Ridiculous! This is my exclusive flower shop. What makes a bumpkin like you think you deserve to buy here?"

A red-haired youth appeared at the doorway. Dressed like a nobleman's son, he was slender with sagging eye bags, heavy dark circles, and freckles dotting his pale cheeks. A bright silver chain secured a white, gem-adorned scabbard at his waist. The narrow sheath hinted at an ornate rapier, its pure white hilt peeking out.

"My spies surround Ada's shop, Walker. What did you plan while I was gone? As Ada's personal guard, I'll never let a filthy, stinking gorilla like you near her. Get lost!"

Walker spun around instantly, glaring like he'd seen an enemy.

"Rodney, didn't your old man teach you human speech? All I hear is a dog barking."

"Hmph, Walker. Forgotten how I once made you run with your tail between your legs?" Rodney stepped forward, ignoring Walker and his guards completely.

Walker's face turned beet red. "Pah! How dare you bring up something from over a decade ago?! Beat him!"

The two iron-armored guards drew swords and charged. Rodney stood motionless, a cold smirk on his face. As they closed in, a dazzling sword flash erupted from his hand.

The guards froze. When they snapped back, their swords were snapped in half.

Rodney held a white rapier—the blade that had severed theirs. With a flick of his wrist, he twirled it in a flourish and sheathed it smoothly, his gaze dripping with disdain.

"You two mere Gleaming Silver swordsmen dare draw blades against me? What gave you the courage?"

Walker's expression twisted as if he'd swallowed a bug.

"Rodney... when did you advance to Blazing Gold?"

"Ha, just the other day. But I'm humble—I didn't ask Father to make a fuss in town. If word got out, a genius like me would have noble fathers lining up with marriage proposals. Annoying."

Rodney flicked his red hair aside, smug.

"Who can blame me? I'm devoted only to Miss Ada. Even the Empire's Princess Royal couldn't change my heart."

Walker's face burned with frustration. Without a word, he shot Rodney a fierce glare and slunk away with his guards.

Rodney sneered, utterly unfazed by the hateful stare.

I noticed Ada still wore a frown, looking anything but happy.

Just as Rodney stepped toward the shop, Ada's cold voice cut in.

"Rodney Morse, aren't you tired of pestering me? What will it take to stop?"

"Simple. Marry me, Miss Ada, and I'll handle that gorilla Walker for you."

"I just want to sell flowers in peace. Can't you leave me alone?" Ada frowned.

Rodney shook his head with a laugh. "Sell flowers? You'd make a better wife for me."

A flicker of anger crossed Ada's face. Before she could speak, I couldn't take it anymore. My face cold, I said, "We have things to do. Whoever you are, please leave."

"Hah? Who do you think you are—" Rodney scowled at me, but his eyes flickered. Instantly, he switched to a gentlemanly smile.

"Miss, I am Rodney Morse. May I ask your name?"

Holy crap... I had to admire his audacity. Moments ago, he'd sworn devotion only to Ada, now his playboy nature showed.

"They're my friends. Don't bother them," Ada said coldly.

I spotted Ada's hand under the counter gripping two or three thumb-sized glass vials. I realized what they were: magic potions storing spells, known as "Magic Storm."

When a Magic Storm vial shatters, the stored spell releases. Since it's not cast by a Mage personally, its power is weaker than standard magic. But it needs no chanting—just instant release.

With enough of these alchemical vials, one can cast spells endlessly. That's why it's called "Magic Storm"—a tempest of unleashed magic.

Unaware he was targeted, Rodney continued blithely. "Friends? No problem. Ada's friends are mine. Ada, introduce me to this lovely lady?"

"She's my sister. Talk to me if you have business."

A black-haired youth stepped between Rodney and me, slender frame radiating chilling killing intent.

Oh no, Rodney was done for. One alchemist wasn't enough—he'd provoked Eunice too. I maliciously wondered if he'd crawl or roll out of the shop.

"Talk to you? You little sissy?" The Morse heir sneered at Eunice. "You don't even look Sacred Copper level. Don't lose heart. Bring your sister to the Morse estate tonight. I'll have my butler give you a beginner's sword manual. Practice hard—you might reach Sacred Copper in three years."

"Sacred Copper..."

"Yes, Sacred Copper. Hey, I know you're excited. But don't forget to bring your sister tonight."

Rodney reached out to push Eunice aside.

"Move. I haven't asked your sister's name yet."

"You can get lost."

"Huh? You little brat, what did you just—"

Pitch-black light, like a devouring void, slammed into Rodney's chest like a giant hammer.

Rodney stared at the sudden darkness, not comprehending. Time slowed; his face contorted unnaturally. The next instant, his body flew out like a broken sack.

Eunice stood calmly, the black light receding into her hand. Her expression was icy, detached.

The body crashed heavily outside, blood splattering the ground.

I watched the crumpled figure and shook my head lightly. I'd guessed wrong.

Rodney didn't crawl or roll out—he flew out.