Kevin slowly turned toward the sound. It was a man—the same one from the clothing store. He examined her with his blue eyes, and an awkward tension filled the air.

Her breathtakingly beautiful face seemed calm, but suspicion flickered beneath. Over a century of experience had taught her well: no good deed comes without motive. With her current appearance, she easily attracted those lusting after beauty.

Even though this man was well-dressed and handsome, radiating calm, she suspected he hid ill intentions.

"Oh, why are you helping me?" Kevin’s voice carried caution. She couldn’t fathom his motives—they’d only met once.

"This?" Lorin heard her crisp voice. He lightly touched his face, paused briefly, and replied casually. "Just a good deed, like helping an old lady cross the street."

"Or give me your Magic Airship ticket," Kevin countered, extending a hand hidden in her robe toward the gem-laden table. His flippant reply confirmed her suspicion—he wasn’t even pretending. She subtly shifted her feet backward, unnoticed. If he refused, she’d use magic to take what she needed. Just a little theft.

"Miss, I need this ticket myself," Lorin said. He didn’t know why he felt compelled to help this woman he’d barely met—a feeling entirely new to him. Then, as if realizing something, he added firmly, "I’m visiting my teacher’s hometown. Rare time off. But don’t worry—I won’t lay a hand on you."

"Oh." Kevin’s hidden wariness eased slightly. If he meant harm, a duel would’ve settled it. Perhaps he truly just wanted to give her a ride. She gathered the gems from the table and met his gaze with pale blue eyes. "Alright, thank you. But please accept this reward."

She agreed for her own reasons. He seemed genuinely kind, and the long Magic Airship journey meant company. Honestly, she hadn’t spoken to anyone but Gali in ages.

"Alright, but I’ll only take a little," Lorin said. Uninterested in the gems, he took one to ease her mind. He stepped forward and presented the ticket.

"Mr. Lorin and your friend, headcount complete. We take off soon—find your seats," an attendant announced after inspection. They entered the Magic Airship in silence.

Kevin’s stunning beauty instantly drew every eye. The quiet cabin grew noisy. She stayed close behind Lorin, feeling uncomfortable stares on her exposed skin—as if they wanted to devour her.

"If I had more magic, I’d use a disguise spell," she thought. "I really hate this." She kept a placid expression, finally understanding Manna’s past discomfort. Following Lorin to a quiet VIP cabin, she sighed in relief as starlight from the window reflected on the floor. She sank unceremoniously into the soft sofa. Her pale legs swung gently under her loose robe, glimpses of thigh radiating subtle allure.

She’d walked barefoot—no time for shoes—using magic to float slightly. Her spotless feet emitted a faint, sweet fragrance.

"You’re quite relaxed, Miss," Lorin teased. He hung his suit jacket aside, adjusted his collar, and sat across from her.

"I’m fine. But you drink alcohol, don’t you?" Kevin asked slowly. She’d caught the faint, familiar scent—years of drinking made her certain.

"Not mine. My dad’s—the drunk who’s been drinking since birth. I sprayed perfume before leaving," Lorin replied, his expression turning serious as he waved off the topic.

"By the way, call me Kevin," she said, wisely dropping the subject. His strained father-son relationship was clear. She extended her hand politely.

"I’m Lorin. Kevin? That’s... unusual for you," he said, surprised she shared his teacher’s surname—and puzzled why a woman bore a man’s name. Their hands clasped firmly.

"Lorin, huh." Kevin seemed to recall something but couldn’t place it. They withdrew their hands. "Why help me? And how did you see through my disguise?"

"Haven’t I said? Just kindness. You don’t look that old—I’m treating you like an adult showing concern. My teacher taught me disguise principles."

"True. This body isn’t that old," Kevin murmured, leaning back as her silver hair spilled over the sofa.

"Hm?" Lorin frowned. What did she mean by "this body"? Before Kevin could ask about his teacher—surely no ordinary person—a sudden knock interrupted them. The pounding grew heavier. They knew the visitor meant no good.