Inside the luxurious cabin of the Magic Airship, Lorin knelt with his head bowed. Sweat beaded on his forehead, occasionally dripping onto the back of his hand resting on his trouser leg. His handsome face was etched with tension and confusion.
He lifted his head slightly, daring only a furtive glance. The scent of a young girl teased his nose, and his eyes caught the sway of pale, slender calves before him.
"Miss Kevin," Lorin asked hesitantly, "can I get up now? Honestly, I’ve been kneeling long enough—it should be fine, right?"
Pain throbbed beneath him, and his voice carried a trace of pleading. Before she could reply, he started to rise.
"No." Kevin’s voice was icy. She sat rigidly on the sofa, her pale blue eyes fixed on Lorin kneeling before her. The room’s temperature seemed to drop.
"If you dare stand, Lorin, I’ll throw you out," she warned, her soft tone devoid of humor. Even her faint smile radiated coldness.
"But why, Miss Kevin? I haven’t done anything to wrong you," Lorin protested, genuine bewilderment in his voice. He knelt back down obediently, not wanting to anger her.
"Oh? You don’t know?" Kevin drawled slowly, her words laced with sarcasm. She lifted a steaming teacup beside her and took a leisurely sip, as if nothing mattered.
"Lorin, you’ve followed me without permission all this time. Did you think I had no temper? If not for all your help, I’d have tossed you out ages ago."
"…………"
Seeing Lorin silent, Kevin continued in a warning tone. "Weren’t you visiting your teacher? Why are you back? I’ll give you one chance to explain. Unsatisfactory answers, and you’re thrown overboard."
"Miss Kevin, could I stand first?" Lorin’s voice was pleading now. He seemed aware his actions weren’t gentlemanly, his confidence faltering.
"Stand. But choose your words carefully."
"Okay. Ahh, much better."
Lorin rose stiffly, a soft groan escaping his lips. He dragged his heavy legs to the sofa behind him and sank down, relief washing over him instantly.
"How to explain? I felt I had to return these to you, Miss Kevin. Otherwise, I’d never sleep tonight."
Leaning back to ease his exhaustion, Lorin turned his gaze toward Kevin. A heavy bag thudded against the glass table, spilling precious gems across the floor with a loud clatter that echoed in the quiet room.
"What’s this?" Kevin asked, puzzled by the noise. Only when familiar gems rolled to her feet did she realize Lorin’s purpose. Her tone softened. "My fault—I didn’t make it clear. These are gifts for you."
She covered her delicate face with slender fingers, her stunning features twisting in regret. This was partly her mistake.
"I don’t need these. I just want you to accept this gift, Miss Kevin."
As he spoke, Lorin produced a golden gift box from nowhere. He placed it on the glass table between them and gently slid it toward Kevin.
"Fine... fine. What now?" Kevin tilted her head, silver hair swaying. After a brief pause, she reluctantly agreed.
"I’m heading back anyway—break’s almost here."
Lorin leaned back on the plush sofa with an air of resignation. His face paled, as if utterly drained.
"I see. That’s good."
"Miss Kevin, I have a request."
"Go on."
"Let me help you put on your shoes. I don’t know your size—whether they’ll fit. If not, we can exchange them."
Lorin stood, his eyes steady and resolute, awaiting her reply.
"Ew. Disgusting."
The words burst from Kevin, raw revulsion flooding her. Her face twisted in disgust.
The blow hit Lorin hard. He chuckled awkwardly to ease the tension, and silence settled between them.
The Magic Airship pressed on toward the imperial capital, undisturbed by their quiet standoff.
Dawn broke, banishing the last shadows. The airship neared its destination, vibrations growing frequent—landing was imminent.
"We’re here, Lorin. You’re sometimes disgusting, but... you’re not a bad person. Honestly, I don’t dislike you. Goodbye."
The breathtaking woman on the sofa slowly opened her eyes amid the airship’s gentle tremors. Lorin’s reflection filled her gaze as she murmured, resigned.
"Really, Miss Kevin? I’m sorry—I shouldn’t have said that."
Lorin clasped his hands nervously to his chest, fidgeting. He seemed about to speak more but hesitated, falling silent.
"It’s nothing. We’ll meet again someday."
Kevin waved lightly, dismissing his worry. She rose slowly to leave—there was no reason to stay.
Just as she reached the Magic Airship’s exit, a hand grabbed hers from behind. She didn’t need to turn; she knew who it was.
That familiar sensation. That familiar magic. Oh, heavens—Lorin, you’re such a nuisance.
"Miss Kevin, please leave your contact."
"No... fine."
Kevin had meant to refuse. But remembering how useful Lorin was—as a mana battery—she relented. Without looking back, she tossed a magic communication stone over her shoulder and vanished in a blink.
Meanwhile, a man wandered the streets, drinking alone. He might have sought more liquor, or perhaps something else—until a familiar scent reached his nose, and a distant figure appeared before him.
