"Fourth Rank magical beasts are truly terrifying."

After witnessing their destructive power firsthand, Celia and the other two gained a clearer understanding of their own strength.

Second Rank Heroes? Pure rookies.

"Terrifying? Once you know their weaknesses, defeating them isn’t difficult at all."

Dorothy didn’t want such beasts to crush their confidence.

As she led them back to the Heroes Guild, she happened to pass Roland just exiting the Guildmaster’s office.

Dorothy lowered her hat brim, brushing past her silently.

Roland halted after their encounter, her gaze fixed intently on Dorothy’s retreating figure. The usual disdain in her eyes had vanished, replaced by a trace of curiosity.

"What’s wrong?"

The brown-haired girl was puzzled by her captain’s behavior. Roland merely murmured, "Nothing," before turning away and walking toward the hall’s exit.

"Wasn’t that Roland? Her attitude seems... different."

Celia had also noticed Roland’s reaction. She’d expected confrontation, not just a lingering glance.

This shift left her wondering—had Dorothy done something behind the scenes?

She couldn’t figure it out.

"Who knows?" Dorothy replied vaguely.

Aurora observed everything, her finger unconsciously tapping her lip as if piecing together a puzzle.

On their way to the second-floor classroom, an unexpected guest blocked their path—leaning on a cane, standing where no one anticipated him.

At the sight of him, Celia’s pupils contracted slightly. Instinctively, she half-hid behind Dorothy.

"Aul..."

She now loathed this steward, despite his lifelong service to her family.

"Young Mistress," Aul chuckled, his white hair gleaming. "With magical beasts attacking, you shouldn’t wander outside the Guild with your instructor. It worries me deeply."

His words scolded Celia, but his barbs were aimed at Dorothy.

He’d come specifically to find this Hero. Learning she’d taken the Young Mistress roaming the city only fueled his irritation.

Had he not known Dorothy was formidable, he’d have dragged Celia back himself.

*Arrogant Hero.*

"This isn’t ‘wandering’! Instructor taught me crucial combat knowledge—and she kept me safe!" Celia protested.

"Combat? As the Fiona Clan’s heir, you won’t fight. Your guards will protect you."

Aul’s tone shifted sharply. "And you claim she protected you? Then tell me, Instructor—what Rank are you? What makes you confident enough to shield the Young Mistress from a Fifth Rank beast?"

His question dripped with disdain, baiting a hot-headed youth into revealing their Rank.

Dorothy merely smiled. "Rank is personal. None of your concern. But Aul—you’re the Fiona Clan’s steward. Since when did nobles forget etiquette and pry into a Hero’s Rank?"

Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. It radiated danger.

Silence froze the corridor. Celia and her friends held their breath.

Finally, Aul relented.

"Instructor Dorothy, I’d like a private word. Are you available?"

Gloved hand extended in invitation, he gestured toward an empty room. Dorothy nodded and followed without hesitation.

"Instructor..." Celia’s voice trembled with worry.

Dorothy glanced back, her expression softening. "I’ll be back soon."

As the door closed behind them, Celia’s trio settled on sofas near the second-floor balcony, waiting anxiously.

Memories of their previous instructor stirred unease in Celia’s chest. She gripped her skirt tightly. "Do you think... Dorothy-senpai will leave us?"

Isha sprawled ungracefully on a sofa, already snoring lightly. Aurora gently took Celia’s hand.

"No. She chose to be our instructor. Trust her."

Seeing Celia’s doubt linger, Aurora leaned close, whispering behind a cupped hand:

"Secret: Roland only defeated that Fifth Rank beast because Dorothy-senpai helped her secretly."

"Why else would Roland change her attitude?"

Aurora had connected the dots—their desperate battle, Roland’s sudden shift. Without Dorothy’s aid, victory would’ve been impossible.

"Really?"

"Absolutely." Aurora smoothed her white skirt. "I’d wager Dorothy-senpai holds her own honorific title. She won’t abandon us easily."

"Honorific title?"

"Mmhmm. Maybe even Sage-tier. Why else would your steward treat her so carefully? He came personally..."

"Sage? That’s... too much."

"Hmph. Maybe a little."

Celia rested her chin on her palms. She didn’t fully believe Aurora’s guess—but most of it rang true.

Aul had never personally sought an instructor at the Guild before.

Sixth Rank Heroes were rare even in the Fiona Clan.

Then a chilling thought struck her.

"If Dorothy-senpai really is Sixth Rank... what’s her title?"

"No idea."

"You don’t know either?"

"Hey, I’m not omniscient. Ask her when she returns." Aurora’s face lit with a knowing smile. "Dorothy-senpai’s gentle. She’ll tell you."