"I know the Cardifen family. Who’s that Tilisha?"

"Who knows? Is it strange for Coleman Academy to have a few wild Divine Maidens?"

"What’s happening this year? Coleman, which never compromises on quality, enrolled so many wild Divine Maidens. Or did I just happen to bump into all of them?"

"Heh.........." At the center of the spectator stands, on the instructor’s bench, Flannard listened to the murmurs around him, a cold and smug curve on his lips.

He’d sent someone to warn Tilisha to be sensible—to quit Dilin’s team. But this wild girl was so ungrateful, ignoring his generous terms.

When Flannard heard this, he seethed. He, a high-blooded Elf and Coleman’s deputy instructor, had condescended to approach her—that alone was a massive favor.

Since this wild Divine Maiden didn’t know her place, harsh reality would teach her a lesson.

Flannard sat properly on the bench, chatting with fellow instructors while glancing at the arena, inwardly gloating.

"Priest Estelle, what brings you here?" an instructor remarked—no one knew who spoke.

Flannard instantly dropped his gentle facade. His face contorted with blatant flattery.

"Lord Estelle! Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? Quick, take my seat." Flannard hurriedly offered his spot, bowing deeply to the handsome dark-haired Elf behind him.

"No need for formalities, Instructor Flannard. You sit." The young Elf refused, scanning the bench with his cane. Finding no seat, he stood silently in the corner.

Humiliated before his peers, Flannard flushed but didn’t sit. He stood beside Estelle instead.

"Lord Estelle, are you here specifically for Princess Astrid’s match?" Flannard pressed when the other stayed silent.

He knew Estelle only left his lab for Astrid-related matters.

Flannard was aware Estelle chased that ethereal moonlight of unparalleled beauty.

As the noble Silver Moon Saintess and Elven Crown Princess, Astrid was adored by humans, other races, and Elves alike—many sought her hand.

But Elf courtship was subtle. Unlike humans, Elves rarely disturbed their beloved before confirming mutual feelings.

Estelle never admitted his affection, yet it was an open secret. He’d abandon half-finished experiments just to hear news of Astrid.

"Hmm. Pity I’m late," Estelle replied lightly. He’d spotted the silver-haired girl—the center of attention—upon entering.

Knowing Astrid’s nature, she’d usually leave after her match.

Staying meant this bout held appeal for her.

Could it be........... tied to that human?

Estelle’s eyebrow lifted almost imperceptibly.

The arena was cleared. A brown-haired girl in lavish robes emerged from one prep room, gripping a long whip. She strode in, head high, radiating calm confidence.

Today, Aerin was in high spirits. Teaching a lesson to an arrogant wild Divine Maiden was mere entertainment. Her real goal was showcasing her talent before the entire academy.

Her opponent lacked a domain—a perfect chance to seize.

"Aerin? Cardifen’s second daughter, right? Not sure about her strength."

"What about Tilisha? Match is starting—where is she?" Astrid’s presence kept spectators buzzing.

Aerin sneered at the opposite tunnel.

Whether Tilisha fled or fought, she’d lose face today.

In the stands, Astrid stared silently at the other tunnel.

If her senses were correct, Tilisha—the golden-haired girl—was an unawakened Divine Maiden.

An awakened Divine Maiden versus an unawakened one? Total mismatch...........

Just as impatience spread, movement stirred in the tunnel.

Brilliant platinum hair shimmered under the sun, flowing like silk to her ankles, swaying gently with each step.

The girl carried a near-body-length ‘iron tube’ on her back, walking onto the arena with unhurried grace. Every step balanced ‘elegance’ and ‘poise,’ making her origins easy to overlook.

That............

Astrid’s eyes widened slightly at the ‘tube.’

She recognized it instantly—Dilin’s Firearm.

A Divine Maiden duel... using a Firearm??

Astrid knew her guess was right. Tilisha truly was unawakened.

If so.............

"Tch.........." Aerin sneered inwardly at Tilisha’s entrance.

Bastard. What are you pretending to be?

"Long time no see, classmate Tilisha. Quite the coincidence—we’re paired together." Aerin twirled her whip, grinning at the silent girl.

"We’re classmates. Had you just gotten along nicely, it wouldn’t have come to this, would it~?"