"We've told you many times—this isn't a place for filthy half-elves like you."

"If you don't want trouble, leave Kamila Noble Academy quietly. Or we'll beat you every time we see you!"

Two boys swung wooden swords at the half-elf girl.

A hit wouldn't kill her, but injuries were inevitable.

She gasped, raising her shield to block—but frail and delicate, she couldn't withstand their force. She crashed to the ground.

"This time, we'll teach you a real lesson. Maybe you'll finally learn."

Wyatt Paul stepped forward, stomping her wooden sword to splinters. Coldly, he raised his own blade over the trembling girl, showing no mercy.

"I hate elves."

The sword slashed down. The half-elf squeezed her eyes shut—yet no pain came. Instead, a stranger's voice cut through the air:

"Boys ganging up on one girl? Brats like you need a good thrashing."

"Who are you? Mind your own business!"

"Ouch! Stop it! That hurts!"

"I'm sorry! Don't hit me! Waaah..."

...followed by a chorus of wails and cries.

Confused, the half-elf slowly opened her large azure eyes. They shimmered with a mesmerizing, gem-like luster—as if holding a spellbinding magic.

The first thing she saw was a boy's sturdy back shielding her. Nearby, her tormentors lay bruised and swollen. Had he saved her? No one had ever stood up for her before. Her heart fluttered.

"Hmph. Brats like you just need discipline. Now scram!"

Leyang dusted off his hands, glaring down at them with icy disdain.

"You... you dare treat us like this? I'm the fifth son of the Wyatt Family! Give me your name!"

Wyatt Paul clutched his swollen face, shouting defiantly.

"I'm Nebis Leyang—fourth son of the Nebis Family. Come at me if you want revenge. I'll be waiting."

Leyang crossed his arms, smirking. He didn't believe in half-measures with brats. One beating usually fixed them. Two, if needed.

Kamila Noble Academy rarely interfered in kids' squabbles anyway—as long as things didn't get too extreme.

Taking down these pathetic fighters was effortless for Leyang.

"Nebis Leyang, huh? I'll remember this, Wyatt Paul vows! You'll regret it!"

"Huh?"

Leyang shot him a fierce glare. The boys scrambled away, scared out of their wits.

"Wait! Don't leave me alone!"

Tears streaming, Wyatt Paul chased after them.

"Just a bunch of spoiled brats. You okay?"

Leyang turned, his deep gaze locking onto the half-elf. He reached out and pulled her up without hesitation.

She was only eight—what was there to worry about?

"Th-thank you for chasing them away. I'm Glantham Phoenix, from the Glantham Family."

She offered her small, pale hand with a sweet, earnest smile.

"I'm Nebis Leyang, fourth son of the Nebis Family."

He shook her hand lightly, then let go.

"Leyang-sama... for your safety, please keep your distance from me. Otherwise, Paul and his friends will target you too."

Phoenix blurted it out timidly.

"Just a few brats. Ignore them. Besides, I've already helped you—they'll hate me anyway. Too late now."

Leyang shrugged carelessly.

"I... I'm sorry. This is all my fault."

"Stop that. It's not your fault. I told you not to worry—I'll handle any trouble."

"Paul has a strong servant. And his family holds a viscount title. We can't fight that."

"A viscount? My dad is one too. He's also a Lord."

...Though a broke, powerless one.

"You're a viscount's son too, Leyang-sama?!"

"What, don't I look the part?"

Leyang raised an eyebrow.

"No! I didn't mean that! Please don't be mad!"

Phoenix panicked, shaking her head and waving her hands.

"Just kidding. Where do you live? I'll walk you back—it's getting late."

Leyang chuckled softly.

"I... I couldn't trouble you. I can go alone."

Her cheeks flushed as she spoke bashfully.

"Afraid they'll come back for you?"

At that, Glantham Phoenix's face paled slightly. She bit her lip stubbornly.

Terrified but putting on a brave front—this girl was different.

"Come on. Where do you live?"

"...Dorm Block D, Room 108."

Walking side by side, Phoenix drew stares for her unusual looks. She shrank under the attention.

"Leyang-sama..."

"Just call me Leyang. 'Sama' sounds weird."

"But how can I? You're a viscount's son. I'm only a knight's daughter. Calling you by name would be rude."

"It's fine. I don't mind."

"My father always says: never forget your place. Please forgive me."

Glantham Phoenix insisted firmly.

Then she worried he might be angry—regret flickered in her chest.

"Stubborn little thing. Suit yourself then."

Leyang didn't care. It was just a title.

So she was a knight's daughter—the Glantham Family must be a knightly house.

"Phoenix, do you want to be a knight?"

Leyang asked casually.

Instantly, her eyes blazed with resolve:

"Of course! It's my dream!"