"That's roughly what happened last night."

"Oh~ So that's how it was."

In the end, under Nellie's relentless questioning, Abel was forced to reveal the truth about last night.

It was just an accident, and naturally, Nellie understood.

"But Abel, you need to grasp one thing: public opinion and morality always side with girls. Whether you saw Shea's panties or she saw yours."

"Uh, noted."

Facing Nellie's lecture, Abel didn't respond much. His gaze 'accidentally' drifted to her.

He carefully compared the bust size of this white-haired demon to Shea's.

Honestly, someone was truly unfortunate.

Nellie's chest wasn't large, but it easily outclassed Shea's flat washboard.

"Abel, your stare is quite rude," Nellie remarked after sensing his gaze.

He quickly looked away.

"Don't be mad, Teacher Nelly. This pervert's just like that," Shea said after washing the dishes. She limped into the living room and shot Abel a 'you're on your own' look.

He returned an innocent glance.

He really had been comparing them with academic curiosity.

"You've worked hard, little Shea. Oh dear~ Pity I'm a girl too, or I'd consider taking you home. What a blessing to have such a thrifty, home-loving wife," Nellie joked cheerfully. Privately, she and Shea felt more like sisters or close friends.

"Stop teasing me, Teacher Nelly. No matter how perverted I am, I wouldn't touch a married person," Shea replied, then shot Abel another fierce glare.

*That means you, perverted Hunter uncle.*

"So, Teacher Nelly, what brings you here?"

"Jokes aside, I came to check your health. Magic depletion isn't trivial. Give me your hand."

Before Shea could refuse, Nellie rolled up her sleeve and placed fingers on her pulse.

...

Silence stretched. Nellie's expression darkened with time, and Shea's heart clenched. *Do I have aftereffects?*

Then Nellie's face brightened. She withdrew her hand. "Oh, I misread it. You should try swordsmanship later—I think it suits you."

"Phew... Teacher Nelly, you nearly scared me to death. I thought something was wrong," Shea sighed in relief, then froze. "Wait, learn *what*?"

"Swordsmanship. What else?" Nellie patted her shoulder. With a miserable wail, Shea collapsed onto the sofa, dreading the inhumane training ahead.

Shea hated swordsmanship—it was exhausting. Magic was easy: no muscle-building, no sweating buckets.

"Why must I, a mage, train with swords..." She could only grumble about Nellie's ruthless decision. She wouldn't dare say no.

"I think you have talent for it, little Shea. And if not swords, my arranged mentor can teach alchemical pharmacology."

"Pushing someone into medicine invites lightning strikes... Besides, potion-making is for witches. I'm no witch."

"Alchemical pharmacology, not magic potions. There's a difference... Well, I don't know it myself. Try it if you're willing." Nellie sighed. Shea seemed uninterested in non-magic skills, but diversifying might help.

"I'm not resistant. Just short on time."

Time was equal for all—twenty-four hours, no more, no less.

"Don't worry. I'll get you exemptions from unnecessary classes."

"Thanks, Teacher Nelly. I'll nap now." Shea expressed sincere gratitude, then headed to her room. She felt oddly tired. *Mental exhaustion, perhaps.*

After smiling goodbye, Nellie picked up the teapot. "Mind if I pour some tea?"

"Go ahead. Need help? It's hot."

"No need."

Nellie poured half a cup, cradled it, and gently blew on the steam. She waited silently for Abel to speak.

He obliged. "Shea's condition isn't good, is it."

"Mhm. Very bad. The 67th ring of section three, 32nd segment of section five, 49th ring of section seven—all her magic circuits are destroyed. Irreparable damage like this may end her mage career."

"What caused it?" Abel fell silent. He knew how grave it was.

"Little Shea overused magic. Her Spirit Form likely lasted over five seconds—maybe ten. She forgot her daily practice limit." Nellie's voice held self-reproach. She'd meant the spell as protection, not harm.

"Thankfully, it's controllable. But she mustn't use magic again before healing, or depletion could kill her."

"That serious?" Abel was stunned. Losing power was cruel enough—but being barred from magic entirely? It was like ripping out her claws. Worse, finals at Magic Academy loomed; failing meant expulsion.

"So, Abel, protect this stubborn girl well. She's strong, but don't tell her this. I'll find a solution."

"...Much obliged." Abel bowed his head. This white-haired demon truly cared for Shea. She'd sacrificed much. He could only honor their agreement: guard her.

"Oh, and don't take advantage while guarding her~"

"...