The Auster Kingdom spans vast territories, encompassing over a dozen vassal states—most ruled by the king’s own kin.

Suran and Lyasis’ destination was the Ohamar Duchy, famed as the "Arcane Dominion." Its lord, Duke Ohama Auster, bore the illustrious title of "Royal Archmage."

"So, Suran," Lyasis murmured, "you brought me to the Arcane Dominion to help me grow quickly into an excellent mage? But… won’t the competition be too fierce?"

Night draped their path. In the hushed forest, not a leaf stirred. Lyasis instinctively lowered her voice.

"Though called the Arcane Dominion," Suran replied, "today’s world holds many professions. Not everyone there is a mage. But magical resources will abound—truly ideal for mages of any level to hone their craft."

"As for competition, my lady, worry not. You carry the noblest bloodline in this world. Your innate magic is formidable. Mastering formulas and leveling up will come swiftly to you."

"Hearing that puts my mind at ease." Lyasis offered a faint smile. "Learning magic from other disciplines for the first time… I’m both nervous and excited."

"How are you feeling, my lady? Since leaving the Crimson Garden, we’ve traveled nonstop for a week with no proper rest." Suran’s voice held quiet concern. Her lady, who rarely wandered beyond garden strolls, had never journeyed so far or so long.

"Of course I’m tired," Lyasis replied lightly. "But Suran—this is the first time I’m walking *with my own two feet* through the world beyond the Crimson Garden. I’m still so excited my feet won’t stop!"

"Hmm… When you say ‘the world beyond,’ you mean the Loren Continent, right?" Suran asked after a pause.

Lyasis instantly knew Suran recalled her trip to Earth.

"Mm-hmm~ Then this is the *second* time. After all… I gave my ‘first time’ to *that* place~"

"My lady… Your tone feels… strange."

Suran understood: Lyasis meant Earth was her true "first," but she’d lingered on "first time" with deliberate ambiguity. A subtle flush crept up Suran’s neck.

"Strange? I think it’s fine~ Oh! Now that I think… including *that* ‘first time,’ I’ve had so many ‘firsts’ tied to you, Suran~"

"…My lady!"

"Suran, your face is *so* red! Haha, alright, alright—I’ll stop teasing you." Lyasis halted, exhaling softly. "Phew… My feet are sore. Let’s rest here? Resume at dawn."

Suran fanned her flushed cheeks. After scanning the clearing, she nodded. "This spot suits camping. If I’m right, we’ll reach Lobet City—the largest town in Ohamar—by tomorrow."

She cast Spatial Magic, summoning her storage space.

Just as she reached for the tent, her ears twitched. A faint sound.

"Suran? What’s wrong?" Lyasis, watching closely, noticed Suran’s gaze sharpen.

"My lady… shh." Suran raised a slender finger to her lips.

She focused. Listening.

Yes—the sound was clearer now. Cries for help. Drawing nearer.

"Please stand behind me." Suran’s voice stayed calm. One hand slipped beneath her skirt.

*Patter, thud-thud-thud—*

Footsteps erupted from the shadows. Lyasis heard them too. Chaotic, yet split into two rhythms: frantic patters of the fleeing, heavy thuds of the pursuer.

Three battered figures burst from the gloom—a human warrior, a human priest, an elf mage—all bleeding.

Close behind loomed a hulking magical bear, blood-red eyes blazing in the dark.

"P-please… save us!!" Their hoarse cries barely held strength.

"Suran… should we save them?" Lyasis asked.

(As queen or noble, she’d never spare a thought for such insignificant lives. But now—as a "human mage"—she *should* feel empathy. *Shouldn’t a good person help?*)

"Of course, my lady," Suran affirmed.

In a flash, daggers bloomed between her fingers. With a motion like a celestial maiden scattering blossoms, she flung them forth.

*Whoosh—*

The trio felt only a whisper past their ears. Then—

"ROAR—!"

*THUD!!!*

The bear collapsed, its massive frame shaking the earth.

"…Huh?"

"I-It’s dead? An elite-grade Jungle Dire Bear… just like *that*?"

They turned, trembling. Shock froze them.

*(Elite-grade ranks second-lowest among monsters… yet it hunted us to exhaustion. We must be utterly ordinary.)*

"Th-thank you! For saving us!" The young warrior gasped, hands braced on knees. The priest and elf mage bowed deeply beside him.

Suran remained silent. Her lady had not spoken—it wasn’t her place.

"No need for thanks," Lyasis said with gentle grace. "Are you injured? Do you have healing supplies?"

The trio had never seen a mage so poised, so noble. *Surely a highborn lady seeking magical wisdom…*

"We have supplies! No worry!"

"Saviors—were you also heading to Lobet City?"

"Oh? You too?" Lyasis smiled warmly. "Then… shall we travel together?"