But when Favna looked up, she saw Alte’s gaze was solemn—utterly devoid of lewd intent.

Not far behind him stood a young noblewoman, the Veranica family crest emblazoned on her sleeve.

Favna couldn’t help but wonder: *Could she be connected to Alte?*

Pinned gently against the wall, she stayed silent, simply watching him without a word.

Her breathing remained calm—a detail that surprised Alte, who’d braced to soothe her.

He’d expected fuss. Instead, quiet trust.

But…

Gazing at her flushed cheeks and those pure, unwavering eyes, even Alte felt a flicker of temptation. An impulse to lean in.

“Ah… Alte, why’s your hand on my face?”

Favna’s drowsy, confused voice jolted him. Cold sweat prickled his brow. Only then did he realize—his fingers had drifted to her cheek.

The white-haired little dragon girl, tipsy and dazed, simply blinked up at him, letting his hand linger.

If he’d wanted to take advantage… she wouldn’t have resisted.

And given her gentle nature? Even after sobering up, she’d likely just hide under the covers and cry—too timid to tell a soul.

“Sorry…”

Alte took a sharp breath, forcing calm. *I’m not that person.* Never had been.

After days together, she felt less like a “girlfriend” others whispered about—and more like a shy little sister.

“Why apologize?” Favna tilted her head slightly. “You were just avoiding that noble lady behind you, right?”

Alte didn’t deny it. “She was my classmate at the Magic Academy.”

“Oh… I see.”

Her foggy mind assumed he’d turned away to hide *their* connection.

“But… why do you seem scared of her?”

Alte froze. His expression tightened. Yet meeting her curious eyes, he ruffled her hair with a sigh.

“Call her my nightmare. But… she’s also why I grew stronger.”

“Mm… okay.” Favna nodded, half-understanding.

*“A heart unburdened by women, the sword strikes true,”* she recalled—a saying from her past life.

Meanwhile, the blonde noblewoman squinted at Alte’s back. Familiar… *very* familiar. Leaning closer, she gasped.

“Huh? Alte?!”

“Tsk.”

Exposed, Alte clicked his tongue, pulled Favna back to their table. This time, she sat willingly beside him.

Without hesitation, the blonde slid across from Alte, lips curling knowingly. “Knew it was you! That back looked *so* familiar. Long time no see!”

“I didn’t come here to see you, Denisa.”

Alte’s voice was ice. His gaze, sharp as a blade.

“How cold~” Denisa smiled, utterly unfazed. “Still haunted by the past? Relax. Is this little one your girlfriend?”

Her eyes swept over Favna’s unmasked face—admiring, yet laced with playful mockery.

“Petite thing. Alte, as a Dragon Knight, you *really* shouldn’t prey on underage girls.”

“I-I’m of age!” Beer courage flared. Favna straightened. “I’m just… small-built!”

“*Very* petite. In every way.” Denisa smirked, puffing her chest pointedly.

“What’s it to you if I have a girlfriend?”

“Oh? So she’s *not* your girlfriend?” Denisa’s faux-sweet tone dripped with manipulation.

Favna, socially perceptive yet deeply uncomfortable, felt nausea rise. Such blatant fakeness was revolting.

“No girlfriend? Then… drink with me? Might come with *perks*~”

“Not a chance.”

Alte stood, taking Favna’s hand. Alone, he’d face Denisa fearlessly. But he wouldn’t drag Favna into her toxicity.

Behind them, Denisa laughed—a delicate smile masking a heart that toyed with others for sport.

“Um…” Once outside, Favna broke the silence. “How… how did the clue gathering go?”

She’d noticed his tension. Knew old wounds lay there. No prying. The cool night air cleared her head; she steered gently away.

“If you didn’t get any… I’ll work harder for more intel back home!”

Alte’s lips twitched upward. Her clumsy comfort eased the headache memory had brought.

He ruffled her hair again.

“I’m the Dragon Knight Captain. Think I need *your* pep talk? Clues are secured. Walk and talk.”