“Hold on. Listen to me.”

Just then, Aide’s voice came from behind.

“Is something wrong? If it’s about the mission, I’ll be here on time tomorrow,” I said, glancing at him with slight confusion.

“Stay here tonight. I forgot to mention—we depart at 3 a.m. tomorrow. And… I’m not yet comfortable entrusting my daughter to you. Show me the responsibility and character I can trust,” Aide said.

“I understand. You can trust me with Aifei,” I replied firmly—though I meant strictly as master and apprentice.

M-Meeting the parents? But Aifei, whose understanding had already skewed, saw it differently. She believed her new master intended to marry her.

“Good. This escort mission will test your character—whether you’re the right person for my daughter,” Aide said, clearly pleased with my respectful tone.

Truth was, Aide had also misunderstood. All because of my earlier third question: *“Do you like me?”*

Anyone hearing that would assume a proposal. No wonder father and daughter took it that way.

“Sleep in the room beside my daughter’s. And remember—before we confirm your suitability, if you… *do* that sort of thing, take proper precautions. Or my daughter might end up unmarriageable,” Aide added with a knowing look. People in Sradon Kingdom were rather open about such matters.

“Father, you…!” Aifei’s face flushed deep crimson. She knew exactly what he meant.

*Kissing… then stripping naked and doing… those shameless things…*

Years of isolated training left Aifei utterly inexperienced. She remained deeply conservative about intimacy.

“Um… alright. Honestly, I wasn’t planning to leave anyway,” I replied calmly—completely unaware of his implication.

I’d already told Elle I wouldn’t return to the inn. I had other tasks to handle once Aide’s group fell asleep.

“Th-This… I…” To Aifei, my words sounded like her new master was ready to claim her *tonight*. Her imagination had already spiraled wildly.

If I knew how far her thoughts had wandered, I’d be speechless.

*Aifei~~~ He’s coming for me…*

*It’s okay… If it’s Master… he can do anything to me…*

(,,´•ω•)ノ"(´っω•｀。) Ah~ ❤

Heat flooded her cheeks. She pressed her palms tightly over them, too flustered to continue the fantasy.

“It’s late. We start now, Aifei. Come.” I took her hand and walked off without looking back.

“Too fast! I’m not ready!” Aifei’s face burned. *He can’t wait? In broad daylight?! It’s my first time!*

“Not ready? Do you even want to be my apprentice?” I shot her a cold look. *Unprepared for training? How weak.*

“B-But… shouldn’t feelings grow slowly first? Jumping straight to *that* feels too rushed…”

“No need. Start now. Without that resolve? I can’t accept you.” My voice held zero warmth. An apprentice obeys. Or leaves.

“Then… I’ll overcome my shyness. I won’t say no,” Aifei declared, steel in her voice.

“Good. Wrap your arms around my neck. I’m taking you somewhere spacious.”

*Spacious too?! So bold… Does he want all of nature to watch?!* Her emotions tangled into knots—but she still placed her hands on his shoulders.

“Dragon Magic—Crimson Scale Wings!” Wings erupted from my back. I soared skyward, pace deliberately slow to keep her steady.

“Who *is* this boy? He wields Dragon Magic…” Aide murmured in awe. Such magic had vanished from the continent ages ago.

Aifei barely noticed. Her mind buzzed with impure thoughts.

*First time… How do I respond? What moves do I make?*

Her thoughts short-circuited. Adorably flustered.

“Training spot secured.” I landed in a vast clearing and set her down.

“Yes! I’ll undress right now!!” Aifei, utterly lost to panic, began stripping off her knight’s uniform. Pale skin peeked through.

“Why are you taking off your clothes?”