Nair might not look impressive, but she had undeniably passed the mage examination and officially become a junior mage.
The ranking system for mages was not much different from that of knights, with the levels being:
Apprentice Mage, Mage, Grand Mage, Executor, Judicator, and Holy Mage.
This was precisely why Nair looked down on Liana so muchâhow could someone so worthless be granted such privileges?
Now, there was no turning back for Nair. She had witnessed Countess Ruth's methods firsthand. If she followed through with this, perhaps Ruth might even go easy on her. After all, she had just forced Liana to say such things in front of so many people. And if Princess Mepeilu saw this, she might even speak in Nairâs favor.
âI will not let you disturb Princess Mepeilu!â
Just then, the door behind her swung open. Before Nair could react, she heard the rustling of fabric in the air.
A cold dagger pressed against her throat.
âMaidâs Handbook, Rule Six: When the master is in danger, intervene immediately to ensure their safety.â
âYou? How is this possibleâ¦â
Nair couldn't believe itâLoraviel had approached her without her noticing. That could only mean one thing: Loraviel also knew magic. And her level was even higher than Nairâs.
This was even harder for Nair to accept. It was one thing for noble prodigies to be stronger than her, but for a mere servantâLianaâs servant, no lessâto surpass her?
Liana hadnât expected this either. In just a month, Loraviel had improved so much. And in battle, she seemed like a completely different person.
Was this the protagonistâs talent?
âLet go of me! A mere servant dares to lay hands on a noble?â Nair snapped.
âDonât move,â Liana warned. âThat could be dangerous.â
At Lianaâs words, Loraviel pressed the dagger closer to Nairâs throat.
âTch!â
Nair didnât dare move anymore. She could feel the cold blade against her skin and the sharp sting of pressure.
Luckily, the guards arrived at that moment, and Nair shouted for help.
âDrop your weapon!â
âYouâre overstepping,â Liana spoke calmly. âThatâs my maid.â
âLady Lianaâs maid? But this isâ¦â
The guards didnât know the full story, but they understood one thingâwhen Liana was involved, trouble followed. And now she was in conflict with Nair. Who knew what mess this would turn into?
Another spectacle caused by Liana. The nobles present grew even more displeased with her.
âI have a question for you,â Liana said, looking at the guards.
âWhat question?â
âIf the daughter of a noble family is being watched, what punishment should the offender receive?â
âThey would be arrested and interrogated, then punished according to the investigationâs results,â one guard answered.
âYou hear that, Nair?â
Liana flexed her wrist. âNot only were you watching me, but you also put your hands on me. That hurt, you know.â
âI just didnât want you to bother Princess Mepeilu!â Nair protested.
To those who didnât know the situation, Nairâs words made her seem somewhat reasonableâbut only just.
Liana had already dared to lay hands on Nair in front of so many nobles. A few more wouldnât make a difference.
Slap!
The crisp sound echoed through the crowd.
It was exactly the kind of thing Liana would do.
âBother Mepeilu?â Liana scoffed. âYou need to get one thing straight. It was I who called Mepeilu over. You should be grateful. Otherwise, do you think youâre even worthy of attending a banquet where she is present?â
The slap and Lianaâs words made Nairâs face burn with shame. But the cold dagger against her throat kept her from reacting rashly.
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Liana had been in a foul mood already. Now that Nair had presented herself as a perfect target, she couldnât resist venting.
Noblewomen really did have the best slap feelâthis was much more satisfying than hitting Shalido. And it didnât even hurt her hand.
Nairâs body trembled with rage. She stared at Liana in disbeliefâshe had really slapped her, and in front of all these people.
âLetâs go, Loraviel. Back to our room.â
âYes, Lady Liana.â
Loraviel released Nair and followed Liana inside.
Nair glared after them, seething with resentment. She swore to herselfâLiana and Loraviel would pay for this.
â
Back in her room, Liana threw herself onto the bed, burying her face in a pillow.
Loraviel, ever mindful of her role, didnât ask what had happened when Minoja took Liana away. She was just a maid, after all.
Liana felt irritable. Venting just now had helped a little, but thinking about the trouble ahead gave her a headache.
Her pale blue gown spread out across the bed, the snug fabric tracing the elegant curves of her body. The expansive bedding made her seem even more delicate.
And beneath the dressâs hem, that glimpse of soft white skinâit was a rare delicacy.
âLady Liana, are you all right?â
Loraviel thought Liana was upset because of what had happened with Nair.
In truth, it was the opposite. Thank goodness for NairâLiana had been able to release some of her frustration.
âAre you worried about me?â
Lianaâs violet eyes shimmered, her expression tinged with sadness. It was a look that could steal oneâs breath away.
For just a brief moment, Loraviel felt her heart waver. But only for a moment. She quickly reminded herself why she was here.
âSleeping in a gown is uncomfortable, and it will wrinkle the fabric,â Loraviel pointed out.
ââ¦â
âChange my clothes.â
âI understand.â
Upon hearing Lianaâs order, Loraviel skillfully undid the gownâs fastenings.
Lianaâs body was soft and smooth to the touch, carrying a faint, delicate fragrance.
Fortunately, she was still wearing undergarments. Otherwise, Loraviel would have been faced with an even more inappropriate sight.
Even so, Lianaâs figure was already a powerful enough distraction.
Once she was dressed in loose nightwear, Liana felt much more comfortable.
âLady Liana, Iâll go change and returnââ
But Liana didnât give her the chance to leave. She reached out, pulling Loraviel onto the bed.
âYouâre not going anywhere. Sleep.â
The commotion outside was all because of her. And Loraviel had just laid hands on a noble. It was safer for her to stay in the room for now.
ââ¦Okay.â
Like a small, helpless kitten, Loraviel curled up on the bed.
Tonight, Lady Liana seemed different again.
She had become strongerâjust like before.
But wasnât this how she was always meant to be?