Fairness

Although he and Catherine were only ordinary friends, her slightly intimate behavior still made Albert feel that something was amiss.

"Long time no see. I never expected to run into you here."

Albert secretly glanced at Isabelle, then composed his expression and greeted Catherine in the tone one would use with a friend.

"That's your girlfriend, isn't it? She's prettier than I imagined."

Catherine scrutinized Isabelle, then teased with a smile, "But you brought your girlfriend along just to compete in a tournament. That really makes people jealous."

"How did you become Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry's team leader?" Albert tried to change the subject, lest she lead him into a trap and make him answer the fatal question of who was prettier.

"My grandfather is good friends with Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry's headmaster. He persuaded him to let me be the team leader. Oh, and I forgot to tell you—I'm now a Potions teaching assistant at Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Catherine withdrew her gaze from the competition grounds and studied the distinctive young man before her again. He was more confident than before.

"That's quite surprising. I thought you would..."

"I had to find something to do, and besides, I'm only affiliated with the school in name." Catherine cut him off. She was already highly accomplished in Potions, and her exquisite looks made her popular at school. Most importantly, she had connections, so certain things naturally came easily to her.

"You don't mind if I borrow your boyfriend for a moment, do you?"

Catherine gave Isabelle, who was walking over, a friendly smile, her tone carrying a hint of teasing.

"I don't mind. There's always a whole group of pretty female friends around Albert anyway. I'm used to it by now." Isabelle gestured toward