Ulterior Motives

"I've certainly broadened my horizons tonight."

Albert emerged from the bathroom with a dry towel draped over his head. He had just sat down at the table, preparing to use the Two-way Mirror to chat with Isabelle.

Then someone knocked on the door.

"Is something wrong?"

Albert hurriedly dried the moisture from his hair with the towel. When he opened the door, he found the bar owner, Diana, and her daughter Yanira standing in the corridor outside.

"Here's the list."

Diana smiled and handed Albert a sheet of paper. "The competition starts around ten tomorrow morning. You may select one spell from the list and demonstrate it before the Judges Panel."

Albert took the paper and skimmed its contents. Then his gaze fell on the stack of papers in Diana's hand, and he quickly guessed what was going on.

The competition began tomorrow. Every contestant needed to demonstrate magic before the judges, so they had to make some preparations in advance to avoid being caught off guard by any mishaps.

As for Yanira's curious, appraising gaze, Albert simply ignored it.

"Thank you. I understand."

After exchanging a few casual words with Diana, Albert closed the door again. Just as he prepared to return to the table, he heard the mother and daughter talking in the corridor.

"Mother, you were right. Mr. Anderson really is a very unusual person. But he seems to know what you're trying to do, and he doesn't like it." Yanira's voice was very soft, and Albert could barely make it out.

"Don't be silly, my daughter." Diana gazed at Yanira's beautiful face and said softly, "You're so beautiful, and you're a famous singer. What man could possibly refuse you?"

"Didn't you say he already has a girlfriend?" Yanira frowned, clearly disapproving of Diana's suggestion.

"So what?"