Anastasia said in a deep voice, "I will be leaving in three days."
"There is no need to hold a farewell ceremony."
"I will leave this area behind. Whatever you wish to use it for, I will not interfere."
"I will take those Ice Maids with me. If you need to choose someone to manage this place, my student would be a good choice."
"In all my years, fewer than five people have possessed greater talent than Zephirin in comprehending ice spells."
"I do not know how you found her, but I hope you will treat her well."
"The tragic experiences of that child's childhood have always affected her."
Hearing this, Velin placed his right hand over his chest. His posture was solemn and resolute as he answered firmly, "I will treat Zephirin well."
The corners of Anastasia's lips rose slightly. She descended from the throne, came before Velin, and said softly, "When I first met you thirty years ago, you were very weak. By your world's classification of professional ranks, you seemed to be Bronze—or perhaps Silver."
"Yet while I was recovering from my injuries, you have already grown this far."
"You are quite talented. The road ahead of you does not end here. I hope that one day, you will be able to walk alongside me."
Velin raised his head and admired Anastasia's beauty, which still left him deeply shaken. In his forty-eight years of life, perhaps no woman's appearance could compare to Anastasia's.
"Milady, thank you for your blessing," Velin said softly, his voice carrying a trace of respect and gratitude.
Anastasia did not mind Velin's gaze.
He was admiring her, and she was assessing him as well. She had seen many men whose looks were more stunning than this little fellow's, but few had made her