"Haah..."
After finishing her work, Fiore leaned back in her chair and let out a long breath.
It had been nearly a year since the Thousand Tree Clan had relocated to East Asia.
Over that year, Fiore had poured a great deal of effort into finally integrating the newly established Thousand Tree Clan. Since their relationship with the Mage's Association had basically broken down completely, accomplishing this had been quite difficult for her. Fortunately, she had ultimately completed the task Fang Zheng had entrusted to her.
Using the formulas Fang Zheng had brought, Fiore had represented the Thousand Tree Clan in successfully cooperating with East Asian forces, barely gaining a foothold in the region. But she still had no idea what to do next. Although the Far East was territory the Mage's Association could not interfere with, still...
"May I ask who you are looking for... Um, you do not have an appointment, please do not..."
Just as Fiore pondered what to do next, a commotion suddenly arose outside her door. She looked up curiously, only to see the office door swing open with a click in the next moment. Fang Zheng strode in.
"Lord Fang Zheng!"
Seeing Fang Zheng again, Fiore smiled happily. Yet before she could greet him, Fang Zheng abruptly asked her a question.
"Fiore, how old are you this year?"
"...Huh?"
Faced with that sudden question, Fiore was completely bewildered. She stared blankly at Fang Zheng, unable to understand why he had suddenly shown up just to ask her that. She had thought Fang Zheng would inquire about the Thousand Tree Clan's recent situation, the results of their current negotiations, or whether the Mage's Association had made any other moves, but... what was this about asking her age?
"My deepest apologies, milady."
At that moment, Fiore's