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"Stop right there!"
As that voice rang out and entered Noah and Ais's ears, a figure darted over, grabbed Ais, and pulled the still-unresponsive Ais away.
Noah only felt a soft body squeeze between himself and Ais. Then, Ais, who had been clutching his clothes and bringing her face close to his, was pulled away.
The person who had squeezed between Noah and Ais shielded Ais behind her, spread her arms wide, and glared fiercely at Noah as though she meant to protect Ais.
Only then did Noah get a clear look at the newcomer.
She was Lefiya, the pure-looking elf girl with long ears, an outstanding mage groomed by the Loki Familia as Riveria's successor.
At that moment, the elf girl, who looked only fifteen or sixteen, protected Ais behind her. There was a hint of nervousness on her pretty face, but even more determination as she tried to glare at Noah fiercely.
"D-Don't bully Lady Ais!"
Not only was her expression tense, but even her voice trembled slightly.
Clearly, the elf girl Lefiya was extremely nervous.
Yet even so, Lefiya stubbornly shielded the bewildered Ais behind her. With the air of someone throwing herself to a tiger, she did her best to stand before Noah.
That only left Noah caught between laughter and tears.
"I wasn't planning to bully your Lady Ais, was I?"
"Y-You're lying..." Lefiya said, as though summoning her courage.
"You were standing