The antique clock in the office gave off a soft, regular ticking sound. The hands had just passed nine.
Lanchi paid no attention to the time. Completely out of step with the spring sunlight outside, he leisurely passed the morning, and everything around him seemed tranquil and orderly because of him.
That was, until someone gently knocked on the office door, and Planai's voice came from outside. "Mr. Luo Qi, Miss Chloris requests an audience."
"Come in."
Lanchi raised his head and looked toward the door, his voice calm and friendly.
The door slowly opened. Planai stood respectfully at the entrance, followed by an extraordinary-looking woman.
She was still dressed in a noble Hunting Dress Uniform and fitted trousers, with the ends of her finely braided hair resting on her shoulders. She simply looked more formal than before.
"Principal Luo Qi, it's been over a month since we last met."
Duke Miss Chloris removed her hat and sat across from Lanchi's desk, sighing.
Her radiant presence seemed to bring a breath of fresh air and the scent of flowers with it. Even though it was a sunny spring day outside, her arrival seemed to brighten the entire office.
"Being confined to the ducal residence all this time must have been hard."
Lanchi smiled as he rose and gestured for Duke Miss Chloris to accompany him to the conversation area on the left side of the office.
Before, they had spoken as principal and student, and could sit at the desk and take their time. But that was no longer appropriate.
"Yes. Every day, I had no idea whether I would survive to see the next one. It all depended on whether I had made the right gamble. Fortunately, judging by the outcome, I won overwhelmingly."
Chloris spread her hands as