A strange dizziness gave Shade the urge to blurt out his origins, but it was only an urge. He was familiar with this feeling. At the dinner party at Lake View Manor, the captain of Iluna's team had used a similar method on him.
"I..."
He took a step back and frowned.
"Lady, that is hardly polite behavior toward a friendly stranger."
The young girl frowned as well, sounding as though she were complaining.
"What terrible luck. I never expected that someone I happened to meet on the street would also be a Ring Arcanist. Sir, I apologize for my behavior, but I'd bet you definitely peeked at my things."
"Yes."
Shade did not deny it, studying her expression.
"You're a Ring Arcanist from Zaras Academy of Spellcraft?"
"Are you going to report me?"
the blonde young lady asked, her eyes studying Shade as well. They were beautiful and lively.
"Of course not. What would I gain by reporting you?"
Shade said. Then, pointing at himself, he added, deciding to take a risk.
"Lady, I didn't expect to run into you either. I'm a Ring Arcanist from out of town and know nothing about the local situation. More precisely, I'm a student of Saint Byron's."
"Saint Byron's?"
The young girl frowned and nodded slightly, neither agreeing nor doubting him.
"My name is John Watson. By the way, last week was exam week for the Three Great Academies. I only arrived here after exam week."
He introduced himself, using the timing of exam week to prove his identity.
He extended his right hand to the unfamiliar girl, and she hesitated for a moment.
"Nobela Princess."
The girl wearing Ruby Earrings extended her hand to Shade as well. Their palms touched, and the voice beside his ear spoke at the right moment.