Their hands met. Looking at Shade from up close again, Margaret Anjou instinctively avoided his eyes. She believed it was an instinctive reaction born from a subconscious fear of powerful Ring Arcanists.
Before arranging a private meeting with Shade, Princess Margaret had considered many possible scenarios, but she had never expected Shade to remain so calm.
"Hamilton of Leijed, you don't seem surprised at all that I'm a student of Serkses. Did you recognize me last week?"
She asked softly, taking the initiative in an attempt to seize control of the conversation.
"No, no, Your Highness, I certainly didn't recognize you. But whether you are a Ring Arcanist or not, what difference does it make to me?"
Shade released her hand. Separated by a layer of gloves, the princess, who possessed only a faint trace of Witch power, still failed to notice anything unusual about him.
"Besides, since you have revealed your identity as a Ring Arcanist to me as well, I assume you do not intend to threaten me with something like, 'Knight, you wouldn't want your identity exposed either,' do you?"
He leaned half against the wall and looked at the princess.
"I believe I can trust you. Miss Galina has spoken highly of you. You are a very proper royal lady."
Princess Margaret was somewhat surprised by the sudden praise. She had assumed that the handsome gentleman before her would be as wary of an unfamiliar Ring Arcanist as she was.
The princess still maintained the elegance and composure of a noble young lady.
"Mr. Hamilton, yes, we both come from the Three Great Academies. There is no conflict between us, and that alone is enough for us to trust one another. In fact, I should thank you for helping me capture that head last week."
Remembering