Flora gently swirled the teacup in her hand, her tone calm enough to betray neither pleasure nor anger. "Earlier than expected."
Veron gave a slight bow and performed a standard mage's salute. "The tenets of the Protection School teach us that making preparations in advance is always the best strategy for facing the unknown."
He glanced at the cup of black tea still steaming in Flora's hand, becoming even more certain of his judgment—she had surely been quietly thinking as she waited for this meeting.
Not only had he not been late, he had instead demonstrated sufficient seriousness and efficiency.
He raised his head, his gaze sincere. "I hope I haven't disturbed your enjoyment."
Flora looked at the man before her, whose face plainly said, "I understand. You don't need to explain. I understand everything," and the curve of her lips nearly failed to hold. "You haven't disturbed me?"
"Hmph."
She took a sip of tea and silently added another mark against this rigid fellow in her heart.
"Confirming visitor identity... Identity confirmed: Bruce. Access permission: highest. Access granted."
Just as Veron was about to exchange a few pleasantries, the rock golem in the center of the hall issued another dull announcement.
Flora's gaze shifted slightly. She said to Veron, who was about to continue the small talk, "Sit for a while."
Watching that hurriedly departing figure, a flicker of surprise passed through Veron's eyes.
Highest permission?
It seemed this junior named Bruce was indeed anything but ordinary to Madam Flora.
The hall at the base of the tower.
As the heavy stone doors burst open with a rumble, Bruce strode in front with its head held high and chest thrust out.
Upon hearing the words "highest permission," its tail nearly shot into the sky.
He Xi and Zoya followed