Heated Discussion

(This month, there won't be any bounties—the final exams have been moved up.)

"I'm sorry, but I don't want the Nearl family crest to become an accessory of some commercial company..."

Setting down her terminal, Maria let out a long breath.

"More and more companies have been coming to us for partnerships..." Bai Ye, lounging on the sofa, took a sip of tea and sighed contentedly.

"Given Maria's current performance, earning enough points to enter the Major Championship won't be a problem." Zofia dug a stack of invitation letters out of the mailbox and tossed them into the fireplace.

The corporate invitations sent to the Nearl residence had all vanished without a trace, like clay oxen entering the sea. So, the companies' liaisons changed tactics. Somehow, they learned that "Whipblade" Zofia was Maria's coach, and began sending their invitations to Zofia's estate instead.

"In a couple of days, people will probably come knocking in person... Honestly, Maria, if Bai Ye hadn't taught you all this, I might have advised you to accept outright."

As she spoke, Zofia walked over to Maria's side and gently stroked her smooth golden hair.

"The old man entrusted you to us before he left. Your sister is away, and your uncle... I'm really worried that you'll get hurt. If anything happens to you, I won't be able to answer to the old man."

"Wouldn't it be nice if you could preserve the Nearl family's noble status without getting hurt? Maybe next year, you'll be able to buy a garden even bigger than mine."

Zofia's garden...

Bai Ye's expression turned a little strange at those words.

Maria, however, was blunt as ever and voiced exactly what she was thinking.

"Sister Zofia's garden is already like that. Even if I bought a bigger one, it would probably