Margaret felt as though she were a character in one of those naughty little stories that bards only sang at midnight.
The husband in The Incompetent Husband.
There was always some mentor with more seniority and better connections eyeing Jia Xiu.
Sometimes they even tried to poach him right in front of her.
And all she could do was watch from the sidelines.
Caught in the act!
As the old mage hurried in to find Jia Xiu, Margaret curled her toes, but kept a very polite fake smile on her face.
That kind of fake smile was practically a required skill for nobles.
One banquet was enough to make your face ache from smiling.
Margaret stepped forward to intercept the old mage and greeted him warmly. "Professor Tanshur, long time no see."
In truth, they barely knew each other.
They weren't in the same faculty, and they'd only met a few times. She was barely familiar enough with him to recognize his name.
"What brings you here to see my student, Jia Xiu? He's only just started school. If he's done anything to offend you, let me apologize on his behalf first."
Margaret chose to strike first, staking her claim.
Jia Xiu was stunned. He'd never realized Margaret could sound so catty.
Was that some innate female talent, perhaps? The only question was whether you used it, not whether you knew how.
Professor Tanshur beamed, his eyes fixed on Jia Xiu.
"So you're Jia Xiu! Excellent, excellent. How could you have offended me? You're a fine student. Our laboratory is just missing someone like you. Oh, right, my specialty is Phantom World design. I created this trial, and I think you showed exceptional talent in that area."
Professor Tanshur meant every word. Before Jia Xiu showed off his skills, his