"Ah-!"
As she walked along the mountain path, Avita suddenly missed her footing and lurched sideways.
Tibbers, the young researcher from the Magic Research Institute accompanying her, who was also a member of her Magic Crystal Refining Research Group, reacted quickly and reached out to steady her.
Once Avita had regained her balance, she discreetly pushed his supporting hand away and softly thanked him.
A trace of disappointment flickered in Tibbers's eyes.
Most of the young male researchers at the Xinfei Merchant Guild's Magic Research Institute were fond of their young, beautiful director, with her quiet manner and friendly disposition. He was no exception.
Unfortunately, although Director Avita was kind to everyone, she had never shown the slightest sign of special interest in anyone.
Glancing at Avita's gentle profile, Tibbers sighed inwardly and said with a slight frown, "Director, I told you I could handle this myself. Why did you have to come all this way in person? This mountain path is so difficult. You're a young woman, after all. It must be such a nuisance for you."
Avita shook her head. "This is work. Whether it's a nuisance doesn't matter. Besides, I was the one who asked the president to give me this Magic Crystal Mine development project. Naturally, I have to take responsibility for it. I can't disappoint his expectations of me... of us, and I certainly can't waste the precious funds the guild has allocated to us."
"But we're only checking the quality of the Magic Crystals. It isn't anything difficult. I think I could easily handle it on my own," Tibbers said, still reluctant.
Avita gave him a gentle smile. "I have faith in your abilities. But this is the first Magic Crystal Mine our guild has officially begun mining, so it's very important. The president