"I..."
Before Tarnished could finish, a flash of blue light appeared, and a mage in dark robes and a tall, pointed hat teleported in.
"Your Highness, our efforts to reclaim Frenzied Flame Village have encountered an obstacle," a mature female voice announced.
Ranni showed no sign of urgency as she gracefully introduced her to Tarnished. "This is Mirian, Preceptor and administrator of the Caria Study Hall."
Then she turned to Mirian. "This is Tarnished, lord of Stormveil."
Crossing her legs, Mirian bowed in an old-fashioned mage's salute. "I have long heard of your wisdom. It is an honor to meet you today."
With a complicated expression, Tarnished raised a hand to gesture for her to rise. "No need for such formalities. Lady Mirian has also left... quite an impression on me."
Mirian smiled politely, taking it for an ordinary pleasantry. But Tarnished had not lied.
"Preceptor Mirian"-just hearing those words was enough to trigger Tarnished's PTSD.
With her trademark "teleport and draw," she had not only made Tarnished suffer, but taught him exactly what it meant to tilt into a white-hot rage. When he finally defeated her, only to discover he had to fight her again, the despair had burned itself into his memory.
First a Royal Revenant, then Preceptor Mirian. Tarnished just didn't get it. Why did Caria produce nothing but bastards instead of anyone decent?
Ranni noticed the momentary twist of his expression. Though puzzled, she did not pursue it. Turning to Mirian, she asked, "What happened?"
"A warrior's lingering will guards the Church of Repose in Frenzied Flame Village. He forbids anyone from approaching the church, and I am no match for him," Mirian answered honestly.
"Oh?" Ranni sounded mildly surprised. "A mere lingering will defeated someone of your magical accomplishments?"
"Your Highness, I am only a