"Wangcai, open the door," Loa said through Soul Transmission.
"Sure thing, boss!"
Wangcai darted across the courtyard to the door and swatted the bolt open with a front paw. By now, this was second nature; who knew how many bolts had already been replaced.
"Who is it?" Loa put down his book and looked toward the door.
"It's me! Wot!"
A thought stirred in Loa's mind. Was the potion ready?
"Come on in." He stood up.
The door opened, and Wot walked in.
Loa's gaze passed over him and landed on the person following behind him-
It was a young woman who looked to be in her early twenties, dressed in pale blue-green magic robes with the Magic Academy's emblem embroidered on the hem. Her features were delicate, her brows and eyes gentle, but there was a confidence in her gaze unique to magic users-confidence in knowledge, magic, and strength, which also gave her assurance.
She stood straight without looking stiff, possessing every bit of the upbringing expected of a noble without seeming distant.
Standing beside Wot...
Loa made a comparison in his mind.
Wot actually wasn't bad-looking, with thick brows, large eyes, and a solid build. But standing next to her, they really did look a bit like... Beauty and the Beast. Not that Wot was ugly; the contrast was simply rather obvious.
Still, judging by where they stood and the way Wot unconsciously edged closer to her, Loa had already guessed who she was.
"And this is?" he asked politely.
Smiling, Wot extended a hand in introduction. "Allow me to introduce my fiancée, Tiya Millers." Then he turned to Tiya. "This is my good friend Loa, the one I'm always telling you about."
Tiya stepped forward and dipped slightly in a bow.
"Hello, Mr. Loa."
Her voice was