Return of the Legendary Runesmith

Ariana and Annabelle set out for a shopping trip without letting Adrian know.

He was still caught up with his classes, followed by extra lessons and then study time. They guessed he wouldn't notice their absence for at least the next three hours.

That made it the perfect moment to wander through the market and search for something they could gift him.

As they strolled downhill, Annabelle's eyes caught movement in the forest. She narrowed her gaze and soon spotted several men at work, setting up a concrete perimeter.

"The outer perimeter…how useful will that be?" the raven-haired girl muttered.

Ariana gave a small hum. "Well, mindless creatures or those overly eager Acolytes would surely get trapped or blocked by it." She gestured slightly before explaining further, "It might look like a simple wall circling the academy, but in truth, it's only a cover for the traps hidden beyond."

Annabelle nodded thoughtfully. "Good tactics. But wouldn't it be better to just teach the students how to defend themselves?"

She had learned through bitter experience that relying on others was dangerous. It was always wiser to grow strong and self-reliant.

Ariana let out a long sigh. "With every generation, the students seem to grow less and less capable. It's not that they lack talent—it's their mindset. Back when I studied at the academy, punishments meant being thrown into the monster-filled forest. Either you learned something, or you didn't come back."

With a short snicker, she added, "But if I tried that now, I'd be buried under complaints from parents."

Annabelle shook her head. "Fragile dolls, the lot of them."

Their conversation carried on as they reached the lively marketplace, bustling as always.

Ariana was soon greeted by several townsfolk. Since the town fell under her protection and she often paid visits, many people knew her well.

Meanwhile, Annabelle wandered through the stalls with eager eyes, scanning for something she might buy to make her darling happy.

She spotted many things, clothes, weapons, runesmithing tools, accessories. Truly, this market had a variety of items.

Then, all of a sudden—"Ah!" She bumped into someone, sending the person stumbling to the ground.

Ariana turned her head toward the fallen girl. Instead of an apology, surprise slipped from her lips. "Sylvie… and… Elana too?"

The silver-haired teenager, who had been walking absent-mindedly beside Sylvie, snapped her head around at the sound of that familiar voice.

The four women stared at each other.

What an unfortunate coincidence.

….

The four of them made their way toward a nearby eatery.

Why? Well, the streets outside were far too noisy, and as Headmistress, it was Ariana's duty to question her students properly. She fixed her gaze on them and asked, "Tell me, why is a third-year student like you—who should be focusing on nothing but studies—bunking classes?"

If she remembers correctly, Elana should have been attending class at this hour rather than wandering around in the market.

The girl wasn't like that usually, but not like Ariana could let go of the matter just because it hasn't happened in the past.

Sylvie lowered her head, unable to meet the Headmistress's sharp eyes. Instead, she stole a quick glance at her senior beside her.

It was Elana who finally spoke up. "I had a very serious task to handle, one that required me to skip classes."

Ariana narrowed her eyes. "And what is this so-called important task?"

"To find a gift for Professor Adrian," Elana answered without hesitation.

Sylvie instantly slapped her own forehead. Senior! That was supposed to be a secret! she screamed inside her head.

Annabelle's eyes lit up in surprise. "Ah, I thought I was guessing it right. So she really is Darling's favorite student!" She smacked her fist into her palm as if everything finally made sense.

Elana's gaze turned icy. "Darling?"

Annabelle arched a brow, completely unfazed. "Yes. Your Professor is my darling."

At that, the temperature around them dropped, Elana's glare sharp enough to cut through stone.

"Hoh~" Ariana noticed the subtle killing intent immediately. The raven-haired woman didn't stay idle; she pressed back with her own heavy pressure, forcing Elana to feel it.

Sylvie's shoulders slumped as regret washed over her. Why did I have to come along today of all days?

She wanted to shout at Elana—The person you're provoking is the strongest Warden!

Elana refused to back down, even though her aura was barely holding against Annabelle's. "Someone who only recently met Professor Adrian… I suppose it's just his face that draws you in. How shallow." the teenager mocked.

Annabelle chuckled at the jab, but her laughter faded in an instant. "Kid, don't make judgments about adult relationships. You should be worrying about your exams instead."

Elana growled, her mana flaring higher.

Just then—"Would you two quiet down already?" Ariana's voice, low and edged with anger, cut through the thickening tension. The force behind her words pressed both of them into silence.

Everyone in the tavern was staring at them, many of them had already vacated the eatery, believing a fight was about to break out.

Even the servers were hesitant to approach them to take their orders.

Elana leaned back, resting her hands on her lap, though her expression stayed tight.

Annabelle only gave a dismissive hmph and looked away. Such a rude kid. She would complain to darling.

Turning her gaze to the Princess, Ariana asked, "How do you even know his birthday is tomorrow?"

Sylvie repeated the same explanation she had given Elana. "I heard it from Violla when I met her last year."

Ariana grimaced. "Tell me you didn't go around spreading this to anyone else."

Sylvie quickly shook her head. "I didn't. The only person I told was Senior Elana."

Ariana heaved a long sigh. At least, she was sensible enough to not make a mess. If others had found out...

After a brief pause, Ariana asked, "So…what is your plan?"

°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. Please leave a review if you are enjoying the story so far.