"As expected, you are different."
Without a sound, Lilia Thornheart stepped into Elara's line of vision, her presence finally acknowledged.
"Hello, Senior Elara," Lilia greeted with a calm and composed demeanor, her emerald eyes glinting with a subtle amusement.
Elara caught off guard, spun around to face the unexpected presence. Her eyes widened as she registered Lilia's proximity, a mixture of surprise and realization crossing her features.
"Junior Lilia? When did you...?" Elara stammered, her usual composure momentarily shaken.
"I've been here for a while," Lilia replied with a faint smirk, savoring the surprise she had elicited. "You were too engrossed in your little confrontation with Adrian to notice."
Elara's gaze sharpened as she assessed Lilia's demeanor. There was a hint of curiosity and wariness in her eyes, realizing that the heiress of Olympus' Vanguard had been a silent spectator to the altercation.