"Are you a magus? Preparatory-level? Or a certified magus?"
Howard didn't respond.
Even if the young man before him was a minor noble, if he was only a knight, he really had no standing to challenge a preparatory-level magus.
The young noble's complexion shifted, his arrogance waning.
Just as Howard anticipated, he lacked the confidence to confront a preparatory-level magus.
"How may I address the magus?" The young noble signaled his follower to ease the control over the girl with his gaze, "My name is Koji, and I would like to apologize for my earlier rudeness."
"No need for names; it's unlikely we'll cross paths again. I'm only interested in the child," Howard said, looking at Koji.
"If the magus desires it, then there's nothing I can do." Koji instructed his follower to release the girl. "If it's what the magus wishes, then so be it."
"You've made a wise decision," Howard nodded.