Mongna Ant Land Cottage.
Ivan had just returned to the Twin Towers when a gorgeous figure rushed toward him with a fragrant breeze, like soft jade falling into his arms. Over the years, Justine had grown to rival her mother, Madam Selina, in physique—perhaps even exceeding her.
"Ivan, you're back."
"Did someone bully you?"
Seeing Justine so excited, Ivan assumed she had been wronged by someone. He patted her back comfortingly.
Justine mumbled some indistinct words, shook her head slightly, and refused to loosen her grip around him.
"If someone bullied you, just tell me. I'd like to see who'd dare to show such disrespect." Ivan said, his voice firm. He thought of his ties with the Three Great Families; logically, sorcerer disputes wouldn't affect apprentices, but it wasn't impossible for someone to act spitefully.
"Really, no one did."
"Are you sure?"