Annoying little rat.

"Today's lecture was an essential and burdensome one,

So I shall free you a few minutes prior to your schedule so you can calm your occupied mind."

Therian spoke in a calm voice.

"Thank you, Instructor Therian."

Kael nodded, not refusing the Marshal's favor.

Therian nodded back as he stood up.

"Be well, Hero Kael."

"Yes, you too, Marshal."

Kael answered respectfully, and the Marshal turned around, leaving the training hall 30 minutes early.

The moment he left, Kael sat on the chair and closed his eyes. Instantly, his focus shifted to the Sanctuary, where Igni was sleeping inside the Molten Lava, a perfect environment for him. 

"Kyu~"

The moment Igni sensed his presence, he opened his eyes and called out, his eyes shining with pure and innocent joy. 

And that one voice was enough to put a smile on Kael's face.

He didn't know why or how it happened, but within a week, Igni seemed to have become his entire life.

Kael was an orphan. He was always forced to fend for himself, and since he knew he needed to study to continue getting the scholarship, that is what he did.

All his life, he never actually got close to anyone. Yes, he had friends, but maybe it was because he had developed a habit since childhood—he never relied on anyone or got too close to them.

Igni, however, was an exception to this.

The instant that little baby was born and looked at Kael with his big amber eyes, something within Kael stirred. He didn't know what it was, but his love and affection for the little dragon only continued to rise even further.

In an unknown world where he didn't know anyone, Igni became his only support, someone he could hug tightly and sleep, someone who eased his heart, someone whose presence alone filled him with… joy…

This was also the reason why that vision has such a strong effect on him every time he sees or recalls it. 

Yes, Kael had attachment issues, his love for Igni was growing stronger and stronger, and seeing the Dragon's death with his own eyes had become traumatizing. It filled him with a fear he had never known before, putting him in a state he had never experienced.

Of course, the little Dragon wasn't just the problem, he was the solution as well. 

While the vision did indeed horrify him, looking at Igni eased his heart. 

"Kyu~"

Igni called out again. 

Since he was inside the Sanctuary, the connection between him and Kael was stronger, making it easier for Kael to understand what he was trying to say.

"Not now, little guy.

There are still people here."

"Kyu…"

Igni lowered his giant head, disappointed.

"I promise I will make it up to you.

I have also prepared a new game for us to play.

I am sure it will be fun."

"Kyu!"

Igni nodded, and Kael chuckled. He interacted with Igni for a little longer, then he opened his eyes and saw Elira staring at him from a distance.

"What is it?"

Kael questioned directly.

"Nothing. I was just wondering if you were alright."

Elira answered, and hearing those words, Kael smirked,

"You forgot to praise me."

"You…"

Elira's mouth twitched in frustration.

"If you still remember that, then I guess I was worried for nothing."

The Court Mage snorted.

"Annoying little rat."

She muttered inaudibly.

Kael, however, didn't say anything and continued to stare at her, as if waiting for something.

Elira, who realized what he wanted, felt her frustration rising beyond limits. Right now, the Court Mage wanted nothing more than to burn this brat to cinders. 

For now, however, she held herself back and,

"I-I guess I should have known, y-you are the greatest and strongest Hero who will protect our world. What could possibly worry you?"

Kael's smile widened as he heard those words.

This felt much better than he thought it would. 

"Hmm, now that I think about it."

Suddenly, another idea popped into his head and he stared at Elira. The Court Mage, however, stayed silent. 

Since she was supposed to praise Kael every time she spoke, she decided not to speak until the wager ended.

Kael chuckled and continued without her response,

"Don't you think the bet is somewhat incomplete?

You are supposed to praise me every time you say something, but…

What if you go back on your word? 

I mean, it won't be fun if I need to keep reminding you again and again, now would it? It would feel like I am begging you to praise me when it should sound natural."

Kael shook his head without pause. Elira frowned, confused as to what this sly brat was trying to get to.

"How about this?"

Kael leaned forward, his smirk widening.

"Every time you forget to praise me, your time as my maid will increase by an hour.

What do you think?"

Kael questioned, and in an instant, Elira snapped.

"Haah!? Now that you have won by luck, you are adding conditions to the bet!? Do you not know how a bet works!? 

'How about it!?' 

How about it what!? 

Nothing's changing!

You should have thought of it before you made the bet!"

At her retort, Kael just smiled,

"See? You forgot to praise me again."

Elira's expression changed, and she clenched her fists in frustration.

To think she would need to praise this hateful brat again.

"How about this? If you agree to my condition, you will not have to praise me this time."

Elira turned towards Kael, clearly interested.

After all, this new condition wouldn't mean anything as long as she didn't mess up. Not to mention, she wasn't planning to say anything for the rest of the day anyway, so the chances that she would mess up were non-existent.

Once she had thought this through, Elira nodded.

"So you agree?"

Kael questioned with a playful smirk. Elira, however, just glared at him in anger, making him raise his hand as he gave in.

"Alright, alright.

So I take it you agree."

Elira nodded, and the bet's new condition was added.

A condition that the Court Mage might regret soon.

Kael chuckled, staring at the door, and on cue, the doors opened up, and Master Tamer Lyric walked in. The Instructor, however, wasn't alone—she had come together with a little girl who looked no older than 15.

Elira narrowed her eyes when she saw the girl. Kael, on the other hand, grinned wickedly as he stared at his Magic Instructor, then at the Court Mage. 

For some reason, he felt like he was going to enjoy today's class.