"M-Ma'am…" Elizabeth's voice trembled as she slowly turned toward Ariana.
Ariana glanced at her, eyes steady. "What is it?"
"C-Can you not send me back…?" the girl asked through tears, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rose held her gently by the shoulder, guiding her toward the carriage that would take her to the teleportation center.
Ariana was set to accompany her—she'd explain everything to the headmaster of Aegis Academy. That was the protocol. That was the law.
But she hadn't expected this.
The proud and fiery Elizabeth the Great… bowing her head.
Proving the fact that there could be no worse punishment for her than humiliation.
"I committed a horrible crime," she said, voice shaking. "So punish me. But please… don't send me back."
Her words made Rose's heart ache.
Yet Ariana didn't flinch. Her voice was calm, but firm.