Chapter 248
Chapter 248
Chapter 248
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 248 – Lan Qi’s One-on-One Masterclass
The next day.
On this winter morning, the first light of dawn pierced through the thick mist, falling onto the marble-bricked walls of the Lilorom City lord’s manor.
The residence was located at the rear of the city, surrounded by delicate gardens. From afar, one could see the mountains and forests. The finely carved family crest above the gate reflected brilliance, heralding the beginning of a new day.
Viscount Francis led Lan Qi out of the first-floor dining hall.
Inside the manor, magical furnaces dispelled the chill of winter.
“I hope you can get used to the style of our northern continent’s breakfasts.”Viscount Francis spoke with a gentle, deep voice.
“This is the best hospitality I’ve ever received. Thank you.”Lan Qi replied.
After finishing their pleasant breakfast together, they walked along a long corridor. Portraits of previous viscounts hung on the walls, while imported southern carpets stretched underfoot, their intricate patterns and colors bringing a warmth and serenity to the atmosphere.
“From here on, it will be hard on you. Whether or not Zestira accepts your guidance, please don’t feel pressured.”Viscount Francis said.
“I’ll do my utmost, my lord.”Lan Qi bowed his head respectfully.
At last, they arrived at a finely carved wooden door.
Viscount Francis knocked softly. No response. He waited a few seconds, then slowly pushed it open.
Inside was a stunning personal space. Miss Zestira’s room was arranged like a miniature museum — books, magic crystals, artworks, and antiques all neatly displayed.
A large window allowed the winter light to pour in gently, illuminating her carefully arranged collection.
By the desk near the window sat the figure of a young girl.
“This is Mr. Rocky, your new tutor. He comes from the southern continent. I think… the culture there is different from ours.”The viscount spoke at the doorway, his hand resting on the doorknob.
The girl only turned her head slightly, glanced at them, then ignored both and returned to her book.
That brief glance was already a courtesy for her father’s sake.
“Mr. Rocky, please don’t take offense.”The viscount shook his head.
“Leave it to me, Lord Francis. I’m grateful for your family’s kindness.”Lan Qi replied with a nod.
“…Then I’ll go back to my work.”The viscount patted Lan Qi’s arm, then closed the door behind him.
Outside, the winter sun climbed higher. A new journey of teaching and learning was about to begin.
Lan Qi, holding his book with a cheerful smile, sat down on another chair in the room.
He deliberately kept some distance, as if respecting the sanctity of her territory.
Then, he began writing notes on the Empire’s textbooks without trying to lecture her.
The girl at the desk had metallic, blade-like dragon horns growing from her head, hair black with a faint bluish sheen, and eyes with sharp vertical pupils that carried both ferocity and distance.
Hidden in the shadows, Boss Cat quietly observed. The viscount’s daughter looked no more than fourteen or fifteen — no wonder she was still in preparatory studies.
But despite her age, her magic power far exceeded Lan Qi’s — strong for a second-tier practitioner.
Boss Cat had never seen Lan Qi teach anyone before and wondered about his actual teaching skills.
Time passed in silence. Lan Qi didn’t speak to her, and she didn’t speak to him. Half an hour slipped by.
Zestira neither chased him out nor stopped reading, treating this new tutor as if he were another piece of furniture in her room.
But eventually, she noticed something odd.
He was calmer than her.
Even her page-turning began to slow under the strangeness of it all.
She felt… slightly unsettled.
This teacher wasn’t pestering her, but he just sat there quietly without leaving, which made her uneasy.
“Has the young lady had breakfast yet?”Lan Qi finally spoke, still focused on his notes, never raising his head.
“What’s it to you.”Zestira answered without even looking at him, not wanting any conversation.
The words were meant only to drive him away.
After all, this man had merely taken generous payment, hiding his disdain and sense of superiority while begrudgingly teaching a “demon kin” like her.
Humans were all the same — sometimes carrying malice more disgusting than demon kin. Some hid it behind manners and status, while others showed it outright.
“…I’m sorry.”Lan Qi said softly,
“Since I was young, I’ve been of low birth. I don’t know how to properly speak with a noble’s daughter.”
Hearing that, Boss Cat twitched its whiskers in disbelief.What? Haven’t you been happily traveling with the Duke’s daughter from the Hedon Kingdom? Never seen you act humble before.
“……”
Zestira sneaked a glance at Lan Qi’s dejected expression.
The room was as quiet as ever.
But somehow, his words stung her heart.
Usually, others looked down on her. When had it ever been her looking down on others?She would never do something so vile.
“…I’ve eaten.”She muttered.
“Thank you.”Lan Qi replied, then went back to his work without pressing further.
The dim winter light gradually brightened. The wooden floors reflected a warm glow, while the old clock embedded in the wall ticked slowly, filling the room with calm.
Ten minutes passed.
“Miss Zestira, could I become your friend?”Lan Qi finally closed his book, raised his head, and asked.
“…Who are you?”She shot back bluntly, like a hedgehog bristling at a touch.
“…I’m sorry. I’ve never had friends. I was always bullied as a child.”Lan Qi turned his head away, expression dim.
“……”
Zestira fell into a long silence.
She knew too well what that felt like — having no friends, always being bullied.
And this soft, gentle young man truly did look like the type others would pick on.
“…If anyone dares bully you in Lilorom City, just tell my father.”She said at last.
“Thank you.”Lan Qi bowed his head gratefully.
“…Also, you have a friend now.”
“…Who?”
“Me.”
“Thank you.”
Boss Cat: “???”This brat’s playing the pity card?!
“I’ve received much kindness from Viscount Francis, and he said you had great magical talent…”Lan Qi hesitated before continuing.
“Enough. Forget it. You teaching me magic theory or magic engineering is impossible. That’s the one thing off-limits. I don’t want to learn theory. I only care about practical combat magic. You’re an academic. Don’t waste both our time.”Zestira raised a hand to stop him.
“…I’m sorry. I’ve had no magical talent since childhood. I can’t cast spells well.”Lan Qi apologized again.
Boss Cat almost fell over. Is apologizing this guy’s auto-combo?!
“……”
Zestira stared at him for a long time, hesitating.
“…Then I’ll teach you magic.”She finally said.
So he wouldn’t get bullied.
“Then I’ll be in your care, Miss.”Lan Qi smiled warmly at last.
“Come here.”
And so, Lan Qi sat beside her desk, listening to her explain the basics of spellcasting.
…
More than an hour passed without them realizing it.
Viscount Francis, having finished his duties, came anxiously to his daughter’s door.
The secretary had told him that Mr. Rocky hadn’t been chased out mid-lesson.
“Could it be… he really managed to get along with Zestira?”
He paced back and forth outside the door, hesitant to draw near lest he disturb her.
But the unnatural silence inside made him nervous.
Finally, unable to help himself, he pressed his ear to the door.
Slowly, his expression turned to bafflement.
He leaned in closer, wondering if he’d misheard.
Until at last, he was certain of what was happening inside.
The viscount was dumbfounded.
It was the first time he’d ever seen a tutor and Zestira interact so peacefully, so amicably.
And more shocking of all—
Why was she teaching him?!
(End of Chapter)