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Realizing that Soleil had misunderstood her disquiet, Zari said hastily, “I’m not worried about that. I know my Master—-”

Soleil cleared her throat. “About that...”

Zari stilled.

“I truly apologize for always being the bearer of bad news, but...while you are a student of ANEX, you do remember that all pre-existing non-filial relationships are temporarily suspended?”

She said warily, “Yes.”

“It also means you are discouraged from referring to Lord Alexandru as your Master.”

Oh.Zari’s fists clenched even as she tried to quell the resentment surging inside of her.Did she really want this?she asked herself numbly. Not only had she agreed to two years of not seeing the man she loved, but now she had to also agree tonotthink of him as her Master?

Swallowing, she told Soleil haltingly, “I understand. I hadn’t been aware of that, but...I’ll get used to it.” It wasn’t like she had a choice.

A twinge of pain pinched Soleil’s heart at the pain underlining the girl’s voice. “I’m sorry.” She hated that she was forced to keep saying the words. Curse it, but this was not the way a student’s life should start. She took her job seriously, and she considered it her personal failure that she had not foreseen the possibility her student would be in this much pain over her parting from her Master.

“The relationship between pets and their Masters is something unknown to me,” Soleil admitted carefully, “but it may not be as bad as you think. In fact, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that you would see Lord Alexandru from time to time, during school trips and field assignments—-”

“I’m afraid Lord Alexandru wouldn’t permit that.” Zari’s smile didn’t reach her eyes as she continued, “He may not seem like it, but he takes his duties very seriously, and he expects the same from—-” She caught herself in time, having almost referred to herself as her pet. But that was no longer allowed either.

Zari’s fingers dug into her palms.

“Lady Zari, if you wish it, I can arrange for one last meeting.” This time, Soleil knew she was consciously violating one of the school’s rules. But the look of devastation on her student’s face was unbearable.

Slowly, Zari shook her head. “Thank you for the offer, milady, but this is how it should be.

“I see.” But she didn’t really quite see at all. It behooved Soleil to admit it, but maybe she really was the secret romantic that Fleur often teased her of being.

For Soleil, if two people were truly in love, was it not important that they did everything to make sure they were always together?

As they ascended the stairs, Soleil tried to lighten the mood, saying, “If it is of any help, you may talk about him with me whenever you want. You may freely gush of the gentleman’s looks—-”

Zari couldn’t help snorting. “That’s guy no gentleman.”

“Perhaps,” Soleil allowed with a grin, “but in Chalys, we always refer to men as gentlemen – no matter how boorish they may act.”

“Oh. My bad.”

She shook her head. “Sorry.”

Zari was bemused. “Why are you apologizing?”

Soleil’s dimples flashed. “I’m not. I meant, you should say ‘sorry’ when apologizing. You should refrain using ‘my bad’ as well, or at least until you are used to switching between our way of speaking to your way of speaking, depending on who you’re speaking with.”

“I. Am. So. Confused.”

They looked at each other, and their laughter spilled out at the same time.

“I’m gonna flunk my first term here, aren’t I?”

“Yes, you aregoingto flunk your first term here if you do not improve in time, but there are always supplementary classes to take during breaks—-”

Zari interrupted with a groan, “You’re almost as bad as my professors in LSL.”

“I will take that as a compliment, milady.”

Zari giggled. “Thank you, milady.”