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"Ah, I see. Let's wait until your mother has some free time then,"

Upon hearing that her precious disciple's mother was a bit busy, Noelle Rose slightly frowned, feeling somewhat disappointed.

But upon further reflection, it made sense. After all, Dorothy was a half-witch with a human father, so her mother must definitely be a witch. And since she had given birth to such a talented child, her mother's strength could not be weak.

"Could she be a Dragon Witch who is also skilled in Puppetry Technique or architecture? And at least a Great Witch."

Spider Teacher speculated as such.

Noelle Rose, who still did not know that the legendary superstar freshman miss of the academy was her precious disciple, only had knowledge of the new disciple based on her performance during the previous exam.

The basics of Puppetry Technique and architecture that Dorothy had displayed at that time made a lasting impression on her, creating a preconceived notion that made her feel her disciple's witch mother might be a colleague of sorts.

However, architecture and Puppetry Technique were actually niche disciplines within the Witch World, with rather small circles, and Noelle Rose herself was doubtlessly one of the big shots standing at the pinnacle of both circles. She was familiar with most of the well-known members, but at that moment, she couldn't think of any Dragon Witch who might fit the bill.

"Forget it, I'll think about it later. As long as they are mingling in these two circles, they ought to give me some face when the time comes. There shouldn't be a problem,"

Spider Teacher shook her head, thinking confidently.

It couldn't be helped, in just a short while she was about to advance to Peak Witch. Are you aware of what being a Peak Witch entails?

Furthermore, considering that the Dragon Witches tend to have rather simple and straightforward personalities, Noelle Rose had prepared a backup plan.

Back in her days at the Witch Academy, she had a Dragon Witch senior who was on good terms with her. That senior was now far more successful than she, having advanced to Peak decades ago and recently became the new Prince of the Dragon Kingdom.

"Mhm, when the time comes, I'll go to her and we'll visit together. I refuse to believe the Prince would turn us away, and even if Dorothy's Dragon Witch mother is simple-minded, she should still not reject me,"

Noelle Rose planned in her heart.

Feeling secure in her flawless strategy, she eased her mind. Putting aside her role as a teacher, she personally assisted her slightly green-faced beloved disciple as they walked towards the nearby pavilion.

Dorothy, pleasantly surprised, suddenly felt that her makeshift teacher's talent-based double standard wasn't so bad.

She began to ponder whether Spider Teacher would immediately place her on an altar and worship her if she were to reveal herself as the celebrated madam gossiped about on the school forum.

Meanwhile, Little Fox, observing her master carefully helping the big sister, decided to keep her thoughts to herself.

What second aunt? She didn't have a second aunt at all.

With various thoughts in mind, the trio entered the pavilion. Stepping inside, Dorothy's overwhelming Inspiration immediately detected that she seemed to have passed through an invisible Barrier.

Although the pavilion appeared to be supported by only four columns with a roof on top and was open on all sides, once they entered, they felt warm all over, no longer affected by the piercing cold wind from outside.

Even the stone benches that looked hard and cold were surprisingly soft and warm when they sat down, providing Dorothy with utmost comfort.

Once all three of them were seated, Spider Teacher lightly tapped the stone table with her hand.

As a result, the sea of clouds before the pavilion churned, forming a massive Cloud Window. Through this window, a grand and majestic temple became clearly visible; in front of the temple was a vast square, which must be the so-called ceremonial hall and stage.

However, there was no one on the stage at the moment, signifying that the ceremony had not yet begun.

Not in any rush, Dorothy casually picked up some snacks from the table and, after a disdainful glance, tossed them aside. She took out her own supply of snacks from her magic bag and placed them on the table.

Seeing this, Little Fox's ears perked up in an instant, and her nine bushy tails began to wag excitedly.

Awesome, she gets to eat her sister's cooking again.

Heaven knows how uncomfortable her breakfast with her sister that morning was. The food they used to enjoy now seemed unbearable.

And it wasn't just Audrey being picky; Madeline herself had a bitter expression while eating, her frown deepening with each bite, clearly showing extreme distaste for her own culinary skills.

In the end, the sisters gave up on breakfast altogether. After all, a witch could survive without eating, but due to the established routine of three meals a day, it felt odd not to eat. Although they weren't physically hungry, they still felt a bit peckish.

Now, at the sight of her sister's snacks, Audrey felt genuinely hungry. Her body was urging her to dig in.

However, her good upbringing forced Little Fox to restrain her impulsive hands; she merely looked at her big sister with hopeful eyes, waiting to share before she would help herself.

Dorothy: "..."

Watching her bushy-tailed little sister wagging her tail, she felt as if she was looking at a pampered dog awaiting its owner's treat.

It seemed that foxes did indeed belong to the canine family.

Oh dear...

"Alright, you little glutton, go ahead and eat. I've got plenty of stock,"

Dorothy said somewhat reluctantly, pushing the snacks towards her pitiful-looking little sister.

"Yay, thank you, big sister!"

The little fox, upon receiving a nod of approval, instantly twitched her two ears on top of her head, and her fox-like purple eyes shimmered with ripples of delight as they reflected joyful light. The tiny puppet on her shoulder expressed its thanks in this manner.

Afterward, Audrey carefully picked up a piece of jerky, but then she sneaked a glance at her senior sister's reaction. Only after seeing Dorothy smiling at her did she, with blushing cheeks, start nibbling on the jerky like a little hamster. Soon, a happy smile blossomed on her drop-dead gorgeous face.

Dorothy: "..."

Let's be real here, although this junior sister might be a bit silly, she's truly beautiful. Just that smile from a moment ago, I feel like I could eat ten bowls of rice.

Is this what they call "a feast for the eyes"?

Love it.

However, Dorothy quickly turned her head back and looked out the Cloud Window at the grand stage.

In the Homebody Witch's mind, the words spoken earlier by the Angel Witch echoed.

"Surprise? I'm curious to see what you consider a surprise."

As Dorothy chewed on the snacks in her mouth, she thought this to herself.

Meanwhile, Spider Teacher glanced at the treats brought out by her beloved apprentice without much interest. She belonged to the type who didn't care much for material needs. In the past, in order to spend more time on her research, she barely bothered to eat and rarely slept.

After all, how can she sleep at her age? Just look, the Dragon Senior next door has become the Prince of the Dragon Kingdom, and here I am, not even a Peak Witch yet?

But still, it's the handiwork of my darling apprentice, I should at least give it a taste as her teacher.

Noelle Rose took a piece of jerky and then pulled out her Spellbook, looking through her friend list, which isn't all that long, to find the person with the longest name.

Wow, no contact for over twenty years, and the senior's username has become her complete True Name.

Observing the long name that, if fully extended, would be as thick as a dictionary, the Spider Witch's mouth twitched slightly.

You really haven't changed, senior, still as wild as ever after all these years.

Noelle Rose remembered how this senior liked to use her True Name as her username and would add a part to it every time her strength increased. After so many years, she finally put her full name out there.

Sigh, maybe this is the audacity that comes with great skill. Although it's true that True Names are a witch's vulnerability and knowing it makes it easier for others to curse or control the witch.

But who in their right mind would dare try to curse or control one of the most top-tier Peak Witches, recognized as the strongest in combat power among her peers—the Dragon Witch?

Moreover, the senior is a Descendant of the Dragon King. Her True Name includes the revered name of the Dragon King. Cursing her would be risking a confrontation with the Dragon King himself, essentially a suicidal act.

However, no matter how you look at it, daring to openly publicize one's True Name like that is still somewhat risky. Only such a domineering senior from childhood would dare to do so. But even though Noelle Rose herself is also a Descendant of the Demon King, she wouldn't be that bold.

The Spider Witch reminisced about her academy days during her youth, feeling a bit nostalgic.

She subconsciously bit into the jerky she'd placed in her mouth and swiftly sent a message to her senior.

[Content to Live with Puppets: Senior, senior, are you there?]

Huh, this jerky is actually quite tasty.

While Noelle Rose was waiting for her senior's message, her attention was suddenly captured by the explosion of deliciousness in her mouth, and she couldn't help but take another piece.

Her Spellbook vibrated slightly afterward.

Heh, senior's reply speed is still so fast, always quick to respond to messages.

[Euphilia...: What's up? Are you finally getting married?]

Noelle Rose: "....."

Senior, we're still good friends if we don't talk about marriage. We're both single, why make life difficult for each other?

The Spider Witch felt she was more feminine than her senior across the way. It was her senior's frank nature combined with her strong career drive that really exemplified living alone.

But since I'm asking for a favor this time, let's not snap back at her, and instead turn my sadness into appetite. So the heartbroken Spider Teacher grabs another piece of jerky and starts furiously typing.

[Content to Live with Puppets: Soon, soon. I'm already eyeing a suitable candidate. I've recently taken on an amazing apprentice, and I'm planning on doing some nurturing. This time it's going to work out.]

[Content to Live with Puppets: What about you, senior? What have you been up to? Still busy?]

Noelle Rose engaged in this small talk.

[Euphilia...: Not busy anymore. I've just finished handling my territory's affairs, and the kids are off to school. It's a crucial time, I'm planning to focus on parenting. What's up? You need something?]

The senior across the way still replied instantly. Reading this response, the Spider Witch was overjoyed.

Experience new tales on empire

Not busy is great. If you're not busy, then I won't be shy. Emmm... wait... kids? Where did you get kids from, senior?

Haven't we just not seen each other for over twenty years? I'm sure I haven't mistaken it for 200 years, right?

...The Spider Teacher is shocked...