Amy and Lise had originally planned to meet Su Nian at the entrance and head to rehearsal together.
But instead, they saw Su Nian surrounded by a crowd, looking like she was about to be bullied…
Faced with these noble young ladies of high status, it was only natural to feel a certain instinctive fear.
Yet, their worry and resolve to stand up for a friend instantly overwhelmed all that timidity.
Amy stood in front of Su Nian, her lively little face now filled with wariness and displeasure.
She put her hands on her hips, glaring angrily at the noble young ladies before her.
Lise, meanwhile, maintained her usual calm.
But in those clear eyes of hers, there was a barely detectable sharpness as she spoke up directly.
“Ladies, what is the meaning of this?”
Countess Lilian Field’s smile remained warm and proper as ever.
She gently waved her hand and spoke softly, “This lady… has misunderstood. We have no intention of causing trouble for Teacher Su Nian.”
Another noble young lady quickly chimed in, her tone carrying a deliberate friendliness, “Yes, yes, we just heard that Teacher Su Nian is not only highly accomplished in magic, but also has great skill in raising contract beasts.”
“So we specially came by to ask Teacher Su Nian for some guidance.”
“This… this is purely an academic exchange.”
Their words remained polite as ever.
As if they truly were a group of eager juniors thirsting for knowledge.
Lise, however, gave a cold snort, her chilly voice crisp as ice beads falling on jade, “Hmph.”
She interrupted their excuses without the slightest courtesy, “The Field Family is famous throughout the Red Maple Kingdom for raising contract beasts, who doesn’t know that?”
“If I remember correctly, Miss Lilian’s contract beast should be a Lava Drakesaur of rare bloodline, right? That’s a powerful beast with draconic blood, no less.”
At these words, the faces of several noble young ladies around them changed ever so slightly.
Su Nian, too, raised her brows in surprise.
She hadn’t expected Lise to know so much about the inner circles of these nobles.
Lise showed no mercy as she continued, “Asking for guidance, you say.”
“I see it as nothing more than using Teacher Su Nian’s reputation as an excuse to challenge her to a formal Magic Pet Competition.”
“So that some people can step on Teacher Su Nian to climb higher and make a name for themselves, isn’t that right?”
At this moment, Amy still hadn’t quite caught up; she usually read romance novels, and knew little about magic pets and drakesaurs.
But since Lise put it that way, she must have her reasons and Amy wasn’t totally useless…
She was loud!
“That’s right! You’re clearly looking to have a formal match with Miss Su Nian!” Amy repeated Lise’s words.
Extremely loudly!
The smiles on the noble young ladies’ faces froze instantly.
They hadn’t expected these two to be so blunt, exposing their intentions without a hint of politeness.
Originally, they’d thought that with Lilian’s flawless words and their perfect coordination, they’d be able to lead Su Nian right into their trap.
Who would have thought, Lise would cut straight through with a few words and reveal their true motives.
Amy, even if she hadn’t fully understood the meaning behind the Lava Drakesaur, instinctively felt that Lise was helping Su Nian.
Immediately, she puffed out her chest, her voice rising with excitement, “That’s right! You’re trying to bully Nianbao… bully Miss Su Nian!”
“You think I can’t tell?” Amy had always been the lead in the song and dance troupe, her voice was clear and bright, and now it rang out with great momentum!
Looking at Amy and Lise standing protectively in front of her, Su Nian felt a surge of warmth in her heart.
These two silly girls, even knowing the others were nobles of high standing, still stepped out for her without hesitation.
Such friendship sent ripples through the cold lake of her heart.
Honestly…
These people couldn’t really bully her; even if it really came to a Magic Pet Competition…
It would probably be a one-sided win, right?
A Lava Drakesaur with partial draconic blood did sound formidable.
But what if it faced the Wind Elemental Holy Dragon with true dragon blood?
With Amy’s loud defense the entrance of Magic Feather Fantasy, already bustling with people, now drew even more attention from passersby.
People slowed their steps, curious eyes turning their way.
Whispers surged like a tide.
“What’s going on? Aren’t those noble young ladies?”
“Looks like they’re causing trouble for Miss Su Nian?”
“Oh my, they want to have a magic pet battle with Teacher Su Nian?”
“What is Teacher Su Nian’s contract beast, anyway? I don’t think I’ve seen it before.”
Among the crowd were many loyal fans of Su Nian and [Magic Feather Fantasy].
Hearing that someone wanted to challenge their idol on home turf, worry and indignation immediately showed on their faces.
The murmurs grew louder and louder…
Su Nian looked at the ever-growing chaos before her and let out a gentle sigh.
There was no escaping this.
Countess Lilian Field and her companions were clearly prepared.
If she refused this so-called “guidance” or “exchange” today,
By tomorrow, the Academy City would surely be buzzing with rumors of Su Nian being timid and avoiding noble challengers.
That would undoubtedly deal a blow to the hard-won reputation she’d built up.
Besides, when had she ever been afraid of anyone’s challenge?
Even that scoundrel, the Horned Demon—she still dared to cross swords with him.
Though she lost every time.
Isn’t it just a magic competition?
‘Bring it on!’
The corners of Su Nian’s mouth curled in a barely noticeable arc.
She took a deep breath, and in her mind, linked spirits with the little tuanque on her shoulder, who was still curiously looking around.
‘Little Green, does shrinking your form affect your combat power?’
“Chirp?”
Immediately, a young but confident thought entered Su Nian’s mind.
“Chirp chirp chirp!” (Don’t worry, Master! Against these guys, I could blow them away in one breath!)
Su Nian: “…”
‘This little thing sure talks big.’
‘Hmm… Then remember to hold back a bit later, don’t hurt anyone, and don’t… be too shocking.’
She didn’t want to expose her Saint-level dragon trump card over a mere Magic Pet Competition.
“Chirp!” (Understood!)
Little Green replied obediently, rubbing its little head against Su Nian’s cheek.
After soothing Little Green, Su Nian already had her plan.
She gently moved aside Amy and Lise standing in front of her, took a step forward, and once again faced the noble young ladies.
The morning light bathed her flawless face in a gentle glow.
Her sky-blue eyes were as clear as washed glass, yet also held a trace of knowing insight.
“Miss Lilian, and ladies,” Su Nian’s voice was calm and gentle, betraying no emotion.
“In terms of contract beast training, I, Su Nian, am hardly an expert, but I can have a little fun with you…”
It wasn’t false modesty, really.
She’d only just obtained her three contract beasts, and as their master, aside from providing ample “food allowance,” she had little to show in terms of training and command.
Countess Lilian Field and the others couldn’t hide the glint of satisfaction in their eyes upon hearing Su Nian’s words.
‘See? A commoner is just a commoner—admitting she’s not good at this.’
And Su Nian appeared to have accepted the Magic Pet Competition.
‘Success!’
“But…” Su Nian smiled faintly, her smile as radiant as the spring sun, beautiful enough to make hearts tremble.
“Since you’ve all come so far, so eager to learn, it would be petty of me not to give you some pointers.”
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the face of every noble young lady before her.
“In that case, let’s not do this one by one—it would just be a waste of time. Have all your contract beasts come at once. My contract beast and I will teach you all together.”