Adams was walking through the central courtyard of the School of Sages' main building when he soon spotted a familiar figure at the far end.
Teacher Teresa, who had arranged to meet him, was already waiting early in the main building.
"Adams, please come with me. Lanqi is already in the conference room," Teacher Teresa said in her usual gentle tone.
Before Dean Loren left on business, he had entrusted the affairs regarding the academic exchange delegation from the Aloran Kingdom to Teacher Teresa, who was generally less busy and exceptionally dependable.
Furthermore, Teresa had interacted with Lanqi several times ever since the entrance exams, and Lanqi was known to pay serious attention only during her General Magic Genealogy class.
Even though Loren was uneasy, he had concluded after much thought that Teacher Teresa was the best person for the job.
All he could do was hope she might keep Lanqi somewhat reined in.
"Thank you for your trouble, Teacher Teresa."
Adams gave a courteous bow to the friendly Teresa and followed after her.
Ever since arriving at Ikerite Academy, he had found the caliber of the students in the School of Sages to be remarkably high.
When he proposed a sparring match, not only did the strong third-years show no interest in posturing or rivalry, they had one after another politely stepped aside—leaving Adams feeling almost embarrassed.
Yet they hadn't wanted him to have made the trip in vain. Understanding what sort of opponent Adams was looking for, they had given him the name "Lanqi."
Out of chivalry, Adams had not gone out of his way to dig up intelligence on his opponent within Ikerite Academy prior to the match, learning only some basic information about Lanqi from the upperclassmen in the School of Sages.
Still, judging by Dean Loren's vehement opposition, that first-year named Lanqi was bound to be the School of Sages' ultimate ace in the hole.
Without a doubt.
A few minutes later.
Adams followed Teacher Teresa to a heavy set of doors on the top floor of the School of Sages.
This was the grand conference room where the faculty of the School of Sages normally held their assemblies, though it had been vacated for the day.
"Here we are," Teacher Teresa said with a smile, pushing the doors open.
What met Purcell's eyes was a spacious room dominated by white tones, like a blend of an office and a reception parlor. The bright yet soft light gave the space an exceedingly harmonious ambiance, with more than ten round tables circling a ring-shaped magic projection screen at the center.
At an unexceptional spot toward the side of the room, a figure sat in an armchair beside a round table, back turned toward the table, seemingly admiring the campus view outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Even though he was merely sitting there with plain simplicity, Adams recognized him at a single glance.
*That person* was the center of the entire conference room, the legendary secret weapon Dean Loren had personally cultivated—Lanqi Wilfort.
The youth in the chair soon turned around to face Adams, a gesture of respect and courtesy toward a guest.
"Adams, you've arrived."
Lanqi spoke with an elegant smile from his seat, gently stroking a small black cat in his hands.
That feeling, like a soothing spring breeze, left Adams standing at the doorway momentarily dazed.
He had never imagined his opponent would be such a harmless, naturally pure youth—one who harbored not the slightest trace of hostility even when facing an adversary.
That aura of innocent purity immediately reminded Adams of their genius card maker, Junior Karen.
If Lanqi was also one of those late-blooming, innocent souls, Adams would hardly know how to bring himself to show any harshness toward him.
"You two may discuss the details of the match; we will notarize it for you."
Teacher Teresa led Adams to the round table before Lanqi, then sat down off to the side.
Although this was not an official faculty meeting hour for the School of Sages, quite a few faculty members and upperclassmen from Ikerite Academy who were to serve as witnesses and provide technical support for the match were already lingering in the conference room.
There were more than expected.
Perhaps most of them were just here to watch the show.
Teresa observed Lanqi for a moment.
Starting this morning, she had sensed that Lanqi seemed a bit different from usual today, though she couldn't pinpoint where the difference lay.
Right.
It suddenly dawned on Teresa—
Hyperion was on leave during this period, leaving Lanqi, in a rare turn of events, acting alone.
Of course, Lanqi also had an extra little black cat with him now. At times it rested in his hands, at times it clung to his shoulder, and at times it sprawled across his head.
Because the little black cat was so lively and adorable, many curious girls in the School of Sages had wanted to come over and pet it.
Yet the moment they saw the cat was on Lanqi, they all chose to keep their distance.
As far as Teresa knew, even though many girls in the School of Sages had shown interest in Lanqi when he first enrolled due to his looks, temperament, and talent, none had ever dared make a move to get close to him.
It wasn't that Lanqi lacked popularity in the school these days.
Rather, he was someone to be admired from afar, not approached lightly.
Just as even the most romance-addled student, so long as they retained a shred of sanity, wouldn't typically consider the Headmaster as a prospective partner.
Still, what on earth was off about Lanqi right now...?
*Wait, Hyperion isn't here...*
Teresa's face instantly went pale.
The only normal person at Lanqi's side was gone! Without his reference point and external conscience, Lanqi was liable to gallop unchecked and do whatever he pleased!
Realizing the sheer gravity of the situation, Teresa hastily turned her head away. While running away might be shameful, she feared getting dragged into it herself.
"Adams, Ikerite Academy welcomes you," Lanqi said in a steady tone as he stood and extended a hand toward Adams.
"Thank you for your hospitable reception."
Adams shook Lanqi's hand earnestly.
His first impression of Lanqi was favorable; he saw not a hint of genius arrogance in him, only modesty and warmth.
The only slightly peculiar thing was that Lanqi's demeanor and gestures hardly seemed like those of a student, giving Adams the baffling impression that he was facing a school administrator representing the academy on official diplomatic business.
"I am very glad to have received your invitation, but I must also make it clear in advance that this is an exchange where friendship comes first. I will not treat you as an enemy, nor will I resort to unscrupulous means for the sake of victory," Lanqi said earnestly to Adams.
"..."
Adams fell slightly silent.
He understood what Lanqi meant.
Although he had to admit Lanqi was a decent and well-mannered individual, holding back would defeat the entire purpose of proposing this match in the first place—
He wanted to win one back for Lady Juliana.
"I believe we should wager something so that this match feels more competitive rather than dull," Adams proposed.
He was sure the spectators in the academy wouldn't want to watch an unremarkable duel lacking any spark of tension either.
"Such as?"
Lanqi looked a bit conflicted, but out of respect for Adams, he asked anyway.
"If I win against you, can Dean Loren go to the Aloran Kingdom and make an in-person apology to Knight Commander Juliana?"
Adams came straight to the point.
Regardless of whether the other party agreed or not, he put his biggest goal on the table first.
If Lanqi couldn't deliver, he could always make concessions later.
Just when Adams assumed it was utterly impossible for Lanqi to agree to such a preposterous proposal...
"Deal. I'll make the call on Loren's behalf."
Lanqi clasped his hands behind his back, exuding the dignified poise of a headmaster as he nodded in agreement.
Instantly, the entire conference room erupted into an uproar.
Especially the students there just to watch the spectacle—they loved nothing more than seeing Lanqi stir up massive drama!
Chapter 183