"What's more interesting is the letter you've sent to my daughter," Regis noted.

Glaring at him, Max snarled, "You must be proud of intruding in her personal affairs."

"I just like to supervise what people send her. That way, I can prevent the perverts from getting in touch with her." Feeling like Regis implied that Max was part of the "perverts," he scowled. "So, are you staying true to your word?" his master continued.

"Yes," Max answered without hesitation. No matter what Jubelian thought of him, Max didn't want to be underestimated by his master.

Stroking his chin, Regis nodded. "If you won't be visiting for a while, then I guess there will be no problem with inviting Duke Elios here."

"What does he have to do with anything?" Max glowered.

"He has asked for my permission to write a letter to my dear daughter," Regis replied, his voice calm.

"He did what?" It was obvious to Max why the letter was written to his master first. Although no rule forced nobles to obtain permission in writing letters, Duke Elios was attempting to curry Regis' favor before trying to woo Jubelian. What a sly, pesky man he was! Max realized he couldn't let his guard down.

"Frankly, I am quite fond of his courage and am thinking of inviting him for dinner," Regis said, rubbing salt into the wound. Although his master's underlying motive was clear, Max couldn't help but fall into the trap.

"That won't happen since I'll be back here tomorrow." With this, he stood up.

"Sit back down. I have yet to discuss everything." His master's eyes were more serious than before. Max plopped back down to the couch again.

"What is it?"

Instead of answering, his tutor took a sip of tea. Max couldn't understand why his master was stalling and glared at him, wanting to throw an insult. But Max soon disposed of this idea when he realized his master looked a bit uneasy. It was the first time Max had seen his teacher show such an expression.

A minute that felt like an hour passed, and Regis—looking into Max's eyes—finally asked, "Will you stay by Jubelian's side from now on—no matter what I do?" At the delayed query, Max furrowed his brows.

"Isn't that obvious?" he said matter-of-factly.

"I see," his master smiled faintly.

Still feeling like he was being looked down on, Max spat out, "Why don't you stop searching for other men to stay by her side? I will look out for her at all times, okay?"

"We'll see about that—it will all depend on how well you do."

Completely vexed by the vague response, Max stood up forcefully. "I'll be leaving, then."

Max had already turned his back toward his master when he requested with a solemn voice, "No matter what happens, please protect that child."

"I will of course keep her safe from the looneys and her overbearing father as well," Max mocked.

***

After only four days, Max's pledge was put to the test, for Jubelian was in his arms trembling. Max had never lost his temper on the battlefield, but now, his head was burning hot with anger.

'How dare that bastard…!' Max glared at Mikhail with menacing eyes, to which the blond returned the gesture. A vicious impulse overcame Max—he wanted to rip the man who had threatened Jubelian into pieces. Unconsciously, Max moved his hand toward the hilt of his sword. However, the lady halted him.

"Max, let's go back now."

Max's face crumpled. Was she asking him to back out of a fight he could definitely win? Until now, he had never lost a duel against anyone—his master excluded. In any case, how could she think about fleeing?