Eric knew something like that could happen—Alex threatening his sister—that's why he went ahead and took David into his captive.

Naturally, Eric knew that Amanda and Alex were friends, and so did Rebecca. However, the very fact that a woman other than herself was close to Alex, irked her. And that girl ended up hurting Amanda.

"The situation turned unfortunate and I would like to extend my apology for what my sister did." After returning to the mansion, Eric stated.

Since David was unconscious, he shifted him to the guest room and Amanda was resting in Alex's room for now. She was treated by the medic; however, it would take time for her to recover.

Alex crossed his arms and told the man, "Look, Mister Eric...I know you love your sister, and it's pretty natural. However, you can't expect her antics to be tolerated by others as well. Not even once did I allow her to interfere in my life, so she has no right to make any decisions for me."

Eric nodded slowly, "I know, and I am sorry about that-"

"I will keep her away." Suddenly a third person joined.

Alex turned towards the older female, who was no longer smiling like the first time she came to meet him.

Veronica stood before the silver-headed teenager before assuring him, "I know Rebecca has caused trouble already too much for you; that's why I am assuring you that I will keep that girl away until you are here."

Although it was Veronica who requested Alex to give her daughter a chance, she was now regretting it. She heard from her son about the whole ordeal and the fact that Rebecca, in a fit of jealousy, severely injured Alex's friend.

More than anyone, Veronica was aware of her daughter's possessive nature. If she can kill someone over a dress which she likes...then here is a person in question whom Rebecca has chosen as her life partner.

Alex heaved a sigh, feeling a little calmer than before, as he said, "I apologize if it hurts your sentiments, but it would be great if you could keep her away. Excuse me." Saying so, Alex walked away.

Left alone Veronica turned toward her son and told him, "Take her to the shelter and keep her there for the time being. She needs to cool down her head."

Eric frowned, "But mother, father is not home and for me to leave like this..."

Veronica heaved a sigh, "Not like some kind of catastrophe would descend in your absence. And even if it does, there are several capable soldiers under our command who can protect us."

Eric was still unsure, however, he didn't defy his mother and nodded, "Okay, I will take her there tonight."

------------**-----------

"Agh...." Amanda's legs were throbbing as she climbed out of her slumber and looked at her surroundings. It was an unfamiliar place.

She thought back on what happened before she fainted...and instantly, she knew the cause of her pain.

A black-haired crazy woman stabbed her multiple times and forced Amanda to use one of those spells which she has only reserved for monsters. After all, spells like 'Cocytus' and 'BlizzStorm' are meant to kill, not just to damage.

Yet...that woman survived. And not only that, she was able to damage Amanda enough to make her surrender.

'I heard that the clan members of the Steelhound are strong...but this...' Amanda heaved a sigh as she straightened her back and rested it on the headboard.

**Knock**

Hearing the knocks, she was startled and reflexively conjured ice lances...only to stop when she heard him saying, "It's me."

"Oh, yes, come in."

Alex stepped inside the room holding a tray of what seemed like bread and soup.

"How do you feel now? I heard there was no lasting injury." Alex said as he rested the tray on the table beside the bed.

Amanda shook her head, "No, everything is fine. There are only a few injuries which the medic couldn't heal."

Alex sat down on a chair, and after a moment of pause, he asked, "Since when were you able to pull a Saint-rank spell?"

Saint-rank is the third in the list and only two ranks were above it. And considering Amanda is just a two-star mage, it was surprising for her to chant such a high-ranking and high-taxing spell.

Amanda sighed, "I have a ton of Soul Energy in reserve which I gained over the years. And my knowledge of spells comes from my father. Combining both of them, I needed just some experience and that I got after enrolling into the academy."

It doesn't explain much, but Alex didn't ask anything further. He was new to the whole concept of Magic and how the magicians work.

He offered her the food, and thankfully her hands weren't injured.

As Amanda calmly picked a spoonful of soup, she heard Alex asking, "Were you going somewhere? Since there's no way you came here just to save me." The sarcasm was evident in his voice, urging Amanda to grumble.

She poked him in the ribs with her elbow, "Be thankful that I tried."

"Should I worship?"

"You must," Amanda haughtily added and not so long after both of them chuckled.

Amanda then told him, "I was going to the capital to get started with my internship as well. En route our carriage was stopped by a horde of Minotaurs...and then I spotted you."

'No wonder...' Alex didn't know that Amanda had returned to her hometown before moving to the capital, that's why he was surprised to see her here.

After a brief pause, Amanda asked, "Alex...who was that woman who kept calling you 'Darling'?"

Her voice turned grim and the girl looked exasperated even while mentioning her.

Alex slumped back in his seat before telling her, "A confused being who assumes momentarily affection as love."

Amanda was not surprised; she sensed the infatuation that the woman carried for Alex.

With a smirk, Amanda added, "It would have been a good drama to witness if Celestria had been here."

Alex rolled his eyes, "Don't talk about her...she is no better than Rebecca."

Amanda smiled, "But I can say she doesn't carry temporary affection for you. It's something more profound and pure."

Amand has sensed it; the growing feelings of the Princess have reached a realm that anyone around her could tell that the girl is head over heels for Alex. And naturally, Alex must have also sensed it, the boundless care and affection Celestria possesses for him.

Alex didn't comment on that; rather, he asked, "When were you supposed to report to Sir Devon?"

Amanda didn't have to think twice before she answered, "In four days."

Alex raised his brows, "Since you had time why didn't you spend some more time with your parents?"

Hearing that question, Amanda's expression turned a little stiff, and the shift in her temperament didn't go unnoticed by Alex.

"If you don't want to say-"

"My elder sister is returning." Amanda suddenly revealed, which took Alex by surprise,

"You have an elder sister as well?" Again, there were not many deep details of characters provided in the novel, which is why Alex didn't know. However, from what he remembered there was no mention of Amanda's elder sister. Sure, her younger sister and elder brother were shown during the tournament arc, but no one mentioned an elder sister.

Amanda nodded, "Yes...but she is more like a stranger to me. She abandoned her family years ago to serve the church. And now, after years of isolation, she is returning."

"And since I know I might not be able to retain my calm after seeing her, I decided to leave before she arrived."

Alex understood her reason and was slightly curious about this mysterious sister who had been serving the church for years

He couldn't help but say, "She must have awakened a strong skill to get recruited by the church."

Not just anyone can serve the church or work there. The church administration invite people based on the skills of the person.

Amanda smiled slightly, as she told him, "Absolute Healing...a Monarch rank spell she chanted just after awakening. The warmth she radiated at that time, healed everyone within the town. And naturally, the church also got notified about it."

Alex was extremely shocked hearing that. Monarch-ranked magic....is like a one-in-a-million magician could chant. And just after awakening no less?

No wonder she was snatched away by the church. The healers, regardless of their rank or experience, use the patient's life span or others' body parts to heal someone. Even Melissa was the same.

However, Absolute Heal means making the injury disappear without utilizing anything except for the SE of the chanter. It's a miracle.

Alex was about to ask Amanda something when suddenly someone knocked on the door.

"Can I come in?"

It was Rebecca.

----------**---------

A/N:- Okay, let me make it clear. No more than four girls! Not more or less! That's final!!!!