[Elana's POV:]

This is annoying.

Everyone is annoying.

Joining any kind of celebration or gathering has always been frustrating for me.

Not only because I have to tolerate those lecherous gazes of other men, even some old ones, but also because these people don't even try to hide how they just want to make a connection with me, who is the daughter of the Legendary warrior.

"Your dress looks so pretty…did you buy it from a foreign trading company?"

"It's custom-made," I replied without even turning toward the person who was talking to me.

There were many, actually, surrounding me from my school and other schools.

I am constantly receiving scornful looks from a few—people who think that I am hogging all the attention. But I can't express how much I abhor when someone pays attention to me…

…except for one person that is.

The only reason I joined this celebration is because of him. Dressing up like this…even doing light makeup is all to be noticed by him.

Even a single look of appreciation would be enough for me.

"Are you looking for someone, Miss Elana?" An annoying pest has been disturbing my view for some time now. He just doesn't understand that I am not here for him or the others.

I was forced to look his way with my brows drawing closer, "Do I know you?" he had been around me for some time now, and it was getting on my nerves.

"Ah, I didn't introduce myself? I am Hedhown Academy's top student, Bill." He offered his hand.

Yeah, like hell I would touch filth.

"Bill, can you stop pushing yourself in front of me? You are bothering me." That response took him by surprise. His lips parted and closed like a fish, but that reaction was not within the scope of my comprehension.

Was swallowing the truth that difficult for people these days?

I was about to step away from the group, relieved that they finally understood that I wasn't interested in talking to them.

But then, "Aren't you being rude here? He just wanted to talk to you, and you are giving him the attitude as if you are a Princess or something." A girl from the same academy as Bill called out in a tone that clearly explained that she was offended.

Haah~this is tiring.

I turned toward the person and found her holding her dagger…that's a very bold move on her part, considering there were officials around.

If a fight broke out now…will I be held accountable for that? Will my Professor call me a bad girl? Will he punish me as well?

"What are you smiling for? Do you think I am not worthy to be your opponent?" The girl suddenly released her aura, making others look our way.

Oh, so she was purposely doing it, huh? Is this some dirty trick I am getting trapped into?

But remaining silent here doesn't feel like it would help me in any way.

"Hmm~you seem quite eager…" I said as I turned toward the girl. I had no armament on me since this one-piece dress didn't allow me to bring anything along. But considering the spoonful of mana she was leaking, she would be kissing the ground with a few slaps.

Just when I thought she was going to attack—

"You shouldn't let your anger control you," said a calm, smooth voice.

Everyone turned as he stepped in. His presence alone made the air feel lighter.

There he was—Professor Adrian. With the elegance of someone from a dream, he appeared beside her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. His touch instantly melted her rage. On the other hand, he took the dagger from her like it was nothing.

Her expression changed in a blink. The fierce look vanished, replaced by pink cheeks and wide eyes. Just being near him made her flustered.

Meanwhile, my brain completely froze.

'Why is he standing so close to her? That girl—she's nothing but trouble. She isn't worthy to breathe in the same air as you.'

She looked like a stain standing near him. She doesn't deserve that spot.

"Professor Adrian…" I said his name, hoping he could hear the storm in my chest through my voice.

His soft brown hair had just the right amount of mess to make it charming, and those caramel eyes could just provide relief to the most anxious heart with a single look. Even the way he stood felt like poetry in motion.

He turned to me, and when our eyes met, he smiled. Not just any smile—it was gentle, warm, and made my heart skip.

Am I in love? Ah, I so so love him~~

"Good job holding back," he said, his voice as comforting as a warm breeze. "I'm proud of you, Elana."

"…!!" I-Is he flirting with me? With so many people around?! Ahhh~my heart…it's too fragile for you to play with it, Professor…

He soon turned back to the girl, handed her the dagger, and said, "Please be careful where you use it. Not everyone gets the blessing to be a warrior, so surely you don't want that privilege to be taken away just because of a small conflict, right?"

Not only the girl but the other females around him listened intently and nodded.

Well, he is just like that. The best teacher.

Turning back toward me, he approached me.

His eyes briefly trailed down my body—ah, I feel hot.

Once he was close enough that only I could hear his voice, he said, "This is the first time I have seen you dressed like that."

My heart sank as I asked in a low tone, "Do I not look good?" Was this dress a bad choice? Does he prefer me to wear my usual school uniform?

"You look great, Elana. Just try to accept compliments from people with a smile and try building a few connections."

A smile bloomed on my face upon hearing that. What he said about building connections all went over me since the only compliment that matters to me is when it comes from him.

"Okay~I will try," I told him with the smile from my lips never fading.

"I hardly believe you will…" Adrian chuckled.

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

A/N:- They were allowed to wear any dress but just their school coat or robe over it. Thanks for reading.