Chapter 39: Kiana: Mei, don't, don't agree with him!

Mei fell asleep thinking about Kiana and planning to visit the headmaster the next day. Thus, when she "woke up" in the hallway leading to Theresa's office, she didn't notice anything strange.

If it weren't for Ye Feng's reminder, she wouldn't have realized that she wasn't in the original world anymore.

Kiana glanced at Ye Feng, then secretly peeked at Mei. Her whole body felt like it was on fire, as if her core was melting, with her skin turning visibly pink.

Though Mei couldn't see her, Ye Feng could.

In the "hidden world" where Mei couldn't see, Kiana's pale feet pressed against the ground, her calves tensed, showing elegant curves. She was trying to sneak away from Ye Feng. However, just halfway through, Ye Feng's voice echoed in her mind.

"If you leave, you'll automatically become visible."

"—!!!?"

Kiana's eyes widened in shock. If looks could kill, Ye Feng would've been dead a hundred times by now.

"What's with that look? I'm helping you stay hidden. You're not grateful, and now you're glaring at me? Is this how a Kaslana knight treats her benefactor?"

"Looks like you need a proper lesson on the principle of repaying kindness with gratitude."

Saying that, Ye Feng slowly stood up. Kiana panicked, quickly pulling herself back and wrapping her arms tightly around Ye Feng's neck. It was clear from the lack of mental feedback that her mind had gone blank.

Though Ye Feng stood up, the headmaster's desk was high enough to cover everything below the waist.

Ye Feng looked at Mei warmly and smiled. "I've heard Kiana mention you often. You two must be really close friends."

Mei's eyes softened as she recalled her memories with Kiana. She nodded gently, "Yes, Kiana is my best friend."

"Did you hear that? Mei only sees you as a friend," Ye Feng whispered to Kiana.

Though she couldn't reveal herself or speak, Kiana defiantly half-closed her eyes, responding stubbornly.

"I'm not falling for your tricks anymore."

Ye Feng, multitasking, turned his attention back to Mei, his smile as refreshing as a clear sky. "Has your father sent a letter yet?"

"Huh? My father... sent a letter?"

Mei's expression showed obvious surprise. She held her hand gently to her chest, staring at Ye Feng in confusion.

"Not yet? Don't worry. Your father, Raiden Ryoma, will be released from prison soon, but due to certain circumstances, he'll have to stay in North America."

"...Really? How do you know that? Didn't you say you couldn't leave?"

"Hasn't Kiana told you that I can see glimpses of the future?"

"Huh?"

That's right—now that Mei thought about it, Himeko-sensei had mentioned Ye Feng predicting the appearance of a pseudo-Herrscher.

"Are you... a magician?"

Mei asked instinctively. The idea of another world, prophecies, and a mysterious traveler sounded familiar to her, as if from a fantasy she had once read. She had seen these themes in many stories before.

"No wonder Mei thought of a magician first. If you insist on calling me that, I don't mind," Ye Feng said with a light laugh. "So, would you like to sign a contract and become a magical girl?"

"Wait, I have the potential to become a magical girl?"

For a brief moment, Mei was excited, but she quickly calmed down. Her eyes wandered to the desk, where a few drops of water had splashed. Mei didn't pay much attention to it.

"Ahem, I mean, there are conditions for becoming a magical girl, right?"

"It's not that complicated. The key is courage and determination. As long as you're sincere, any message can reach the other person's heart."

"Is that so? So, in Ye Feng's world, it's like that too?" Mei asked. She recalled that, while this kind of explanation was a bit outdated, it was a classic and straightforward concept in the stories she loved.

"Mm-hmm, want to give it a try?"

Hearing this, Kiana grew alarmed. Although she didn't know exactly what Ye Feng was up to, knowing his personality, this "contract" sounded incredibly suspicious!

Kiana stared at Mei nervously, wishing she could shout, "Mei, don't agree to that!" But in her current state, how could she face Mei?

All she could do was grit her teeth and watch Mei intently.

"Thank you for the offer," Mei said, politely declining.

If it had been the Mei from a year ago, she might have been thrilled at the idea. But fate had changed her.

She was no longer the carefree Raiden heiress she once was. She had more important matters to deal with now than becoming a magical girl.

Ye Feng didn't mind her refusal, smiling as he said, "That's fine. Take your time. If you ever change your mind, you can always come to me. My door is always open for you."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Oh, by the way, are you still troubled by the fact that you're a Herrscher?"

"Eh?"

How could he even know about that?

This had nothing to do with predicting the future. Mei's eyes widened. "It feels like Ye Feng knows everything."

"Not at all," Ye Feng smiled. "I only know what I know. Do you need my help?"

"Help?"

"Helping others brings me joy."

"Uh..."

Although Mei felt positively about Ye Feng, she still remained cautious.

"Could I think about it? I need to talk it over with everyone first."

"Of course. It's only natural to be wary when a stranger suddenly offers to solve your problems. I'd be suspicious too."

"Thank you for understanding."

"You're welcome. As I said, if you ever face any difficulties, don't hesitate to come to me. Who knows? I might have some helpful advice."

"Thank you again."

"You're too polite."

Ye Feng raised his hand, subtly adjusting a piece of Mei's common sense, and then walked out from behind the desk.

"This is your first time here, right? Though this place resembles 'St. Freya,' there are many differences. Let me show you around the academy."

"A tour of the academy?"

Mei hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.

Seeing her nod, Kiana was on the verge of panic.

Wait, you're going to tour the academy like this?!

That's going to be a disaster!

This is going to be bad!

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