Karina, raised in this manner, was asked to strive for a power, which was challenging even for a noble, but it is pressuring her into becoming a combat-focused mage.

Aresia encouraged her to attempt because, in her opinion, this might be the only way to earn Amos’ favor.

She added, “Even if you achieve magical prowess, winning his affection isn’t guaranteed; emotions are unpredictable.”

At least with effort, possessing strength oneself would provide more choices for the future.

This was why Aresia was pushing for the attempt, as being strong might provide a sense of confidence.

Karina looked dazed upon hearing this uncertain news from Aresia.

By nightfall, as they prepared for the banquet, Karina seemed a bit more focused.

As the servants assisted, exchanging into formal attire, Karina choose to wore a pink dress borrowed from Aresia, since it is her second choice, it is not altered into her size, it’s a bit too long and slightly loose.

At a lost, she turned to Aresia.

“Wait.” Aresia calmly picked up a thin black stick from beside her.

It wasn’t exactly a stick; it resembled more of a rounded teaching wand (or chopstick). Adorned with mystical, intricate patterns, it measured around thirty centimeters. This wand, one end thicker than the other, had a carved grip on the thicker side, currently held by Aresia.

It was a magic wand crafted personally by Aresia, proficient in casting various magical activities.

In Aresia’s world, these wands varied widely. While the staves wielded by mages in combat were powerful, directly attacking when their magical powers depleted, wands were versatile tools, convenient even for mundane tasks like summoning food from the fridge while lounging on a sofa.

This particular wand had a few preset spells, requiring no incantation, activated with a simple wave.

When Aresia waved it over Karina’s dress, a Disney princess-like pink gown, it adjusted perfectly to her size.

Seeing Karina’s surprise expression, Aresia explained, “This is a shrinking spell, convenient for altering clothes. It’s effective if you’ve mastered it. However, I advise against using it directly on people. Also, when the spell wears off, the object returns to its original size.”

Karina marveled at Aresia’s beautiful wand, asking, “Are these types of magic common?”

“Magic varies,” was Aresia’s response, quoting a famous mage’s motto in her world.

“This is a unique type of magic researched by my mentor. Our practices differ; it’s not commonly known.”

With Karina’s interest piqued, Aresia added, “There are many other interesting spells. If you’re intrigued, I can teach you.”

“Really?” Karina, assured by Aresia, pledged to put effort into it.

Realizing she had a chance and because Amos was her first love, Karina didn’t want to give up easily.

However, if magic was the key, it seemed she lacked the necessary skills.

Aresia demonstrated how to manipulate the tool for cleaning purposes using the wand, stopping only when the servants knocked on the door.

After grooming themselves, they sat for a while before it was time to attend the banquet.

The venue, according to the invitation, was beside the grand hall. The anticipation for this banquet was substantial, and the organizers seemed significant. The school even lent the grand hall for the occasion.

On the invitation, the organizer was named Alice Howard.

“I’ve heard of her. A third-year in the general department, but she’s our batch’s head. Her father’s a count, so she’s quite popular within the general department. She has many admirers,” Karina shared about Alice Howard mentioned in the invitation.

The magic department was relatively small in the school, and due to the separation of classrooms and dormitories between the general and warrior departments, social interaction was limited. Regardless of which department they were from, someone like Karina recognized Alice Howard’s name.

Karina wasn’t particularly drawn to this Howard girl, not because her father was a nobleman from another region who didn’t reside in Holy Lotean City but due to the trace of something she sensed about this countess-to-be.

“I’m not gossiping behind anyone’s back, but I’ve heard my someone that she is a bit harsh. It’s not my intention, but it seems people of a certain status often use status to suppress others.”

The distance from the dormitory to the grand hall was considerable. Aresia and Karina chose not to walk; instead, they flew on magical hoverboards, their signature mode of transport, envied by many.

Aresia remembered the previous Aresia who bullied a commoner girl, Wendy, at a previous banquet. But because she is under the protection of the Sixth prince, the previous Aresia ended up humiliating herself.

Uncertain whether this banquet was related, Aresia advised, “Let’s stay a bit distant, just to be safe.”

Karina nodded in understanding.

While flying on their hoverboard, halfway there, Karina suddenly spotted someone and pulled Aresia, whispering, “Quick, it’s from the warrior department, Jorgus.”

Aresia had already noticed, but they weren’t inclined to engage. Aresia didn’t intend to greet anyone, especially at this occasion. However, Karina’s voice wasn’t subtle, and the person heard and turned back to look.

Seeing them, Jorgus halted.

Aresia politely greeted him, “Good evening, Jorgus.”

It was dark by now, with oil lamps lit along the main paths of the campus, offering limited visibility. Aresia tried to cover up Jorgus’ momentary surprise by intentionally lowering her voice. However, his voice, already transitioning to a mature male tone, betrayed his initial astonishment.

“Good evening, Miss Aresia,” Jorgus responded.

Not recognizing Karina, he nodded towards her and then asked Aresia politely, “Are you both heading to the banquet at the hall?”

“Yeah, are you?”

Actually, Aresia did notice Jorgus attire—formal black with silver patterns. What stood out was the moon and star motif, though not made of precious materials; they were embroidered in a way that resembled an artisan’s work.

Jorgus nodded.

Karina’s eyes darted between them before she spontaneously suggested, “Since we’re heading in the same direction, why don’t we walk together?”

Walk together? Aresia glanced at her magical hoverboard on the ground. How could they walk together? Would they really accompany him on foot?

Karina chuckled, “Anyway, the hoverboard isn’t that fast. Would it not inconvenient you, Jorgus?”

Jorgus just nodded again, not saying much.