Hate me, Miss Witch!

Such a statement caused an uproar throughout the venue. Passengers' discussions sounded everywhere; even the few female attendants revealed expressions of shock and envy.

In the murmurs, phrases like "Titled Rank," "big shot," and "6-Ring" could be heard repeatedly.

The old lady, seemingly noticing Enola's bewilderment, gently introduced herself, "I come from the White Tower, serving as a guest consultant for the Princes' Alliance, invited by the Empire to research the Northern Territory Beast Tide incident."

As soon as the old lady spoke, the commotion intensified; everyone knew what such an invitation meant.

She was a 6-Ring Titled Rank Beastmaster. In the entire North of the Empire, only the Northern Inspector was also a 6-Ring. To become such a prominent figure's disciple was undoubtedly a monumental leap for an ordinary person.

For a moment, countless envious eyes turned towards Enola, wishing they could replace the lucky young girl.

Yet, facing this kind invitation, there was not a trace of joy in Enola's heart.

All she did was constantly look towards the entrance of the station, her agitation and unease growing by the minute.

Seeing Enola's anxiety, the elderly woman looked around. "By the way, is your guardian here? I would like to talk to them."

"I don't have parents... but I am waiting for someone."

Hearing that Enola's parents had passed away, the old lady's gaze softened.

"In that case, come to Knowledge City with me first. I will have the city's lord pass a message to the person you are waiting for..."

"Congratulations, Junior Sister. This is the first time in five years our teacher has taken a disciple."

Soon, a white-robed woman congratulated Enola.

As she spoke, she picked up the few pieces of luggage and smiled at Enola. "Come on, the conditions in second class are too poor. We shall go to our teacher's special seats and talk in detail."

Seeing this, the admiring gazes towards Enola from the surrounding onlookers intensified.

Just having been accepted as a disciple and already receiving such attention—it was truly worthy of the White Tower.

Unlike other transcendent forces that emphasized contribution and merit, operating on a 'more work, more reward' principle, the White Tower was more like a pure teaching organization. It never vied for world domination. Thus, the atmosphere within the White Tower was gentler, far removed from the cold, profit-driven nature often seen elsewhere.

If it weren't for the White Tower's requirement that members be female, countless Beastmasters across the land would be desperate to get in.

"There's no need..."

Enola shook her head, intending to refuse.

Just then, a bell rang and the train let out a long whistle, signaling that the magic-powered train was ready to depart.

All passengers on the train revealed joyful expressions at the thought of leaving this harsh and cold land, but fear intensified in Enola's heart.

She abruptly stood up, snatched her luggage from the hands of the smiling woman, then vaulted over the window and jumped off the moving train.

Everyone stared, stunned. No one could understand why this young-looking girl would reject an invitation to become the disciple of a Titled Rank Beastmaster.

But Enola simply landed on the train station platform amidst the shocked gazes. She endured the pain from the impact on her not-yet-healed leg and quickly ran towards the station's exit.

She staggered along, following the signs toward the Municipal Great Library, but before she was halfway there, she stumbled. Fresh blood seeped through the white bandage on her wound.

But before she could fall, a hand supported her swaying form.

"Silly girl, why are you in such a mess?"

The young man's words carried a hint of helplessness. "I specifically looked into the background of that 6-Ring from the White Tower. She's an exceptionally rare high-order Beastmaster—a natural teacher with a gentle personality."

"Follow her, and you can get the best guidance, and select the best Pet Beast cubs and advancement materials. Your life will be better than it was in Ceylon."

But then Shiayar heard the blonde girl's quiet murmur, "To be your... pretty girl."

Shiayar's words caught in his throat for a moment. "You believe that? That was just nonsense I made up to ignite your will to live..."

"When you grow up, you'll understand that verbal promises are the least reliable in the face of tangible benefits. I only saved your life; I'm not entitled to your entire life in exchange."

Enola did not answer, merely moving to stand by Shiayar's side.

A hint of helplessness surfaced in Shiayar's eyes. "Are you sure you don't want to go with the one from the White Tower?"

"That's an opportunity to rise above others. Countless people across the entire Western Continent want to study under her. Some are even willing to buy alchemical secret remedies to turn themselves into women."

Enola shook her head.

"Following me means enduring many hardships, and I'm someone who likes courting death; there might even be life-threatening danger."

"Go with her... If you want to repay the debt for saving your life, it's not too late after you graduate from the White Tower."

Still, she shook her head.

"The White Tower is all women. With us being a young man and a young woman alone together, and you being such a beauty in the making, aren't you afraid I'll harbor improper thoughts about you?"

"Although we are still young, it won't be long before we mature, and then I'll do as I please..."

"I'm not afraid."

Shiayar's words finally ceased. He looked at the golden-haired girl before him and spoke, word by word.

"Then let's make an oath..."

"From this moment forward, I will always keep you by my side. I will never abandon you, never stray from you, not even at death's end. And I will help you investigate the truth behind what happened in Ceylon."

"And you must live well, cherish your life... always, be someone useful to me."

"Okay."

Enola nodded lightly and then hooked her little finger with Shiayar's pinky.

It was a gesture Shiayar had taught her when they were children.

It is said that an oath made in this manner could not be forsaken, not even after a hundred years, not even by death or separation.

"Alright then, come with me."

「...」

The ancient and solemn sound of a distant bell awakened Enola from her deep meditation.

The time for the engagement dinner was almost upon her.

She silently got up, pushed open the door of the meditation room, and finished washing in the washroom.

Enola changed into a form-fitting gown in front of the dressing mirror, then descended the stairs.

Downstairs, a young man with black hair and dark eyes was leaning against the carriage, idly teasing the little white ferret on his shoulder, humming an aimless tune.

"Want some milk tea?" Shiayar's voice sounded.

"It's so cold out. Here, this will warm your hands."

As he spoke, he handed one of the two cups of milk tea to her, keeping the other for himself.

"Oh, and I picked up some baked sweet potatoes from a roadside stall on the way."

Shiayar lifted the bag in his hand. "You've been shut in the meditation room for days; you've probably been living on nutritional supplements. You still need to eat something warm."

"Even though there's a banquet later, I suspect we probably won't get a chance to eat at the feast."

Enola accepted the cup of milk tea and the bag of baked sweet potatoes. She took a small sip, feeling a gentle warmth spread through her heart.

In these seven days, she had thought about many, many things.

For instance, what Shiayar would actually do regarding this engagement.

She had even prepared herself for the worst-case scenario—

Because for Enola today, the childhood grudge had long faded; she cherished the hard-won, stable life she now had with Shiayar more than anything.

But when she saw Shiayar again, just one look, and Enola understood what was in his heart.

Despite his words about oaths being the least reliable things, he clearly honored his promises more than anyone else.

Enola held the hot baked sweet potato in her hands, taking small bites. When she was halfway through, she handed it to Shiayar.

"You really are my thoughtful little treasure, even remembering to save half for me."

Shiayar took the baked sweet potato, polished it off in a few bites, and then let out a satisfied sigh.

Just then, the carriage stopped. A magnificent palace came into view.

The Hall of Oaths.

This palace was not owned by the Royal Family but belonged to the 8 Great Families. Its splendor rivaled that of the Royal Palace.

In the distant past, at the founding of the nation, the 8 Great Oath-Sworn Families held an oath conference in this palace. The slightest decisions made within could shake the Empire and even the Western Continent.

And today, it was being used by the Borgia family as the venue for their engagement dinner.

At this moment, the palace was brightly lit. Countless magictech illumination arrays were activated, accompanied by waves of powerful, abyss-deep auras and a cacophony of noise.

Shiayar alighted from the carriage and then extended his hand to the golden-haired girl behind him.

"Let's go."