I am the heroine's godfather!

If it were fifteen-year-old Messiah, she would definitely smile and say, "Yes, yes, I'm your father's friend," and give Charlotte a warm hug. Unfortunately, the current Messiah wouldn't say that. She tilted her head and thought for a moment. She and Charlotte's father had hardly met, so she couldn't be considered friends in the universal sense.

So Messiah shook her head and said, "We are not friends."

"Um, is that so?"

Seeing that Messiah was about to kill the conversation, Loran quickly said, "Michael is a friend that your teacher Claire and I knew before."

"That's it."

Charlotte then understood. Lorraine seemed to know many friends. Last year, in that village, he met the kind-hearted Sister Lucy, who claimed to be Lorraine's friend. Then, in Enshia, he met Teacher Claire, who also claimed to be Lorraine's friend.

This made Charlotte very curious about Lorraine's past. However, now was clearly not the time to ask. Charlotte looked at the two of them, hesitant to speak. Daisy noticed Charlotte's thoughts and spoke for her: "Mr. Lorraine, are you showing Miss Michael around Fallen Leaf City?"

"Yes, it's Michael's first time here, so I'll show her around."

"I see. Then we won't disturb you and Miss Michael any longer."

Charlotte raised her hand: "But I'm coming to your place for dinner tonight!"

Loran paused for a moment, then smiled helplessly and agreed.

Chapter 141 Roman Holiday

"Either travel or read; your body or your soul must always be on the road."

Strolling along the ancient stone-paved streets of Fallen Leaf City, listening to the hustle and bustle on both sides, Loran sighed. It was just a pity that standing beside him was a demigod untouched by worldly affairs.

Messiah glanced at Loran and said, "Why are you suddenly saying such things?"

"It was just a sudden inspiration."

"unclear meaning."

Messiah gave her evaluation, and Loran smiled helplessly before continuing, "Messiah, if you were to choose your favorite city, which city would you choose?" Before Messiah could respond, Loran continued, "If I were to choose, I would choose Fallen Leaves City today."

"It sounds like a love confession."

Messiah remained sharp in her assessment, making no attempt to mince words: "The only difference between Fallen Leaf City today and the past is that I'm here. Is that what you're trying to say?"

"Forehead......"

Loran had never seen anything like this before. It was like a beautiful moonlit night, walking with a girl you're interested in on a country road in summer, with cicadas chirping and a gentle breeze blowing. You think the atmosphere is just perfect, so you point to the moon and say, "The moonlight is so beautiful." You think the girl is in one of three situations: either she didn't understand, or she agrees or rejects you.

As a result, the girl seriously analyzed why Natsume Soseki translated "I like you" as "The moon is beautiful".

Even Natsume Soseki would find it hard to keep his composure after hearing this.

Normally, this would be interpreted as a subtle and harmless rejection, but unfortunately, Messiah's situation doesn't involve so many twists and turns; she is genuinely analyzing the situation.

Loran was at a loss for words, but thankfully Messiah was kind-hearted—or more likely, she hadn't thought that far ahead at all. In any case, Messiah returned to the point: "I don't have a favorite city, nor a least favorite city."

If it were the Messiah of the past, she would have analyzed it in a very serious manner, but in the eyes of the Messiah of today, most cities in the world are not much different.

Loran shook his head and chuckled softly.

The two fell silent, continuing their journey down the street, neither knowing their destination or where the road led. Time passed slowly, the sun's heat waning as it descended the hillside.

Suddenly, the sounds of the surrounding streets seemed to disappear. The fountain suddenly spouted jets of water reflecting the sunlight. This was a famous attraction in Fallen Leaf City, the Fountain of the Sea God's Blessing, a sacred relic left behind by the Sea God, one of the seven gods.

The setting sun halted its advance, and the night that had spread across half the sky came to a standstill.

Suddenly, the band next to them started playing a hymn to the goddess of magic, with a melodious tune.

A gust of wind lifted their long hair, carrying the fragrance of earth, while the leaves of the trees nearby swayed gently.

The rapid sound of hooves rang out, and a rough voice shouted, "The horse is out of control! Get out of the way!"

Loran instinctively reached out and pulled Messiah into his arms. The soft jade against his chest, the scent of flowers and herbs wafting from Messiah's hair, entered Loran's nostrils.

For a moment, everything was silent.

The next second, the sun completely withdrew its light, surrendering the sky to night. The hustle and bustle of the street returned to the two of them. Loran looked in the direction the carriage had gone, but the carriage was nowhere to be seen, as if everything just now was an illusion, leaving only the band singing hymns beside them, still continuing to sing.

Loran looked down and met a pair of golden eyes. He quickly released Messiah, and Her Majesty the Saint straightened her clothes and said, "Something just happened."

"I think so too. It's a bit eerie, but there's no malice in it."

Loran nodded, while Messiah continued, "I sensed a familiar aura." Loran pressed for more information, but she simply shook her head and remained silent, "It was only for a moment, I can't be sure."

"That's it."

Loran kept this in mind. There was probably no one on the entire continent who could cause this situation without alerting the two of them.

eccentric.

But since Messiah said not to worry about it, then we don't need to worry about it.

The sun set, the moon rose, the city lights came on, and the day was drawing to a close.

The date was coming to an end. No matter how beautiful Rome was, the princess who had escaped the palace would eventually have to return.

"Time is up."

Messiah looked at the gradually darkening night and said, "I'm leaving."

"See you."

"Goodbye."

There wasn't much sadness or reluctance, because Loran knew the two would eventually meet again.

--------------

When Lorraine returned home, she inevitably faced Charlotte's interrogation, but Charlotte was sensible enough not to pester her, and Lorraine easily dealt with it.

Besides, nothing happened between him and Messiah! They were completely innocent!

Really!

If it were Serena, Loran would feel a little guilty, but with Messiah, there really was nothing between them! He, Loran, was a gentleman, upright and honest!

Oh, right, Olivia's dorm room has been assigned, and she's moved out of Loran's house. After all, if she didn't move out soon, it felt like Charlotte would be moving in soon.

Fortunately, Olivia didn't pester him too much. She just said that she would come to Loran's house for dinner every Friday night from now on, and Loran naturally didn't refuse.

During this time, Estia also stayed in Saint Casta, living in Christine's dormitory.

Loran wasn't worried about any conflict between the two, after all, they had been friends for over a decade. It's just that Christine had recently asked him for a more robust, reusable soundproof barrier, and she'd also been replacing her dormitory furniture much more frequently lately.

That's normal. When we went on adventures together before, Christine often broke the furniture in restaurants and inns.

It's nothing serious.

Sitting on the balcony, watching the chair that suddenly flew out of the window of Christine's dormitory next door, Loran took a sip of coffee, his expression calm.

What a harmonious day.

And so, a week slowly passed, and the dueling tournament was about to begin.

"Yo! Hello everyone, I'm your host for today, Hugh Dimo, a sixth-year student from St. Casta Knight Academy! Today, I'll be joined by my Magical Combat teacher, Professor Loran Morganfleur, for the explanation!"

The purple-haired, spiky boy held aloft a microphone that had been enchanted with amplification magic, surrounded by large broadcast screens to ensure that every student's parents could see the scene, even from home.

In other words, if you embarrass yourself in a dueling tournament, you might face widespread social humiliation, plus a double whammy from your parents when you get home.

sad.

Chapter 142 The Opening Ceremony of the Duel Tournament

"As our new teacher at St. Casta Magic Academy this semester, Professor Loran, you are quite famous!"

Commentator Hugh Timo lightened the mood, and Lorraine chimed in, "I guess this 'fame' isn't a good thing."

"of course!"

Hugh not only didn't hide it, but also said indignantly, "Of course! Professor Lorraine, since you came, the single rate among the upperclassmen boys has increased by three percentage points!"

"What does this have to do with me? Isn't this your own problem?"

Lorraine slammed her hand on the table, resolutely refusing to take the blame: "Don't talk nonsense. It's very difficult for us teachers, okay? Sometimes you should think more about your own problems, whether you've worked hard to improve yourself, and whether you've been attentive in my class."

"I have a feeling that you, Professor Loran, are bewitching people like a cultist."

Xiu grumbled, then slammed his fist on the table: "Damn it! Professor Loran, it's easy for you to talk when you're not the one suffering. We single guys are really unhappy! Fellow men, let's unite! Overthrow Loran's tyranny!"

"Oooo!"

A group of male students actually responded to Hugh's call, which drew laughter from the onlookers.

Loran gave a sinister smile: "Alright, I admire your courage, but you all seem to have forgotten one thing: the results for this year's practical magic course haven't been released yet."

"Goo."

The rebels were suddenly like ducks with their throats choked, unable to utter a sound.

"Damn it, is this how they're forcing us to submit? How despicable, Loran!"

"Hehehe, my power as a teacher is limitless!"

"Do you think I'll give in like this? No way!"

"Oh? So you're planning to rebel against me, the one who has the power to fail you?"

Hugh Deemo's eyes were resolute, like a warrior facing death, so courageous that even the silent rebels were moved. They looked at Hugh with tears in their eyes, as if witnessing the birth of a hero.

Finally, Hugh spoke:

"Hey, if I name out other people who are badmouthing you behind your back, could you give me more participation points at the end of the semester?"

Everyone was stunned.

After rambling on for a while, Hugh continued, "There are quite a few strong students among the new first-year students this year, Professor Loran. Who do you think will be the Duel King of the first year?"

"Charlotte, if we include those who don't participate in the competition, there might be other possibilities."

"Oh! If I remember correctly, Ms. Loran, you seem to be Miss Charlotte's guardian?"

"Yes."

Loran smiled and nodded: "For some reason, Charlotte was adopted by me, and I also taught her magic."

As he spoke, his gaze traveled through the broadcast screen in front of him to the viscount's mansion in a city in the Kingdom of Antaya, where it was seen by a stunningly beautiful woman.

The woman's face was somewhat pale.

Charlotte, that little bastard... Rand, that good-for-nothing, actually had a trick up his sleeve?

The woman was Charlotte's stepmother. Her face was somewhat grim, and she gritted her teeth, as if she had made a decision.

No, I need to contact that person...

Lorraine was unaware of what was happening at Charlotte's stepmother's place, and even if he had, he wouldn't have cared.

After all, in his eyes, Charlotte's stepmother was nothing more than an insect that could be crushed at any time. He only allowed her and her daughter to live a little longer because Charlotte wanted to avenge her father herself.

Hugh Deemo continued, "Yes, Miss Charlotte is indeed very strong. I heard that she maintains a perfect record even in your magical combat class. But after half a year of study, I think the other students have also made great progress."

"Yes, I'm really looking forward to their performance on the field."

"Well then, without further ado, let's officially begin today's match!"

Hugh loudly announced the rules of the competition: "Today's competition is a knockout tournament, and the rules are as follows!"

A map appeared on the broadcast screen.

"First-year students will each form groups of up to six people to enter the competition arena! The arena will be provided by Principal Lundilan and will consist of four types: dense forest, desert, abandoned town, and valley!"

"Teacher Loran will draw one of these four as the arena for this competition! Each participant has one point, and defeating an opponent will earn all of their points! The competition will last for three days and three nights, and the top 50% with the highest scores at the end will advance to the next round!"

"Participants can see their scores and rankings on the bracelets they are given!"

“We will provide supplies to each squad, but these supplies will only be enough for you to get through the first day! If you need more supplies, go and plunder other people! Of course, you can also use points to exchange for them; there will be a place to exchange them on your bracelet.”

After Hugh explained the rules, Loran began drawing maps.

"Dense Forest! It's a dense forest! I didn't expect Teacher Loran to have such good luck, drawing the most difficult dense forest right away! Here, every tree could be an enemy in disguise! There are also all sorts of magical beasts in the forest!"

Hugh shouted, "Now, the match begins!"

The first-year students were teleported to the examination room and assembled in their respective teams.

--------------

"Now we need to formulate a strategy."

Daisy frowned, picked up the map, and began to gesture: "If nothing unexpected happens, the team we need to pay the most attention to in this exam is Bianca's team."

"Yes, according to Anna, Tebilris has also joined Bianca's team."