After Evelyn excitedly finished her sentence, Luo Wei glanced around and noticed that some guests were already looking curiously in their direction.
"Teacher, could you keep your voice down a bit..."
Evelyn also realized she had been a bit too loud and let out a soft huff.
"Anyway... it's not like I was thinking that, I just..."
She muttered to herself, her gaze drifting toward the center of attention, Ophelia, who was now the focal point of the gathering.
Even amidst the most powerful and influential nobles of the empire, Ophelia carried herself with effortless grace and elegance, every smile and gesture radiating nobility.
Even someone as proud as Evelyn had to admit that the Fifth Princess was truly exceptional.
Young, beautiful, and resourceful...
She had power, influence, and, most of all, she was far wealthier than Evelyn!
At the thought of this, Evelyn's emotions became a tangled mess. She couldn't help but glance at Luo Wei beside her.
Especially after seeing the two of them walk into the banquet hall hand in hand, it felt as if all the starlight of the evening had fallen upon them. They were dazzling...
So dazzling that it almost hurt her eyes.
Evelyn didn't know what was wrong with her. Just earlier, she had been filled with resentment toward that mischievous boy, wishing she could strangle him...
But why, upon seeing the two of them so intimate and so perfectly matched, did a fire ignite in her heart?
What was she even angry about? Their relationship had nothing to do with her, did it?
Why had she become so irrational? This wasn't like her at all!
Evelyn suddenly grabbed her hair in frustration and downed the cocktail in her hand in one gulp.
The slightly fruity yet sharp flavor soothed her emotions a little. After savoring it for a moment, she decided it wasn't enough and snatched Luo Wei's cocktail, downing that one too.
"Hmm... I've never had this before, but it's actually pretty good?"
"Teacher, you should drink less..." Luo Wei said helplessly, watching her. How had she gotten so hooked on it already?
"I'm warning you, this stuff has a kick. Don't start causing a scene in the banquet hall later..."
Evelyn raised her chin defiantly. "Do you really think I'm that weak?"
She waved over a waiter and grabbed two more cocktails, challenging Luo Wei with her eyes.
Luo Wei could only sigh in resignation.
Evelyn handed him one of the glasses, forcing him to drink with her.
What else could Luo Wei do? Seeing his teacher in such a sullen mood, he had no choice but to go along with her.
As they ate and drank, Evelyn's gaze returned to the Fifth Princess, who was still mingling with the nobles. Suddenly, she blurted out a strange compliment.
"Your old flame is quite capable, isn't she..."
"Huh?" Luo Wei was caught off guard.
Evelyn chuckled. "Before this, everyone thought the succession would be a contest between the Second and Third Princes. No one expected the Fifth Princess to emerge out of nowhere."
"I've heard about the things she's done. Who would've thought that the Fifth Princess, who was kept away from the court and considered a discarded pawn by the Emperor, would rise so quickly in such a short time..."
Luo Wei's eyes also fell on Ophelia, and he shook his head with a smile. "She is impressive. In just four years, she's grown into this..."
"Impressive indeed..." Evelyn's tone turned sour. "Far more impressive than me..."
Luo Wei suddenly flashed a bright smile. "But Teacher, you're amazing too!"
"What's so amazing about me..." Evelyn laughed self-deprecatingly, muttering in frustration.
"I'm not as beautiful as her..."
"Nor as young..."
"And she has so much power and influence. Who knows what she'll achieve in the future..."
"Hold on, hold on!" Luo Wei was at a loss. What had gotten into her today?
They hadn't even exchanged greetings yet, and she was already feeling so inferior. This wasn't the proud Evelyn he knew. Where had that confident teacher gone?
"Then tell me, what are my strengths compared to hers?" Evelyn immediately turned to Luo Wei.
"Uh..." Luo Wei was momentarily stunned. Why did women always love comparing themselves?
He could only silently look her up and down.
Evelyn pursed her lips, her expression unchanged, but her eyes betrayed a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
Luo Wei suddenly narrowed his eyes, his gaze settling on one particular area.
"Who says you don't have strengths?"
"Teacher, you're the best in this department!"
His eyes were fixed on Evelyn's ample bosom, and he couldn't help but feel a wave of admiration.
Luo Wei hereby declared! Teacher Evelyn's chest and Ophelia's legs were both supreme treasures! Just as Saint Callen couldn't lose its magitech industry, this game couldn't lose Evelyn's magnificent chest!
"You little brat!" Evelyn saw Luo Wei staring unblinkingly at her chest and gave him a resigned smile.
She wasn't angry, though. Instead, she ruffled his hair playfully.
"Is that all I have going for me? Do I have to compare my chest to a girl who just came of age?"
Evelyn pouted and crossed her arms.
"Of course not~" Luo Wei grinned mischievously. "Teacher, you're incredibly knowledgeable, and your teaching is so engaging that even someone like me, who hates classes, loves attending yours. You're my favorite teacher ever!"
Evelyn finally nodded in satisfaction, a smile creeping onto her lips.
"By the way!" Luo Wei suddenly remembered something. "Do you know what 'Ring' magic is?"
"'Ring' magic?" Evelyn frowned slightly. "That's a concept from the ancient Magical Empire. It's not used anymore. How do you know about it?"
The ancient Magical Empire? Luo Wei hadn't expected 'Ring' magic to be tied to such a hidden piece of history.
His curiosity piqued, he immediately told her about the magic book he had acquired.
"It's actually a work by Master Gould?"
Evelyn was genuinely surprised. Seeing Luo Wei's eager and curious expression, she shook her head with a smile and patiently explained.
"In the distant past, many more people could learn magic. Mages had a unique and profound cultivation system, unlike today, where simply being able to recite a complete spell is considered impressive. Back then, their status was much higher too. Nowadays, terms like 'wizard' or 'witch' carry a negative connotation..."
Luo Wei listened intently as Evelyn continued:
"Before the advent of crystal magic, 'Ring' magic was the mainstream method of spellcasting. Mages back then didn't need external tools to channel their magic; they had innate organs for storing magical energy, much like the 'blood cores' in our bodies."
"So, magical proficiency was measured in 'rings.' The number of rings referred to how many magical runes a spell required. The more rings, the greater the resonance and power the spell could unleash..."
Evelyn described a few high-ring spells mentioned in historical texts, their earth-shaking effects leaving Luo Wei utterly captivated. He couldn't wait to go home and delve deeper into Master Gould's work.
By the end of her explanation, Evelyn's throat was dry, and she called for another cocktail to conclude this "extra lesson."
"So..." Luo Wei's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Teacher, do you know how to use 'Ring' magic?"
Evelyn blinked mysteriously. "What do you think?"
"Teacher, you must know! You have to teach me!" Luo Wei eagerly tugged at her arm.
Seeing Luo Wei's enthusiastic and earnest demeanor, Evelyn's smile grew wider.
It seemed she wasn't completely useless after all! Ophelia probably didn't know 'Ring' magic, otherwise Luo Wei would've gone to her for guidance.
It had to be me!
Luo Wei noticed Evelyn's smug expression, her pride practically radiating, and couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
His proud and slightly vain Evelyn teacher was back.
"Well, since you're so eager to learn, I suppose I could give you a few pointers..."
"Just so you know, I have a broad range of knowledge, so I can help you get started, but the rest of your cultivation will depend on yourself~"
Luo Wei quickly nodded in agreement. This was already more than enough for him. The book he had been struggling with was so dense and confusing that it made him want to fall asleep. Yet, with just a few words, Evelyn had pinpointed the key aspects of "Ring" magic. No wonder she was considered the best teacher at Callen University.
As the two of them were engrossed in their lively conversation, the crowd in the venue suddenly fell silent for a moment.
"Huh? What's going on? Did the emperor make an appearance?"
Evelyn looked up and saw a beautiful face approaching, wearing a faint, enigmatic smile.
Luo Wei also turned his gaze sharply in that direction.
Ophelia was staring intently at the two of them, her deep eyes lingering on Luo Wei for a moment before she turned her smiling gaze to Evelyn.
"Are you done talking?"
"Can I have Luo Wei back now?"