Slowly, Azriel raised both hands in surrender, speaking hurriedly yet trying to maintain a calm demeanor.
"Don't be rash, Instructor Ranni—it's me, Azriel, your most beloved and strongest cadet! I admit, perhaps I've skipped your classes one too many times, but surely that's not reason enough to pierce my head! The academy has barely begun—at least give me a chance to redeem myself!"
The six swords of water hovered menacingly around her, terrifyingly sharp—nearly as terrifying as the icy expression Instructor Ranni wore.
"I apologize, but I'm finding it quite challenging to maintain my composure upon seeing my most beloved and strongest cadet drunk."
"…Hah? Drunk? Who said I'm drunk?!"
"Your ears and cheeks are red."
"They're not!"
"They are."
Ranni took another step forward, and suddenly the six water swords began spinning at alarming speeds. Her expression remained dangerously calm.
"I despise alcohol. But what I despise even more is seeing one of my students intoxicated."
