She set the cup down carefully, eyes sharpening subtly again as she regarded Viren. "Continue watching over Orion discreetly, Viren, for as long as he is in the academy. Guide and support him subtly from the shadows. His journey is one we must carefully nurture yet never interfere with excessively."
Viren bowed solemnly, accepting his responsibility clearly. "Yes, Dean Alariel. You have my word—I will do all I can to support Orion's path appropriately."
Satisfied, Dean Alariel smiled faintly, dismissing him gently with a wave. "Then go and rest now, Viren. You've experienced enough excitement today. I shall carefully consider the implications of everything you've shared with me."
Viren lightly rubbed the back of his head and sheepishly said, "Uh, so about the salary raise that I asked before..."
Alariel became silent, looking serenely at Viren, "...Is this the reason you took the risk to head to Helstorm's house?"
