Nolan finally let go of Emily, giving her a final reassuring squeeze before stepping back.

She remained still, her cheeks flushed as she looked at Nolan, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

The whole situation was… surreal.

However, they weren’t the only ones surprised.

The people in the church, who had witnessed the embrace right there in the sacred space, began murmuring amongst themselves.

"Did you see that? That boy and that girl… hugging here of all places."

"Do they have no respect? This is a place of worship, not some inn for lovers."

"And he hasn’t even changed his clothes. Just look at the impression he’s giving…"

"Since when do they let people like that in here?"

The disapproving and surprised whispers didn’t stop, but Nolan barely paid them any attention.

Hestia, noticing that Nolan was still in his sleepwear, approached and offered to take them somewhere more private.

"Nolan, if you’d like to speak with Emily in peace… I could guide you to a private room," suggested Hestia, pointing toward a discreet door at the back of the church.

He nodded, grateful for her consideration.

"That would be perfect."

Emily, still somewhat dazed and with her face flushed, nodded silently while Nolan extended his hand to her, gently taking it to lead her along.

She, still lost in her thoughts, was left wondering what this sudden change in him meant. It was true that Nolan had given her unexpected attention from the beginning, but this level of focus…

It was all too much for her!

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Emily walked quietly, letting herself be led by the two of them.

As they moved through the hallways to a more private area, Emily looked down at Nolan’s hand holding hers.

She thought about how, until recently, Nolan had always been reserved, distant, and not one to show affection toward others, and now… this closeness.

What had happened?

Something inside her told her that something was different about Nolan, but…

What exactly was it?

So deep was she in her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed herself drifting away into her own mind.

"Emily," Nolan repeated in a louder tone, stopping for a moment to look at her. "Emily, can you hear me?"

Startled, Emily blinked and looked at him, still slightly flushed and thoroughly embarrassed for not hearing him earlier.

"W-what happened?" she asked, her voice tinged with shyness.

Nolan, without paying much mind to her distraction, gave her a slight smile.

"I want to see your magic."

She looked at him, surprised, still processing his words.

While she had practiced several times privately… right now, Emily was quite nervous because Hestia was present.

For some reason, Hestia’s gaze felt heavier than usual, and it unsettled Emily.

‘Would it be selfish if I asked her to leave…?’ Emily thought, glancing at Hestia.

"A-are you sure I can…?" Emily murmured, her gaze now fixed on Nolan.

He nodded, determined.

"You’ve done it several times before; you can do it."

Emily’s heart began to race at his words, and she felt chills run through her body from the nerves. To her surprise, though…

She had forgotten!

She had completely forgotten everything Nolan had taught her!

‘Damn it… and here I am, a magician who’s supposed to be ready to do this at any moment…’ Emily thought nervously.

Hestia, who had overheard the conversation, was quite intrigued.

She was about to witness Nolan’s disciple’s magic firsthand!

This was an exciting opportunity!

‘What is it about this girl that has caught Nolan’s attention…?’ Hestia wondered, eagerly waiting for Emily to cast a spell.

But to her surprise… the seconds ticked by, and it seemed like Emily wasn’t doing anything.

‘Could it be that the spell requires significant mental preparation…?’ Hestia thought, puzzled as she waited in anticipation for Emily to show something.

Several more seconds passed and…

Nothing.

Emily wasn’t doing anything at all.

Typically, every mage would recite an incantation out loud before casting a spell, but seeing Emily standing completely still and silent…

‘Could she be preparing a large-scale spell?’ Hestia concluded suddenly, as it was the only explanation for why Emily was taking so long to cast her spell.

Or it could also be that she wasn’t yet skilled at using magic, and so she hesitated to cast it.

But that was impossible for a disciple of Nolan!

Emily had to be special, because otherwise, there was no way Nolan would be focusing on her.

That was Hestia’s reasoning.

But when the waiting stretched into minutes… Nolan spoke up and said:

"Are you nervous?"