The moment Zayn laid eyes on the young man accompanying Lady Isadora, he knew this was going to be a hassle.
The guy had that polished, slightly arrogant noble air about him — black hair perfectly combed back, glasses that gleamed whenever the light hit them, and a sword resting at his hip that probably cost more than most commoners made in a year.
Despite the aura of confidence he gave off, Zayn wasn't too impressed. Sure, the guy had soul energy, but it wasn't anywhere near his level.
If anything, it felt like the kind of strength that came from years of formal training rather than experience in actual life-or-death battles.
Isadora and Celestia had already settled down at the sidelines, their previous presence shrinking as they chattered excitedly, leaving the two men to square off.
Zayn shook hands with the noble, who introduced himself as Cedric Rosenthal.
Cedric gave him a once-over, his lips twitching in amusement. "Celestia's… boyfriend?"
