บท 124: Merit

"So this is the mysterious Ohta I've heard so much about. According to my son, you're quite capable..." remarked Ars, his expression and tone stern and scrutinizing as his electric-blue eyes scanned Ohta from head to toe.

"It...it's an honor to meet you, sir—I mean, my Lord..." responded Ohta, feeling uncharacteristically nervous as, from her perspective, she was essentially meeting her in-laws for the first time.

"I am neither your Lord nor someone you are beholden to," asserted Ars, shaking his head before smiling as he added, "As such, feel free to speak plainly. I insist upon it."

"Understood..." responded Ohta, swallowing nervously and then blushing as Will placed his hand on her head, stating, "It's not an overstatement to say I owe Ohta my life. She's also the one who talked me into returning to the Academy, so I hope our family and its allies will make concessions for her, regardless of her origins..."