"I even gave you the chance to object. It’s your fault for not paying close attention," Deculein stated, his voice as cold as ice.0

Yulie lowered her head silently. Her senior knights watched her, their emotions mirrored in her own turmoil. Yet, she knew it was too soon to give up.0

"... I admit it's my fault," she murmured quietly.0

Determined, she placed the Ice Flower on a stable surface and concentrated her mana into her palms.0

Thud—!0

A familiar, dull pain from an old injury flared up. Direct mana release was still a challenge, but she ignored it. Clenching her teeth, she gathered her mana into a sphere in her hand and then dispersed it like dust.1

Whoosh...0

Her magic spread throughout the villa, freezing everything and extinguishing the warmth of the fireplace, causing the temperature to plummet.0

"This should suffice," Yulie said with confidence, her gaze steady on Deculein.0

Deculein's expression briefly flickered with surprise before he regained his composure. Shaking his head, he stated, "Your method is flawed. Inspect the flower yourself."0

At his instruction, Yulie turned her gaze to the Ice Flower she had set down earlier.0

"What…?"0

The petals were scarred, the damage evident at a glance.0

"The Ice Flower is highly sensitive to mana."0

"... Hah," Yulie laughed bitterly, holding the damaged flower in her hand.0

She closed her eyes after gazing at the shimmering flower bud, lowering her head in defeat. Though the clock above the frozen fireplace was still, it soon struck seven...2