Max regarded her calmly, though he sensed the shift in her intent.
"If you can surpass me in this trial," she continued, her gaze unwavering, "then I shall become your maid for ten years. If you fail and I surpass you, then you will become my servant for ten years. How about it?"
For a brief moment, silence fell between them.
Carl's eyes widened in disbelief. Laura inhaled sharply, her composure slipping for the first time since entering the path. They had known Isabella Lumin as the Saintess in training, a figure revered and distant. To hear her propose such extreme terms was beyond their expectations.
Even Max was momentarily stunned.
He had not anticipated this escalation. A wager of resources between halls was one matter. A personal bet involving servitude between disciples, especially one involving the Saintess in training, was something entirely different.
Yet the shock within him quickly dissolved.
In its place, a faint and subtle smile curved along his lips.
