Right, of course. No way Aldric was that lucky.

The angel in figure but not in spirit, Zasia, was peering into his face with a severe frown. This was usually the part where she went into great detail about the stupid, hare-brained things he had done and why he should never do them again. Not really ready for the incoming tongue lashing but also unable to run away, Aldric braced himself for the inevitable.

“How are you feeling? Kedrin did what he could, but only said you would need rest to heal your body’s mana channels and restore your pool. You’ve been asleep for a whole day.”

He’d expected more yelling. He didn’t know what to do when she handed him genuine concern and affection. Any argument he’d hastily planned had died in his brain.

“I’ll live,” Aldric replied, deciding that he could probably stop being an ass for a day. “What about the kids?”

“They’re fine. A bit shaken, but relatively unharmed. They must take after their professor. I heard from Kedrin that they were surprisingly calm and able to defend themselves. Even that young sorcerer, Ms. Flemming, chipped in. Did you really just casually give her spell paper?”

“Wait, she could actually imbue it while in combat?” Aldric asked, incredulous. That girl needed to stop learning things faster than he could teach them.

“Apparently. Honestly, Aldric, you’re an accountant’s worst nightmare. Just casually handing out valuables to students with no thought of budgeting.”

Aldric waved a dismissive hand, then remembered that his whole body was racked with pain. Through a wince, he said, “Whatever, it’s my supply. You guys wanted me to take this seriously, so I am. Besides, I can just make Kedrin whatever he wants so he can sell it later. It’s basically the same as printing money.”

Zasia opened her mouth to reply, closed it, then gave him a worried look. She gently touched his shoulder while gazing at him imploringly.

“I know you’re only joking, but I’m pretty sure you could, couldn’t you? Please don’t break the economy. We need it.”

Aldric only snorted in response, deliberately not promising anything. “So, I have you to thank for covering for me?”

Obviously noting the subject change but choosing not to pursue the topic further, Zasia reluctantly nodded. “Indeed. I’d say you’ve been doing an excellent job with them so far. It really is quite astounding the progress they’re making. By the way, a few students from Rainer’s former class desired to transfer over to yours. Kedrin has already approved it.”

“Wait, what?” Aldric cried out, wincing as he instinctively tried to rise from his bed. “Why?!”