Emerald's face flushed as she coughed, covering her mouth.

A hand with strong knuckles extended a tissue, accompanied by a deep voice. “Are you alright?”

Emerald took the tissue, turning her back to the group as she coughed for a while before finally recovering.

Alaric took the chance to sit beside her.

For some reason, when he sat down, it felt like the temperature dropped, as if an invisible air conditioner was blowing cool air around them.

There was a stark contrast between the young boys and the mature man sitting among them.

Noticing Emerald had stopped coughing, Alaric handed her a glass of warm water and looked at the...