Kelly looked around to ensure no one was early, then knocked on the door. A pleasant "tenn's nice" came from inside. As she opened the door, the amiable Lennwen Talone—the professor—was there.

“Ibelle, Professor,” Kelly quickly greeted.

The professor looked at her. With that, he left, and the room seemed to hum with a quiet energy.

“There’s no longer a need to wait. We haven’t had much chance to meet these past few days,” Leon replied, walking over to the desk. With practiced ease, he opened a folder. Since he had already looked it over, Kelly had no choice but to sit down quietly.

Soon, the air was filled with the scent of milk. Leon handed her a cup and said, “Be careful; it’s hot.”

“Thank you,” Kelly replied as he watched her closely. That made her instantly feel awkward. She didn’t know what to say. She had never felt this way when talking to him, probably because it was through the phone, where they could speak freely. But now, standing before him, the authority of his presence as a professor made her body tense with nervousness.

Leon seemed to notice her unease and broke the silence. “How have you been lately?”

Kelly gave a small nod, still clutching her drink.

“And how about that?” His gaze briefly flickered to her stomach.

“A lush, full dermis. That’s good too.”

She wasn’t lying. If it weren’t for the test results, she might not even realize she was pregnant. Aside from not being able to handle greasy food, her body felt… different. The idea of being a mother still hadn’t fully sunk in.

“That’s good,” Leon said as he pulled out a document from his drawer. “Submit this form as soon as possible; it’ll be easier for me to look after you once you move.”

Kelly glanced down and saw the application had already been thoughtfully filled out—her personal details, the reason for applying, everything except her signature.

“Thank you,” she said, reaching out to take it. “I’ll hand it to the counselor now.”

The room fell silent. Feeling like she had overstayed her welcome, Kelly timidly asked, “Can I go now?”

It sounded like Drop was holding her hostage.

He chuckled. “Go ahead. Take care of yourself.”

She stood up, took a few steps, then paused and turned back. “Thank you for the milk, Professor Butler.”

Leon frowned slightly as the door closed, his gaze lingering on the threshold. She couldn’t quite grasp the nature of their relationship. Kelly didn’t expect this first hurdle in their cohabitation plan to be so… difficult.

When she submitted the form, the counselor, Jorph Wall, said, “The policy’s been changed; off-campus housing now requires a parent’s signature.”

She was shocked. She remembered that her roommate, Sarah, didn’t need that before. “I thought this wasn’t a rule when the semester started.”

“That’s true,” Joseph replied. “But a few days ago, a student moved out without telling their parents and got into trouble off-campus. The family blamed the university.”

Feeling disheartened, Kelly left the office. An alarm blared in the stairwell; her phone buzzed. It was a message from Leon.

“Did you submit the update?”

She quickly replied with a crying emoji. The counselor said I need a parent’s signature; otherwise, it won’t be approved.

Seconds later, Jer plaquerang; Lewimas was calling.

“Professor Butler,” she answered weakly.

She had already mentally prepared—she’d bought a beautiful vanity for the new place and replanned which plants to put on the balcony. It felt like a huge letdown when she was told she couldn't move in.

“Where are you?” Drop’s calm voice came through.

“At Solmere Hall, the counselor’s office.”

“Wait there. I’m coming right now.”

He hung up before she could respond. She wasn’t sure why he was coming, but she stayed where she was.

Leon appeared in less than five minutes. His stride was steady and composed, his long legs carrying him quickly across the floor. With his sharp brows and elegant bone structure, he had a composed and striking presence.

Kelly called out as he neared, “Professor Butler.” Her voice was tinged with frustration.

Leon didn’t mention the title this time. Seeing her scrunched-up face, he said calmly, “Don’t look so down. It’s a small issue.”

He took the crumpled form from her hand. “Let’s go.”

With his tall frame close by, Kelly suddenly felt like a child who finally had an adult to rely on. Her back straightened unconsciously.

Joseph was surprised to see her again: “Ms. Valencia, like I said earlier, it’s out of my hands. Without a parent’s signature, I can’t approve it.”

At that moment, Leon entered behind her, his figure blocking much of the sunlight.

Joseph quickly stood up as he recognized him immediately. “Professor Butler, what brings you here?”

Leon was well-known—nearly everyone at the school knew him.

“I’m here for this,” Leon said as he placed the form on the desk.

Joseph glanced at it, then at Kelly. So, she had brought backup, huh? Joseph still didn’t know why Leon was involved, but these were the rules. He’d be responsible if something happened.

Looking helpless, Joseph said, “Professor Butler, it’s not that I don’t want to help, but after the recent incident, the administration is strict. Without a parent’s signature, I can’t approve it.”

“I’m her guardian,” Leon said calmly.

Joseph looked back and forth between the two, wondering if they were relatives.

Leon took out a booklet and placed it on the desk. “This is our marriage certificate. I’ve given my permission for her to live off-campus. I’ll sign the form and take full responsibility for anything that happens.”

The certificate sat squarely on the desk, and Joseph stood there in stunned silence.