Emilia stood up, her hands slightly trembling but her eyes gleamed with determination.
"I'd like to give it a try, Professor," she said.
Ace looked at her, a smile creeping into his lips. He gave a soft clap, the sound echoing in the quiet room.
"Applause for bravery," he said with a faint smirk.
As Emilia walked toward the platform, heart pounding, she could've sworn she heard Ace murmur under his breath, "Ah, the sacrificial lamb has arrived."
She paused, blinking in confusion and looked up, but all she saw was his gentle smile, so calm and polite it made her heart scream danger.
"Well? What are you looking at me for?" Ace asked, his tone dry but amused.
"Admiring me won't help you refine the pill."
The class burst into laughter, the tension lifting slightly as Emilia's face flushed scarlet. She looked down, trying to steady her breathing.
Next, taking a few long, deep breath, to calm the flurry of nerves fluttering in her chest she straightened herself up.
