"I formally request that you join my academy as a teacher."
Zayne blinked once, twice… then let out a sharp laugh.
"Me? Teacher? At your Academy??"
His laughter spilled into the night.
"Ahahahahahaha! Oh hell no…!"
Caelum's pale blue brows furrowed. He hadn't expected such a reaction. "This is my request," he pressed, tone firm yet almost pleading. "Please, you don't have to be a full-time teacher. Even as a part-time instructor, your presence would mean everything."
Zayne tilted his head, a smile tugging at his lips. "Quite a nice offer. But still—no."
Caelum exhaled, a trace of resignation in his sigh. "I see… I suppose I must respect your decision. But… may I ask the reason you're declining?"
Zayne's eyes glimmered in the firelight as he leaned back lazily. "Because you don't need me."
Caelum frowned. "What do you mean? Even if we lack someone, I can always adjust the teachers. You can join without issue."
