Chase, relaxed and completely sure that Kevin would be unable to hurt her, spoke telepathically to Meruin.

_You're fighting her next, okay?_

Meruin looked surprised for a fraction of a second before smoothing her face. She thought back to Chase. _Why must I do that, Lady Chase?_

_It should be obvious, should it not? You're a combat mage, whether you like it or not, and that girl there is a mage's worst nightmare. Fight her, take her down a peg, and_ learn _from the fight._

Meruin pursed her lips. Well . . . it wasn't as if she were doing anything important this week . . . sigh.