Thanks to Allen's extensive social circle, his question was answered almost immediately. The list was impressively long, covering girls from seventh-year graduates to third-years just old enough to leave school and be invited to Hogsmeade. Every year, every house had its pick of the most beautiful girls, recognized by the boys.
Yes—although the school had no explicit rules, it was an unspoken understanding. After entering third year, dating and outings were left unmonitored by staff, quietly accepted by both professors and students.
A long list was quickly compiled. At the very end, Allen recognized a familiar name. The informant abruptly stopped mid-sentence, flustered, trying to change the subject.
Too late. Allen had already heard it clearly.
It was simple: the third-year Slytherin at the bottom of the list was named Annie.
Allen laughed, patting his friend on the shoulder with a "no worries, thanks, buddy" expression, which scared the poor informant half to death.
Good. Decision made. Next inheritance, buy Milio—whoever dares interfere will be burned alive!
While Allen learned about a previously unknown ranking and decided the next inheritance, Marshall was in despair, revealing why he felt so miserable.
It was simple: the claim that he had no girlfriend could be considered true only until last night.
That morning, Marshall had happily arranged a weekend date with a classmate from a Japanese magic school, a date sure to leave fond memories.
Of course, this had been before the recent incident. Now…
Heh.
Most around him shifted to sympathetic glances. It was easy to guess what Marshall was about to face—did he have the courage to refuse the prefect? Even refusing publicly would be risky—at worst, a beating; now, survival itself seemed unlikely.
If it were only a verbal refusal, it could be laughed off as a joke. But she had kissed him in front of everyone—that was deadly serious!
"What do I do! What should I do? Merlin above, what do I do?!" Marshall clutched his hair frantically.
Someone nearby offered advice: "Don't be scared of a beating. Cancel that Japanese girl's date—she'll at most hit you half to death. Besides, haven't you always liked Alisa? Get over it; the heartbreak will pass."
Family sticks together—loyalty was obvious.
Although the prefect on their side was strict, her character was respected. No question whose side they were on. As for the Japanese girl—sorry, they didn't know her well enough to interfere.
"I know that! I didn't plan to reject her—but I'm totally freaked out. How could I possibly say no?"
Marshall's face showed pure horror. Everyone realized: if it got out that Marshall had pre-arranged a date with someone else, the prefect would probably beat him to death.
Given her personality, if she learned Marshall had rejected someone else for her, she would still likely beat him to death.
In short, no matter what Marshall chose, he was doomed.
It was a sad story.
But soon a loophole became apparent—why? How had Marshall quietly succeeded in arranging dates with two girls?
One had even boldly confessed!
Merlin above, this isn't fair!
Guided by that thought, the innocent-looking Marshall was met with envious and contemptuous stares. You traitor! Two betrayals in a row! So lucky it's infuriating—go die!
Who would care?
The crowd quickly dispersed, leaving Marshall alone to mull over solutions.
Marshall turned grief into appetite, stuffing another snack into his mouth, only to realize the taste was off.
"Allen! You bastard! Come out and duel!" Marshall, almost beside himself, yelled after examining the snack packaging—Allen had handed him dog food.
Allen happily drew his wand: "Fine—duel it is. I'll fight with one hand and two legs, stand right here, no dodging your magic, no left-hand casting. Come on—duel!"
Marshall impulsively placed a hand on his wand, then quickly withdrew—what a joke, duel Allen?
Others didn't know, but he and Allen had faced multiple attacks together. Slytherins often ambushed Allen, only to be effortlessly dealt with and left to wake up later in a corner.
Allen's latest feat? Easily taking down eight seventh-year students, without even trying his full strength. He definitely wasn't dueling this lunatic.
Seeing Marshall chicken out, Allen abandoned the idea of giving him a lesson—there's no way this guy isn't on that ranking list!
Even though Allen couldn't punish him, watching Marshall squirm was entertainment enough.
And it wouldn't stay hidden long—many boys had recently paired up, so once news leaked, the real fun would begin. Hopefully, Marshall would survive.
With that kind thought, Allen prepared to find Zongze, a student well-connected and trusted—through him, Allen could likely find out who Marshall had arranged dates with.
For such an important matter, you need the person themselves involved.
Judging by the situation, it seemed Marshall would ultimately abandon the other girl.
Not on my watch. Allen decided to introduce the two girls in advance.
Before Marshall got involved, the two girls could probably handle things well.
As for Marshall… may Merlin bless him.
Allen's actions weren't revenge for the ranking—purely for justice and to protect the girls from being deceived. Really.
Look at his pure, innocent eyes.