**Chapter 102: Use Him However You Want**
The individual who had engaged him as a guarantor was none other than Aslan.
Aslan, the very embodiment of arrogance, was now a mere shadow of his usual self in the presence of Malcolm.
It was a fascinating dynamic: Malcolm, a master at concealing his true self, also happened to be the mentor of that insufferable Aslan. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of their relationship was the palpable fear that Aslan harbored for him. In Malcolm’s company, Aslan resembled a chastised child, eager to please yet utterly intimidated.
Sylvara couldn’t help but feel as though fate was smiling upon her. She had just endured the trials of dealing with her bargain-bin aunt in the Mordrels and her cousin who was as useless as a pick-me cousin could be. And now, almost as if the universe had conspired in her favor, she found herself in the presence of a significant authority figure—one who could effectively keep Aslan in line. It was nothing short of exhilarating!
“When did I ever claim to be the best in agriculture?” Aslan protested, desperately trying to salvage his dignity before his mentor. He was adamant that he had never made such an audacious statement. “Don’t put words in my mouth. Come on, hurry up.”
Sylvara couldn’t suppress a triumphant grin. She recalled Mr. Knowles’ words from her sophomore year: “How can a freshman class operate without a chief?”
With a hint of arrogance, she declared, “I’m not a student anymore. I’ve moved on to the Culinary Department now. If I prepare eight dishes that satisfy him, I’ll be promoted immediately.”
Aslan felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. He realized, with a sinking feeling, that he was even more shameless than Malcolm. It dawned on him that he had likely inherited his lack of shame from the very man he was now trying to impress.
He turned to Malcolm, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. “Did you really say that?”
Malcolm straightened his posture, a frown etched on his features. “What? You’re implying that I lack the authority?”
Aslan’s heart raced at the thought of challenging Malcolm. The mere idea of voicing such a claim in front of him was terrifying; he could almost envision the consequences.
In the face of Malcolm’s undeniable authority, Aslan capitulated entirely. It was as if he had shed his backbone and principles. “Of course, you have the authority. You could even allow her to graduate with straight A’s right this moment if you wished.”
Malcolm waved him off with a look of disdain. “Good. Now, get out.”
But there was no way Aslan was leaving, not when the prospect of delicious food was on the table. And besides, he still hadn’t retrieved his person.
With a thick skin, Aslan gazed at Malcolm, feigning ignorance about Sylvara’s awareness of their mentor-student relationship. He sweetly suggested, “Eating alone is rather lonely. Food is far more enjoyable with company. How about I join you?”
Malcolm opened his mouth to decline, but Sylvara interjected without hesitation. “Mr. Knowles, since Mr. Otto is offering, why not let him join? It would show that, compared to the Agriculture Department, I am far better suited for the Culinary Department.”
The very student who was about to be under his tutelage had spoken up.
Reluctantly conceding to her request, Malcolm snorted and flicked his sleeve as he stepped into the classroom first. “Come in.”


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Sylvara's Rebirth: A New Dawn for Abel