"A word, pet?"

"Yes, ma'am!" She steps away from her group.

"I'm glad to see you've been taking your responsibilities seriously."

"I do what I can."

"I know, lovely." Kiss. "Clear your schedule for Friday, we're taking you and some of the other juniors through the obstacles so you can see what it's like."

"Yes, ma'am. What else should I do to prepare?"

"Shouldn't be too much, the obstacle course doesn't use your mana and we'll be protecting you. This is mostly so you can see what our tactics look like to build on."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good girl."

Preen!

"Has everything else been going well for you?"

Classes are providing just the right amount of challenge, and she's hitting her stride with leadership, it seems.

It's a pleasure to see her flourishing.

The pleasure is Jialin's. 

Back to work then, sweetheart.

Yes, ma'am!

A kiss to see her off.

Keep her strong through the day.

Just what's needed.

And soon enough, Friday rolls around.

Jialin meets her in the cafeteria before the run (which is being held over the free period after lunch - it would've been too difficult to get a couple of  juniors and one sophomore all free at the same time otherwise).

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Then let's go. Just stay close to me and everything will be fine."

"I trust you, ma'am." She steps in very close.

Just where El likes her.

She'll steer Jialin off to the gym, then.