Dragging her slightly weary but relaxed body back to the detached villa, the first thing Sefina did was to soak comfortably in a hot bath, washing away the dust and fatigue of the entire night’s ordeal.
The warm water wrapped around her petite frame, prompting a satisfied sigh from her lips.
After the bath, dressed in cozy loungewear, hunger suddenly hit her. Sefina realized she hadn’t eaten dinner yet.
Too lazy to bother with complicated cooking, she walked into the kitchen and used the leftover rice from yesterday, skillfully cracking two eggs, chopping some scallions, and frying herself a bowl of golden, fragrant egg fried rice.
Sigh.
Simple food often comforts the stomach the best. Sitting at the dining table, she scooped a spoonful into her mouth—each grain of rice distinct, the eggs tender, and the aroma of scallions filling the air.
Sefina closed her eyes contentedly.
The day’s meticulous planning, the fierce battle at night, and the silent game of wits with Headmistress Rofilia had drained her mentally, but all seemed soothed and relaxed by this simple warmth.
With her body and mind thoroughly relaxed, she sat at her desk as usual, spreading out stationery and picking up a quill to begin writing a letter to her dear friend Theresa far away.
【To Theresa:
The experimental base has been cleared. Although there were some twists and turns, the plan went mostly smoothly. Mia is safe for now; the illusion of her “death” should fool both sides’ attention.
However, the identity of the Seventh Seat remains a mystery. He is likely still hiding within the Magic Academy. I have a few suspects but lack solid evidence. Further investigation is needed…】
The dream fades.
Time passed quietly. Several days went by.
After the Bat of the Night’s “self-destruction” and the bloodline girl’s “complete disappearance,” the tense cloud that had hung over Oselenka Academy seemed to gradually dissipate.
Although patrols remained slightly more vigilant than usual, it was no longer a state of emergency.
Students slowly recovered from their panic, and the academy returned to its usual peace and order, as if that terrifying night were just a fading nightmare.
***
At noon that day, sunlight filtered through the tall stained-glass windows of the Library, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
Sefina sat in a quiet spot by the window, several thick and ancient tomes spread before her. She was researching—
about that curse that had plagued her for years, like a festering sore.
“Ugh!”
Her fingertips brushed over the complex, obscure ancient runes on the page, her brow furrowing.
After searching for so long and flipping through countless volumes, clues about that curse—the one that could trigger the Forcing Brand—remained painfully scarce.
The brand.
Sefina glanced down at her flat belly, as if she could see through the fabric the mark hidden beneath her skin, bringing endless humiliation.
A wave of frustration and helplessness welled up inside her.
She sighed, rubbed her temples, and shifted her focus away from the discouraging research for a moment, reaching for an exquisite macaron at the edge of the desk to soothe her mood with some sweetness.
However, what her fingertips touched was not the cool, sweet treat, but a soft, warm little hand.
Sefina looked up slightly and met a pair of blue eyes filled with panic just inches away.
It was Kefi.
Like a frightened rabbit, Kefi’s eyes widened instantly.
Her small hand snapped back quickly, and her face flushed visibly red as she instinctively raised the heavy magic tome in her hands, trying to hide her face while letting out a faint, almost inaudible whimper.
Caught red-handed stealing the teacher’s snacks…
So, so embarrassing…
Sefina calmly glanced at her, showing no sign of being disturbed or displeased, then withdrew her gaze and continued leafing through her books as if nothing had happened.
For several days now, Kefi had “coincidentally” always sat right across from her in the Library.
Every time, Sefina would bring some small snacks. How could she not notice the occasional mysteriously missing piece or two? But she silently allowed it.
Since the last time Sefina helped Kefi get out of trouble in the Library, this earnest yet somewhat shy girl had often appeared opposite her.
And the seat beside her…
Was always empty.
After all, Sefina’s “strict teacher” image was deeply ingrained; students respected her but mostly kept their distance. Only Kefi and the carefree Mia dared come closer.
As for Ellaria…
Sefina’s gaze casually swept across another secluded corner of the Library, and sure enough, she saw that familiar figure.
Ellaria was buried in her books but obviously noticed Sefina’s gaze. Her body stiffened slightly, then she lowered her head further, almost trying to shrink into the pages.
Their relationship had been somewhat softened, but ever since the “eyepatch misunderstanding” and earlier threats, this girl now dashed away like a mouse fleeing a cat whenever she saw Sefina in the Library.
Probably still harboring resentment?
…I really should drop the so-called teacher’s posture and find a chance to properly apologize to her, Sefina thought quietly.
Seeing Ellaria’s cautious, deliberately avoidant behavior made her feel somewhat uneasy inside.
Should I go talk to her now?
Just as the thought arose but before she could act, a familiar heat suddenly surged violently from deep within her lower abdomen, spreading rapidly like wildfire throughout her body!
Sefina’s face instantly flushed an unnatural red, her breath becoming rapid and uncontrollable, her fingertips trembling slightly as they held the page.
Ugh—!
The curse flared up again!
In her mind, Sefina cursed Ophidor for the thousandth time for branding her with this humiliating mark.
No, I can’t hold on. It’s coming fast and strong—I have to deal with it quickly!
She snapped the book shut and, ignoring tidying up, nearly stumbled to her feet. Under the surprised gazes of Kefi and the distant Ellaria, she hurriedly dashed toward the Library’s restroom.
Bursting into the quiet women’s restroom, Sefina anxiously pushed open the first stall door—
Closed, locked, red indicator—occupied.
Second stall—occupied.
Third stall—also occupied!
No way?! Even the women’s restroom in this other world is this crowded?!
Sefina’s heart almost screamed in despair. The burning heat inside her intensified, and her rational mind was stretched to its limit. If this kept up, she’d be humiliated in public!
Her eyes frantically scanned the last stall—the door was ajar! Unoccupied!
Thank goodness! It felt like grasping at a lifeline, and her heart relaxed instantly. She darted inside and reached to slide the lock—
Huh?
The lock…?
Sefina’s pupils constricted sharply as she stared incredulously at where the lock should be—
Empty, only the clear broken base remained.
Broken… broken?!
The door lock was broken!
Which meant she…
Couldn’t lock the door!
A wave of despair swept through her body along with the raging heat inside. She froze where she stood, trapped and helpless…