Sefina didn’t go into detail about the contents of the notebook; she only mentioned briefly that the so-called innovative ideas she thought up had already been studied by her teacher, who had researched them more deeply and thoroughly, even exploring many fields that she herself couldn’t understand at all.
But as Kefi and Mia listened to Sefina’s calm account, they still found it all rather mystical and unbelievable.
A mentor who had already seen through and surpassed all of Sefina’s teacher’s “earth-shattering” research? What kind of existence would that be?
Their limited imaginations seemed incapable of painting such a picture.
Just looking at the earnest side profile of Sefina’s teacher, which was clearly no joke, they knew that all of this was likely true.
Mia shook her head, looking as though she didn’t really understand, as if she was trying to shake out those complicated images of the “terrifying master.” Lively as ever, she changed the topic:
“All right, all right, let’s stop trying to guess what kind of person Sefina’s teacher’s master is. I feel like if we keep thinking about it, our brains will break! It’s rare for us to be out and about—where should we go next for a stroll?”
Hearing this, Kefi nodded slightly as well, a trace of anticipation on her face: “Mm, wandering around sounds nice. I’ve never really had a chance to visit the capital properly.”
She gripped her newly bought wand, looking around with curiosity at the bustling city.
Then Mia, bold as ever, acted cheekily in front of Sefina, grinning as she asked:
“Sefina, do you have any plans next? If not, how about coming with us for a stroll?”
Sefina was taken aback by the question. As for whether she had any plans…
Thinking carefully, it seemed she really didn’t.
On ordinary days off, if there weren’t any special assignments from [Black Utopia], she would either be buried deep in the library, arduously searching ancient texts for clues to lift the magic sigil, or busy marking endless piles of student assignments and academy documents.
Now, with three teaching assistants to share the load, her paperwork had lightened a lot.
As for researching information on magic sigils… it had gone on for so long already, and progress was still slow—another half a day wouldn’t make much difference.
Looking at the two pairs of expectant eyes in front of her, Sefina fell silent for a moment, but in the end, she nodded gently:
“All right then.”
“That’s great!” Mia and Kefi exchanged a smile, joy lighting up their faces.
And so, the three of them blended into the bustling crowds of the capital, starting their leisurely wander.
They hadn’t walked far when a stall piled high with all kinds of fresh fruit caught Mia’s attention.
The rosy apples looked like little lanterns, the golden pears exuded a sweet fragrance, there were glossy purple berries and fuzzy peaches too.
“Wow! Kefi, look, these apples look so sweet!” Mia pulled Kefi up to the stall, her eyes sparkling as if she wanted to press her face to the fruit and have a sniff.
Kefi was attracted by the vibrant colors too. She carefully picked up an apple, feeling the cool, smooth skin under her fingers.
Sefina stood a step behind, watching her two students find wonder even in ordinary fruit, the corners of her mouth curving up ever so slightly.
The stall owner was a warm-hearted auntie who, seeing their interest, cheerfully grabbed two berries and handed them to Mia and Kefi:
“Try some, they’re fresh!”
Mia thanked her, popping one into her mouth without delay. The sweet and sour flavor made her eyes squint in contentment.
Seeing this, Sefina quietly took out a few copper coins, bought a small bag of apples, and handed them to Mia—still savoring the berries—and to Kefi, who was watching from the side.
“Take these, eat as we walk.”
“Wow! Thank you, teacher, you’re the best!” Mia cried joyfully, immediately taking out an apple and taking a small bite.
Kefi gladly accepted the teacher’s gift, biting into the apple as well—sweet. Just like the teacher, she thought, humming softly~~.
They crossed several more streets, and suddenly the space opened up before them—they’d arrived at the center of the capital: Fountain Plaza.
A huge white stone fountain stood in the middle of the plaza, its clear jets of water arcing beautifully in the sunlight, the sound of rushing water bringing a touch of coolness.
Droplets splashed onto the multicolored tiles, leaving small damp patches. Quite a few townsfolk and visitors were resting here, children darting and playing around the fountain.
Mia and Kefi also ran up to the stone steps by the fountain and sat down, looking up at the ever-changing curtain of water.
Sefina stood quietly behind them, watching the scene unfold.
A gentle breeze carried fine mist through the air, moistening everything, and slightly smoothing the ever-present chill from between Sefina’s brows.
Mia excitedly pointed out a tiny rainbow refracted in the sunlight from the spray for Kefi to see, and Kefi smiled in response.
After a while, when the two grew a bit tired from playing, Sefina led them down a relatively quiet street and stopped in front of a café.
This was the shop she’d mentioned to Principal Rofalia before.
“Getting tired? Let’s go in and have something to drink.”
With those words, Sefina pushed open the door. Mia and Kefi trailed after her like two little tails.
The café was elegant inside, the air suffused with the rich aroma of coffee beans and the sweet warmth of desserts. They found a seat by the window.
Sefina expertly ordered three cups of the house specialty coffee and a plate of assorted desserts.
When the steaming coffee and delicate sweets were brought out, both Mia and Kefi gasped in delight.
The bitterness of the coffee was perfectly balanced by the creamy milk, and the desserts were so delicious that Mia nearly wanted to lick the plate clean.
Sefina sipped her black coffee, watching the two girls’ satisfied expressions, her own mood quietly relaxing as well. Naturally, this treat was on her.
Leaving the café, the three continued their aimless wandering.
Eventually, they stopped outside a clothing store.
The building wasn’t lavish—made of warm-toned wood and stone, the windows sparkling clean, displaying a few simple yet elegant dresses that exuded a subtle, understated beauty.
Sefina noticed that both Mia and Kefi’s gazes had simultaneously been drawn to a pale violet knee-length dress and a blouse trimmed with delicate lace in the window; their steps unconsciously slowed.
As expected, no matter the world, girls always loved pretty clothes, Sefina thought.
She took the initiative and suggested, “Shall we go in and have a look?”
Mia and Kefi turned their heads at the same time, asking in unison, with a hint of uncertainty and anticipation:
“Can we?”
Sefina looked at them, her tone gentler than usual: “Why not? We’re just looking, after all.”
So, the three of them pushed open the door and stepped inside. The bell above the door chimed brightly.
Almost as soon as they entered, a lively female voice with a peculiar lilt greeted them enthusiastically:
“Welcome, nya~~”