Seraphina dressed gently, her steps still a bit unsteady, but she could already stand firmly on her own and walk slowly.
She glanced back at Movira once more, confirming she hadn’t woken her, before quietly pushing open the door.
The morning air in the academy was crisp and clear, carrying the scent of grass and trees.
Seraphina wandered aimlessly to a corridor. Judging by the time, breakfast would be soon, but she realized she had no idea where the cafeteria was.
There weren’t many people around. Just as she hesitated, wondering whether to head toward a busier area to ask, a gentle voice came from behind.
“Lost? Or are you looking for something?”
Seraphina turned toward the sound and saw Dekalorin approaching, the morning light outlining her figure.
“Um, I want to get something to eat, but I don’t know where the cafeteria is.”
“Perfect timing—I was just heading there myself.” Dekalorin naturally walked to her side, her gaze sweeping over her. “Looks like you rested well last night. Having someone with you really does make it easier to feel at ease compared to being alone.”
Though she had guessed as much, hearing Dekalorin say it outright still made Seraphina feel embarrassed, her cheeks warming slightly.
“And Movira?” Dekalorin asked casually.
“Her? Still sleeping,” Seraphina murmured.
“Oh?” This answer surprised Dekalorin a little. “That’s quite rare. But it makes sense—after being so tightly wound for so long, finally letting go… even Movira has to give in eventually. By the way, last night… did you two… do anything…?”
“You… what are you saying! I don’t understand.” Dekalorin’s pointed words made Seraphina’s face flush even redder. Of course she knew what the other meant.
“Oh my, tsk—” Dekalorin looked at Seraphina’s averted eyes with a mischievous grin.
“Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. We can talk about other things over breakfast.”
Of course, nothing strange had happened last night. It was mainly Dekalorin’s suggestive words that made Seraphina recall the past.
Along the way, they occasionally passed early-rising students who greeted Dekalorin respectfully, while toward Seraphina, their looks were filled with curiosity and awe.
Dekalorin responded to them as she led Seraphina to the academy’s main cafeteria…
It was a spacious, brightly lit domed building, already filled with quite a few students eating.
“What would you like?” Dekalorin turned her head to ask. “For breakfast, oatmeal porridge or baked apple pie are both good options—gentle on your current condition.”
“Alright.”
Dekalorin nodded. Instead of heading to the public area, she guided her through a side archway to a relatively secluded section of the cafeteria.
The furnishings here were more refined, with wider spacing between tables and chairs. A few people in teacher robes sat sparsely, conversing quietly or eating.
“This is the area for teachers—it’s quieter,” Dekalorin explained softly. She then spoke a few low words to the person apparently in charge of the section.
Seraphina saw the other nod respectfully. Though their glance toward her carried curiosity, they didn’t ask questions and quickly turned to make arrangements.
Dekalorin then led Seraphina to sit at a table by the window. Passing teachers all nodded in greeting to Dekalorin.
At the same time, Seraphina noticed that the teachers here weren’t limited to one race. She curiously observed the short-statured dwarves and the pointy-eared elves, but one thing stood out… there seemed to be no demons.
Dekalorin caught Seraphina’s gaze and explained quietly,
“Um. Saint Roland Magic Academy isn’t limited to human teachers. We select based on each race’s strengths.”
She then glanced toward a beautiful elf in the corner.
“For example, that one is a professor of natural magic, specializing in plant magic.”
After mentioning the elf, she turned her gaze back to Seraphina, a warm smile on her face, though her words carried a teasing edge.
“And for example, this one is a professor of Demon Realm magic—proficient in all aspects of it.”
“Huh? Who?” Seraphina hadn’t noticed any demon presence at all. Dekalorin’s words instantly sparked her intense curiosity.
She looked around but found nothing—no demonic aura at all.
Seraphina turned back, about to ask, only to meet Dekalorin’s eyes directly.
…Either way, it’s beneficial.
In that instant, Seraphina understood who Dekalorin was referring to.
“You… you’re not talking about… me?”
She still wasn’t entirely sure. After all, she knew her own strength. Pointing to herself, she asked,
“Um-hmm, how about it? Filling the gap where there’s no Demon Realm magic professor—doesn’t that sound good?”
“Ah?” This subtle praise made Seraphina’s small face flush. She quickly refuted,
“What are you talking about? And I study human magic. Demon Realm magic… I know absolutely nothing about it!”
“Oh? Is that so? Even if that’s the case, what does it matter? Movira is fully proficient in both systems!” Dekalorin still smiled, her eyes meeting Seraphina’s.
“Hey, Movira is Movira. I’m me—we can’t be compared. If I can just understand human magic properly, that’ll be good enough. Demon Realm magic… no way…”
Dekalorin watched Seraphina hurriedly deny it, cheeks red, and didn’t press further.
She simply adjusted her expression, folded her hands on the table, and got to the point.
“About that column—I thought it over briefly, and I think it’s a good idea. For you, for the academy, and…”
Seraphina of course knew there were benefits, but she wasn’t sure if she could truly bear the responsibility. She had no confidence.
“But I’m still a bit worried… After all, I might know even less than the students who ask me…”
“Don’t worry about that.” Dekalorin waved her hand lightly. “A column is essentially the same as replying to private letters—answering students’ questions and doubts. The difference is that a column carries a formal tone, while the latter is more private.”
“The column is public. Constructive parts of your answers will be archived, and questions are screened—worthless ones won’t reach you.”
As Dekalorin’s words ended, the person from earlier brought their breakfast—the very meals she had suggested.
“Thank you,” Seraphina said politely.
During the meal, the atmosphere was quiet and relaxed.
Dekalorin seemed to casually stir her steaming oatmeal porridge with a spoon, asking offhandedly,
“By the way, Seraphina… what do you think Movira… really is to you now?”