Fortunately, Seraphina did not show any obvious signs of disgust or rejection. She simply shrank her neck slightly, using both small hands to brush Movira’s hand away while pouting in protest.
“Sister! Don’t rub my hair—it’s all messed up!”
However, Movira’s words did give Seraphina a sense of reassurance that was hard to describe.
Even so, she still felt a little worried. “Sister, if what you said gets out… those people will probably be quite angry.”
Movira watched Seraphina’s rare playful expression, and the smile on her lips deepened. “So what if they hear it? It’s simply the truth.”
She felt she could push it a little further. Leaning closer toward Seraphina, she lowered her voice to an intimate level only the two of them could hear. “So, with me here, no one can bully you!”
Seraphina’s face instantly flushed red. Her heart skipped a beat for some reason. She quickly lowered her head, pretending to fiddle with the strands of hair by her side.
“Um… Who—who asked for your protection!”
Still, this feeling of security was very welcome to Seraphina. After all, no one knew her current level of strength better than she did herself.
As the sun set in the west, the afterglow streamed through the glass windows, bathing the room in a warm hue. Seraphina leaned against the headboard, sitting like that for the entire day.
“What would you like for dinner?” Movira’s voice broke the silence as she adjusted her robe. “I remember Dekalorin mentioning yesterday that the cafeteria would have fresh fish soup today. It’s supposedly brought in from the merfolk side.”
“Then let’s have the fresh fish soup,” Seraphina replied softly after coming back to her senses.
The atmosphere during dinner was also very warm. Movira carefully ladled soup for her and picked out the small fish bones.
The two occasionally exchanged a few words. The topics were trivial, yet they all highlighted the peaceful environment around them.
Afterward, Seraphina also tried getting out of bed to stretch her muscles a little. “I feel… mostly recovered. I should be able to handle tomorrow’s conference.”
Thinking about the conference made Seraphina quite nervous inside. It was no longer just a simple ceremony. It felt more like a brand, officially announcing her identity as “Professor Seraphina” to the public.
She looked up at Movira, her eyes unconsciously revealing a trace of unease.
Of course Movira noticed. After a moment of silence, she sat down beside Seraphina. “Don’t worry. I’ll be right by your side, just like… right now. Get some early rest today too.”
Seraphina sighed and nodded. Movira, as if by tacit understanding, lay down beside her as usual, opening her arms and waiting.
Seraphina slowly slipped under the covers and naturally nestled into her embrace. The girl in front of her had slightly flushed cheeks, but still…
“Sleep,” Movira’s voice was very close, carrying a reassuring steadiness.
Seraphina closed her eyes, feeling the warmth coming from beside her. Her chaotic thoughts gradually calmed down.
In the final moment before falling asleep, she thought in a daze, Perhaps… this isn’t so bad.
At least for tonight, she did not feel cold.
The next morning, as the sky had only just begun to show a hint of pale white on the horizon, Seraphina woke up. Perhaps because she had gone to bed early the previous night.
Unlike the drowsiness of the past few days, she felt much better today.
She turned over and saw that Movira had already gotten up and was standing in front of the mirror arranging her clothes. She had changed into a more solemn dark-colored robe. Combined with the Demon King’s majesty that naturally emanated from her, she needed no further adornment.
Hearing the movement, Movira turned her head. In the morning light, her features appeared even colder and more profound. “You’re awake? It’s still early. You can rest a bit longer.”
Seraphina shook her head and sat up. “I… I’m a little nervous.”
“It’s fine. Being nervous is normal. If you feel like you’ve rested enough, then get up and change.” Movira walked closer and handed her a cup of warm water. “It’ll be okay.”
As she spoke, she turned to the wardrobe and took out a set of clothes prepared for her.
The robe had a distinct academic style—steady and dignified. It also gave Seraphina’s somewhat youthful face an air of undeniable authority.
“Need help?” Movira approached with the robe. Putting it on wasn’t simple; those complicated ties would be quite a challenge for Seraphina.
Seraphina nodded. She turned her back and felt Movira’s nimble fingers weaving through the laces, her movements gentle yet precise.
The cool fingertips would occasionally “accidentally” brush against her skin, bringing an inexplicable shiver.
“All done.” Movira stepped back, her gaze lingering on Seraphina for a moment as if appreciating the sight. “It fits perfectly. Let’s go eat.”
Although it was still very early, probably only around seven o’clock, the cafeteria had long since opened. Besides, today was a special day.
The Joint Conference held significant status within the academy. It was the kind of important annual summary meeting.
When the two of them appeared together in the cafeteria, they inevitably attracted many gazes. Seraphina’s formal attire made it hard for others not to notice her. Moreover, standing beside Movira, the natural aura they exuded was already very captivating.
Especially Seraphina—this soon-to-be officially honored “Professor.” Although she had only been at the academy for a few days, her “legends” had already spread throughout every corner of the school, whether real or fabricated. Her column had been in high demand the moment it was established. As a result, many students had already recognized her. Their gazes toward her were filled with curiosity, awe, and admiration. Everywhere she passed, students stopped to greet her.
“Good day, Professor Seraphina.”
Such greetings left Seraphina feeling a little flustered. They were already addressing her as “Professor” so quickly? “Mm… Good day.”
She nodded slightly in response, trying her best to maintain a calm exterior.
Movira walked steadily by her side the entire time, like a silent mountain peak, giving Seraphina a strong sense of security.
Although the teachers’ dining area was separated from the students’, many eyes still followed them. Seraphina barely noticed the taste of the food.
After the meal, they followed the flow of people toward the conference hall. Just as they approached the main entrance, Dekalorin hurried over from the side, a thin layer of sweat even visible on her forehead. Her tone carried a hint of reproach. “Oh dear! Why did you come this way? This is the students’ passage.”
“I’ve been looking all over for you! You have a dedicated passage. Follow me!”
Seraphina was startled. “The day before yesterday… it didn’t seem to be mentioned.”
“Not mentioned?!” Dekalorin’s eyes widened. She then pressed a hand to her forehead. “My fault, my fault. The people below were careless and definitely forgot to explain it to you! Hurry, it’s almost time. This way!”
Her words unconsciously made Seraphina’s heart start to race with urgency as well.