Decaroline’s voice carried a steady, soothing strength. She continued to offer Seraphina the firmest support until the other woman’s breathing gradually evened out.
Though traces of shock lingered in Seraphina’s gaze at the snowy scene, it was no longer the near-collapse of terror from moments ago.
“Come,” Decaroline said with a gentle smile, deftly shifting the topic. “The weather is nice today. Let me show you around a little. The academy has plenty of interesting places.”
“Show me around? But… I’m a demon. The students here…”
Seraphina’s voice held hesitation. Her sense of self had fractured. Deep in her soul she still felt human, yet the aura her body gave off—and the way others looked at her—constantly reminded her that she had long been classified as “demon.”
“Demon?” Decaroline shook her head lightly. “To me, you are Seraphina—no matter your past, present, or future.”
“Don’t concern yourself with such things. Auras can be disguised, identities can change. What matters is who you are right now and the presence you choose to project.”
“And as the Regent of the Demon Realm, you naturally carry calm authority, don’t you? That in itself is a quality that transcends race.” Decaroline’s voice lowered, guiding Seraphina away from her confusion over identity.
“Right now, all you need to do is display the dignity you showed back then. Treat this unique aura as another form of ‘formal attire.’”
Seraphina took a deep breath, reaching back into the distant past—toward the calm state she had maintained while handling official documents at her desk.
Gradually, her gaze settled. Though still tinged with fragility, the aloof authority returned quietly to her features.
“All right. I understand.”
Her voice regained its cool edge. Compared to before, it was still slightly lacking, but it was enough.
“Good. Very good.” Decaroline nodded in approval. This was the new Regent of the Demon Realm she had heard about in rumors.
She gently supported Seraphina’s elbow—both for stability and guidance—and led her slowly out of the room.
The interior of Saint Roland Magic Academy unfolded before them. The academy that the former knight Seraphina had once dreamed of entering now lay vividly before her eyes.
Bright domes soared overhead, stained-glass windows glowed in every color, and the air carried the distinctive fragrance of scrolls and herbs.
Students in robes of various academy colors hurried past, arms full of tomes. Every one of them paused upon seeing Decaroline and bowed respectfully.
“Good day, Professor Decaroline.”
After receiving her smiling nod in return, their gazes immediately shifted to Seraphina. The cheerful atmosphere seemed to still for a moment.
Seraphina did not fully conceal her pale complexion or refined features, but with Decaroline’s subtle enhancements and her own innate dignity, what the students saw was not an outsider of another race.
Instead, they saw a person of exalted status—someone who, even while visibly weakened by serious injury, still seemed profoundly powerful and almost certainly a great figure far beyond their reach.
After all, Professor Decaroline herself was personally supporting her!
Though Seraphina’s height only reached Decaroline’s shoulder, no student dared underestimate her.
Magic existed, after all.
The magical robe Decaroline had provided earlier also drew whispers along the corridor.
“Who is she…?”
“I’ve never seen her. Probably not a professor here…”
“A professor? Are you joking? The professor is holding her arm!”
“By the way… could I ask her for help with questions? Finals are coming, and I can’t get appointments with any professors…”
“You’d dare disturb her peace?”
The students’ gazes brimmed with intense curiosity and cautious awe.
Seraphina clearly felt those looks. Contrary to the rejection she had feared, this reverence—mistakenly granted to a perceived powerhouse of the human world—stirred complicated feelings in her.
How… absurd.
Of course, she also caught the students addressing Decaroline as “professor.” That surprised her a little, but it made sense—the Saint’s teacher, after all!
Yet… Decaroline seemed deliberately guiding her toward more crowded areas.
“Um… Decaroline,” Seraphina murmured. “Aren’t we… drawing a bit too much attention?”
…
She had the distinct feeling Decaroline was rather enjoying this scenario of the weak being mistaken for the strong… It felt almost like a touch of mischievous humor.
“Is that so? Well… if you don’t like lively places, we can go somewhere quieter. I was only trying to let more people see you so you won’t have to worry about being exposed later.”
Since Seraphina didn’t enjoy it, there was no need to force the issue.
Decaroline led her through several corridors toward the deeper parts of the academy.
The surrounding clamor gradually faded, and the environment grew increasingly serene.
Finally, a small garden nestled in the corner formed by several ancient buildings came into view. Slightly lower than the surroundings, it felt like a carefully cherished sanctuary.
A few hardy snow pines stood scattered about, their branches still dusted with frost and snow sustained by magic.
A cobblestone path wound across the lawn toward a stone bench beneath a maple tree.
That maple was remarkably large—one would need several adults linking hands to encircle its trunk.
“How’s this spot?” Decaroline asked, helping Seraphina to the bench. Before letting her sit, she warmed the stone with magic, then eased her down.
“Students rarely come here. It’s very peaceful.”
Seraphina nodded lightly. Such quiet was perfect for relaxing her taut nerves.
She looked around, then thought back to the places they had passed. In this vast academy, there was no trace of winter snow!
“Why is there no snow here? Isn’t it winter?”
Decaroline considered for a moment how to explain without overcomplicating things.
“Hm… you can think of it as magic. Having accumulated snow in the academy would be troublesome, after all. Though some areas in the eastern section do have snow.”
“Oh…” Even without snow, the winter cold was no joke.
Seraphina’s gaze was drawn to a domed building nearby. Through the massive stained-glass windows, she could faintly see rows of seated students.
An elderly professor in deep blue robes stood at the lectern, cradling a soft green glow in his hands.
“That’s the introductory course on nature magic,” Decaroline explained, following her line of sight. “Promoting growth, resonating with plants—the basics.”
“By the way…” She turned to Seraphina with a gentle smile. “Would you ever be interested in teaching here someday?”