“I-I came to the office to pick up some documents,” Sefina spoke in a low voice, her expression still calm and unruffled, giving no hint that she was lying.
But halfway there, the magic sigil suddenly acted up, and I just… sigh…
Sefina let out a sigh, biting her lower lip tightly, her long lashes lowered ever so slightly. For obvious reasons, she couldn’t bring herself to say the rest of the sentence.
Even though Ellaria already knew this secret, being seen like this by her student still left her mortified. The blush that had finally faded from her face now began to creep back again.
How embarrassing.
Sefina tried to slowly support herself against the wall to stand up, but her legs were still a little weak.
As she moved, Ellaria’s gaze happened to sweep past and noticed that there seemed to be a small patch of dampness on Teacher Sefina’s pants.
Seeing this, Ellaria quickly suppressed the questions in her heart: like why the teacher was wearing these unfamiliar, action-friendly clothes, and why she seemed even weaker than last time in the infirmary.
Although curious, seeing how uncomfortable the teacher looked, it was best not to make her explain more than necessary.
So Ellaria hurriedly stepped forward and steadily supported Sefina’s arm.
“Teacher.”
Ellaria’s voice carried unmistakable concern.
She glanced at that worrying patch of dampness, hesitated a moment, and then softly suggested, “You look really unwell… How about coming to rest in my dorm for a bit? The teachers’ villas are too far away. And besides, right now you…”
Ellaria’s meaning was obvious, but she was too embarrassed to finish the sentence.
Leaning against Ellaria, Sefina breathed out weakly.
She quickly weighed her options: the aftereffects of the Sensory Weakening Potion hadn’t fully subsided yet, her limbs were still feeble, and the empty exhaustion from the fierce backlash of the magic sigil left her with no strength at all.
With her current state, trying to crawl back alone to the distant villa—not to mention the hardship of the journey and the risk of running into patrols—just her current disheveled, staggering appearance would be enough to arouse suspicion.
Ellaria was indeed the only person who knew and could be trusted at this moment.
Thinking this, Sefina didn’t hesitate anymore. She gave a barely noticeable nod and squeezed out a faint, mosquito-like reply from her throat:
“Mm.”
With her agreement, Ellaria didn’t waste any time.
Seeing how small and frail Teacher Sefina looked, she steeled herself, bent down, slipped one arm under Sefina’s knees and the other around her back, and with a little effort, easily picked her up in her arms.
As her body was suddenly lifted, Sefina instinctively let out a small gasp, her arms reflexively winding around Ellaria’s neck.
Although this wasn’t the first time Ellaria had carried her like this—the last time was in the infirmary—each time left Sefina feeling unbearably awkward and ashamed.
To be carried by a student… As a teacher, this is still way too humiliating, Sefina thought.
Yet, beneath all these complicated emotions, there seemed to be a faint, indescribable sense of reassurance?
Perhaps it was because she knew she’d finally escaped the risk of being discovered, or maybe it was the warmth and steady strength of Ellaria’s embrace.
In such a fragile moment, Sefina found herself with a harbor she could lean on, even if just for a while.
Ellaria adjusted her hold a little, feeling that the teacher in her arms seemed even lighter than last time, which made her heart clench slightly.
Without dwelling on it, she held Sefina and quickened her pace as much as possible, making her way along the moonlit path toward the dormitory area.
Gotta get Teacher Sefina home as soon as possible!
Hmm?
That way of saying it sounds kind of weird, doesn’t it? No, no! Focus on what’s important!
Ellaria’s cheeks grew a little hot, and she quickly pulled her thoughts back, concentrating on the path beneath her feet.
Fortunately, the academy at night was peaceful enough, and luck was on their side—there was no one else along the way.
Ellaria successfully brought Sefina back to her single dorm room.
Inside the warm and familiar private space, Ellaria carefully set Sefina down on the soft single sofa.
Sefina almost collapsed onto the sofa, an overwhelming exhaustion crashing over her like a tide. All she wanted now was to lie down and get some real sleep.
But even more unbearable than the fatigue was the sticky, uncomfortable feeling clinging to her body.
She was desperate for a hot shower, to wash away all the awkward damp patches left on her skin, and the unpleasant sensation that came with them.
But… but this wasn’t her villa, and she didn’t have any change of clothes here.
Sefina pressed her knees together a little awkwardly, her fingers unconsciously tugging at the wet hem of her pants.
This small movement didn’t escape Ellaria’s notice. She immediately understood her teacher’s predicament.
She walked up to Sefina and suggested gently,
“Teacher Sefina… you look exhausted. Why not stay here for the night? As for clothes, you can wear my pajamas—they’re clean. As for undergarments… I have a brand new, unopened set here. The size might not be a perfect fit, but they should be okay for now.”
She paused, her gaze sweeping over Sefina’s dirty clothes and pants. “If you want, I can wash your clothes for you now. With a little wind magic, they should dry overnight, so they’ll be ready by morning.”
Sefina looked up at Ellaria. The care in Ellaria’s eyes was pure, with not a trace of ulterior motive.
After a brief hesitation, reality made her understand that this really was the best option for now. It would solve her embarrassment and allow her to get the rest she needed.
“Alright…” Sefina agreed softly again, her tone tinged with gratitude.
“Thank you, Ellaria.”
“You’re too polite, teacher.” Ellaria let out a relieved smile and immediately got to work.
She turned and went into the bedroom, soon returning with a soft, comfortable white nightgown and a small, unopened white underwear pouch, which she handed to Sefina.
Sefina accepted the clothes, once again murmuring her thanks.
“The bathroom is over there. Please use the hot water and bath products as you like,” Ellaria said considerately, pointing out the direction.
Sefina nodded, braced herself on the armrest, gathered up the clean clothes, and walked a little unsteadily into the bathroom.
She locked the door, stripped off her sweat- and dust-stained clothes, and sank herself fully into the hot bath that Ellaria had already prepared at just the right temperature.
Warm water wrapped around her exhausted, delicate body, chasing away the night’s chill and the soreness in her muscles.
She let out a satisfied sigh, closed her eyes, and let the hot water flow over every inch of her skin, as if it could also wash away the earlier moments of terror and humiliation.
For a moment, all the accumulated fatigue and weakness seemed to dissolve into the steamy air.