NOVPUBLanci strode out of the principal’s office with firm steps.
Outside the door, the corridor was gently lit, and the deep red lacquered wood floor created beautiful patterns of light and shadow.
Pranay was standing quietly. Seeing Lanci, a trace of smile appeared on his face.
"Pranay, you’re off work early today. Get ready a bit. We’ll be leaving tomorrow," Lanci said, patting Pranay’s shoulder lightly as he passed by him.
"Yes, enjoy your date," Pranay paid tribute to Lanci with a salute.
"How do you always know everything?" Lanci asked, looking back in surprise.
"Because you look very happy," Pranay’s voice was filled with relief.
"Alright then, go have a rest. See you, Pranay."
Lanci responded with a smile that was more relaxed than usual, and then waved goodbye to Pranay.
He walked down the corridor towards the stairs.
The steps of the staircase were old but solid, each carved with the unique dark grey relief of Hong Meng De Administrative Building. The sound of Lanci’s footsteps echoed slightly faster than usual.
Stepping out of the Hong Meng De Administrative Building, Lanci was greeted by the sunshine of spring and fresh air.
He followed the path towards the lake on the north side.
The trees were lush, the birds were chirping, and the sunshine filtered through the treetops, shining on Lanci, adding a touch of lightness and pleasure to his steps.
He walked on.
Soon. n𝚘𝚟𝚙𝚞𝚋.𝚌o𝚖
The azure lake next to the chapel on the most northern side of the Protoss Royal Magic Academy appeared in his sight.
The spring sunshine filled the lakeside, casting a light golden halo on everything.
The traces of Lanci’s footsteps were faint in the soft grass.
The lake glistened, and the breeze brought with it a moist floral fragrance.
In the bright sunlit scenery, with its wide view, he saw a slender figure.
She was standing by the lake, wearing a light white dress that swayed gently in the breeze, like ripples on the lake.
The light colored, soft, long hair she had let down fluttered in the wind. She held it down with her hand, and the sunshine filtered through her hair, casting a gentle halo that added a hazy purity to her silhouette.
Sigrid stood there quietly, seemingly admiring the lake and the scenery in the distance.
"..."
As Sigrid sensed a slight movement, she slowly turned around and met Lanci’s gaze in the distance.
A warm smile spread across her face, and her eyes sparkled with a welcoming light.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting; the costume change took a bit of time," said Lanci as he reached her side.
"No problem, you look great. Definitely worth the wait. I knew you’d show up with black hair and green eyes," Sigrid’s voice was soft and pleasing, like a breeze gently brushing over the lake in the spring.
"..."
Lanci responded with a smile.
"You’re still laughing. I’ve told you so many times not to change into this look. Do you want more girls on the street to stare at you?" she rebuked him sarcastically with a frown, as if upset about something.
"But..."
Before Lanci could say anything.
"So, today, don’t let me catch you making eye contact with other girls. Just because they look at you, doesn’t mean you can look at them too, got it?" Sigrid spoke playfully, yet she seemed a tad...displeased.
"So, you want me to only look at you today," Lanci shook his head helplessly.
Upon hearing this, Sigrid stared in disbelief at Lanci and then quickly turned around to walk towards the southern part of the campus.
"What’s wrong?" Lanci asked, naturally following by Sigrid’s side.
"There are some things that you don’t need to spell out. It’s enough for you to understand them in your heart, otherwise it makes things awkward for everybody," she glared fiercely at Lanci and quickened her pace.
Lanci laughed and caught up with her. They walked and chatted about unimportant matters, daily school life, the new look of the school, and easy topics like the blooming flowers and lakeside scenery they had just seen.
It was just like when they had traveled together in the snowy plains at the very beginning; they could chat non-stop as long as they were together, even to the point where it left Cat boss speechless.
But today, the Cat boss wasn’t there; Antanas had taken him away early in the morning.
Their voices echoed through the empty northern residential area as they strolled along the school path.
On both sides of the campus road were residential courtyards with newly sprouted tender leaves shimmering in the sunlight. The plants in the flower beds battled for attention, and the long-absent scent of spring permeated every corner.
Suddenly.
From the end of the road came the rhythmic sound of carriage wheels rolling over the road and faint meows.
"Meow!!"
The sudden laughter and childish shrieks were especially clear in the midst of the blossoming spring, startling a flock of birds into flight.
A sightseeing sleigh with three people came around the corner, drifting through the bend. The swirling leaves couldn’t hide their radiant smiles.
"It’s really fast in the corners!"
A large black fox was fervently pulling the sleigh, its pointed ears burning with golden flames, leaving different sized golden shadows on the asphalt road with its powerful footsteps.
Antanas was holding the reins, the smile on his face was the most dazzling of all.
Even though Sinola was in the rapidly moving fox carriage, she still maintained her composure.
In between the two Great Demon Clan members sat Zestira, who had been taking care of the big fox this while. She looked expressionless, but sitting between her two sisters, she was obviously very happy.
