Chapter 145. Weapon commission
Rin stretched her arms and repressed a yawn as she walked through the crowded Academy hallways, her bronze brooch glinting in the morning light.
After the terrifying hunting cage incident, the academy was closed for three weeks and reopened today.
Her pink eyes scanned the throng of students hurrying to class while she held a leather-bound book to her chest. In search of the person she hadn’t seen since the banquet, she slowed her pace, a glimmer of hope flickering with every familiar face.
She glanced at another figure, not the one she was searching for but one that was close enough to make her smile.
"Lucian!"
Lucian turned at her voice as he made his way to a lecture hall, his gold brooch gleaming. A warm smile on his face as he said in a kind but slightly playful tone, "Morning, Senior Rin.".
Rin stopped before him, a shy but genuine smile on her face as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Lucian, good morning. When did you return?"
"Two days ago," Lucian said, his smile widening as he saw the hope in her eyes. "Big Brother will arrive tomorrow, possibly even tonight. So, don’t worry."
Rin’s cheeks turned soft pink, her hand waving as she laughed, nervous but warm. "Oh, thanks! I just... didn’t get to say a proper goodbye at the banquet, you know, with everything."
Before Lucian could tease her more, a sudden stir ran through the hallway, a wave of urgent whispers stopping the crowd. "Call the staff!" a student hissed, their voice sharp with alarm.
brow furrowed, her pink eyes darting to the noise, Lucian’s grin fading as he followed her gaze. The crowd of students parted, scrambling to catch a glimpse, their murmurs becoming strained.