Chapter 26: A Glitch In The System
As they walked together, Beatrice was still sulking.
Arms crossed, cheeks puffed out like a child denied a treat. She dragged her steps just enough to be noticeably annoying, shooting Verena the occasional side-eye.
Verena sighed. She had to admit... ditching Beatrice like that was a bit rude.
And, though she hated to acknowledge it - this girl, whom she had once despised, was probably the closest thing she had to a friend in this world.
"Fine, I'm sorry," Verena muttered, glancing away like the apology physically pained her. Then, after a pause, she added, "In exchange... you can study me. I suppose I do need help from your expertise, after all."
In an instant, Beatrice's pout vanished. Her eyes sparkled. "R-Really?!"
Before Verena could second-guess her decision, they were already on their way to Beatrice's house—again.
The moment they stepped inside, the same peculiar but oddly welcoming atmosphere greeted her.
The estate smelled faintly of parchment and old ink, mixed with the soft scent of dried herbs. The corridors were lined with towering bookshelves, each one stuffed with thick tomes and fragile scrolls.