In one of the academy's long, echoing corridors—
"Professor Robin has arrived."
"Welcome, Professor Robin, can I get you anything?"
The two gate guards straightened instantly, then bowed deeply the moment they saw Robin approaching, their movements sharp and disciplined.
The guards were completely familiar to Robin and his DAMN guards.
Step
Step
Each footfall echoed softly as Robin advanced.
"Why is my son staying in the guards' quarters, exactly?!" Robin asked irritably as he passed through the gate, his voice carrying a restrained edge that made the nearby guards tense.
"In truth, Your Highness arrived at the academy four days ago," Leonid explained carefully, walking half a step behind him.
"And since he could not remain in the reception hall for such a long period, nor could he enter the academy grounds for several days without being formally registered as an official student, we took the liberty of bringing him to the guards' quarters."
