The sky over Valor was gray, and the wind carried a bite that hinted at snow.
Noel walked through the academy halls as if nothing had changed. No sign of the night before lingered in his eyes, no tension in his shoulders. Just another normal day.
He knocked twice on the door of Lereus's office.
"Come in," came the familiar, smooth voice.
Noel stepped inside.
As always, the office was immaculately clean. Books in perfect rows. Scrolls aligned by color. Incense burning faintly in the corner.
Lereus stood near the desk, arranging something in a wooden tray. His appearance, as usual, was flawless.
Hair neatly combed. Robes are perfectly pressed. Not a single crest on the fabric. And those eyes—icy blue, calm, precise. Watching everything.
"Ah, Noel. Good timing," Lereus said without turning. "I brought coffee today. Thought you might enjoy it."
Noel kept his expression flat, only giving the faintest nod. "I'd love a cup."
