Eastern-style pavilions and towers, mountains, waters, forests, and gardens... Classical and modern elements, grand Western architecture brimming with a sense of technology—they blended together perfectly here. Despite their vastly different styles, nothing felt out of place.
Beyond that, the island's unique plants, small animals, and emotionally vibrant people complemented one another beautifully.
This paradise within the den of despair was the current Matou Family base that Sakura had gone to great lengths to establish. It was also the present headquarters of the Sealing Designation Enforcement Bureau.
The moment she stepped into this artificial paradise, Lineas immediately canceled the magecraft that sealed away her emotions. A relaxed, contented smile appeared on her face for the first time in a long while.
"Whew... It really is more comfortable here."
But that ease was only temporary for Lineas.
As a temporary worker and the assistant to the director of the Sealing Designation Enforcement Bureau, Lineas's post was not here.
Her proper job was making daily patrols around the entire fortress in place of Waver, the director.
Thinking of that, Lineas could not help casting an envious glance at the building she was about to enter. Moving as slowly as possible, she gradually walked inside.
Passing a classroom that looked remarkably similar to one at the Clock Tower, Lineas delayed as much as she could. She took more than ten minutes to walk a path less than two hundred meters long, yet her destination still appeared before her.
Standing on tiptoe, she twisted the handle on the door.
She did not knock, nor did she care about the office owner's opinion or reaction.
Having arrived, Lineas simply barged in herself.
His face was covered in patchy stubble, and the dark circles around his eyes were so heavy that he looked as though he had