As the sunset gradually faded, the magnificent city of white chalk took on a sacred, solemn air beneath the crimson glow. A carriage bearing a blue key-shaped crest left the Witch's residence and drove into the royal palace beneath the lingering light of the setting sun.
As the carriage came to a stop, a pale arm lifted the curtain. The handsome young man inside jumped down and waved from afar at the Blonde Girl standing atop the steps with her rough ponytail.
"Here, here, here! Over here!"
Mordred, who had been wandering nearby with a shoulder bag in one hand, spotted him from afar and immediately stopped her boring game of pinching pebbles between her feet and hopping up the steps one at a time. Her face lit up, and she called out excitedly.
Like some brat who slept through class and went wild the moment school let out.
"Ahem, greetings, Teacher Samael."
As she drew closer, Mordred, who had been running halfway over, suddenly abandoned her earlier brisk stride. She slowed down, becoming poised and reserved, pinched her voice, lifted her skirt with one hand, and sashayed toward the carriage that had come to pick her up.
However, at the very instant she bowed, her awkward movement twisted out of shape. Mordred lost her footing, sprained her ankle, and pitched straight forward.
The Blonde Girl flailed in panic, like a cat about to fall into the water.
Fortunately, Samael was quick-eyed and quick-handed. He promptly opened his arms and steadily caught the reckless Mordred.
"Why did you change clothes?"
The Ancient Serpent eased off slightly and set Mordred down. Looking at the pure-white formal dress cinched tightly around her waist and abdomen, elaborate and uncomfortable-looking, he could not help but be surprised.
"Today was riding class. My own outfit