"Is that... is that you?! Teacher!"
Hinata Sakaguchi's trembling voice carried a trace of disbelief. She was afraid—afraid that this was merely a dream, afraid that the person before her was false.
Perhaps having heard Hinata's voice, the girl slowly turned around. Her delicate face wore an expression of gentleness that Hinata Sakaguchi knew all too well.
"It's been a long time, Hinata."
Seeing her familiar disciple before her, Izawa Shizue was genuinely delighted as well. It had been a long time since she had seen Hinata.
"Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!"
Realizing that it was not an illusion, Hinata quickly rushed before Izawa Shizue and threw herself into her arms, sobbing.
Looking at the sobbing Hinata Sakaguchi in her arms, Izawa Shizue gently stroked her beautiful hair and softly comforted her.
"It's your teacher! Your teacher has come back!"
Watching this heartwarming scene, Rimuru wore an aunt-like smile and quietly slipped to the side, leaving the teacher and disciple some space to catch up.
Luminas, who had just arrived, was completely baffled by the sight before her.
Who was she? Why was she holding her Hinata? And why was Hinata crying?! Crying in her arms, no less!
What exactly was going on? Could someone explain this to her?
With that thought, Luminas turned her gaze toward Morax, who stood calmly nearby, hoping he could explain what was happening.
Feeling Luminas's gaze, Mo Li found it troublesome and gave a brief explanation.
"Miss Shizue—the woman Izawa Shizue whom Hinata Sakaguchi is holding—is Hinata Sakaguchi's teacher!"
"That is why I had Hinata Sakaguchi come see her teacher."
After hearing Mo Li's words, Luminas nodded. Then, realizing that was all he intended to say, she glared at him in irritation.
At that moment, Rimuru came over to Mo Li and added to his explanation.