Royal Capital's outer district was an ancient and prosperous city. It was noon, and the sunlight was scorching. The streets were crowded with people.
A girl with her golden hair tied back and dressed in an apprentice mage's robe was running briskly through the streets. The streets paved with square flagstones were very even. Even though it had rained the night before, there were no signs that any of the stones had been kicked loose. The more closely something was tied to daily life, the more it reflected a nation's strength. The Empire was clearly in a period of prosperity.
Apprentice Mage Peppeni braved the scorching sun. After passing through an alley, she finally arrived at the designated location.
Coming to a stop, Peppeni had no time to maintain the ladylike bearing her etiquette teacher often mentioned. She braced her hands on her knees and panted heavily. Sweat stuck her hair to her face, and her lungs felt as if they were about to explode. When she inhaled deeply, a faint sweetness even rose in her throat.
"Peppeni, you're a third of a quarter-hour late. You made everyone wait for a third of a quarter-hour, wasting a third of a quarter-hour of everyone's life."
An elderly man with completely white hair and beard spoke up. He wore a white court mage robe, and his expression was stern. His clothes were immaculate. He was a rigid and strict old court mage.
"Sorry, my servant forgot..."
"Excuses."
"I was late. I deserve to die. I should be thrown into the Infinite Hell."
The redness on Apprentice Mage Peppeni's face nearly spread to the base of her neck. It would have been fine if only her mentor were present, but there were five other apprentice mages around as well. Being reprimanded in front