When the only train connecting the academy to the outside world arrived at the station, Chamberson was just about to disembark, his expression grave, when the owl on his shoulder detected a faint astral fluctuation.
At the end of the carriage, a lady had somehow taken a seat. Her slightly plump, long legs were raised high.
She wore a black robe resembling a dress, trimmed with dark gold, along with a "Weeping Mask" hung with starlit tears.
"Professor Chamberson, don't worry. William will be fine."
"Principal Deslin!" Chamberson immediately bowed, lowering his gaze to the floor. "William is my only student, after all. Of course I'm somewhat worried, especially since the First Gentleman's condition has been deteriorating rapidly lately."
"Recently, I obtained quite a few interesting things while conducting astral observations.
This included William's blurred lines, obscured by all kinds of strange stars. The wondrous future formed by their dispersal shows that his future will extend far into the distance. It will not end here.
"You needn't worry about his continued contact with the First Gentleman, either. After all, he is also a student of my academy. As the principal, I will naturally look after him before he graduates."
"Understood."
"Once William returns, have him come to my office tonight."
"Yes."
By the time Chamberson raised his head again, Principal Deslin had vanished.
Their brief meeting dispelled all his worries. As one of Zion's prophets—and likewise the most influential among them—Principal Deslin's initiative in appearing and offering those words naturally meant that Yi Chen would be fine.
Deep within the manor
The First Gentleman, whose body stretched over six meters, had been pierced through by iron chains and bound in midair, suspended above the altar in the shape of a cross. When Alexis sensed the familiar visitor's presence, he