Through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Purgatory Corridor Academy Principal's Office, the Demon Realm's starlight spilled inside, overlapping with the firelight and forming a radiant coral glow.
They embraced and wept with mixed joy and sorrow, crying and laughing as if performing an elegant duet, yet also as comically as crabs scuttling sideways.
"I'm truly sorry. I'm making you part ahead of time."
Lanchi walked over to the sofa and sat down guiltily, whispering as he waited for Hughberlian and Sigrid to finish saying goodbye.
Perhaps Sigrid still didn't realize that the few of them were outsiders from this era, and that they might never meet again in the future. But farewells would come sooner or later.
That was how life was: one encounter, one chance.
Every parting might be a parting forever.
But knowing that for certain made parting even harder to accept.
He was actually reluctant to part with Sigrid as well.
Sigrid was an impeccable good girl and a trustworthy companion one could entrust with their life. She was upright and brave, and the qualities she possessed shone as brightly as gold.
Fortunately, Hughberlian had left Sigrid a voice recording as a memento of their sisterly bond. After Hughberlian returned to the Real World, she could watch the recording from the Shadow World Recording Program to see Sigrid's face and hear her voice again.
It was the only consolation, at least.
Sigrid and Hughberlian remained clinging to each other in the Principal's Office for a long while before finally letting go.
"Sister, we'll be good sisters for our whole lives."
Sigrid grasped Hughberlian's arms and spoke.
"Mm. My feelings for you will never change. Sob, my Sigrid."
Hughberlian answered through her tears, her voice thick with sobs.
Sigrid gave Hughberlian one last hug, then released the soft,