The sky outside was overcast, and gentle winds occasionally howled through Protos Royal Magic Academy. Each gust sent leaves drifting down.
At first, a lone raindrop lightly struck the edge of the windowsill.
Before long, the raindrops fell in dense strands, pattering down like fine strings.
Amid the thin curtain of rain, the canary on the branch began to chirp softly.
"..."
Lanchi, seated by the window, seemed to awaken from a dream. His deep emerald eyes remained clear and bright.
He raised a finger and gently brushed it across the dew-covered windowpane.
The damp, chilly weather made even his skin feel the kind of cold that left his body sore with drowsiness.
Accompanied by the patter of raindrops against the window, the little bird on the branch outside trilled, as though it wanted to tell someone something.
This office, originally left vacant in Protos Royal Magic Academy and now assigned to him, had a solemn wooden interior bearing the marks of time. Every detail resembled a carefully carved work of art.
Now and then, a few rays of sunlight filtered through the dark clouds and fell upon Lanchi like pale molten gold, lending his expression a hint of warmth.
His swivel chair was turned away from his desk and faced the window as he enjoyed a leisurely afternoon.
"Sorry, little bird."
"Although you sing beautifully, I didn't turn around for you."
Lanchi muttered.
The Poet of Great Love always said he was the judge of the kingdom's finest livestock.
In reality, he couldn't be a mentor to small animals.
Speaking of which.
He had noticed that Hughberlian hadn't summoned the Poet of Great Love much lately. He could barely feel any drain on his mana.
Then again, given Hughberlian's cautious nature, she indeed wouldn't casually release the Poet of