The early spring sunlight was unbearably dazzling. Matsushita Shizuko withdrew her gaze from the window, revealing a trace of irritation.
Through the window, she could hear the students laughing and playing on the field outside.
In the past, Matsushita Shizuko would have thought these students were simply full of energy. But now, she felt irritated.
The screams and laughter drifting in from the field sounded like the buzzing of flies to her ears, making them impossible to endure.
"Phew..."
To settle her thoughts, Matsushita Shizuko forced herself to lower her head.
Then, almost subconsciously, she reached into her bag and took out a thick tome with a black cover.
Its outer cover seemed to be made from the hide of some unknown animal, with strange foreign letters engraved upon it.
Apart from that, the book bore no markings. It looked more like a notebook than a book.
Matsushita Shizuko reached out and stroked the cover.
Feeling its rough, warm texture, her mood gradually calmed.
"Teacher Matsushita."
"-----!"
Hearing someone suddenly call her name, Matsushita Shizuko jumped.
She hurriedly stuffed the book into a drawer and stood up. A teacher was looking at her curiously.
"What are you doing?"
"No, I... I was just thinking about something. Is there a problem?"
"The principal wants to see you. Go over there immediately."
"Okay, I understand."
Matsushita Shizuko nodded.
Then she cast a reluctant glance at the drawer before leaving the office.
Soon, the class bell rang, and the teachers in the office all went to teach their classes.
The entire office was left without a single person. After a while, there was a knock at the door.
"Excuse me."
A girl wearing glasses walked in with a stack of homework in her arms.
"Teacher... isn't here?"
As she spoke, the girl with