Alchemy

The three of them followed the passage beneath the fountain for nearly twenty minutes, and Kyle felt as though they had crossed the entirety of Beauxbatons.

But strangely, the water above their heads remained there the entire time, as if they had been circling the fountain all along.

Not until a light completely unlike the ones in the passage appeared before Kyle's eyes... It was a golden door, gleaming brilliantly beneath the lights.

Fleur, who was walking in front, grasped the handle and gave it a gentle push.

"I was just wondering who would break into the fountain's secret passage. I never expected it would be you returning."

Madame Maxime's voice came from beyond the door. "What is it? What brings you to the school to see me?"

"It has been a long time, Madame Maxime," Fleur said. "But I'm not the one who wanted to come here this time. It's him..."

Fleur stepped aside, allowing Kyle and Kanna to emerge from the passage.

"You?"

Madame Maxime looked surprised upon seeing Kyle, apparently not expecting to encounter him here.

"It is a pleasure to see you, Madame Maxime," Kyle said politely, craning his head back to look at the Beauxbatons headmistress, who was more than twice his height.

He had grown quite a bit over the past few years, but nothing seemed to have changed when he looked at Madame Maxime. He still had to crane his neck with all his might.

"Welcome." Madame Maxime walked over. "And welcome to you as well, beautiful lady. If I remember correctly, your name is Kanna Prince?"

"Yes, Madame Maxime." Kanna gave an elegant curtsy. "I did not expect you to remember me."

"Not remember—be deeply impressed," Madame Maxime said. "Would you be interested in working at Beauxbatons? We have always been in