Mandarin Oranges and Peaches

Daytime, inside Star Torch Academy.

"Um, everyone..."

In the classroom, Siglica looked helplessly at the students who had crowded around her.

"Siglica! I've been waiting forever for you to come back!"

"Don't listen to him! He's just here to give you trouble. Come explore the thrilling world of Runes with me instead!"

"Oh, please! You're here to ask Siglica questions too. How can you criticize me?"

"Because I'll definitely take up less of her time than an idiot like you."

"You!"

Pop!!

As the students argued over who would get Siglica's help, a pink bubble suddenly burst in the middle of the crowd.

Bubble liquid splashed all over them, obscuring their vision.

"Wh-what was that?"

"Hey! Who's splashing water around the classroom? Have some consideration!"

"Argh! I got water in my eyes!"

While everyone in the classroom was scrambling, one student regained his sight, opened his eyes, and noticed something was wrong.

"Siglica's gone!"

"What?!"

The other students quickly wiped the liquid from their faces and discovered that the clever, gracious Siglica really had vanished.

"Oh no! My homework!"

"Oh no! Mine's a group assignment!"

In the Academy Garden.

"Honestly, what a bunch of idiots. Can't they do their own work?"

The cries of those students still echoed in Dania's mind. Her hair faded from pink to blue, and she couldn't help sighing.

Beside her, Siglica sat on a bench, breathing a little wearily.

"My dear Yaya, thank goodness you 'rescued' me."

Despite her exhaustion, she remembered to thank the friend who had pulled her out of the crowd.

"Come on, Sisi. With your fighting skills, you could've gotten away from them on your own. You're too softhearted."

Seeing what her friend had been put through, Dania sighed helplessly again.

"Hehe. They needed my help, after all."

Siglica scratched