The door to the reception room opened, and Lilith stepped out slowly, taking her place to one side of the corridor.
Sephiroth and Zephyr came out side by side. Ain followed behind them, occasionally stealing a glance at Sephiroth's profile.
"Teacher Zephyr, won't you stay a few more days?"
Sephiroth warmly extended the invitation.
Zephyr glanced sideways at Ain, who looked rather tempted, and the corner of his eye twitched.
He was more than happy with this friend of a younger generation. After reading those "advanced books," he would have sworn brotherhood with Sephiroth if not for the age gap.
Even his being "universally adored" was only a minor issue.
But... if that minor issue involved his own precious girl, that was another matter altogether.
"No need, Sephi. With things as they are, we have plenty to do."
Zephyr looked utterly serious.
Hearing her teacher say that, Ain was a little disappointed, but she also showed her strong, capable side.
"Teacher Sephi, thank you for the invitation. I'll be sure to take you up on it next time."
Hearing his dear student say that left Zephyr with mixed feelings.
"Oh, you're welcome anytime."
Seeing Zephyr's expression, Sephiroth did not insist.
He and Lilith accompanied them to the corridor junction on their way.
After a brief farewell, Zephyr left with Ain for Heaven's Gate Town to meet up with his subordinates.
Sephiroth and Lilith exchanged a glance, then headed toward the Audience Hall together.
Two ceremonially dressed Knights stood on either side of a tall white door adorned with openwork gold ornaments. Upon seeing Sephiroth, they both placed a hand over their chest in salute and opened the doors.
The hall's interior was predominantly chalk white, accented with touches of gold and red. A red carpet stretched from the entrance to