Tuesday night.
After Ink Talisman Studies ended.
Zheng Qing did not head straight back home.
Nearly nine hours had passed since his lunch with Miss Linda Barnes. According to the witch, rumors targeting him were stirring across Puji Island and even throughout the League, like grass seeds in spring, ready to break impatiently through the soil after a clap of thunder.
So, he had no more time to hesitate. He needed to settle the interview with Colmar as soon as possible.
After last Christmas, when Zheng Qing had taken Su Shijun and Poseidon to visit Mister, he had also brought Colmar to Sanyou Bookstore. With that connection, he felt that asking Colmar for a small favor should not be too difficult.
After Magic Script Class ended that afternoon, he sent a paper crane to Sakura Tavern, saying that he hoped to pay a visit that evening. As expected, Colmar readily agreed to the somewhat presumptuous request.
And so, he made this late-night journey.
After leaving the teaching building, he turned into the Academy Corridor and took several shortcuts in succession, quickly arriving in a deep, secluded alley in the Beta Town North District.
He then pulled up his hood, hung his spellbook openly from his belt, and strode boldly toward Gu Diao Street, a faint protective spell gleaming around him without concealment.
It was already late at night. Although security throughout the North District had improved significantly after Colmar became a Great Sage, traditions ingrained in the bones of the tricksters could not be stripped away overnight. Since he was alone, Zheng Qing rarely put on such a forceful display, hoping that those lurking in dark corners would know better and retreat.
Everyone was fortunate enough.
He arrived safely at Number Thirty-Three, Gu Diao Street.
The plaque on the courtyard