The sun had already set.
Beta Town.
North District.
Inside Sakura Tavern.
Colmar sat quietly behind the bar. A bottle of Siren Rum rested by her left hand, a bottle of Amber Light by her right. Before her stood two exquisite jade wine cups, gleaming with soft colors in the dim light.
Knock, knock.
A polite knock sounded from outside.
"Come in."
With a wave of the witch's hand, the half-closed door silently opened. The tranquil night instantly merged with the silence inside the room. Standing in the darkness was a tall, lean wizard.
"Good evening, Miss Genie."
The visitor removed his pointed wizard hat, revealing a head of messy gray hair and a pair of sharp blue-gray eyes. He calmly glanced around, confirmed that no one else was present, and only then stepped over the threshold. "—Sorry to disturb you."
"Good evening, Professor Monteria."
The witch returned his greeting with equal courtesy. Neither of them invoked their identities as members of Edge Academy, which meant this was a private conversation. She picked up the Siren Rum in one hand and the Amber Light in the other, a perfectly measured hesitation appearing on her face. "What would you like to drink?"
Professor Monteria fell silent for several seconds.
Siren Rum represented the North District, or perhaps Edge Academy. Amber Light represented Wander Bar, or the stance of those "other wizards" who belonged neither to Edge Academy, nor the Alliance, nor the school.
"A glass of water will do. Thank you." He gave his answer.
The choice surprised the witch slightly.
She had originally thought the professor had come on behalf of certain dissatisfied factions to "have a chat" with her. But judging from this, Professor Monteria seemed to have come here of his own accord?
A glass of water and