After that, Vellandelle requested two more days off from Mia, explaining that she would be following Teacher to the Ruins and would have to take a break from work again.
Mia didn’t say much, but considerately gave Vellandelle a Protective Amulet that could block a fatal injury in times of danger.
To be fair, this catgirl manager is really good to her staff.
Things like life-sized body pillows can be overlooked.
The afternoon History class felt a bit long.
Vellandelle sat by the window, her feather pen unconsciously moving across her notebook.
Perhaps because of yesterday’s interaction, Veronie only said, “Let’s meet at Teacher Vivilian’s Office at eight tomorrow morning,” during the entire class, and then ignored Vellandelle for the rest of the period.
On the podium, the Professor of History was describing the rise and fall of ancient Magic civilizations.
He spoke of the legendary King of Glory and the battle exploits of the Golden Lion Order under his command…
Vellandelle didn’t feel much; after all, she already knew that history.
Finally, the end-of-class bell rang, and students flooded out like a tide.
Vellandelle had just packed her bag and left the classroom when Rosasys and Kelosha surrounded her, one on each side.
“Let’s go shopping now!”
Kelosha said impatiently, her tail swaying rapidly behind her.
“Rosasys and I just saw that the Academy Shopping Street got a new batch of adventure gear.”
Rosasys was more attentive. She pulled out a list from her pocket.
“I did some research—Ruins are usually cold and damp. We need warm clothing, lighting tools, rations, drinking water…”
Vellandelle looked at the long list her younger sister had made and reached out to ruffle her hair.
“Thank you for being so thoughtful.”
Although Vellandelle felt she probably wouldn’t need that much, she didn’t think it would take much time.
The Academy Shopping Street was still lively at dusk.
Magic Lanterns hung at the entrances of the various shops, lighting the street as brightly as day.
The three of them first walked into an Outdoor Supplies Store.
“Welcome!”
The shop owner was a bearded dwarf, polishing a Copper Lantern.
“What do you need? The new Mountaineering Rope is extra sturdy—it can hoist an Earth Dragon!”
Kelosha was immediately drawn to the array of tools on the wall, her eyes sparkling as she examined the weapon combinations.
“This one looks pretty good…”
Vellandelle quickly pulled the eager wolfgirl back.
“We’re just going for academic research, not treasure hunting.”
In the end, under the shop owner’s recommendations, they bought lightweight Warm Blankets, Waterproof Torches, and some basic Emergency Supplies.
Rosasys carefully inspected each item for quality, only putting them in the bag after ensuring everything was perfect.
Next was the food store.
Kelosha made a beeline for the jerky section as soon as she entered, as if she wanted to empty the whole shelf.
Vellandelle had to persuade her repeatedly to only buy enough for two days.
“These Compressed Biscuits don’t taste good, but they’re filling.”
Rosasys picked up a few packs of Magic-Sealed Rations.
“And this—just add water and it becomes hot soup. Magic Soup Cube.”
By the time they left the shop, arms full of bags, it was already late.
Kelosha happily hugged a large bag of food, her tail wagging with joy.
Rosasys carefully held the newly bought Protective Amulet, which she had purchased for her sister with her saved allowance.
Vellandelle counted the Protective Charms—now she had two.
“Big sister, you must come back safely.”
On the way back to the Dormitory, Rosasys spoke softly, holding tightly to Vellandelle’s arm, their fingers interlaced.
Kelosha, for once, nodded seriously.
“Not even a scratch allowed.”
Vellandelle felt a warmth in her heart from her companions’ care.
Back at the Dormitory, Vellandelle began to organize her gear carefully.
She sorted each item into her backpack, checked the Magic power in the torches, and tested the signal of the Communication Crystal.
When her hand touched the Protective Amulet from Mia, she couldn’t help but smile slightly.
***
The next morning, Vellandelle quietly got up in the stillness but was surprised to find the kitchen area lit.
She looked left and right and realized Rosasys wasn’t beside her.
Last night, Rosasys had used the excuse that Vellandelle was leaving to ask if they could sleep together one more time.
Soft-hearted as she was, Vellandelle had agreed.
At this moment, Rosasys was wearing an apron, moving quietly in front of the stove.
Her pink hair was loosely tied over her shoulder as she carefully flipped a fried egg in the pan; in a small pot, oatmeal porridge was cooking.
“Big sister, you’re awake?”
She turned with a smile.
“It’s almost ready. You can pack your things first.”
Kelosha, sleeping on the floor, was awakened by the aroma, her wolf ears twitching as she sat up groggily.
“Smells so good…”
Vellandelle felt a surge of warmth, and gently rubbed her sister’s head from behind.
“Thank you for your hard work.”
“It’s not hard at all when it’s for you, big sister.”
Rosasys placed the fried egg onto a plate and carefully added several slices of toasted bread.
“Make sure you eat well.”
After breakfast, Vellandelle shouldered her backpack and left the Dormitory accompanied by her sister and Kelosha.
As they passed the small Central Plaza in the Apartment District, they unexpectedly saw a familiar figure standing in front of the Statue at the center.
It was Eniya.
She wore her school uniform, and her golden hair seemed to radiate holy light in the morning sun.
Her hands were clasped at her chest, eyes lowered in silent prayer.
Her pious posture made passing students unconsciously soften their steps.
“May the light guide me…”
Her gentle prayer floated on the wind.
Sensing their approach, Eniya slowly opened her eyes.
When she saw Vellandelle, her eyes brightened.
“Miss Vellandelle, good morning.”
She stood up and tidied the hem of her robe.
“Good morning.”
“Is Miss Vellandelle heading to work?”
Eniya naturally knew that Vellandelle usually worked in the dining hall at this time.
“I have something to do outside the Academy today.”
“Outside the Academy?”
Eniya tilted her head, a little confused.
“I’m following Teacher to the Ancient Falen Ruins for research. I don’t know exactly what I’ll be doing, but it’s for extra credit, so I’m going.”
“I see.”
Eniya nodded in understanding.
She then stepped forward and took a Holy Emblem of Light emitting a faint glow from her chest, gently pinning it to Vellandelle’s collar.
“May the light protect you, Miss Vellandelle. This is the Holy Emblem of Light. It can help you in emergencies.”
Vellandelle was instantly overwhelmed.
Why was she being given another Protective Amulet? She was just going to study some Ancient Ruins—was it really a place of deadly danger?
It was starting to feel like some kind of life-or-death trial.
“Thank you, Miss Saintess.”
Despite her complaints, it was a precious item and she had to keep it safe.
If anything happened, she’d have nowhere to cry.
Eniya’s movements were natural and smooth, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
She then smiled gently at Rosasys and Kelosha.
“May you both have peace and joy today as well.”
After saying goodbye to Eniya, Rosasys clung tightly to Vellandelle’s arm and muttered softly.
“Saintess-sama really cares for big sister…”
Vellandelle didn’t know how to respond to Rosasys’ words and could only scratch her head awkwardly.
After bidding farewell to her sister and Kelosha in front of the Faculty Building, Vellandelle turned and entered.
She pushed open the door to Teacher Vivilian’s Office.
Veronie had already arrived.
Veronie’s gaze lingered for a moment on the Holy Emblem at her collar, then moved away.
But Vellandelle caught a flash of complex emotion in her eyes.
“Everyone’s here.”
Teacher Vivilian looked them over with a smile.
“It seems you’re all ready.
The Carriage is waiting.
This trip includes Teacher, you, two teachers from the Magic Department, and three previous friends.
They’re all strong, so don’t worry about safety.
Let’s go.
Also, Veronie, don’t be so cold—talk to Vellandelle more on the way, or it’ll be boring.”
“…Mm.”
Veronie responded softly, glancing at Vellandelle before quickly looking away.
“Alright, let’s go.
Let’s gather first, and before we depart, be sure to take a commemorative photo with the Memory Stone.”
As they walked out of the building, no one noticed a shadow quietly following behind them.
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