The Weight of Gratitude
Night finally gave way to dawn.
The darkness that had covered the academy throughout the night slowly retreated as golden sunlight rose beyond the horizon. Soft rays filtered through the windows of the dormitories, illuminating the quiet halls that were gradually coming back to life.
Students began waking up one after another.
Doors opened.
Footsteps echoed through the corridors.
The peaceful silence of dawn slowly transformed into the familiar bustle of academy life.
Inside one of the female dormitories, Videl opened her eyes.
For a brief moment, she stared at the ceiling.
The events of yesterday quickly resurfaced in her mind.
Victor.
The missing nobles.
The attack.
Aria.
Everything seemed to have happened so quickly.
Beside another bed, Aria had already woken up.
The black-haired girl quietly folded her blanket before glancing toward Videl.
"Good morning, Master."
Videl immediately sighed.
"We're starting the day with that again?"
