"Dong—" The bell rang once, but the classroom did not empty immediately.
It loosened gradually.
"…Half-day," someone murmured.
"…Festival preparations…"
Lunivara rose from her seat, unhurried, composed.
Outside the classroom, the hallway was beginning to fill with later upon layer of movement.
Jude stood near the wall just beside the classroom door,
Waiting...not idly—just… there.
When Lunivara stepped out, he glanced at her.
"…We're going."
"Y..Yes." While wondering what brings him here.
Students passed them, some lingering while others were already leaving.Jude shifted slightly, pushing himself off the wall.
"…He's still inside."
Lunivara's gaze moved briefly toward the corridor ahead.Where the remaining student officers had gathered.
"Yes"
Their voices sounded faint from a distance, neatly contained and structured.
Jude leaned back lightly again, both were waiting outside the office.
"He takes his time."
"..He observes before deciding," Lunivara replied.
"…Yeah," Jude said, almost to himself.
A short pause followed while waiting.
"…We're not staying here long," Jude added.
"Yes"
Jude looked at Lunivara with curiosity.
Footsteps echoed from within the corridor,steady and measured.
Leontius emerged into view, his pace perfectly timed. He stopped a few steps from them.
His gaze moved briefly from Jude, to Lunivara—then toward the hallway ahead. Toward the direction leading out.
"…You are leaving." Leontius asked
"We're heading outside." Jude said, he straightened slightly.
A pause.
Leontius delayed his answer, his eyes tracking past them toward the end of the corridor , where the open exit let in a faint filter of light.
"For what purpose?"
Jude blinked.
"...Just to go out."
Silence.
Leontius looked back at him.
"It's not planned."
"…Does it need to be?" Jude replied.
Short pause.
"…No." He looked away, the answer came simply.
Lunivara then spoke..
"…You may remain if you have other matters, captain"
Leontius looked at her briefly.
"…I do not."
A slight pause.
"…I will come."
Jude exhaled softly.
"…That works." While smiling slightly.
They began walking, the hallway opened wider as they moved forward. Students thinning toward the exits voices fading behind them.
Step by step—
["Is it really okay if I walk with them?"] asking herself if such matter is even fine though she's a villainess,["Well I am a paper assistant...I guess it's fine..?"], While lost in thoughts Jude noticed her concern face,
" Lady Morcant?"
"Y..Yes?" She replied being startled.
"Speak if you have any concern, Miss Morcant" Leontius said.
Jude was a bit disappointed of what Leontius just said.
"?" Leontius noticed Jude's expression.
"I'm fine, thank you both of you" Lunivara replied.
Silence followed, the corridor narrowed toward the doors and light growing clearer ahead.
Jude stretched one arm slightly as they walked.
"…Better than sitting through meetings."
"…It is necessary," Leontius replied.
"…Yeah, but not enjoyable."
Leontius glanced at him.
"…Those are different things."
Jude let out a quiet breath.
"…You really separate everything, don't you?"
Leontius didn't answer immediately.
"…It is easier that way."
Lunivara walked slightly ahead.
Her gaze steady as the exit came closer.
....
They walked through the gate and didn't get a carriage but instead walk down the street.The street outside was already alive.The vast view was beautiful while walking down
Jude walked ahead.
"…There we go."
Lunivara followed.
Her eyes adjusting to the view she had never noticed.
Leontius walked last.
His gaze moved once across the street, not lingering, just taking it in.
"…It's busier than usual," he said quietly.
"That's maybe why it's half-day," Jude replied.
A pause.
Leontius gave a small nod.
"…That explains it."
They moved forward together.
End of chapter 15