My days in the imperial palace were drawing to a close, and soon I'd return to the academy.
While part of me missed the familiarity of academy life—its routines and even its quirks—I couldn't say I was particularly excited about going back.
The weight of looming missions and tangled relationships made the thought of returning more exhausting than comforting.
Originally, I had no intention of getting too involved in the Saintess's affairs.
After all, with Lucas present at the academy, she was supposed to have all the protection she needed.
But the goddess's personal request changed everything.
Now, protecting her wasn't optional—it was a responsibility I couldn't shirk. Even so, I planned to proceed carefully, guiding events to align with the original timeline as much as possible.
Then there was Senior Alice. Her arc was nearing its climax, and the resolution hinged on how proactive the White Queen had become.
