Epherene held onto Deculein’s back in the corridor of the old mansion, squeezing her eyes shut as she gripped his waist. Strange whispers came from the darkness—words she couldn’t understand, like murmured chants. Then, something cold brushed her neck—like a ghost's fingers slipping by in the dark.0

“Hhhhhhhhhh…!” Epherene murmured, her body trembling.0

However, as he walked through the corridor, Deculein remained composed, with not a shadow of fear in his eyes.0

Thud— Thud—0

“Are w-we almost there, Professor? I f-feel like my heart’s g-going to explode,” Epherene asked, her voice shaking as she followed Deculein, frightened even by the sound of his footsteps.1

Thud—0

At that moment, Deculein stopped, and Epherene thought they had finally arrived, only for another voice to come from the corridor.0

“Professor,” said Knight Yulie.0

Epherene flinched and opened her eyes.0

“The sun has slipped behind the clouds. Is everything well?”0

“All is well. But what are you doing here?” Deculein inquired.0

“I am on the night’s watch.”0

Epherene saw Yulie standing there, a torch in her hand, but she couldn’t tell if it was really Yulie or a ghost wearing her face.0

“I imagined that many might still be outside, unable to return to their rooms, with the sun setting so suddenly,” Yulie added.0

“Have you seen the signatures on the registration form?” Deculein inquired, tilting his chin and gesturing behind him.0

Yulie remained silent.0

I’ll take that silence as a yes, Deculein thought.0

“Your father’s name was among them. I understand now why Her Majesty spared Zeit the summons, as he would have brought the old mansion crashing down around him. It’s...0