The Next Morning.

Having slept more peacefully than ever, I found myself uncharacteristically lost in slumber until the sun had fully risen. If Parna hadn’t come to wake me, I might have stayed asleep until well past noon.

Sitting at the breakfast table, listening to the countess passionately directing the staff, I looked around and asked about Frey’s whereabouts, curious to know if the penalty was still in effect or if it had concluded the previous night.

“She left for the Academy early this morning,” came the reply.

What? Frey?

“What? That blockheaded swordswoman?”

I let out a dry laugh …