The next morning came cloaked in golden mist. The temple bells tolled, echoes stirring the wind across the academy and into the town. People came in waves...nobles in pristine robes, students in academy uniforms, professors murmuring behind heavy books, and townspeople dressed in their finest linens. All gathered for the Blessing Ceremony, the one day when everyone stood equal before the goddess.
And among the sea of bodies, with white hair catching the sunlight like snow under fire, stood Rin.
He looked bored.
Standing beside Lucien and Silas, Rin's arms were crossed, his foot tapping. His white cloak hung a little crooked, as if he'd pulled it on in a rush. His eyes, lazy and half-lidded, scanned the crowd, and he yawned without bothering to cover his mouth.
DING!
[System Notification:]
[Social Etiquette Debuff - You've just yawned in front of a holy congregation.]
He blinked at the system.
