Royal Magic Academy – Church Garden of Eternal Blessings. The garden was too perfect. That was Rei's first thought the moment he stepped into the courtyard.
Birdsong, flowery arches woven in suspiciously bridal white roses. Stone benches arranged in neat rows like… pews. And at the far end, a raised dais that could only be described as a budget altar.
Rei froze.
"…Nope. Not today. Not falling for this."
He spun on his heel to leave—only to collide face-first with a wall of soft, innocent blond curls. Emilia blinked up at him, a shy smile playing at her lips.
"Ah, Rei. You… you came here too?"
"Don't sound so happy about it," Rei muttered, eyes darting around for exits. The wrought-iron gate behind him had already sealed shut with a holy shimmer. "…Damn it."
From the far end, a familiar hymn drifted through the air—each note dripping with sanctimonious menace.
And then she appeared.
