The corridor was almost deserted at this hour, with only a few students still lingering near the stairs. He set off at a steady pace, hands plunged into the pockets of his pants.
Halfway down the main corridor, three first-year girls spotted him. They were sitting on the windowsill, their pleated skirts impeccably ironed over their knees, and when he passed by, they all raised their hands at the same time, small timid smiles on their lips.
"H-hi! Young Lord Kaiser!" the closest one called out, a brunette with round glasses, her voice slightly trembling.
He replied with a simple nod, without slowing down, his cold gaze barely brushing over them. The three girls exchanged a quick look, smiled, then resumed their low conversation as he already moved away.
He headed toward the west wing. Kaiser's footsteps echoed softly on the floor, a sound that faded when he reached the door bearing an engraved plaque: "Lady Merlin du Vulcain."
*Knock knock*
"Come in," answered a warm voice.
