Chapter 11

Maxi reached out to accept the firestone hand warmer.

Alec bashfully rubbed the tip of his nose and said, "You don't plan on ever returning, do you? Think of it as a parting gift."

"Thank you, Alec," Maxi said awkwardly.

It only occurred to her then that farewells were in order. Seeing her at a loss for what to do, the twins grinned and patted her shoulder one after the other.

"Be well, and stay safe. Write to us if you ever get the chance."

"I will. You must… take care of yourselves too. And thank you for everything."

"As long as you know," the twins said arrogantly.

They then proceeded to nag their sister to no end. Meanwhile, Maxi exchanged short farewells with the other novices who had come to see them off.

Soon, the carriages began to move. Sticking her head out the window, Maxi took in the manicured gardens, the vast courtyard lined with peculiar devices, and the massive tower which loomed above them like a pillar of white fog.