Volume epilogue

We were leaving the city, and just beyond the black marble bridge, our familiar coachman was already waiting for us. As promised, the mayor hadn't told anyone about our exploits, so only three people bid us farewell: the mayor, the confectionery owner, and Serena. I'm sure that despite this, new stories of our heroics will spread throughout the country.

"Thank you for everything, and forgive me if I was sometimes rude to you," the mayor bowed to us.

"Thank you, Vinila. You saved my little business and fulfilled an old dream," the confectionery owner curtsied to the girl.

"I will cherish your gift," Serena gently caressed the necklace watch around her neck.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Katrina bowed farewell, "but now it's time for us to return."

We turned and headed towards the carriage, but suddenly, someone dashed out of the bushes and rushed towards us. Before we could react, a little child-like figure collided with our enigmatic necromancer. It was the quiet girl who played Rizel on stage.

"M-Mili? What are you doing here?" Rizel, forgetting her disguise, gently patted the girl's head.

"I knew it! I told the boys, but they didn't believe me. When I was locked in that dark place, I remember hearing your voice, teacher!" The girl hugged the necromancer and rubbed her cheek against her like a kitten.

"But... you were unconscious then. How did you decide that I was your teacher?"

"You have the same gentle and cold hands as the almighty necromancer Rizel!" The girl raised her smiling face and peered under the cloak. "I remember an incredibly beautiful girl with cold hands pulling me out of that darkness and kissing my forehead. I knew it could only be you."

The kind teacher gently embraced her student.

"Mili, I must have chosen you right after all. You're my smartest student. Always act according to what you believe is right. And I hope to see you again at the Academy, though by that time, I'll already be in my senior years."

"Heh, heh," Vina leaned over the sweet scene, "why wait that long? In the next month, the Academy is organizing a major event, and I think I can allocate a few tickets for your students."

"What are you talking about?"

"Hush, it'll be a surprise. Mili, tell your friends that soon they'll be going to the Academy to meet their teacher."

"Hooray! Thank you, clever unknown sister!" Mili ran back to the city with a joyful smile.

"Heh, clever, well, I won't argue. Alright, let's go back; I still have so much to prepare!"

We said goodbye once again to those seeing us off and headed towards the carriage.