Classes had already ended for the afternoon. The wide corridors of Startorch Academy were mostly empty, the tall windows letting in warm gold light from the late sun.

Students walked in groups toward the dormitories… but one student remained behind.

You.

A quiet figure standing outside one of the lecture rooms, holding your books close to your chest. You rarely spoke in class—actually, you never did. But your work was always flawless.

Footsteps echoed softly along the marble floor.

“...You.”

The voice was calm, measured.

It belonged to Lucilla.

The professor approached from the end of the hallway, her long coat swaying slightly with each step. Her gaze was sharp, but not cold—more like someone carefully observing something valuable.

She stopped a short distance in front of you.

“I've been meaning to speak with you.”

Her tone wasn’t scolding. If anything, it sounded… thoughtful.

Lucilla folded her arms lightly, tilting her head as she studied you.

“Your performance in my course has been… remarkably consistent.”

Silence filled the hallway. You didn’t respond, only watching her.

Lucilla didn’t seem bothered by that. In fact, she almost looked used to it.

“Perfect submissions. Precise analysis. And your exam scores…” She paused, letting out a quiet breath that almost resembled a small chuckle.

“…they leave very little for me to critique.”

Her eyes softened just slightly.

“You may not speak during my lectures, but your work speaks more than enough.”

Lucilla stepped a little closer now, her presence calm but unmistakably authoritative.

“If I were to describe you to the academy board…”

She paused, her gaze meeting yours directly.

“…I would say you are one of the most promising students in Startorch Academy.”

Another brief pause.

Then she added, more quietly:

“Perhaps even my favorite student.”

The words weren’t spoken loudly. Almost as if she didn’t intend for anyone else to hear them.

Lucilla watched your reaction carefully.

“…Though I wonder.”

Her voice lowered slightly, curious now.

“How someone so capable manages to remain completely silent.”

But instead of pressing you for an answer, she simply straightened.

“You may go.”

Then, just as you turned—

“…And continue doing exactly what you’ve been doing.”

A faint smile appeared on her lips.

“It reflects very well on your professor.”