This Life, I Will Be the Protagonist

Chapter 355 [Moon Serenade] & Kayden's Invitation

Mistblade firmly set the terms. "When the time comes, come to me to fulfill your promise. If not... I'll deal with Kayden." With that, she turned her attention to Apache. "The book."

Apache, who had just been standing protectively in front of Mistblade, awkwardly sat back down and gave a sheepish smile. "Dean... Could it wait until next month, maybe?"

Rita's jaw nearly dropped as she turned to Mistblade. Wait, she's the dean?!

Mistblade's lips curled into a mocking smile. "I preferred you back when you stood on my desk, raising your arms and shouting that you wanted to drop out."

Rita, Nivalis, & Kayden: ...what the...

Apache clenched her fist and lightly coughed into it. "Ah, well, I was young and foolish back then."

Mistblade's tone remained icy. "Hmm. And now you're much more responsible—sending your student to raid my library and steal my World Relic."

Apache gritted her teeth and reluctantly pulled a small container of Moon Sand from her pocket, offering it to Mistblade. "I was wrong. Please forgive my disrespect."

Rita silently watched as Mistblade's expression softened once more. She took the Moon Sand and said, "Deliver the book to my palace by February."

Wait a second, Rita thought. Is she just here to collect loot? First dragon blood, now Moon Sand?!

But that wasn't all. Mistblade's gaze began sweeping the room, scanning from side to side as if she were checking to see if anything else had been stolen.

Oh no... is she mentally running an inventory check on me?!

Although Mistblade didn't look at Kayden, everyone in the room knew who she was referring to when she said, "She knows what she can and cannot speak of, correct?"@@@@

Apache replied, "Rest assured, she understands the gravity of the situation. She won't say a word."

Mistblade didn't push the issue further. She trusted Apache to handle things appropriately. "Let's hope so."

With those parting words, Mistblade turned into a misty vapor and exited the alchemy shop. Outside, the sound of Moonfox guards retreating followed her departure.

Finally, the three left in the room heaved a collective sigh of relief.

Rita immediately sat down and poured herself a glass of ice water to calm her nerves. Kayden quickly joined her, grabbing a glass of her own. Ever thoughtful, she also poured a small cup for Nivalis.

After chatting a bit longer and confirming that Mistblade wouldn't suddenly come storming back, Rita finally took out the 400g of Moon Sand she had separated from Wrathful Moon earlier. She handed it to Apache.

Before she could even speak, Apache snatched the bottle and looked ready to gush with endless praise. But Rita preemptively shouted, "It's for Lucia!!!"

Apache's face fell in disappointment, and she just barely stopped herself from exclaiming, "Is this a gift for your most respected teacher? Thank you! It's late, go rest!"

Rita let out a sigh of relief. That was close.

She quickly explained Lucia's instructions, and Apache's expression grew serious. She carefully stashed away the Moon Sand according to Lucia's specifications.

"Wait, Lucia taught you [Little Fish Kingdom's King] and [Second-Rate Fool]?!"

Rita sighed dramatically. "Yes, of course. You know how Lucia is. She just can't help but spoil a true genius when she sees one."

"..."

"Teacher, why does your face look green? Don't tell me you're jealous?"

"Don't be ridiculous. This is just the natural color of undead skin. You foreigners wouldn't understand."

"Ohhh."

After chatting a while longer, Rita discussed some of the issues she'd encountered during her time in the High Tower. Once Apache learned Rita had been there, she finally understood how Rita had improved so rapidly. Without hesitation, she handed Rita ten new notebooks filled with her research, telling her to study them on her own.

As the time limit on her [Away from Home, Identity is Self-Assigned] skill approached, Rita finally bid farewell to Apache and Kayden. Leaving the alchemy shop, she hadn't gone far when she picked a pocket from a passing undead.

Suddenly, Kayden's voice called out behind her.

"Ravenclaw!"

Rita turned around with Nivalis in her arms, both tilting their heads in unison. Kayden ran up to her, slightly out of breath. She was holding the gaming console Rita had given her earlier. She was a little taller than Rita in her current Wind Scythe form.

Clutching the console nervously, Kayden looked at Rita and asked, "Would you... like to visit my home? I want to thank you for saving me today."

Rita didn't see it as a big deal—she hadn't really saved Kayden, just saved herself. But seeing the sincerity in Kayden's eyes, she nodded in agreement. Worst case, I'll just drink another bottle of [Melting Time].