The Next Day

  Narrator: Academy - Christmas Eve Morning

  The next day, Dav left his room wearing pajamas and slippers, heading to the cafeteria to have breakfast with everyone.

  His sleepy eyes and tired expression made him look almost like a vagrant.

  Upon arriving at the cafeteria, he was met with a festive atmosphere: Christmas decorations everywhere, a massive decorated tree at the center of the hall, and smiling students eagerly waiting for him.

  Seated at the table, he wished everyone a Merry Christmas Eve while sipping his coffee, still half-dazed.

  It was almost normal to see students in pajamas at breakfast before classes, but that day was different.

  With the start of the Christmas holidays, lessons were suspended until January 4th, allowing everyone to relax and decorate the academy together.

  Parents were allowed to visit their children only on Christmas Day, staying within the academy for the entire day without being permitted to leave until the end of the festivities for security and confidentiality reasons.

  Because of this, everyone worked hard to tidy up their rooms and make the academy as welcoming as possible for the arrival of their families.

  The academy had a second dormitory, largely unused, reserved for the professors.

  Unlike the students, who numbered around 10,000, there were only a little over a hundred teachers.

  For the occasion, some shared spaces would also be made available to welcome the parents of both students and teachers, turning the academy into a grand home ready for the celebration.

  When they were alone at the table, Dav reached out his hand toward Elysia, offering her a small early gift.

  This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

  Elysia, tense and embarrassed, hesitated before taking the package, then quickly stood up with a big smile, clutching it to her chest before running to her room to open it in private.

  When she unwrapped the gift, she found a picture of her and Dav sitting together at the table during one of their lunches.

  Beside it, a crimson-red bracelet with her initials engraved underneath.

  Her hands trembled slightly as she picked it up between her fingers.

  Tears began to stream down her face, but they were tears of joy.

  Without hesitation, she put it on, promising herself that she would never take it off.

  The Director approached Dav and told him that he would have to leave after lunch.

  Director Vittorio: (Sipping his coffee) I left your uniform in your room.

  How do you feel?

  Dav: (Serious, watching everyone decorate the academy while sitting down) Will I be able to win? After all, I’ve lost 80% of my strength.

  Vittorio: (Confidently) I believe you will win without any problems.

  (Patting his back) Just make sure to come back and spend Christmas with all of them—they believe in you.

  Dav: (Looking at his cup) Tomorrow, these kids' parents will arrive.

  Hopefully, there won’t be any issues with these nobles... (sighing)

  Not all of them appreciate having to share the same space and food with common civilians.

  Vittorio: (Smiling) I’ll make sure they get along.

  Trust me.

  Narrator: After finishing his conversation with the Director, Dav wandered around the academy, observing what everyone else was doing.

  He noticed Evelyn and Kael talking so closely inside a classroom, spying on them from behind the door through a small opening.

  So close, Evelyn looked embarrassed but happy, staring at him so intensely.

  Kael occasionally stuttered, and she helped him along.

  He watched the younger middle school students happily running through the hallways, decorating everything with magic.

  Then, he noticed another open classroom, which piqued his curiosity enough to take a quick look inside.

  All the classrooms were supposed to be closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays, but besides Kael’s, there was another one left open.

  Dav entered the classroom with a faint, curious smile, knocking lightly on the door before stepping inside.

  The professor inside did not seem at all surprised by his presence.

  He was a tall man, effortlessly exuding elegance, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit.

  His attention was focused on samba music filling the room, accompanied by a glass of red wine that he held with an air of nonchalance.

  The professor was unfazed by the unexpected visit, simply nodding his head with a subtle smile that suggested a certain familiarity with unannounced guests.

  "Professor Oliveira," Dav began as he approached with slow steps, observing the relaxed atmosphere.

  "It seems you're celebrating early."

  The professor’s smile widened, never losing that charismatic air that defined him.

  "What can I say, Professor Dav? A little good wine and samba work wonders for the soul."

  END OF CHAPTER - 59