"Headmistress." Hal greeted with a sincere bow.
Isolde was the only individual who instantly earned his respect, and his already positive impression of his soon-to-be master only deepened when she gave him a few gifts even before the official acknowledgment ceremony took place.
The Headmistress didn't seem to be in a particularly good mood today, as her usual subtle smile was gone.
"Hal, as Korvus stated, I've summoned you for an urgent matter." Isolde began.
The expression on Hal's face turned even more serious after hearing the headmistress' words.
He knew something bad must have happened for her tone to be this stern, even slightly cold.
"I'll explain everything in detail on the way, but for now, know that we're heading to the capital. As much as I'd like to give you a choice, these are the emperor's direct orders, and no citizen of the empire can defy them. Prepare your belongings. We leave in an hour."
Hal was displeased and was about to complain, but then he realized.
