They reached a wide veranda overlooking a lush rose garden in full bloom. Comfortable barrel chairs awaited them, and a butler soon appeared to serve refreshments.
As they settled in, Professor Schwarz and Professor Hisakawa began reminiscing about their years at Cross Academy. Elena listened quietly, fascinated. In her previous life, her education there had been isolated, carefully controlled. She'd interacted with very few people beyond her instructors and Professor Dupont.
Given the enemies of the Vetrova family, discretion had been necessary.
That was why figures like Grandpa Lu were unfamiliar to her, despite his obvious stature among the academy's alumni.
Soon, the topic shifted to Elena's studies.
"Xiulan's progress is astonishing," Professor Schwarz said. "I've had to revise my lesson plans repeatedly just to keep up with her."
