All four of them headed to a nearby restaurant just outside the Academy's ornate perimeter gates—a quaint but upscale place Leon casually recommended, clearly accustomed to its presence. The smell of sizzling butter and herbs wafted through the air as they approached, the soft hum of conversation already spilling from within. Despite its modest exterior, the place was bustling, filled with students taking advantage of the unexpected midday break brought on by the reassessments.
Inside, sunlight poured through wide-pane windows framed by ivy-draped curtains, casting golden warmth onto the hardwood floors. The group was ushered to a large four-person table tucked neatly into the far corner of the restaurant—the only remaining space, as every other seat had already been claimed by laughing classmates and gossiping upper-years.
