A few days later, the dorm was filled with the quiet hum of the evening when the door opened, and Rean and Altina stepped inside. Altina, as usual, stood stiffly beside Rean, her hands clasped in front of her and her face as unreadable as ever.

"Rean insisted I come visit," Altina said in her typical monotone, glancing at Fie and Laura, who were seated in the lounge. "He assured me I will not be a bother."

Fie waved a hand dismissively, leaning forward slightly. "You don't bother anyone, Altina. We like your visits."

Altina blinked, her expression unchanging as she quietly responded, "I see." She shifted her gaze away, her eyes eventually landing on the coffee table, where a colorful comic book rested. Tilting her head slightly, she asked, "What is that?"

Rean chuckled softly. "Oh, that? It's a comic Millium's really into. It's about something called magical girls. She's been running around pretending to be one for days now."

Altina stared at the comic for a moment longer, her head tilted slightly as if in thought, but she didn't comment further.

Fie, noticing her interest, smirked. "Why don't you have a look?"

Altina straightened slightly, folding her arms. "Such a comic is far too childish for me. However," she added after a brief pause, "I suppose I will have to read it anyway. Knowledge of current pop culture trends could prove useful for missions under the Imperial Intelligence Division."

Fie grinned and picked up the book, handing it to Altina. "Yes, exactly. Purely for research purposes."

Altina accepted the comic with her usual stoic demeanor and sat down on the couch to begin reading. Fie, unable to resist, quietly observed her as she read. At first, Altina's face remained blank as usual, but as she turned the pages, subtle changes crept in. A faint twitch of her lips, the slightest widening of her eyes—moments of intrigue, amusement, and even suspense flickered across her expression.

When she finally set the comic down, Altina folded her hands neatly in her lap and closed her eyes. "I have concluded my research for now."

"For now?" Fie asked, leaning forward with a teasing glint in her eyes.

Altina's eyes flicked toward her briefly before she replied, "It is nothing you need to concern yourself with. Thank you for allowing me to examine the comic."

Fie smirked but didn't press further.

Rean, who had been watching quietly, chuckled. "Anyways, Altina, there's actually something I wanted to talk to you about."

Altina turned her gaze to him, curious but guarded.

Rean smiled warmly. "I wanted to invite you to the Class VII graduation party in spring. It wouldn't be the same without you."

Altina blinked, clearly taken aback. "Are you being sincere?"

"Of course I am," Rean said gently. "You're a part of this group too, Altina. We've been through so much together since I took on the role of the Ashen Chevalier, and everyone would love to have you there."

Altina hesitated, her expression momentarily conflicted before she managed a quiet, "I… will consider it." Her tone was steady, but it was clear she wasn't sure how to process the invitation.

Rean nodded, his smile never wavering. "There's no pressure. Just know you'd be welcomed by everyone."

Altina looked down, fidgeting slightly with the hem of her gloves. "Understood," she said softly, though it was clear the idea still left her uncertain.