Louella felt like she could see him after whatever happened between them had been lifted. Gerald seemed to feel more like Gerald. And she liked it that way.

He sat next to me. “Long time no see, Gerald.”

They have already met at the academy anyways,  Flora was shining so brightly as she stared at Gerald, who was walking past them. She smiled brightly and greeted Gerald.

Certainly, the time she spent with Billiers not was already so great that it would not have had the impact that it would make for her to change her mind? It seemed right that Billiers was already having a great influence on Flora’s life.

“Long time no see, Flora. How have you been?”

Look, Gerald is acting so sweet. Flora must have misunderstood something at that time.

“Umm… I really appreciated the Billiers thing.”

“I see.”

“Do you keep in touch with Billiers these days, too?”

“Of course! What about you, Flora?”

“Me too, well… We’re meeting again today.”

Wait, this girl didn’t even tell me. Flora seemed to have changed her mind. Was she making it seem like Gerald was the best friend she had right now and not me?

She stuck her tongue out. Uh, is Billiers that much of an impact to her? That’s right. In the end, it wasn’t only Louella who was able to hold Gerald’s hand.

Gerald carefully grabbed her hand under the table. HIs hands were much bigger than Louella’s. She felt his warmth on her hand.

It used to be that she hated everything that was cold. She used to warm her hands whenever he held them. Gerald’s hands have never been cold. He nodded at Flora as if he had not just held her hand.

The first one standing was the lady in charge of the presentation. The lady looked over the table and coughed. People’s eyes were on her.

“There was an incident that shook the Empire these days. It was none other than Murray’s amputated leg being healed. I think you’ll all know by listening.” Everyone nodded.

“That was why I chose this book as a new book that I’d like to recommend. This is also a book that has just come out. Have you all read it?”

“Yes.”

“The book begins with the story of Nigrum and Candidum. The essence of the story is that the Black Uroburos, who were known to have been destroyed by the White Uroburos is actually alive.”

“Is the Black Uroburos really alive?”

“According to Mr. Murray’s testimony, it is. It’s claimed that the bridge, which was cut by the power of Uroburos, has been reborn. What’s unfortunate is that no one has ever witnessed it in person.”

“Isn’t the White Uroburos powerful?”

“If so, he wouldn’t have stayed still in the temple.”

Louella knew it. People’s attention was focused on hot issues now rather than the book.

It’s about the Black Uroburos. Was the voice that talked to Gerald about the medicine before the white snake or black snake?

Gerald turned his head toward Louella.

“What do you think, Lulu? Is the Black Uroburos alive?”

“I think it might be. There’s a reason why I’m showing myself. Right, Gerald?” Louella thought Gerald might know this answer the best.

She realized that she had already found the answer to my question. The only god that would hear me for Gerald’s safety was the black snake.

She heard that Black Uroburos was the one spreading Nisephor to humans. Didn’t that mean that the Black Uroburos shouldn’t be worshiped?

And if the Black Uroburos knew more about the magic of time, it would now be more directed to Gerald. He’s binded with it.

I’m this smart. Oh, I can’t say this anywhere else.

Gerald smiled. Louella brushed the back of his hand. It was like an answer just came to her in an instant.

The speaker tried to break the hot atmosphere.

“Stop. I think it’s better to share this story after we have finished discussing the book. Now, let’s go back and discuss it. According to this book, the white snake in the temple now is a traitor and a predator. Of course, the author emphasized that this was a difference of view according to the interpretation of the myth and that it was not a confirmed fact.”

That’s probably why this book is not designated as a forbidden book. At a time when intellectuals are already calling for freedom and respect, there will be limitations in blocking scholars’ perspectives and designating books as prohibited books.

Nigrum and Candidum. Nigrum and that book, Mr. Murray appeared out of nowhere. Is this really not relevant? Is it not? Or is it? Gerald.

* * *