Chapter 161: De-Escalation

[Paris, L'Institut des Lumières Academy - The Main Academy Hall]

[Friday, 11:21 AM]

I followed Vanessa through the bustling buffet hall. The sheer variety of food options was overwhelming, but she navigated it with ease, grabbing a colorful mix of fresh fruits and a single pastry.

I opted for a small plate of scrambled eggs and a glass of orange juice – even distracted, a guy's gotta eat, right?

"So," Vanessa said, taking a delicate bite of her croissant, "what brings you here today? Are you an aspiring student, too?"

I shifted uncomfortably. "Not exactly," I said, finally managing to spear a bit of my eggs. "Just... curious, I guess."

"Curious in what way?" Vanessa tilted her head, her smile genuine. "About the magic? The academy itself?"

I paused, considering. "A bit of both," I admitted.