The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the sky as dusk settled in.
Sheffil and Dorothy stood at the gates of Jadecrest Academy, watching the stream of students scatter and head home after class.
“Hey, where did you even get that outfit from?”
Sheffil glanced sideways at Dorothy.
At some point, she had changed into a pure black gothic dress.
The deep red hooded cloak trimmed in gold had replaced her ever-present oversized witch’s hat, now draped elegantly over her silky white hair.
“You look like a completely different person.”
Dorothy narrowed her eyes and gave a smug little spin, holding out the edge of her cloak as if showing off a prized possession.
Her long black stocking covered only one leg, while the other remained bare, its pale sheen nearly dazzling in the fading light.
If you ignored her face, anyone would think she was some noble lady from a grand city, not the genius girl from the countryside they knew as Dorothy.
“You’re not wrong.”
Sheffil rested his chin in his hand, sizing up the outfit from top to bottom.
One thing was clear—there was no way Dorothy or that tomboy Jianle had picked this out.
Dorothy was a bumpkin who could happily wear a school uniform year-round, but this ensemble?
Sheffil estimated the whole look, headpiece included, must have cost at least thirty to fifty thousand rubies.
And something about it told him this wasn’t just about fashion—it was more than just a pretty outfit.
Not that he really understood why anyone would wear a stocking on just one leg.
Supposedly, it was a popular look in the city?
“Enough chatter. Let’s go,” Sheffil said, withdrawing his gaze.
He did enjoy interesting things, but lately, this fake Sheffil—the clown pretending to be him—had been so obnoxiously active he couldn’t even sleep properly.
Frankly, he wouldn’t mind if that impostor exploded right now.
Real duck or fake duck, once Sheffil got his hands on her, she was going to end up a dead duck either way.
“Hey! Your super adorable childhood friend went and put on a super adorable outfit—aren’t you going to say anything?”
Dorothy pouted, clearly displeased with his indifference.
Besides her wand, this cloak was the most expensive item she owned.
She had taken on tons of missions in the West District with Jianle just to save up for it.
She had even planned to save it for a few more months to make a dramatic entrance.
And Sheffil—this ungrateful idiot—didn’t even bat an eye?
She suddenly began to suspect that sales clerk might’ve scammed her.
Wasn’t this supposed to be the most popular style among boys their age?
“Say something?”
Sheffil frowned, then suddenly looked as if he had a revelation.
Dorothy proudly placed her hands on her hips.
“Who bought you this? It doesn’t look cheap.”
“It wasn’t cheap! I paid for it myself!”
Her golden low-heeled shoe came down hard on Sheffil’s foot, making him let out a high-pitched scream like a pig being slaughtered.
A few passing students turned their heads at the noise.
Fortunately, Dorothy had cast a presence-diminishing spell, so their identities remained unnoticed.
***
“Took you long enough to find me, Sheffil. Did I overestimate you all this time?”
A dark-haired girl lounged lazily in a large chair, biting into an apple as she stared at the screen in front of her.
Every time she saw Dorothy cozying up to Sheffil, her bites became increasingly savage—as if it were Sheffil’s flesh she was tearing into, not a piece of fruit.
Behind her stood two men, one tall and the other short.
Both wore impatient expressions, clearly annoyed.
“Sheffil, where’s the stuff we asked for?”
“No need to rush, gentlemen.”
The black-haired girl with the white-streaked bangs—this other “Sheffil”—gave a dismissive nod and gestured behind them.
“Everything you requested is sealed up nicely right over there.”
“But I trust you haven’t forgotten our little agreement?”
Her crimson eyes gleamed dangerously, and her voice carried the subtle chill of a threat.
The two men exchanged a glance, seemingly confirming something silently.
The girl didn’t care—she was still savoring the thrill of spying on Dorothy.
After a moment, the tall man made up his mind.
He stepped forward and placed a crystal card on the desk in front of her.
“The materials you requested—Brilliance Stones and five hundred thousand rubies. It’s all on this crystal card.”
“Ohoho, Mr. Black, as expected of someone from Genji Bank. So generous!”
Sheffil snatched the card like a dragon claiming treasure, her entire demeanor flipping instantly.
She raised it high like a priceless artifact, eyes gleaming.
The man known as “Mr. Black” ignored her fawning.
His voice remained cold.
“You made a promise. I expect you to keep it.”
“Or you’ll find out what happens when someone crosses us.”
“Of course,” Sheffil replied with a smug smile, turning back toward the mirror screen where Dorothy’s image was still displayed.
She looked more than confident.
“That would be for the best.”
Mr. Black turned around.
“White, we’re leaving.”
The short, plump man said nothing and silently followed after him.
“Take care now,” Sheffil called after them.
“Oh, and don’t forget the way you came in.”
“We’ve got guests arriving, and the maids can get… enthusiastic.”
She gave a wicked grin and bit down on the last sliver of apple in her mouth.