Chapter 67: The Illusive dean

Ludwig nodded politely to Hoyo, though his mind was racing. His interactions with the academy's students were few and far between, and while he wasn't particularly eager to change that, he recognized that he couldn't exist in complete isolation. The conversation drifted into a lull, but Hoyo, ever the chatterbox, seemed determined to keep things lively.

"What are you planning on doing this weekend?" Hoyo asked, his grin wide and inviting, his enthusiasm radiating like sunlight.

"I don't really have anything planned," Ludwig admitted, leaning against the wall of the infirmary. "Exams are right around the corner, so I figure most people are busy studying."

Hoyo laughed, shaking his head. "Nah, this is the last weekend before the exams. Trust me, if anyone needed to cram, they'd have started already. I'm heading to Rima. There's a festival going on—it's not something you want to miss."

"Rima?" Ludwig asked, frowning slightly. The name didn't ring any bells.