"Child, do you have something to say about this?" The Principal's sharp gaze fell on Aether as everyone looked back at him.
Other servants who were near Aether immediately stepped away, sensing trouble.
"N-Nothing, Madam," Aether stammered, his face turning awkward as he inwardly cursed, 'What the fuck is wrong with me!!'
The Principal's frown deepened, her eyes briefly glancing at his pocket where Snowflake, the tiny snake creature, was hiding. Snowflake trembled when it felt two gazes staring at her.
"Thud"
Just as tension built in the room, the door swung open with a loud thud. Four people hurriedly walked in, their expressions a mix of relief and anxiety, before quickly settling into the first row without uttering a word.
The Principal, her attention now on the latecomers, nodded in acknowledgement, "It's good that you finally came. Now, we shall begin our ceremony."