Karina's identity as Vanessa was dead.
But like a phantom, Karina continued to observe Vanitas Astrea closely. She watched him, waiting to see how that fateful event would change his life.
For one, it broke him.
Vanitas took a leave from the University Tower for three months, shutting himself away and drowning in alcohol.
"That's not good for you… Professor…"
Karina already knew the answer to that, even as she said it to no one.
In a way, they were alike. Just as Karina had once confused attachment for abuse, Vanitas Astrea had been deeply attached to the Empress.
And so, when she died, something inside him snapped all at once.
For Karina, it was a depressing sight.
To think that the all-powerful Professor, the man who seemed almost omniscient, the person she had relied on more than anyone else back then, could end up so pitiful.
"...."
