Chapter 04: An Understanding
"Seriously? Otome only train for two years?" Surely longer was necessary to complete the Otome Programme?
Natsuki had personally wanted to become an Otome, but thanks to her accident, her dream had been shattered. She didn't understand her mother's logic. When the news had been broken to her that she would receive an Otome, she had been conflicted. For a long while she had even envied Viola. It was unknown whether she would ever reveal this information to the Meister. For now, she was uncomfortable to do so.
Positioning her wheelchair in front of the garden table, she watched Shizuru closely. The Meister was seated on the opposite side.
They were located just outside of the Hexagon by the moat. Over the decades, the gardens had been managed to perfection. The artificial presentation of nature had never appealed to Natsuki very well. It was too fake: fake like their society.
"No." Shizuru uttered calmly. The Meister was still materialised, having been awaiting her Hexagon uniform. Warming her hands against the cup of tea she had accepted earlier, she explained: "Once an Otome graduates, it is her duty to continue training. Our training is continuous; we're only taught the principles by our teachers. There are rules we follow, and are punished for breaking them."
"Ah, so… Did you break any?" Natsuki's lips curved into amusement as she straightened in her chair. She would love to get to know Shizuru quickly. The Meister would after all be guarding her life.
"Of course I did." Shizuru chuckled, finishing her tea, she moved the mug aside. "Such a thing is not the best for our first meeting, no?" It was her turn to smile as Natsuki lowered her gaze in mild embarrassment. "Do you have any health conditions I must know about? I noticed my documents only state physical matters."
"Not that I know of. My legs are just screwed." Natsuki shrugged.
Seriously. How she wished could get out of this thing.