-Outdoors Some Distance Away from Anthony and Faye's Room-
Sheffield stands atop a black stingray looking creature that has the ability to fly through the sky. The stingray is not actually alive. Rather it is a magic artifact that she is able to control due to the ability Mjoovitnir grants her that allows her to control any magic artifact that she comes across. This is evident due to the stingray having a few runes plastered on to its forehead just like its master does. Although the amount of runes appears to be fewer in number.
She has been spying on Louise and her group for most of the evening. She has been very careful to make sure she doesn't get caught by anyone, usually by concealing her presence as much as possible. By doing so, she has learned some valuable information. The most important being that the group is rather unstable, with a large fight breaking out and cases of abuse existing amongst the members.
It appears that void mage is losing the support of her friends rather quickly. And it's all thanks to those two that she summoned. Hahaha! How deliciously ironic. The very thing she did to save her skin will end up destroying her instead.
She licks her lips while having an evil smirk on her face. Capturing the void mage will be effortless. First I'll need to let master Joseph know of the situation. Then we'll just need a convenient time to capture her when no one is looking.
Seeing everything that she wanted to see, she and the stingray teleport away back towards Gallia.
-Gallian Castle-
Sheffield returns to the castle and reports all she has learned to Joseph.
He strokes his beard and grins. "I feel that will make things too easy. Let's add a little flair to this capturing of Louise the void mage."
"What do you suggest my lord?" She asks while still bowing before him.
"Are you aware of the ball that the Tristain Academy throws every semester?"
"Yes."
"It will take place a week from now. Go and find an opportunity to hypnotize her there. If anyone dares to get in your way, I will have Charlotte interfere. As long as her mother is in our care, she cannot go against us. Speaking of her, how is her condition lately?"
"Your plans are as incredible as always my lord. As for your question, she is still as insane as ever."
"Very well. Until the ball is in session, do not get involved with them in any way."
"As you wish my lord. What should I do in the meantime?"
"Continue your search for the other two void mages. We do not stand a chance at destroying the world without them."
"As you wish." Sheffield quietly exits the room. As she walks along, she giggles and thinks, Fufu. This will be a fun time.
-Anthony and Faye's Room-
"So, um, I'm Anthony and this is Faye." He nervously introduces himself and gestures over to her.
"Hello." Is all Faye says.
After the big fight between everyone, it ended in Saito and Louise's defeat. The latter's injuries are quite bad so Saito took her out of the room in order to get her some medical attention. Kirche happened to bump into them right as he left and now she is questioning what has happened in the room.
"Oh!" Her face makes an expression stating she recalls something. "That's right. Saito mentioned you two as well as that other new girl at the party today."
"Wait, he did?" He asks, a bit surprised.
She smirks, "Uh-huh. Though only to me, Tabitha, and Guiche."
Anthony frowns. Why would he tell those three?! Play it cool Anthony, play it cool. He probably just mentioned that he found us in a forest or something, which is actually pretty true.
"I don't suppose you or anyone else asked why we are attending here right?" He asks.
She chuckles at the expected yet slightly worried tone he used. "Well of course we asked. He said that one of you two could use magic despite the fact neither of you are nobles and that you both wanted to learn magic."
"I-I see. That makes sense."
Back when they were at Tristain's castle, Henrietta was the only one that ended up learning about Faye's magic abilities. Anthony requested that even though her ability would get revealed when she attended the academy, that it be kept a secret until that time. He didn't want to cause anymore drama than necessary with this information.
Henrietta abided by his request and nobody else figured out her ability until Louise and Tiffania did in Osmond's office. Now with the fight having broke out, Saito and Siesta also know.
"Could you introduce yourself? I haven't heard your name yet." Anthony asks. I mean I already know your name. But so as to not make this awkward later.
"Oh! I suppose it is rather rude of me to have not introduced myself yet. I am Kirche Augusta Frederica von Anhalt-Zerbst. I was born into a military family from Germania"
Anthony sweat-drops. "T-That's a really long name…" Are all noble names this long?
Siesta also sweat-drops, "Y-Yeah…nobles tend to have long names in general."
Kirche laughs, "Fufufu! My you commoner folks are much more amusing compared to the stingy boring noble families I have to deal with from time to time. Just call me Kirche, everyone does."
"Alright Kirche." Anthony says.
"Now." Kirche straightens herself up and suddenly puts on a serious face. "Can someone please explain what happened here? Why was Louise passed out and Saito so upset?" Suddenly, she puts on a seductive look towards Anthony, "If you tell me, I might just give you a reward…" She tucks on her white shirt ever so slightly to reveal just a tiny bit more of her bosom than she usually shows.
Anthony is not amused, "I was going to tell you regardless of whether I got a reward or not. Now, please stop trying to seduce me." Although if he had to admit, he is tempted just a little bit. Her chest is quite attractive to him after all. Even so, he cares a lot more about a woman's personality and nature compared to their looks.
She is caught slightly off guard by this. Especially when he and Faye give her dirty looks. "Sorry, I didn't realize that you two are a couple. What with the maid outfit and all."
"We aren't engaged or married, but we are close. Like family." Anthony says as he scooches a little closer to Faye and wraps his left arm around her. She smiles and reciprocates by wrapping her right arm around him. Despite how close they are together, neither of them have ever felt romantic attraction towards one another. Anthony sees her as a very dear friend and even as a part of his family. Faye on the other hand very deeply admires and respects him to the highest degree. She doesn't really consider herself to be on the same level as him, which is likely why she has never been romantically attracted to him despite loving him so much.
Siesta can't help but smile warmly at this display of affection between the two of them. I want to wrap my arm around Saito like that one day. I want him to reciprocate my feelings. But fairly! I'll never revert to my immoral methods ever again.
Once again she promises to herself that she will treat Saito with as much love and care as possible, as well as protect him from harm. Both for him, and to make her teacher proud.
The three proceed to explain to her what occurred. Anthony shows her the marks on his back that he obtained from her, prompting a gasp from her. Once the explanation is over, Kirche says:
"I've been a longtime rival of Louise's, so I know that she is an extremely cranky child and tends to throw tantrums. I even knew about her exploding him, but he always seemed to recover from those relatively easily. The whipping though, that I did not know about." She deeply frowns, an expression Anthony did not see often on her face in the anime.
"Can I ask something that's been on my mind?" Anthony requests.
She nods. "Sure."
"Why is it that being exploded at point blank range for someone like Saito results in no more than a few scratches? Yet when she uses it on her opponents, they get destroyed?"
Something Anthony has noticed as he watched anime over the years back in his old world is the degree of deadliness of various attacks depending on the circumstances. If in a comedic moment some butt-monkey side character was to get exploded or attacked for his actions, the worst that usually happened was he showed a few burn marks or got flown far away just to appear again shortly after for no explained reason. Yet if that same attack was used on a legitimate opponent, then they would literally get fried to a corpse and never come back. He was sure the pain was equivalent in both situations, but why were the results so different.
In terms of production, it was easy to understand. An author can determine how lethal an attack is at any time. Or how much a certain character can resist said attack at that point in time. However, if you were to go by in-universe logic, it just doesn't make sense. An attack that can destroy demon monsters with ease should also easily take out a human with no defensive buffs.
She blinks for a few moments before shrugging. "I'm not sure. I've never really questioned it before. Though now that you say that, it is pretty strange. I'm sure those explosions had to really hurt him bad, but he always came back from them fairly unscathed."
He sighs, "Yeah. It's strange alright. And yes, I'm very sure they hurt like hell." I wonder if it's still the same now, or now that I'm in the actual universe all attacks are quite brutal, damaging, and painful, regardless of intention. I guess only time will tell.
"Despite being a commoner, Saito has always held my greatest curiosity, and that's saying a lot from the multiple boys I've been with. Fufu." She gives a knowing smile and laughs lightly.
"What drew you to him?" Siesta asks. She was always drawn in by his extreme kindness and the fact they could relate to one another as they were both commoners. But why would a noble like Kirche be interested in him at all? She didn't want to have anymore rivals to contend with.
She puts a finger to her chin and makes a dramatic thinking face. "Hmmmm. If I had to say, the fact that a nobody like Louise was able to summon him. He's also the reason I was able to improve my relationship with Louise to an extent."
"Between Saito and Louise, who would you say you are more loyal towards?" Anthony asks.
"No more one than the other I'd say. I work and attend this academy for myself. If you were to ask who I like more, then I suppose I'd say Saito just a little. Why do you ask?"
"I wondered if you'd be willing to team up with us and help stop Louise's abuse towards Saito."
"Team up with you huh? What would be in it for me?" She then smirks, "Don't forget that I actually hold some rather valuable information on you and Faye you know? The fact that both of you are Louise's familiars and aren't nobles. Also you both aren't from this world."
"We aren't her familiars! We never finished the ritual, thus we aren't her familiars." Anthony rebuts quickly. Did Saito tell her everything?!
"Are you attempting to blackmail master?" Faye asks in a low tone. "Because if so, you are in for a very rough time."
"Actually." Anthony starts, "Since Her Majesty officially endorsed us to attend this academy, I don't think there's much she could really do in terms of trying to expel us. I don't want to try to explain our background and possibly be exiled socially." Still, to have her know all that is a bit scary.
He turns to Kirche, "Why would you want to expel us anyway?" Wait, could I even get expelled? The anime was never very clear on the requirements to attend this school.
She smiles again, "I do believe you're jumping to an early conclusion here. I said that simply because I wanted to see your reactions! They were rather interesting. In any case, I have no interest in expelling you two nor do I have any interest in revealing your background. I DO want to know what would be in this for me though."
"Isn't saving Saito's sanity and keeping him safe from physical harm enough? Don't you care about him?" Anthony asks, feeling disappointed. At the same time, he breathes an internal sigh of relief at the fact that she doesn't intend to reveal his or Faye's real background to the entire school.
Kirche felt these words strike her hard. It takes her a moment to respond, "Of course I do! Don't make it sound like I don't. That's harsh. I'll help you out on two conditions."
"...what are they?" He asks reluctantly, having a bad feeling about what she wants to ask.
"First, show me the determination you three have. I'll take you all on in three separate one on one fights. If at least one of you can defeat me, then I'll join assuming you accept the second condition."
She's including me?! Siesta panics internally.
"Which is?" Anthony asks.
"Take me out on a date!" She flashes a grin.
The three are taken back by surprise. "W-What?!" Anthony shouts. Wait! She flirts with all sorts of guys! I should've expected this! He immediately thinks afterwards, pretty much sending away all of the shock he just incurred.
"How bold!" Siesta says. Faye remains silent.
"Aw come on. Certainly you expected the woman who has made nearly every man here fall in love with me to ask you out on a date?" She coos.
Anthony sighs, "Just one date, right? If so, then alright. I'll go on a date with you."
Her eyes light up, "Wow! For being a familiar of Louise, you are way more compliant compared to Saito."
"I'm not her familiar! Also I don't have a girl I'm in love with unlike him. That's why I'm more willing." Though hopefully he falls out of love with her and finds someone better soon.
"Also Faye, are you alright with dueling her?"
She nods, "If it benefits you in any way, then I'm happy to do it. I'm more concerned about you battling her. I do not mean any offense towards you whatsoever, but you are unable to use magic and I don't know what she is capable of. There's a serious chance you could get hurt."
He nervously shakes his head. "Ah well she's a noble so she can likely use magic at the least.
"Hmph!" Kirche smiles proudly, "Of course I can! And from the sound of it, it appears Faye is the one among you that can use magic?"
She simply nods.
Kirche stands up makes her way to the door. "I see. Does a duel the day after tomorrow after class work for everyone?"
This time Siesta makes her thoughts known, "Wait, I'm included?"
Kirche gives her a confused look, "You're not a part of their group?"
She gives a quick nervous glance at Anthony and Faye before returning her gaze to the woman who's bust she wishes she had, "N-no I am! I am!" She quickly states in a loud voice. Although the level of confidence is only mid-tier at best.
Regardless, this convinces her, "Alright, I look forward to our duel then! Have a nice night everyone!" With a happy cheer she exits the room.
The next several moments are filled with awkward silence. Siesta takes this time to sit down and draw a few imaginary circles with her fingers.
Eventually, Anthony breaks the tension, "Um, Siesta. Did you really mean it when you said you were a part of our group?"
She jerks slightly in place at the sudden question. "Um…y-yes. Unless you don't want me to be in your group! I-I'm sorry, I said something really unnecessary just now. Just forget what I said to Miss Kirche."
"No, I'd gladly welcome you into the group to help Saito out! I had already kinda considered you a member, considering you're working hard training under Faye."
"Really?" She asks, with hope and excitement filling her eyes.
"Yes. I trust you Siesta. Sure, I had my reservations about you at first, especially considering how you acted around Saito and Louise. But now I can see how far you're willing to go for the person you love. I'll always admire you for that.
"I…thank you. Thank you for giving me a chance. Though I must ask, why do you still want to save Saito even after how he treated you and Sensei tonight? He literally attempted to attack her!"
"I'll never understand why he fell in love with her. Actually, I can kinda understand it considering the circumstances at play here. But still, I understand why he reacted the way he did. He wanted to protect the person he loves. I would've done the same if Faye was in Louise's position." I say that, but I'm afraid I'll get cold feet in a real fight! After all, besides those fenrirs, I've never been in a real battle. Well, one I actually fought in anyway. I really hope I have the strength to follow through on my words. I'd be a terrible master otherwise.
He finishes with, "Besides, he shouldn't have to go through all that abuse, especially with how kind he is deep down."
Faye glows from his words, "Master, thank you so much. I really appreciate those words. Do not worry yourself, I can definitely hold my own against that brat." She gives him a grin.
"What a nice relationship you two have. I'm envious." Siesta mumbles. Then she says in a normal voice, "Sensei, what is your opinion on Saito after tonight?"
"Personally, I could care less about him. I protect and wish for his safety because that is what master wishes. As long as he does not attack or insult master, he will not become my enemy. I will give him a little recognition for the fact that he remains loyal to his master, even if said master is an absolute wretch."
"I'm not trying to force you to protect him. If you wish to stop protecting him, then I'll rescind the order." Anthony says.
She shakes her head, "You're not master! Like I said, your wishes are my wishes. Your desires are my desires. I truly wish to please you. Please don't rescind the order unless you truly wish to do so."
Hearing these words from Faye makes Siesta feel really insecure about herself and her love for Saito. I had no idea her love and loyalty ran this deep. Amazing. I thought maybe after all of this training I would be able to stand beside her. But there's no way I can now.
"Siesta? Are you alright? You're starting to cry." Anthony says with concern.
"Huh? Oh, um. Yeah. Sorry. I was just thinking your guys' relationship is incredible, that's all."
Anthony laughs, "Haha! Sometimes I still wonder why she is this devoted to me."
Faye pouts, "Master! Do you still doubt me after all this time? My loyalty towards you is real!"
This only causes him to laugh even harder, "N-No I don't! You should know that I trust you completely after all we've been through together, both in the last world and in this one."
Then he looks at Siesta with a large smile, "I figure you're probably comparing me and Faye's relationship to yours and Saito's, right? If so, don't worry about it. Every relationship is different. Personally, with how you currently are, I think you two would turn out to be a lovely couple."
She blushes deep red, "I-I-I wasn't thinking that at all! Not at all! Where do you get such crazy ideas?!"
He decides to take this opportunity to tease her, "Awwwww! Who's acting all tsundere all of a sudden?"
Unfortunately this teasing falls flat, "What's a tsundere?"
He sweats, "Oh…you don't know? It's where a person acts cold or mean towards someone when they actually like them deep down. They just can't ever admit it and they make up pathetic lies to cover up their feelings, like you just now. And…I guess Louise, though her level of love is definitely to be questioned"
Siesta regains a healthy blush, "How did you read through me?! Geeze…you're scary sometimes."
After a few moments the cheerful atmosphere suddenly dampens, when Siesta puts on a serious face. "Anthony, I must ask you something."
"...yes?" He swiftly becomes anxious at her sudden tone shift.
"Maybe I'm just being presumptuous here, and I apologize for being rude, but you seem to be…familiar with us. You seem to know how I once treated Saito. You've hated Louise with a passion since the day you arrived here. And…I don't know. I'm just getting this vibe that you know way more than you're letting on."
Initially there is no response, but eventually he chuckles in response. She isn't entirely sure how to take it, but it appears that she may actually be right!?
After he stops chuckling, Anthony returns her serious look, "Siesta."
She internally jumps a little hearing her name being said so solemnly.
"I'm going to offer you a formal invitation to join our group to save Saito. Whoever is in this group is free to share whatever they wish. However, whatever is shared MUST stay within this group. No telling outsiders. Do you understand and wish to join?"
She gulps and nods, "Yes. I understand and wish to join your group! I will do whatever I can to save Saito from Louise's grasp and abuse! I promise to keep my lips sealed!"
Anthony nods, "Very well. Faye, do you accept her entrance into this group?"
She nods as well, "Yes master. I do."
"Alright Siesta, what I'm about to talk about may seem unbelievable, but hear me out, okay?"
"I understand, I'll hear you out."
Anthony proceeds to give a long explanation about how some of the modern technology from his world works. After he explains that, he tells her about the Familiar of Zero anime from his world and how it details their world and their lives, right from Saito's entrance into the world to the present day.
"Oh my gosh! You're right, this is really unbelievable! But you retold everything that happened between me and Saito so accurately that I have no choice but to believe you. No wonder you hate Louise so much. I…I can't believe she did so much to him. I was only aware of a small fraction of his suffering. And how I treated him around Louise…I…I really was such a jerk." Siesta begins to cry after hearing everything. "How did that author know so much about us?! It doesn't make any sense!"
I've wondered that myself, more than once now. He muses. "I don't know, it's really bizarre. Imagine how surprised I was to know this world existed in reality."
"True. But wow, it's so embarrassing that you've seen my intimate moments with Saito. The author should've been more sensitive towards our feelings. Hmph!" She pouts.
He can't help but laugh a little at her behavior but he apologizes, "S-Sorry. But if I hadn't I wouldn't know how much you truly love him, even if your behavior was pretty questionable beyond season one."
"Yeah, I'm truly sorry for how I acted. You must actually hate me, don't you?"
He shakes his head, "No, I never hated you. I…I was pretty disappointed in you, I won't lie about that. But none of that matters now, not if you plan to change your ways. I will support you all the way."
"Of course I will! For Saito to have a wonderful life here! And to make you and Sensei proud!" She pumps a fist into the air. Mumbling, she says, "Still, I can't believe you know everything. It's just…just so surreal."
Suddenly she clasps one of his hands, causing him to gasp, "Please tell me what happens afterwards! What happens to Saito? What happens to Louise? What's going to happen to us from here on?!"
"Woah okay, calm down. Let's take it one step at a time."
Anthony is about to begin explaining the events of the next week when there is a sudden voice outside the door.
"Hey! I don't know what is going on in there, but you all are being too noisy! Go to bed already!" From the sound of the voice, it appears to be a grumpy middle-aged man. Likely a security patrol guy.
Anthony's next words are in a whisper meant for Siesta, "I suppose it is getting pretty late. Let's continue this tomorrow. Sorry to have to cut this off at an important point, but I promise we'll pick right back up where we left off, alright?"
She slowly nods, "Alright. I'd like some time to think over everything anyway. I just…wow."
"I understand, go get some rest."
She nods again and bows to them both before heading to the door.
"Remember, no telling anyone what you heard tonight. It's our little secret." He grins.
She gives a soft smile in return, "Heh, of course, don't be so worried. Goodnight Anthony. Goodnight Sensei."
They say goodnight as well. With that, she exits the room.
"Seems we got a new member Faye." He says.
"Indeed we do master."
"Hopefully Kirche will join as well. I don't trust her quite as much as Siesta, but I think she'd be a very good ally to have."
"Do not worry. Even if you and the maid are unable to beat her, I think I can. Although I'm honestly a little unsure. What magic is she capable of?"
"Actually, I'm not going to say what she is capable of. I don't know how much training you had with fighting and learning your opponent on the fly, but I believe this is a good opportunity to hone those sorts of skills. Regardless, I'm confident you can beat her."
Faye claps her hands a couple times excitedly, "Of course! As expected of you master. You know exactly what is best for me. I've had a lot of training with opponents that I had no clue of their magical affinity. Despite that, this is an excellent chance to put my extempore skills to the test!"
"You're giving me too much credit. But what does extempore mean?"
"Oh, that means doing something without preparation beforehand." She explains. "Also, nonsense. I speak what I believe is to be the truth."
Next Day
-Classroom 1A-
"Today there are two announcements I have for you all." Professor Chevreuse announces to her students.
"First, Miss Louise will not be attending class today due to some health issues."
The students offer their condolences and wish for her to feel better soon. Compared to when she first came to the academy, Louise has garnered a great amount of respect from her fellow peers.
"Second, we have two new transfer students to introduce today. I hope you'll greet them warmly."
"Two at once? That's pretty unusual."
"Oooh! Who's coming to join us?"
"I'd like to make some new friends."
"Two new students? Big deal, let's get back to the lesson already."
"Hey! It is a big deal when new transfer students show up! Let's show them some respect at least."
Various students comment on Chevreuse's announcement.
Kirche, one of the students smirks, "Ah, it must be those two."
Tabitha, another student in the classroom, silently reads a book. Two new students? I think Saito said something about them. I guess I'll figure out exactly who they are today.
"Wonderful! New students are always exciting to meet." Guiche says with excitement. I hope they're as pretty as Saito said they are!
Contrary to everyone's expectations, instead of two people entering, double the number enter!
The students recognize only one of them, Saito. The other three, two girls and a boy, are completely unknown to them. The students notice that Saito looks visibly uncomfortable, though it appears he is trying to hide it. One of the girls introduces herself.
"Hello! I am Tiffania Westwood. It's a pleasure to meet you all! Before we go any further I…um…have something you all need to know about."
Her body trembles a bit in fear. Saito notices and puts a hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile. She smiles back at him with renewed confidence.
Taking off her hat, she reveals two long pointed ears, a body trait only seen with the elven race.
"Y-You're an elf?!" Chevreuse exclaims in horror. Headmaster Osmond never told me about this!
"Ooooh! An elf huh? How interesting." Kirche says, interested in the fact that a member of the despised elf race is attending a school full of humans. Saito really does meet some interesting folks.
Tabitha doesn't react at all. Well, that's not entirely true, she does give a "Hmm" sound after her revelation. She promptly returns to reading her book.
The rest of the student body react with a variety of shrieks and other sounds indicating they are terrified. This unfortunate but expected reaction causes Tiffania to try to rectify the situation.
"I know I come from the despised elven race. I'm aware that humans and elves have long held resentment towards one another, but I mean no harm! I truly wish to become friends with all of you! In fact, I'm not even a full elf. I'm a half-elf. My mother was an elf while my father was a human. The Archduke of Albion, actually."
"You dare claim to be related to the queen!?" A student cries exasperated.
"What a desecrating thing to say! You should be utterly ashamed of yourself!" Another student shouts.
"B-But it is true!" Tiffania tries to argue.
"How could that possibly be true? Get out of our sight this instant! You lying brutish elf!" Yet another student cries.
"Don't judge her just because she is an elf! Or half-elf in this case!" Saito shouts irritated. "If you absolutely must have proof, the queen sent a personal letter with us to prove what Tiffania says is true!"
He then says to her, "May I present her letter?"
She nods as she reaches into a pocket in her school outfit to pull out the letter.
Flashback Start
-Tristain Castle-
"Here Tiffania, there's a chance that you may have to reveal that you're a half-elf before the students, in which they will automatically be suspicious of you." Henrietta hands her a letter, "In this letter is an official declaration that you are my cousin as well as the proof for that. Additionally, it states that I have given you specific permission to attend the academy. The royal seal is included in it and everything, so there is no way they can claim that it is fake."
Tiffania hugs her, "Thank you so much Henrietta. You're way too kind to me."
"Don't be silly." She smiles as she returns the hug, "This is the least I can do as a family member after not realizing you even existed. I'm so sorry that I've been so ignorant until now."
"There's nothing to apologize for! As I said, I was in hiding for a long time so there was no way you would've known. But still, I appreciate your consideration."
Flashback End
Saito takes the letter and presents it to Chevreuse, who in turn takes it and begins reading. She gasps upon finishing it.
"S-Students, Miss Westwood is absolutely correct. She is indeed the daughter of the Archduke of Albion, which makes her the queen's cousin!"
Most of the students gasp just as much as their teacher did. Some couldn't believe it.
"The letter must be fake! There's no way Her Highness would've written that!" One student claims.
Chevreuse shakes her head, "I would've come to that conclusion too, had it not been for the fact that the mark of the royal seal is on this letter. No one but Her Highness has access to it."
Another round of gasps later and the students reluctantly accept Tiffania into the classroom. Some fears are immediately quenched upon hearing that Henrietta officially supports her. However, others remain very cautious but they're willing to see how things play out.
Tiffania takes her seat towards the back of the classroom.
The next and final student makes her introduction.
"I am Faye Kawamoto. I'm not a noble, but I am capable of using magic. This person next to me is A-A-An…Anthony. He's m-my f-f-f-familiar…" Her confidence in her introduction quickly takes a nosedive.
Surprisingly, although it is doubtful anyone would believe her, this is the third time Faye has ever called Anthony by his real name, ever. She's always considered calling him by his real name to be a grave insult. The only two times she did it was when she was in an extreme rage and thus not in her right mind. She didn't even call him by his name back when they first met each other.
Anthony told her that she was going to have to call him by his real name when out in public due to how their public relationship is. After all, it would be quite weird and suspicious if the master of a familiar suddenly referred to their familiar as their master.
Speaking of that, she also really doesn't like referring to him as her familiar, since that means she's above him in the hierarchy.
Additionally, in contrast to her usual appearance, Faye is also wearing the school outfit. Normally she'd wear nothing but a maid outfit, just like Siesta. She feels a bit uncomfortable wearing something she is not used to wearing, but ultimately doesn't mind it too much.
Wow…she's struggling. Is it really that hard to say your master's name? I do it all the time. Saito muses as he watches her. He's been very upset with her since last night due to her harming Louise. Not only that, she hasn't offered to heal her either. He's been intending to completely avoid her from here on out. However, those few lines she says spurs his thinking gears into action.
If she reveres Anthony so much that she literally struggles to call him by his name, then perhaps I severely underestimated her loyalty and how caring she is to him. If that's the case, then of course she'd get irate at Louise for beating Anthony! I was just as irate when she beat up Louise. I…I can't get mad at her for that. It'd be hypocritical of me to do so. I'm still upset with her and she still went way too far but…I think I can understand her a little better now. I think I'll apologize for dismissing her feelings so readily later.
Tabitha looks on with mild interest. Hmm. She didn't say that very confidently.
There are a few grumblings about how a commoner is a student amongst a class full of nobles. Thankfully though, the controversy is a lot less severe compared to Tiffania's.
"Alright Anthony. Us familiars have to wait outside in the courtyard for our masters to be done with their classes. Let's go." Saito says as he walks towards the classroom doors. Before he exits he says one last thing. "Oh! Good luck and have fun in class Tiffa!"
"T-Thanks Saito!" She waves to him.
"Good luck Faye! Have fun!" Anthony says as he follows Saito.
"Thank you!" She replies.
With that, the first official day of school begins.
-Author's Corner-
A/N: First day of school has officially begun! How will Anthony and Faye fare through their first day? We shall see. Next chapter will finally have proper introductions for Tabitha and Guiche. Sorry for taking so long to get to them, but there was a lot more for the characters to say to one another than I initially expected.
The Disquieting One: Yep, that was an intense moment there! I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Blue Butterfly: I'm very glad that you're enjoying the story so far! I'm a little surprised Henrietta reminds you and Frequent Reader of Mutsumi. Yeah I agree Saito is pretty naive and stubborn at times, but he means well, usually. I actually didn't know about the mind magic until I looked it up on the wiki for the series (well, there are actually two dedicated wikis). Yes, it's true that Faye is one tough cookie to beat! Those ten years in martial arts training aren't for nothing. Thank you for your kind words and I hope you continue to enjoy the fic!
Frequent Reader: Yeah, this is definitely Louise at her lowest here. Faye ain't having any of that nonsense going on when her master has been harmed. Louise will be out of commission in terms of fighting for at least a good while now that her wand is broken. Saito is definitely to some extent a jerk here. However, I feel this falls pretty well in line with his canon personality. He's shown that he'll do anything to protect Louise. I intend to give Kirche a much bigger role overall compared to what the anime did with her. Not sure how much I can play with the rival thing as this takes place many months after Louise gained her respect and Kirche doesn't really consider her a rival anymore. Or at least, I don't think she does.