-Tristain Academy Yard-
Out in one of several yards in Tristain Academy, Anthony, Saito, and Siesta hang out with all of the animal familiars while their masters attend class.
Siesta leads them at some point to the academy kitchen in order to eat. There Anthony meets Marteau, the head chef, for the first time. Although Anthony does not share the same feelings of disdain for the nobility that he does, they get along quite quickly.
He and Saito have a brief dispute due to the latter becoming a Chavalier. Marteau feels betrayed by him since he is now above the commoners in terms of status. However, after he explains to him the circumstances regarding his appointment to knighthood, Marteau understands his situation and changes his tune to support him. The four celebrate with a decently sized meal.
Both Anthony and Saito grab more food than they can stomach and thus decide to feed the remaining food to Tabitha's dragon familiar, Sylphid. The dragon graciously accepts food from the both of them and quickly gain her affection as of a result. Siesta looks on and smiles at the wholesome interaction.
While they feed her, Anthony gains the courage to ask Saito a question. The two haven't said a word to one another since last night.
"So…how's Louise doing?"
He glares, "Why do you wish to know? As far as I can tell, you hate her guts."
"Even so, I still wonder how she's doing after that fight. Faye roughed her up pretty hard." Deserved it though.
"I've been wondering too." Siesta says.
He sighs a little, "Alright. I'll tell you."
Flashback Start
-Saito and Louise's Room-
Louise did not wake up once throughout the entire night after she passed out from being kicked in the side by Faye and crashing into one of the walls. Saito looked around for the school staff to tell them what happened to Louise. Even if Faye was the one who crushed her, he couldn't bring himself to tell the school what really happened, as it would destroy Anthony and Faye's only opportunity to attend the school. Besides, he actually did think Louise deserved what she got, at least a little, if that small sense of satisfaction of seeing her get beat up was anything to go by. Still, it didn't stop him from being livid with Faye.
Soon enough he managed to have some mages heal her to an extent with water magic. They realized that she broke a few bones in her right leg and right arm after colliding with the wall and is going to have to stay in bed for at least a week, possibly more.
In the morning, she woke up for the first time and found Saito sleeping in a chair, although his head was on her bed.
"Oh…this really hurts." She groans as she sits up. Even though the mages did all they could, there is still a lot of pain from the broken bones and torn muscles within her body. A cast has been fitted onto both her arm and leg.
Taking another look at Saito, she couldn't help but form a little smile. "He stayed with me all night? Pfh. Well, thanks."
Looking to her left, she spots her nightstand and two little sticks. Not recalling ever putting them there, she carefully reaches over and grabs them with her left hand.
"These look oddly familiar…" She notes as she observes the sticks. Curiously she attempts to put them together and only then does she fully realize what these sticks are, or rather, once was.
"My wand!" She shouts.
The loud racket she makes instantly wakes Saito up and causes him to instantly look all around his surroundings, wondering if there is a threat. Thankfully, he sees no such threat, just Louise.
"W-What's wrong? Don't startle me like that." He rubs his eyes.
Louise already has tears in her eyes, "My wand! What happened to my wand?! I can't use magic without my wand!"
"Oh um…" He yawns, "Faye broke it."
"She…she broke it? Why?" She asks absentmindedly, not wanting to believe it.
"She said something about you deserving it due to you whipping Anthony."
"That little cockroach…" In her anger, she breaks the two sticks into a further two sticks, now with a total of four pieces of small wood.
"I wouldn't bother trying to fight her. She's clearly outmatched you. Just avoid her from now on. Don't have anything to do with her or Anthony. It's wrong to be violent towards them, or anyone for that matter."
"Do you think I can just ignore what she did?! She broke the only thing I can use to attack and defend myself!"
"Can you have your wand be fixed or a new one to be made?"
This causes her to stop freaking out, "I could have a new one made, but it'd take a week or two for it to be done. I'd have to miss out on so many classes. My grades are going to fall to dot level territory."
"Is that bad?"
"Of course it's bad! I might even get expelled for non-attendance!"
"Woah, calm down. If we contact a teacher and explain what happened I think they'll be understanding. You're in no shape to attend anything right now."
She sighs deeply, "Alright, fine. You go do that. Let me know how it goes."
"Me?"
"Obviously! I ain't moving from here anytime soon, so hop to it!"
"Ok. Get well soon Louise." He smiles.
"...thanks. I appreciate it."
Saito manages to find a teacher and explains the whole situation. The teacher brings it up to Osmond, who visits her personally to see how she's doing. This time he has no perverted intentions as he is genuinely concerned about her well-being. She is ordered to a week and a half of bedrest at the minimum, during which a new wand to replace her old one will be built. Mages will continue to periodically heal her when they can. As for her attendance and completing assignments, she will not be penalized for either due to her injuries.
Flashback End
"I see so that's what happened huh." Anthony says after his long retelling of what occurred this morning. He didn't really feel bad about what happened and felt it was long overdue for her to have some sort of punishment for her abuse.
"She won't even be able to attend the ball this weekend. She was so looking forward to that too." He admits with a sad tone.
"Ball?" Anthony asks, pretending to not know what he is talking about.
"I haven't ever attended one, but I heard from her that it's a celebration for entering the new semester. It'll be packed with all sorts of students mingling about and dancing."
"I haven't ever attended one of these balls either, but I know there is one thing that makes them unique from any other ball." Siesta says.
"What's that?" Saito asks.
"I've only heard this from nobles who I passed by while working, but apparently there is this mirror called the Mirror of Truth. Whoever stands in front of this mirror will transform into their ideal self!
Anthony gasps in delight. Wooohoooo! I've always wanted to try out that mirror! Oh gosh, I actually have a legit chance of getting to use it! I want to attend that ball so badly!
Siesta laughs a little at his reaction, "Looks like you're pretty excited about that! Though sadly only nobles can attend. Otherwise I would've attended one by now."
"Actually, I heard from Louise that Mr. Osmond is allowing for human familiars to attend this year, so that means both me and Anthony can attend." Saito says.
"I'd feel really bad if Siesta was the only one left out." Anthony says with a bit of a somber tone.
"N-no! That's ok. I'm just a lowly maid who tends to Saito's well-being. Don't worry about me and have fun."
Saito reprimands her, "Don't think of yourself like that Siesta! You're a wonderful person who's way more than just a maid."
"He's right!" Anthony agrees, "Besides, I think Faye being able to attend and you unable to is very unfair. I'll have Faye talk with Osmond about letting you in."
"Speaking of Faye…can I talk with her later?"
"Why? You don't intend on trying to get back at her for what she did to Louise right?" He eyes him suspiciously.
"No! Of course not! I just didn't realize how much she loves you and how loyal she is to you. I was so focused on Louise in that moment I failed to consider how she felt in that moment. I'm sure it was horrifying for her to see you with those whip marks on your back. I know it would've been horrifying for me if I saw whip marks on Louise. I would've wanted to get back at whoever did it to her, just like Faye did for you. So, while I'm still upset with her, I want to apologize to her for how hypocritical I was."
He is pleased with this explanation. "Alright, perhaps after classes are over. Though fair warning, she's generally not as nice as me."
He smiles at Anthony for the first time since last night, "I've noticed that."
-Academy Training Grounds-
There is an outdoor section of the academy specifically made to practice magic. After the first class that Tiffania and Faye attend is over, they are taken over to the academy training grounds.
"Miss Westwood, please state your class and your affinity, or affinities if you have multiple. Then proceed to attack the target in front of you and destroy it." Professor Chevreuse instructs Tiffania.
"I am a line class mage and I um…don't have an affinity."
The class is shocked by this.
"Just like Louise!"
"Does that mean she can't use magic either?"
"Louise has shown that she can cast explosion spells though!"
"What category is that even a part of anyway?!"
"Quiet everyone! Don't judge her so quickly now. Give her a chance to shine." Chevreuse says loudly.
Tiffania tries to channel whatever magic she can towards her target. Sadly, nothing comes out. Why won't anything come forth? I'm focusing so hard! I wonder if Louise knows what I should do about this.
"Sorry Miss Westwood, but you are out of time. You can try again another time if you wish."
Quite embarrassed at her failure to procure any magic, she walks off to the side as some students make mean comments towards her, just as they once did with Louise.
"I-It's ok!" One student approaches Tiffania. She has long, brown hair that reaches to her middle back. Her purple eyes shine brightly. Her expression is both soft and filled with concern.
"Who're you?" Tiffania asks the student.
"I'm Katie. Nice to meet you! I just wanted to tell you not to not feel down about what happened. Everyone struggles when they are just starting out with using magic. Even I once struggled with it really badly. So…I guess what I want to say is that you're not alone."
"Oh! T-Thank you. I'm Tiffania Westwood, but you can call me Tiffania. Are you…not afraid that I'm a half-elf?"
She shakes her head, "Nope. I was taught growing up to never discriminate against anyone and that every living being is precious, whether they're a noble, a commoner, a familiar, or even an elf. If anything, you're someone I can relate to quite well."
"You must have amazing parents then." She smiles.
Katie giggles, "I doubt they're anymore amazing than yours."
Tiffania frowns, "I'm not too sure what happened to my parents."
She puts a hand to her mouth, "Oh! I'm so sorry if I brought up any painful memories."
She waves her hands frantically, "No, no! It's alright. Don't worry about it."
"So…" Katie twiddles her fingers, "want to maybe grab some lunch after this training session is over?"
"Sure!"
Katie pulls Tiffania in a hug, "Yay! I have a new best friend!"
She is pretty shocked at the aggressiveness of her hug, but Tiffania awkwardly returns it. Friend? Did I really already make a friend here? This sounds almost unreal. I'm nervous…but excited all the same!
"Faye Kawamoto, please state your class and your affinity, or affinities if you have multiple. Then proceed to attack the target in front of you and destroy it." Professor Chevreuse instructs her.
"Square mage. Affinity: water." She is given a wand in order to cast her magic. However, she tosses it to the side and instead puts out a palm. Instantly, a large icicle forms and she shoots it towards the target, destroying it instantly.
While the magic she used for this demonstration is nothing extremely remarkable, the students are quite surprised to hear that she is a square mage. As it currently stands, there are only a handful of students with that class in the entire school.
-Academy Front Yard-
"Master!" Faye waves to Anthony as she runs and approaches him.
"Hey Faye! How was your first day? Learn anything interesting? Also, please keep it Anthony when we're in public."
"Oh, right! I sincerely apologize." She bows. "I didn't really learn anything new regarding magic. But I did figure out in general what the students in my class are capable of."
"Cool! Tell me about it later, ok?"
"Of course."
"Ahem." Next to Anthony is Saito, who is clearing his throat. "Listen Faye I um…I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For being inconsiderate of your feelings. You righteously got angry because Anthony got hurt. I still really don't like what you did to Louise, but I at least understand your reasoning now."
"Is that so. Ok. Just keep the brat away from master." She replies indifferently.
"I'll try. Also, I have a question if you don't mind."
"What is it?"
"How powerful is your healing magic? I saw you cast it on Anthony yesterday."
"Powerful enough to heal major wounds, broken bones, and terrible illness."
"Can you please, please heal Louise?! She really, really wants to attend the ball this weekend and she can't if she's unable to walk."
She crosses her arms, "I have no reason or desire to. She whipped master. Unless master tells me to, I will not heal her."
"I'll do anything you want! So please…"
Faye sighs and turns to Anthony, "Master?"
"Four conditions." He puts up four fingers for extra emphasis.
"Four conditions?" Saito repeats.
"Yes. If you agree to all four of these conditions, I'll have Faye heal her, unless she is absolutely against it."
"I'm fine with it if you tell me to." She says.
"Ok. Well first, we will be allowed to report her whipping incident of me to the queen. Second, she will not be allowed to attack anyone for petty reasons anymore, unless she wants to be put out of commission again. Third, the healing will take place two days before the date of the ball. I want her to take some time to think over her actions. Finally, she'll apologize for what she's done to both you and me. How does that sound?"
He nods, "That sounds fair. Thank you."
Just then Guiche approaches the group. "Saito! The Order of Undine Knights needs your guidance on an urgent matter!"
"Oh really? Alright." He turns to the two. "Sorry, gotta run. Though let me introduce you first. Guiche, this is Anthony and Faye, the new familiar and student. Anthony and Faye, this is Guiche, one of my friends."
Guiche introduces himself and apologizes, "Hi there, nice to meet ya. Sorry to be stealing Saito from you but he's needed right away!"
"Oh it's no problem." He waves a hand, "I'm Anthony. Nice to meet you as well."
"I'm Faye."
With that, Saito is dragged away by Guiche. They would learn the next day that the reason Saito was needed was because they needed his help in planning and decorating for the ball.
-Kirche and Tabitha's Room-
"Hey Tabitha, what did you think of the two new transfer students today?" Kirch asks her best friend and roommate, Tabitha.
"Nothing worthy of note." She frankly replies with no noticeable emotion in her voice as she reads the same book that she was reading in the morning.
"Aww, that's a shame, cause I thought that half-elf girl was really cute. I think she'd make for a nice rival!"
Tabitha continues to read her book without replying.
"Faye's magic seemed pretty cool, but honestly Mr. Colbert's flames are sooo much cooler! Well, not literally, you know what I mean."
"Mm-hmm."
"Say…Tabitha?" Kirche's tone suddenly turns quite serious. "What would you do if I said Louise has whipped somebody before?"
"I'd give her a long talk."
"She whipped Anthony in his room last night after they had a disagreement with one another. I couldn't believe it. I knew Louise was prone to go on major temper tantrums at the drop of a hat, but I never knew she resorted to outright whipping."
"Hmm. I'll talk to her."
Kirche gives her a big hug, squeezing her tightly. "Thanks! You really are the best."
She makes no effort to resist or embrace her. Instead once Kirche is finished with her intense show of affection Tabitha sets her book down, grabs her staff, which doubles as her wand, and exits the room.
Why did you do that Louise? Tabitha wonders as she heads for her room.
-Anthony and Faye's Room-
"How are you feeling after what we talked about yesterday? Sorry for springing it all on you like that." Anthony asks Siesta. As agreed, he, her, and Faye all meet up once again to talk about what Anthony knows of Siesta's world.
"I've wrapped my head around it more or less. It's still nearly unbelievable, but you proved otherwise."
"I'm glad to hear it. I was honestly quite worried about how you were doing but you seemed fine throughout the day today."
He gives a light cough, "Anyway, I don't believe there is anyway to prevent this, nor do I want to, as I believe this a potential opportunity for Saito to naturally grow out of love with Louise. But there's going to be a major event at the end of this week that'll be throwing everyone for a loop. And no, I'm not talking about the ball."
"W-What is it?" She nervously asks.
"It involves the king of Gallia, Joseph."
-Author's Corner-
A/N: Shorter chapter this time around, but also coming out sooner! I really hope I'm doing the characters justice. It's kind of hard to come up with unique personality traits for them as most of the characters are fairly flat in terms of characterization in the anime.
In case you didn't remember, Katie is one of the many girls Guiche flirted with. She's one of the first girls seen with him. She pretty much disappeared completely after a few episodes in season 1.
The Disquieting One: Yep it's a mystery. Maybe something major will happen, or nothing to crazy will happen between now and the ball, as Anthony believes will occur. I do feel quite bad for Tiffania, but thankfully it seems at least one person wants to be friends with her. As for Faye healing Tabitha's mother, could she do it? Yes, probably. Will she? Who knows.
anon: Which one? Anthony or Saito?
Guest: I completely agree with you on this. Here it's not so much as correcting flawed plot points (though the plot will be greatly changed from canon) as it is correcting or changing flawed character traits. I'll be completely honest in saying I'm not the best when it comes to writing characters and their personality traits. I do think there are times that I fail to accurately capture the personality of a character, but I do try my best. I understand that you may believe that Anthony is a Gary Stu and frankly, he probably is at least a little. I try to balance it out by having him be pretty weak in combat and the fact he has to rely on others to get things done. However, I do see as well that he is already influencing the world quite a bit. At least among the core cast of characters. If there is anything you want to suggest in regards to improving his character, I'm open to it.