"I-It's not possible..."
–A-a human!?
"No, there's no doubt about it."
–It-It looks like a commoner.
–Yes, it has to be a commoner.
Several students huddled together to stare at the familiar Louise 'The Zero' had summoned. Louise was in shock. Her body was shaking from head to toe. I slowly approached the place where she was petrified, but kept my distance.
–Mmm... This is unusual.
Professor Colbert commented as he stroked his chin. Up close I could better admire the young commoner, if he happens to be one, of course. I opened my eyes like saucers. "His features, his clothes, his shoes... I've never seen anything like that. I wonder if it's what servants wear in some isolated place in a remote country." The boy remained unconscious for almost half a minute. After that, he slowly opened his eyes.
–Who are you?
Louise asked in a very serious tone. "Okay, I shouldn't make such sudden guesses, but this boy may not be any of the three remaining legendary familiars, especially since the contract hasn't been sealed yet. As soon as I see the runes..." I grew impatient.
–You don't seem to understand my language, do you?
The boy sat on the floor and surveyed his surroundings. His eyes told me that he didn't understand anything that was happening.
–What do we have here!
Kirche mentioned with a chuckle. She shrugged her shoulders provocatively.
–There's no doubt about it, a commoner is right up your alley, Louise 'The Zero'!
Most of my companions, once they had assimilated what had happened, began to burst out laughing. Louise was annoyed at this and looked at the redhead. I remained silent, penetrating the young familiar with my eyes.
–I just made one small mistake!
–You always exceed our expectations, Louise!
Malicorne said.
–?
–You shut up!
I didn't understand a word he said "What language is that?" Louise stifled him by shrieking, causing even me to freak out. She turned to our teacher.
–Mister Colbert, please! May I repeat the ritual?
–It's not possible, miss Louise.
The pink-haired girl took a step back.
–W-Why?
Professor Colbert looked down.
–You see, the Summoning Ceremony is a sacred act that decides the union between a wizard and their eternal familiar. To repeat it is a dishonor to the academy and your fellows. Like it or not, fate has spoken. That young man is your familiar.
"I don't think summoning a human being is a bad thing. I mean, apparently he neither speaks nor understands our language, which is a problem. However, what better than a young man as a servant for household chores? Besides, when the runes are engraved on his skin, he will acquire some special ability. That leads me to think that..." I glanced sideways at my familiar. The cat was sitting on her hind legs staring intently at what had happened. "It's like she understands everything that's going on. I should give her a name when the time comes." Louise started a small argument with Colbert. The human familiar took advantage of this to crawl in my direction. He stopped a couple of steps away from where I was standing. He looked up and we locked eyes. "He's scared." Louise clutched the hood of his strange upper garment.
–B-but I've never heard of anyone summoning a commoner as a familiar!
I watched her for a moment. "If you only knew." The others laughed again. Not everyone, though. One person didn't: Tabitha. She was merely contemplating what had happened in silence, sheltered under the shadow of her dragon, moving her pupils from Louise to the familiar and to... Me. I took a couple of steps back.
–I'm so sorry, Miss Louise. No exceptions. Finish the ritual and let's get this over with.
–Fine..
She said disappointedly. She tapped her wand a couple of times on the commoner's back. The commoner turned and looked at her in terror. He crawled backwards, casually in my direction.
–?
–Come on Louise!
–Finish it, Vallière!
He walked to stand next to his familiar. I gave them space.
–You should be grateful, commoner. Yours are not likely to receive such a thing from a noble in their lifetime.
That said, she sat down on her knees and grabbed the servant by the collar.
–¡?!
I gathered that he was complaining.
–Stay still!
Louise blushed slightly and closed her eyes. I grimaced. "Do you really have to kiss him on the mouth? Placing your lips on his forehead is enough." Once the ritual was over, the tristanian broke away and sat up, returning to the serious gesture she had when she summoned the boy.
–Well done, Miss Louise.
–¡?!
Suddenly, a strange vapor began to rise from the familiar's body. He was stammering, trying to understand what was happening.
–Calm down, it will only take a moment. The runes are being engraved.
By this time, most of the students had gotten over the initial shock of Louise 'The Zero' summoning a human, so they were chatting quietly. Only I was fully aware of the significance of this fact. The boy gripped his left wrist tightly.
–¡?!
The runes were engraved correctly. When the glow ended, an easily perceptible gesture of surprise formed on my face.
–It's not possible...
I whispered. I couldn't look up. I began to tremble. I tried to look as unsuspicious as possible, but it was complicated. "Gandálfr... So it's true. Wait a minute! If Julio was summoned by Vittorio and this one claims to be a user of the Void, the same as the books in the private section of the Papal Library say, did Louise also...?" I watched her dumbfounded.
–He fainted...
The little girl mentioned.
–He couldn't stand the pain. He'll wake up in a few hours.
Professor Colbert replied. A few seconds later, he stood in the middle of the crowd of students.
–The Summoning Ceremony is over. Congratulations. You now have a life companion who will serve you until you die. Take good care of them. Do not forget that they are living beings. That is all for today.
He smiled and said goodbye. Most of my classmates made their way to the classroom where our next class would take place as they chatted, although it was still a while before the class would begin. The familiar commoner stood at my feet. I could clearly see the back of his hand. "No doubt about it, it's one of the four." I gulped.
–Hey, new guy, could you help me?
Louise's somewhat shrill voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked up.
–M-me?
–Of course. Who else is the 'new guy'? The rest have already left.
It was true. Only the three of us were still here. I snapped out of it.
–A simple Wind spell should do the trick.
I commented. Louise blushed and looked away.
–I-I'm not very good at casting elemental spells...
"So you really are a Void user. Amazing." I sighed in relief.
–It's okay.
I unsheathed the sword and uttered the incantation. A rush of air enveloped the young man's body and lifted him up.
–Come with me to my room. I'll leave him there.
That constant tone of superiority he has when giving orders is irritating. "I am not your servant. Besides, what do you mean, leave it there? It's not an object."
On the way to Louise's room, I wondered what I would do from now on. "The first thing is to send a letter to Vittorio informing him about what happened. He will probably want me to keep a close eye on the steps taken by the girl and her familiar in the least suspicious way possible. Knowing me, that's a hard thing to accomplish. I get excited about anything. Well, first I'll approach my irritating companion. Louise 'The Zero'. Yeah, right." We went into her room. The cat, my familiar, followed us all the way in silence.
–Leave it there, next to the bed.
She indicated to me.
–Don't you think it would be better to put it over?
The little girl turned around.
–What are you saying? He's a commoner! He'll sleep on the floor.
I made a gesture of disapproval.
–He's a human being, you know.
–And you're impertinent.
He shouted at me. My relative meowed at that moment, as if agreeing with her. "Resist, Alessandro. All for the sake of knowledge." I smiled falsely.
–Okay, I'll put him down.
–Good.
I carefully undid the spell. I looked at the poor boy for a moment and sighed. "He seems so... Normal. Of course, the marvelous is hidden in the mundane."
–Done.
–Let's get back to class.
I nodded after lifting me up. I sheathed my catalyst and we left her room. We walked for a while in silence. We glanced at each other from time to time. I was still surprised that this little girl could be a user of the Void; she, by the way I looked, probably.
–Your name was Alessandro, wasn't it?
Her question caught me off guard. Rather the calm tone in which she uttered it.
–Yes, Louise, right?
I tried to sound as incredulous as possible. She nodded.
–Why are you using a sword as a catalyst as a student?
I gave a half-smile. I tried to state the reason as emotionally as possible, especially because of my affection for my sword.
–Let's say she chose me.
–She chose you?
I nodded.
–Yes. I am not a faithful believer in destiny, but there are things that happen for certain reasons.
I commented. She paused for a moment, causing me to mimic her.
–You're a very strange guy.
I laughed lightly, something that took her by surprise.
–You're not the first, nor will you be the last person to say that to me.
We walked the rest of the way in silence. "I'm not the most sociable person in the world. I'm not too good at dealing with people in mundane conversations, especially when I start talking about something I'm interested in and don't stop." I looked at my companion. "Louise doesn't seem like a bad girl, but her usual tone of voice, coupled with that haughty attitude..." We reached the classroom in a matter of minutes. The Wind element teacher chided us for our tardiness, but the justification seemed acceptable to him, especially since Louise was on the case. "This girl seems to have diplomatic immunity or something." Tabitha, my deskmate, watched me as I made my way to the seat, but soon dug her eyes back into a book.
Classes went off without a hitch this time. I told Louise, trying not to look suspicious, to inform me of her familiar's condition in case it worsened, which was unlikely. In fact, I sat down to eat with her unconsciously and we had a conversation about different topics. She told me that she is the third daughter of the Duc de La Vallière. I deduced that she is not used to speak naturally with her companions because certain answers she gave me were those of a solitary and unfriendly person. Moreover, she told me that she hates Kirche with all her heart when she sat a few seats away. "The family rivalry goes beyond quarrels with these two. I'll be careful." For my part, I withheld as much personal information as I could. I told her that I am from Cittadella, south of Romalia, that I have a brother and that my family is of the lower nobility but did their best to grant me the best education possible. I lied half-heartedly.
That same night, I was heading to my room in silence next to my familiar, whom I have not yet named.
–Mmm... I wonder what name would fit you, little one.
The cat was very interesting. Her gaze is that of an intelligent being, aware of the world around her. In fact, it's as if she's hiding something. She acts like an animal, with haughty behaviors, that's for sure. We enter my room quietly.
–"So this is your... Home."
I turned around and put my hand on the hilt of my sword.
–Who said that!?
–"Down here, dear".
I lowered my head and my eyes met those of my familiar. "Don't tell me..."
–"At last I can introduce myself properly."
I gulped. Still on guard, I looked her up and down.
–Y-You're talking to me telepathically?
–"I thought you were more savvy."
I blinked several times. "That's amazing." I crouched down beside her. She yawned.
–"My name is Anäis. Pleased to meet you".
She made a sort of bow. "Okay, Alessandro, calm down. This is real. Your familiar can speak telepathically."
–I-I'm Alessandro. It's a pleasure.
–"I know. You have good manners. I like it."
She walked slowly to the edge of the bed, hopped up and positioned herself at the foot of it. She arranged her small, hairy body in a relaxed posture. I kept my eyes on her. I didn't catch a glimpse of the runes, which were engraved on the stomach of... Anäis. "At least she saved me from having to pick his name. I am horrible at such matters. My sword is named Storm Ruler thanks to Donatello. I wanted to name it Thunderfang."
–"Are you just going to stand there and not say anything? From what I've observed so far, you seem like a perceptive and very curious young man. Though you lack discretion."
She commented loquaciously. I blinked several times. Seconds after assimilating what she had just said, I placed the sword on a table and sat down next to her.
–I don't even know where to start.
–"You want to see my runes, don't you? You humans love to catalog."
She laughed at the end, which sent a shiver down my spine. "Her voice sounds gentle, but it's like she knows too much. As if she knows me inside out. Her blue eyes are unlike any I've ever seen in any animal. I'll tread carefully." I smiled.
–I'd like to, yes.
She leaned to the side. Fearfully, I lifted her fur, ever watchful of her movements.
–"I'm not going to do anything bad to you."
She sentenced. I caught a glimpse of the runes and a look of uncertainty formed on my face.
–How strange...
–"What's wrong?"
–I have never seen runes like these. They look like the usual ones in the Brimyrrhic language but with slight modifications.
My familiar yawned again. Half satisfied, I gently stroked Anäis body. She seemed to like the latter.
–"You have a very soft touch..."
She closed her eyes. I smiled. "Maybe I'm if she's a cat with the ability to talk, period?"
–Tomorrow after class I'll try to find information about...
Suddenly, I heard a scream coming from the courtyard. I quickly stand up. Anäis thought nothing of it and returned to his original position. When I reached the window, I beheld a curious scene, to say the least: Louise's human familiar was levitating several meters up in the air. I opened the latch and could clearly hear several voices.
–A familiar escaping from her master! It could only happen to you, Vallière!
–Do you like the view of the night sky, commoner?
"Kirche and Guiche. I've been here two days and they are the voices I've heard the most. Louise must be with them." The strangely dressed and looking familiar froze as soon as he raised his head.
–T-Th-This can't be real!
He shouted, "H-He speaks our language! Since when? Did he initially hide it for some reason? Too many questions and no answers. I must..." After a few moments of taking in the situation, I closed the window.
–"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
I was petrified at my familiar's words. She stood in the doorway, staring me straight in the eyes.
–"If you run off to talk to the irritating girl and her partner, you'll arouse suspicion. Well, more than you've already raised."
Anäis commented aptly. "Wait a minute, how does she know, did she just say that randomly?" I placed a finger in front of my mouth. "I'm sending a letter to Romalia tomorrow, and the last thing I want is just that." I admitted my mistake.
–You're right.
–"I am. Now, let's go to sleep."
I nodded out of inertia, but I still have to write the letter.
–Give me a few minutes.
She held my gaze for a few seconds. Without another word, she returned to the foot of the bed and curled up. I glanced out the window again. "They're gone now." I sighed. "I have to take this thing slowly." I sat down in the chair, placed a sheet on the table and inked my favorite quill, which was made of a griffin feather. "Vittorio gave it to me shortly before I began my studies at Romalia's academy." I sketched a smile. "Vittorio, Julio... I miss you. No, not only them. Donatello, my friend. Even... Even..." I shook my head and began to write.
It took longer than I expected. Once I finished, I let the ink dry and went to change.
–"Remember to blow out the candle."
–Yes.
I put on my pajamas. Once I had carried out her... order? I slipped into the sheets. I felt her move into a more comfortable position for both of us. "In the letter I related what happened at the Summoning Ceremony and sent greetings to my best friends. My relationship with Vittorio didn't end the way I wanted it to before I left, but he'll appreciate what I'm doing here." I smiled.
–Good evening, Anäis.
–"I never thought I'd end up being the familiar of someone like you. You give off a most interesting scent, Alessandro de Cittadella."
My eyes widened as wide as saucers at her words. I sat up and stared at her in awe.
–W-what did you just say?
She raised her head and our eyes met.
–"I said good night to you."
She wagged her tail. I hesitated about what to say to that.
–Who-who are you?
–"A cat named Anäis."
She commented calmly. Suddenly, I felt my whole body weighing me down. "N-No, not now, please." I slowly lay back on the bed, resting my head on the pillow. I began to writhe in pain.
–"It is really a shame."
That was the last I heard from my familiar that night.
I woke up relaxed. The pain lasted only a few minutes. I stayed awake for an hour before falling asleep. In my head echoed all the time the words of my familiar "Who are you, Anäis? What is a shame? Do you know my condition? How?" I stretched and contemplated her sound asleep, at least in appearance. I got out of bed careful not to disturb her. "After all, there's no class today for sophomores. We have the whole day to spend together with our new life partner and learn things about each other." I took a bath in warm water, got dressed and sighed.
–"Good morning, dear."
I heard Anäis voice in my head. Her sleepy tone sounded adorable to me. I almost forgot for a moment her way of wishing me goodnight yesterday.
–Good morning.
I said laconically. I tied the sword-catalyst to my belt and headed for the door.
–"What a lack of courtesy."
I blinked. I turned my head. She stretched a couple of times and jumped to the floor from the bed.
–"You're supposed to wait for me. Today is our first day together."
–I know.
–"How touchy you humans are."
I frowned. I was going for a confrontation, especially about how it affects me to talk about my illness, but I decided to calm down. I clenched my fist.
–Let's… Let's get some breakfast.
–"As you wish."
We arrived at the dining room doors after mailing the letter to Vittorio. I spent the whole way thinking about what had happened tonight. "First, there's Louise's familiar, who apparently speaks our language. Second, my own familiar. There are things she shouldn't know and yet she takes it as mundane. She's not just any cat." Anäis was about to follow me inside when I stopped, causing her to mimic me. I faced her. Rather, we looked into each other's eyes.
–I'm sorry. You stay here.
She cocked her head to one side.
–"Oh, right. Humans and their airs and graces."
I sighed and placed a hand on my hip.
–Don't make this any harder.
I replied wearily. She licked a paw.
–"If you want us to be partners you must treat me as such. I am no less than you. Nor more."
She sentenced. I looked up.
–I agree with that last one. However, give me a break. We'll spend the morning together in the courtyard.
She yawned and started walking toward the exit.
–"I'll be looking forward to it. Enjoy your breakfast."
–Thanks.
I whispered.
I walked into the place and pondered the idea of heading to my usual corner. "For once I feel like talking to people. Or at least try to. I need to distract myself." To my good fortune, I spotted a pink hair in the middle of the line and an oddly dressed guy next to her. "Perfect." Most of the students were staring at them. I approached as normal. "After all, we talked for quite a while before and after school yesterday. We even had lunch together."
–Get my chair out, quick. You're very rude.
The boy hesitated, gazing with greedy eyes at the copious breakfast. "I don't blame him at all. How good everything looks." He nodded and obeyed.
–Are you celebrating something today? What a feast!
I could hear his voice as I stood a few feet away from the two of them. "He speaks our language perfectly." I saw a free chair next to Louise, who was glaring rabidly at the young man.
–I'm sorry, I haven't eaten since yesterday and...".
She motioned with her finger for him to look at the floor. A plate lay there. "You're not pretending that..." I decided to break in.
–Good morning, Louise.
I smiled. They both turned in my direction.
–Alessandro.
The tristanian replied. I looked at her familiar.
–So you're the famous human familiar.
He looked me up and down, looking surprised with the sword.
–M-My name is Hiraga Saito.
"What a strange name." I smiled at him. Louise, quite annoyed, smacked his head hard.
–Don't be disrespectful to a noble!
The boy, named Hiraga Saito, stroked his affected area and looked at my companion angrily. "This is not going well." I raised my right hand in a nonchalant manner.
–Calm down Louise, he wasn't disrespectful. It's a pleasure to meet you, Hiraga Saito. My name is Alessandro.
I placed that same hand on my chest. Conversing so openly has caused several students, especially those around us, to attend the talk as spectators. My reply reassured the young man and brought a slight smile to his face.
–You could talk some other time, couldn't you?
Asked an increasingly irritated Louise. We looked at each other and, knowing how little we knew of her character, decided to leave it at that. I was going to sit down, but then Saito did the same, causing our hips to bump.
–I'm s-sorry.
–I didn't imp...
My answer was interrupted by a furious young girl. I opened my mouth to utter a sound of terror and shakily indicated with my finger for the boy to turn around. He did so and was startled.
–Only nobles may sit at this table. You will eat on the floor.
–What?
–Louise, aren't you going too far?
Another murderous look. I heard laughter all around us. Saito sighed and sat down on the floor as soon as he understood the situation, especially for his safety. I took the empty place next to my partner. "You can't treat it like just any animal. I'll talk to her later." After a few psalms of thanks for the food, which I didn't even bother to accompany, breakfast began. "I believe in the Founder, but after seeing those images in the Mirror, my faith and trust in his stories have been shaken. Besides, the food didn't magically appear." Minutes passed and I, trying not to look suspicious, watched Saito on several occasions. Gandálfr's runes were engraved on his hand correctly. "Unbelievable. With Julio I was quite surprised, but directly attending the summoning of a legendary familiar is something else." On one occasion, I took advantage of Louise being distracted to hold out an apple to her familiar. The irresponsible one only allowed her to eat a piece of bread. I winked at him and made a gesture of silence. He looked at me in astonishment, thanking me as best he could.
We finished eating and went out into the courtyard. Most of the second year students were there taking advantage of the nice weather, accompanied by their families.
–You're lucky. Normally familiars are not allowed in the dining hall during meals. The principal got me special permission for you.
–Thank you...
Replied an angry Saito. Louise gave him a dirty look.
–"You're finally finished, dear."
I heard a voice in my head say. I turned it to the side and there was Anäis, leaning on a step.
–I see you've been busy.
My answer caused Saito and Louise to look at me.
–What?
She asked.
–I was telling my familiar.
I smiled and pointed to the one indicated. The girl nodded normally, but the young man crouched down next to Anäis.
–What a cute kitty. Hi, I'm Saito.
He waved his hand. She raised her head and meowed.
–Aren't you going to answer, 'dear'?
I joked with the nickname she herself has given me.
–Answer? It's just a cat.
–Some family members acquire the gift of speech, you idiot.
Louise replied, annoyed. "There was no need to insult him." I rolled my eyes. We waited a few seconds to see what was going on, but Anäis just lay there like it was nothing.
–And then I'm the rude one... Forgive her, she must have been speechless. Her name is Anäis.
–If you say so...
–Can you treat him with more respect? He's your superior, commoner.
The young woman commented irritated. Saito and I looked at each other. I sighed and waved my hand at him. "It's not that I don't respect protocol, but Louise is too strict with the boy. After all, she dragged him here with the summoning spell, forcing him to be her servant. That leads me to question the Void magic - did the spell work because he was one of the legendary familiars? If everyone, including herself, claims she has no aptitude for conventional magic, my theory is probably true." I placed the index finger of my right hand on my chin as I conjectured. We walked down the stairs and headed toward one side of the courtyard. Anäis walked beside me, anxious to see if she could get something to eat soon. She hadn't said a word since she greeted me earlier. There the second-year students were lounging, drinking tea and chatting quietly. Several servants were escorting the event.
–Why are they gathered there?
Saito asked.
–I told you yesterday. Today the second graders don't have class, but we will use the day to meet our familiar.
The boy cocked his head to one side.
–I don't know if...
–What do we have here.
His sentence was interrupted by a voice I recognized instantly. Our gaze shifted to the source of it. However, attention was focused on the creature she was caressing.
–Oh my god!
Saito shouted. I jumped back a little in shock, colliding with Louise. Louise almost fell to the ground, but managed to stay on her feet. Kirche laughed.
–Is this the first time you've seen a flame salamander?
–Put a leash on it or something! No?
The voluptuous young woman waved her hand.
–Calm down. She won't do anything to you if I don't order her to. She is faithful to me. She won't run away, like others, will she, Flame?
I apologized to the tristanian. The germanic woman caressed the being under the chin and it narrowed its eyes. The girl stood up and looked at us one by one while smiling proudly.
–Mind your own business, Von Zerbst!
She laughed again.
–Quiet, Vallière. I just wanted to chat for a while.
–And if we don't feel like it, so what?!
Silence. I could see the sparks fly. "I think we've had enough of family quarrels for now." I stepped between the two of them and raised both hands.
–Enough.
Louise seemed to appease her anger little by little. "How touchy she is." Kirche, on her side, was watching me in such a way that I became uncomfortable.
–You shouldn't hang out with people like her, honey.
She winked at me.
–H-Honey?
I hesitated as I blushed. "That's right, Alessandro. Let yourself be intimidated by a woman." I recoiled.
–"Don't blame yourself, dear. You're a man after all."
I heard Anäis say viciously telepathically. I pulled myself together as best I could from both comments and shook my head.
–You'll have to excuse me, but I choose my friends.
I replied self-assured as I looked her in the eyes. As sure as I can be considering her huge bust sits under these. She was surprised by my response. "I guess she wasn't expecting something like that." However, she smiled again soon after.
–I see.
She sentenced. Louise and Saito watched the scene. He remained nervous, glancing at the salamander from time to time; she, for her part, gave a half-smile at my comment.
–And tell me, Louise, do you really want us to believe that you cast the spell and don't took advantage of the explosion to grab the first commoner who passed by?
She got angry again. I gave the redhead a dirty look. "I'm not going to get in the way this time. You're a jerk, Kirche Von Zerbst... Well, I don't really blame her. She thinks Louise is magic-denied. If only she knew the truth." I turned away.
–You're wrong! I performed the spell correctly and he answered my call.
Saito lowered his head. "I wonder how the incantation will work from the point of view of the familiars. Does the portal directly absorb them or are they given a chance to refuse? Questions and more questions. I've been here for two days and have barely found answers to anything. My illness attacked me last night; Gandálfr appeared before my eyes; Anäis; Kirche's bust... No, wait! W-Why am I thinking about that!?" I blushed hugely. To my good fortune, nobody noticed.
–Well, I guess a commoner is right up your alley, Louise 'The Zero'.
Kirche's comment and subsequent superior laugh brought me back to reality. The voluptuous girl walked to an empty seat next to her salamander. Louise clenched her fists and glared angrily at her.
–Who does she think she is. Imbecile!
She turned to us.
–You! Go and get us some tea!
She pointed at Saito. His tone of voice left us half deaf. The commoner recoiled in fright and I sighed, "My ears are going to get really damaged from hanging out with this girl." I raised my arms sympathetically.
–Lou-Louise, you don't need to yell at him.
She murdered me with her eyes.
–Stop defending him! Is he your friend or something?
–"What an irritating child."
"Founder, give me patience." Saito quickly left in search of tea for his own sake. Louise pointed her finger at a free table. I took a deep breath. Finally, the three of us set out. We remained silent the whole way.
Once we were seated, the girl sighed, still annoyed.
–Damn Von Zerbst!
–Louise, I've been here for two days and...
I was just about to say one of my masterful sentences, explaining myself terribly, of course, when Anäis climbed up on the table from my legs and sat down on her hind legs. The two of us looked at her dumbfounded.
–Alessandro?
–Anäis?
–"I'm starving."
I stroked my forehead once I admitted the situation we were in.
–It's okay. I'll order some cake, but please come down from the table.
She narrowed her eyes.
–"I thought I made my position clear. I am no less than you."
She replied sternly. Her tone caught me by surprise, but I was not daunted.
–In what world does a cat eat on the table?
–"Mmm... What a lack of courtesy."
–What's going on?
Asked a still surprised Louise. I sighed and Anäis started licking his hind legs, taking up even more space.
–She's hungry.
–How do you know?
–She just told me.
She opened her mouth wider.
–Does she communicate telepathically with you?
I nodded wearily. At that moment, my familiar decided that my legs were a better resting place than the table. I raised my arms in surprise.
–"I'm fine here."
She closed his eyes and curled up. I heard a chuckle coming from Louise.
–She's a beautiful cat, actually.
I sighed and smiled.
–Yes, she is.
I took a good look at Anâis and proceeded to pet her. She began to purr.
We ordered a piece of cake each, mine with the intention of giving it to my familiar. We talked about Louise's rivalry with Kirche and I understood a few things. Apparently, the germanic girl is quite the libertine, inviting sophomores and juniors to her room almost every night. The way the tristanian talked about her gave me to understand that she was somewhat envious of her, especially when it came to her body. "I don't blame her. It's the same for me when I see men like Julio or Andrea, handsome and charming by nature. Francesca used to say that I'm charming too but... Anyway. It's not worth it."
Saito was nowhere to be seen and it had already been fifteen minutes since Louise sent him for tea. The girl became so impatient that she quickly finished eating and went to look for him. I, for my part, fed Anäis, who devoured the slice of cake eagerly, grateful for the wait. Seeing that neither of my two new friends returned, I thought something might have happened.
–Will they be all right?
–"The irritating girl has probably found the lad and is punishing him for no apparent reason. If I were her familiar, I wouldn't hesitate to teach her a lesson."
She sentenced resolutely. "I rather doubt about the second thing she said, since a familiar cannot directly harm their master, at least in a physical way. As for the first..." I swallowed saliva. I held Anäis and carefully lowered her to the ground.
–"Rest is over."
She stretched her little body and lifted her tail. Without another word, we set off. Soon I spotted a crowd of students on one side of the courtyard. "Louise, Saito, I hope you're not making a scene."
–Check it out, apparently the commoner has guts.
–Guiche, are you going to let him insult you like that?
"Guiche? Guiche the idiot?" I broke through the crowd until I could clearly see what was going on. Saito was in a triumphant posture, smiling proudly. My classmate, clearly irritated, was sitting on the ground, a red mark on his face.
–The truth is, the commoner is right. You asked for it, Guiche.
Malicorne laughed and commented. Guiche reddened and stood up.
–You... Don't you know how to behave in front of a superior!?
He clenched his fist. Saito turned his head.
–Unfortunately, in my world there is no such protocol.
I opened my eyes wide "My world!? Is he coming from...!? No, it is completely impossible. That other worlds exist... Well, to tell the truth... That clothes, his lack of protocol, the language he used yesterday... He's clearly not an elf. His ears and features would give him away. If the boy comes from another world there is much to investigate. I've never read anything on the subject. Could it have something to do with Void magic? Julio is from Romalia. He told me so himself. Who are you, Saito?" Guiche smiled mischievously and raised his wand once he assimilated the situation.
–Very well! In that case I challenge you to a duel.