Kirche was standing in the middle of the second floor hallway, right next to the door of my room. I stopped a few feet away from her. I tried not to grimace in discomfort and started to guess her intentions, but with this woman you never know. Besides, tiredness didn't help. Still, she doesn't look like her usual self. We held each other's gaze for several seconds. Finally, I decided to break the ice.
–Can I do something for you?
–Everything that has happened tonight has been very strange, don't you think?
She answered before I finished speaking. Her words put me on alert. I swallowed hard. "I'm not ready to face her. Not now." When I feared the interrogation would continue, the germanian woman smiled.
–However, I won't interfere in what doesn't concerns me. The important thing is that you have prevented Saito from being executed. You are an honorable young man, romalian.
I opened my mouth in response. "You are definitely the strangest woman I've ever met, Kirche Von Zerbst." I relaxed little by little.
–I appreciate your words. I don't understand what this is about now, though. It's late and we have class tomorrow.
The young woman, instead of answering immediately, turned away gracefully. Her smile remained visible on her face as I watched. She began to walk in the direction of her bedroom, located just a few feet away from mine.
–If you keep acting like the defender of Vallière's familiar, people might start thinking strange things about you two.
She mentioned in a mocking tone. Her comment left me stunned. "What, I... I don't have those preferences." I was about to respond this very thing but decided, due to the time, to let it go. Thankful that she was no longer guarding the entrance to my resting place, I walked in the direction of the door to the room. Just as I held the handle of the door, which would be tucked in case Anäis needed to leave, Kirche spoke again.
–You still haven't thanked me for giving my family's treasure to that man in exchange for nothing.
I stopped instantly. I sighed. I turned my head in her direction.
–I'm sorry. It's been a long day and… Thank you.
I said politely. The germanian woman, without looking at me, smiled again. I could see the lower half of her face, as her bangs covered the rest.
–I'll think of something in return. Good night.
And with that she left me alone with my thoughts. I remained silent, completely still for several seconds. "I have a bad feeling about this." After one of the hardest days I had experienced in months, I opened the door to my room. The place was practically dark. The dim light cast by the two moons penetrated through the curtains. Anäis, my familiar, was sleeping peacefully at the foot of the bed. I was grateful that there was no interrogation by another woman and took off my cloak. I hung it on the coat rack. I untied Storm Ruler from the belt and laid her on the table. Finally, I took off my shoes. Then, exhaustion completely took over my body and I dropped onto the bed, falling asleep almost instantly.
When I opened my eyes, a grayish clarity flooded the room. It took me almost a minute to sit up. I stretched my body and yawned. I noticed that I was wearing my academy uniform. However, it was wrinkled. "Right, I fell asleep with it on yesterday." I quickly located Storm Ruler situated on the table, in the same position where I left her yesterday. "Good thing I closed the door.". I found a rolled up piece of paper tucked in my shirt. "The contract!". I carefully removed it from its place, read it again, cursed under my breath and decided to leave it in a more appropriate place: a drawer. Then, I remembered that I share a room with a cat. I found her in her spot at the foot of the bed. She was sleeping, or at least she appeared to be. "I'll let you know what happened later." I went to the window and pulled back a curtain carefully. I made a disappointed grimace with my mouth.
–It's raining.
What caught my attention was not the sudden change in the weather, but some students coming out of the main tower. I was startled. "What time is it!" Despite the clarity, the clouds did not allow me to accurately estimate the time of day. I walked quickly to the closet. "I must change as soon as possible. There is no time to wash." I prayed to the Founder that I hadn't missed more than one class. As I put on my pants I remembered that, first thing in the morning, we have class with the teacher I dislike the most. I felt the urge to bang my head against the wooden top of the cabinet. "Damn my luck." I put my catalyst back in place and headed for the door.
–See you later, Anäis.
I said goodbye without waiting for a reply. I opened the door and stepped out like an exhalation. Just before I could even close it, I found Siesta in front of me. I let out a groan instead of screaming thanks to the fact that I was still drowsy.
–Siesta!
–M-My lord!
I put my hand to my heart and noticed how the heartbeat was speeding up with every passing second. "This is not the time to have an ailment!" I inhaled and exhaled trying to calm myself. Finally, I closed the door.
–You scared the hell out of me. Don't ever do anything like that again.
–I-I'm so sorry! It won't happen again.
She added a bow to her apology. She was back in her usual maid's clothes. I looked her up and down as I recovered. She was carrying a basket of fruit in her hands. I cleared my throat.
–What are you doing here at this hour?
–I came to see how you were feeling, my lord. Although I still work for the academy, my job is to serve you first and foremost. Since you did not attend breakfast, I began to worry. I brought you something to eat.
She held up the basket with one hand. I sighed.
–I'm fine, don't worry. By the way, what time is it?
–About 8:20. Breakfast just finished a few minutes ago.
I inwardly celebrated. "Founder, thank you." I smiled in relief. The commoner was pleased at my change of mood. I plotted in a matter of seconds, as time was pressing, today's plan. I took an apple from the fruit basket.
–Thank you. Listen, Siesta. When the second hour of class is over, I will take advantage of the break to request an audience with the principal. I'll try to explain your situation and the contract issue. I will need you to bring the aforementioned contract, the one that binds you to me as a servant. It's located in the top drawer of my desk, understood?
The girl was surprised by my proposal but nodded with a bow.
–Yes, my lord. I will be waiting for you at the spiral staircase located in the center of the main tower with the contract.
–Good. But first I must go to class. Professor Jean Paul doesn't like to be kept waiting.
I mentioned and took a bite of the apple as I started walking. "Another busy day ahead." Siesta fell in behind me and we set off down the stairs.
After two heavy classes, especially the first one, I left the classroom taking a deep breath. I explained to Louise that I needed to talk to the principal as soon as possible about Siesta's matter. She was startled and asked me, although from her tone it sounded like she was giving me an order, not to tell him anything about what happened between Count Mott and Saito. That I should try to avoid giving unnecessary information. I assured her that I, unlike a certain young man who is currently still sleeping in a comfortable bed, am not an open book. "I don't think I've quite convinced her, but as long as her violent outbursts are not directed at me, I'll survive." Siesta was waiting, as we had agreed, by the large spiral staircase in the center of the building. She smiled and greeted me with a bow. A piece of paper was on her hands.
–My lord, I've brought the contract with me.
–Good.
I replied somewhat embarrassed. "We could be seen by anyone." I focused on what was important.
–Let's get this over with.
–As you wish.
She waited for me to pass in front and followed me closely, keeping two steps of difference between us continuously.
–My lord, if it's no trouble to ask, how did you do in class?
Without pausing at any point, I snorted and tried to give as correct an explanation as possible.
–Well. We have started giving theory related to Linear Air spells. At the same time, Professor Chevreuse is trying to make sure we don't fall behind in practice with the Earth element.
The conversation died with my comment. "Little can a maid contribute in this area, so her silence is understandable." We reached the top floor of the tower in a few minutes. Siesta stopped at the side of the staircase and lend me the contract, since her presence is not necessary for the small talk that is about to take place between the principal and me.
From here, and through the oval windows, one could clearly see the valley in which the academy is located, full of green fields and winding paths, were it not for the storm clouds that threaten in the sky, continuously pouring rain on them. In the east, an extensive forest occupies several acres of land. Of the distant mountain range to the south, which I had crossed by carriage weeks before, barely a third of its majesty was discernible. "It is curious. It hasn't even been two weeks since I settled in this place and it seems like I've been here much longer. I guess it's all due to Saito's appearance." I sketched a half smile.
Once I reached the top step, I noticed that next to the door of the principal's office there was a small office. In this, a young woman not much older than me was with her eyes focused on some papers. "I don't remember her name, but she was very kind to me the night I arrived." I walked in her direction and made a slight sound with my mouth to alert her to my presence. The secretary raised her head and our eyes met.
–May I help you?
She asked in a practically expressionless tone. I smiled.
–Yes. I would like to know if Principal Osmond is busy at the moment. I have an important matter to discuss with him.
The woman shook her head.
–He's not meeting with anyone right now. You may come in.
She informed me. The news cheered me up a little, though not enough to turn this day into a good one. "If I can sort out the mess I've gotten myself into I might change my mind." I nodded.
–Thank you.
I headed for the door. I knocked with a couple of knocks loud enough to alert anyone present on the other side. I grabbed the knob with my right hand. I turned the knob and the door opened smoothly. I stepped inside carefully and closed behind me. "Here we go." The principal's office is an open-plan room. Several pieces of furniture of varying utility and size are scattered along the walls. A sizable round table sits to the right, surrounded by up to ten premium wooden chairs. In front of it, a fireplace, currently lit, is flanked by two exquisitely crafted sofas. Above the hollow of it is engraved in stone the academy's coat of arms: the five-pointed star representing the five elements of magic. "Even if one has been considered extinct for almost a century."
What focused my attention, however, was Principal Osmond himself, who was sitting in a chair behind the desk. The elderly man was reading a paper while smoking from a richly decorated pipe. As soon as he sensed my presence, he looked up curiously.
–Good morning, Mr. Osmond.
I greeted politely, accompanying this with a slight bow.
–Ah, you are the young romalian sent by the Pope.
–Do you remember me?
I asked in surprise. He smiled under his bushy beard.
–Of course. It is not every year that we accept students from such distant lands. You are the only romalian student at the Academy at the moment.
I nodded dumbfounded. "So I'm the only romalian here. There doesn't seem to be anyone from the south on the faculty either." I approached the desk trying to make sure the walls heard as little of our conversation as possible. The old man motioned with one hand for me to take a seat in one of the two chairs in front of the desk. He turned his gaze to the hand in which I hold the contract.
–Sit down, son. What was your name? Forgive my memory. Too many people from all corners of Halkegenia send me letters or seek an audience with me all the time.
At his kindness, I accepted the offer to sit down.
–My name is Alessandro. Alessandro… Serevare.
I smiled bitterly. "I'll never get used to using Vittorio's last name with the authorities. Although... Without him I wouldn't be here." The man inhaled some smoke from his pipe. He exhaled with total tranquility.
–Well, Alessandro, how can I help you? Or did you come here because the Founder sent you to help this poor old man in his daily chores?
He joked, trying to relieve the tension caused by my noticeable change of mood, something I appreciated. I shook my head after letting out a chuckle.
–No, sir. I need to talk to you about an important matter that happened in the last few days.
–A pity. A principal's job is so much fun.
I laughed again.
–I don't doubt it.
–It really is an ordeal. Don't end up like me, kid. Well, what's been going on these days?
His sudden mood swings left me stunned. "I find it hard to believe that this man is one of the most powerful sorcerers on the continent. Looks can certainly be deceiving." I recovered myself. I thought carefully about how to proceed. "I must not mention Saito at any time. I have promised Louise." I cleared my throat after a few seconds of clearing my head.
–You see, last night an… Unexpected event ocurred.
The man raised an eyebrow.
–Really?
–Yes. Do you remember the young maid who was given to Count Mott as a gift for his patronage?
The principal placed his right hand on his chin.
–Yes. A dark-haired, blue-eyed, good-looking girl.
His description, specifically the last part, brought a slight blush to my cheeks.
–He-Her name is Siesta.
–I understand, what's wrong with her?
He raised a hand and asked me to wait.
–Let me rephrase my question. Why is she waiting for you on the tower stairs?
–Well...
I was about to answer in all seriousness when I assimilated his question. I opened my eyes like saucers and turned them to my interlocutor. I froze. "What? How did you...? Don't tell me that..." A myriad of questions piled up in my mind. Then, seeing my silence, the old man laughed.
–Calm down, I'm not going to force you to talk. I am aware that yesterday, around midnight, you and three other students broke curfew, returning from, I assume, Count Mott's residence on a dragon with Siesta and the human familiar summoned by Miss Vallière. Am I wrong?
His account left me even more surprised if possible. I just nodded repeatedly. I held the arms of the chair tightly. I felt a drop of sweat trickle down my back. He waited quietly for me to respond. I swallowed, trying to articulate.
–There's no point in hiding it from you. It's true, Siesta no longer belongs to Count Mott.
–I didn't know that part of the story, but I assumed that something important happened last night if the young maid returned with you. Besides, if the good Count hasn't made an appearance yet with one of his outbursts, it's all ended well, right?
I nodded again, calmer seeing that he didn't seem angry or upset with our imprudence. I decided to get this over with as soon as possible, especially since I have class with Professor Colbert in a few minutes and I don't want to disappoint my favorite teacher by being late. "I've done enough damage already by falling asleep a few days ago in one of the subjects he teaches." I sighed.
–You are well informed, Mr. Principal. Siesta... Siesta is my property now. Well, not mine legally. Allow me to explain.
I told him practically everything, from the fake name to the lie I concocted to help the familiar and the maid. I placed a hand on my chest as if I had been accused and was trying to defend myself from a death sentence.
–But I don't need a personal servant! I know how to take care of myself and I am aware that the rules of the academy forbid it. And, besides, if the person whose false name finds out about this ruse, it could have serious consequences.
The principal leaned back in his seat and did not respond immediately. This put me on edge again. He fiddled with his beard and smoked from his pipe.
–So the situation is much more dangerous than I thought. But there is one thing you are right about: the rules of the academy prohibit students from owning servants while they remain here. However, what concerns me more is the contract itself. Tell me something, kid, does the fake name you gave have any relation to you?
He carefully sat up and walked to the huge window behind his seat. He gazed for a while in silence at the forest where we landed last night, allowing me to think how to answer his question. I leaned back defeated in the seat. "What the hell do I do now? I can't tell her that part of my past. It's beside the point." After deliberating for a couple of minutes during which only the sound of smoke could be heard coming out of the man's mouth, I finally responded.
–Yes, I have had a relationship with a person who has that name, but we have not heard from each other for six years.
I continued speaking somewhat nervously after a pause.
–I need your help, principal Osmond. I need the contract to change hands as soon as possible.
The old man pondered how to act. He turned around and his face showed no disagreement with my proposal.
–Given the situation and seeing your diligence, I won't give it more importance than that of a punctual anecdote. I propose you a deal, Alessandro.
He stood next to his desk.
–Obviously, I cannot sign a contract with you to change Siesta's ownership since, legally, you are not its owner. But I'll turn a blind eye to this whole affair if Siesta returns to her daily chores at the academy. I will add to the terms that we will take care of her upkeep and give her shelter. That way you won't have to share a room with a beautiful young woman with blue eyes.
He enunciated amicably, adding some irony in the last sentence. I felt almost all the weight I was carrying on my shoulders melt away in the blink of an eye. I couldn't believe that this adventure had a happy ending, even though there was still the matter of the fake name and my cover. I smiled incredulously.
–Are you serious?
–Of course. You did the right thing, young man. Siesta will be eternally grateful to you.
He closed his eyes and returned the gesture. I could scream with happiness right now, but decorum prevented me from doing so. I stood up, walked over to him and took his right hand with mine.
–Thank you very much, Mr. Osmond!
The old man was surprised, but he dind't let himself be carried away by my joy.
–Before thanking me you will have to give me the contract. I'll assume it's the paper you've been crumpling in your hands all this time.
I do as I was told. The man reads it and closes it in a moment.
–Good. I'll keep the contract in my office, out of trouble. If Count Mott comes around and happens to tell me the name you used, I'll be able to defend you or call you to my place. You're an academy student who did the right thing, kid. However I must warn you: no more games like this. Now, go and inform Siesta about what happened here. And go back to class. You have less than five minutes before the next session.
I followed her eyes to a beautifully decorated cuckoo clock. "Darn! I must hurry." I walked quickly to the door.
–Thank you for your time! See you another time, Mr. Osmond.
–It was nothing, young man. Have a nice day.
And with that we said goodbye. I opened and closed the door decisively. I leaned against it and took a deep breath, completely forgetting that Principal Osmond's secretary was still in her office, watching me curiously. I didn't think anything of it.
–Good morning, Miss.
I greeted her as if it were nothing. She waved back, but I barely stopped to look at her. Siesta was waiting in a helpful pose several steps down. At the sight of my smile, she was surprised.
–Good news, Siesta. Although you are still 'my' property, you will return to your old life as if none of this had happened.
The commoner opened her mouth and a contagious happiness flooded her.
–Do you really mean it?
–Totally serious.
Her reaction took me by surprise: the little girl suddenly hugged me.
–Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I blushed as I felt her body against mine and raised my arms in response, letting out a whimper along the way. She quickly realized what she had done and recoiled in embarrassment, returning to her helpful pose. She averted her gaze and lowered her head.
–Excuse me, my lord! I didn't...!
–The-There is no problem. I share your joy.
I recovered from the moment.
–Now I must return to class. And you to your duties as a servant of the academy.
I smiled at her. She relaxed and mimicked my gesture. Her eyes sparkled as if she was about to shed several tears.
–I am very grateful for all you have done for me, my lord. If you need anything at any time, do not hesitate to let me know and I will come to you immediately.
And she bowed. I shook my head as I looked at the stone vault of the spiral staircase. "Founder, do not put any more obstacles in my way any longer for the time being. I ask you on my knees."
That same afternoon I decided to practice a bit with Air spells. After a while, and looking to keep Storm Ruler from charging up enough to make trouble, I sheathed the sword and glanced out the front yard of the academy through the window. The rain seemed to have no plans to let up for the next few hours. The sky continued to be tinted a dark shade of gray. Any ideas that involved leaving the dormitory were diluted like a widow's makeup. Anäis continued to ignore me. Curled in on herself, she appeared to be asleep on the bed. "This can't go on." I walked over to her position and sat down next to her. She didn't even flinch.
–Anäis, I understand that you are upset with me because of what happened in the last few days. I apologize if my attitude has caused you rejection, but I have gone through extremely tense moments because of Saito and Count Mott and... I'm sorry.
I'm not used to apologize. Much less do it to a talkative cat. I preferred to keep quiet and wait for a response, however satirical, and rightly so, it might be. The animal stretched, although she did not deign to look at me, yet. It was more than thirty seconds before she spoke.
–"It was to be expected that something important had happened. Go ahead, I'll let you unburden yourself by telling me about the wanderings you've been involved in. After all, what are we familiars for?"
She enunciated with a certain venom in her words as if I were a lover trying to excuse himself. I looked down at my hands and tried to put my thoughts in order. I proceeded to tell her everything that happened, focusing especially on Saito's attitude, the big lie I improvised and, in need of support, what happened at the private dinner that the Count and I had. After almost fifteen minutes of explanation without her interrupting me and some attempt to excuse our stupidity, I sentenced cursing my plan and Saito. My eyes turned to her and she, who had modified her posture to face me, finally focused her sapphires on me. She yawned.
–"I didn't yawn because of your story, dear. It's just that cloudy days make me overly relaxed."
She began to talk. She licked practically her entire body until she decided to continue.
–"Perfect. A cat can't afford to be disheveled."
Pause.
–"Well, Alessandro. I see you've ignored my advice about keeping a low profile."
I nodded defeated. "Serves me right." Then, she moved into a more dignified position by rising up on her forelegs.
–"However, you've acted like a hero, again. The commoner is grateful to you; and the servant of the irritating little girl has suffered no serious harm. As for the Count's mention of your mother, you could not even imagine that any tristanian noble would have heard of her. Much less that they belonged to the same faction. Don't torment yourself over it any longer."
–It's not that simple, Anäis. What if he finds out I lied? He'll denounce me and I'll be executed. Not even Vittorio could protect me.
My familiar chuckled in that irritating way I missed so much.
–"Who said heroes live long enough to tell of their exploits?"
She asked wryly. This provoked two reactions in me. On the one hand I felt the noose tighten around my neck. On the other, I was amused by his words. I smiled.
–I was too reckless.
I shook my head as I looked up to stare at the canopy of the bed. Suddenly, I felt a weight in my lap. The cat had landed on my legs, curling up gingerly.
–"Yes, you have been. Fortunately, your hands are still as soft as a maiden's."
I frowned.
–Are you calling me effeminate?
Anäis sighed.
–"Man you had to be. Why are you always offended when a woman praises you in such a way?"
I decided not to make a big deal of it anymore and slowly stroked her. I smiled.
–"Now listen to me well, dear. You must talk to the human familiar and warn it that it can no longer act like a wayward child. Or, at least, not to involve others in his conflicts. It's one thing for his master, who has enough to put up with, and quite another for you, no matter how much of a friend you are".
She sentenced sharply. I sighed and looked away. "That's what I've been trying to do since Guiche knocked him unconscious and it hasn't worked. Maybe we need to take more... drastic measures." I began to plan how to convince Saito.
I decided not to wait any longer and half an hour later I was in front of Louise's room door. "Saito must have fully recovered after resting for more than half a day. Count Mott's skill with healing spells is far superior to mine, so I have nothing to worry about. In case he continues to sleep, I will talk to Louise, making things clear to her. And I will not tolerate her imposing or startling this time." I sighed and knocked on the door. I heard Louise's voice on the other side, but I didn't understand a word. After a few seconds, the wood moved and, as expected, Saito was on the other side in perfect condition. The boy was surprised.
–Alessandro…
–I'm glad to see you recovered, Saito. May I come in?
I smiled sincerely. "It's one thing for me to want to repress it, and quite another for me not to be glad to see him up and about." The boy nodded and gave me room. Louise, sitting in her desk chair, looked up from a paper she was reading and looked at me. Saito closed the door behind me.
–Alessandro, do you need something?
She folded the paper and carefully put it away in the top drawer. I went to one of the chairs next to the table and, without waiting for permission, sat down. Saito placed himself between me and the tristanian.
–I came to inform you about what happened with the principal.
The girl opened her eyes wider than usual and became impatient. I lowered my head.
–Principal Osmond knew everything.
–What?
Louise exclaimed. There was an awkward silence. I continued.
–From the first visit to Count Mott's residence to the time of our return last night. You have no idea what a humiliation it was for me. I felt the whole weight of the world come crashing down on my shoulders.
I sighed and looked the noblewoman in the eye.
–However, it didn't seem to bother him. He warned me that we must not mention any of this matter to anyone. Especially the contract part. In the eyes of the academy, Siesta has never changed hands. It will go back to its daily chores even though I continue to 'own' it.
Saito made a grumbling sound.
–I don't like you talking about her as a commodity.
–Silence! I remind you that this is all your fault, you dog.
Louise raised her voice and the familiar obeyed grumpily. The young woman got up and went to the window. She placed a hand on the glass. The clouds on the horizon were beginning to dissipate. "It will soon subside, if only temporarily." Saito approached me.
–Louise told me everything that had happened since I was knocked unconscious.
The boy bent his body in a bow that caught me off guard. I opened my mouth wide in shock.
–Thank you so much for your help, Alessandro. If I can do anything for you, anything at all, I will.
It took me several seconds to react. Louise, more relaxed, sighed and placed both hands on my waist. I remembered the real reason for my visit and sat up, facing the familiar. I looked him straight in the eye with a serious expression on my face.
–Listen to me well, Saito. I warned you once and I warn you again: no more acting like a brainless idiot. Don't ever challenge anyone again, much less a noble, if you have no real reason to do so. So far I have been benevolent and supportive because I understand your situation. You are a young man coming from a far away place in an unknown land and surrounded by strangers, similar to me. But that does not mean that you should not act according to rules. You are a familiar. No matter how much freedom you think you have, you are bound to your master. If you are imprisoned, tortured or executed, the responsibility for your actions will fall on Louise.
I paused before I continued to rush him to see his reaction. Saito did not respond, just waiting for me to continue with his head down. I placed a hand on his shoulder after believing that he had come to his senses. The boy held my gaze again.
–Did I make myself clear?
I asked like a father at the end of a reprimand with his firstborn.
–Yes. I'm sorry. From now on I will try to control myself and think things twice.
I accepted his apology. Satisfied, I separated from him and headed for the door, but not before checking the time on the grandfather clock next to the built-in closet in the bedroom.
–Soon it will be time for dinner. Even if the storm gives us a little respite, we'll have to cross the courtyard in the rain. If you join me, I may decide to use a spell to repel the worst of it. What do you say?
I looked at the two of them after opening the door handle. They looked at each other and smiled. They nodded in unison.