Louise and Michael enjoy lunch together and take a nap.
Later, Montmorency stops by Louise's room to ask for her help with shaking off a desperate Guiche.
Seperation
I sit down in the chair beside my mattress bed and let out a deep sigh.
Walking around the Academy has my heart thumping. I'm seriously beat!
"Lunch is ordered, just as you asked, Louise," I inform the pinkette. My mouth breaks into a sarcastic grin as I glance over to the girl, whom sits down by her study desk. "Say, did you actually change anything around in here while I was gone? It literally looks no different."
"Oh, be quiet, you," Louise mutters, averting her face. "I'll have you know that I moved by bed half a foot nearer the window, so you have more space down there on the floor."
"Really now?" I follow with a raised brow. "And just how did you manage that, given the size of your bed and all?" I ask with a straight face, pointing at the large four-poster.
"With the help of two passing servants, as it happens," the petite mage proudly explains as I can only roll my eyes. "The two were out in the hall shortly after you left for the kitchens and I asked them for assistance," Louise continues, holding her chin high. "They were both very understanding regarding my plight, and very respectful, too."
"Sure, of course they were," I smirk, scoffing low. "Anyhow, something interesting happened while I was coming back from the kitchens."
I lean in toward Louise and put on a more serious expression. "I found Guiche and Montmorency arguing."
"Really now? Is Montmorency alright?" Louise asks with a hint of worry, her brow furrowing.
"She's fine, Louise. From what I gather, Guiche was upset after his cheating got out and he was trying to beg Montmorency into taking him back," I recount in an ironic tone. "She refused him. Probably sick of him treating her like garbage."
Louise nods her head, showing surprising amounts of empathy.
"Quite so, indeed," the girl concedes, frowning. "I... am also feeling remorseful over doing nothing during the time they were together. A part of me wishes I had reached out to Montmerancy when rumours first reached my ears..."
"But you said nothing because she and Kirche picked on you, I'm guessing?" I say, thoughtfully narrowing my eyes a little bit. "If that's the case then I get it, Louise."
The pinkette closes her eyes tightly and lets out a deep sigh, nodding.
"Tell that to my conscience," she says in a low, ashamed tone.
I shake my head, getting where she's coming from.
"We are were we are, Louise. And besides, you and Montmerancy are friends now. That has to be worth something, hmm?"
"You are right," the noble agrees at last, lowering her head and letting out a pained breath. "We are on good terms, at least. In no small part due to your reckless antics."
I throw Louise an amused smile.
Louise simply tightens her gaze and frowns.
"It isn't funny, you idiot."
I wink for Princess.
"You're just jealous because it wasn't you I was duelling over."
Louise narrows her eyes angrily and then shakes her head, her cheeks flushing pink.
"K-Keep telling yourself that, Familiar."
...
There comes a knock at Louise's bedroom door.
A moment passes. Then, one of the Academy's many servants opens the door and wheels in a silver trolley carrying our lunch.
My stomach growls at the wonderful smells on offer. Two fairly-sized glass bowls filled with a warm, chunky potato soup sit on top of the trolley. Fresh butter drips down onto a golden tray containing mouthwatering buttered rolls. My stomach growls once more.
"I see someone has quite the appetite, Miss Louise," Toby comments while propped up in his usual spot by the windowsill. "Which is fair, I suppose. A few extra pounds won't hurt a young lady as slim as you."
Louise doesn't smile or laugh. She simply glares at the tome. "T-This isn't just for me, Toby! It's for Michael, too." Her cheeks pinken a little bit. "H-He hasn't had breakfast, after all."
I pat my fearsomely growling stomach and get up from the chair beside my bed.
"Would you look at this," I remark with a smug smirk, "I'm being spoiled today." I give Louise's head a playful pat. "A maid bringing me lunch and everything."
I expect Louise to yell at me for picking on her. Surprisingly, she doesn't say anything and pinkness to her cheeks deepens to a strong red hue.
Louise then hangs her head low, mutters something, and plops down onto her bed.
"Here is your lunch, Miss Vallière," the servant, a cute young redhead with freckle-dusted cheeks, announces with a bow of her head, "creamed potato soup and freshly buttered rolls."
Steam rises from the two bowls of cream potatoes sitting on the trolley and hot butter drips from the sliced white bread rolls. They look and smell so good, they have me practically drooling.
"Appreciate it, Miss," I say to the servant, giving her a half-bow. I'm getting used to Tristainian manners.
She straightens up, turns heel and leaves.
Smiling, I turn to Louise.
"You grab yours first, okay? You know, ladies first and all." I gesture toward the lunch trolley with an outstretched hand and nod my head, encouraging her.
"U-Um, sure," Louise squeaks and immediately puts her hand over her belly, probably to prevent it from growling. I laugh inside. Her hunger is written all over her face and she does not care to hide it. Louise steps up to the trolley and sits down at her usual spot: to the left of the bottom of her bed.
She grabs her bowl of soup and one of the fine silver spoons, then starts digging in with vigour.
Shaking my head, I find a smile forming on my lips. I step up to the lunch trolley and grab the second bowl and spoon, the bowl of creamy white soup looking even more appetising with its droplets of melted cheese and some sort of finely diced meat inside.
As I stand there eating, my gaze wanders to the open window by the bed.
The noon sun sits high in the sky, providing a lovely view.
I hear the faint sound of a horse's hooves. A group of students chatter not too far away, also.
Louise and I continue our lunch in a comfortable silence, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the sounds of the Academy around us.
Most of all, though, I'm enjoying these fantastic potatoes.
They're really creamy with a hint of savoury flavour, making this the single most-tasty lunch I've had in days. Hell, probably in weeks, even.
"H-Hey," Louise squeaks after a while, placing her silver spoon on the rim of her bowl.
I have my own spoonful to my mouth and pause as she interrupts me.
Her pink eyes drift between the bowl of creamy white potatoes and my eyes. Willing to indulge my mistress, I take my spoon out from my mouth and set it down in the bowl.
"What's up, Louise?" I ask her with a head-tilt and eyebrow raise.
Louise turns her attention down to her bowl, shoulders sagging. "W-Would you finish mine? P-Please?"
"Can't finish it, huh?"
Louise shakes her head.
"It isn't that, Michael. I won't have room for the bread if I eat any more."
She pouts and looks up to me, saying, "It'd be a waste of food. Besides, I thought you were supposed to be hungry."
She has a point, honestly. That, and I've always been something of a big eater.
I smile wide at her.
"Yeah, sure. I'll finish it off."
Louise nods and hands me her bowl.
Taking it, I place my empty bowl back onto the trolley. My nose picks up on the rich smell of potatoes, making me grin.
Getting up, Louise squeezes past me, picks up a small serving plate from the trolley, and places a buttered roll onto it. Smiling, she breathes in the scent of freshly baked bread and takes a bite.
"How is it?" I ask whist tucking into her unfinished soup.
Louise murmurs happily, mouth full. She takes another big bite and her cheeks puff out as she chews.
I watch her and snicker.
God, this girl is so damn adorable sometimes.
Suddenly, her head turns to the door. As though she heard something I didn't.
A moment later, there comes a knock.
"Sorry to bother you, Miss Vallière," Siesta calls out from behind the door, "but I have yours and Michael's laundry here. I've just finished drying it."
Louise frowns gently at the maid's arrival. Putting down her plate, she heads over to the door and opens it up.
My favourite maid stands in the doorway with a big smile. She holds the satchel bag containing mine and Louise's clothes in one hand by the drawstrings.
Her frilly outfit, white apron and matching ruffled headpiece all look as clean and presentable as the first day I met her.
"Thank you, Siesta," Louise says, a hint of genuine warmth to her voice. Much to my surprise. "Leave it over there."
Siesta nods. She quickly steps through the doorway and over to the study table situated between two cushioned chairs near the window. Setting down the satchel bag as instructed, she bows her head.
Then, her eyes look across the room.
"You know, your bedroom is very pretty, Miss Vallière," the maid compliments kindly.
Siesta's eyes flit over to me and she flashes a large and affectionate smile.
This isn't missed by Louise, whom frowns softly at the girl's caring gesture.
"Yes, thank you," the pjnkette quickly returns, almost coldly so. "You may see yourself out now, though. As you can see, Michael and I are in the middle of lunch."
Siesta straightens up and bows her head. "Of course. My apologies, Miss Vallière."
Then, she stands to her full height once more and turns her attention to me.
We share a warm, friendly smile. I can tell by her expression that there is something she desperately wants to tell me, but not with Louise here.
She heads to the door and opens it up.
"Have a good day, both of you."
With that, Siesta steps through and closes the door behind her.
Louise sighs in relief.
"Thank goodness she left," the petite mage mumbles to herself. "The way she fawns over you irks me sometimes, Michael."
She picks up her serving plate from the trolley and continues eating her bread.
I shrug in response to her comment concerning Siesta.
"Saving a girl from unwelcome servitude does that, I guess," I say, smirking.
The kisses and hugs Siesta and I have shared probably play a large part in it, too.
Louise doesn't need to know that, though. I can be as close to the maid as I like. I'm my own person.
Finishing off my soup now that Siesta is gone, I take a moment to savour the taste. It isn't often I get to enjoy meals as wonderful as this. It really is divine.
Once finished, I pick up my plate, bring it over to the dinner tray, and grab a buttered roll of my own.
As I devour the roll, I realise just how much of a hog I'm being. Louise's bowl was only half-full in the first place, but I finished it off so quickly, you wouldn't believe it.
"I'll need a few laps around the academy after a meal like this," I muse, patting my full stomach and chuckling to myself.
"Well," Louise purses her lips when I said this, "I suppose the weather is quite lovely. A nice stroll around the academy together could be enjoyable."
My face brightens at the suggestion.
"Is this a proposal I'm hearing, Princess?" I tease with a wink.
Louise blushes and lets out a low, warning growl.
"D-Don't get any funny ideas! It's just so that I can make sure you behave yourself!"
Finishing off her roll, Louise saunters across the room, toward her bed. She sits down at the edge, her small, lithe body sinking into the softness of the mattress. She then kicks off her school shoes.
"I think I'll take a nap first, however," she decides, yawning. A hand goes over her mouth. "Ten minutes or so should be enough."
Holding the empty bowl in my hands, I watch Louise throw a messy blanket over herself.
My body tenses in sudden irritation.
Throwing her arm out, the pinkette plops herself down and curls up at the end of her bed, getting herself nice and comfortable.
"Wow, Louise," I shoot the laid-out girl a smile, "got enough blankets over there?"
The girl looks up from her spot and raises a brow.
"Why?"
"If you keep adding to that pile, I'm sure you'll melt."
Louise pouts and furrows her brow.
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"
I snort.
"Ah, well, it's nothing. Just teasing."
Then, I make my way over to the chair to my right.
Though not the most comfortable, I do relax into it as I lean my back against the cushioned head.
"Anyway," I turn to Louise and grin a little, "take it easy, okay?"
Louise nods and then closes her eyes, smiling gently. "Thanks, Michael."
She lowers her head into a comfortable position and shuts her eyes, trying to lull herself into sleep. She doesn't have to try hard to do it, either. Soon after, her soft breathing fills the room. Louise is fast asleep.
"Figure I'll follow your example, Princess," I decide at a whisper, laying my head back and shutting my eyes.
I feel like a brick after eating such a rich and buttery lunch.
Actually, now that I think about it, it's a wonder that Louise is so skinny. Especially if she eats meals like these every single day. Hell, even if she eats like a mouse and exercises regularly.
After letting out a small snicker, I set my mind to a tranquil nothingness and doze off.
...
What seems like hours passes by and before long, there comes another knock on the door.
My eyes flickering open, I'm awoken from my slumber.
"Uuuhh," I let out a dazed moan and lift my head up, looking toward the door with a frown.
Did the knock on the door wake Louise?
I glance to my left.
She is fast asleep, lightly snoring, but nothing more.
A single moment passes. Another knock. This time, much gentler.
"Uuuuuuhh," I moan out, still dazed.
"Louise, it's Montmorency," announces the ringlet-haired blonde from beyond the door, her tone laced with a hint of urgency. "Is Michael with you? Might I talk to you both, please?"
Rubbing my eyes and stretching my arms out, I grumble as I wake fully from my groggy state.
"Louise," I call gently, my voice still a little croaky from being asleep, "hey, Louise...?"
There is no response. My mistress lies sound asleep and undisturbed. She has fallen into such a deep sleep, that she can no longer hear the voices of the world around her.
"Guess I'd better answer it, then," I conclude with a short, irritable sigh.
I get up and stretch out my tired body.
The sun is setting outside and bathes the room in a relaxing orange glow. A glow I'm not so keen on right now.
Turning my attention to the large door in Louise's room, I head over to it.
"Coming," I shout out and take hold of the copper-coloured doorknob, turning and opening it.
Montmorency stands on the other side. Her eyes shine with relief as they meet mine. "Michael, there you are," she says. Then, her face brightens with a smile. "I am glad to see you. Pray tell, is Louise available right now?"
I glance back to my sleeping mistress, then back to Montmorency, and shake my head.
"Afraid not. She's fast asleep right now, as it happens."
There comes an unhappy frown. Montmorency crosses her arms and lets out a small sigh of resignation.
"I see," she mutters dejectedly, "I had hoped to see her today. Guiche keeps pestering me, you see, and it is becoming somewhat annoying."
I raise a brow and hold my arms.
"Pestering you, eh?" I query. "How so?"
Montmorency's frown deepens. The small gesture speaks volumes in regards to her feelings.
"He keeps pleading for me to take him back," she explains with a deep, exhausted exhale. "He just will not give up no matter what I say, either. I mean, I dumped him, did I not?"
"You did, yeah," I nod. A smirk forms across my lips. "Granted, that was my fault, I feel... But yeah, you did."
"Indeed." Montmorency sighs, her fingers going through her golden, ringleted, blonde hair. "I did. I am just not interested in Guiche anymore. He is just... so uncaring toward how I feel these days. When compared to how he used to be when we first began courting, I must specify."
I nod in understanding.
"And I'm guessing you wanted some advice from Louise, right?"
Montmorency nods herself.
"I wanted to inquire how I can deal with him, is all. Louise has been a wonderful source of companionship since I made amends with her. Therefore, I had hoped she might offer me some support in my time of need."
"I get it, I do," I say, unfolding my arms and lowering them to my sides. "Still, Louise is out like a light. I'm willing to lend you a hand, though. Well, if you want me to, that is."
Montmorency's whole countenance brightens with a beautiful smile.
"I would very much appreciate your aid in Louise's place, Michael. Thank you."
Stretching out her arm, she holds her hand out to me.
"I would be glad to talk it over with you whilst Louise sleeps. Especially if Guiche keeps hounding me without cease." She glances past me to my pinkette mistress. "Come now, walks the halls with me and the two of us will talk. That way, Louise can sleep peacefully without being disturbed."
With this said, Montmorency grabs my hand into hers. Then, I step out into the hall and close the door behind myself.
Louise should be fine by herself for a little while.
...
Side by side with Montmorency, I listen as she tells me all about Guiche and his countless attempts to try and win her over. From God awful poetry to some rather pathetic, flowery worded pleading.
Not to mention all the gifts, of course. Everything from expensive bouquets to pieces of jewellery. He even tried winning her back with a draw-droppingly expensive bottle of wine, too. The latter didn't work, even if the wine was supposedly some of the most amazing in Tristain.
"So," the blonde lets out an aggravated moan after reaching the end of her tale, "I wish to find a way to make him stop all of these endless gestures of his. Time and again I have given him chances, and time and again he has come up lacking. Both in honesty and respect for my feelings."
She has a really good point.
Guiche does seem extremely persistent on having her back. Just thinking on all those gifts he has given her, all those gestures and pleas for forgiveness, makes me pity the guy. And not in a good way.
It reminds me of a certain redhead who desperately asked me for another chance at our relationship, in fact. A certain spoiled and very attractive redhead.
Shuddering and shaking the memory off, I tighten my lips into a disapproving scowl.
"He seriously can't just take a hint and move on already, huh? Giving you all those gifts, writing out cards..." I let out a scoff. "...You're really patient, Montmorency."
With a sigh, Montmorency looks down to her feet and shakes her head.
"Honestly, Michael, I do enjoy being loved. I would just prefer to take a chance with someone who appreciates me, as opposed to showering me with endless hollow promises."
A cold sort of fear enters my chest. Not out of uncertainty, but because I suddenly understand the heart of a young girl very well. More so than I thought.
This... reminds me of how things became between Anna and I before our relationship collapsed. Not exactly, but in some ways.
"Sounds to me like you and I have a little in common here, Montmorency," I tell the blonde, frowning gently.
I place a gentle hand on her shoulder and we both stop in our tracks. There is a worried look in Montmorency's blue eyes.
"Michael...?"
"I'm speaking from experience here, okay? Well, on my end, anyway."
A bead of sweat trickles down Montmorency's cheek, as her pink lip trembles.
"Y-You had troubles with somebody you cared for, too?" she asks me gently.
I nod.
"Yeah. Very much so. You see," I lick my lips, nervous, "...I was once in a relationship with someone whom I held very dear, actually, back in my world. She was a lot like Guiche. Saw everything through the rose-coloured pages of a romance novel. Life isn't always like that, sadly."
Montmorency takes in a sharp, sudden breath. Her already soft-eyed, gentle visage turns warmer as it becomes kinder. In her eyes, I can see a fierce, empathetic strength.
"So you are an outsider not just to Tristain, but the whole world..." Her smile fades, then, into something quiet and reflective.
"Your eyes are filled with... such sorrow, Michael. True, honest-to-God sorrow." The blonde reaches out a tender hand to my face, her warm palm making its mark on my cheek. "You really do understand how this whole tawdry affair makes me feel; I sense it."
My heartbeat rises to a drum's beat amidst Montmorency's touch. She smiles kindly at me, despite my surprise, and the expression is nothing but comforting.
"H-Hey, Montmorency, easy there," I utter, my voice jittering, "I'm just here to help you out."
"As I am for you, if you will let me," Montmorency returns sweetly, lowering her hand from my cheek. "Tell me more of this girl you cared for, Michael. How else was she like Guiche?"
Our feet taking us both away from the academy, Montmorency places a friendly arm over my shoulder and I find myself welcoming the gesture. I smile through both hurt and relief.
"...She never snapped out of her daydream and saw how everything made me feel," I explain, a deep and weighty pain hanging in my stomach, "even while I struggled earning money as a YouTu- Entertainer... to keep us both afloat. It was always about her, her feelings, the things she wanted."
Montmorency's eyes shine with sympathy and understanding.
Then, a fresh bubble of anger bursts through on my part.
"I mean, I'm guessing Tristain nobles don't work regular day jobs like most do in my world. Still, I get you being unhappy about Guiche always neglecting your feelings," I continue. "We're alike on that front."
After my outburst, Montmorency nods, smiling.
"Thank you, Michael. For being so honest with me. I understand where you're coming from with such a heavy experience." Her features brighten briefly. "As for me, Guiche is so often enraptured by other women that it makes me jealous. Or it did at first. Now, however, it only pushes me further away."
"Totally understandable," I say, my tone neutral.
"Indeed," Montmorency quietly agrees. "To this end, I have sadly lost all respect and care for him."
I nod and swallow.
"That's all fair enough. So what are you going to do about it, then?" I ask, giving Montmorency a small and considerate smile. "Especially with Guiche so bent on trying to win you back?"
The young woman sighs in response.
"What else can I do, beyond telling him to keep his advances to himself? I did give him a chance to prove himself to me. A few chances, in truth, and every one ended in great disappointment for myself."
I frown a little.
"You seem like a really lovely girl, Montmorency, if you don't mind me saying. You deserve better."
She blushes and stutters incoherently as I say this. Smiling, she lifts a hand and strokes my cheek again. This simple gesture is followed precious chuckle.
"Why, thank you, Michael. I appreciate you saying so. Honestly, I do."
She nods her head gently and we both begin walking again.
...
Soon, we enter one of the academy's numerous open-air sitting areas. Taking a seat next to one another at the nearest empty table, she squeezes my arm happily and giggles.
"Being forthright with you, Michael, getting all of this off my chest whilst sharing your company is proving most satisfying. I see why Louise holds you in such high regard, even though her actions seem somewhat to the contrary at times."
I smirk.
"Appreciate it. So, you know what I'd do in your shoes, Montmorency?" I offer her my kindest and most supportive smile. "I wouldn't pull punches and be flowery like you Tristainian nobles always are. I'd lay it on the line. Show him flat out that, without a doubt, he's lost you."
Montmorency blinks, intrigued.
"Indeed? Oh, do tell," she says, nodding. "Elaborate, please, Michael. I am intrigued."
Folding my arms and lifting my chin with a confident smirk, I don't even hesitate to go on.
"Simple: stand tall, shoulders square, hands on your hips. Demand the attention. Hell, stomp your foot if you have to. Do what Louise does," I chuckle. "Be brutally honest and direct about how you feel. I like to think it's the only way to be, personally."
Montmorency laughs and playfully bats my arm.
"Michael, you jester. Louise would certainly be beside herself if she heard you saying that about her, were she here."
"Oh, yeah. She's the last person that needs more encouragement for that sort of thing."
A laugh is shared between us and for a while. The young mage and I sit together quietly in contemplation.
I run a hand through my hair, still with that playful smirk, whilst my audience tries her best to calm down from her fit of laughter.
Montmorency leans in and rests her head on my shoulder. I quickly catch a whiff of her exotic floral perfume and am lost in euphoria.
Though I don't know the girl very well, she seems nice enough. Not as bombastic as, say, Kirche, nor as closed-off as Louise. Regardless, I feel she's a good person.
With a sigh, Montmorency regains a sliver of composure and lays a hand upon mine.
"Come now, Michael. Tell me more, won't you?"
She rests her delicate fingers against the side of my palm.
After a moment, she pulls her face away from my shoulder and looks at me.
The gentle glow of the sunset makes the lovely mage's face radiant, despite the concerned frown that puckers her brow.
Our gazes meeting, she gives me a sharp nod and a determined smile.
"More of your advice would be most helpful."
Blinking hard, the sound of wind blowing, I recall sitting on a park bench back home. It's warmest, most nostalgic feeling
Then, snapping back to the moment at hand, I return Montmorency's pretty smile.
"Fresh out on the advice front, I'm afraid," I tell her with a little bow of the head. "What I've got is what I've got."
"I see. Thank you for your help all the same."
Montmorency grins. Her features shine with an untamed purity, the sort matching up with her class and social standing. That being as noble as all heck.
A few moments more pass silently between Montmorency and me.
Then, she nods, as though having made her mind up about something.
"Very well. I understand exactly what I need to do. Perhaps, instead of giving a worded defence, I should show him how I feel through action. Actions do speak so much more than words, don't they?"
Without further ado, she reaches out, gently brushing the hair out of my eyes. The contact causes a bolt of excitement to run straight through me.
Oh boy, she is so good looking. Almost as gorgeous as Anna, only in a different and more upper-class way. Oh yeah, Montmorency's is the sort that demands a guy's respect and devotion.
Both our talk this afternoon and her attitude tell me as much. She deserves it, that I know.
When I focus again, her pretty pink lips have curved into the most inviting smirk I've ever laid eyes on. My heartbeat picks up at the sight of them.
"You seem tense, Michael," Montmorency points out with an alluring tinge to her voice.
"Y-Yeah, just a little," I stammer. "You're sitting pretty close right now, and all."
...Ah, way to go, Mikey. Way to sound like a dick.
Montmorency shimmies in even closer to me and narrows her eyes slightly. A pink blush rises to her cheeks.
"And what of it? This closeness... does it bother you, perchance? Is it off-putting to you?" she says sweetly, her playful gaze casting me into further internal chaos. "Well...?"
Oh... fuck! More unexpected attention. First Siesta and Kirche, now Montmorency, too! God sakes!
Find words, Mikey boy. Find some bloody words!
"Errr... Well... I mean-"
Montmorency cups her hands to my cheeks, forcing me silent. She giggles at my stuttering and smiles.
"Be calm," she instructs me, her voice as sweet as honey. "I simply intend to tell Guiche, as he is likely watching our exchange from behind some nearby corner, that he and I are officially finished." She lets out a quick chuckle. "And I may or may not be doing this for my own satisfaction, also."
She brushes my cheek with one of her thumbs, pulling her face closer to mine. Our lips are just a few inches apart. "Though, I wonder, are you not feeling satisfaction yourself, in turn, Michael? As things stand right now, between you and I, that is."
Ohhhh yeah! I want what Montmorency's offering. Even though I know, without a shred of doubt, that I don't need the hassle that playing into her soft, lotioned hands will bring.
But I have been hurt in the past. Betrayed. And this woman, with her golden hair, rosy lips, and seductive smirk, is uknowningly opening the floodgates to painful memories.
Unfortunately.
Sorrow stabs at me. The sort that springs not from sadness, but agony.
I fight back tears.
Montmorency won't have noticed anything. Though the fact remains that what the blonde mage offers me is still there, openly on display, and a part of me wants it. Badly.
"Just breathe, Michael," Montmorency whispers, trying to soothe me. Her fingernails now comb up and down my cheek in long, tender motions. "What else are you holding back inside?"
"A lot of hurt," I answer. "More than I know how to cope with."
That causes Montmorency to raise her eyebrows. She reaches out and places her hand upon the base of my neck, smiling softly at me.
"And yet, you were kind enough to protect my honour where Guiche would have continued lying to me. For that, you have my deepest respect... and quieted adoration."
"Glad to be of service," I offer stiffly.
"Of course, Michael," Montmorency giggles.
The beautiful mage reaches toward me, taking her hand off of my face and lacing her arm around my waist. She pulls me even closer and then fixes her pretty blue eyes onto me, never blinking once, not even for an instant.
"I have decided." She flashes an inviting smirk, tilting her head sideways. "As a noble, let alone a Tristainian, I desire to return the the kindness you showed me. I will do so softly, however, on account of your fragile heart."
Before I can respond, or even think of a response, Montmorency kisses me full on the lips. Her mouth is delightfully cool and soft. She pulls me in toward her lovingly, wrapping her arms tight around me.
Somewhere off to the side of us, I hear a bewildered yelp. Guiche's yelp.
Montmorency was right. He was watching!
Right now, though, I could not care less.
My body throbs with joy. Euphoria blasts through my heart and I shudder happily. I revel in the genuine care that Montmorency shows for me. Screw the fear!
Still treasuring this moment, I slide both of my arms around the attractive mage's waist. The young girl slides herself away from our kiss and, panting, blushes lovingly at me.
"That should about do it, I think," Montmorency purrs, batting her eyelids flirtatiously. "Are you not finding this enjoyable, also?"
Mouth hanging agape, I nod.
Montmorency smiles tenderly and lets go of my face. She then looks off toward the sound of the yelp from moments before.
I follow her gaze.
Guiche stands, his face going through what seems to be all kinds of different shades of red, ranging from tomato red to beetroot red. He is a mess.
This could not have gone any better. For Montmorency. And me.
I can only guess how crushing it must be to be him. Right in this moment, that is.
Seeing his stunned disbelief makes my heart sing. Sure, Guiche was a bit of a dick to me the first day I met him. Poor Montmorency, though, has endured his mistreatment for a good long while.
Serves him right. No doubt about that.
Swallowing hard, Guiche nods his head. I can't help but grin a little as he turns about and, with the speed of a runaway stagecoach, bolts from the scene.
"You and I are officially no longer a couple, Guiche de Gramont," Montmorency declares boldly and with immense gusto.
"Looks that way to me," I pipe up, rather unhelpfully.
Montmorency holds her head high and flashes a glance my way. There is amusement in her eyes.
"Thank you for seeing this through with me, Michael. I deeply appreciate your service."
"Happy to be of help," I offer her a supportive smile. "And look, not a word of this to Louise, okay?"
Montmorency lightly brushes my cheek with her thumb.
"Your secret is safe with me. Of this, you can rest assured."
Though I do not respond to the now former-girlfriend of Guiche, I offer a smile and a nod to her statement.
"Cool cool. And, on that note, I should probably get back to Louise."
Receiving her nod, I straighten my posture.
"I'll walk back to the dormitories with you," Montmorency offers. "My room is only a short way down the hall from yours and Louise's anyway."
"Works for me," I tell her with a nod.
Getting up from the garden bench, Montmorency offers me a hand and, smiling, I take it. When I am standing, I give her an appreciative look.
"...Thank you, by the way. For being so kind and open-minded this evening," Montmorency utters quietly, still holding my hand. "Most certainly, men here at this academy are not known for being so."
A part of me can't believe what I'm about to say, but on saying it I feel as though I've said a wise thing. Something, maybe, that is not at all stupid and risks making this situation more... colourful.
"Montmorency..."
"Y-Yes, Michael?"
"May I put my arm around you as we walk?"
Blushing furiously, my newly-single companion nods to me gently.
"Yes, if it makes you feel more at ease."
I can't tell if she's doing this genuinely or not. Still, I'm happy enough with her answer.
Now, with Montmorency on one arm, I begin back toward the student dorms. The beautiful mage's cheek rests against my shoulder as the walk commences, one step at a time.
My heart is awash with both warmth and conflicting worry, the latter due to everything I went through with Anna. Not to mention, of course, all the attention I'm getting from various other girls.
That can't continue. For the good of my sanity it can't.
"Gonna have to put an end to all of this this before it goes too far," I whisper, pushing the thought to the back of my mind for now.
Still with Montmorency leaning against my shoulder, I take us both across the Academy's campus, off into the dorms in silence.
...
Montmorency and I walk the second-year corridor together with my arm draped over her shoulder.
About halfway down, we notice Guiche standing outside Louise's room. He and my mistress look to be having some sort of spat. He has his head bowed sullenly and his face is bright red with anger.
"This is your fault, Louise!" the haughty nobleman declares, pointing an accusing finger at the pink-haired girl.
I remove my hand from Montmorency's shoulder and the two of us hurry over to Guiche and Louise.
"He wishes to cast guilt upon me now that I made my feelings clear to him?" Montmorency asks, lips twitching into an angrier scowl.
"Maybe, yeah. Or maybe just drop me into the shit for not getting his way," I assume.
Turning my head back and forth between them and noting how red-faced Louise looks, I can definitely say I'm in the dark about this whole thing.
"...I see," the pink-haired mage huffs. Then, she turns an angry glare my way. "Guiche here tells me you've seduced Montmorency, Michael." Her eyes narrow scornfully. "Explain."
I snap an equally scornful look Guiche's way. "Hey, I haven't-
Montmorency places a finger to my lips and silences me. Then, she steps up to my defence with folded arms and meets gazes with Louise.
"What Guiche claims is not at all true, Louise. Here, allow me to explain. Please."
To this, Louise blows air impatiently through her lips. She then shoots the blonde girl an icy look. "...All I need to know is this: did you kiss my familiar, Montmorency?"
Montmorency looks to be slightly unnerved. She hesitates, stuttering at first.
Then, biting her bottom lip, Montmorency raises her chin haughtily and stares down Louise as the confrontation heats up.
"I did, in fact. Though I had a very good reason for it, Louise."
Her blunt admission really comes as something of a shock. If I'm honest, I half expect Louise to scream in the noblegirl's face on hearing it.
Instead, she seems to hold her anger back. Louise lowers her brow and sighs tensely.
"What good reason could there possibly be for such a deed?" Louise grunts.
If her goal is to keep her nose high, well, Montmorency does an amazing job of it. Lifting her head haughtily, the blonde stares her pink-haired friend squarely in the eye, chin jutting confidently forward.
"That is mine and Michael's business alone, I'm afraid, Louise. You will simply have to trust me."
I get why Montmorency's standing her ground. If Guiche figures out all of this was planned, then the whole thing becomes pointless. Shit, he might even continue bothering her.
Louise's eyes bulge and her jaw drops. She seems so aghast at Montmorency's response that she lacks the ability to form words.
"I-I want all three of you out of my doorway this instant!" she shrieks eventually, shuddering ragefully. "Now, before I lose my temper even more!"
Pursing my lips, I shoot Louise my most unimpressed look. The feeling fades swiftly though, seeing how upset the poor girl is. All I can in the end is hang my head and sigh.
"...It isn't like you and I are together or anything, Louise," I say under my breath.
Montmorency steps closer to Louise. Her piercing blue eyes hold the smaller girl in place.
"Louise, there no need for you to get so upset about something this trivial. After all, my intentions toward Michael here were far from malicious," Montmorency explains earnestly.
"T-Trivial? Trivial!" Guiche snaps, his eyes wide with bewilderment. "What in the world is trivial about you allowing some grubby commoner to claim your lips, my dear Montmorency?!"
"Oy! Shut your mouth right now, Guiche," I hiss threateningly through my teeth. "That's no way to talk to a lady. Especially one you supposedly can't leave the heck alone!"
"I don't care to hear further bickering right now!" Louise snaps sharply. She grabs everyone's attention in a hurry. The girl's face is like fire right now, pure scarlet. I can only guess she is moments away from imploding. "All three of you just... just leave!"
Montmorency ducks out of the way first, a stern look of defiance set upon her fine-featured face. She shakes her head disappointedly.
"Very well, then. I shall take my leave. Michael, you may come with me if you so wish."
I look between her and the smouldering Louse, then nod.
"Yeah, alright. I'll stick with you."
"Perhaps if the likes of him, a commoner, simply stay away from esteemed aristocrats like us for good, we'll be able to find happiness, Montmorency," Guiche utters hatefully under his breath. Just loud enough for the girl he desires to hear.
And for doing so, Montmorency swings around and cracks a hand across his cheek.
It's a hard strike. One delivered with all the force of the blonde noble's enraged fury. Guiche blinks in surprise for a moment or two, his cheek stinging from where he got slapped.
Then, hurt pooling in his eyes, the nobleman turns tail and runs off down the corridor. His strides are quick, agitated things. Full of rage and humiliation.
When he disappears, Louise looks between Montmorency and I, sighs so very painfully, and closes her door.
A part of me wants to follow her inside and talk all of this through.
I know I can't, though. Not while she's angry like this. No matter how noble the efforts, it'll inevitably backfire.
Turning from the door, I give Montmorency a glassy smile.
She nods and blushes back at me. Her pink cheeks feel oddly warming to me, too.
"...Are you still coming, Michael?"
Though my gaze lingers in the direction of Louise's room, I nod and move out.
"Sure. Think the last thing Louise wants is to talk right now."
Montmorency offers me I hand. I take it. Then, smiling weakly, she leads me along down the corridor.
"You may sleep in my room tonight if you'd like," Montmorency offers, her cheeks pinkening at the suggestion. "So you have somewhere comfortable to rest."
I let the awkwardness of this entire afternoon wash over me. After this morning and last night's events, it feels like a lifetime has passed since then.
With another uncertain and tired exhale, I chuckle at Montmorency's offer, a fragile smile.
"Yeah... fine by me. I'm exhausted at this point."
And then, still with the blonde girl's hand in mine, I follow her toward her room.
Anything, to escape this chaotic, exhausting day.
To be continued...
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