Right after the duel with Saito, I decided to have a little conversation with Siesta while we were taking a walk in the courtyard. We talked about different matters. Apparently, the commoner comes from a village called Tarbes, located north of the academy. Her family educated her and sent her here so as not to make her work as a peasant like her ancestors. What caught my attention, however, was the story about her great-grandfather, who appeared in the village one day out of nowhere. The man came from a faraway place and his name, foreign, has similarities to Saito's. "Perhaps it is worthwhile to travel to that village left by the Founder's hand and ask its inhabitants about Siesta's ancestor."

Before we said goodbye, I told her the situation about my hair. Fortunately and to my delight, she informed me that Marteau, the chef, is an expert in the art of scalping and passing the blade. It is he who is in charge of cutting the hair of the commoners. On more than one occasion, needy nobles with little patience for riding for the sole purpose of grooming themselves have requested the chef's help. I asked Siesta to warn Marteau that the evening before the Familiar's Day test I would go to the kitchens to request his services. And that I would pay for it if necessary. The young woman hesitated about the decision I had made to pay for a service within the academy, but I made it clear to her that Marteau is a chef, not a barber; and that I am not a commoner working for this institution. I accepted no retorts and she politely took her leave.

I currently find myself walking the lower corridors of the main tower of the academy, where commoners reside and perform jobs not usually seen. Some are surprised by my presence, since only Siesta, Marteau and perhaps his assistants know the reason for my visit. Most move out of my way and offer me a bow by way of greeting; others are too busy with their chores to pay attention to me, which is understandable, especially given what will happen tomorrow. The kitchen door was ajar. A small number of people could be heard talking inside. I knocked on the wood several times to alert my presence. The conversations did not stop, but a male voice sounded above the rest.

–Go ahead!

I obeyed instantly and crossed the threshold of the door. On the other side, in the spacious kitchen, which is just as homely as I remembered it, stood a number of people. Marteau, the tallest and largest of the group, smiled as soon as he saw me. His assistants all bowed in unison. They returned to their chores. The man approached my position.

–But if it isn't the young man who gave aid to the Sword of the Plebeians! Welcome!

He greeted me effusively, punching my left arm carelessly. His very worldly attitude, not at all suitable for dealing with someone of my position, elicited a sincere smile from me. "Sometimes overlooking protocol isn't a bad thing either." He placed a hand on my back and directed me to a more central area within the cabin. He picked up two stools from the floor and placed them between us. He sat down without saying anything.

–What was your name? I'm very bad at these things.

–Alessandro.

–Very well, Alessandro. Siesta told me that I have to make you as good as new for tomorrow.

I chuckled at his simplicity. I imitated his gesture.

–I'd like to keep a good part of my hair, actually.

–Relax, son! I've been trimming many people's hair for years, from the elderly to children. Although, if I'm honest, It's going to be a shame to cut it off. You're one of the few who don't look like a stupid feathered kid.

On this occasion, I let out a small laugh.

–The trip from Romalia has been a long one. I'd rather not look like this on any other occasion anytime soon.

The chef understood my position and sat up.

–Very good!

He began to rummage through the kitchen, looking at each cupboard carefully. The rest of the servants continued with their tasks as if I didn't exist, though taking special care when they passed me. Only one of them stopped to watch me. Specifically at my sword-catalyst. I smiled and pulled the cloak aside so that he could fully contemplate it. After a few minutes, the chef emitted a sound of victory.

–Here they are!

All of us present focused our attention on him because of his tone. It even scared me a little. He walked over to a place where they have dozens of dishes stacked next to the wall and opened a kind of tool belt. He began to wash these.

–I wash them every time I finish one job and at the beginning of another. Especially if it's a noble. It wouldn't be nice if one of your female companions found a hair of a different color on your clothes or collar, would it?

His comment threw me off guard. However, there was no blush on my cheeks, only a slight sense of discomfort born of the lack of trust between us. I settled back in my chair and smiled as best I could.

–I think it's still too early to talk about these things.

I replied, trying not to look in his direction. "Besides, I'm not particularly popular with women. It's not something I'm worried about either." The image of a certain young woman with dark hair and pale skin popped into my mind. "Francesca..." I sighed. The chef seemed to take notice of the situation. He began drying the utensils.

–You are right. Changing the subject, how have you and the other young man been doing these days? Any recent confrontations with another student?

He asked in a humorous tone. I breathed a sigh of relief at the change of subject. "Evidently, Siesta's departure and subsequent return will have raised doubts among the servants. I don't know to what extent she will have told them what happened. I trust her enough to know that she will not mention the matter of the dinner between the Count and me." Remembering that affair put me on alert and tensed my body. I tried to push away the thought that I might be executed and refocused on the conversation.

–For my part, no. If there are no familiars who need my sword to fight, I try to keep the forms and protocol.

I replied in the same tone he had previously used. I continued while Marteau finished with the preparations for the shave.

–Saito has decided to settle down at last, or so it seems.

–A pity. It doesn't hurt for those kids to be reminded that they're ordinary human beings from time to time.

I shrugged by way of reply. "I don't mean to sound stupid, but this man seems to have forgotten his social standing. It's true that I don't act like a high born fool, but I'm still a noble. And if, for some reason, it occurs to me to denounce the words that have just come out of his mouth, Marteau could be in trouble." Once he had finished with the preparations, he picked up a tablecloth and dropped it on the stool on which he had previously sat.

–Let's begin...

Later that evening, I sat in my desk chair reflecting on what had happened this week and certainly nervous about tomorrow's test given its public nature. "Marteau has done an excellent job. There is not a single hair out of place. My hair is back to its original shape from before the trip, although it is now improved in shape." I took a quick look around the room that has become my new home for almost a month now. "Time flies." Everything remained in its place, including my familiar, which was lying at the foot of the bed, her favorite spot. I smiled, "It seems to me that we have practiced enough to deliver. The combined number of my Water spells with her, I must admit, impressive agility for the sedentary pace of life she leads will please the faculty and, with any luck, the tristanian court. Anäis is neither a wind dragon nor an igneous salamander. Much less a human being, but she will stand up for herself. Especially if she's going to give a little speech she has prepared as she told me earlier. Yes, everything will be fine." I sat up and blew out the lit candle on the table.

–Tomorrow is the big day, Anäis.

–"You must sleep now, Alessandro. You've given the matter enough thought."

She enunciated nonchalantly. I positioned myself beside the bed and prepared to accept her advice.

The next day, all the students, teachers and staff of the academy were gathered in the front courtyard after breakfast. The weather was still unsettled, but by some miracle there were no storm clouds on the horizon. The dew was resting softly on the grass. The students stood in classes on either side of the path connecting the entrance of the academy to the large gate of the main tower. Louise, Saito, whom my classmate allowed the, and I quote, 'luxury of attending the reception ceremony', and I stood halfway between the row of teachers in front of the main building and the archway leading into the grounds.

My hands were certainly shaking, and not because of the cold. The familiars were all waiting together in a sort of enclosure built behind a makeshift stage, made expressly for the test. "It looks more like a play, though. And I, despite what it might seem, am not a good actor". I thought. The image of a certain cat occupied my mind as the first members of the royal entourage crossed the entrance in their carriages alongside the palace's personal guard. "Anäis, for the love of the Founder, today is not the day to act like an overbearing fool. I beg you." Saito carefully watched everything that was going on around him.

–How cool... I've never met a princess before.

–Neither have I. It's a real honor.

I added as I smiled trying to ease the tension. Louise nudged her familiar. He let out a groan.

–This is no time to be rude, you idiot! Act carelessly and you'll find out what's good.

Both the boy and I looked at each other and shook our heads. At that very moment, one of the knights stopped in mid-step and two others blew their trumpets in unison.

–Tristain Academy of Magic, her majesty, Queen Henrietta, has arrived!

And they continued on their way. The royal carriage was much more decorated than the rest. A crown protruded from the top. Its purple and gold tones would make it an easy target in case of an assault. Four white unicorns pulled it briskly. The vehicle stopped in front of the line of teachers, Principal Osmond and his secretary. A maid climbed down from the front and went diligently to open the beautifully decorated carriage door. Out of it came, first of all, another woman, older and similarly dressed.

Then my eyes, as well as those of all present, were fixed on the young woman who appeared on the scene next. With the help of the aforementioned maid, she climbed down from the carriage with a smile on her face. Her gray eyes amazed the students in our row. Saito and I opened our mouths like idiots. Queen Henrietta waved kindly in our direction. Her features are beautiful. Her smile could steal anyone's heart. Her delicacy is commendable. Her hair, magenta, shines brightly. The crown on her head and an elegant gown denoted her royal status. A murmur began to be heard in the crowd. Most of what I could hear were compliments to the queen's physique. "She looks like any other teenager. However, there is something about her that makes her special. And I don't just mean her status or good manners." The knights quickly surrounded her majesty to protect her from non-existent danger. Louise smiled with delight.

–She is beautiful!

Saito mentioned loudly.

–Keep quiet! Such crude remarks are disrespectful.

–There is nothing wrong with his words, Louise. The queen is very beautiful. To deny it would be considered blasphemy.

I said, still entranced by what I had just witnessed. The familiar thanked me for my support with a knowing smile. The tristanian continued to be excited by the presence of her majesty. The queen walked elegantly to stand in front of the faculty. They bowed the knee in unison.

–I apologize for the delay, Mr. Osmond.

He raised his head.

–There is no need to apologize, your majesty. We were eagerly awaiting your arrival. We are eternally grateful for your attendance at the Familiar's Day examination.

–I am very much looking forward to witnessing this year's examination with my own eyes. It will be a wonderful event, I am sure of it.

The queen's soft voice echoed in my head for the next few minutes. "If the opportunity arises, I would love to cross words with her on occasion." A goofy smile had taken over my face since the door of the royal carriage opened. Still, some of the nervousness remained. As soon as we were dispersed, the sophomores were instructed to head to the back of the stage for a final chat with our familiars to make sure they were in perfect condition. Louise tried to see that Saito remembered everything he had to do and say throughout his performance.

–Are you clear on that?

Louise said.

–Don't worry. I can fulfill four orders. I'm not an imbecile, you know?

The little girl turned around and faced him in annoyance.

–Well, your attitude so far proves just the opposite!

While they were arguing, I searched incessantly for my familiar among the crowd of animals. I spotted Anäis's small body leaning next to Tabitha's dragon.

–Sorry, I must make sure there are no last minute incidents. I'll see you after the exam. Best of luck.

I smiled kindly. Saito imitated my gesture. Louise sighed.

–Good luck, Alessandro. At least you don't have an undisciplined familiar.

Her comment elicited a worried chuckle from me. I moved quickly past the students and their familiars.

–You have no idea how wrong you are.

I whispered. As soon as I reached Anäis, she turned her head in my direction.

–"So you were there, dear."

–I'm the one who should be saying that sentence, don't you think?

The cat laughed haughtily.

–"If a cat has to explain to you what to say in every situation, I predict a very dark future for you, Alessandro."

I crouched down beside her. Her blue eyes met mine.

–Listen, Anäis. Today is an important day for me. We have practiced very hard and I don't doubt your word but please, don't spoil it.

The little cat raised her paws and stretched out with her tail held high. She yawned.

–"I never break my word, child. If I promised I'd leave you all with your mouths open, that's what I'll do. Now we must move on. Too many people for my taste."

She indicated me by way of order. She marched off to an area farther away from the space set aside for the relatives. I sighed. Then, I realized that all our conversation had been overheard by a certain blue-haired girl, who was inexpressively observing my situation with her dragon.

–Go-Good Luck.

I commented aloud somewhat embarrassed. She didn't even flinch. I walked quickly to stand next to my familiar. She sat down on her hind legs and took a good look around.

–"Behold the human race, the dominant species on the planet, subjugating some poor little animals to act as if they were a carnival attraction. Pathetic."

She began to speak with a certain sting in her words. I looked at her dumbfounded. I gripped the knob of the Storm Ruler tightly.

–Anäis, please, I beg you, don't do something crazy. Not in front of everyone. My honor and academic future are at stake in this exam.

–"And I thought you would be more concerned about the welfare of your life partner than a simple test. You disappoint me, Alessandro."

She sentenced like a disappointed mother. I was about to scold her, but then the trumpets announced the start of the contest. A voice was raised on the stage, although we sophomores couldn't see who it was.

–It's time to start the test! The students have been chosen in random order so as not to favor anyone! Each student has five minutes to try to impress the audience by performing a number with his or her familiar! This year, we also have the presence of Her Majesty Queen Henrietta de Tristain! Let's give her a round of applause!

The audience suddenly went wild. This made me even more nervous. "Calm down, Alessandro. Everything will be fine. Trust your familiar." I watched her. She was licking her hindquarters. "Who am I kidding. Let's get this over with as soon as possible. With any luck I'll have been one of the first and so, as my fellow colleagues go through their performances, they'll soon forget about me." The presenter continued speaking as soon as the audience calmed down a bit.

–Well, first of all we have a young lady from Germania itself! A round of applause for Miss Kirche Von Anhalt Zerbst!

The aforementioned smiled confidently. She ordered her igneous salamander to the stage with her head held high. "On top of that she is the first one! Founder, give me patience."

After the spectacular ovation Tabitha and her familiar received for a superb performance, it's Louise and Saito's turn. They made their way to the stage. The boy looked calm, but she was a bundle of nerves. Even more so than me. "Saito, for your own sake, don't act brainless." Anäis started bouncing on my legs trying to get my attention. I looked at her somewhat surprised.

–Yes?

–"I expect to receive a considerable reward after how hard I've worked this week to please four nobles."

She enunciated as she purred. I crouched down beside her. I gently stroked her back.

–Tonight, if all goes as planned, you will dine like a queen, okay?

The cat paused.

–"I'm glad to hear you're beginning to know your familiar, dear."

Meanwhile, Louise's voice could be heard from time to time on the other side of the stage. The audience couldn't stop laughing. I raised my eyebrows with some pity. "Poor thing." Two minutes later, I watched from the opposite uphill side for the young woman and her partner. She suddenly accelerated once she reached the grass. Saito followed her worriedly. The trumpets announced who would be the new student to be examined. "So far about half of the second year students will have passed." The presenter's voice became loud amidst the, still, dwindling laughter of the audience.

–Now it's the turn of another young foreigner! Romalia is a long way away, so let's give this boy a round of applause to make him feel at home! Alessandro Serevare!

I opened my eyes like saucers. I gulped.

–"The time has come."

Anäis said. I didn't answer. I began the walk to the stage in silence. She followed me proudly, walking with her tail held high. The audience began to applaud. "You can do it, Alessandro. It's five minutes and you've practiced enough to put on a good show. Trust yourself and your familiar." I repeated this over and over in my head to convince myself. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath once I reached the first step of the stage.

–Let's go.

I opened my eyes. Within seconds I was in front of a crowd of students, teachers and nobles. Principal Osmond and Queen Henrietta were seated in a special tent, surrounded by Henrietta's personal guard. The second-year students who had already performed stood in the back rows. I could make out Kirche and Guiche, both of whom stood out physically above the rest, especially the former. I smiled as best I knew how and made a slight bow. I sat up without losing my smile and, after clearing my voice, I started with the number.

–My name is Alessandro Serevare. As it has been well said I come from Romalia. However, you have not been gathered here to listen to me, but to my companion. To that end, I will let her be the one to introduce herself personally.

The last part of my introduction surprised some of those present and caught their attention. I stepped back a bit from Anäis to allow her the space she needed. For the next few seconds nothing happened. The cat remained sitting on her hind legs, waiting for something to happen. "What the hell are you doing, Anäis!?" I laughed wryly and returned to my original position.

–She doesn't seem to be very talkative today. Her name is Anäis and her skill with rhetoric is worthy of the best philosophers, I assure you. Now, we will regale you with an act we have been hard at work on for the past few weeks.

I lied through my teeth, but appearance is all that matters at this point. I firmly unsheathed Storm Ruler. Although I obviously carry a sword at my belt, the queen's personal guard and the occasional court noble were impatient at this point. Rather than let that distract me, I directed my way to a vase placed there by some servant at my request. "Now is not the time to get the spell wrong, Alessandro." I raised the blade and exclaimed the correct words in a whisper. The container began to shake slightly and a stream of water levitated out of it, like a snake listening to the right melody. With several flicks of the wrist, I managed to get the stream to do some pirouette in the air around me.

Anäis did not even deign to look in my direction. She remained in the same position as she had been since the beginning of the act. I started to get really impatient, which was not good for my social anxiety. Despite everything, I managed to shape the water stream correctly and got it into position. "Anäis, for the love of the Founder, obey for once." Seconds passed and suddenly, instead of moving as I expected, she started licking her hindquarters, to put it mildly. That provoked a general guffaw in the audience, especially among the students. I felt an unusual warmth flood my cheeks. I opened my mouth slightly and tried to pull myself together, but by now I was blocked. The water was about to hit the floor. Then, thanks to some miracle, I managed to keep my type and gave my familiar another chance to resume the number.

–A-Anäis, I promise…

-"I guess that will do it..."

Mentioned the one indicated. The audience stopped their comments and laughter and focused on the stage. However, the center of attention was not me, but a small animal with very bad intentions. The familiar sat up on its hind legs and took a quick glance at those present. She shook her head and made a disapproving sound.

–"You humans are fascinating creatures. Despite not possessing any special abilities of your own, you are the dominant species in the world. However, that makes you closed-minded, weak in body and causes you to underestimate everything around you. I really feel very sorry for you."

The faces of those in the audience, including Queen Henrietta and Director Osmond, were a poem. For most of her little speech I prayed to the Founder internally that only I would be listening to her, but that possibility had vanished as quickly as my dignity. I stood stunned from head to toe, not quite knowing what to say or do. Anäis continued speaking as if it were nothing.

–"If you are such intelligent creatures as my master here tires to admit, why should we familiars, such brilliant, powerful and diligent beings, perform an entertainment for people whose coffers are full of money and their brains empty? Clearly, a circus contest set up to compare our skills seems like a bad idea, don't you think?"

And she laughed in that tone of superiority that drives me so out of my mind. Silence reigned in the Tristain Academy of Magic as we mere mortals waited for her, the only creature capable of speaking at such a moment, to continue. Something incorporeal caused my body to move only in her direction. I sheathed Storm Ruler. The levitating water had long since been drying on the wood of the stage.

–"To you, we are nothing more than..."

At that very instant, I held her small body with both hands and lifted her up until she was level with my chest, causing her to shut up once and for all. I placed her under my left arm. I bowed my head in complete humiliation by way of apology and accompanied the gesture with a regretful movement of my right hand.

–I-I'm so sorry. I assure you none of this was planned. Now, if you'll excuse us.

And I practically ran out of the place. I almost tripped going down the stairs to the stage. Once we reached the boundary of the front courtyard with one of the corridors linking it to one of the towers flanking the perimeter, I carelessly set her down. She did not complain.

–Tonight, you and I are going to have a very serious conversation about that haughty attitude of yours.

We crossed the threshold of the corridor and I sat down dejectedly on one of the benches inside. I made sure there was not a single soul in the vicinity and clenched my fists tightly.

–Why can't anything go right for me!? Founder, I understand that sometimes penance is necessary, but how much longer do you plan to make me live under such humiliating conditions?

–"Listen, dear. When I told you I was going to leave you with your mouths open, I wasn't lying."

–Be quiet! You've talked enough for today.

Out of nowhere, a deafening roar alarmed us, especially me. The ground shook under our feet. I instantly sat up and tried to locate the source of the sound. "It didn't seem to be coming from the front yard, so..." After that accurate guess, a shout confirmed my suspicions.

–Saito!

Exclaimed a female voice that I recognized instantly. I ran out in her direction and stopped as soon as I left the safety of the corridor. "It can't be..." My eyes widened like saucers. A gigantic earth golem occupied much of the landscape. I looked it up and down. What most caught my attention about it, however, was not its size, but that it held a person prisoner in its right hand. "Of course, they had to be involved." I cursed inwardly and hesitated about how to act next.

–Louise, run away!

Said the boy loudly. My body did not move due to the terror emanating from the situation. "I can't challenge such an opponent without prior preparation. The mage who summoned him must be Triangular level at the very least. We're in trouble." I gritted my teeth.

–"What's wrong with you Alessandro? Aren't you going to try to save your friends? I thought you loved to act like a hero."

Anäis's words echoed in my head. Unfortunately, I had lost sight of her little body a while ago. "I have to help them but… How? What can I do?" I started looking in all directions looking for the best time and way to act. "Think, Alessandro!" Then, Louise raised her wand in the direction of the enemy.

–What the fuck are you doing? Run away at once!

–Let go of Saito!

The little girl closed her eyes and began to recite an incantation.

–It's no use!

A third person exclaimed, which completely threw me off balance. "Who has...?" The voice came from the automaton's head, but from my position I could barely see anything but the gigantic block of earth it had for an upper body. Louise recited the words of the spell, but instead of the desired effect, an explosion was generated next to the wall of the main building of the academy, disorienting the golem and its creator.

–W-What kind of spell was that?

Asked in a mocking tone the same voice as before. "A woman?" Over the next few seconds a series of events occurred too suddenly for me to assimilate the situation clearly. The golem attacked again, trying to strike Louise with its left fist. The tristanian looked terrified and couldn't move a muscle.

–Get out of there!

Saito shouted, completely helpless in the face of the situation. "I must intervene!" I gulped and ran without a second thought, unsheathing Storm Ruler along the way. I cast a quick glance towards the fountain next to the chapel and raised my catalyst in its direction. I whispered the appropriate words and the water shot out to where Louise and the enemy were standing. The creature's fist rushed towards my companion.

–Water Veil!

A wall of water of some thickness stood between the girl and the golem's clenched fist, partially stopping the blow. Fortunately, my spell caused the spell's creator to startle, causing it to freeze in mid-stride. The student, who closed her eyes while awaiting a terrible fate, slowly opened them after a while.

–Alessandro!

–What the hell?

Exclaimed the aggressor. I stood next to my companion and undid the wall of water, though it still remained in the air without form thanks to my catalyst.

–A-Alessandro, what are you doing here?

Asked a completely helpless Louise. I smiled from the bottom of my heart and faced the enemy.

–Helping in any way I can, as always.