The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Anäis and I had a quiet chat before lunch. I explained to her exactly what happened during the mission to retrieve the Staff of Destruction. She quite rightly scolded me for the decision making I executed, especially for my, as she likes to mention, uncontrollable tongue. Due to my deplorable physical state, I asked my familiar to tell Siesta to bring us several dishes from the menu so that the two of us could eat alone. The girl was extremely worried about me, but I reassured her that I just needed to rest. I thanked the Founder for the moment, as we hardly said a word to each other.
Once the meal was rested, I slept for almost four hours, waking up just forty-five minutes before the party started. I cursed under my breath as soon as I got out of bed, wishing I could stay in bed until tomorrow. After washing up, I began to get dressed. The wound on my temple had healed perfectly, although, if I ran my hand over the area, a stinging discomfort was noticeable. I opened the closet and contemplated the gala clothes that I had ordered the servants to place in the trunks before leaving Romalia. I gripped the doors of the cabinet tightly. A series of images popped into my head. "Francesca..." The outfit, dark brown and very much the style of the capital, was not ideal for this time of year, but then again, it's not as if Tristain's spring was anything like my country's either. I gently caressed the coat I would wear over my shirt. Despite its dreary tone, the shapes of it denoted that its wearer belonged to the high nobility. "Vittorio has always liked this kind of clothing. At the time I didn't thank him enough for giving me a piece of such quality."
Minutes later, with the outfit complete, I slipped on a pair of leather boots made for such situations. I stood in front of the mirror and, although I didn't consider myself a particularly handsome young man, I admitted that, for tonight, I would show my more masculine side. I smiled proudly. After staring at myself for almost a minute, I felt that something was missing. I ran a hand through my hair. "Of course." I walked next to the bed and noticed that Anäis was sleeping soundly. I sketched a half smile. "Then I'll ask Siesta to bring her some dinner." From one of the drawers of the coquette in which I keep assorted utensils I obtained an airtight container. "How long has it been since I've used hair grease?" I stood in front of the mirror again and began to comb my hair. After pinning this back, leaving my perfectly healed forehead in the air, I washed my hands in the bathroom. Once the preparations were finished, I realized that the party was about to begin. Before leaving the room, I closed my eyes and sighed. I remembered what had happened since the beginning of the year.
–My life had changed radically in just a few months.
I smiled in excitement and opened my eyelids. "I miss Romalia, but Tristain isn't bad either." And with that thought I headed to the ballroom in the central tower of the academy.
Once I reached my destination I was in awe of the place. I opened my mouth like a little boy the first time he enters a Romalian church. Crystal chandeliers, a ceiling worked with marvelous paintings, balconies whose windows were decorated with garlands... Luxury, as well as food and drink, abounded everywhere. At times, the image of the ballroom of the Romalia Academy of Magic appeared in my mind. I tried to avoid that line of thought by shaking my head slightly. "Alessandro, you should enjoy yourself today. You deserve it."
When I looked up, one of the guests powerfully caught my attention because of his attire. "Always standing out." I smiled in relief thanks to his presence. I walked in his direction and noticed he was talking to someone. Once I got close enough, I slowly stopped my steps. The servant noticed this. Her surprise was great when she looked me up and down with a certain impudence.
–Good evening, Siesta. Saito.
I politely introduced myself. The boy turned around and, before answering, his gesture became the same as Siesta's, although in a much more restrained way.
–Alessandro.
The maid reacted and made an exaggerated bow.
–Excuse my manners, my lord. Good evening.
She raised her head and I began to feel uncomfortable. "Siesta, precisely here you should not treat me any differently." The little girl continued speaking after giving me one of her smiles.
–If you'll allow me the compliment, that outfit suits you very well.
I nodded.
–Thank you.
I turned to the young man.
–Saito, if you had asked me, I would have lent you something more... Suitable for the occasion.
The familiar took a look at himself and shook his hand.
–It's not necessary. I'd rather be comfortable than look like an idiot. No offense. Besides, your clothes would probably be a bit too big for me.
His comment brought a chuckle from me. Siesta made another slight bow.
–If you'll excuse me, I must get back to my chores. I hope you enjoy your evening.
–Siesta.
I caught her attention before she withdrew. She stood ready.
–When you have a moment, take some food to Anäis. She is currently sleeping in my room.
–Yes, my lord.
And with that she left, without even giving me time to thank her, quickly disappearing among the students. Saito and I started walking towards one of the balconies. Once we stepped outside, the boy leaned carelessly on the marble railing with his back against it, placing his elbows on it. He took a deep breath.
–I've been here for fifteen minutes and I want to get out right now.
–You don't like parties that much?
The familiar averted his gaze. "He doesn't look like his usual self." After a moment of silence, Saito continued speaking.
–Louise made me promise to stay here all night if I want to receive something as a reward for this morning's mission.
Then, his eyes met mine.
–I don't belong here, Alessandro. The only thing I would like to happen is to wake up one day and go back to my room at home in Japan.
He stopped suddenly. He seemed to want to keep talking. We held each other's gaze for several seconds. "Saito..." I tried to empathize with him as best I could under the circumstances.
–You know I understand you better than anyone else here even though our circumstances are very different. Your situation as a familiar is not the best, that's for sure. However, I recall that you yourself mentioned some time ago that you were not too happy with your life in Japan. Am I wrong?
The boy thought about what he had just said. He shook his head.
–No, I wasn't, but this is exaggerated. I've gone from living a normal life to facing a magical thief who can summon stone golems. To top it off, I've used a rocket launcher like it was nothing.
He expressed himself with the help of his arms. I assimilated the situation.
–It is clear that what happened to Fouquet is not something that happens every day. It was too much for me too. Still...
I put a hand on his left shoulder and smiled.
–Let's try to make the most of tonight. We deserve it.
I said with conviction. The young man sighed. Then, the band members stopped playing, something that caught the attention of everyone present. One voice rose above the rest.
–The daughter of the Duke de la Vallière, Miss Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière, makes her appearance.
The introduction took us by surprise, ending our conversation instantly. We walked back inside the ballroom. As soon as the tristanian entered our field of vision, we both opened our mouths like idiots. She was wearing a beautiful white dress with light pink ruffles that enhanced her petite figure. Her hair, pulled back almost all the way in a ponytail, shone brightly thanks to the jewels that decorated it. She kept her eyes fixed straight ahead, ignoring everyone who crossed her path. As the young woman walked slowly towards the center of the room, Saito addressed me.
–Is that Louise?
–It is indeed.
Once Louise, who had rightfully earned the stares of all the men present, reached her destination, she turned to the right, in our direction. I snapped out of my astonishment and smiled. I nudged my companion to get him to react as well. As soon as the tristanian woman stood in front of us, her eyes and Saito's met. Saito was petrified. I quickly realized that I was not part of this equation, so, keeping my smile on my face, I bowed.
–Miss Vallière.
Louise returned the gesture.
–Alessandro.
My eyes shifted to the familiar.
–Remember my advice, Saito.
And with that I said goodbye to both of them.
The band returned to their craft playing a pleasant melody. Louise and Saito began to dance in the center of the hall. While they, and many other students, enjoyed the evening together, I made my way alone to one of the tables laden with food and drink. "I guess a glass of wine will do my system a favor." I ordered one of the servants present to pour me what I desired. Once ready, I nodded at his bow by way of thanks. I took a long drink. After setting the bowl down on the table, I savored the contents of the bowl carefully. I grimaced. "Too light. A wine like this would never match the ones from my homeland." I swallowed and weighed the idea of pouring myself another glass. "Be careful, Alessandro. It's been many hours since the last meal."
–My my, if it isn't the boy who speaks with swords.
The voice of a certain someone brought me out of my thoughts. I turned my gaze to her, standing right behind me. Before answering, I froze at what was in front of my eyes. Kirche was wearing an elegant purple dress, which left little to the imagination. It enhanced her voluptuous figure. Her hair, gathered in a ponytail similar to Louise's but much more unruly, made her stand out from the rest of the women present. Accompanying the ensemble was her characteristic charming smile, one that she has only given me on three occasions so far. I reacted before the situation became awkward and, instead of responding directly, a sigh came out of my mouth. I looked at her visible eye with mines.
–You are aware that I have a name, right?
The germanian woman took a step forward, seeking to get away from a group of men at her back.
–Yes? And what is it? Because I don't think we've had a chance to formally introduce ourselves yet.
She replied in a playful tone. I took in the situation instantly. "She's testing me, again. I guess I'll play along as I've always done so far. Let's see where this takes me." Kirche's dark skin was grateful for the contrast provided by the crystal lamps above us. She was definitely glowing. I tried not to be intimidated by the situation and gave a half-smile before continuing to speak.
–True. My name is Alessandro. Nice to meet you.
I bowed slightly. She imitated me without a hint of mockery.
–You may call me Kirche. The pleasure is all mine.
We both let out a chuckle. "I wonder what must have made her change her attitude towards me, but I prefer this version of it." Silence fell between us. Without warning, the young woman folded her arms and shot me a look laden with sensuality.
–Well, A-le-ssan-dro, do you want to dance?
She proposed after pronouncing my name with her characteristic germanian accent. A shiver ran down my spine because of her tone. My body suddenly tensed.
–M-Me?
I stammered in reply. Kirche waited for me to continue speaking. I swallowed.
–It's been a few months since the last…
Out of nowhere, she grabbed my right hand, leaving me completely speechless. She continued to smile since our gazes had first met.
–I've heard that you romalians are experts when it comes to dancing in pairs, and I want to make sure of it. Let's go.
She pulled me toward the center of the room. We walked past the group of admirers my unexpected dance partner had behind her as we chatted, all of whom gave us looks of disbelief. I didn't understand anything that was happening for different reasons. "Her explanation is too vague. Where does this sudden interest in my person come from? Kirche and I have hardly spent moments alone together, at least until today. No doubt about it: women are a mystery."
Once we reached her desired destination, the young woman faced me. My nerves began to surface. I tried to calm myself down as best I could, but the situation was not conducive. Between the attention we had received from some students, the fear of making a mistake with the dance steps and Kirche's imposing presence, I decided to let myself go and let her take the lead. "I find it hard to believe that you asked me to dance so suddenly just to check if I'm doing it right. What are you planning, Kirche Von Zerbst?" A part of me was trying to normalize what was happening. "It's really not that strange, is it? A beautiful, intelligent young woman has asked me to dance. Yeah, right..."
The musicians began to play a slower tune. The germanian woman rested her right hand on my left shoulder decisively. She joined her other hand with mine. As soon as our palms came into contact, and despite the fact that she was wearing delicate silk gloves, my body temperature suddenly increased. I decided to accompany the moment by placing my free hand on her side, something that pleased her since she took a quick glance at the area without losing her smile. "Don't spoil it, Alessandro."
Our eyes met and Kirche brought her body closer to mine without actually brushing against each other. This caused me to blush and half-open my mouth in surprise. The difference in height was ideal to allow both of us to carry each other if the situation called for it. Our dance began. Initially, I tried not to make a mistake and kept up with the rhythm.
–Tell me, Alessandro, do you like the academy?
She asked me in an attempt to lighten the mood. I nodded shyly.
–Yes, I liked the change of scenery.
–I see.
The young woman stared at my bust.
–A lot has happened since the school year began. Coincidentally, all of them involve you, Louise and Saito. Some people think you're freaks. But I, who have seen what you are capable of, have my own opinion about it.
I nodded again, not sure how to respond to her statement. We spent a long time in silence, dancing together but making it clear who was enjoying the moment and who wasn't. "I'm too nervous. It's a matter of seconds before I make a mistake and everything goes wrong." I made a somewhat sudden decision and spoke again.
–Listen, Kirche. Wouldn't you rather dance with other guys who are much less insecure than I am?
Instead of answering immediately, she looked up. She smiled slightly.
–What have you heard about Kirche, the 'Fervent'?
The change of subject threw me off balance. I was completely at her mercy. My response was pathetic given the situation. I faltered as I tried to articulate.
–W-Well, some things.
–Bad or good?
Our eyes met again. Suddenly, it felt as if everything around us ceased to exist. It was only for an instant, but the feeling took over my body. Her left amber transmitted such a tranquility to me that only then did I realize that our movements had become much more smooth. I decided to leave any hint of fear behind and began to breathe much easier.
–It depends.
I answered her question without my voice trembling. "Thank you." She was a little surprised.
–Of what?
Without taking my eyes off her, I intertwined my fingers with hers trying to make her understand my change in attitude. I felt that we were becoming more and more isolated from the world around us.
–It depends on who is sending the message and who is receiving it. In my case, I like to personally ascertain what a person is like before I judge them.
I argued gently, adding a sincere smile to my statement. Kirche returned the gesture with enthusiasm. In one swift movement, she moved her head to my neck and placed her hands on my collarbone, causing our bodies to come into contact. Surprisingly, my reaction was not to recoil in fright, but quite the opposite. I held her by the hip with both hands gently. Only then did it dawn on me that I had been sweating previously, but I didn't think anything of it. The young woman spoke without moving her head.
–So, what is your opinion of me so far?
Without quite understanding her intentions and the reason for this sudden need to know what I think of her, I answered in the most sincere way possible, letting myself be completely carried away.
–It would be denying the obvious to say that you are not beautiful, but I have been more struck by the intelligence and insight you show when you get serious. Sometimes you make me uncomfortable, but I have to admit that there is a part of you that fascinates me.
The temperance with which I expressed my thoughts surprised even me. I couldn't take my eyes off my dance partner at any moment. The germaian girl chuckled without malice and our eyes met again.
–I didn't expect any other answer from the strangest boy I've ever met in my life.
Her answer struck me dumb. Kirche slowly placed her forehead on the top of my chest. We danced in silence for a few minutes. My nostrils were flooded with a pleasant fragrance coming from the young woman's hair, which I enjoyed as I squinted my eyes. "How curious. We both think the other is a strange person. And yet here we are, dancing in perfect rapport." Louise and Saito, who were standing close to us, were perplexed at the spectacle they were witnessing. However, far from being annoyed, they both smiled. I returned the gesture with a grimace of incomprehension. Suddenly, Kirche brought her mouth close to my ear.
–I was not wrong about my feelings, Alessandro.
She whispered to me. Because of the tone used, a part of me figuratively melted. She turned her head away and looked directly into my eyes with a gesture charged with sensuality. I opened my mouth in shock. I didn't understand anything that was happening. I didn't respond, I just let myself go. Something inside me began to burn. I lost myself in her one visible eye and we were both totally cut off from everything around us.
Kirche slid her arms slowly, wrapping them around my neck. I quickly understood what she meant and was completely petrified. The young woman closed her eyes and leaned into me to kiss me. "What do I do now!?" I swallowed saliva and felt time slow down. As soon as her breath came in contact with my lips, an image that occurred months ago popped into my head. "Francesca!"
My reaction was disastrous. I let go of Kirche as if I had just held a demon in my arms. I pulled half a meter away from her and started breathing heavily. What happened at last winter's Masquerade Ball ate me up inside, killing every beautiful feeling my dance partner had sown. The germanian woman didn't understand anything and stared at me in bewilderment.
–I-I'm sorry, Kirche. I'm terribly sorry, but I can't do this.
I replied in anguish. I walked briskly out of the place looking for the door. The last thing I saw before I was lost among the students was the young woman raising her right hand and calling my name.
Once I left the ballroom behind, I slowed my pace and walked down the stairs to the first floor of the main tower. There were still students in sight, chatting or enjoying intimate moments with their partners. Because of the latter, I quickened my pace again and stepped out into the garden. I needed fresh air and silence. I made my way to one of the stone benches placed next to the wall of the building.
I dropped my body on it. Initially, I clenched my fists tightly and closed my eyes. I tried to calm myself so that my illness would not decide to make an appearance twice in the same day. "I'm a complete idiot." I looked up at the night sky. The stars were shining high overhead next to the twin moons, dimly illuminating the main courtyard of the academy. I sighed deeply. "Why am I unable to get over a young woman who will never return to my arms? Will I suffer from lovesickness all my life?" Just then, someone sat down next to me. I quickly faced the person and was shocked to see who it was.
–Kirche...
The young woman I had just rejected in a bad way a few minutes before was once again in front of me. She still had that charming smile on her face.
–Admiring the night sky?
Her question, coupled with a much more relaxed tone than I expected, calmed me down a bit.
–Breathing fresh air, more like.
The germanian woman let out a chuckle. After a short silence I couldn't hold back any longer. I looked her straight in the eye and proceeded to apologize for what had happened in the ballroom.
–I'm terribly sorry, Kirche. I shouldn't have reacted like that.
–Don't worry about it.
She responded almost instantly, which took me by surprise. She continued speaking after looking off into infinity for a moment.
–It's the first time a man has rejected me.
Her comment caused me to feel even worse. I lowered my head in defeat.
–Although I have to admit that, on occasion, I can be a bit too pushy.
She said aloud. Seeing that I did not react, and being aware that I was really distressed, she turned her eyes towards me.
–Tell me something, Alessandro, did you reject me because you don't like me… Or is there something else?
She asked in a tone of seriousness in which a search for the truth could be glimpsed. I raised my head and faced her again. I was completely overwhelmed. Overcome by the situation. Then, I felt a surge of empathy coming from my interlocutor thanks to her receptive posture. Completely defeated, I closed my eyes and began to talk about a subject that has plagued me since last winter.
–Last year, I took the freshman year of my magical studies at the Academy of Magic in Romalia. The first few months went by without a hitch.
I paused. A series of images of what happened ran through my mind as if it were a picture book. The duel against Andrea, the endless talks with Donatello, hours and hours of reading in the Papal Library… Everything happened as if I was living it all over again.
–Believe it or not, I was quite unnoticed among my companions. I guess Saito's absence helped.
I gave a half-smile. I assumed Kirche was listening to me attentively thanks to her silence.
–All that quiet ended when spring gave way to summer. As a result of a run-in in the hallways one day when I was late for class, a young girl and I gradually began to talk to each other. Her name is Francesca Bianchi.
Saying her full name reminded me of one of the most awkward moments of my life. After biting my lower lip, I continued with the story.
–Initially we just got along. There was some chemistry between us, but nothing more. How innocent I was a year ago in this matter…
–You fell in love with her, didn't you?
Kirche commented after my self-criticism. I nodded several times.
–I fell madly in love with her. Luckily for me, the feeling was reciprocal. Our relationship started one unexpected day when she kissed me while we were studying for our semester exams. I reciprocated excitedly, since never, not even in my most surrealistic dreams, would I have imagined that it would become a reality.
I recalled all the good times we had together and sighed, implying that a part of me longed for the life I had led at that time.
–We kept our relationship a secret for almost two months. After all, we were noble teenagers and just wanted to enjoy the moment. Or so I thought.
I paused again. I hesitated about how to approach what I was going to tell next so as not to sound like a jerk.
–One day in late summer, Francesca decided it was time to take the next step. She invited me to dinner at her house and there, in front of her father, the city's chief tax collector, a sullen and traditional man, she proposed me as a possible husband to him.
The young woman sitting next to me could not contain her surprise at my story. I finished it by adding a last lapidary sentence.
–Needless to say, I turned down the proposal and almost ended up butchered in a pigsty.
I said with a certain irony. "Obviously, I'm not going to tell her the main reason for my refusal. After all, no one here needs to know that I am terminally ill. After what happened with Francesca, it would be better if they never found out." Silence reigned between us for a couple of minutes. "Why am I telling this to a person I've barely had a word with?" As she enjoyed the evening breeze, Kirche leaned back in the seat gently.
–I see that I am not the only one who has had direct contact with the word marriage.
Her comment puzzled me. Because of my gesture, she prepared to speak. This time I would be the one to listen to her story.
–As you may well know, I consider myself a rather libertine person when it comes to love affairs. This does not please my family at all. Last year, I was involved in an embarrassing incident at the Academy of Magic in Vindobona. My father decided to betroth me to an elderly noble as punishment. An old retired general I will meet when I finish my studies here.
The young woman paused as she averted her gaze to the night sky. I felt sorry for her, something that, when we met on the first day, I never thought would happen. Her sincerity did not go unnoticed by me either.
–That's why I want to enjoy my last years of freedom before I become the wife of a man I will never love. If only my father would understand that I have not yet found the right person.…
She ended her monologue with a sigh laden with dissatisfaction. It was not difficult for me to empathize with her, even though they were two very different situations.
–It's a real shame to be forced to get married like that. In my opinion, marriages of convenience or similar are typical of backward societies. The happiness of human beings is not a commodity to be traded.
My speech caused Kirche to look at me with a look of surprise on her face. I decided to add one last comment from the depths of my heart, something remarkable since I am a person who finds it hard to open up.
–What I want to say is that love is a wonderful thing.
The germanian woman gave me a smile full of hope and understanding that comforted me.
–This is the first time we have agreed on something.
She said. I nodded as I returned the gesture. We both leaned back on the bench while enjoying the pleasant breeze, the night sky and each other's company, even though we remained silent.
–Alessandro, have you thought about getting married and having offspring once you return to Romalia?
Her question took me by surprise. Far from answering immediately, I paused to reflect on my situation. "You are not aware of how many times I have asked myself that question, miss." So as not to make my companion uncomfortable, I answered while gazing up at the twin moons overhead.
–I would love to.
That was all I said. The minutes passed and neither of us seemed willing to move an inch. Then, I remembered the main reason for my reaction at the ball and faced Kirche again, ready to tell her what happened months ago. "She deserves to know after all." I cleared my throat trying to get her attention. It paid off. The young woman looked me in the eyes expectantly.
–Last winter, during the Masquerade Ball held every year at the Romalian Academy of Magic to celebrate the beginning of the season, the situation went awry again. Donatello, a good friend and former classmate, convinced me to attend. Once there, the evening went smoothly. As I was enjoying the wine, the company of people whose faces, like mine, were hidden, and the music, a young woman approached me without knowing who she was dealing with. She mentioned that my suit, the same one I am wearing now, caught her attention.
I made a necessary pause, trying to assimilate what happened in order to express myself in the best possible way. Kirche, full of curiosity, decided to speak.
–I'm going to assume it was Francesca, am I wrong?
I shook my head.
–No. No, you're not. Francesca Bianchi, whom I had tried to ignore because of the spectacle at her house, decided to approach me again despite my attempts to avoid her. After all, attending the same class, it is difficult to forget a person.
She nodded in understanding.
–We recognized each other instantly. At that moment, and overcome by the situation, I accepted her invitation to dance. What did I lose by wanting to enjoy myself with the person I still loved?
I let the question remain unanswered in the air. "And the one I still have feelings for. Or so I think." After a few seconds, and with a huge distress in my heart, I finished the story in the most objective way possible.
–As soon as she tried to kiss me, everything around me fell apart. I reacted in a similar way to what happened in there. I ran out of the place and, on that occasion, the person never spoke to me again. If only I had been sincere with her…
The last sentence left me on the verge of tears. I gritted my teeth and looked away in defeat. I didn't want Kirche of all the students at the academy to see me in this state. Just when I was having the worst time, something slowly wrapped around my left hand. The softness of the material and the shape told me what it was, but I still looked straight at the spot. The germanian woman had taken my hand in hers. Our eyes met and a sense of relief ran through my body as a tear fell down my face.
–Now I understand your reaction. I know very well how you feel, Alessandro. Love is a double-edged sword. Sometimes you are the happiest person in the world and, from one moment to the next, everything comes crashing down on you. Thank you for sharing your story with me.
Her words comforted me enough to stop the tears from flowing. We stayed like that for a few seconds, looking directly into each other's eyes. Her smile stirred my insides. I returned the gesture by lightly squeezing his left hand, placed under mine. Only then did it dawn on me what was happening. I blushed enormously, and not because of his attributes on this occasion. My reaction was somewhat unexpected. I sat up impatiently, hoping Kirche hadn't noticed my rosy cheeks. I glanced around the front yard of the academy trying not to let our eyes meet for a while.
–We should go back.
I commented out loud.
–Fine by me.
Replied the germanian woman, still in her seat. I decided to behave like a gentleman with her for the first time all night. I held out my left hand. The discomfort, awkwardness and nerves fostered by my inability to get over a young woman who would never speak to me again gradually disappeared throughout our conversation. "There may be things about you that I will never understand, Kirche Von Zerbst. But today you have shown me that you are a woman with a wonderful side." That thought brought a faint smile to my face.
As soon as she raised her head, she was slightly surprised by my offer. She seemed hesitant, but soon gladly agreed, holding my hand tightly. She stood up gracefully. I started to walk in the direction of the entrance to the main tower when, without warning, the woman slipped her right arm through my left, placing her opposite hand on my wrist. I stopped and looked at what had just happened. Big mistake. My eyes went straight to her cleavage. I opened them wide and quickly averted my gaze.
–Does it bother you?
Kirche asked. I, completely red in the face, began to walk, trying to avoid further questions.
–N-No, don't worry.
I answered hesitantly. "Founder, have mercy on me."
We returned to the hall where the party was taking place in a much livelier mood, especially me. Our arms remained intertwined all the way. During the walk, we hardly said a word to each other. Once we reached the door, Kirche separated from me. I instantly longed for the warmth that had formed from the touch between our bodies. Just then, someone stepped between us and the inside of the room. It turned out to be Tabitha. She was wearing a simple aquamarine dress.
–Tabitha.
Said my companion. The young woman slowly looked us both up and down. She didn't flinch, but I started to get nervous.
–Did something happen?
Asked the girl in her usual impassive tone. We looked at each other and took a few seconds to answer. Kirche spoke up.
–I went out for some fresh air and ran into Alessandro. We've been chatting for a while. I must say that, for speaking with swords, he is also capable of giving good conversation to human beings.
Her response caused me to look at her while feigning apparent annoyance. She winked her one visible eye at me, giving me to understand that she was joking. I sighed after shaking my head. Tabitha accepted her friend's explanation and nodded.
–Okay. See you around.
And with that she said a terse goodbye to us. Kirche let out a giggle once the little student was far enough away.
–Well, Alessandro.
The germanian woman mentioned loudly, trying to get my attention. She stood in front of me, leaving the rest of the room behind her. Our eyes met and she smiled.
–It has been a very interesting evening. I hope that we will be able to talk again soon. Alone of course.
She enunciated pleasantly. I returned the gesture.
–Whenever you want. Thanks for everything, Kirche.
–Thank you too. Try to enjoy the rest of the evening, okay?
I nodded gracefully in response. Just as I raised my head, the young woman placed a hand on my left shoulder. I opened my mouth in surprise. Then, she brought her face close to mine. I blushed enormously. I received an unexpected kiss on my right cheek. Kirche broke away with a sensual smile.
–I've just discovered that men who try to resist my charms drive me crazy.
She commented softly so that only I could hear her. My brain was not able to assimilate what was going on, so I just stood there like a stunned idiot. The germanian started walking in the opposite direction to me after sensually turning around. She walked away through the crowd of students. Her hair and stature made her stand out among them. Several male students approached her, but she didn't seem to mind. I scratched the cheek she had kissed several times without getting over my astonishment.
–Alessandro.
I was so isolated in my thoughts that I hadn't seen Saito approach. At my lack of response, the boy narrowed his eyes.
–Alessandro, are you all right?
Now I finally managed to react. I startled, partially scaring the familiar. He took a step back.
–H-Has something happened?
My answer was so terse, concise and unexplained that only my ability to process what had happened matched it.
–A lot…
If you've made it this far thank you for reading this story. This is the first part of a multi-part story. I would like to mention two issues before I say goodbye for now:
1- So far, the canonical plot of Zero no Tsukaima has not advanced much in the fanfic despite having written 18 chapters plus an epilogue (at the end of this part). This has a reason, and it's because I wanted to know if the story would become interesting for the audience, as well as for me as an author. At the same time, closing that first "arrival at the academy" story arc, where the protagonist meets the rest of the main cast and forges the beginning of a friendship with them, was necessary. The dance scene of this part of the plot came like a ring to my finger to close the story for now.
2- The second part is being planned, and when I have enough ideas written I will start writing it. Similar to this one, I won't post until I have it all finished.
Thanks for reading, really - the Author.