Montmorency helps Michael smooth things over with Louise. What follows marks the beginning of a rivalry between the two noble girls.
Rivalry
My eyes slowly flit open and I let out a short sigh.
I'm surprisingly comfy given I've spent the entire night sleeping on a rug with blankets.
Morning's low orange glow shines through Montmorency's thin bedroom curtains.
Shaking off my morning groggy feeling, I sit upright and glance over to Montmorency in her bed. She's completely covered up beneath the bed's duvet. All I can see of her is the top of her head with her mass of wavy blonde hair sticking out from the blanket and her slumbering face poking out through it with an almost angelic expression.
I smile at the girl, honestly grateful for her giving me a place to sleep last night.
My thoughts soon drift back to Louise though.
The look of hurt in her eyes when she asked Montmorency why we kissed makes my heart ache.
Louise may look small and fragile, but it's clear after our first week together that she has a big heart. No way can I call that into question. Even if she's snappy at times.
I smile thinly, exhaling. Living with her's like trying to solve a puzzle at times, I swear.
Bedsheets rustle off to the side of me, snapping me from my thoughts.
Montmorency rolls over in the direction I'm sitting in and peeks her delicate chin over the edge of the bed, her big blue eyes slowly fluttering open at me.
"Mmmm... I'd hoped to let you sleep a while longer," she expresses with a sweet voice while propping herself upright. "You appear well-rested regardless, though."
Montmorency speaks calmly and unhurriedly whilst smiling warmly at me.
"Y-yeah, uh, thanks," I reply to her comment, my face warming a hint. "I slept pretty well actually, as it happens."
Montmorency goes silent for a moment while observing me sitting there in her bedroom, her lips slightly parting as if she's suddenly remembered something.
"About our talk last night... I really appreciate your willingness to help in my hour of need, Michael," she says plainly. "What you did with the situation involving Guiche..." Montmorency trails off her words momentarily. She tucks a lock of her rich blonde hair back behind her ear with her hand before continuing. "...it meant more than you can imagine," she murmurs with a weak smile.
Shuffling to her knees on her covers, Montmorency reaches her hand out to the air for me, her fingers slowly curled towards the palm of her other like she's asking me to clasp her hands.
"Huh, no problem. I'm here to help"
"In spite of Louise's jealous reaction?" Montmorency asks her outstretched hand still waiting for my attention.
"-Yeah, even though Louise didn't take it so well," I reply with a nod of my head and grasp her hand within mine.
"Speaking of which, I think it is best we speak with her in short order," the blonde adds in a gentle tone, a hint of guilt shining in her eyes.
"Definitely," I respond, a frown forming on my lips. I really need to patch things up between Louise and I. "I'm all for that."
No way am I about to let Princess sit around and mope. It doesn't sit right with me.
"Excellent. Then it is settled."
I nod without a further word and squeeze the blonde's hand softly, almost thankfully.
"On a lighter note, have you ever tried a Tristainian omelette for breakfast, Michael?" Montmorency asks, staring me right in the eyes with her bright and curious blues.
I blink at the question and slowly shake my head from side to side.
"Errrr... no, not a Tristain-style one. I'm from another world, remember?" I remind her with a chuckle.
The young woman in front of me simply laughs as her hand softly squeezes mine.
"Of course, of course! I almost forgot, given how well you are adjusting to Academy life."
Puffing out my chest, I give Montmorency a look of pretend dignity.
"Working on it. Anyway, tell me more about Tristanian omelettes" I encourage the girl, honestly eager to know more.
"Well, at the breakfast table in my household it is a quintessential fare," Montmorency begins to tell me with a bright smile. She pulls herself to her knees and leans in to whisper in my ear. "My chef adds all manner of ingredients to his omelette," she continues as her sweet breath washes across the skin of my ear, making it tingle. "Fresh vegetables and onions, sausage, and the eggs hail from the local farming communities near my family estate."
My heart skips a beat and my stomach growls Home-cooked food sounds more exciting than any of the bland, microwaved crap Anna and I ate on our glorified student budget.
The corners of my lips curl up as Montmorency releases her hand from mine with a giggle. "You look simply entranced by such an offering, Michael," she adds with a flutter of her lashes. "I sense that you would greatly enjoy a large and hearty meal each morning."
It takes me a long few seconds to stop grinning, but I manage it somehow.
"No kidding," I eventually reply whilst shifting on the improvised bed. "Although, I've eaten better in my first week here than I have in my last few months back home."
"Oh?" Montmorency slides her legs off the bed, letting the thick bedsheets drape down the back of them. "How do you mean? I am curious as to what manner of food is produced in your world." The blonde yawns, covering her mouth with one hand as she does.
"Well, if you have the money then there's more choice you can imagine at the international shop near my apartment," I explain with something of a thin smile. "But if you're short on coin like me..." I pause and sigh. "Then you're probably living off instant noodles and sandwiches."
"Instant noodles?" Montmorency gets on her feet as she gives me a look of confusion, puzzled by the strangely named foodstuff i mentioned. "What are those?"
"Well," I rub the back of my head and give an exasperated laugh. "Technically they're these hard dried noodles you boil up in hot water for a minute or two. They're a cheap food that folks down my way eat when they don't have much money. Surprisingly, though, they taste pretty good."
Montmorency folds her arms beneath mid-sized small chest with an inquisitive look.
"Interesting, most interesting," she adds as her nose softly wriggles. "Could these instant noodles be improved by adding extras...? Meat and poultry, perchance?"
"Uhmmmmm, yeah. If you can afford it," I answer as I get to my feet and slip on my discarded jeans, my voice dropping a level. "Some nights I added eggs and ham to my noodles. They didn't turn out half bad, now I think back on it."
My companion flips a lock of her long blonde hair over the shoulder as she smiles, just watching me as I drop to my ass and start to pull my jeans up my bare legs.
"I see... that is interesting to know," she says with what sounds like genuine consideration.
I can't say why a noble needs to know the specifics of cheap ramen, but I'm not complaining. Heck, her taking an interest in my life back home is a small comfort in itself.
Honestly grateful, I smile earnestly for the girl.
"Hey, it is what-"
A loud knock against the door cuts me off.
"Montmorency, is my idiot familiar in there with you?" asks Louise from beyond the door, her voice heavy with sleep.
The ringlett-haired girl slowly turns around toward the door while tensing her hips and straightens herself for the most part. She takes a moment to adjust her nightgown so that it conceals her bust better.
I shoot Montmorency a bemused stare, and her cheeks flush.
"Yes, Louise, Michael is here with me," she answers, her lips falling into a small but nervy frown. "Please feel free to come in."
"I certainly will!" Louise exclaims, practically throwing open down the door with surprising strength for such a small girl. Stepping inside, she then closes it behind her. "Alright, Montmorency," Louise asserts, pointing an accusing finger at her friend with a bit of a wobble. "I want to hear your side of what happened last night."
I can't tell if it is the early hour, but Louise looks like crap. In spite of that, though, the girl carries an earnest look if I've never seen one, her short pink hair in disarray as it drops slightly over her left eye. Her nightgown is creased, too.
"Ah yes," Montmorency responds, nodding. "While you must think ill of us Louise, rest assured... Michael and I did nothing to warrant your anger."
The fair-skinned noble thin brows draw together and her expression hardens a little.
"In fact, it was I that sought a kiss from your familiar last night," she asserts with an arm on her hip, staring Louise in the face without flinching. "I did so so that I might finally force Guiche to leave me in peace. Michael was simply nice enough to follow my lead."
Louise looks immensely muddled and confused by Montmorency's explanation.
"Eh?! B-but..."
I raise a brow and fold my arms.
"Let me guess, Guiche made out something way sleazier happened?" I ask my mistress.
Looking even more confounded, Louise glances between me and Montmorency like she hasn't the foggiest notion of how to respond to what she's hearing. As hard and furious as she was last night... I guess she has no idea how to process her friends' confession.
"If it wasn't for Michael, Louise," Montmorency holds her voice in a calm, no-nonsense manner as she glances from me to her friend. "I wouldn't have mustered the courage to step away from Guiche. What's more, you may rest assured your familiar conducted himself in a gentlemanly manner whilst in my company yesterday."
With her hands hanging limply at her sides, Louise simply stares from Montmorency to me shyly.
"I... I-uh," her eyes shift toward the door before swinging back in my direction. "Uhm... G-good. Then, that's good," she says as she weakly tries to piece her words together. "And, ah, sorry I lost my temper with you, Montmorency. I...erm... I'm feeling, uhm, awkward, and... ahh... yeah," she says sheepishly as she rubs the back of her head with the flat of her hand and glances off to the side.
Smirking at the petite mage, Montmorency folds her arms behinds her back.
"Thank you, Louise. Naturally, if you'd like to discuss your feelings at length then I'm more than happy to entertain you. We are friends after all, are we not?"
"Er, y-yes! Yes, we are, Louise states with a small nod.
Looks like she's finally starting to clear her head and collect herself somewhat.
Glancing between Louise and Montmorency with a big grin on my face, I flash my dainty mistress a charming smile. "Hey, if you two want to talk girl to girl then I'll get out of your way. If you don't mind me heading back to your room, Louise?" I follow, settling my gaze on the pinkette.
"S-sure," Louise confirms with weak as she looks between her friend and me. "Montmorency has proven you haven't done anything untoward, so I'll forgive you."
Staring at Louise intently, I nod my head and walk towards the door. After stepping past the petite mage, I turn my head in her direction. "You two have fun. I'll be down the hall napping a little longer."
I quickly leave the two girls be after that, slipping my body through the door.
Taking several steps down the hall, a soft smile parts my lips. With the strangest sense of satisfaction forming in my gut, I make a beeline for Louise's bedroom.
"I owe you one, Montmorency..."
...
Louise sits down at the foot of Montmorency's bed and sighs gently. With a weary expression painted upon her face, she buries her knuckles into her deep pink-coloured eyes and sinks her weight into the springs of the soft mattress.
"I swear, that familiar of mine drives me crazy..."
Montmorency smiles at her classmate with sympathy and then smiles gently, caringly.
"He truly is an interesting individual, isn't he?" The blonde murmurs.
"Honestly, I wouldn't have put up with him were it not for his strange abilities," Louise retorts with a hint of coldness, sighing. "Michael really is so stubborn and headstrong."
Montmorency looks on with a knowing smile and a shake of her head, but says nothing.
Louise's eyes wander toward the door for a moment. She then lets out a small sigh.
"Although, I do appreciate him being the way he is at times," the pinkette confesses under her breath. "Even if he frays my nerves at times..."
Montmorency takes a seat down on the bed and gazes at her dainty classmate with something resembling a look of understanding.
"I happen to think you should be kinder to him, Louise," Montmorency remarks with a sympathetic curl of her lips.
Louise scoffs at the suggestion.
"And why should I do that, hmm?"
"Because Michael will likely look upon you more fondly for doing so, I imagine." Montmorency leans her weight backwards until she is hovering on her elbows and lying on her back. She maintains a reassuring expression while eyeing her classmate. "His kindness and dedication what you wish for, Louise, are they not?"
Louise's cheeks burn red hot and her throat clenches
"I-If I start being too nice then all of it will go to his stupid head," the pinkette rationalizes with a stubborn glower. "If that happens, he might begin thinking there's more to our relationship as master and familiar...!"
Montmorency can't help but let out a hearty laugh and gently tosses her head from side to side in refusal. "You shouldn't think that way, you know," she opines in a low voice. "There is no shame in growing to cherish someone - especially one you share a lifelong pact with."
Louise rolls her eyes and lets out a disappointed sigh.
"All of that's true but... he's still a commoner from another world, you know?" She blinks, a flicker of sadness washing over her eyes. "He and I are so very different."
Montmorency adopts a resigned stare. "Louise, please... do you honestly think your familiar cares about that?"
Louise's heart strings pull tight and her hands feel clammy suddenly.
"N-No... I-I don't... He is a common idiot, after all."
Montmorency frowns slightly before looking at her friend with great sincerity. "Well... I, for one, am no fool. I saw his conflict as we talked last night. It would seem Michael worries greatly about hurting you," Montmorency remarks whilst hardening her gaze, "despite you being rather firm with him."
"I'm firm with the idiot because he belongs to me," Louise grumbles with an almost flustered tone, hugging her arms around her chest. "It's only right I show him his place."
Not backing down, Montmorency tilts her head curiously and takes a look at the anxious-faced Louise.
"And supposing you were kinder to him? Do you not think that treating him nicely would foster a bond of trust and compassion between the two of you?" Montmorency inquires, delicately interlacing her fingers. "After all, I get the distinct impression your familiar has a big heart."
Louise notices the warmth to Montmorency's eyes. It causes a jealous twinge in her heart.
"J-Just what are you getting at here, Montmorency...?" Louise asks nervously, her face turning clammy and her body burning up.
The young noblewoman lets out an innocent giggle.
"Be honest with me, Louise. Do you like him...?"
Unintentionally yelping, Louise covers her mouth out of embarrassment.
"I d-don't!" she replies meekly, drawing her hands away.
Montmorency puffs a disbelieving scoff of air through her pink lips. She brings a dainty finger to the corner of her mouth.
"Then, if that is really the truth of it, will you permit me to spend more time with Michael?" the blonde proposes, batting her eyelashes languidly after having posed the query to her classmate. "It wouldn't be proper of me to do so without first seeking your permission, after all."
Louise eyes shoot wide and stomach ties into knots.
"Y-You want to spend more time with him...?! L-Last night... Did the two of you-"
Montmorency presses a soft digit to Louise's lips and shakes her head.
"Become romantically involved...?" she asks in a low, cautious tone.
Louise nods stiffly.
Smiling sweetly, Montmorency shakes her head.
"No, Louise. Michael and I simply shared an honest discussion..." the blonde replies, retracting her finger from Louise's lips so she might speak.
The pinkette hums before easing a big gulp of air through her lungs. "Thank goodness..." she confesses, an invisible weight leaving her shoulders. "The two of you haven't done something foolish..."
Montmorency titters.
"We certainly have not, no," she assures her dainty friend. "Although, I cannot fathom why such matters concern you, Louise. After all, you claim to have no interest in Michael."
Louise scoots herself towards the edge of the bed, facing away from her classmate. After letting out a dispirited sigh, her back is sinks with the bed's soft mattress springs.
"I don't care for him like that, Montmorency. Really, I don't."
"Unfortunately, I don't entirely believe you, Louise. If you wish act upon your feelings, then please..." Montmorency speaks in a reassuring voice, placing a gentle hand against Louise's shoulder. "Just be honest with yourself. You will feel far better for doing so, I assure you."
Easing a small, frustrated groan through her throat, Louise curls her head back and stares up at the ceiling.
"Can we just... not talk about this, please...?"
Sitting upright and sighing deeply, Montmorency shakes her head.
"Supposing you do harbour feelings for your familiar, I shall do the honourable thing and step back... for a time," the ringlet-haired girl declares in a low, mature voice. "Be warned, however, that I shall seek to earn his affections should you dally for too long."
"What...?!" Louise whips her head up and angles it in Montmorency's direction, dumbfounded. "Why would you even do something like that?"
"Because you're my friend, Louise..." Montmorency states firmly. "Also, I owe you a debt of gratitude."
"Owe me...?" Louise stares with confusion in her eyes. "...But I didn't do anything..."
Montmorency sighs and gracefully pushes her wavy, honeyed-yellow curls over her shoulder.
"Louise," the ringlet-haired young noblewoman patiently inquires of her pink-haired friend, folding her hands on her lap. "Did you not summon Michael in the first place?"
"I... I did," Louise responds, her eyes turning downward at her feet and back up at Montmorency, puzzled. "I brought the idiot here... Even though I have no idea how."
Montmorency chuckles softly and closes her deep blue eyes.
"Wonderful accident or not, you have my gratitude for doing so..." Montmorency hums behind a hand. Re-opening her eyes, she looks Louise up and down. "After all, he is such a kind young man, and..." she adds while keeping a delicate tone. "...I would hate to see you miss your chance."
Louise watches as the blonde noblewoman swings her feet off the bed and onto the floor. After standing up, Montmorency playfully pats Louise's head and walks to her wardrobe.
"H-hey!" Louise huffs indignantly before hopping to her feet. Arms folded, she glares at Montmorency's back.
Her classmate simply dresses in her school uniform and spritzes herself with perfume bottle on her desk. After adding a soft spritz upon her wrists and neck, Montmorency turns back around.
"Are you going to see what might become of your relationship with Michael?" The young noblewoman asks her friend, fluttering her eyelashes while giving Louise a smug grin. "Or, heaven forbid, do you intend to lose him to another?"
Swallowing thickly and shooting her classmate a nervous smile, Louise flits her eyes up and down and back again. With great effort, the uneasy mages inhales a nervous breath of air. "...I certainly won't lose him to that large-chested maid, that's for sure," she murmurs, almost too low for Montmorency to hear.
Montmorency lets out a short, amused chuckle.
"Ha! There's your fighting spirit, Louise."
Montmorency glides to the foot of the bed where she places a delicate hand on Louise's shoulder. She looks down at her with sincere eyes.
"May the best woman win; I say that without the faintest trace malice clouding my heart." Montmorency declares with a smile, looking down on her friend. "As I said, I shall do the honourable thing by playing fairly for the time being. I advise you use that time wisely, my dear."
"C-can we please stop talking about my familiar like he's a prize to be won? It's getting a little weird..." Louise mutters under her breath, her face heating all over again.
Montmorency places a delicate finger to her lips, flashes Louise a cheeky wink, and swirls away from her.
"As you wish. Although, I would much prefer you provide me with a challenge, Louise."
Louise twitches at those words. Her eyes locked on the blonde noblewoman; she nods firmly.
"I will. Don't think for a minute I'll give up!"
Montmorency twiddles a few blonde ringlets with her fingers and nods.
"Oh, do not think for a second that I'll make this easy on you, Louise." She scoffs as a dainty smirk graces her lips. "Us Montmorency women detest losing."
With that said, Louise gives her friend a weak, nervous laugh before clearing her throat.
"In any case, Montmorency," Louise licks her lips before locking eyes with her. "Thank you. I don't enjoy sharing my feelings often, but... it's been nice, talking with you."
Placing her hands behind her hips, Montmorency flashes Louise a broad smile.
"You're welcome, Louise. I, likewise, have enjoyed our little chat."
Sighing in a sigh of relief, Louise moves toward the door.
"I'm returning to my room to change for breakfast. I'll see you later."
"Indeed, you will. I'll see you shortly, Louise."
Louise offers her classmate a small nod before reaching for the handle of the door. However, Montmorency stops her just before she opens it.
"Ah! Please wait for just a moment, Louise... May have your attention for a little longer?" The blonde inquires as her finger waves through the air.
Louise nods.
"Mmm-hmm. What is it?"
"Let us both make a pact.
The pinkette raises a brow.
"What kind?"
"One of mutual support, of course. In regards to our little rivalry, I mean to say.
Louise's eyes narrow cautiously, her hands clutching her hips.
"...I'm listening."
No matter what happens, Kirche must absolutely not have her way with Michael," Montmorency advises the pinkette while smiling dearly. "Allowing her to tarnish him with her... seductive allure, would be most disheartening for us both." Montmorency giggles nervously..
"After all, I could only imagine what those two would get up to together," she adds, her palms pressed together. "Though it pains me, I have mulled over the thought in brief."
Louise stares at Montmorency for a quiet moment without saying a word. Her heart pounds fast, and a sickly feeling creeps through her stomach at the very idea of Michael tangled up beneath the sheets with von Zerbst.
"R-right! We're agreed" Louise answers. She then she slowly brings a pair of shaky fingers to the door handle a second time. She tries and fails several times to twist the mechanism.
While Louise struggles, the golden-curled aristocrat can't help but chortle mischievously.
"Has the thought of those two together distracted you so?" she asks the anxious-faced Louise.
Louise nods and gives the door a tug, finally finding the strength to turn the latch.
"I-It has. It very much has..."
With a strained smile and anxious expression, Louise finally twists the handle and slips through the wooden door.
Once free, she hastily pads down the hallway towards her bedroom.
Louise's hands shudder anxiously. Every step feels as though walking a mile.
"All I have to do is tell the idiot how I feel. I-I can do this, I know I can," Louise whispers, her tone unwillingly fear. "Y-You don't have anything to fear. Y-You're a Vallière."
...
Louise slowly opens the door of her bedroom, swinging the door forward and slipping into the spacious abode.. "M-Michael, I need to speak with you."
The words quiver from the pink-haired girl's trembling lips. A sense of uneasiness lingers in the air and she looks desperately about the room.
"H-Hello? I said I needed to speak with you, idiot!" Louise demands shakily, lifting a hand and gently closing the door behind her.
The idiot lays fast asleep on his mattress bed. The music box that came with him from England lays over his chest. A piece of black string-like material hangs from his ear. Sound plays from it loudly enough for Louise to hear from the door. She scowls.
"Arghhh!"
The pinkette quietly releases a nervous groan while keeping her place near the door. Biting her lip and nervously tapping her index finger and thumb together, Louise gulps dry air.
"W-Why now of all times...?" She whimpers pitifully.
A part of Louise doesn't want to wake her sleeping familiar.
On the other hand, she yearns for both his attention and affection.
"Here goes nothing..." She smiles at him, making her way over to his mattress.
Kneeling to Michael's level, she gently shakes his shoulder. Her eyes drift to his face. She observes him squirm and then begin to awaken. Her familiar lets out an arid grunt, forcing a tiny smirk of amusement across Louise's lips.
"Finally, you're waking up, idiot..." She breathes in a heavy pant.
"Have I been out for a while?" Michael partway slurs. Blinking his green eyes open, he focuses them on Louise.
A warm glow overtakes the petite girl's cheeks. "N-Not really, no. I just came back from Montmorency's room. It hasn't been long." she answers, easing her hand away from Michael's shoulder.
"What's up, Louise?" The Englishman sleepily asks, carefully flicking his fingers over the music box's screen as he sits up. "Something on your mind?" He stares into her pink eyes with kindness and concern.
Louise scoots backward slightly, flicking her messy hair out of her eyes, and lets out a short scoff.
"Y-yes, well... I was hoping we might talk for a moment."
Michael smiles back at her with a grin, cocking an eyebrow.
Pulling the string from Michael's ear and placing his music box down on the mattress, Louise sighs. Her posture grows tense and awkward.
"What exactly do you have in mind?" Michael questions the pink-haired mage, smirking. "Am I in trouble again or something?"
Letting out a deep breath, Louise prepares to let her feelings be known.
"Wh-what I wanted to talk with you about was - just - d-did you... uhh - I mean - well..." the fearful pink-haired girl stutters, her face turning bright red and her heart pounding in her chest. She pants as her big eyes swell with tears. Then, knees drawing into her chest, a wave of anxiety washes over her.
"I-I didn't mean to shout at you and Montmorency yesterday, Michael," Louise whimpers, shuddering. The little mage swallows and takes several deep breaths, gathering her courage. "I just didn't know what else to do. I panicked and... it wasn't my finest moment. I've wanted to apologize ever since..."
Sliding forward on his mattress, Michael gives his master a friendly smile.
"It's alright, Louise." he replies. "It isn't a big deal. Water under the bridge. Don't worry. It's forgotten." Michael smiles genuinely at the timid girl and offers her a hand. "Come on, sit with me for a while."
Swallowing thickly past a narrow lump in her throat, Louise nods slowly.
She turns herself around before using her hands to draw her feet underneath her petite bottom. Taking a moment to collect herself, she sucks in a heavy breath of air and allows it to flee from her lungs whilst snuggling up beside Michael.
Facing away from the familiar, Louise closes her eyes. As her tongue pokes at her lower lip, the girl musters her courage. She focuses her thoughts and does all she can to push down her nerves.
"T-thank you," Louise ekes out softly in gratitude. She places one of her dainty hands into Michael's and sniffles and locks her eyes with his. "Thank you for understanding, Michael."
The familiar grins back at her softly.
"There's no need to thank me, Louise." He reassures her with a smile. "It's all good." The tips of his lips raise and he smiles warmly. He then sinks a shallow breath through his lips. "Just take it steady and catch your breath."
Though anxious, Louise moves closer to the young man and forces herself to relax.
As their bodies touch, an uneasy pit of warmth forms in the mage's tummy. Though a small drop, it is accompanied by a faint tingling in her abdomen. Unable to resist the feeling, the girl cringes in dismay and buries her forehead in the corner of Michael's neck.
She gives him a cute expression that oozes sweetness, but remains curled in the boy's grasp for comfort.
Michael nods calmly, reaching out for his smaller companion. Taking the top of her back into his hand, he keeps his eyes trained squarely on hers.
"Just breathe, Louise." He tells her with a soft smile as the girl's eyes tremble. "Take slow, deep breaths. That's it..."
Blushing, Louise tenses, then shudders in his arms. Her long eyelashes flutter as she observes her handsome familiar's handsome features.
"I swear, sometimes I just can't get a read on you, Louise," Michael remarks with a chuckle. "But, as quirky as you are now and again, I honestly wouldn't change you."
Louise shudders amidst Michael's admission and forces out another shaky breath.
"...Really? Y-You like me as I am?"
Michael lets out a soft and heartfelt laugh.
"Well, you could do to be a little less shouty. That aside, I'm not complaining," he replies with a shrug, smirking.
Eyes misting with tears anew, Louise scoffs and eases her head down onto his shoulder. Gratefully, she stares at him and blushes.
"I'll try to tone it down now and again." She proposes, titling her face closer to his. "But only if you promise to continue being patient with me. I've... always had a temper..."
"I'll do my best." Michael draws as near as he can possibly get. Then, wrapping an arm around her middle, he kisses her forehead. "You can count on it, Princess."
Heart beating hammering against her ribs, Louise inches her face nearer that of her familiar. "I... w-wouldn't mind if you..." She pauses as her cheeks flush a deep crimson. Then, her throat feels tight. She inhales and exhales a raspy groan. "Actually, never mind. Let's just stay like this a little longer..."
Michael eyes glint with subtle concern.
"You sure you're gonna be alright there, Princess?"
Michael's nickname for her fills Louise's stomach with butterflies where it used to annoy her. Eyes glimmering, she gives the familiar a small smile.
"I will, yes. Let's just enjoy some quiet before breakfast, shall we?"
Resting his chin on Louise's shoulder, Michael nods with a soft, grateful smile.
"Sounds good to me."
Louise's cheeks burn as they relax in each other's embrace. She leans against Michael's body and selfishly enjoys the warmth it provides.
"Just remember that you belong to me, okay?" She utters in an audible whisper.
Michael smirks, letting out a sigh.
"You got it, Louise."
Upon hearing those words, Louise's little heart swells blissfully.
Being close to Michael like this is enough for her. For now, at least.
...
Louise and I walk the Academy grounds together after breakfast. Having looped her arm through mine a good ways back, she's being wierdly affectionate and clingy.
Hell, she even had the usual breakfast maid bring me extra croissants and cheese earlier!
Lots of students are having their familiars, from bats to dogs to even lizards, perform tricks out in the rolling fields.
Two of the nearer master and servant duos hold my attention especially keenly.
One student - a fresh-faced brunette fella - has his bird-like familiar swooping in circles.
Another has hers - a cat - flopping on its belly for treats while looking absolutely damned adorable.
Louise and I perch against one of the school's towers for a much-needed break from walking.
Remaining arm-in-arm, we watch as the famale master's cat meows lovingly and is given a treat.
"Wonder why they're all doing tricks," I ponder with a raised brow, smirking. "Weird, eh?"
Louise, sighing, gives me a short sideways glance.
"It's for the Familiar Exhibition tomorrow," she reminds me. "Professor Colbert mentioned it yesterday, remember?"
I nod shortly, still watching the lady master and her cat familiar perform together.
Patting my free hand against my thigh, I do my best to remember Colbert's lesson.
His words relating to their being an exhibition return to me in something of a muddled echo.
"I do now that you mention, yeah..."
Louise chuckles and shifts her chin up, curling an eyebrow.
"Do forgive me for not being convinced, Michael. You haven't forgotten that I'm entering you, right?" She coyly inquires of me, pressing her body a little nearer mine.
I chuckle dryly and scoff. Then, freeing up my arm from Louise's, I fold mine.
"What, so you can have me do flips for dog biscuits, Princess?" I roll my eyes and snort with laughter. "Not bloody likely. Sorry, but no way."
Louise claps her hands together and glares at me with twinkling, stern eyes.
"H-hey! Y-You can't refuse! I need you... So I can impress Princess Henrietta...!" She stammers, pleading with her precious pink gaze..
God sakes, girl! Stop being so damn sweet whenever I put my foot down over something!
The little mage steps toward me, shaking her head and pouting.
"If you do this for me, I'll-" Louise looks as though she's going to say something, pauses to reconsider, and then takes a deep breath in and out. "...I'll give you double portions at breakfast for the next few mornings. A-And... I'll even trade beds for a night," she adds at a whisper, cheeks flushing.
I sure wasn't expecting that second one. Bemused, I blink.
"Beds for a night, you say?" I cock an eyebrow, unfolding my arms and thinking it over whilist tapping an index against my chin.
Cheeks darkening to a deep red, the pink-haired mage cups her cheeks and whines. "Pleeeease, Michael?"
Gah! Even her voice makes it hard for me to refuse!
Looking off to the side, I sigh and bring a hand to my temple.
"...You know I would've agreed regardless, right, even without the bribery...?" I pose, surrendering.
Louise lets out a loud sigh. She then takes to staring at the grass, moping.
"Hmph! Fine."
Turning my attention back to my mistress, I take her hand into both of mine and offer her a kind smile.
"You can forget the bed; a double helping of breakfast is enough for me," I inform her, giving the girl's digits a gentle squeeze. I can't help but flash a playful smile as I do it.
Louise lifts her chin and stares at me with cute, narrowed pink eyes. Pouting, she shakes her head. "S-Stop teasing me, Michael...!"
I crack up a little at her response.
"As you command, Princess."
After smoothing out the front of her school dress with a huff, Louise snatches her hand from mine. She lowers it to her side and straightens her posture.
"A-And you'd better summon the largest fireball you can during the Exhibition, otherwise there won't be any extra food for you...!" She threatens while frowning. "Are we clear?"
As ever, she looks cute when she's irritated.
I straighten my posture and offer her a faux salute while smiling cheekily.
"Understood. You'll get your fire."
Happy to hear that, Louise breathes a heavy sigh of relief. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, she folds her hands behind her back
"Y-You had better give me your best, you idiot..."
Chuckling, I raise my eyes to Tristain's pristine blue sky.
I'll make the most of Louise's strangely compassionate turn.
For as long as it lasts, anyhow.
To be continued...
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