Louise and Montmorency go shopping together. Michael joins the two on their trip to the town of Lenore just beyond Tristain Academy.


Gift

I lay huddled in a ball beneath my blankets with my legs still scrunched to my chest and shudder.

No way have I managed to get any deeper than a light sleep with this damned cold.

It's too much to bear. Way too damn much. Even the feel of my skin against my hand is way too much. When my fingers had brushed against my arm earlier, my entire arm had broken out in goosebumps.

"I can't take this shit much longer," I grumble.

My voice is rough. I'd probably sound like a sixty-year-old smoker if I'd just woke up.

I can't stand being sick. I'll probably catch a cold if I stay out here much longer.

Just then, Louise's bedroom door creaks open. The squeaking of hinges grates on me in my cold, tetchy state.

A pair of bare, dainty feet step into my line of sight. Louise then lowers onto her knees and smiles somewhat thinly at me.

"You've been punished enough, idiot," she says with a gentle undertone. "You can come back inside."

Her eyes then fall upon my blanket-covered, shivering body and I catch her grimacing slightly. Touching a hand to my cheek, she gasps.

"You're freezing..."

I nod wordlessly. Then I slowly and carefully get to my feet. My body shudders against my will. I've always had a low tolerance for cold temperatures. Hot weather's way better.

I walk into the bedroom.

Louise closes the door after me and stands there, a remorseful look in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Michael," she whispers. "I might've taken your punishment a little too far..."

"I'm okay," I reply, my teeth still chattering.

Louise nods and gestures towards her bed. "Go lay down," she instructs.

I shake my head.

"Can't go stealing your bed, Louise. Young lady like yourself down on the floor when it's this damn cold just wouldn't sit right with me."

Louise smiles at me, the faintest hint of a smirk touching her lips. Her cheeks warm a bit, too.

"Well, that's why you're going to lay down on it with me," she replies.

I pause, my brow furrowing in confusion.

"You sure it's alright, Princess?" I ask her.

"Princess...?" Louise frowns at me. "I may have to reconsider if you don't stop with that nickname."

"Right," I nod, holding back a grin. "But you're sure? Won't this be a little weird, considering how we are and all?"

Louise scoffs.

"You're just my familiar," she points out, her cheeks warming some more.

If that's how she sees it, fair enough.

"Fine by me." I chuckle. "No way will I turn down a nice warm bed when it's this damn cold."

"You're welcome." Louise smiles at me, then gestures at the bed once more.

I sit down and lay back. The sheets are very soft and silky. I know I've laid in this bed before, but I still can't get over this mattress; it's far comfier than anything I'm used to back home.

Then again, Anna and I bought half of our furniture from a discount store. So, you get what you pay for, I suppose.

"Goodnight," Louise says, walking around the bed and lying down beside me.

She turns away from me and covers herself in a few blankets, then closes her eyes and starts breathing evenly.

"Yeah. G'night." I sigh and roll onto my side, facing away from her.

I close my eyes.

"Hey, Louise?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks," I whisper.

I can't see her expression. But her voice sounds almost playful as she replies.

"What's with that? You're acting like I just saved your life."

"It kind of feels that way," I laugh. "Was pretty damn cold out there."

Louise giggles.

"Don't mention it."

We fall into silence for a moment.

"Actually, Michael..." Louise speaks. There's a hint of unease in her voice.

"Yeah?"

"Y-You can hold me if you like..."

Hold her...?

"Why's that?" I ask her.

Louise shrugs her shoulders.

"Just because. To help you get to sleep. I know you're still cold."

She's not wrong.

"Yeah, alright then."

"Mmm."

I turn back over and move in closer to her. As I wrap my arms around her and pull her against my chest, Louise's body shudders.

She's petite and dainty within my embrace. I can't help feeling cautious.

"Geez, you really are cold," she whimpers.

"Isn't like you Tristain folks have heating or anything," I retort.

Louise scoffs at me.

"There are many things you haven't even experienced here yet," she reminds me.

The girl has a point there.

"Well, I have heating in my world. And you're warm. That's good enough for me."

Louise falls silent, but she's still awake.

"Michael?"

"Yeah?"

"Y-You didn't enjoy Kirche's kiss, did you...?"

Louise's question is tiny and fragile.

I scoff and roll my eyes.

"Not really. Hell, I didn't even want it."

"Oh..."

I feel Louise has something more on her mind than she's letting on here.

"What's up, Louise?"

"N-Nothing," she whispers. "I was just thinking about something. Never mind. Let's get some sleep."

If she doesn't want to share then fair enough.

"Gladly, after how crazy today's been."

This moment right now? Holding Louise in my arms?

It's kinda nice. That, and I've always been a huggy guy.

Even so, I know I shouldn't let any of this go to my head.

This is Louise. Girl's two sides of a very stark coin.

Sometimes she's really sweet and gentle. Other times she borders on unbearable.

"Yeah," Louise agrees.

The room falls quiet once more.

"I'm glad you're my Familiar, Michael," she says finally. "Even if you are hard-headed."

"Takes one to know one, Princess," I tease.

Louise giggles.

"I'll be kind and pretend I didn't hear you just now..."

Mercy for my quip granted, Louise relaxes fully into my embrace and lets out a sleepy sigh.

I close my eyes and drift, too.


I'm awoken by a soft hand touching my shoulder.

"Hm?" I grunt, fluttering my eyes open and squinting through the dimness.

I see nothing until a light flickers to life.

Standing before the bedside table, where a candle now rests and glows, is Louise in a nightie. She holds her pocket watch - the same one as yesterday - in her left hand. The time's almost seven in the morning according to the watch face.

"C'mon, Michael." She prods my shoulder. "Wake up!"

I blink away the grogginess and sit upright in the bed.

"Yeah, yeah..." I wave a hand at my mistress, signaling my willingness. "I'm up."

I quickly run my hands down my vest. Once I'm satisfied, I climb out of the bed.

"Which classes are you taking today...?" I ask after a long, deep yawn.

"Just two, Friday is a half day," Louise replies. "History with Professor Colbert starts after breakfast. Then Magical Foundation with Professor Chevreuse begins at noon."

"No problem."

I have her routine down, at least so far. First, I escort Louise to breakfast. Afterward, I walk her to her first class. After the first class is over, I collect her from the classroom and walk her to the second.

Well, provided there aren't any special events that I don't know about happening today, that is.

This is a school, after all. There's bound to be stuff going on.

"Get dressed and fix your hair, Michael," Louise instructs. "And quickly, I'm hungry."

I scoff at her.

"You and that appetite of yours, woman."

"Woman...?" Louise's brow creases.

I wave a hand dismissively at her.

"Relax, it's not an insult or anything," I reassure. "Not in England, at least."

"Oh." Louise seems to accept my answer.

"Yeah, it's more a light-hearted quip, back home," I explain. "Kind of like an inside joke."

"Alright."

Louise shrugs, apparently content with that.

I quickly run my hands through my hair to sort it out. My blonde mane's a little wavy, so it's not exactly neat. Next up, I get to work slipping on my trousers and socks.

Louise sets down her pocket watch while I change. She then walks past me and takes a fresh shirt and school skirt out of the drawer.

"Will you finish early today, then?" I ask whilst buttoning my collar.

"By two, yes," Louise answers with a nod, slipping out of her nightgown and into her skirt and shirt.

I shift my gaze, out of respect. Our bond isn't the sort where I feel comfortable looking at her while she's naked.

"Then you and I will be going shopping with Montmorency," Louise continues explaining.

The girl pulls her pink locks into a long and wavy ponytail as I finish dressing. It's kinda cute.

"Not keeping your hair down today, Louise?"

"No. I feel like a change since it's Friday," the mage tells me.

She reaches into the same drawer, takes out a blue ribbon, and ties her hair back with it.

"Oh. Well, fair enough," I shrug, then pull on my pants and fasten them.

Louise's eyes fall on me. I glance over at her.

"What is it?"

"N-Nothing," Louise replies, averting her gaze. "I-I was just making sure you were dressed."

"Okay," I say, shrugging my shoulders.

"Are you done?"

"Pretty much, yeah."

"Then come, let's eat."

Louise walks out of the room, leaving me to follow after her. I throw my cloak over my shoulders and do just that.


I sit out by the front steps whilst Louise eats her breakfast in the dining hall.

Smiling, I skim through pictures of home. Pictures of myself with friends.

The most recent one is from a few weeks before I landed in Tristain, taken just before a big party with some of the university guys.

"How are you this morning, Michael?" Siesta calls out to me.

"Ah, Siesta," I wave the girl over as she approaches. Eager to save my iPod's dwindling battery, I turn it off and put it in my trouser pocket. "I'm good, thanks. Hope you're doing okay, too."

"I'm very good, thank you." Siesta nods, her face glowing a shade of red.

"What's got you so happy?"

"Oh, I'm just glad you're well." Siesta's expression becomes the slightest bit uneasy, suddenly. "I heard you slept outside in the hall last night..."

I cock a brow at that.

"How'd you know about that?"

Siesta nods and sits down beside me on the stone steps.

"I overheard two first-year students talking about it whilst I was delivering plates to the kitchens earlier."

"Oh. I see."

"What happened between you Miss Louise to have her throw you out?" Siesta questions, leaning in and whispering. "I do worry for your well-being, Michael."

Might be best I dodge the finer details as far as last night's concerned. Wouldn't want to make Siesta stress over me without good reason.

"It was just a..." I pause. Yeah, we'll keep it brief. "A misunderstanding."

"I'm sorry," Siesta apologizes.

"Don't be." I smile reassuringly at the girl. "All's fine. Things have already been worked out, so everything's okay. Louise let me back into the room in the end."

"That's wonderful to hear." Siesta's face brightens.

"You look happy," I note.

"Oh, I am." Siesta nods and beams at me. "Especially after Miss Louise went out of her way to save you the other day, Michael."

I don't quite follow what Siesta's getting at here.

"Save me...?" I ask, a touch confused.

"Oh, it's nothing." Siesta shakes her head and waves a hand. "Never mind, I shouldn't have said anything."

I don't think I'll let this go just yet. I'm honestly curious.

"What is it, Siesta?"

The maid exhales gently. "Promise me you won't repeat this to your mistress. She didn't want you to know of all the trouble she went to."

I frown at that.

"Louise kept it a secret from me? What did she do?"

Siesta smiles at me.

"The day following your duel with Lord Guiche, Miss Louise purchased a very expensive potion from a high-class alchemist to aid in healing your wounds. Otherwise, you may well have slipped into a coma."

"Oh. Wow..."

That's news to me.

"Why did she hide it, though?"

"She was afraid you finding out would embarrass her." Siesta grins.

"Ah."

The way she phrased that sounds like something Louise would say, too.

"Guess I'll cut Louise a little slack, then," I smirk. "It ain't every day a girl saves your life."

Especially a guy who never quite hits the mark despite endlessly trying, like me.

"She clearly cares a lot about you, Michael," Siesta asserts.

"Yeah, I guess she does in that weird way of hers..."

Siesta chuckles. "Well, Miss Louise is seen as a little strange. Even among her noble peers."

I can't help laughing, either. "You're damned right about that."

"And... I'm happy I've found a friend like you too, Michael," the girl adds shyly, smiling.

Her deep blue eyes gaze into mine with tenderness and warmth. I can see she genuinely means what she's just said.

"Thanks. That means a lot." I nod at the maid.

The same applies. I like this girl - Siesta. She's a good person, despite all the crap she no doubt takes from nobles for being a mere commoner in their eyes.

Footsteps clack across the stone floors behind. I glance back.

Louise approaches us from across the hall. She has a small satchel bag slung over her shoulder. Probably something she ordered packed up for her in the dining hall, I'll wager.

"Done with breakfast?" I call over to her.

"Yes, I am," the pinkette calls back, approaching me.

"Ready for the day, then?"

"I am. My first class begins in thirty minutes," Louise replies.

The mage walks down the front steps and stands in front of me. Siesta gets up and bows for her.

"Good morning to you, Miss Vallière."

"You too, Siesta," Louise answers

"Well, I'm off to do my chores," Siesta says to both of us. "You two have a nice day."

"Thank you," Louise replies, nodding her head.

"You too, Siesta," I add.

The young maid flashes a smile and hurries off into the castle.

Louise sighs and shakes her head once Siesta is far down the hall. "Why does that girl seem so obsessed with you?"

I laugh gently. "Obsessed? I doubt it. I'm far from spectacular."

Louise frowns and raises a brow.

"You put yourself down a lot, Michael. Why...?"

Painful question right there, Princess.

"Well, let's just say I put in the effort back home. Did well, too. Really well, studies and part-time job-wise," I explain, standing from the steps. "In the end, though, stuff just started going wrong for me. Beyond Anna, I mean."

"Oh?" Louise cocks her head, her interest piqued.

"Doesn't matter, Louise. Not enough to bother you with, anyway." I shake my head. "We all have issues crop up. And I guess a little part of me just... feels a bit burnt out."

Louise sighs and glances away.

"You and I are the smallest bit alike after all," she decides.

Louise sets off back up the castle steps and I follow at her side.

"You think so?" I continue.

Instead of heading straight ahead and into the dining hall, Louise takes a left turn about halfway down the corridor. This fork in the castle's long and winding frontmost hallway section leads toward the classrooms, I think.

"Yes, I do," Louise replies. "If what you say is true then we both try our best, even if our doing so isn't particularly all that successful."

I nod, taking a moment to think about what Louise just said.

"Huh. Now that you mention it, yeah. I guess that's true."

Louise smiles at me but says nothing further.

I continue following her down to the end of the hallway. She takes another right and we both go down another connecting corridor until we end up out front of a large set of oaken double doors.

"This is the classroom," she tells me. "Professor Colbert's, to be exact."

"Alright."

I hold open the door for Louise and she goes in.

There are already some students present. One is Montmorency. Her blonde locks are pulled back into a long braid that hangs down her back.

"Want me to join you for this one today too, Louise?" I ask my pink-haired mistress.

"That won't be necessary, Michael," Louise answers, shaking her head. "I would appreciate it if you could wait for me out here until class ends. Professor Colbert always lets us go a few minutes early if it's a Friday."

I nod and shrug my shoulders. "Whatever works for you. I'll be out here."

"Thank you."

Louise gives a quick, small nod. She's about to walk over to Montmorency's table but pauses and turns back to me.

"And don't forget to be on your best behavior later on today," Louise adds.

I simply wave off her concerns and smile.

"Alright, Alright. I'll keep it polite while you and Montmorency go shopping."

Louise smiles. "Good. Now, I will see you after class."

"See you."

With that, Louise turns and heads over to where Montmorency is sitting.

I take a seat on the floor just outside of the classroom and lay my head against the wall.

"Guess I'll just take it easy out here, then."


Louse walks on through the Academy's front portcullis with Montmorency beside her and me at her back. She stretches her arms and lets out a satisfied sigh.

"Classes are done and none tomorrow. Lovely!" she declares with glee.

I'm guessing Saturday is like our Sunday back home. I overheard a few other students expressing similar excitement whilst funneling out of Professor Chevreuse's classroom a little while ago, too.

"Indeed, Louise." Montmorency agrees wholeheartedly. "And what better way to enjoy it than with a trip into town."

"Oh, I have just the place in mind, too." Louise claps her hands together.

"Do you, now?" the other girl questions.

"Indeed I do," the pinkette answers. "There's a lovely little pastry shop just off the main road. We should go there first."

"I couldn't agree more. Pastries make for a perfect weekend treat. Onward to Lenore."

I fall into the other side of Louse and walk with my arms folded behind my back.

"Lenore? Is that where we're going?"

"That's the name of the town," Louise confirms. "It's a short carriage ride. We can get there easily enough just by walking, though. It isn't more than twenty minutes each way."

I nod, understanding.

"Alright. Lead the way, then."

"Oh, don't worry," Louise smirks at me. "We will."

Louise and Montmorency exchange a mutual glance. The blonde then looks at me, leans in, and whispers something into Louise's ear.

Louise nods, seeming to understand.

"I suppose that would be alright, yes," Louise agrees. "Nothing too fancy, though."

With that, the two girls continue chatting at a normal volume.

I blink at whatever they just said and keep a steady pace beside Louise.

...

"Here we are, Michael," Louise declares boldly, holding out an arm in presentation. "Welcome to Lenore!"

I stand awestruck with my eyes wide. "Wow..."

It isn't until this very moment that the magnitude of being in another world truly hits me.

Crowds bustle about, going in and out of shops lined up on the sides of a wide cobblestone street. Lenore's buildings resemble the sorts you'd see in olden-period dramas depicting England or France. I'm guessing pre-Edwardian if my halfway decent History still holds up. Maybe early 1700s.

Noblemen in fine velveteen robes walk the streets with plainly dressed servants in tow, most carrying hand-weaved bags filled with food or trinkets.

Dozens of display signs are hung outside the larger and better-kept establishments. There are shops selling fruits, cheeses, bloody cuts of meat, and a wide range of interestingly shaped flasks. To me, the latter looks like a collection of props for the perfect homemade distillery.

The sweet smell of baked bread and pastries wafts its way onto the streets as cart drivers laden with goods pull through the heart of the town. Tasteful music carried through from various locations makes the moment complete, striking the right notes to make Lenore's market feel both lively and welcoming.

Montmorency looks at me, snaps her fingers a couple of times, and turns her attention to Louise.

"Erm, Louise... I think your familiar may be broken."

"He isn't broken, Montmorency," Louise assures the blonde. "Just very far away from home."

"Oh," Montmorency blinks, clearly understanding what Louise is saying. "So the whisperings I've heard regarding his being from some faraway place-"

"Are very much true," Louise confirms to her friend.

"Right. Well, Michael," Montmorency says as she glances back at me. "Welcome to Lenore. What a delight this place is."

Montmorency's tiny frog familiar ribbits on her shoulder as if confirming the fact, causing both girls to giggle. I'm snapped from my wide-eyed staring at it.

"T-Thank you, Miss Montmorency," I eventually reply, embarrassed that I got so caught up in the scenery.

"It is quite alright, Michael," Montmorency reassures me.

"You should feel grateful my familiar's being this kind to you, Montmorency," Louise utters, glancing back my way with a gentle frown. "He isn't always this nice to me."

The blonde's porcelain cheeks redden the slightest bit. "I-I see..."

Before Montmorency says anything further, though, Louise clasps her hands together excitedly. "Anyway... I'd say it's time for pastries. Follow me, both of you."

Louise presses ahead down the cobblestone road.

Montmorency looks at me for an instant with a soft smile and then continues after the shorter, pink-haired girl.

"You're in charge, Princess," I say, sighing considering her little jab just now.

...

I can't even remember the last time I smelled anything as delightful as this pastry shop. Raspberry, blueberry, mixed, it's simply wonderful.

An insanely delicious selection of buns and croissants and Danish-style nibbles line a large counter to my right. The entire back wall is covered in mouth-watering, golden berry-filled cakes and fruit-flavoured eclairs. There are shelves beneath that with jars full of delicious-looking sauces; raspberry, lemon, blackcurrant, blueberry, and strawberry. Some of the pastries are already cut open and covered in either hot or cold, tasty-looking red or golden sauces.

Louise picks up a fresh, croissant-like pastry and gazes at it hungrily.

"Miss Louise, I implore you..." A man from behind the shop's serving counter offers with a wink. "You simply must buy a handful of these today."

Several bakers swarm around the Louise and Montmorency, offering treats to sample and try.

My guess is they want a nice fat slice of some of their noble coin. Though knowing what a temper Louise has, I doubt things will go well if she thinks even for a second we're being toyed with.

"I really shouldn't... but I will." Louise produces a small coin purse from inside one of her cloak's pockets. "I'll take half a dozen, please."

"Oh, it's a pleasure to have you, Miss Vallière," the baker says eagerly with a charming smile. "I'll have a few wrapped for you straight away."

"Thank you very much."

The baker looks to Montmorency, next. "And you, Miss...?"

The blonde girl places a hand on her chest and smiles pridefully. "Miss Montmorency de Montmorency. And I too would like some of those delightful-looking treats, also."

"Ah, Madam Montmorency. Of course! Again, what a pleasure! A lovely name to match a beautiful girl," the man behind the counter compliments her. "Very well. How many would you like?"

Montmorency taps a finger to her chin, pondering. She then nods. "Four should do."

"Most appreciated."

Both girls pay for their food, wait for a few moments for their baker's orders to be filled, and then start walking out of the shop.

I follow them, carrying both girls' bags, naturally.

"Best get out of this crowd," Louise tells Montmorency as she darts out onto the street. "We can enjoy our purchases down here."

"Excellent."

We all head over toward an empty set of stairs flanking one of the larger stores and sit down.

Louise opens her bag up straight away, sits down, and starts eating a pastry. Montmorency does the same on the adjacent step.

"Here, you earned it," Montmorency utters after taking the tiniest bite from a Danish pastry of her own, holding it out to me.

I cock a brow. "Really? You sure?"

Montmorency nods. "Take a bite. It is quite alright."

Can't say I expected the generosity. I'm not complaining, though.

"Thank you." I take the croissant with a smile.

Then I bite into it.

The taste is simply beyond anything I've ever had. Golden, fluffy, filling that completely melts in my mouth. There isn't any chance of me forgetting this amazing

"I've died and gone to heaven," I simply say, feeling pleased with myself that I've managed a compliment whilst also biting into the warm goodness in front of me.

"Don't spoil him too much, Montmorency," Louise warns. "He'll come to expect it."

"Oh, I just can't help it!" Montmorency protests, shaking her head in wonder. "I mean, look at him."

Louise lets out a reluctant sigh but smirks regardless. "You're certainly enjoying that, aren't you, Michael?"

"Damned right," I answer with a wide smile.

Even the imported food section in my local grocery store doesn't have pastries this nice!

Oh yeah, I'd be happy to return to Lenore if the chance comes my way.

Louise laughs, looking genuinely happy. "Okay, okay. Just eat it already."

Montmorency takes a big bite out of her pastry. Then gestures out to the road with it. "There's somewhere I'd like to go after this if it's alright with you, Louise."

The pinkette thinks it over for a moment. "Ah, yes. The matter we discussed earlier. Alright. We'll go once we finish here."

"Thank you." Montmorency agrees with a kind nod.

...

From Tristain Academy's winding corridors to the streets of Lenore, I've done so much walking today that I can hardly keep track anymore. Wish I had my car. Or my old bike that's still kicking around at Dad's place!

Both girls stop outside of an alchemist's shop, next. Or at least, I'm guessing as much, given the displays of potions in the windows, none of which I have the slightest clue about.

"Will this do, Montmorency?" Louise questions, glancing back my way.

"Perfectly, yes. I imagine they will stock wands and books here, too."

"They should," Louise agrees.

Montmorency takes Louise's coin purse with a grateful nod and presses her way ahead into the alchemist's shop, leaving Louise and me out on the street. The blonde exits a few minutes later, clutching an old leather-bound tome with a large flame-like insignia etched into the front cover.

She first hands a significantly lighter-looking coin purse back to Louise and then offers the book to me in presentation.

"This is a combined gift from your mistress and me," Montmorency explains.

I point to myself, honestly surprised. "...Me?"

"Yes, you, idiot," Louise clarifies with a half-smile, arms folded. "You're my familiar, after all. And since I'm... lacking with regards to magic, I'd like you to learn as well."

"To protect Louise," Montmorency clarifies. "After all, it is as much a familiar's duty to safeguard their master as it is to attend to their needs."

My eyes flit to the tiny frog perched on Montmorency's shoulder. "Even that little fella, there?"

"Indeed, yes." Montmorency places the book into my hands and then gently pets her frog familiar's little head. "Robin is surprisingly resourceful. And, I can make her far bigger should need demand it, also."

I begin inspecting the book's soft, leather front and back cover. There's not a sign of dust on it anywhere.

"Appreciate it, both of you," I remark, feeling humbled by their gift. Channeling a little old-timey energy, I bow my head for both the girls. "Seriously, it's a nice book."

"I'm glad you like it," says Louise, smiling gently with faintly flushed cheeks.

"As am I," Montmorency adds with a small smile.

I glance overhead. The sky's tinged a shade of soothing orange.

"How 'bout we head back before it gets dark," I suggest. "Looks to me like rain's rolling in on the horizon."

"A fine idea," Montmorency agrees. "Providing your master thinks so, as well."

Louise unfolds her arms and looks down the cobblestone street. "I suppose we should. The evening is starting to set in."

Montmorency's smile remains. She gives me one last glance. "Very well, then. I shall accompany you both to the Academy."

...

By the time Louise, Montmorency, and I arrive back at the Tristain Academy it's become a chill, dry evening with dark blue skies.

Stopping outside the entrance to the castle's dormitory wing, Montmorency bows her head for Louise respectfully. "It has been a truly Lovely afternoon, Louise. And, I shall be the first to say that you are quite fine company, once a lady takes time getting to know you, of course."

"Thank you, Montmorency," says Louise. "That means more than I can say. The same applies, of course. I'm also... glad you chose to accompany me today."

"A pleasure." The blonde looks to me, now. "And do take care of her, Michael."

I smirk and give a thumbs up, my tome held under my bag-laden arm. "I'll do my best."

We bid the other girl farewell and I head after Louise who begins toward her room

Before entering her bedroom, Louise looks at me as she fidgets with her fingers. "Michael, how did you find your time with Montmorency and me today?"

"Not bad at all." Far more fun than I expected, truth be told. "You girls enjoyed yourselves too, right?"

"Oh, yes." Louise seems glad I feel that way. "She's a lot nicer than most people would at first imagine. And far more thoughtful, too, than many give her credit for."

Then I've no complaints at all. "Glad to hear it, Princess."

Louise opens the bedroom door and I hold it for her.

"Thank you," the girl says, smiling.

"No problem."

I walk on through and shut the door behind us.


It's late in the evening and Louise's room is lit by several slow-burning orange candles. The two of us are seated together on the windowsill like the prior evening. I'm looking at my new tome's front cover while my master gazes up toward the starry evening sky.

"Think I'll open this thing up and take a look," I decide, honestly excited. An old magical tome like this is similar to the stuff Anna used to read about in fantasy storybooks.

"Oh, you should, yes," Louise urges me, looking my way. "I hope the two of us can work on it together."

I blink. "Work on it?"

"Yes." Louise nods. "As my familiar, I expect you to note down all of your magical progress and share it with me."

"Yeah, sure thing." I release the string holding the tome's clasp and open it out onto the first page.

"It says here..." I run a finger along the book's opening passage. "Speak thine name and my powers shall awaken."

Louise scoffs. "You must be joking. It's an old tome, yes, but that's still a rather silly phrase to use. Just try it anyway. Maybe it's a joke."

"Fine, fine," I chuckle. "Okay, book, my name's Michael. What magic you got hiding between those pages for me, hmm?"

I wait silently, a part of me genuinely hoping something might happen.

Moments fritter away and vanish. I sigh, the faintest bit dejected.

"Guess it's just silly nothings after all."

"Try the page after," Louise encourages, clearly as eager as I am. "Maybe there's more written there."

Louise touches her hand to the page.

And the meteor-shaped rune on the back of my hand surges with overwhelming orange light when she does. An identical aura of sorts feeds into the book as though it's taking what magic I have inside of it, and my body heats up similarly to the day when I first arrived here.

I gasp in surprise. So does Louise.

"What the hell's going on?!" I shout.

"I-I don't know!" the pinkette answers.

My body glows brighter and the book does, too.

Visions of endless, all-devouring flames flood my thoughts.

The room's wooden floorboards creak. My feet rise upward.

"Oh, fuck..." I curse under my breath, eyes wide.

"Wha-what are you doing, Michael?! Get down here!"

"I'm not doing this on purpose, Louise! Trust me!"

The room begins to fade away, and everything turns bright.

I hear a distant voice. A young man.

"I hereby swear as a man of noble blood that I shall protect you, Lady Cecilia," he decrees.

A different woman's voice then comes next, softer and more elegant. "Thank you, Simon. My gratitude is yours, truly."

A vision depicting a man with wild and wavy dark hair forces its way into my thoughts. He holds hands with a younger, white-haired lady who holds a magic wand. The two gaze into each other's eyes with absolute adoration for one another.

Leaning close, the man kisses the woman. Fire surges through his body as he does.

I blink, trying to process what's happening.

"Wait, what the Hell is all this...?"

Then the man vanishes, and a bright light envelopes everything.

...

I open my eyes to find I'm still beside Louise on the windowsill.

She wears a look of immense worry and her gaze trembles.

"Michael... are you alright?" she wonders nervously.

"Y-Yeah. I'm good, I think." I nod, looking down at my palm. My rune pulsates no longer. "I just saw some really weird shit, that's all."

"Yes, you certainly did, young man," agrees a suave and gentlemanly voice that is neither mine nor Louise's.

I blink at Louise and she blinks back. Then we turn our heads toward the window, where the voice originated from.

Both of us can only stare in amazement.

The tome Louise and Montmorency bought for me today floats in front of us and its edges glow with dim orange light. It's as though the damn thing's alive or something.

"Oh, ho, I see you're surprised, young lady. And you, fellow," the book begins speaking once more.

"E-excuse me, Michael," the frightened Louise utters, slinking behind me for protection.

"You're a book... and you're talking," I state with immense confusion. A little fear, too.

"Why yes, it would seem I am, Sir," the tome continues in its gentlemanly tone. "I am awakened again. And I have a new partner to aid, as well."

The tome floats down into my hands again. I flinch out of sheer unease but don't drop it.

"You may call me Grimoire Toby, young Sir," the now-named book continues. "Or Grim, if it so pleases you. I shall support you in protecting your mistress from now onward."

"Supporting me... as in how?" I question slowly, my gaze narrowing.

Toby clears its voice, seemingly clearing its throat, and speaks on. "Indeed! You, as the wielder of the Guardian Rune, must work hard and train to become stronger."

Behind me, Louise faints and falls backward. I move to grab her before she can slide off the windowsill and bump her head.

I catch her while being cautious of the talking book.

"Sir Michael," I hear the tome address me once more. "Do attend to the young Mistress. Then you and I shall talk at length."

Setting my eyes back to the book, I only furrow my brow. But, for now, I'll do as I'm told.

I scoop Louise up in my arms and get down off the windowsill. Keeping her safe and secure, I take her over to the bed and set her down there.

"First, magic, then talking damned tomes," I reflect at a mutter beneath my breath whilst placing a hand against Louise's forehead. "Tristain's way, way too different to home."

"You wake up soon, okay, Princess?" I encourage gently, smiling for my mistress. "I'll be right here when you do."

I glance toward the windowsill. Toby- The tome, or whatever the in the world it is, lays flat and silent atop one of Louise's cushions.

I turn my eyes to Louise again and sigh deeply.

"It's been a long day."

To be continued...


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