Alrighty, this chapter is extremely long. That said, I recommend you bookmark it and read over a couple of sittings.

Also, I've come to an important decision regarding the story's future.

This tale will follow key events of Familiar of Zero's first anime season with the exception of a few large changes here and there.

Beyond there, however, I'll be pulling elements from both the Chevalier manga series and even the light novel. Most of the anime beyond the first season is very fanservice heavy, with a watered-down plot.

The leading ladies have also been chosen, too. They are:

Louise

Siesta

Tabitha

Montmorency (Secondary)

You can also expect some light girl-on-girl at times.

And lastly, with this chapter, the story is officially M-rated. If you aren't here for steamier scenes then you might want to get off the ride now.

...

Louise is presented with a surprising offer by Siesta while she waits at Michael's bedside.


Siesta's Pledge

Louise lets out a soft groan and opens her eyes.

Rubbing her face, she stretches her hands over her head and yawns lightly.

Night has fallen and many flickering candles illuminate the Academy infirmary.

Groaning more loudly, Louise falls forward, catching herself on the edge of Michael's bed. Still sitting in the chair, her posture is awkward and strange, her body now in an uncomfortable half-sitting and half-leaning position. Toby the tome still lays at the foot of Michael's bed, where she left him.

"...Miss Vallière? Are you alright?" asks a gentle, familiar voice to Louise's side.

One that awakens her jealous, green-eyed monster.

Looking in the direction of the female voice, the pinkette lowers her brow suspiciously.

Siesta stands with her arms behind folded behind her back and wears a concerned look.

"What are you doing here...?" Louise questions drearily.

Siesta's expression turns anxious as she looks on at the small woman. She takes a single step forward, a clear-cut hesitance within it. "...I came to check on both you and Michael, in truth."

From behind her back, the well-endowed young lady produces a folded woollen blanke. Opening it out, she takes another cautious step nearer to Louise?

"...May I wrap you up, Miss? They say you've been here all day."

Louise frowns gently at the offer.

"I don't want your-"

Then she recalls hers and Siesta's argument.

Yes, Louise was totally within her right to tell off the maid for sitting at Michael's bedside without her permission. And doubly so for flaunting her affections toward the familiar in a way she so struggles.

But perhaps shoving Siesta against the wall was a fraction too far... Commoner or not.

Hence, sitting and moping here is the least she could do.

"I..."

Feeling her face drain of colour, Louise leans back from her cramped and painful sitting position. Sitting up, she straightens her back and folds her hands on her lap.

In a moment of reluctance, the girl forces her head to tilt up. There, she meets Siesta's gaze.

"...You may give me the blanket if you so wish, Siesta," she allows reluctantly. "I am too tired to make the return trip to my room..."

Siesta nods slowly in understanding.

Taking another few steps forward, she drapes the woollen covering about Louise's slumped shoulders. Doing so, a little twinge of guilt forms in the back of the pinkette's mind.

"There we are, this should help," says Siesta, taking a half-step back once she's finished.

Again, Louise's cheeks flush faintly with shame, and her stomach twists.

"I appreciate it," she manages to utter quietly, in a low, sincere tone. "A-and, sorry... If it helps, I, ehm- For shoving you to the wall as I did yesterday, I mean to say. Peasant or not... My reaction toward you being here was perhaps the slightest fraction too... intense."

Holding herself awkwardly, the tired mage swallows and wets her throat. Siesta gives the girl an uneasy smile, returning her hands behind her back, again.

"I believe I would have done the same had I been in your position, Miss Vallière," the maid admits plainly.

Louise simply nods. "As would have been your right as a noble."

Maintaining a small grin, the maid, standing in the flickering candlelight, lowers her head.

"Thank you for apologizing, regardless," the lassie remarks thoughtfully. "...Doing so for one such as me shows that you are far kinder than most of your peers, Miss."

Again, the smaller girl sinks her head into her chest. "..."

Warmth fills her pale cheeks with rosy red colour. She shakes her head, lowering her face further and not looking at Siesta.

"Do not try to butter me up, maid," the noblewoman mutters lowly, voice crackling as the blush overtakes her face. "As a daughter of the Vallière household, it's my responsibility not to shame my noble name for the sake of a common maid's feelings."

Siesta says nothing. She does, however, giggle quietly and gently.

Then, shaking her head, the girl stoops over slightly and slowly bows, peering up at the pinkette with a coy look.

"I have no doubt of that, Miss," Siesta declares firmly. "Michael would not stand so loyally at your side if he didn't believe it, too. I can see how deeply you care for him."

Louise's features surge red-hot with shyness. She turns away from the maid, and frowns.

"P-Please, that idiot stands at my side because he has no choice. He's obligated to, as my familiar," the pinkette murmurs lowly.

"Respectfully, Miss Vallière, I believe you know that to be untrue," Siesta objects with wiseness to her voice. "Your reaction to my being here yesterday is proof enough of that."

"But that... that was because..." the pinkette groans, desperate to muster a defence.

"If it will make things easier between us, I can pretend that the encounter never happened," offers Siesta, folding her hands across her waist. "Or, should you allow it, I will speak for the both of us on this matter. I will say what I know you cannot."

Louise stiffens. Still not looking at the well-endowed girl, her countenance begins to heat up again. She shifts in the chair.

"...W-what do you mean...?"

Turning her glance to Michael's sleeping figure, Siesta closes her eyes.

"What I mean to say is this: Deep down, you dearly love Michael just as much as I do, Miss Vallière," she answers sternly. "That's is the reason you are so defensive of him."

Again, Louise's face feels as though it's heated beyond human capacity. Her heart thuds hard in her chest.

Her fingertips feel icy cold.

"T-That's... n-no..."

Louise glances anxiously over her shoulder at the figure sleeping on the bed.

Siesta raises a knowing gaze and meets Louise's glare. The pinkette's radiates unease at this.

"I understand, Miss Vallière," says the softspoken servant. "Truth be told, this does not anger me one bit."

"Siesta..."

Louise shifts her nervous glare downward to her lap.

Her stomach has become full of butterflies, fluttering around and making her insides churn.

"...Is there a point to you raising this with me?" the pinkette questions. "Or are you simply trying to embarrass me because of how I treated you when last we spoke?"

Taken back by such a frank accusation, Siesta opens her eyes, looks over to the girl, and shakes her head.

"Of course not, Miss. My intentions for your Michael are far from malicious or vengeful."

Louise wraps a hand over her stomach and furrows her brow, frowning at the sleeping man. "You don't own him," she answers defensively, her tone stern and protective.

Not deterred by such a reproach, the maid rests her back against the opposite wall and smiles calmly at the petite girl "...I do not, no. Which is why I would ask something of you," she says.

"And that would be...?"

Siesta lowers onto hand and knee in a deeply respectful bow. Then, she lowers her brow humbly and shuts her eyes.

"...That you please allow me to court your familiar when he awakens, Miss Vallière. As a peasant, I cannot challenge you. As the daughter of a simple Tarbes carpenter, I am nothing compared to you. But I love Michael very, very dearly, so allow me this chance, and I will surrender myself to you completely."

Taken aback by this, Louise clears her throat and takes a few moments to centre herself.

Her emotions rage so intensely that she simply cannot think.

Yet, even amidst her tidal wave of raging feelings, a realization shines through. A realization of startling clarity.

Siesta is offering herself up by choice, even after Count Mott almost forced her into his service.

This simple peasant girl would've been used as a nobleman's lover, and doubtless forced to bare his children in the coming years to swell the numbers of his household staff.

And yet, despite having narrowly escaped the more brutal side of noble servitude once, Siesta stands ready to submit again.

Willingly.

All for Michael. All for Louise's lovely, idiot familiar!

Feeling her heart stutter and swell painfully, Louise lets out an uneasy breath.

A conflict rises within her as she looks the maid over.

"...Are you formally requesting I take you into my service, Siesta?" A seriousness fills the pinkette's gaze as she asks this single question.

Smiling weakly, Siesta pensively lowers her hand and laces her fingers together in front of her. "I don't have anything to offer you except myself, Miss," she answers timidly.

Looking the lass over again, Louise exhales lightly, then brings a gentle fist up to her chin.

After taking some moments to muse on the subject, the Vallière girl releases her hand and leans back.

"I'll consider your offer," she decides, her tone light and elegant. "Until then, you're welcome to keep me company until Michael awakens, if you'd like."

"Of course, thank you for your consideration, Miss," says Siesta, lifting herself up gently and putting her hands back behind her. "Even this is more than I could have possibly hoped for."

She offers the girl an eager smile.

Returning her gaze to her companion, Louise again bows her head and laces her fingers into her lap. The pinkette now feels rather uncomfortable due to the maid's self-surrender, but that emotion fades after a moment as she opens her eyes and looks the girl over.

"Actually, Siesta, go and fetch us something to eat," she gently instructs. "A small bowl of soup should do. I plan on staying here all night," Louise informs wearily.

Siesta only nods.

"Of course."

As Siesta takes her leave, Louise allows herself to sigh quietly. Lying forward in the chair, she breathes in deeply and closes her eyes.

A smile forms on her lips.

A satisfied, cheerful one.

"You did as a noble should, Miss Vallière," Toby assures. "The maid made her bargain. Now you just need to decide what you wish to do with it. Is having someone like her in your service a boon... or a disadvantage?"

Taking a few moments to consider the conundrum before her, the pinkette lowers her gaze and runs a fingertip along the armrest of her chair.

She shakes her head slowly.

"That's a matter for another day, Toby," she voices drearily. "Right now, all I wish is for this idiot to awaken. Anything beyond that doesn't matter."

Louise sucks in a slow, gentle breath, then tilts her face upward.

A dull pain hangs in the pit of her stomach. A pain born from the reality of her noble station.

"...Speaking of which, how do I even go about asking him for a date together...? It isn't as though our bond can grow any deeper so long as he remains a simple commoner," she murmurs in a melancholy tone, wiping a hand down her eyes and clearing her throat to stifle the emotions, tightening it. "Why did someone like that have to end up bound to the likes of me...?"

"Are you saying you would rather wish your feelings toward him away, Miss Louise?" Toby poses with a smooth voice.

Immediately the Vallière girl feels herself hunch forward. Her thoughts race into turmoil and the dull pain in her gut twists.

Swallowing back bitter melancholy, she shakes her head, as she feels like shaking him instead.

"N-No, you dumb tome! I want him awake, I want him here, at my side."

"And when he awakens...?" prompts the book. "What then?"

Louise lets out a small breath and looks across the hall to a sleeping Tabitha, where another, dimmer candle flickers at her bedside. There, she finds the strength to mutter, "W-well..."

"I simply pose this question because you are a woman of nobility, Miss Louise," explains Toby. "Surely you have a certain social standing to uphold...?"

Louise nods, then folds her arms together.

She shuts her eyes for a moment to ponder further and exhales a frustrated breath.

"I am a Duke's daughter, Toby, of course I do...! What exactly is your point?"

"My point is this: Being a Duke's daughter, and one of quite reasonable appeal appearance-wise, you are likely already betrothed to be married, I assume."

Shivering, Louise clasps a tight hold of her chest.

Dangling an arm against her hip and sitting forward in her seat, Louise heaves a trembling breath.

"...Yes. I'm engaged to marry Viscount Wardes, one of Tristania's most esteemed swordsman," she answers almost inaudibly, exhaling shakily and bowing her head. "It is a long-standing arrangement between the families, one which was agreed when I was still little."

"Do you love him, Miss Louise?" asks the book quietly.

Louise looks to her sleeping familiar with a miserable expression. Her lips are pursed shut. Leaning nearer, she curls over his body, drapes her arm down his side, and rests her head over his chest.

"...No, I can't say that I do," the girl finally admits with an agonizing murmur.

After a few moments, the lass brings herself to a sit-up, then straightens herself upright. A tiny rush of warmth blooms across her features.

Yet even through the blush, a tired frown emerges.

"...Do I seem like an idiot to you, Toby?" asks Louise, locking her eyes onto the object.

"For your feelings toward Michael?"

Louise nods.

Grimoire Toby lifts up into the air before the girl.

"Not at all. What is it that you find to be idiotic?"

"Wanting someone I know I cannot have, Toby," sighs Louise in a pitiful voice.

Toby sets himself down in Louise's lap, his front latch clicking. "And just what, pray tell, stops you both from being together while you attend classes here, far from your family's reach?"

Closing her eyes, the dejected pinkette shakes her head and lowers her face into her lap.

"I can't just play fanciful games with someone from another world simply because I crave his affection... I mean, should that be what he also wishes, then I would..."

Cheeks growing pink, Louise swallows a lump in her throat.

"...Well...! I-I'd...!"

Opening her mouth wider, but too shamed to even acknowledge her thoughts with coherent language, she shakes her head and clasps her burning red face into her sleeve.

"...I'd command he kiss me, lots more," she whispers shamefully, heat rushing down to her belly. "More than that, too. A-all night long! In my bed...!"

Shutting her eyes hard, an exasperated sigh comes from her mouth.

The heat filling the pinkette's stomach floods downwards, into her most tender of places, swelling into a delicious wave of want.

Dropping her hands, the young Vallière bows her head, her face an inferno, and bites down on her lip.

"Gods be damned, you idiot, just WAKE UP ALREADY!"

Again, a sharp breath fills her lungs. An intense thrill swells within her chest, driving the pinkette to lean forward again, and curl over her sleeping familiar.

She shudders softly, as she reaches her hand out and weaves her fingers through his hair.

Her heart thuds loudly in her chest. Threatening to burst from between her ribcage, as she squeezes her eyes shut.


The sky overhead is gray and foreboding; another day of dreary British weather.

I stand outside of my old haunting ground, the Black Swan pub.

A good half dozen afternoon drinkers occupy their usual spots on the wooden benches out front. A fairly overweight guy wearing a Hawaiian shirt swigs from a bottle of beer while his friend, a balding guy in a football shirt, gestures toward some random YouTube video and starts ranting about the state of the world today.

Sighing, I shake my head, button my letterman jacket and stroll on through the front doors.

"Same shit, different day," I mumble, walking to the end of the entranceway and tugging open the door leading into the bar.

And speaking of shit... Why did Anna want to speak with me on such short notice?

Actually, hold on... Me and her broke up already, didn't we?

In fact...

Something's not right here. I dunno what, but I'm somehow sure of it. It's like I'm not supposed to be here.

I look around, noticing all the people inside the pub. None of them are looking at me. In fact, they don't even acknowledge me at all.

They're all minding their own business, sitting on their barstools, eating their food and drinking their drinks. A few football on the flat screen, even.

The only person paying any mind to me is a dark-skinned girl wearing a long-sleeved top with braided hair. The bartender, Crystal. She's talking to an old guy who's probably been coming here for years now. I'm not really on talking terms with her these days, since she's a good friend of Anna's

My eyes fall to the floor, and I take a deep breath as I begin walking further into the pub.

"What the hell is wrong with me?" I mutter under my breath.

Am I losing my mind? Maybe I'm having some kind of mental breakdown.

I should get to Anna's table so I can try and figure out what's going on.

Where I somehow know she'll be sitting for me, waiting with a rum and cola.

About to ask me for another chance.

...Almost like this entire moment has played out before.

"Fuck it, Mikey, get a grip," I tell myself in a low voice, trying my best to snap out of whatever stupor I'm in. "You're gonna talk to Anna, figure out what she wants, and then you're gonna go home. That's all."

As I make my way down the centre aisle of the bar, I notice the people around me seem to be frozen in time. They're all staring into their phones, or sitting around tables, sipping beer or chatting away, but none of them are moving. Which is weird, considering they were all moving when I walked in!

A rising sense of dread grips my stomach suddenly, and my face feels warm.

I swallow hard and continue walking to my destination.

Anna sits at the table in the middle of the pub's function room, to the left of the slot machines.

Decked out in her favourite long black dress and the black heels that she bought when we last went shopping together, Anna's poised and staring into her cell phone when I finally reach her. She's got her glossy red hair tied into a braid and draped over her shoulder, just like the last time I saw her.

And she's not sitting alone, either. Like I know she should be right now, somehow, some way.

A dainty young lady with long candyfloss-pink hair sits in the chair directly to her right. Girl's wearing a school uniform and some seriously fantastical cloak that's held in place by a bronze clasp. Like something out of one of those wizard movies I watched when I was a kid. There's a seriously snooty air about her, almost like she's royalty or something.

Wait... Princess. Why does that one word match up so well with this girl, whoever she is?

Brushing off the thought with a shake of my head, I shift my eyes to the girl sitting left of Anna.

She's curvy, wears a maid costume, and her deep blue eyes gaze into my green ones with adoration. She gives off seriously kind, homely vibes, and I have a strong urge to keep her safe for some reason.

"Finally, there you are. I'm glad you came," Anna greets me warmly, causing me to shift my gaze back to her. Setting her phone down on the table, she gestures to the empty seat across from her and the other two girls. "We were beginning to think you wouldn't come."

"It certainly took him long enough," mutters the pink-haired girl under her breath, folding her arms and huffing.

"That's not really a surprise, though, I guess," giggles the curvy maid, pushing a lock of curly black hair out of her face. "Most of the time you have poor Michael and me running errands for you, Miss Vallière."

Dozens of memories race through my thoughts at once, almost knocking the air from my lungs.

My first kiss with Louise.

Saving Siesta from Mott.

Spending the night in Montmorency's room.

The Familiar Exhibition.

Becoming tied with Tabitha through a botched spell.

And fighting against Fouquet's-

The golem! That's right! I threw everything at the bastard, and then...

My heartbeat thumps inside my head, almost painful in its intensity.

...I'm not supposed to be here!

I'm in Tristain now. I'm Louise's familiar. Her Guardian.

And I'll be damned if I'm going to let that stony bastard of a golem hurt her, or anyone else!

The images start becoming hazier, and distant sounds begin penetrating my ears.

I focus harder. This can't be my life, not after what I've already experienced. My head rattling some more, my mind forces out new images, new scenes, flooding everything.

And then, with a blink of my eyes, it's only Anna and I sitting together at the table.

The pub is gone and a void of endless blackness surrounds us.

Her expression becoming pained and her eyes watery, Anna sighs.

I open my mouth to speak, and the fair-skinned redhead raises a hand to silence me.

"You got your wish, Mikey. You're far away now, so far away you might never come home," Anna whispers, tears leaking down her beautiful face, leaving clear streaks along her cheeks. "Everything you had here, with me and everyone else, is lost to you. Lost, and you might never get it back."

I want to argue with her words, I want to tell her it's not true. Yet I know they are. From what I know so far, there's almost no chance I'm going home.

A sigh escaping me, I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose as tightly as I can.

"I know, Anna, I know. It's always in the back of my mind..."

I pause for a moment, deciding how much to say, and then go on.

"But it is what it is. I'm stuck in Tristain now, with no way back. And... it isn't too bad."

Anna only replies with a sad, hollow smile.

"And if you could come home again, would you?" she questions quietly.

"If I could... Yes. In a heartbeat. In a heartbeat," I answer truthfully, a small twinge of conflict gripping my chest. A twinge born of all I've experienced in Tristain over these recent weeks.

"Would you leave Louise behind?" asks Anna.

That one hits me like a punch in the gut. Louise isn't someone I can toss aside or forget. No matter how often I get exasperated by her haughty antics, or frustrated by the way she gets snippy with me.

"I'd miss her if I went home," I admit, opening out my palms and looking into them. A distraction. An excuse to avoid eye contact. "And the same for Siesta, as well."

And that doesn't even begin to explain my entanglement with Tabitha right now, either! Or where it might lead for the two of us.

There's a short pause, and then Anna takes a long sip from a tall glass of coke and vodka.

"I thought so," is all she answers with, running her free hand through her long, red hair. "At the end of the day, you and me really are finished, aren't we...?"

More tears roll down her cheeks as she sets down her drink and reaches out, taking my hand in hers. The look of utter sadness in her eyes, the fear there, the vulnerability...

I've seen it before.

And I won't feel guilty over it. Not anymore.

I have more important places to be. People who need my protection now.

"I'm sorry, Anna," I state calmly, smiling down at her. "But like it or not, I have a new life now. Not a life I chose or even asked for... But still, it's mine, and I'm not about to give up on it."

Decision made; I free my hand from hers.

And, as soon as I do, a pulse of all-consuming white light floods the space around me.

Holding out both hands to protect myself from the expanding light, I shut my eyes, my ears pulsing with the beat of a wildly palpitating heart.

I let the light wash over me, accepting my future, its heat overwhelming.

In a good way, though. A really good way.

Eagerness like fire burns through me, and without a second's more hesitation, I welcome it inside.


My eyes open slowly, my vision blurred and my limbs heavy.

I blink once, twice, a third time, and then let out a soft sigh.

Anna and the pub are gone. I'm lying in a bed with a metal frame. To my right is a bedside table full with glowing potion bottles of all different colours and several rolls of cloth bandages. The air in here has strange medicinal tinge to it, as well. Actually, it's more herbal than anything.

I'm in an infirmary, I'm guessing. Or this world's version of a hospital wing.

Either way, my body feels extremely heavy, so I shut my eyes again and push out a deep breath.

After I do, I sense something soft cradling me. I am warm, safe, and comfortable. A softness that I hadn't felt upon waking up just a couple of moments ago. Or perhaps my hazy brain just hadn't noticed it.

"He's awake, Miss Vallière," utters Siesta in a gentle voice.

I re-open my eyes and turn my head slightly to the right. Louise holds onto me by the arm, and Siesta stands about a foot or so behind her. The maid wears a bright smile and has her arms folded behind her back.

"...Truly?" asks the pinkette hesitantly, her eyes trembling locking firmly with mine.

Louise's uniform creased and her hair messy. Girl looks like she hasn't slept in a couple of days.

"Yes," replies the young, dark-haired maid with a hint of relief.

Lowering her head, Louise heaves a shaky breath. Then, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes, she gets up from her chair, releases my arm, and throws both of hers around me tightly.

"...You absolute moron! Don't you dare frighten me like that again, do you hear me?" the girl blurts, choking up, her hands shaking as she grasps my shoulders.

Can't say I get why she's so upset, given I've just woken up. So, I just treasure the moment and bring my arms around Louise's slim middle.

"Miss me or something, Princess?" I tease, chuckling into the nape of her neck.

Trembling in my arms, Louise chokes out a tiny sob.

"M-Miss you...? Idiot, you've been asleep for almost a week!" scolds the pinkette, sniffling.

Shock causing me to back away slightly, I let her go and raise both hands to the side of my head.

"I... really was out for that long, huh?" I ask, flustered.

"Y-yes! Gods be damned, Fouquet's golem almost killed you," mutters the pale-faced girl, yanking out a pink, lace handkerchief and blowing her nose noisily into it.

Yeah, that giant rock did a number on me and-

Oh shit!

My eyes widen and my heart skips a beat.

"...Tabitha! Is she alright?" I wonder, the muscles in my arm aching as I sit myself up straight and clench my right hand, drawing a sharp breath when a pulse of hot pain shoots up into my shoulders.

Her chipper expression falling into neutral, Siesta folds back the screen surrounding the right side of my bed.

There, in the bed directly across to my right-hand side, lays sheets are pulled up to her , with the exception of her chest rising and falling gently, she's completely motionless.

Looking at her causes me to momentarily forget about my shoulder, which is fortunate because Louise helps prop me up against a fat stack of pillows.

"The two of you were admitted at the same time," the dainty mage informs me somewhat grimly, pushing out a short, thin exhale. "Since then you've both been treated by the school's healers. Nothing seemed to rouse you, though. Not until Princess Henrietta provided a special potion yesterday."

Letting out a heavy, long sigh, I sit back and wince a little from the pain in my shoulder.

"Seems like I owe Henrietta some serious gratitude, hmm?" I reply, settling in a little.

Lowering her head, Louise tucks a lock of wavy pink hair behind her left ear, her cheeks turning a shade of light red.

"We both do, Michael. We both do," the petite aristocrat replies, wiping her eyes with the back of her sleeve and looking toward the windows.

Inhaling and exhaling as deeply as I can, I focus on Tabitha's heartbeat through our shared connection. It's weak, but steady.

"How soon do you think she'll wake up?" I question, looking Louise's way.

In response, Siesta walks over to the blue-haired girl's bed and lays her hands atop Tabitha's forehead.

"I have no idea Michael," responds the maid in a slightly glum tone of voice. "Hopefully, soon."

Sighing, I shift my gaze back to Louise. The girl has a slightly... grumpy expression all of the sudden.

"Something wrong there, Princess?"

"No," Louise responds flatly. "I'm fine."

Which is clearly a lie, what with her avoiding eye contact with me.

Oh well.

Shaking my head, I direct my attention to Siesta.

Stepping around the folded screen and returning to my bedside, the curvy girl lays the palm of her hand on the back of my own and sits at the edge of my bed.

"Well, I for one am just happy you're awake, Michael," the rosy-cheeked young girl coos, her smile warm and gentle. "Both myself and Miss Vallière have been terribly worried about you."

She punctuates her words with another squeeze of my hand.

Louise, lowering her head, clears her throat anxiously.

"Y-Yes, we have. And..." The girl pauses and turns her head to look me square in the eyes. "You and I have much to discuss once you're safely back in my room, Michael."

Okay, that sounded ominous. Both Ominous and just a little too serious.

Siesta's cheeks turn strangely pink at Louise's comment, I notice from the corner of my eye.

Alright, there's some serious tension in the air all of the sudden. Actually, scatch that. It's so thick I could cut it with a knife.

"...Is something up, you two?" I inquire.

Lowering her gaze, Siesta swallows, her grip on my hand tightening ever so slightly.

"D-Don't be so paranoid, Michael," stutters Louise softly. "All I mean to say is, lots has transpired since you collapsed during the fight."

Glancing over to Siesta, the pinkette nods her head sternly. "And, there may be a few changes concerning our living situation in the coming days," she adds.

The curvy dark-haired girl's eyes light up at Louise's words, whatever she meant by them just now.

"Yes, I do hope so," admits Siesta demurely, her cheeks bright crimson.

Then she does something I'd never have imagined: she lowers onto hand and knee and respectfully bows her head for Louise. And not in the usual way these maids do for the nobles, either. With a hint of reluctance This bow is extremely polite and deeply respectful.

The pink-haired girl looks down at the kneeling maid, and blushes.

"W-Well, we can discuss this further when Michael is well and truly back on his feet."

Shifting her blue eyes between us a few times, Siesta offers a modest nod and rises to her feet.

She smiles sweetly and asks, "Do you feel well enough to return to Miss Vallière's room, Michael? Or would you prefer to remain here and rest for a while longer?"

I sit back for a second and give myself a good, long examination.

Left shoulder's in bandages. My ribs are tightly bound in them, too. And, I just feel sore in general.

"Yeah, I'll try getting up," I remark. Siesta and Louise look at each other hopefully. "Just give me a little longer, and I should be good to go."

I glance over Tabitha's way.

"Although, I want to make sure Blue over there wakes up. That said, I'll be stopping by here plenty, until she does."

From the corner of my eyes I notice Siesta and Louise share another loaded glance with each other.

Her gaze hardening slightly, Louise hums and folds her arms. Her eyes glint with subtle displeasure.

"Well, I suppose that is fine," the petite mage replies shortly. "If that is what you wish."

"...You sure there's nothing wrong, Louise?" I wonder aloud. "Cause you're acting a little odd."

"I said I'm fine, Michael. Siesta," continues the pink-haired girl. "You are to go to my room and prepare a change of clothes for my familiar. Then I want you to return here and help Michael get up."

Somewhat reluctantly releasing my hand from her own, the maid takes a few steps back.

"At once, Miss Vallière," replies the maid, bowing.

The curvy, dark-haired girl turns on her heel and skirts out the doorway.

A long, heavy silence stretches out between us, leaving the air around Louise and I a bit charged all of the sudden.

Swallowing uncomfortably, the petite mage looks to the side, fingers twiddling restlessly with her long, shirt's creased white sleeves.

Then, she gets up from her chair and proceeds to draw the screen fully around my bed. While she does, I notice her cheeks are a deep, dark shade of red.

"Care to explain what's going on with you right now? You're definitely flustered, and I'm not liking it."

Coming to stop in front of the closed entrance to my screened-off bed space, Louise simply halts. At first, she seems uncertain of what to do next.

"...Louise?"

Refusing to look me in the eye, she continues fidgeting with her fingers, her long hair falling about her narrow shoulders in messy cascades.

"Hey, the silent treatment is not cute, girl," I admonish her, patting the spot beside my legs on the bed.

Inhaling slowly, the pink-haired girl clenches her fists and approaches me. The closer she gets, the more stiffly and rigidly she moves.

Louise stops just a couple feet in front of my bed, not meeting my eyes, a harsh determination set in her features. There's heat to them, as well. Heat, and just the smallest touch of shyness.

"Michael, I have a question. And, depending on how you answer, our relationship as master and familiar may change drastically from today," informs the petite mage.

As she does, she reaches down and starts gingerly undoing the clasp on her black cloak. Taking off her long, black garment, Louise lays it at the foot of my bed.

"Go on," I reply, a sudden nervous flutter twisting inside my stomach. "Fire away, Louise..."

The petite aristocrat takes another step forward, keeping her eyes averted.

"How do you feel about Siesta entering my service as a personal maid?"

Oh shit, there it is, the reason the two looked so sheepish a minute ago.

"Wow, that's one massive shift for certain. Last I checked, you weren't too keen on Siesta," I state curiously, recalling the grumpy looks my mistress always gives the girl.

"I never once expressed a dislike toward her," Louise asserts. "My displeasure stemmed entirely from you risking yourself against Mott in a vain attempt at protecting her."

...She also seems to be fidgeting less in a nervous, girly manner now that the subject has shifted. Looks to me like that aloofness of hers is coming back full force.

Still, I don't buy her reasoning just now. There have been a few occasions where Siesta and I have wanted to spend time together and Louise has seemed a bit unhappy about it.

"At the same time, Louise, you sometimes seem a little leery around her," I point out.

In response, the pinkette's eyebrow visibly twitches.

"...This particular discussion isn't about me, Michael," the petite girl begins awkwardly. "It is about Siesta and her place here in the Academy. And, being the generous mistress that I am, I wished to hear my familiar's feelings on the matter. You should feel grateful."

After saying that, Louise crosses her arms and raises an expectant brow.

There's still more to this, I feel. So, I'll press a little harder.

"Tell me why you really want her in your service, Louise, and I'll give you an honest answer."

Lips drawing into a firm, thin line, Louise lifts her head up and makes direct eye contact.

"She's in love with you, Michael," says the pinkette, her voice gaining a sudden hardness to it. "If I didn't do something to settle the matter, then she would persist in hanging around you like a little puppy dog at every chance she gets."

The girl takes another half step closer, the space between us dangerously close now.

Sighing deeply, I lower my head.

"Already know how she feels, Princess. It isn't as though she's subtle about it when we spend time together. And, selfish as it is, I won't go pretending I don't feel close to her, either."

Frowning slightly, Louise lays a hand on my shoulder.

"I-I knew it... What do you feel for her?" she asks, her eyes somewhat fearful.

A wry grin twists up my lips.

"She's quite a sweet girl, Louise. I also find her real attractive, to say nothing of her kind personality."

Louise's cheeks go pink, and she shakes her head a little.

"Saints in Heaven, you're so foolish," the pinkette states calmly, her breathing becoming a touch heavier. "But... At least I understand your feelings now."

Opening out my palms and gazing into them, I let out a dry and nervous laugh.

Looks like we're doing this, Mikey. Better be honest.

"No you don't, Louise... You really, seriously don't," I counter, looking the girl in the eye.

Her eyes widen, and she peers deeply into mine.

"W-What are you getting at, idiot...?" the pinkette asks with a hint of anxiousness.

Rolling my eyes and stretching back further against the pillows propping me up, I let out a long, drawn-out sigh.

"...I'm talking about the two of us, Louise. All the mixed signals we've given each other recently, specifically. From taking baths together, to kissing during the exhibition," I answer, chuckling nervously. "You get where I'm going with this?"

Louise responds with a quiet whimper, her lip quivering.

As much as my heart is pounding in my chest right now, I'm glad I said what needed to be said. No avoiding the issue, no beating around the bush. I said what I truly felt and, having spoken my mind, I honestly feel a lot better now.

"So it would seem... and for that I, I am so jealous," squeaks the petite aristocrat, her round, pink eyes glittering with an unshed tear. "I wish I'd been more forthright with you, like Siesta is."

The pinkette falls silent again. Stray drops begin to trail down her cheeks.

To cover her face for a second, she turns halfway around and gazes out of many arched windows above my bed.

"Hey, I haven't been any better with this," I point out. "Which is why I'll just quit going around the houses and spell it out for you."

The dainty girl's tears continue running down her cheeks.

Feeling a bit awkward, I clear my throat.

"Me and you have something now, Louise. A very close relationship. And, if it keeps on growing like this for much longer, then I'll be in love with two girls here in Tristain," I confess.

Despite me just coming out with my true feelings and emotions, Louise doesn't do much more than blink, a sad smile playing over her lips.

With a great deal of hesitation, the pink-haired mage pushes out a stuttering breath.

"...I can't deny I don't feel similar emotions welling up inside me," begins the pinkette, rubbing the back of her hand beneath her eyes. "And that was after you pushed yourself to try and save Siesta. Your doing so showed me how kind and loyal you are. Even if you are a fool of a man who just doesn't know when to stop..."

Ignoring her chastising comment, I lift a hand and take hers. I hold onto it and rub her knuckles with the pad of my thumb.

"Louise, you and Siesta are literally two of the dearest people to me here in Tristain."

With those words alone, Louise begins to completely unravel, her stoic and calm demeanour coming undone in seconds.

The young girl falls onto her knees and presses her hand to her eyes and begins sobbing openly.

"C-Come here, you."

Before she can react, I reach over and wrap an arm about her thin shoulders.

Smiling a little sadly, the petite mage turns and tucks herself against my right arm.

I can feel the tops of her tiny breasts poking my bicep as she cries quietly.

"Hey, crying like this doesn't suit you, Louise," I say, patting her shoulder with care.

"Sh-shut up," she whimpers, her fragile voice muffled.

"Only being honest with you, Princess," I tease.

The pinkette's hand plants itself across my face in a gentle, harmless slap. She does it again, and again, and again. Just to get it out, I figure. To let some of her pent-up emotions out, in this most simple of ways.

All throughout her making a mockery of my face, she doesn't let go of my hand. No, in fact she strengthens her grip, as if worried something is going to appear out of the darkness and snatch me away.

So, for a while, I just let her. More for myself than anyone else.

Louise continues crying. She keeps on until there's not a drop left in her, and when she finally grows exhausted, she simply lays in my arm and sniffles.

Smiling weakly, I let her soak up a little of my warmth for a few more moments. Just to let her feel comfortable and secure enough.

"How're you feeling now? Better?" I ask, moving the pads of my fingers across her shoulder blades.

The pinkette swallows, lulling her head into the nape of my neck.

"F-Fine. I feel fine," she whispers.

I chuckle warmly.

"Good."

Suddenly, she shifts around and wraps her arms about me in a slow, peaceful embrace. A hug.

The girl's lithe frame settles flush against my own. Through our loose clothing I feel just the barest outline of her curves, her small boobs mashing softly into my bandaged chest.

I gingerly tilt back against my pillows.

As if by instinct, Louise lays her head down on my breast. I feel a familiar rumble as the girl clears her throat.

Sinking deeper into the embrace, her hands rest themselves upon my bandaged middle, and her slender fingers tighten just slightly.

"Louise, go on and tell me what you're really thinking, too," I encourage.

With a weary sound in her throat, the young girl slumps against me.

"A whole new torrent of... conflicting feelings, Michael," admits the girl sadly, her voice sounding ever so frail. "Feelings I've neither the strength to fully express, or resolve. Concerning you and my future."

Turning her tear-stained face against my chest, the young mage exhales slowly.

"For now, I just want you to remain beside me. That's all that matters."

Louise pauses for a second, perhaps out of hesitation. Maybe, it's just because she wants to be sure of what to say next.

She opens her mouth and draws in a trembling breath.

"You... aren't simply a familiar anymore to me, Michael. The past few weeks have solidified this fact... You're something more than my friend or companion, also."

Her words are spoken timidly, just above a whisper.

Looking me in the eye, her round, rose pink irises shimmer wetly.

"And... I'm not entirely sure how to handle that..."

The pinkette's face crumples slightly, as though she's trying to hold herself together.

"It's hard to admit this, considering I always hide my feelings under an air of superiority and control... Because everyone except for you looks down on me."

The girl pauses and, looking away for a second, visibly works up the courage to continue on.

In a soft, piteous tone she adds, "Watching you collapse before that golem was utterly terrifying. And I can't even begin to think about the sheer levels of suffering I would feel if you were taken from me."

Tucking her head down against my chest, she lets out another small sob.

"...I've never been so scared as when Henrietta's guardsman carried you in here. It was horrible. Just absolutely horrible..."

Burying her face into the crook of my neck, Louise trembles slightly and swallows back another quiet sob.

Out of nowhere, the girl pauses, and in a low whisper says something unintelligible.

"Huh? What was that, Louise?"

Inhaling quickly and forcefully, she lifts her head up and answers, "...I said I'd never felt so concerned over another, outside of Princess Henrietta," explains the pinkette, a slight shyness colouring her response. "Michael, I wouldn't let go of you now, I couldn't. Even if you are an idiot sometimes..."

Now somewhat stunned into silence, I struggle in overtime to find words. In all actuality, Louise's admission has struck me dumb. Hardly anyone, outside of my parents or Anna, has ever opened up to me as sincerely as this.

And so here I am, utterly without the words for a proper response. So, just going with the flow, I respond in the best way I know how. I express my gratitude.

Gently, I push her head down to rest against my chest again, then I run my fingers through her silky, pink hair.

"Thank you for sharing that, Louise," I offer, with a bittersweet smile playing at my lips. "That really means a lot to me."

A short whimper of acknowledgement spills from the petite mage's lips, and once more I feel her hold tightening subtly around my body.

Another long silence stretches between us. Louise and I just lay here enjoying one another's company. This is fine, though. And a feeling in my gut is telling me this is all she really needs.

"Actually, Michael..." the girl begins quietly, "If you're able to, would you... would you please to me one last favour?"

"...Sure, anything," I promise the pinkette.

The girl breathes in again, lifting her head from my shoulder a second time.

I gently rake the tips of my fingers through her silky, fringe, getting it out of the way of her eyes.

Louise responds by blinking momentarily, something kind and warm passing through her exhausted features. Then, after a few seconds, she purses her lips and shuts her eyes. A precious offer.

Without a second thought, I accept.

Slowly, taking care not to move her too much, I press the tip of my nose lightly against Louise's. Breathing in deeply, I gingerly let my lips skim against hers. My heart, when I do, does this little flip.

Her smooth, pale skin smells faintly of berries.

Turning so that she's lying on her side, Louise shuffles closer and kisses me back gently. Then, bringing her lithe hands to my face, the girl smooths out my hair and scruff and makes a quiet whimper deep in her throat.

In a shy, girlish voice, she whispers, "Will you... kiss me a little harder?"

Responding in the only way I can, I cup her jaw and pull her in closer, our lips coming together with more purpose this time. She makes an excited noise at the back of her throat in response.

Using her tongue to tease the seam of my lips, she gently opens her mouth and slips it into mine.

Again. And again. Her tongue licks against mine, searching, warm and wet. She tastes faintly of bitter Tristanian tea and sugar, but then, the sensation quickly begins to fade.

In its place, the familiar and foreign taste of her mouth takes hold.

"Don't stop," Louise whimpers, before pushing her lips back against mine.

Brushing her cheek with my fingers, I take a moment's break from her lips to calm her down.

Despite my best intentions, however, the eager girl still continues pushing me to take her further. With her soft, warm tongue caressing my lips and stroking the insides of my mouth, it becomes increasingly clear I'm not doing the best job in playing down her newfound desires.

And, as my yearnings begin bubbling heatedly in my stomach, I don't much care.

With every kiss becoming progressively hotter and more forceful, Louise and I have lost any shred of inhibition, and have begun putting more and more neediness into the motions of our embrace. Her deft and nimble little hands trail lower, over the sides of my neck, and her teeth start nibbling harder at my lips and tongue.

Sucking in a deep, sharp breath, I pull away.

"Hey now girl, easy," I mutter, tugging at her grasp, "We should chill out. We're in a public place here, Louise," I reason, chuckling anxiously. "If we keep this up, me feeling sore as shit or not... I dunno if I'll be able to hold back."

Obeying this command and letting her grip ease off, Louise calms down.

That is, until she drops her head low, raises her hands to her shirt's topmost button with burning red cheeks, and silently begins to unfasten it.

The sight draws another anxious laugh from me.

"Louise, what're you doing...?" I reach out in a flimsy attempt at stopping her.

My voice trails off when Louise slaps my hand aside with a violent huff, and begins on her third button.

As I watch her go about it, I don't make a move to interrupt her again. As she continues unbuttoning the shirt, her face surges hot with a mixture of both shame and arousal.

Seconds later the fabric comes apart enough to show the pink, semi-erect buds of her tiny breasts, along with the pale curve of her navel.

Failing to contain herself, she moves her soft hands to the remainder of the buttons on her shirt, and the last ones come undone. This reveals the full, delicate swell of her chest.

I try to focus on something, anything, other than them.

On Louise's pale face.

On her lips.

Her elegant, twinkling pink eyes.

Anywhere else.

But, despite their being tiny, my eyes, along with my attention, end up inevitably settling back down on Louise's pale, freckled chest. Those faint bumps and dips.

Her soft pink nipples.

"I-If you say anything about how little they are after I've been this enormously generous toward you, Michael, then I will never, ever forgive you," breathes the girl with an embarrassed vehemence, slapping a hand over her face to hide. "...O-Okay?"

Absently, I can feel my throat begin to tighten with laughter.

There's just something so completely innocent and cute about Louise when she gets angry.

However, as soon as she realizes I'm stifling a chuckle at her expense, her cheeks flare a blistering red and her lips purse, "Is this really all you're going to do then? Laugh at me?"

Hesitating briefly, I shake my head and set my jaw straight.

"You're just too cute, Louise, it's adorable," I whisper quietly, my expression twisting with a wry smile.

Louise, no less bashful, turns her face to the side.

Then, leaning in, I pull her by the jaw and plant a kiss on her forehead.

I give the area a quick swipe with my thumb as I pull back, to which she gives me a slow, sombre blink, her long eyelashes reflecting briefly in the afternoon's pale orange light.

Letting out a whine, Louise pouts sourly.

"Is that all...? You're such a tease, Michael," she whispers weakly, her bottom lip quivering ever so slightly.

Smiling widely, I lean forward for a second time, loop my arm around her waist, and bring her body close to mine. My muscles pull uncomfortably for a split-second, but the discomfort is not an issue when I feel Louise's bare breasts squash warm and soft into my chest, her puckered nipples digging into my skin.

I pull her closer, until the heady scent of strawberries and sweet fruits invades my senses. Leaning down, I briefly press a smooch into the curve of Louise's neck, and when ask in a heated tone, "...Mind if touch them?"

It doesn't go unnoticed.

Despite being both aroused and confused, she eventually accepts my intentions. Her breathing is laboured, shallow. But, contrary to the meekness of her reply, she manages an assenting nod, keeping her arms to her sides.

Thankfully, before she can change her mind, I hold the petite mage tighter and mold her back against my chest, working a hand up under the loose, folded cotton. As soon as my palm rubs over the thin, pale expanse of her left breast, I get a quiet whine in response.

Easing her shirt completely open with my other hand, I sweep the fabric gently off of her frame and toss it aside.

Louise's lithe muscles stiffen as the cold hits her exposed beestings. Goosebumps rise over her ribs, causing me to chuckle quietly.

Ignoring my attempts at amusement, the girl tilts her head and curls in against me. As she does, she snuggles into my arm while bringing her own arms up and folding them underneath her bosom.

Laughing quietly, I slip a hand underneath her tummy and roll the pinkette up onto her side, my chest at her back. Fearing what she must surely look like right now with her face blushed bright pink, I nip at Louise's ear and growl that she's cute.

Then, taking a steady breath, I set about exploring her dainty body. My hand reaches up the length of her sternum, crawling, crawling, crawling, until it reaches the end of its short journey; the perfect supple peach of her delicate right breast.

Louise bites back another whine, a faint, timid moan slipping through her lips.

The pressure from my hand's warm, sensitive surface makes her let out a breathy exhale.

"...Am I satisfying you, mistress?"

Losing myself in the moment, I let those low, amorous words dribble from my lips, allowing for the tips of my fingers to continue roaming.

Turning her face away and clasping a hand over her mouth, Louise whimpers.

Focusing my fingers on the tiny pink nipple and the soft area immediately around it, I take hold and begin pinching, pulling, and rubbing it. A dull flush grows over the bud's surface. Picking up the pace, I keep on, while watching for Louise's every expression.

Then, judging she might actually suffocate if I leave her mouth sealed any longer, I move her hand away.

"Wha-What're you...?"

Louise lets out a final whimper as I turn her to me and seal her lips with my own. There's only a faint whisper when my tongue brushes the insides of her hot and feverish mouth. The sensation's electric.

Eventually, as I keep on, it eventually dawns on her that I am controlling the kiss.

A wave of weak protests tumble from her throat. Her slim hands move to brush the sides of my waist, my face.

But still, the pinkette does not protest against it.

Drying Louise's lower lip, I give it a little tug. It's slick. Cute.

Taking my time to meet her nervous gaze, I smile warmly, allowing the girl to settle and relax in my arms.

Eventually, sighing, she does.

Louise is hesitant for a moment, but brings her nose over and presses it lightly into the side of my own, then up against my cheek.

Smiling, I reciprocate the act, allowing my nose to rub all the way back up to the lobe of her ear.

So much warmer and relaxed, the pinkette sighs as her forehead flushes with heat and our shoulders and cheeks nudge together. Her long, beautiful lashes fall over her pink eyes, and she looks, well and truly, content.

"...That's enough now, Michael," she whispers in a quiet, tender voice.

Letting my hands drop, I settle in the comfortable groove behind her and lay a kiss on the back of her pale neck.

"Course, Princess. I'll be good from here."

While closing her eyes and settling against me, Louise allows a satisfied laugh to tickle the back of my palm.

"Probably best you put your shirt on again, though," I advise softly, pecking her cheek. "Siesta might be back soon."

"Not yet," insists Louise, pulling my arm tighter over her chest. "Right now, just lie with me. Give me all the time you can spare. Let me enjoy this warmth together, while we have it."

Something about the way she said that just now sounded oddly, downbeat... But if the girl won't say it, then there is no point prying for answers right now. I don't want to spoil the moment.

Admitting defeat, I close my eyes and nestle back into the pillows, dragging her hot little body against my side as I let out a long, warm, but slightly anxious breath.

Listening closely, I detect the rasp of her heartbeat beating against me.

So soft, fragile and precious.

Then, before I know it, I start feeling tired.

That is, until I make out the faint clacking of heels in the hall outside.

My eyes fly open and I try to pull my arm from Louise's side. She holds tight, urging me with her body language not to let go just yet. I suppose she hasn't picked up on the presence outside of our door.

"No, Louise, you don't get it. There's someone coming," I insist, tugging harder this time.

The footsteps are only getting louder.

Flustered and startled by my harsh whisper, Louise leaps from the bed, almost spilling over. Hastily, she snatches her shirt from its place hanging over the bed's edge.

From outside, the brisk, quick clacks come to an abrupt halt. The next thing I know, the doors to the infirmary creak open.

"Michael, Miss Valliere," announces Siesta from near the door, "I'm back with a fresh change of clothes. Do forgive me for taking so long; I had to collect one of Michael's shirts from the laundry house, as I couldn't find a clean one in the bedroom."

As Siesta's footsteps grow nearer and nearer, Louise continues rushing to throw her shirt back on and button it, muttering to herself frantically.

Eventually though, when it's evident she'll not finish in time, Louise simply throws on her discarded cloak, pulls it unreasonably tight to her chest, and fastens the bronze clasp shut. Then, she throws herself back into the chair nearest my bed.

Doing an utterly subpar job of pretending she hadn't been all over me a few minutes earlier, she looks duly red in the cheeks.

Despite myself, I can't help a faint laugh escaping my lungs when Louise turns to glare at me, brandishing a fist in a very threatening manner.

It doesn't work. The result of my insolence is a sharp series of pinches on my skin.

A little bit stinging, a little bit adorable.

Though in spite of that, I don't stop, continuing the silent laughter for several more seconds, until Siesta's shadow appears in front of the screen pulled around my bed.

When Siesta walks around and comes into full view, the girl doesn't seem to notice, or register Louise's presence with even a cursory glance. She just paces up to the near corner of the mattress, setting a garment bag on the edge of the footboard.

Which is probably for the best, given how scruffy Louise looks right now.

With her shirt dishevelled and messy, and her cloak wrapped carelessly around the narrow column of her body.

"Thanks for this, Siesta," I say kindly to the maid, reaching for the clothing bag and sitting it in my lap. "I'll get up and change now. The two of you mind waiting just out behind the screen for a few? I'll call for you if I need anything, Siesta," I say, eying the maid for a quick second.

Offering a gentle nod, Siesta bows her head and returns through the parting in the screens surrounding my bed. Louise, huffing out a short nod, takes a moment to fumble with her shirt buttons for a few seconds more, and then joins the maid.

It feels good to be up and awake, even if I do feel seriously fatigued and too damn sweaty. Throwing off the sheets and swinging my legs over the side of the bed takes a surprising amount out of me. Still, I persist with putting on the fresh shirt Siesta provided for me. It fits snugly, which I'm thankful for.

Next up, trousers.

I grab the slacks Siesta retrieved from the laundry and hop in, groaning a little from the rush of fresh blood running through my legs. Flexing them and letting myself get used to using them again, I then fumble a hand through the hair that's surely a complete mess.

Good enough.

Last order of business, shoes.

I glance around the area until finding the somewhat beat up house shoes I've had with me since being summoned here from England; scuffed and grubby, they're on the floor by the foot of the bed. After grabbing them with my hands and sliding my feet inside, I spend a moment or two more on straightening out the covers.

"Alright, my lords and ladies, you're welcome back over," I call, gesturing toward the screen with a chuckle.

"Hrm?"

Grasping at a spot just above the crest of her bosom, Louise pauses her efforts at straightening her disordered shirt and hair and whirls around, peeking curiously around the edge of the fabric divider.

"Are you ready to go, Michael?"

Giving a wry smile at this, I glance toward the foot of the bed, where my eyes widen a bit.

"Oh, Toby, didn't realize Louise brought you along to see me as well," I greet amiably. The book fidgets uncomfortably at the foot of the bed as if my voice woke him up, shifting left and right and causing the springs beneath it to creak.

"Why yes, my friend, I have been here the whole time, listening quietly and intently to the conversation you and Miss Louise shared just now," announces the book in a somewhat cautious tone. The leather-bound volume clears its throat, its pages whirring quietly as it does so.

And at that, I hum to myself somewhat anxiously.

"Oh, shit, really...?" I ask, more than a little apprehensive, recalling the words we shared only moments ago, and what we both did with each other on my sick bed.

Toby's covers wrinkle as it shifts uncomfortably, "Err... Not to worry, my young partner. My only concern is ensuring that you do not end up in such a state as this again. Which, to that end, I have request for you to consider."

I pick up Toby and slip him under my arm.

"Shoot," I prompt, raising a curious eyebrow.

"When next you expect to do battle with a dangerous enemy, I would have you take me along with you. This way, you can channel your magic through my pages as opposed to your own body, to some extent, thereby limiting the damage," suggests the book in an oddly quiet voice.

Pausing for a long moment, I blink and step away from the bed and into Louise and Siesta's view.

"Sure thing, Toby, I don't mind doing that," I reply, smiling thinly.

Letting out an emboldened sigh, the book clicks the latch at its front and falls still.

I take that as satisfaction on its part, and turn my full attention to Louise and Siesta.

"All set. Mind of I just check on Tabitha before we head back to your room, Louise?"

The pinkette's features become strained for a split-second, but she quickly shakes it off.

In the end, the dainty mage nods in agreement.

"Very well, Michael. Do not take too long, however."

That's good enough of an answer for me. Turning to a beaming Siesta, I pat the maid's shoulder and then turn on my heels toward Tabitha's bed.

"You two can wait outside, if you like," I suggest, beginning toward the sleeping blue-haired girl's bedside. "I won't be too long."

Arriving at the edge of the next bed over, I look down at Tabitha, recalling the moment we slumped into each other's arms and collapsed during the fight against Fouquet. She's dressed in a long and loose pink and green gown, lying still and silent.

Shutting my eyes, I focus on our shared connection for a few quick seconds.

Then and there, her heartbeat thumps weakly in my head.

Noting this with a somewhat guilty feeling in the pit of my stomach, I move my eyes to her face and carefully take hold of her cool hand.

"Hope you wake up soon, Blue," I encourage in a low, soft voice. "You and me have lots to talk about."

Then, carefully squeezing her digits for a second, I step back from the girl's bedside.

I sense Louise has been looking this way the whole time, her arms wrapped awkwardly and uneasily across her chest.

"Ready," I announce, and promptly turn to begin making for the door.

The three of us exit the infirmary together, Louise at my left and Siesta to my right. Closing the double doors securely behind us, the maid moves a few steps ahead to take the lead, and together, the three of us make our way through the school's bright and spacious corridors.

For a good few minutes, there is silence between us. Nothing ominous. Just regular quiet.

Eventually, when we arrive at a corridor connecting to the dormitory wing; I recognize it due to the two suits of rather fancy silver armour standing tall at either side. One carries an axe and the other, a broadsword.

As we approach, Louise clears her throat.

"Siesta, a moment of your time, if you would," commands the girl, pausing in place. I do the same.

Without so much as a word, the maid turns, inclines her head curiously, and waits quietly for Louise's reply.

"...It concerns the matter you and I discussed in the infirmary earlier, while Michael still slept," states the mage sternly, clearing her throat a second time and placing a hand on my shoulder. "After speaking with my familiar on this, I have reached a verdict."

Slowly, Siesta's features gather into a pensive, troubled expression, before easing, and offering a warm, compliant nod. She bows respectfully, her eyes, shiny and blue, meeting Louise's.

As Siesta rightens herself, the pinkette clears her throat a third and final time.

"What I'm saying is..." Louise begins again with an anxious look in her eyes. "From today onward, I am hereby inviting you to enter my service as my personal maid."

Quirking her head, Siesta falls briefly silent, caught off guard by the offer. But, smiling fondly, her bountiful chest heaves.

"...I would not dream of denying your offer, Miss Valliere, thank you!" she says graciously, bowing.

She closes her eyes, tears leaking down her cheeks in thin lines.

"As such, you will stay in my room with Michael and I while I study here at the Academy," Louise continues, her tone stern but not unkind. "And, should there come a time where I require your services outside of the school, you will follow me wherever I deem fit."

Then, somewhat quieter, the pinkette adds, "In return, I will provide you with a letter baring my family's personal seal, and write to my father requesting a small monthly wage for your services."

Glancing down to the beaming maid, I reach out, resting a reassuring palm on her shoulder and gently squeeze.

"Looks like you're with us from now on Siesta," I say warmly and with a small smile, patting her shoulder. "No repeats of the Mott situation, and no more mistreatment."

Finally letting the happiness wash over her in full, the dark-haired maid reaches up and takes hold of my fingers, gushing as she quickly nods her head up and down.

"Of course, Michael. And you have my world that I shall take good care of you and Miss Valliere when needed, too. Whatever you need, I will provide for you."

"It's settled, then," announces Louise with a huff of breath. "Siesta, you are to collect your things and come to my room by dusk, understood?"

"Very well, milady," agrees Siesta in a jovial voice. She blinks out the tears from her eyes, revealing a bright, hopeful gaze in their place.

Stepping forward, she takes hold of Louise's hand and encloses it around her own.

"I promise that you will not come to regret granting me this kindness, Miss Vallière."

Humming, the pinkette stares down at Siesta's hand for a second, her face colouring, and then she hastily pulls it away, all the while sporting a small, awkward smile.

"...I should hope not. Go now, Siesta, get your things."

This said, Louise turns away, swiftly continuing her march toward the dormitory wing. I stay in pace with her, bidding Siesta farewell.

As she looks on our approaching backs, the maid beams a full smile and salutes.

"You're really doing this, huh, Princess?" I ask, folding my arms behind the back of my head and smirking as I walk. "Not that I'm complaining or anything, far from it."

Siesta rushes ahead of us, turns the right bend in the hall, and leaves our sights.

Her expression remaining collected, Louise straightens the collar of her shirt, and replies, "As I said earlier, Michael, our life together is fast changing, as is the bond we share. Siesta being my maid is just one of those changes. And..." The girl pauses and lowers her head.

"...Should there come a day, goddess forbid, that my path in life changes beyond my means to intervene, at least you will always have somebody who cares about you."

Can't say I liked the way that sounded, at all.

Frowning, I push out a nervous chuckle.

"Why, you planning on going somewhere, Louise?" I ask, scratching the back of my head a bit nervously, recalling the words we shared in the infirmary not twenty minutes ago.

"N-Not by choice, no. But, should it ever happen, then at least you and Siesta will always have each other. After spiriting you away from England to Tristain, providing you with a companion so that, should the worst come to pass, you are not alone, is the least I can do for you."

Hmph.

No longer seeing the humour in this situation, and put on the back foot by Louise's matter-of-fact delivery, I sigh through my nose, finding myself, once again, irked by her acting this weird and cryptic.

In the end, I just breathe out a deep sigh as, together, we arrive at the top of the corridor leading to Louise's room. We more suits of armour, ignoring their fixed stares.

In silence, then, we approach her door. There, the girl spins in place and takes me by the shoulders, staring me right in the eye.

"Right now, Idiot, I'm simply grateful to have you back. By my side, where you belong," the girl murmurs sincerely.

Something about how seriously she's taking this feels troubling, inexplicably so, but before I get a chance to question the girl further, she leans in and presses her lips to my cheek.

"I meant what I said before at the infirmary," the girl continues quietly, keeping close, her hands still snaking around my back. "Each word of it."

Suddenly feeling tired from the walk here, I settle, and lean in to touch my forehead to hers.

"You'd better, Princess," I whisper, smirking.

Then and there, the girl makes a noise, somewhere between a laugh and a huff. Then, she kisses my cheek one more time, steps back, and brings open her bedroom door.

"Of course I do. Now, please be a good familiar and hold open the door for your mistress," insists the girl, gesturing at the entrance to the bedroom with a flick of her wrist.

Chuckling, I push it inward with my fingers.

"Good boy," chimes Louise as she sweeps inside.

Some things haven't changed since Fouquet's golem knocked me sideways.

And that is perfectly fine with me.

To be continued...