Damn, Aria's house is huge. It's not my first time here, and it's not my first time getting lost. The student council decided to hold a Friday night study session for all the quizzes next week, and Aria offered up her place this time. I'm always quietly excited to go here because of the food. It's good, and there's tons of it. A winning combination in my book. Best part is, the Shichijous don't seem to mind how much of it I eat. Past that, the layout of this mansion hurts my brain. All the doors are identical, and the hallway feels longer than it looks from the exterior.

I'm trying to find my way back to the others without using magic. I can do this on my own. It doesn't take long, though, before the temptation rises. I'm about to give in until I get distracted by the smell of cooking nearby. I really shouldn't bother the staff, but my hand ignores my brain and turns a doorknob, anyway.

"Oh," comes a familiar voice. "Good evening, Miss Pendragon." It's Aria's personal attendant, Sayaka Dejima, dressed in full maid regalia as per usual. It's a kitchen we're in, and I do mean 'a kitchen'. Aria said they have one in each wing of the mansion. Dejima is behind an island counter preparing a wide array of jaw-dropping dishes for tonight's dinner. The Shichijous never fail to impress.

"Hello, Miss Dejima," I say. "My apologies. I didn't mean to bother you."

"Think nothing of it. I presume you're finding your way back to Milady's room, correct?"

I answer something to the affirmative, but I'm not quite sure what I say. My body is now acting with a mind of its own; pulling me closer towards the section of the island which has the plates that are already prepared. The proper names for each dish escape me as usual, but I know what I like, and I like what I see. Roasted beef cuts, udon for days, seasoned fish baked to absolute perfection . . .

Had to snap to attention there. Caught myself drooling. A tinge of guilt hit me, as well. Regardless of Dejima's career being an actual maid for a bunch of modern-day aristocrats, it just wouldn't be right if I don't at least try to lend a hand. Especially if it means I could possibly sneak a few mouthfuls before dinner. "Anything I can do to help out?" I ask.

"Not to worry," she says. "I am grateful for your consideration, but I must decline. As a guest of the Shichijou home, all we would ask of you is to enjoy our hospitality."

"Thank you," I say sincerely, bowing. But also damn. "Well, okay. If you're really sure?"

"Certainly, Miss Pendragon. Anyways, I will escort you all to the dining room when the time comes, but I suppose if you could please let Milady and her friends know that dinner will be served in twenty minutes, it would be greatly appreciated."

"Of course. I'm happy to help in any way I can."

"You're too kind, Miss Pendragon. Milady's room is five doors over," she adds with a point.

"Appreciate it." With that, I turn around and head for the door.

"Besides, the best way you could help me out is by giving me a better view of your ass in those jeans."

Oh, God. I'd just heightened my hearing to better pinpoint the other's location, and that's the first thing I catch. In fact, it'd sounded a little too clear. Like, almost as if she'd been standing right behind me when she'd said it. As if she had whispered it directly into my ear while I — holy hell, she's right there.

And just like that, Dejima is back behind the counter chopping away like nothing ever happened; back straight, eyes staring downwards. It's a posture befitting that of a Shichijou family servant. Jeez, she's fast. Probably would've never even caught her, were I not a Heroic Spirit. The others wouldn't have had a clue. I wonder how often Dejima actually does that? Wait, never mind. I don't want to know. Moving on.

Back out in the hall, I immediately see Shino and Takatoshi having a quiet conversation further down. The door to Aria's room is open, but the two of them are standing by one of the hallway's large, elaborately decorated windows. Neither of them notices me yet.

"As I told you once before, you should refer to me by my name when we're off campus. You're being way too formal. It . . . it's hurtful."

"Hurtful? I didn't know it meant that much to you."

Now I'm having second thoughts about where I'm going. Maybe I can slip into the room without catching their attention. Or just take my chances with Dejima.

"Tsuda," Shino whispers, almost in singsong. "You already call . . ." She then looks away, disappointed, with a blush that's just deep enough to contend with the white of the moonlight. I'm the newest one to the circle, but even I've caught on that Shino is jealous of Uomi's 'Big Sis' status with Takatoshi. To date, however, Shino is yet to just come out and say it. Takatoshi won't ever have a clue, if she doesn't.

Wait, you know what? He might be well aware already. It'd make sense if he's playing coy as a coping mechanism. Like, a straight year's worth of mental conditioning from having to deal with Ousai's insanity. Not to mention growing up with Kotomi. Either way, I can't blame him.

"I'm sorry, Prez," Takatoshi says, breaking their silence. He quickly changes his tune once he sees the frown Shino directs at him. "I mean — Miss Amakusa."

To that, Shino gives a little smile. "Just Amakusa is fine."

Aww. Okay, that was really sweet.

"Ah, Pendragon," Shino greets. "You're back."

"President."

Takatoshi chuckles. "Amakusa wants us to call her by name when we're out of school." Oh, you silly boy. That was just between you and her. But I'll play along.

"Is that so?" I then turn to Shino. "Would you prefer that?"

"I'd prefer if you didn't, actually."

"What?" asks Takatoshi.

Shino sighs. "It's hard to listen to Pendragon call me by name. Her voice is so velvety, it makes my panties moist with little, tiny globules of confusion."

"President it is, then," I say.