Louise and Michael attend one of Professor Colbert's lessons together. Kirche makes things interesting, too.


Lesson

My eyes flicker open and I let out a short, displeased groan.

Waking up early isn't fun no matter how many times I do it. In Tristain or England.

Dawn light pours in through the window and bathes the room in a soft orange glow. It's seriously soothing.

Smiling, I lower my eyes from the light and down to my bed.

Her arms wrapping my middle, Louise clings to me whilst breathing in and out softly. My heart flutters at the sight of her sleeping so soundly.

"You're a good girl, Louise, despite having your moments," I admit in a whisper, running a caring hand through her candyfloss hair.

I dunno why, but I'm filled with an immense urge to protect her whilst we're snuggling close like this.

It's weird. I rarely felt a strong sense of dedication toward Anna, and we were together for almost seven years.

The realization is enough to make me pause.

"This must mean..." I shake my head vigorously. "Never mind. Let's get on with the day."

No way am I getting too close to Louise. Not gonna happen. I have far too much to figure out about both Tristain and my feelings first.

Moaning gently, Louise lets out a small breath and her eyes flutter open.

My heartbeat quickens.

"Morning," I greet my dainty sleeping companion, trying to keep my emotions steady.

"Mmm," she murmurs. "Good morning."

We stare into each other's eyes, and a feeling of nervousness washes over me. I'm suddenly very aware of how close Louise and I are now that she's waking up.

Her small chest is pressed to mine. One of her slender legs is somehow tangled up in mine, too.

"Did you sleep well, Michael?" Louise enquires gently, yawning.

I nod.

"I did. You?"

"Yes, surprisingly. This bed of yours is quite comfortable."

I chuckle nervously.

"Glad you're comfy down here with me."

Louise smiles faintly.

"I've just had the strangest realization, Michael," she admits.

I raise a brow.

"Oh really? What's up?"

"Now that I'm listening carefully, you have the strangest accent," she remarks.

"Strange, eh?"

"Yes. It is most unusual," Louise clarifies.

I can't help but smirk. English accents aren't very common here, I imagine.

"It's called English," I explain. "London, more specifically. As I told you before, It's where I'm from. Well, Kent, to be precise. It's about thirty miles from the capital."

"Kent... near London," Louise utters in a low tone, pondering.

"That's right. You know, it's interesting," I go on. "You and Siesta and all the other people I've met in Tristain speak a form of English. All of you the have slightest undertones to your accents as well. You more than Siesta, now that I'm listening properly."

French undertones, to be precise. I can't say where in France exactly, but I sure as heck hear it.

Well, except for when Kirche speaks. She has the slightest German twinge. It's kind of hot.

"Is that so?" Louise wonders, tilting her head. "You're speaking in Tristainian to me right now, Michael."

I raise a curious brow.

"You sure about that? Sounds like English to me, Louise. Well, that's what I'm hearing, anyway."

She shakes her head.

"No. I can assure you that I'm speaking in Tristainian, and that's exactly what I'm hearing from you, too."

I pause.

"Huh," I say, scratching my head. "Wasn't expecting that. Think it's because you summoned me here like you did?" I consider, glancing down at the rune etched into my hand.

"Maybe," the petite mage replies. "I'm not sure."

We continue to lie next to one another, enjoying the comfort of the silence that falls as our conversation dies down.

My heartbeat calms and I'm at ease with Louise being cuddled up with me again, also.

The silence starts getting to me after a little while, though. Figure I'll throw another question or two out there.

"Care to tell me a little more about this place, Louise?" I ask. "Tristain, I mean. You know, since I'm stuck here for the long haul and all."

"Of course," she nods. "What do you wish to know?"

"Everything, really," I reply flatly, shrugging. "Who runs the country, first of all? I'm guessing you have a monarchy or something, hmm?"

"We do, yes. This country is ruled by Archduchess Marianne de Tristain," Louise explains. "I had the honor of being a playmate to her daughter, Princess Henrietta when I was little."

"I see. That sounds neat," I smile. "A royal family, not a parliament like England."

Louise blinks at me a couple of times.

"What is a parliament?"

I'll keep my answer brief so as not to confuse Louise too much. Alright, Michael. Time to remember the lessons Dad gave you on this stuff.

"Uh, basically it's a system where the everyday people appoint representatives to govern the country for them," I explain. "The queen's more a figurehead in England than actually in any real control. She simply signs off the laws passed by the parliament."

Louise frowns.

"That doesn't seem very... practical. A queen or king should be leading his or her nation. How else will people be able to follow them properly if they're not in power?"

I'll be here all day if I try explaining modern Britain to Louise. Best I swerve the conversation.

"So, Tristain is ruled by one family?" I divert, changing the subject.

"Yes, the Tristain royal line, to be precise." Louise clarifies. "Specifically, Marianne de Tristain is our Queen Regent. Her father, King Philippe, ruled before her. The Tristainian Royal Family has been in power for over a hundred years now. They run the country kindly but justly."

I nod, taking in Louise's explanation well enough. Tristain has an actual monarchy instead of the show one we have, then.

"Sounds similar to England, then," I tell my mistress. "Queen Elizabeth's on the throne back home. Her family has reigned for almost a hundred years, too."

Louise nods.

"It seems that our worlds aren't so different after all."

"In some ways, yeah."

A few moments pass.

"What year is it in your world, Michael?" Louise wonders.

"It's 2018," I tell her. "Well, it was when I left, at least."

"Wow, 2018..." she trails off. "You're a whole three hundred years ahead of us."

Two different words running at two different times. Go figure.

"Looks that way, yep. If what you told me last night adds up."

"How are you taking all this so well?" Louise asks, frowning. "If I had been in transported to England like you were Tristain then I would've been far more confused."

I shrug.

"It is what it is. If there were a way back then I'd be stressing a whole lot more. You said yourself, though, it's a one-way trip. That, and..." I laugh nervously. "A part of me wonders if I brought this on myself. So I can't complain too much."

"Brought this... on yourself?" Louise mirrors with a curious expression.

I smile weakly and sigh.

"Yeah. I met with Anna one last time, you see. It happened right before you summoned me. She asked for a second chance and I turned her down. Then I lost my temper and told her I wanted to be as far away from her - and Kent - the place I lived, as I possibly could. Got what I asked for just a few hours later when your summoning spell found me."

Louise sits up and loosens her hold over me, the covers falling off her body.

"Really?" she asks, eyes widening a touch. "You said those things to her, and then my spell reached you?"

"Yeah," I nod, my smile becoming even more strained. "Probably by chance, I know. Still... I've always been a little superstitious."

Louise exhales deeply and looks down. "I'm sorry, Michael."

I shake my head.

"Hey, don't worry about it, okay?" I reassure. "I'm still trying to come to terms with it all, but the sooner I do the better. And besides, Tristain isn't too bad. Well, what I've seen of her, anyway. I mean, yeah, some stuff's vastly different. Others? Not so much."

Louise's lips curve upward slightly and her cheeks pinken.

"I'm glad you like it here..." she utters softly, leaning further into my embrace and hugging me.

Chuckling, I hug her back. "I do, mostly."

A few moments more pass between Louise and I.

I'm guessing she has lessons this morning, or something. We're in a school, after all.

"We got plans today, Louise?" I ask.

The pink-haired mage nods.

"We do, yes," she replies, pulling herself away from me and slipping out of bed.

"Alright then. Fire away. What's the schedule?"

Louise grabs her school robes from her closet and begins undressing. I get out of bed and turn my back whilst she does.

"Breakfast, followed by a Magical Theory lesson with Professor Colbert. Sunday is a half day for us second-years. So, we're free to do what we please for the afternoon."

"Cool," I nod, standing up. "Want me to join you in your class today, or just walk you there?"

Dressed, Louise tosses her nightgown and used panties onto the edge of the bed. She then points to my jeans and sleeveless vest and frowns softly.

"You may join me, Michael. However, I would much prefer you didn't wear those strange articles of yours," Louise expresses with a small frown. "You'll attract attention."

I jab a dismissive thumb toward the satchel bag at the foot of Louise's bed that contains my donated uniform and cloak.

"Well, I've only the one uniform. So, I'll track down Siesta and pass those off to be washed while you have breakfast. That said, I'll just have to make do with my England clothes for the day. Weird looks or not."

Louise raises a slightly displeased brow. Then she relents with a small exhale.

"Do what you will. But, if you wish to be my familiar here, I insist that you dress the part."

I can't help but smirk.

"Then maybe a second uniform's in order if you're so insistent, Princess. Not that I'm holding the purse strings in this little relationship of ours."

Louise's frown deepens and she rolls her eyes.

"Fine," she relents with a hefty huff. "But I'll only pay for you if you're going to act the part of my familiar, alright?"

"I'll do my best," I assure. "Proved myself to you last night, didn't I?"

"Indeed you did, Michael," she nods, her frown fading and her cheeks pinkening.

"Glad to hear it. Guess I'll head out with these clothes," I decide, grabbing Louise's satchel bag. "I'll wait by the front steps like I usually do after dropping them off."

"Very well, Michael. Hurry along now."

"On it, Princess."

I give the petite mage a playful bow, which earns a giggle.

"Now there's some progress," I remark, laughing softly. "You're usually grumpy when I crack out the pet name."

"I'm not grumpy," Louise counters, turning away.

"You kinda are," I go on, making my way out of the room. "You need to lighten up."

"Shut up," she barks, glaring.

I close Louise's bedroom door behind me, slip on my shoes, and laugh to myself.

"And Louise is snappy again. Balance is restored in the world."

As I turn and leave the hall, my cheeks feel warm.

I recall holding Louise while she slept earlier.

"Dammit, Mikey. Don't go down that road," I reprimand myself, shaking my head. "You've been through enough. And besides, she's clearly younger than you," I further rationalize. "Not that Count Mott coming onto Siesta as he did fills me with much confidence as far as Tristainian relationships go, but hey," I add with a displeased grumble.

It isn't my country. Or even my world.

My feet carry me downstairs, through the bottom floor hallway, and out into the morning air.

The sky is a deep blue, and a gentle breeze is blowing.

"Better go find Siesta."

...

I find Siesta by the stables and she rushes over to me with the most delightful of smiles.

"Good morning, Michael. Is there anything I can help you with today?"

I gesture toward the satchel bag of clothes hanging from my right wrist by a drawstring.

"Was wondering if you might lend a hand with a little laundry actually, yeah."

The maid's eyes positively light up at my request.

"I'll gladly wash these for you, Michael," she offers sweetly, her smile growing into an adorable grin.

"Just so long as it isn't a problem at all, Siesta," I check, wanting to be sure I'm not being a bother.

The maid shakes her head spiritedly.

"Not at all. I'm all too happy to help."

"Fair enough then. Here are the clothes," I say, handing the satchel bag to her. "It's both mine and Louise's stuff."

I made damned sure I took my Ipod out from the side pocket before handing them over, too.

"It's quite alright, Michael," the maid beams. "I'll have these ready for you by the day's end."

I'm glad that Siesta is always willing to lend me a hand. I seriously wouldn't be without the girl.

"Appreciate it. Just drop them off in Louise's room when you're done. No pressure or anything."

The dark-haired girl places a hand on her chest and bows.

"Of course. It's my pleasure."

The two of us lock eyes for a moment. Siesta's big, sincere blues captivate me.

"Glad to hear it," I manage, smiling gently. "I'll get on my way then."

"Of course. I'll see you soon, Michael."

I give Siesta a farewell thumbs up.

"Later then."

I turn my back and prepare to head back toward the Academy's frontmost steps, where I usually wait for Louise.

"Actually, there is something I'd like from you. I-If it's alright with you, that is," Siesta adds somewhat nervously.

I swing back around. Siesta's cheeks burn a deep, dark red.

"Yeah? What's up?"

The girl takes a short, calming breath and takes an uneasy step nearer.

"Would you mind sharing another hug with me?"

My thoughts flash back to the passionate kisses Siesta and I shared in the carriage after returning from Count Mott's estate the other night. My heartbeat quickens, too.

"I, uh..." I stumble, rubbing the back of my neck. "Sure. Yeah, I wouldn't mind."

Siesta's lips tug into a grateful smile and her eyes light up.

"Thank you, Michael."

We draw close to one another. I take a deep breath and rest my arms over the girl's shoulders. She wraps hers around my waist and hugs me tenderly.

"You smell nice," Siesta compliments.

"You, too," I reply, breathing in her pleasant scent. "Like roses."

The maid giggles sweetly.

"I-I'm glad you like my new perfume."

"Did you start wearing it recently?" I ask, a natural smile creeping across my lips. "It's nice."

"Oh yes, thank you, Michael."

Siesta holds me tighter for a further moment and then frees me from her affectionate hold.

"I'll be on my way then, Siesta," I say, preparing to leave. "I'll see you a little later, yeah?"

Siesta nods deeply and bids me farewell with a wave upon rising. I give the maid one last smile then make my way toward the front steps, feeling a lot lighter as a result of sharing some affection with my friend.

"She's a real sweetheart," I whisper.

...

Feels like forever since I sat down and started waiting for Louise to finish her breakfast.

Smiling, I think back to the hug Siesta and I shared.

"Louise wouldn't have approved, that's for sure," I remark with surety, chuckling.

"Pretty crazy in all honesty, because it's not like we're dating or anything," I note with a second laugh, lowering my eyes to my iPod on the step beside me.

A small power bank is plugged into its bottom port by a lightning cable.

I found both tucked away in the side pocket of my jeans. Must've left them in there after a previous livestream or collab with Ryan. I can't remember which, honestly.

Either way, there should be enough charge left in the bank to bring my device back up to full battery at least one more time. I'd still better swap the iPod over to Power Saver the next time I turn it back on, just to be on the safe side, though.

I hone my gaze on the small device.

"Wonder how it even came to Tristain with me in the first place," I ponder with a short exhale. "And how it survived when my phone completely died. Strange. Strange."

Best I don't question the power of magic, now I think about it. The sorts of things are as alien to me as modern technology is to the people of Tristain., I'll wager. After all, the fire magic Louise somehow gave me is still a total mystery.

With the sound of the Academy bell ringing, I hop back to my feet.

"Breakfast's over, I guess."

I flick my iPod's lock button and swipe the device back to life. Thankfully, the power bank managed to get the thing close enough to full battery. There's twenty-three percent left charge in the power bank and one hundred percent remaining in the iPod. More than good enough for the time being.

Shoes clack behind me, the first pair I've heard in a while.

I glance back. Louise heads this way. Her expression is the faintest bit grumpy and her arms hang at her sides.

I slip my iPod away and turn around to face her fully.

"Enjoy your breakfast, Louise?"

The girl's light pink eyes find mine. She stops on the lower steps, still elevated above me by a little bit because she's four steps higher than me.

"It was tolerable," she replies, sighing. "They had no jam-filled croissants this morning."

"Is that the reason you took so long?" I quiz the girl with a raised brow. "You're usually done with breakfast like, ten minutes before the bell even rings."

"In addition to the lack of jam-filled croissants, the chef failed to make a creme fraiche garnish for any of the desserts. This," Louise breathes outward wearily, "and the servants were late serving us the usual refreshments during the third course."

My empty stomach growls loudly.

"But you got to eat, yeah?" I ask, nodding.

Louise pouts and rolls her eyes.

"Well, of course I did, Michael," she scoffs, "but the experience was dreadful, to say the very least."

"At least you had breakfast this morning," I fire back at the pinkette, my stomach growling again.

A frown overtakes Louise's features.

"I suppose you're right," the girl accepts, folding her arms and groaning deeply. "Speaking of which, I asked one of the servants to bring out a couple of croissants for you. She returned to the dining hall and told me you weren't there, however. Where were you?"

Best I provide Louise with a softer version of the actual events. So she doesn't yell my ear off for hanging back and hugging Siesta.

"That's very thoughtful of you, Louise," I grin at her, thanking her for the free breakfast. "As for missing my food, I was handing off our laundry to Siesta. Like I told you."

Louise quirks an eyebrow at me.

"I don't see why passing along our clothes took so long that you missed breakfast."

The pink-haired girl moves her hands to her hips, her stare intense.

Defensive positions, Michael. Defensive positions.

"I, uh, ended up having a hard time finding Siesta, that's all," I rush to defend, beginning to climb the stairs toward Louise. "Besides, the breakfast today sounds like it was kinda heavy anyway." I pat my stomach. "Might've been for the best that I missed it after all."

The petite mage eyes me sharply for a long second, clearly searching for any trace of dishonesty in my words.

"It was," Louise relents, her features softening and her posture returning to normal. "Still, I would prefer you don't miss your morning meal tomorrow. I won't have it said that starve my familiar."

I manage a smile. The girl's heart is in the right place, as ever.

"I'll keep that in mind," I note, reaching the top of the steps.

"You'd better. Now, Michael, I'd prefer we hurry. Professor Colbert's class begins in a little under ten minutes."

I bow my head and crack a teasing smirk. "Right here with you, Princess."

Louise snatches my hand and carts me off down the corridor. She takes a sharp left turn about halfway down and continues toward the classrooms with me in tow.

"Next time you refer to me in that tone, I'll put salt on your pastries," the pinkette whispers, peering at me wickedly from the corner of her eye.

I chuckle gently, smiling.

"Fine. No morning hugs again for you, then."

Louise's brow contorts.

"Fine," she concedes, voice reluctant. "...I'll hold off on the salt for now."

I glance over at her with an amused smile.

"Hugs win the day," I declare smugly.

Louise scowls at me, cheeks dusted pink, but simply accelerates our pace down the rest of the corridor.

"We're here," she huffs, pushing open the doors to the classroom. "Come on, idiot," she commands, releasing my hand from her grasp.

Smirking, I follow her into the classroom.

This will be my second time sitting in on a class with Louise. I'm honestly a little excited.

...

Professor Colbert's classroom is essentially what I expected: a large rectangle with several rows of long wooden tables that lead down to one that faces most of the room. At the end of this row is the professor's desk.

I sit between Louise and Montmorency. Kirche seated herself directly behind me upon entering the hall. A quiet girl sporting blue hair just below her neck and specs sits to her right and diligently takes notes. Her stare is calm and composed, even amidst the constant explanations of magical theory being given by the teacher.

Gesturing toward the board, Professor Colbert continues his lesson after answering a student's question.

"...so, as you should know by this stage in your studies, a magical wand acts as something of a catalyst for a mage, allowing them to channel the innate magical energy they possess into an actual, tangible spell."

He now points toward a three-dimensional chalk drawing of the 'Pentagon', an alchemical symbol sketched upon the blackboard.

"Think back to the five elements, if you will. While almost all of you can conjure at least one, doing so without your catalyst, be it a wand or staff, is almost unheard of. This is because doing so usually places immense amounts of strain upon the body."

I feel especially conscious of Colbert's lesson all of a sudden, given I can conjure magic without needing a wand. The runes on my hand tingle as I dwell on the fact, even.

"Out of curiosity, Professor, how rare is it for a mage to be able to conjure magic without some sort of wand or catalyst?" asks Kirche behind me.

I glance toward the gorgeous red-haired girl. She flashes me a sultry, heated smile.

Colbert turns to face the entire class, as though he knows her question involves me as well.

"Well, quite rare, honestly. Typically, only the strongest mages from families with an exceptional affinity towards the elements can use raw mana from their bodies to conjure elemental magic," he explains. "That said, I have heard only a handful of stories in my lifetime concerning such people."

My cheek twitches. Louise glances away from the chalkboard toward me. Her expression shifts into a tense glower, silently giving me a warning. I crack one of my usual smirks, try to relax, and listen to Colbert's next sentence.

"Think of these individuals as singularities, students," he continues, tapping the presentation board twice with his index finger. "Highly unordinary existences among normality."

His explanation does nothing to aid my thoughts.

I feel especially self-aware after what Louise and I discussed concerning my summoning this morning.

"On that note, Professor, would it not be prudent to observe such a rare and unique individual's abilities in a practical sense?" Kirche poses with somewhat of a thoughtful hum. "Especially if they were, say, in this very room right now?"

My cheeks warm and my heartbeat quickens.

Damn, Kirche. Way to single me out!

"And what evidence do you have to support such a suggestion, Miss von Zerbst?" Colbert asks the redhead with a somewhat furrowed brow.

"Nothing in particular, Professor," she answers. "I merely thought it would be interesting to show the class such an individual in action. Especially if they are a rarity, as you explained."

"Right," Colbert concurs, voice now tinged with a hint of quieted displeasure.

Louise lets out a low, seething growl beside me. She pulls her lips closer to my ear and whispers:

"Kirche's doing this to annoy me, you idiot. I hope you realize that."

I nod softly.

"Don't doubt that for a second," I whisper back.

Colbert rubs his chin and purses his lips thoughtfully. I suddenly find his eyes are directly focused on me. I feel hot under the collar now, and not in a pleasant way.

"At the risk of endorsing your request for certain reasons, I must insist that you specify the focus of your curiosity, Miss von Zerbst," he commands politely, eyes narrowing the slightest bit.

"I agree, Professor," nods Montmorency, almost as though coming to Louise's defense. "Let us not indulge such ideas without good reason."

My pulse rapidly increases.

Jesus Christ. The way women dig at each other is just as unnerving in Tristain as it is back home! Even if it's way more politely worded.

My heart thumps my sternum almost painfully, as Kirche speaks.

"I am of course referring to Miss Vallière's recently summoned familiar, Professor Colbert. Most present in this room witnessed his duel, after all."

Guiche, who sits far across the room between a pair of other second-year girls, one blonde and the other a brunette, clears his throat loudly and awkwardly at Kirche's comment. This breaks me free of my apprehension and I let out a nervous chuckle, much to the ire of a glaring Montmorency and a seemingly calm yet pained Louise.

Thankfully, the sound is heard by neither the teacher nor other students nearer the front of the room.

"I suppose we could do that," Colbert offers, sighing and giving a nod. "However, you'll have to ask Miss Vallière."

Eyes turn to us. Louise sets her jaw and lets out a sharp, irritated grumble.

"...As you wish, von Zerbst," she relents. "I wouldn't want to disappoint the class."

"Excellent."

Kirche claps her hands together to show her support for the change in what I'm pretty sure was a set lesson. Several others around the room do the same. My lips curl up into a faint smile and I prepare to stand.

Louise quickly stops me, though. She grabs hold of my wrist, pulling it back toward the table.

"Nothing fancy," she commands in a whisper into my ear. "Keep it small and simple."

Colbert's right eye notices Louise's reaction and he smiles faintly.

"And no high-level spells or those which could disrupt the lecture," the man orders, glancing at me. "I will not permit anything that takes time away from valuable lessons."

Louise releases my wrist. I then bow my head to Professor Colbert.

"Of course, Sir," I agree. "I'm no good at casting fancy stuff anyway."

"Then come on, young man," he encourages with a wave of the hand. "Please stand by the board."

The bespectacled teacher directs me toward the center of the room. He goes to retrieve a leatherbound journal from his desk.

"Uhh, I'll begin in just a second," I explain to Colbert. "It'll take me a bit to center myself. That okay?"

The teacher nods a pair of concurring nods.

"Naturally. Take as long as you need."

I give Colbert a nod to show that I heard him. I then close my eyes and extend my right arm.

Breathing in and out, I concentrate as best I can.

A flame flickers in my thoughts. An ember large enough to wow the students but not large enough to cause any real harm should I lose control over it. I latch onto the mental impression of my magic and soon, the air about me comes to life.

My chest grows warm. I feel strangely at ease.

I imagine I hear distant noises, but they are faint enough not to distract me.

The warmth swirling within grows in intensity.

Not too much, though. I keep the energy within my body in check.

After a moment of deliberation and focus, I snap my fingers.

The heat and warmth remain centered where they were before, and a soft orange light appears from my palm.

Curious murmurs sound from the rows of watching students.

Still at the teacher's desk, Professor Colbert eyes my flame with genuine interest.

"Ahhhh. Very impressive, Mister DeSilva," the aged teacher remarks with genuine approval. "Take note of this, class. Such conjuration without a wand is exceptionally uncommon indeed."

My cheeks and ears burn bright from the compliment.

"You can lower your arm now, young man. Feel free to step back to your seat."

I blow out the flame within my palm and nod my head.

"Right. Back to my seat, I go, then."

I return to my spot beside Louise so Colbert can continue his class. A few hushed utterings grab my attention as I do, too.

"It seems Vallière isn't totally useless after all," I catch from one female student.

"I know. I was so certain he'd be a dud after hearing about his summoning, too!" returns the voice of an excited girl to my back, near Kirche.

I cast a sidelong glance at Louise. To my satisfaction, she appears content to hear the positive reception my demonstration garnered and is smiling faintly.

I pat the girl's shoulder supportively. Seeing her happy gives me a good, warm jolt.

...

Class is ending and students are piling out of Professor Colbert's classroom. Most are on their way to lunch, I think. I stretch my arm out and grope about for my iPod in my jeans pocket. It's safely secured and readily available. So, I'll take it out once I'm back in Louise's room.

Louise appears deep in thought as she walks beside me.

As the two of us near the classroom doors, Colbert clears his throat. I can't help but crane my head and cast a glance back his way.

"Might I have a word with you, Miss Vallière?" asks the teacher politely, setting down his leather journal atop his podium. "Your familiar, too, if that is alright?"

Louise glances my way. Her gaze is determined and her stance is poised, but I see the faintest trace of worry in her pretty eyes.

"This is unexpected, Professor, but of course," she finally replies to our teacher.

Together, Louise and I approach Colbert whilst the last couple of stray students leave.

"What is it, Professor?" Louise asks with a bow of her head.

I rub the back of my head and nod for Colbert, smiling meekly.

Colbert's lips spread into a polite smile. "Thank you for your cooperation this morning," he responds warmly, nodding my way. He then turns his gaze to Louise. "With that in mind, Miss Vallière, I would like to extend an offer of private tutelage to your familiar. Nothing too intense, naturally. Just an hour at the end of each school day, so he might better learn to hone his skills."

Louise cocks an eyebrow for the older academic. Her expression becomes that of great interest.

"Really, Sir?" she breathes softly, turning her full attention to the bald, bespectacled man. "Why would you do that?"

I feel a frown cross my lips.

"Why do you not wish to accept?" I fire out, feeling a touched pissed.

The older man's smile does not fade. He does, however, cross his arms over his chest.

"Curiosity," he replies. "He is naturally something of an anomaly after all."

Louise turns and whispers so only I can hear.

"If I allow this then you had better use what you learn to protect me, idiot."

I nod shortly and crack an agreeable smile.

"That's a given, Princess," I point out in an equally low voice.

"Very well, Professor," Louise answers smoothly, moving her head back toward Colbert. "We accept."

"Excellent. I will prepare a small lesson plan, in that case," announces Colbert, looking my way and sporting a satisfied expression. I notice a hint of eagerness in his eyes, too. "Our classes will begin after the upcoming Familiar Exhibition in two days reaches its conclusion."

"Right you are, Professor," I agree with a nod.

Colbert bows his head and then excuses himself.

"Very well then. Now, you two should go to lunch. A hearty meal at noon is good for helping keep a sharp mind, I find."

I bow again, as does Louise.

"Understood, Professor," says my petite companion. "Farewell."

Louise grabs my wrist once Colbert leaves and leads me from the classroom.

"What's this I'm hearing about a Familiar Exhibition?" I ask whilst being hauled along.

Pausing, Louise releases me from her grasp.

"Oh, yes, I forgot about that. It's a show where each second-year student has their familiar put on a performance," the pinkette explains. "This year will be especially important, too."

I raise a curious brow.

"Why's that, Louise?"

"Because Princess Henrietta will be in attendance, of course," my mistress reveals.

"Henrietta..." I tap a finger against my chin. Then I snap them in realization. "Oh, yeah, you mentioned her this morning. She's your childhood friend, right?"

"Yes," Louise answers, folding her arms and smiling warmly. "Henrietta and I are very close. She is...Well, the one I'd most love to impress."

I touch a hand to her shoulder with a grin.

"In that case, you know you can count on me, right?" I quip, pulling my hand away. "Seriously, whatever needs to be done, I'm more than happy to help you out."

Louise's eyes turn gentle. Then she shakes her head as though trying to come to her senses and frowns.

"See that you do, Michael. I won't have my familiar letting me down."

I bring an arm around my waist and bow, smirking.

"Righty right, Princess."

My stomach growls as I rise. I feel light-headed all of a sudden, too.

"Okay, okay. Can we get some food now? My stomach's eating itself," I ask, rubbing my abdomen softly.

Louise chuckles cutely.

"Very well. We're going back to my room, however. I intend to eat lunch there."

"Sounds good," I voice, patting my stomach.

Nodding, Louise snags my wrist and leads me down the hall.

"Let's hurry then, Idiot. I wouldn't want you dying on me out in the corridor."

I huff out a dry chuckle.

"Right. Okay."

To be continued...


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