Disclaimer: I own neither of the works depicted in this story.

She watched him fall again, and again.

She watched the lance fall from his hand over and over. He was so short and thin it was little wonder he could barely hold up the weapon.

She watched as he held the area between his legs when the horse bucked him a bit too hard. He was clearly unused to riding on a saddle.

She watched as he would miss the rings repeatedy with his lance as he trained, instead hitting anything else unfortunate enough to be in the path of his horse.

This boy was not blessed with natural talent... Or seemingly any talent whatsoever.

Yet he was not giving up. He continued to train. Continued to improve. His dedication was admirable. His will was there.

It made Noel smile. It reminded her of him. She shook her head, now was not the time for those thoughts. The time to chase that man had long since passed. He made it clear he was not going to make his choice. So Noel chose to wash her hands clean and focus her attention elsewhere.

She was a beautiful near-Goddess with long sandy brown hair styled in two braided rings on each side. Violet eyes of a soft but mischievous nature, and she came from a high-ranking noble family with enough money to live in comfort for the next couple of generations at least.

She could have her pick from any boy (or girl, she was not too picky) at Winford. Yet here she was standing behind a tree her eyes drawn to this scrawny nobody of a first year.

Why? Why him of all people? This scrawny albino boy.

Again. It had to be his heart. His determination, his kindness, and politeness to all around him. His easily flustered cuteness. In a way he reminded Noel of her sister.

She decided then to take a gamble. "Hey!" She shouted emerging from behind the trees.

"Ascot-sempai." The boy said bowing a bit. "W-what brings you here?"

She smiled a bit at the stammer. "You seem to be having some problems. Allow me to show you some pointers..."