Anne spent her free time in the afternoon staring at the odd ornament on the top of her nightstand. As a measly maid, her room typically consists only of her essentials and personal belongings. Given the small size of the quarters for servants like her, there is little to no room for decoration, not that she is interested in adding any to her room. She was already lucky to have a window and for her, it is more than enough.
Several nights ago, her mistress insisted that she take this extravagant bouquet with her since it was from her apparent 'suitor'. She left it atop the nightstand, completely out of place given the lack of decor in her room. Since she is not in her room mostly, she forgets about it most of the time except at night, when the bluish glow of the flowers gently illuminates the room.
It was beautiful. She remembers seeing a single flower of this before in the wild long ago.
As day passes, however, their glow fades as the flower dries out. Now she can see that this flower has completely lost its light. The water in the vase didn't help at all.
Now she is contemplating what to do with this flower.
Throwing it away is out of the question, the flower is precious and apothecaries would still buy it even in its withered state, but it doesn'tseem right to sell it as well since it was a gift. Donating this to the said apothecaries would also raise too many questions and keeping the flower as it is would be wasteful.
Could she press it? She doesn't know how to.
Her musing ended up being interrupted by rapid footsteps approaching her room followed by multiple knocks on her door. "Nee-san, are you in there?" She heard the voice of her mistress calling her.
"Yes, I'm coming!" She answered. After taking a quick look at herself to make sure that she was proper, she rushed to open the door.
Just as she opened it, Katarina immediately grabbed her hands. "We have to go to my fi-garden, quick!" And bolted away, dragging her. She almost didn't get the chance to lock or even close her room.
Her mistress appears to be excited so whatever she was going to show was probably delightful in her mind. Anne, however, has a trace of worry. She knows that the things that brighten her mistress like this tend to bring troubles.
Not always, but there's the possibility.
After the final turn toward the field, they come across someone holding a bouquet, the same one she was pondering about moments ago. Her curious glance meets his warm gaze. Lady Katarina releases her and skips to the side, watching them with the same ear-to-ear smile she had from several nights ago.
'Is he... him?' She contemplates.
White outfit, check.
Wide hat, check.
Masked face, check.
Large eyeglasses, check.
She felt her breath hitches. She never had a suitor before and the closest she had to this situation was back from his father almost married her to some unknown noble. There where no courtship, no nothing. She doesn't even know her supposed fiance's name! It is the usual arranged marriage for her family to get connections.
It terrifies her to think what would have happened if Lady Katarina had let her go back then.
That memory, among others else, makes her skeptical about having a suitor.
"Good afternoon milady!" He greeted her with a bow, presenting her with a familiar white piece of cloth. "I believe this belongs to you..."
"Y-yes, thank you!" She accepts the handkerchief which she then uses to hide from his stare as she feels her face starting to heat up. "I-is there something in my f-face?"
"Nothing but perfection." He answered. "I'm sorry, Am I staring too much? I don't mean to creep you out. Though you have to forgive me, you're way more beautiful than I remember."
She felt her breath hitch again as she took another step back. She looks around to distract herself only to find everyone watching them—especially her mistress who is shaking from excitement.
Then it hits her.
Anne realizes that she is the only adult here (except this Shiro-san of course). She needs to be a good example to everyone of how a proper lady should behave. It's no time to be swayed by emotion. With a deep breath, she collected her bearings and dones the best neutral face she could manage. "...You flatter me, sir?..."
"Silvers, well, or 'Shiro' as your mistress refers to."
"My apologies for Lady Katarina's behavior. " She bows in apology. "And my name is Anne Sherry, Lady Katarina's valet."
"I'm glad to finally meet you Miss Sherry, and please don't worry about it. She probably used that word because of the color I am wearing hence she came up with that nickname." His answer makes her raise an eyebrow for he speaks knowingly about the meaning of her mistress' words.
"I-I see, thank you for looking it that way. I also heard from milady that you have accompanied her on the ... garden some time ago."
"That I did." He then let out a small chuckle. "I hope you don't mind me saying, but your mistress is quite a character. A breath of fresh air for a nobility if I must say." He then looks at Katarina who currently grinning like a Cheshire.
"Not at all..." She smiles genuinely for she agrees with his praise.
"Say... did she mention anything else about me?"
"Yes. Milady said that you are cour- I mean. looking for... no... uhm that you're..my su-suitor." She stutured heavily. That question, him making her say it herself has thrown her guard off.
"Then I guess this will no longer be a surprise." Silvers knelt in front of her. " Ms. Sherry, please accept this..." He presented her the bouquet "I thought these flowers match your beauty, yet here I see now how inadequate they are."
She's struggling (and failing) to keep a straight face as she can feel her cheeks betraying her by heating up. Of course, he will use such flowery works to flatter her. She should be expecting it and they shouldn't have this effect on her.
Then again, she can't recall when was the last time that she was the intended recipient of such praises for it never happened before. Is she really that powerless against such flattery? Her knees acting like jelly as well. She wants to run away. Why didn't she just run away? It is getting too much!
"Still, please accept them as a token of my courtship..."
"...I-my... what..." She tried to reply yet couldn't as the world suddenly faded to white.
"Where am I?" Anne muttered as she woke seeing the greyish afternoon sky instead of the familiar ceiling of her room. She finds herself lying on a luxurious bench made of marble. The sight of eggplants planted nearby made her immediately recognize that she was in her mistress's field. Although she wonders, when they had this bench here? This definitely was not here yet this morning when she cleaned the place.
She hears familiar voices discussing nearby and thus she sits and turns in their direction.
"...and that is how you turn those runes into something more comprehensible... " Explained the tall man in white, her memory was still blurry as she had just woken up but she recalled him introducing himself as 'Silvers'.
"Not a single word, yet it's a lot easier to understand." Commented Prince Alan.
"It takes effort but it makes the runes easily comprehensible." Prince Gerald followed.
"I must say, this has never been thought to us," Lord Nicol added.
Not just them, she also sees everyone sitting around a long table. Silvers is standing at the far end with a board behind him and her mistress is sitting on his right busy writing something.
Anne remains silent and just continues to watch them.
"Really?" Silvers gasped " This is common knowledge from my workplace! Now I feel like I just divulge some company secret."
Lord Nicol reluctantly nods.
Silvers shakes his head and sighs "Then you should have a talk with your instructor. Don't get me wrong. Being able to read the runes 'as is' is good, but unless you're very smart, or a masochist, I believe there is no point in making this difficult." He then turns his attention back to the rest of them "Is everyone done?"
A chorus of "Yes" was heard along with some nods.
"How many answers did you find?"
Anne continues to watch them in amazement. She's unfamiliar with the topic they are discussing but it seems that they are in a class with Silvers as the teacher. Amazingly, even her lady, who is uninterested in anything related to studying, is actively working on her paper. However, it appears that she is the only one who is still working, and everyone else has already finished with theirs.
"I have three"
"Same"
"Me too"
"I-ugh... I only have two."
Lady Katarina is yet to answer.
"How about you Claes-chan?" Her supposed suitor now acting as teacher asks Lady Katarina.
"I have... five?" She answered with a hint of uncertainty.
"Five? There but there are only three groups" Lord Keith commented. He leans towards her sister to look at her paper. Everyone follows suit and they all have a troubled expression upon seeing its content.
"What are those scribbles?" Asked Lady Mary, confused about what she was seeing.
"Logic gates." It's Silvers who answered, "So you know it, huh?"
"Hai!" Katarina confirmed.
"Well, that would work. Good job!" He then pets Katarina's head, which she surely enjoys seeing that she closes her eyes and smiles widely. Obviously, this also agitates everyone else as they look at Silvers with murder." You could have figured out this homework on your own. You even made a 'truth table'. Seems like you don't need my help at all."
"It ain't like that! " Katarina refuted " I won't be able to recall and recognize them if you have not explained it."
"It's pretty much straightforward, how come you didn't notice that right away, they are very similar, just different symbols."
"I... wasn't paying attention during the class!..." Katarina tilts her head and winks at him with her tongue sticking out the side of her mouth and hands knocking at the side of her head. "Teehee."
Everyone gasped. Lord Keith fell from his seat.
Silvers just chuckled. "But you should remember a little bit more. There are 6 correct answers."
""HOW!?""
"There's only three!"
"Now I feel stupid for getting only two."
She saw Silvers briefly look at her and then call Lady Katarina.
"Claes-chan, please show your work here on the board." He then hands her what appears to be a black pointy stick to Katarina.
"Eh!..." Katarina tries to refute.
"You almost perfected it, you are just missing one answer. Show them how you came up with your answers, especially the other 2 that the others didn't find. " He leads her to the front of the board.
"...O-Okay!" Katarina hesitates but starts writing nonetheless.
"Everyone! As I said, there are 6 correct answers. Most of you have 3 and Claes-chan here has 5 using a different method. Try to combine her way with the one I just taught and see if you can figure out the last one."
That surely gets everyone's attention. Not only do they get to watch their crush, but it also sparks their curiosity and competitiveness.
In the meantime, Silvers approaches Anne, carrying a tray with a glass and pitcher of water on it. His straight posture and the way he balances the tray perfectly on his hand along with his semi-formal attire makes him look like a proper butler or at least a waiter in a restaurant.
"I see that you're awake! " He greeted her. "Care for a drink?"
She first thought of politely declining his offer but she realizes how parch she is. "Yes, please." He filled the glass and handed it to her.
As she was drinking, Silvers put the tray next to her on the bench and he sat next to it. They were sitting together with just the tray between them.
"You were out for a while. How are you feeling?" He asked without looking at her.
"I'm fine." She replied after finishing her drink and returned the glass to the tray. "I'm sorry, by the way... for passing out. I don't know what came over me..." It's embarrassing to recall what happened but she apologizes. She is sure it's not good manners to collapse on somebody, especially on strangers...or suitors.
"It's alright." He shortly chuckled. " I should be the one apologizing. Your mistress has told me that you were not seeing anyone. I kinda assume that you never have experience with being courted so I thought that I would try to do it like how they were in the books. Seems like I overdid it, did I?"
"..." Anne remained silent. She doesn't know what to reply.
"Nevertheless, I meant it." He continues.
"Hick!" She choked. 'It's happening again!' She screams in her mind as her heart once again starts beating like it was on a marathon. Fortunately, unlike before, he is not staring at her. His gaze is kept on the gang of teenagers discussing around the table. With a cough and a couple of deep breaths, she manages to calm herself. Not fully, but enough to properly reply.
"Sir Silvers," He looks at her. "The truth is... you are mistaken. " She admitted right away. "I didn't mean to drop my handkerchief at you. I didn't even notice that I lost it. It's a complete accident. I don't mean to give you false hints. I'm very sorry!" She then bows before him and apologizes again. This misunderstanding must be resolved right away.
"I'm aware," Silvers replied.
"Huh?" She raises her head and looks at him, surprised at his immediate answer.
"I know that it's a complete accident. You haven't even noticed me back then and I'm sure today is the first time we actually met. You have never known me before, yes? " He asked.
"Right..." She confirmed. "Then why...?"
"Because I want to." He answered. " Back then, I was working on something... extremely urgent. I could have just ignored you and moved on, I should have. But I couldn't." He then placed his hand on his chest. "It's like my soul warning me, have I not picked up the cloth I would miss an important chance and regret it for eternity. "He turns to her and looks her in the eye. She cannot see his face because of the mask but the eyes behind his glasses tell her of his solemnity "You rode a carriage and left. I didn't get the chance to catch you right there, but you've always been in my mind ever since."
The glint on his eyeglasses was gone which now reveals the pair of shiny eyes behind it. Silver-like the color of his hair and sparkling like the finest gem.
It's bad, very bad.
Not his eyes, they are beautiful and charming, and she willingly stares at them.
What is bad is that she can't help but stare into them. She can't get away. She's losing her breath again.
Good for her this time, it's Silvers that averted his gaze as he looks back to the people studying near them. The former part of her that was enthralled in his eyes now feels heavy.
"Long story short, I'm here not just to return the handkerchief, but mostly to confront a feeling." He then winks at her.
Her heart skips.
"We found it!" Luckily for her again, a yell erupts from Katarina's group and interrupts them.
Silvers rose from his seat and went back towards the gang.
"Let me see," Silvers asked.
They all pointed him on the board.
"Uhuh?" He tilted his head looking at the board."And how did you come up with that?"
"We first..." As expected of Prince Gerald, he proceeded to explain their work as the smartest in the group.
She can't understand what they are discussing. Curious, she walked close to get a closer look. It was still blurry from where she was standing but she could not go any closer without drawing attention. She can only see little of what was written and sadly, those small parts were also incomprehensible for her.
"As we link them all together, that answer came up." The third prince concluded.
"Umu... you sure you didn't miss anything?" Silvers asked them. He doesn't sound convinced by their answer.
"None that we know of!" Lady Katarina answered anxiously. Her eyes keep darting up and down the board and to her paper reviewing its contents.
"So... did we get it right? Is it wrong?" Lord Keith asked, drumming his fingers on the table.
Silvers looks at them one by one, then releases a sigh.
Everyone's shoulder slumped.
"I'm just messing up with you. You got it correct!" He announced.
"YES!" Yelled Prince Alan and Lord Keith with the latter even hitting the table. Prince Gerald and Lord Nicol slumped back to their seats. The rest of them sighed in relief.
Lady Katarina then approaches Lady Sophia with her hand raised. The young Ascart seems confused at first but ultimately decides to mimic the gesture. Lady Katarina then hits the young Ascart's palm with hers, making a resounding 'slap' sound. She then proceeds to walk around the table and does that with everyone else while cheering "We did it!" repeatedly.
"Who's the one that figured it out?" Silvers asked.
"We got a lot more than 6 answers at the start. Only after everyone ruled out the rest that we find the last answer. " Prince Gerald proclaimed.
Silvers closed his eyes and chuckled "I plan on giving a price only to those who will figure out the 6th answer. But since it seems to be a team effort, I'll have to reward everyone then." He then snatched a piece of paper and a quill from the table and started writing on it.
"What are you writing? Is that another homework?" Lady Katarina asked, gasping in horror.
"Why would I give you homework, I ain't your teacher, and even if I am. I myself am not fond of homework."
"Then why are you writing more runes and glyphs?"
"You'll see, I'm almost done."
Once finished, he puts his hand on the paper and it glows, emitting a Silverish light, though it disappears right away.
He then folded the paper in half thrice before tossing it up. He waved his hands, and the paper was sliced into 8 equal pieces. He then snatched the pieces back as they fell in the air using the same hand and piled them a the center of the table. He did all of this with just a single hand.
"Please take one." He took the first one and gestured for everyone to take one as well. Seeing everyone now has their piece, he continues "I call this a [Mimeo Card, anything that you will write on one of its pieces will also appear on the other!" He wrote in his piece and as he does, the pieces held by the others glow faintly. "However, whatever is written there also gets erased after a while." He demonstrates this by writing 'Hello' on one of the pieces.
Everyone is in awe and speechless as indeed the paper does what Silvers has said. The word appears in every paper.
"I supposed I don't have to tell what its uses would be." He tossed his piece back to the table. "You can have this one."
"But Shiro-san, don't you want your piece?" Lady Katarina asked. She still calls him that.
"Please, I have no interest in reading your GC." He reasoned. Anne does not know what 'Jee See' means, but her mistress apparently understood it perfectly. "Just use the extra one as a spare or give it to your other friend." He dusts his hands and clasps them together "It's getting dark so let's call it a day."
Everyone agrees and starts collecting their belongings. For Anne, this is her cue to approach and assist her mistress.
"Anne!" Lady Katarina exclaimed upon noticing her and immediately rushed to embrace "How are you feeling?"
"I am fine milady," She answered, returning the embrace and ignoring the resounding jealous gasp from Lady Mary and Prince Gerald "My apologies for worrying you." She breaks the embrace and takes the materials her mistress is holding "Let me help you with this."
"Look, I finished my homework" Lady Katarina showed her worksheet and the paper Silvers gave them. "Shiro-san said that we perfected it, and gave us this magic paper as a reward."
"Good work, milady." She praised her.
"And Shiro-san thought as a technique to solve them!"
"Indeed he does, I was watching since I woke up. You did great on presenting your work!"
"Not at all." Her lady dismisses the praise as usual. "So~ have you spoken with Shiro-san?"
"Mi-milady?" She felt a hiccup upon hearing that inquiry.
"You know, you kinda passed out while talking with him earlier, so~ did you get to continue your conversation?"
"Y-yes..." She avoided her mistress's gaze. "We talked while you were working on your homework."
"Soooo~?"
"..." She averted her mistress's gaze.
"~oooo?" Her mistress chases her eyes. "What did you say?" She excitedly asked.
"Oi! You're being pushy!" Silvers comes to her rescue, drawing her mistress's attention to him. "You'll mess up my courting plan!"
"I'm just asking!"
"You're making her uncomfortable, that discomfort will then be associated with my courtship and then to me!" He explained.
"Boo!" Lady Katarina contempted" You just don't want to admit that Nee-san rejected you."
"I have not been rejected!"
"Eeeeii!" Her lady squealed " So you're together now?"
"NO!" Anne responded on instinct.
Silvers winced but agreed with her. "No, we are not... She has not answered me yet and it's for the best."
"I'm confused," Lady Katarina mumbles "You asked Nee-san out, but you don't want her to answer?"
"Not that I don't want to, just not right now." He answered, "The actual reason that I came here is to inform your sister that I like her formally. If we push for a response now, we will only answer that is unsatisfactory for both me and Ms. Sherry." He turns away from Lady Katarina and faces her. " Instead, what I'm hoping right now is a chance..."
"We are but strangers as of now, but I can't ignore this feeling and this interest I have for you. " He looks at her in the eye as he extends his hand asking for hers, "Would you give me a chance to see these feelings through? And see what it would be for both of us?"
Anne stares at her supposed suitor. The world seems to slow as she falls into a deep thought.
She notices that, unlike their first encounter where she... well, passed out, she was a lot calmer this time. Perhaps because he is not kneeling unlike before?, or speaking in unneeded (but not unappreciated ) flattery? Anyway, what's important is that her mind is not fried at the moment thus she can properly acknowledge what just had been asked of her.
This loops back to her inexperience on this matter. Should she just reject him right now?
She has a valid reason if she does so. First and foremost he's very suspicious. Hiding his face behind a mask is one thing, the only purpose she could think of why he would wear a mask is if he doesn't want to be recognized. Could it be that he's a criminal? Perhaps he was sent by someone to spy on her mistress. Not only that her lady is the eldest child of a duke, but she is also close to two princes of this kingdom and a few more powerful and influential people. Getting Lady Katarina's favor is something people would want someday, and by how her mistress interacts with him, it seems that she is already on her mistress's good side.
Well, her lady is kind so it is not much of a surprise that she would treat people, even strangers warmly. It is because of that, that she has to be the one that is dubious. Her judgment as a maid indicates that she has to ward this man away.
How about her judgment as a maiden? She has no idea. Once more, goes back to her having no idea what to do in this situation.
She has read a few romance stories before but they are all about princesses being saved by a prince or a knight fighting for her beloved mistress honor. Both were not applicable. Should she have listened to her fellow maids and their gossip? Or ask her mentor, Miss Joana, for advice?
Scratch that, Miss Joana would just tease the hell of her out of it.
"Nee-san?" Lady Katarina calls her.
"I'm sorry..." She apologized for spacing out again. With her mind drawing blanks on the question, she decided to take the easy way out. To reject her suitor right here and now, to insist that this was all a mistake. "Sir Silvers..." She spoke his name and she had his attention. "I..." but her words died down before she could speak.
'I'm here not just to return the handkerchief, but mostly to confront a feeling...have I not picked up that cloth I would regret it...' She remembers his words, and while she couldn't relate to them completely, the latter part of it felt significant in her personal predicament.
Regret.
If she rejects him now, would she regret it in the future? Does accepting him brings the opposite?
She doesn't know! She can't answer.
He has a feeling to confront, but she doesn't have that. He's just a stranger to her. If she rejects him now, would that be the end of this? Her lady seems to receive him cordially, how would her Lady Katarina react if he's gone, never to be seen again?
She doesn't know.
Perhaps if she knows a little more about him, If she just has more time to get to know him, she'll know the proper answer.
Then it hits her.
'Would you give me a chance to see these feelings through? And see what it would be for both of us?'
That's exactly what he's asking. Assuming what he said was true, the only thing that is established is the feelings that he has and she hasn't. In conclusion, Just like her, he as well, wants to know more, so he came here to see it for himself instead of leaving it for ponder.
If that's the case, has she been overthinking all this time?
"Yes, Miss Sherry?" He calls her, snapping her out of her trance. Great! At first, she passed out on him (She still doesn't know why and how), and now she spaced out. How many times has she spaced out by now? Three?
'What a way to set a first impression on your very first suitor, Anne!' She mentally scolds herself.
She takes a deep breath and smiles at him "Then I guess,...I expect to see more of you then?" She then extends her hand and places it on his. She's not sure about it, but it felt right doing so.
Upon receiving her hand, he lowers himself by kneeling and kissing
the back of it. "That, I will." He looks up to her, still kneeling. " I'll be at your service."
"Then start by standing up." She requested, no, she demanded him as she pulled her hand back. She could feel her face starting to warm again. "I'm not used to that or that I will ever be."
"Of course." He gets up with a giggle. "With that said, are you free this weekend?"
"I am not" she quickly answered. It's basically her job to be at her mistress as much as possible so weekends and no-school days are definitely not a free time for her. Weekdays afternoon could work, but she must also be on standby just in case Lady Katarina or even Lord Keith needs something.
Talk about having a full-time job. Not that she's complaining though.
"Hmmm, right..." He takes a quick glance at Lady Katarina and nods in understanding like he heard her thoughts. "I could just sneak in here again, but that ain't a sound idea either." He sighed "Well, we will figure something out. Right Hoots?"
"HOOO!" They heard a loud squawk.
Without any of them noticing, there is now an enormous owl towering behind them.
"HOOTS!" Lady Katarina squeals excitedly, arms raised and dashes to the owl.
"Sister wait!" Keith tries to stop his sister but alas, it is too late as the eldest Claes already jumped the owl and clung to its neck.
The owl looks at the lady hanging at its next then to Silvers, tilting its head questioningly.
"You're so fluffy! And smoot!" Her mistress commented further, now snuggling at the owl's chest.
"Milady!-" Anne, finally getting over her surprise at seeing the bird, also called her mistress to stop.
"It alright Ms. Sherry," Silvers stops her. "It's safe. They have met before and Hoots will not hurt her. " He reassures "Hoots even came without her saddle so I'm sure she's expecting herself to be petted."
Lord Nicol seems to notice his sister's enthusiasm for the owl thus he approaches Silver's and asks for permission.
"Would it be fine for us to touch... Hoots as well?"
"What day say Hoots?" Silvers then asked and the bird just squawked mildly in response. "Hoots says it's fine, just don't pluck her feathers... and remember what I said about what not to say to her!"
The eldest Ascart nods and thanks Silvers. His sister on the other hand has already joined Lady Katarina before Silvers was even done speaking. Lady Mary joins too, but she nestles with Lady Katarina more than she is with the bird. Miss Maria seems content with just observing the bird and so as the two royalties. Lord Keith and Nicol went to look after their respective siblings.
"Miss Sherry, about figuring something out. Please have this. " He then presented a small box to her. A gift wrapped in bright red paper. "It's a communication tool, among others else, capable of instantaneous messaging between people with a similar device."
"I- I can't..." she declines and raises her hands to stop him "That sounds like a very important artifact. I don't even know how to use it."
"There's a written manual included. " He rebuts "And, I think your mistress is familiar with it."
"Milady does?"
"You'd be surprised." He confirms "It also has plentiful of other features that you'll surely find useful. They are very much straightforward so I'll leave it to you to discover them. It's part of the fun!" He gently took her hand and put the box atop it. "Your mistress would surely borrow it, just don't let her have too much fun on it. It may be distracting for her and her studies. "
"I don't know, this seems a priceless artifact." Her hands were shaking.
"Not as priceless as being able to contact you anytime." He reasoned "Please, I'll be most delighted if you accept it."
"Alright, Thank you!" She finally accepts it. Her hands were still trembling, so she used both of her hands to hold the artifact with almost care.
"Rest easy, milady. It won't break that easily. In fact, I can guarantee that it'll take some effort to even just scratch it."
"Oh!" She sighed in relief. "Please lead with that next time." This just earns a chuckle from him.
"Before I forget, please have this as well." He pulls a bouquet out of nowhere and presents it to her.
"No, thank you!" She immediately declined. Those flowers had already given her a lot of trouble. "This artifact, and the flowers. They all surely fetch a good price. Where are you even getting this?"
"From yours truly," he proudly declared, giving a courteous bow. "I made them myself."
"You're kidding!" She commented in disbelief.
"Milady, have you heard the saying 'A lot was possible with just a little bit of magic'? Well, I happen to know a lot of magic." The bouquet of flowers in his hand glows and erupts into thousands of tiny orbs of light which were then carried away to the sky by the wind. Anne watches his display in awe.
After a short while, all of the orbs vanished. She then noticed Silvers staring at her. "I-Is there something on my face?" She asked, feeling not only the heat on her face but a sense of deja vu as well.
"Such adoring face. It's making me want to impress you more." He answered.
Anne looks away to hide her face. "A-anyway, it's getting late." She replied.
"That I agree." She heard him step away. "Everyone, please let go of Hoots! Hoots, ready up! We're leaving!"
"Eh!" Lady Katarina grunted. She is currently lying atop the avian's chest with the bird also lying on its back with its feet up and wings semi-spread.
Lady Mary seems to have given up on joining up with Lady Katarina, probably afraid of climbing atop the bird. She is just currently standing beside Lord Keith who is urging his sister to get off Hoots. The Ascart siblings on the other hand were inspecting one of its wings. Lady Sophia is even talking with the bird with it squawking in response to her questions.
"But Shiro-san, you said that you'll let me fly if Hoots would let me ride on her!"
Hearing this, Anne shoots a glare behind Silvers's head which seems that he feels it as he immediately turns to her with arms both raised in surrender. "You're letting her farm, I thought flying would be fine." She glares at him. "Alright, sorry!" He muttered softly.
"New rule Claes-chan, Miss Sherry's has to allow you as well!" He then called to her mistress.
"Tsk! Simp!" Her mistress grunted even louder. "Nee-san Has him around his fingers already." She slides down from Hoot's stomach with Lord Keith catching and assisting her fall. "Thank you, Keith!"
With Lady Katarina finally off the owl, the bird then turns back to its feet and gently shakes the dust off itself. It then walks towards Silvers who is now carrying a large saddle which he quickly puts on the owl.
'Where did that come from?' She decided however to not voice her thoughts.
"I'll be taking my leave now." Silvers declared his departure, now riding atop Hoots. "Everyone, thank you for having me. I had fun today. Miss Sherry, I'll be looking forward to your first message."
"First message?" Lady Katarina asked curiously.
"I will, as soon I figure out how to," Anne replied.
"I'll be off then. Till next time everyone. Let's go, Hoots!"
Hoots appears to have a different plan in mind as it did not follow its master's order. Instead, the avian plucked a feather from her wings using its beak. She then walked towards Lady Sophia and lowered her head to present her with the feather.
"Is this for me?" Lady Sophia asked.
"Hoo" Hoots nodded.
"Thank you!" She laid both her hands open and Hoots put the feather on them. It is as large as her arm.
"Seems like Hoots likes you." Silvers commented, "Anyone else you want to give a feather to?" He asked the bird.
The owl shook its head and walked away from everyone. It then lowers its legs, extends both of its wings and raises them preparing to flap.
"Okay, bye again everyone!"
In an instant, the bird shot up high and flew away. Surprisingly, they felt no gust from their take-off. There's no sound even.
Lady Katarina is happily waving them goodbye.
With Silvers and Hoots gone, everyone agrees to retreat as well. As usual, they join them on their way back to Lady Katarina's room and they all walk together. Lord Keith is beside his sister, reprimanding her about the danger of mindlessly jumping on animals which Lady Katarina dismisses, insisting that it's fine and she is familiar with Hoots. Lord Nicol was holding his sister's belongings since Lady Sophia's hands were occupied with holding the feather with extreme care. Lady Mary was staring at the piece of [Mimeo Card] given to them by Silvers while conversing with Miss Maria. Prince Gerald appears to be in deep thought while looking at his copy of their homework and Prince Alan is just staring at the sunset outside the window.
Once they were before Lady Katarina's room. They all bid their farewell and went their separate ways.
The rest of the evening went as usual they are, well almost.
"Hey! Hey! Nee-san~ So what do you think about Shiro-san?"
They are currently at her lady's study and she is once again under interrogation.
"He's... fine, I guess?"
"I told you, right? He's odd for wearing a mask and all but I think he's great, especially with magic! He made this from scratch!" Her lady shows her [Mimeo Card]. There were writings on them that were actively changing but she refrained from reading them.
"I agree, but he's also suspicious."
"Eh~? What gives you that impression?" Lady Katarina asked while also writing something on her piece of magical paper.
"It just seems surreal, milady. Like it too good to be true that someone like him is interested in little old me."
"But you're just 24 Nee-san, you're not old."
"I didn't mean it like that. "She sighed "What I meant is that... It's just me, I don't understand why he's interested in me. I'm nothing remarkable."
"Nee-san, don't be like that, you're the most awesome maid! I'm sure Shiro-san thinks the same, that's why he likes you." She cheers her. " He also keeps staring at you and praising your looks, so I'm sure you have him charmed by your beauty." Her mistress gives her a thumbs up.
"That's more unlikely!" She retorted.
"I highly disagree, Nee-san. You're very lovely! You're always composed and you have a nice figure to booth!"
"MILADY!"
"No buts, Nee-san. You're a good catch yourself. I'm sure you'll be a good wife someday! It's Shiro-san that would be very lucky to have you and not the other way around."
She sighs defeatedly and hugs her mistress "Thank you, milady." Lady Katarina may not be aware of it but she is very good with her words, especially on where it matters.
"You're welcome, Nee-san." Confused maybe by the sudden embrace, Lady Katarina still acknowledges her.
"Is there anything else you need?"
"I'm all good now. I'll get myself to bed later once we're finished talking." Her mistress points to the magical paper on her study table.
"Please don't be too late to your bedtime. You still have class tomorrow morning."
"I'll be fine, I've done this before." Lady Katarina reassures her. "Good night Nee-san, see you this morning!"
"You too milady, Good night!" She bids her farewell before exiting her mistress' room.
She goes straight to her and as she opens the door, the room which she expected to be completely dark, is instead gently illuminated with familiar light.
The source? The flowers on the vase. The petals were fresh and healthy, emitting a beautiful bluish glow, just like the first night she brought them here.
But they were dried up and exhausted just this morning. What just happened?
Conversation in the [Mimeo Card].
"Hello Everyone!"
"aslkdaaklsdjjagkaljdwajlgjaspkalsdahjgae"
"Do not write on the same line at the same time! They are overwriting one another. Hello Katarina, this is Gerald by the way."
"Wow, how did you know it was me?"
"I would always know it's you."
"jksldhgkjhsdgkjhadfkjhgljkadhlgfhadfg"
"We have run out of space, how long is it again before the writings disappear?"
"About a minute, I timed it. "
"Thanks, Nicol."
"asd agasdasd- are you getting the names correct?"
"The handwriting, Sister."
"Wow, thanks, Sophia."
"That's definitely Keith, how did you even miss that?"
"Maria: Good evening everyone, I suggest we put our names before we write so it's easier to determine who's writing."
"Katarina: Good Idea, Maria-chan! I have an idea! We can use codenames as well!"
"Maria: Code Names?"
"Kitty-rina: Yes, like this!"
"Mary: I like that idea, Lady Kitty-rina. I'll be calling myself Auburn Rose."
"Alan: Wouldn't that be counterproductive?"
"Kitty-rina: It will be fun! plus, it's useful for hiding our identity, especially if someone peaks."
"Alan: You have a point there. I can't think of anything though."
"Kitty-rina: I have one for you, if you like. How about 'Absol'?"
"Alan: It's an awesome white poke- I mean creature from a book that I've read. It's awesome and I always have it in my team."
"Absol: I'm not familiar with it, but sure. Thanks!"
"Kitty-rina: You're welcome ̶Ab̶o̶s̶l̶. Absol!"
"Mary: It's not fair, please give me a nickname as well, Lady Kitty-rina"
"Kitty-rina: But you have a good name already, the Auburn Rose sounds romantic!"
"Auburn Rose: Well... if you say so. Thank you!"
"Maria: Can you give me a nickname as well, Lady Kitty-rina?"
"Keith: Me too, sister!"
"Sophia: Please make a nickname for me as well, and for my brother too."
"Perfect Fiance: Please everyone, let's not trouble Kitty-rina with your names, it's already getting late."
"Auburn Rose: You're really going with that?"
"Kitty-rina: It's alright Perfect Fiance, I'm sure that I can manage. Who are you, though?"
"Sophia: XD"
"Auburn Rose: Serves you right."
"Kitty-Rina: I don't get it, who is that?"
"Keith: It's Prince Gerald, but don't mind him, sister. He's just delusional."
"Kitty-rina: Oh? Okay then. let's see. Maria-chan, I'm going to name you Lux, it's from a powerful light mage from a game, that I heard before."
"Lux: Thank you, Kitty-rina."
"Kitty-rina: Lux-chan, please drop the formality."
"Lux: But I do not want to disrespect your station."
"Kitty-rina: It's fine, plus, it's gonna save us some space. We can only write so much here before we fill the paper."
"Lux: I see, understood Kitty-rina. Thank you!"
"Kitty-rina: You're welcome, Now, next is Sophia-chan and Lord Nicol."
"Nicol: You can drop the formality on me as well, Kitty-rina."
"Kitty-rina: Right, Thank you, Nicol, or I would say 'Kirito'. It's also from a story I read a long time ago. You look a lot similar too!"
"Kirito: Thank you, Kitty-rina."
"Kitty-rina: You're welcome! Sophia-chan, can I call you Mirajane?"
"Mirajane: That sounds lovely, thank you!"
"Keith: How about me?"
"Kitty-rina: Oh! You're my little Linoone."
"Linoone: I don't know what this means but I'm skipping the 'little' part, I'm literally taller than you."
"Kitty-rina: But you'll always be my little brother. But I'm glad that you used that nickname. It's not a ground rock type, but the color palette suits you."
"Auburn Rolse: Yes, 'little brother', it really suits you."
"Linoone: Mary!"
"Auburn Rose: Mary who?"
"Kitty-rina: Hello everyone! I'm getting sleepy. so I'll be logging out first. I'm looking forward to presenting our homework tomorrow."
"Perfect Fiance: Kirito said that the method we learned today was not taught to them last year so it'll be intriguing to see our instructor's reaction to them. But you're right. It's getting late, we should all get to sleep as well."
"Kitty-rina: Goodnight everyone, sweet dreams and see you tomorrow!"
"Linoone: Goodnight sister."
"Absol: You too."
"Lux: Goodnight Kitty-rina! Good night everyone."
"Mirajane: Sleep well Kitty-rina, good night! "
"Kirito: Good night, Kitty-rina, everyone."
"Perfect Fiance: Good night my be-asdjlakfajslkdhja;lfajfglkajsd"
"Auburn Rose: I knew you would try something like that."