"Ah, as expected of Montmorency the Fragrance—your familiar is every bit as lovely as your beautiful face! And just look at my partner—together we're the perfect pair!"
Guiche spoke with eyes closed, drunk on his own poetry, while the mole in his arms stared back with big dewy eyes, wriggling with delight.
Montmorency, cheeks pink, glanced at the frog lolling its tongue in her palms, a touch embarrassed—but praise still felt nice.
"Guiche, you're quite the flatterer. But… when you're with me, please keep it underground."
She meant the mole—popping up from the dirt was filthy no matter how you sliced it. As for her own familiar, she could barely stand to look; it was always sticking its tongue out—how were they supposed to communicate? Honestly, why couldn't she summon something cool like Tabitha's dragon or Kirche's salamander? A frog only helps with alchemy; it doesn't boost combat power at all.
Tabitha's familiar—a blue dragon—had made everyone green with envy when summoned.
Watching Guiche pour it on, Hayashi Maki's lips tilted. He was thinking of showcasing a bit of power—and Guiche was the perfect springboard to make a name for himself, and the first step toward changing Louise's "Zero" label. Plus, Guiche was two-timing Montmorency and junior Katie while hiding it from both. That was scummy. A man of guts should court both openly—tease them together!
Okay, maybe only an undying demon like him could pull that off.
Lost in thought, Hayashi Maki was scanning the familiars when he collided with a black-haired maid turning with a tray.
"Ah!"
Her tray clattered; a piece of bread plopped onto the grass. Hayashi Maki's quick hand caught her by the waist and pulled her upright.
"Sorry, I bumped you. Are you alright?"
Held by the waist, the maid flushed. "I—I'm fine! I should be the one apologizing."
He steadied her and bent to pick up the bread—only for her to bend at the same time; their hands brushed, and she yelped, snatching her hand back as if shocked, face blazing.
"I've got it," Hayashi Maki said with a smile, scooping up the bread and setting it back on her tray.
"T-thank you…" she murmured, head down, unable to meet his eyes.
Black hair, brown eyes, a feminine figure, and a gentle scent—no surprise: this had to be Siesta, one of the heroines.
"You're welcome. I'm Hayashi Maki. May I have your name, miss maid?"
"Of course. I'm Siesta, a commoner serving as an attendant at the academy. I know who you are, Mr. Hayashi Maki—you're Miss Vallière's familiar, right? Yesterday caused such a stir the news reached even us."
Her shy face went even pinker; adorable.
Hayashi Maki's mouth quirked. "Since we're both commoners, pleased to make your acquaintance, Siesta."
"Likewise, Mr. Hayashi Maki," she said, heart thumping like a little deer—too shy to meet his eyes.
He was about to ask about tea when Guiche raised a hand, testy: "Hey—where's the food I ordered?"
"Coming right up!"
Siesta answered quickly, then looked stricken at the tray in her hands. Nobles were lofty; no commoner would talk back—one didn't argue with people who could use magic and live long. The bread had hit the ground; she'd have to fetch a fresh one.
"I'll take it," Hayashi Maki said, smiling as he took the tray. "I'll bring it over."
"But this… fell on the ground," Siesta whispered, startled and unsure.
"It's fine—leave it to me." Hayashi Maki's smile had a way of winning girls' trust. He carried the tray to Guiche, set the bread on the plate, and said, "Your bread, sir. Please enjoy."
Guiche didn't even look at him—the height of noble arrogance—waved him off, and picked up the bread, chomping away as he resumed flirting with Montmorency. Montmorency shot Hayashi Maki a strange look, then the bread, as Guiche ate the piece that had been on the ground. Words hovered on her lips. One thought sprang up unbidden: Guiche is an idiot.
After resolving Siesta's bread problem, Hayashi Maki winked at Montmorency, making the golden-haired noble girl blush. What does he mean by that? (He only meant: please don't mention the dropped bread.)
"Siesta, Miss Louise asked me to bring red tea. Could you help?" Hayashi Maki asked, unfamiliar with the kitchens.
"Of course—just a moment!"
Happily, Siesta trotted off to fetch it. She knew full well he was a familiar—but as the familiar of the Vallière duke's daughter, he was still a cut above. And someone like that had spoken to a commoner maid so gently—the charm was irresistible. Handsome and kind: the deadliest combo for girls.
As he waited, Hayashi Maki noticed a flaxen-haired first-year in a gray cloak peering around with a lunch box in hand. The junior from yesterday: Katie.
He strolled over with his natural ease.
"Looking for someone, beautiful miss?"
Seeing him, Katie blushed but shook her head; she was a faithful girl and wouldn't ditch the first suitor just because the interloper was handsome.
"I'm looking for Guiche-sama. I promised to let him taste my pastries."
Over there, Guiche spotted her too; panic flashed across his face as he said to Montmorency,
"Montmorency, my dear, let's go somewhere quieter."
"Eh? Why?"
"The scenery over there better suits your beautiful hair," Guiche improvised, tugging at Montmorency to hide from Katie.
"Oh, he's over there," Hayashi Maki said helpfully, exposing him.
"Thank you," Katie said, then zipped straight to Guiche.
"Guiche-sama, there you are!"
Guiche's face changed; he dropped Montmorency's hand and forced a smile.
"Ah—Katie!"
"Hmm? Guiche, when did you meet a first-year?" Montmorency's instincts went on alert.
~~~
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