After a breezy spin on the blue dragon Sylphid, Hayashi Maki returned to the Tristain Academy lawn in high spirits.
As he slid off Sylphid's back, a blue-haired, deadpan girl stood nearby. Sylphid chirped twice, nudged Tabitha with her head, then stole a glance at Hayashi Maki. Letting someone ride her without the master's permission—that wasn't proper for a familiar.
But Tabitha didn't scold her—she simply gave Hayashi Maki a small nod and patted Sylphid's head.
Smiling, Hayashi Maki walked up and, far too familiar, tousled Tabitha's hair.
"Yo, Tabitha. Nice to meet you—I'm Hayashi Maki. Let's get along."
Tabitha took two steps back, wary. She was startled—her reflexive wind ward had done nothing. He'd closed the distance easily… and even patted her head.
Seeing her on guard, Hayashi Maki sighed lightly and pulled a vial from his pocket.
"This is for you. I know you need it."
Tabitha stared at him. "Effect."
Short as ever, but easy to parse—she was asking what it did.
"It dispels curses and poisons and strengthens the body's vitality," Hayashi Maki said, smiling. "If you don't believe me, you can test a little first."
A few seconds of silence, then her lips moved. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Let me pet your head again and I'll be satisfied," Hayashi Maki said, and promptly did.
Louise and Kirche, just stepping out, saw the scene. The girls traded a look and each gave a chilly snort.
"Tabitha, Darling, what are you two up to?" Kirche puffed her cheeks first. She looked from Hayashi Maki to Tabitha, suddenly aggrieved. Did Hayashi Maki like quiet types like Tabitha?
She couldn't be quiet if she tried. Or maybe he liked small chests? What was she supposed to do—she'd been "blessed" with too much since birth; she couldn't exactly… reduce it. And Tabitha—silently seducing him? How dishonest!
Louise, too, scrutinized Hayashi Maki, a bit tense. She wasn't close to Tabitha but knew her reputation—top student, frighteningly capable. If Tabitha liked Hayashi Maki, how was Louise supposed to keep him?
Under both girls' stares, Hayashi Maki said calmly, "I wasn't doing anything—just brushing dust out of Tabitha's hair."
Kirche shot him a resentful look. Who'd believe that? You were clearly patting her head.
Tabitha offered no explanation—she simply nodded to them and climbed onto Sylphid. The dragon surged into the sky. She needed to test Hayashi Maki's potion.
When she was young, her mother drank the "water-magic poison" to save her and lost her mind. Wherever Hayashi Maki had gotten that potion from, if it could help her mother, she'd try it. She had nothing else left—only her mother. To be safe, though, it still needed testing.
Night fell.
After dinner, Hayashi Maki went for a walk to settle his stomach.
In her room, Louise sat before the mirror brushing her hair, fingers idly touching the guardian necklace he'd given her.
She thought about buying him a gift in return tomorrow. It was a Void Holiday—no classes, students free to do as they liked.
Hayashi Maki lay on the lawn, looking up at the two moons, curious. This world was connected to his everyday world. Siesta was a descendant of a traveler and a local.
The kingdom's "Staff of Destruction" stored at the academy was really a one-shot launcher from his world. Kirche's family heirloom—a lewd comic—had been summoned here as well. The moons might be the conduit. Two moons in one world—odd, no matter how you looked at it.
Footsteps approached.
He glanced up; the maid, Siesta, was bending toward him.
"Mr. Hayashi Maki, what are you doing here?"
"Walking off dinner. And enjoying the night view."
He couldn't be kissing Louise all the time—better to give her a breather. There's a limit even to mischief; push too hard and it backfires.
Watching him lazing there, Siesta felt a twinge of envy; her heavy heart lightened a little. She sat beside him and tilted her gaze to the twin moons.
"Thank you, Mr. Hayashi Maki."
He chuckled. "Thank me again? Words are never enough, you know."
Siesta smiled indulgently. "Then what would be enough?"
Hayashi Maki sat up and pulled her gently into his arms by the waist.
"Eep!"
Face crimson, the little maid made a tiny sound. He grinned, wickedly.
"Something like this feels sincere."
"Mr. Hayashi Maki… you're so improper," she murmured—but she didn't pull away. He felt… safe.
"I'm the kind of man who pursues beautiful things," he said, tightening his arm. "And Siesta—I noticed when nobles are mentioned, you look troubled. The chef and the others seemed burdened, too. Will you tell me what happened?"
His gentle, concerned gaze made her heart stumble. She parted her lips—then lowered her head.
"Telling you would cause trouble… I wanted to thank you because you gave me courage to face nobles. I… mm—"
Since she wouldn't say it, Hayashi Maki simply covered her lips. A light taste, then he let go.
"Stamped. You're mine now, Siesta. So… can you tell me your trouble?"
Stunned, she trembled, her hand flying to her lips. She hadn't expected such a bold, direct kiss—yet her heart fluttered.
With a deep breath, her look softened. What beauty doesn't love a hero? Hayashi Maki crushing Guiche had scored high in the little maid's heart. Biting her lip, she finally confessed:
"It's Count Mott Hawk. He's a royal envoy—often delivers decrees from the palace. I accidentally crossed paths with him while working… and a few days ago he demanded I quit the academy and work at his manor…"
That said it all. The envoy had his eye on her looks and body; he wanted to toy with her.
Having pried it out of her, Hayashi Maki patted her head.
"I understand. Leave it to me. I'll make him give up that idea."
He'd been meaning to test the absolute control he'd gained from Mashiro. Taking hold of a noble—especially a court envoy—would be… convenient. Besides, if the toad had designs on Siesta, a little "surgery" was in order.
Somewhere, soaking in a bath, Count Mott suddenly shivered…
The ripples of Hayashi Maki's arrival were spreading. Destinies were already beginning to change.