After a long while, Hayashi Maki reluctantly released Mafuyu Kirisu.
Seeing her flushed face and ragged breathing, he swallowed without thinking. Mafuyu noticed his bobbing Adam's apple and trembled slightly. She hadn't experienced "that" yet—shy about it, but also a little curious. Still, they'd already gone far enough today.
Hayashi Maki didn't plan to keep pushing. He stroked her hair and sighed softly.
"I should go. If Kirisu-sensei doesn't want me to stay, I'll just head out."
"Mhm." Mafuyu nodded dully, unsure what to say. She should be happy the rascal was leaving—so why did her chest feel so empty?
"See you soon, then. If anything happens, call me right away. Keep the guardian ring on you at all times—don't even take it off for a bath, got it?"
"Ugh… you're so fussy…"
She couldn't help griping—he fussed over her so much. But when she noticed his serious expression, she pouted and gave a small nod.
"Fine, fine—I'll do what you say, you little brat. You're about to leave and still bossing me around. I'm not a child."
Smiling at her muttering, he kissed her once and strode out. Mafuyu watched his retreating back, blushing, mouth opening—then closing. She didn't say "stay." She wasn't that kind of woman.
A girl should be reserved! And if she really let him stay… what if he "ate her up" completely? She was his teacher—that would be wrong.
Torn up inside, Mafuyu touched her lips; the emptiness only grew.
Leaving her room, Hayashi Maki waved to Miharu Kirisu and left. Miharu felt… odd. She'd noticed his collar was a bit rumpled. And whatever he was, he was still a boy—he'd been in her nee-chan's room. Nothing happened… right?
A few NSFW scenes flashed through her mind; she shook her head hard to banish them.
"No way. Even if he's handsome, he's over ten years younger than Nee-chan. Impossible!"
She convinced herself: Nee-chan was still pure.
—Back to Hayashi Maki—
After leaving Mafuyu's place, he returned to the Familiar of Zero world. He'd decided to take control of this world; he couldn't quit halfway. With a blink, he reappeared in Louise's room.
She was already in bed, a thin blanket over her, pretending to sleep. Hayashi Maki smirked, slid off his clothes, slipped under the covers, and wrapped his arms around her.
The girl's body trembled; her cheeks flushed. He could tell she was faking sleep—but he let it lie, curled an arm around her waist, and closed his eyes.
…
Next day.
Court envoy Count Mott had arrived at the palace to see Princess Henrietta, pillar of Tristain. He reported, in particular, the unusual nature of the powerful familiar summoned by the Vallière duke's third daughter, Louise.
Henrietta's body jolted; she fell deep into thought. The name "Louise" struck her heart—her playmate from childhood, the girl with whom she had vowed to help each other in times of trouble.
Since the king's death, Henrietta had lost her freedom, swamped with duties as the nation's symbol. As a young princess, she wielded little true power; the great houses were stronger than her, and she lacked the experience to judge which nobles were truly loyal.
"Count Mott, I understand. Thank you for the news."
After dismissing him, she gave orders to her attendants:
"I want to attend this year's Familiar Exhibition. Make preparations."
"Yes, Your Highness."
When they left, the princess—violet hair, splendid dress—stood at the window, looking up at the twin full moons.
Louise, I've missed you. I'm so looking forward to seeing you.
Other nobles were hard to judge, but Louise—she could trust. This trip would confirm it. Albion, next door, was eyeing Tristain, now kingless; to avoid war, she bore enormous pressure.
If she confirmed Louise's loyalty, she could count on the Vallière family—and with that famously strong familiar at Louise's side, maybe she could finally breathe.
…
At the same time—
Tabitha returned home. With Hayashi Maki's potion in hand, she tested it at once. Seeing it work, she hurried to her mother's room.
The blue-haired woman there was thin and vacant-eyed, murmuring to a doll. After telling the butler to keep watch, Tabitha fed her the potion.
Light blossomed. Her mother's frail body filled out, astonishingly restored. Tabitha shivered, eyes fixed on the figure in bed, hope blazing.
When the light faded, the woman slowly opened her eyes. Seeing the small, blue-haired figure at the bedside, she said tentatively:
"Charlotte… is that you?"
Tabitha dove into her mother's arms. "Mother… you've finally woken up!"
The woman stroked her daughter's hair. Though still confused, she knew the first order of business was to fool the watchers. She quickly had the butler make arrangements.
After spending the night recounting everything to her mother, Tabitha returned to Tristain Academy.
…
Today was a Void Holiday—no classes.
At dawn, Louise stirred. Seeing someone still clinging to her, she blushed and pushed at him.
"Hayashi Maki, get up! How long are you going to sleep? It's already morning!"
"'Morning' already won't come," he mumbled, hugging her tighter and rolling over.
Black lines filled her face. She poked his cheek. "Up. Now. We have things to do."
"What things?"
"Buying you a sword. You're a swordsman, aren't you? You need gear to show your strength."
"Problem is—I'm not a swordsman. I'm a mage."
"Quit whining. Up!" Louise wasn't having it. She wasn't about to gift him a wand—and he didn't seem to need one to cast. Most outrageous of all, his magic was instantaneous—no chanting at all.
~~~
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