The Western house, is a five floor restaurant standing within high grounds that directly faced the city. Enjoying the view of an urban landscape, Ainsel hummed while taking a sip of an expensive champagne.

"Merci mille fois!" She says, expressing her gratitude to Mark. "Ils sont très délicieux!"

"....."

"I'm glad to satisfy your desires." Mark nodded, ignoring Ainsel's poor attempt at speaking french. "Although, please don't drink too much."

"Je vais bien." Ainsel responded, raising her glass. "Je dois profiter de cette bénédiction!"

"....."

"Hahaha... Indeed." Mark says, raising his own glass as well. "Let's enjoy this bountiful feast."

"À votre santé!"

"Cheers!"

"....."

While Mark and Ainsel was exchanging words, with the latter using french. Yuriel and Nicolaus remained quite, observing the two who's living in their own world.

Yuriel didn't linger though, knowing that Ainsel was just testing Mark whom she's probably interested in. For one, he is the heir of Cromwell family, and secondly, the guy was an easy and ideal target. Ainsel loves stroking peoples ego and confidence, whether to raise it up or hammer it down.

Ignoring the proceedings, Yuriel decided to eat and enjoy the delicacies on her plate. She savoured every spoonful bite, praising every bit of experience the luxurious foods has to offer.

For example, the mash potato was on a different level, far better than what Yuriel had attempted to cook. It's so delicious, both taste and texture exploding into a plethora of wonderful flavors. If Yuriel were to describe what it felt, she would say like an ice cream that easily melts in your mouth, once eaten.

With that in mind, Yuriel moved on the barbecue steaks. It seemed to have been smoked and lightly seared, creating an aromatic smell of herbs in the air. She gulped at the sight, hesitant to take a slice. But then, Nicolaus snatched one and another, and more. Yuriel's head snapped, catching the boy in question ravenously eating meat like there's no tomorrow.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

"Mind sharing some?" Yuriel asked.

Nicolaus looked at her, then at his food, then at her, then at his food, before finally replying: "Sure..."

Yuriel smiled gratefully, taking a slice of the steak.

*******

"Thank you for the food!" Ainsel says, patting her stomach. "But yeah, I feel kind of pregnant."

"Ummm..." Stunned, Yuriel blankly gazed at her side. "Wait, have you been pregnant before!?"

"Of course not!" Ainsel denies with a red face. "I don't mean literally! It's an hyperbole!"

"Ahuh..."

"HYPERBOLE!"

"No need to scream, I get it." Yuriel resigns, smiling wryly. "I just thought that, it wouldn't be impossible if we're talking about you."

"Arghhhh!!!" Ainsel screamed at the top of her lungs. "I'm a teenage girl living in my basement! How is the idea of me having a baby possible!"

Yuriel chuckled, not giving a reply.

Meanwhile, the two youths behind them remained silent. They didn't join the conversation, knowing it's only a witty banter between best friends. Trying to barged will only ruin their mood and quite frankly, they're more interested in observing them.

The two maidens are always unapproachable in school, always possessing expression of distant gaze and indifference. But right now, there are no traces of that former masks, only geniune smiles one expresses with the people they trust.

"You know, I'd like to court them." Mark suddenly says, elbowing Nicolaus on the side. "Their totally my type."

"Every girl is your type." Nicolaus retorted. "And you certainly don't have a chance."

"Tch.... I already know that." Mark grumbled, then asked mockingly. "What about you? Any chance?"

Nicolaus shook his head.

"That's a stupid question." Nicolaus says, sighing. "Absolutely not a dime, and that counts for every girl in existence."

"Really....?" Mark tilted his head, staring at Nicolaus with a frown. "I mean, if your like me, there should be someone pursuing you right now."

"That's a stupid comparison, your one of the most popular guy in the class." Nicolaus rebuke. "Seriously, aside from fist fight, your better than me at literally everything."

Mark smirked: "Indeed I am, and might I correct you. It's the most popular guy in class!"

Nicolaus scoffed, not taking his remark seriously.

Speaking of popularity, both Yuriel and Ainsel are actually well known amongst the students. It's not because they're beautiful, but more about their cold and distant demeanor. Hence, was the famous moniker: The reverie princess and ice queen of wonderland.

The two girls who will either ignore you exist or dismiss your presence.

In a way, no male had successfully communicated with them aside from Mark and Nicolaus. Although, the price they paid was not simple and is quite the sum of money. And it's not like they're friendly towards them either, that was not the case.

"That said... I'm starting to understand why Kallen fancied Ainsel." Mark mused, crossing his hands with serious face. "She have a totally different energy, you know, a mischievous one."

"Can't say I feel the same." Nicolaus responded. "It's kind of scary, actually, knowing how both are too different than the personality we know."

Saying that, both of them sighed.

"Mixer party it is."

Mark suggested.

"Right."

Glancing at Mark briefly, Nicolaus replied and grinned.

While watching their back and forth, the group finally exited the luxurious restaurant. Tired and full, their pace had been slow and careful, costing a bit of time to reach the exit.

However, it was still afternoon and with more time remaining, Ainsel asked Yuriel to wander around. As for Mark and Nicolaus, they have no idea where to go and merely watched as the two maidens walked away in excitement.

The two pondered, sighed, a decided to return in Mark's abode to face their punishment. Before they can leave, a voice called from behind.

"Where are you guys going?"

It was Ainsel, waving her hand.

"Going home?" Mark answers, to which the white haired maiden frowned.

"It's still early isn't? Why the rush? Let's hang out." Ainsel suggested, and behind her nodded Yuriel. "I mean, it's just today, and I feel that your going to be of use to us."

"Use, huh...?" Nicolaus muttered, then smirked. "Yeah, he is extremely useful for a rich kid."

"....."

Mark was speechless, but he couldn't deny what the two had said. As the heir of Cromwell family, he basically has access to various establishments no commoners can't enter.