“Hands off her... or you'll get hurt.”

I blinked.

“I believe I've made myself clear,” a girl no taller than me shoved a glare of dagger on my way, “Hands off her. And never stick your nose in our business again!” The stick of wood clenched tightly within her right hand was promptly thrust in my direction. A battle of attrition was taking place.

“Are you deaf? Hands off her I say!” Her wavy hair tied in a ponytail bounced about as her words prickled my sides. The main girl in question, weirdly enough found purchase behind my back, peeking to the side.

Curling my lips, I turned my eyes over my shoulder. “Cheryll? Please talk some sense into her. She seems jealous.” I said while folding my arms, throwing a look at the girl standing in front of me just two arms length away, noticing seething anger gradually taking shape on her furrowed brow. And most probably, her rage will drive her to plow me through and through, like any sassy lass. Though seeing we're in a shade of a large tree, I couldn't tell whether it was rage or hate written on her face.

I'm guessing both, I mean why not? Hell, judging by our past confrontations this would usually end up with her being angsty to a fault. I'm sure the surrounding flowers would agree with me here.

“Y-You?! You impudent stinking mutt! How dare you speak of Lady Cheryll with your vile tongue!” She went on; a sharp tongue had ruled over her tone as she stomped towards me, all the while rolling up her sleeves. Her stick of wood ready to batter away.

“I let you taste the ways of torture if you don't—!”

“Pia, stop.” A gentle voice came from behind. Wearing a black eye patch that covered most of her right face, a girl stepped in between us. Her flaxen hair was both long and curly, swaying lightly in the cool breeze. Phew, it's about time to wrap up this show of misunderstanding.

“But my lady, why would you trust this… this disgraceful, vile human? Am I still not enough?” She shook like a leaf. The stick of wood fell to the ground. Her blood-boiled face quickly washed away, as tears could be seen forming in the corners of her eyes. Her pointy ears though short went red, drooping down to match her feelings inside. As ridiculous as it sounds, her tough demeanor would always find itself crumbling whenever Cheryll was in the picture. Not that I'm complaining. Guess that went by the skin of my teeth... I'll need to thank Cheryll for this.

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I thought back. That moment when a figure clad in a white uniform jumped out of nowhere, only to spring at you with a flying kick at point-blank range. And she was screaming all like, 'Say your prayers, you mangy cur!' for dear world to hear.

Fortunately folks I am still alive, well and fine. Though, I wouldn't last long if she kept this up…

“No Pia, you're mistaken. Einst isn't like that. He's a gentleman. He wouldn't even hurt a fly.” Said Cheryll with an unwavering certainty. It was almost as if she truly believed those words, “Einst is my dear friend, please understand this. You're already troubling him as it is.”

I nodded in agreement. Yeah, Pia, you heard that right. Einst's a gentleman. I'm a nice guy.

But seriously, wouldn't hurt a fly? Wasn't that stretching it a bit too far Cheryll?

It was then Pia strongly reacted, saying, “B-But my lady he's—!”

“Pia!” with a graceful manner befitting of a young lady, Cheryll planted her hands firmly on her waist, growing a presence vaguely resembling a mother scolding a troublesome child. “You're not a child anymore. I merely wish for you to get friendly with Einst. Is it that hard of a request?” Though her petite looks might let you think otherwise, with her visible crystal-clear eyes looking awfully reproachful, she successfully delivered the message smack-dab into the face of the graelim girl.

“Y-Yes, my lady. If that is your wish...” And Pia answered back by biting her lips, her shoulders slumped. Even so, a tinge of anger still remained in her defeat.

“So Cheryll it's— ”Right as I'm about to say something, a hand shot to my collar, grabbing tightly in effect. Oh, c'mon what have I done this time?!

“Lady Cheryll, human...” Cold sweat formed on my back as strands of scarlet hair fell on Pia's bisque doll-like face. Her deep forest-green eyes bore into mine as my brow puckered up. Ah, right, she's picky about that kind of formality. She's the type that would beat a grown ass man if they weren't so much as addressing Cheryll with the respect she deserved. So, uh, that would mean I'd have to answer her fists then.

Wonderful.

“Uh... yeah,” I said, my eyes fighting back. She tightened her grip. Threatening to throw me off balance. Her fiery eyes told me of a message along the lines of, 'Give in. Or else.'

Seeing that, I finally let out a slight smirk. It's funny how I did that each time we batted an eye. Though in this case, I probably should hold off inciting unabated wrath on her end. For that, it would seem an apology is in order. Making an enemy out of her at this point would probably be a bad idea. So remember Einst, smile like you mean it!

“As you wish, my honorable princess, Lady Cheryll it is.” With a wide smile, I swayed my hands delicately about in the air, bowing my head down respectfully all the while. My eyes captured a rare sight, feasting upon a girl red beyond her ears, mouth flapping like a fish gasping for water.

It was super effective!

“Pia, let him go.” Cher— I mean Lady Cheryll—decided to end our little skit. I shrugged while keeping a smile on my face.

“Y-Yes, my lady...” She let go of me reluctantly. A hint of disgrace sputtered her words. But believe me, this was just the tip of the iceberg.

And looks like I had to suck it up.

“Pia I don't hate you or anything. In fact, I'm willing to be your friend if you would just try to understand my situation here a little. I'm sure it'll prove beneficial for the both of us.” As soon as the words left me, she trembled with a jolt.

“What's with the cold shoulder?” Her eyes turned away when we made eye contact. With a wide smile, I go on to say, “I thought we should make peace with each other. Isn't that right, Lady Cheryll?” I figured using the words of the lady herself would drive the point home, and glancing to see how Pia would react, I'd say it worked like a charm.

“W-What are you saying?! Of course, I would like to be friends with you!” Did Pia say, face flushed and somewhat sporting, a weird smile?

“Well yes, you do. And you know what ladies? It's time to move. This way.” I gestured to follow me, making my way past Pia before giving her a lopsided grin of victory. I could hear the clicking of her tongue reaching to my ears as we left the garden path behind us and headed straight into the grand hallways of Ordinance, our royal academy.

It was a familiar sight. Filled with isolated warmth, reserved only for the privileged and those with power.

Having stepped into this place many times over, I couldn't get used to the fact that it made me all sick inside. All around me, flocking like they owned the place, were demikins. Everything here was made to accommodate their bizarre individual needs. So as you would expect of a world dominated by otherworldly creatures, it was very spacious. Indeed, even the ceilings and the floor themselves were like worlds apart.

Like a dungeon you would find in video games, to put it into perspective. Case in point: there's a wall specially made in some hallways that had a number of long poles lining all the way up. It was apparently made in mind for butt monkeys and birdbrains, the latter of which were inherently claustrophobic in tight spaces. I could say more, but explaining each and every bit was a lot of pain for my own good.

All in all, no sane human would try to build such an impossible architecture, even if it was purely for aesthetic purposes.

Hell, I didn't remember how many times I got myself lost in this maze of an academy.

“Sorry, but I have to go!”

A mild-mannered voice wandered into my ears as I turned to look. Just outside the girl's restroom to my left, a bunch of muscular-looking orcs were huddling close to a pair of girls. One of them caught my attention. With her lower body long like those of a snake, her head vigorously went left and right, saying something I couldn't quite pick up. Next to her was a bunny girl, her facial features indicating that she was clearly having fun with all the attention.

Damn... they're smoking hot. So hot to the point that I could see why those guys would want to score them up. I guess I would too, but that would practically be a death sentence for me.

I sighed. If only there were no such uptight rules, I would SMASH 'em!

In all seriousness, though, those guys have guts. At least try to hide those bulges in your pants, for Pete's sake, urgh…

I looked over to Lady Cheryll—LC for short—and then to Pia.

They didn't even take notice of what was happening in their surroundings.

Whelp, with those two I bet their minds were pretty much set to, 'nothing much to see here, go along,' now.

“We nobles must fasten bonds of trust with each other if we hope to weather through in this city.” LC suddenly spoke with such care I only managed to get half of it. Being too preoccupied with my own thoughts, I wasn't even aware she had started a conversation.

No matter, I've got this covered!

“You know what, Pia? If you don't listen to Lady Cheryll, we won't ever get anywhere. Spreading lies about me being an unashamed pervert isn't the way to go either; that will just put a dent in my reputation.” I made the push, but she just took a step further, always trying to keep her distance from me as if I were a complete stranger.

Jeez, am I playing a dating simulation game in a hard mode setting or what?

Running my hands through my hair, I continued on, “Well, if you're going to be like that, then I don't suppose any positive relations between us will work out.”

She was giving me the cold shoulders as she backed away from me, sticking close to LC's side, “My lady, I've heard today is the day when your favorites are on sale. How about it? Would you like to go to the cafeteria with me?” She's ignoring me, dammit! How could she?!

LC plainly shook her head, saying, “This isn't the time for tea, Pia, not while that person is calling for us.” Hearing her master's blatant refusal, she quickly shot me a dagger to the eye.

Yes, it's my fault. Got any problems with that?!

“Don't worry Pia, if you want lunch you'll get some later. Trust me.” I said, but it would seem to not be working. She was having this terrifying look, occasionally sending out a murderous vibe towards me. If I go any further, she'll definitely send me straight into the hospital ward, no questions asked. Sheesh, girl. Calm your tits. I'm not here to ogle 'em bounce or anything.

Actually, I'm looking at them right now. Shoot me.

Right then, LC pulled Pia's sleeve. Drawing her attention. “Are you mad?” A worried look was being worn on her delicate features, seizing my heart in place.

Pia already deeply flushed, started rambling loudly. “W-What are you saying, my lady? Of course, I'm not mad!” Pia hurriedly tugged her lips with her fingers, stretching it to form a… weird smile. “See, see!?”.

Aren't you trying a little too hard?

Seeing that, LC let's out a light chortle. Pia's face already brightening softly.

“I've finally found you.”

At that instant, a shudder ran through me. Stopping myself, I took a glance around. I stood there for a few minutes, searching for the voice. But no matter where I looked, no one seemed on the lookout for me.

Huh, I guess it was just my imagination.

“Ah!”

Just when I thought there was nothing, someone bumped against my back, making me fall right down to my face. What in tarnation?!

“What in tarnation?!” I said it out loud, crashing face-first against the cold tiled floor.

Damn, it hurts. I felt my nose bleeding a little. And that was the least of my problems.

I raised my head, my face turning serious with dark manga tones around my eyes, like a war general going into battle. The enemy was just right behind me. This was no laughing matter. Their attack had left my nose bleeding, and my manly pride hurt. Humiliating. How dare they ambushed me like that!!

I must show them the respect they rightfully deserve…!

And sure enough, I found myself staring at a relatively short-statured girl picking up a bunch of files sprawled on the floor. She seemed in a hurry, not minding the least of my current state. Her auburn bobbed-hair flopped messily around, shielding her face from view. Damn hair! Protecting her face, are you?!

Annoyed, I moved to get closer to her. My hands are working their way in, speeding things up. And by that, I meant helping her get the files.

“Sorry, I didn't look where I was going,” I said while being polite and flashing the most idiotic smile I could. She shook her head, not bothering to even say something. With my eyebrows arched, I slowly tried to get a glimpse behind that flopping hair, her sweet scent wafting up to my nose.

And then, my eyes opened wide. Shocked by the appearance of big, round nerd glasses resting on her bridge nose, and to make it worse, it's opaque! It was even marked with thin black spiraling lines. In short, what stupid-looking glasses if I ever saw one!

Oh well, there went my chance. I guess picking up the files will do…

Hmm? What's this? I picked up one particular file. Instantly, it caught my interest. Project Primal? Before I could flip it open the girl snatched the file away from my hands, sealing off my attempt to sate my rising curiosity.

“Thank you,” she said after taking the stack of files off my hands before promptly getting up and bowing down.

“No prob—” Before I could say anything, she scurried away into the distance. I know it's sudden, but I quickly caught her arm in the act, bringing her tracks to a stop. She seemed surprised and with a little hesitation, she turned around before facing me in the eye. “I forgot to show you this.” I held out an open palm, revealing a rectangular piece. It was a student ID card.

“This is...” She took it into her hand. It was then that I realized something strange. Her hands were wrapped in something white, and her neck was in the same condition. Yeah, bandaged would be the word. She just looked on as if frozen in place. “Um… isn't this yours?” She looked troubled. Her eyes fell to look at the ID card's front covers, showing my stupid face in all its glory. Complete with particulars you would find in any student card.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Yep, it's mine.” I sent while pointing towards my face, grinning. I bet I look like a creep now.

“Um, why would you give me this, if I may ask?”

“Because I wanted to introduce myself!” I flashed her my brightest smile yet.

The girl on the other hand, just blankly stood still.

“Ah, this is strictly for business purposes. Contact my number if you need anything or help in any way, and I'll be sure to get it done! You might ask why, but since you looked like the sort of person who would be interested in a good man to look after your problems, I implore you. With that introduction finished, I am pleased to meet you!”

“Eh? I'm…” she hung down her head, only to heave a short sigh. “No,” she said, giving back my ID card, all the while holding tight to her files. “Now please, excuse me…” she turned around, dragging herself fast to somewhere.

Hmm, not the reaction I was getting, but oh well.

After she was out of sight, I took my time going back to the ladies, feeling a grin slowly being plastered on my face.

It was not until moments later that I found myself lying on the cold floor.

Again.

My cheeks were burning with pain. Mustering bits of strength left, I pushed myself up in order to get a good, hard look at the perpetrator's face, who's staring coldly at me.

“Vermin… imbecilic worm. How dare you make us wait?” Pia said simply, pulling me up by the collar, “wasting our precious time and flirting with a girl on top of that! Just your presence alone can harm a lady's purity! Filthy mongrel, such a vile act deserves proper punishment!!”

I could feel her blood boiling; her other hand was clenched tightly like an iron fist. With her eyes painfully sharp, she said, “And here I thought you couldn't be any lower…”

“W-Wait… I thought we should make peace! Remember?!” I said, struggling to draft up the best smile I could. She sure doesn't pull any punches, though!

“Pia, just let him go. We wasted enough time as it is.” LC came over as Pia clicked her tongue, who could only unhand me reluctantly.

“And for the last time, I just helped her with stuff. Is there anything wrong with that?” Her eyebrows arched when I let out what I was thinking, my hands checking my collar into shape.

“Oh, spare me your excuses. I've seen the lot of you. Vile beasts with no manners—and you're just the same. After all, who in their right mind would come here, of all places?”

I spoke too soon.

“Well that's…” Words failed to form on the tip of my tongue as I slowly cast my eyes downward. “I… well…”

Dang, that's a tough one.

“Pia, watch your words!” Before Pia could continue our exchange, however, LC swiftly interrupted. Her face was ridden with disappointment, making Pia flinch as if stung by something sharp. And then LC went to stand before me, her head bowing down. “Please forgive her. She means well in all things and is not a bad person at heart.” She then raised her head, continuing on with, “And I hope that… you will continue being friends with us, as long as I would like it to last. So please, do try not to hate us.”

I could only put on a wry smile, seeing LC deigned herself like this.

“Consider the apology accepted. And yeah, I guess I'm the one at fault here.”

I turned toward Pia. I take that back. I'm seriously not at fault here.

“I’m sorry. I'll be sure to keep my conduct proper next time, so yeah. I'll keep my word on it.” And why do I have to do the apologizing anyway!? I thought I was the one getting beaten up here…

“As long as you understand, then I won't push any further.” Her arms began to lax as I heaved a sigh of relief. I nearly dodged a bullet there. What could I say, it's all in a day's work. My life here couldn't be any better. For sure, it beats always having neck-to-neck confrontations all the time. I wished she could hold off her racist tendencies for a while though. Otherwise, I'm not sure if I could stand being ridiculed any longer.

I sighed. After that heated bout, we were now in a moving elevator. And due to its exterior made out of clear material, like glass, I had a good view of watching a sea of towering structures from afar, placed here and there as if they were a piece of art.

And beyond this picturesque cityscape, lies an unending sea of rolling clouds with occasional gaps in between that reveals the state of the earth below. Right, I live in a world much different from those looking up from there. I wonder how's the state of affairs on that pitiful surface? It must be simpler when there's nothing left except ruined civilizations and mindless monsters roaming about.

Sagging in a sigh, I turned my attention around, where I found Pia staring into the horizon. Her eyes were oddly glazed with coldness. As if to say, there was none of the usual fire lit inside. That was until she craned her neck towards me, shoving a glare while at it. Erkk… looks like there won't be any peace between us soon.

Feeling bored, I shoved my hand into my breast pocket, bringing out a rectangular card. Specifically, a student ID card. The image printed on the side, however, made me recall the girl whom I bumped earlier. Even on her ID card, she's still wearing those odd glasses. Tough luck…

Somewhat let down, I began to scan the other contents.

Ah, she was a freshman, not to mention a true bona fide demikin. Specifically, a Lycune. A type of beastman with werewolf-like characteristics. Interesting. Musing with her student information, I found yet another intriguing read. Oh, she's a member of the Extermination Unit?

I didn't see that coming. But with her bandaged neck and hands, I could see why.

Right then, I felt my sleeve being tugged. This timid sensation could only mean…

“Is it about the girl?” LC spoke up. To which I could only respond with a wry smile.

“Yep, it looks like she forgot her ID card. I plan to send it over to the faculty this evening. So no worries there.” I put the card back in my breast pocket.

*Ding!*

The elevator's door slid open. We got off the platform and walked on a dark, vinyl floor. I was slightly behind them, still feeling there's a wall between us. The girls talked to each other in their own little world while I listened.

I didn't know what to say. Just like old times.

Being the third wheel I am, I looked around. I'm currently in a private noble's lounge. A very dark, noble lounge with bright neon lights placed here and there. The curtains were fully out. Not letting a single ray of light come in. Empty as always. I often wondered if the other lounges were like this, being dark as night and all that.

“The world here as always can't be more isolated, I imagined.”

“I admit. It is.” Pia suddenly sent, surprising me. And for once, agreed with what I said. I wanted to say something in return, but with her mien beyond peeved, I couldn't very well say this was a good idea.

***

*KNOCK! KNOCK!*

“WHO'S THERE?! I FUCKING KILL YOU IF THIS IS A PRANK!”

Pounding on the wooden door, a clunky robotic voice coming from the intercom answered.

“HELL NO, YOU DAMN A.I NOW LET ME IN!” I REPLIED.

“HUH...WE DON'T ACCEPT DUMB PEOPLE, GO BACK TO YOUR MOMMY OR ELSE FACE MY DIVINE WRATH!”

Clicking my tongue in sheer annoyance over this utter display of disrespect, I said, “For the last time, if you don't let me in… I'm going to have you answer my fist directly. Literally in that sense. Now if you're listening, open the damn door. I have guests here waiting to come in.”

“HEH, CHEEKY LITTLE BRAT... YOU'D THINK WE WOULD BELIEVE IN THAT NONSENSE? ANY ASSOCIATES OF YOURS ARE NOT WELCOME. NOW IF YOU WOULD EXCUSE ME, CAN YOU DO ME A FAVOR AND GET LOST?”

Alright, you're really testing my patience here. Please don't embarrass me any further in front of the ladies, you damn A.I. With veins popping on my face, I tried a different approach, “Hey, isn't it about time to end this farce? You know you're just embarrassing me for a whole lot of nothing right?”

“Okay, code accepted. You can come in now.” A relaxed, almost lazy-like voice coming from the door answered my call. So that's the code this time? What a really roundabout way of doing it…

BEEP!

At that moment, a beeping sound came out as the plaque on top of the wooden door turned from red to green. Shaking my head, I decided it was best unequipping my shoes and socks, lowering my DEF, AGI, and LUCK stats. For safety measures must be taken if you are about to face the slothful witch.

I pushed open the now-unlocked door. Woods creaked in agony from the slight movement, revealing a large somber room poorly lit by a bunch of small lamps along with strange antiques and paintings of yore. My nostrils on the other hand, quickly picked up the familiar scent of musty old books in the air, my eyes spotting several... questionable sculptures made from refined wood. Some of them looked quite uncanny to the eyes, as if chiseled out of a surreal film.

However, having stepped foot into this unholy realm, I could already feel that odd sense of bleakness tugging at my chest, though I couldn't put my finger why.

Sagging in a sigh, my eyes proceeded to search around. A piece of relaxing jazz music was playing in the background. And as if that wasn't enough, the room quickly lights up.

A girl with waist-long velvety raven hair lay on a fine bed, looking as bored as I am. Her tender, deep-crimson eyes, though lifeless, momentarily held our attention, scrutinizing anything out of the ordinary. The edges of her lips went upward when she bore eyes with mine. A complacent grin was thrown at me.

“Welcome back, my darling! I have been waiting for you.” The witch, obviously faking it, stepped down from her bed of power. Sloppy movements followed after. A simple but proper dark gown adorned her well-endowed figure. The witch's somewhat sensuous walk had driven me on edge!

Not that I hated it, of course.

“Oh, please, sugarcoating it isn't your best creative yet, my dear witch.” I scampered off to a nearby couch. I was quite turned on. So I tried my best to hide them, like really hard.

I'm a healthy young man. And I'll work to be one. My life, my rules. Screw yourself.

I bobbed my ass down on a comfy seat, looking up to the heavens to see a picturesque stained glass. A lofty chandelier hung from the vaulted ceilings along with its... homey friends. And by homey friends, I meant creepy puppets dangling around it. And of course, even with all their glory, I couldn't seem to appreciate how they always sent shivers down my spine.

Spooky stuff as always. Nothing new to write home about eh?

“A lovely room, is it not, my dear nobles?” She greeted the girls with a proper bow and, without wasting any more time, led them by the hand, showing them around the place.

“A pleasure for us same, Lady Alize.” Spoke LC to LA, her face beginning to fascinate itself with the place. The other guest following them behind though, couldn't be more unconcerned, I reckoned…

At that moment, she quickly turned her head around, only to send me a dagger in the eye. Welp, guess I should mind my own business then…

“I'm surprised that a ruling class such as yourself would visit me, of all people. I guess there's more to you than meets the eye, my dear nobles. But all the same, a client's need is my need, as they would say.” LA spoke briefly before guiding them up through a winding staircase, entering the second floor.

For a while, quietude dominated the room.

“Well, well, will you look at that? Our Mr. Main Character has arrived. How laughable.” Suddenly, I heard a robotic voice filling the silence. “Ever licking my master's boots I see—not bad, not bad. But you know what,” Before I knew it, a roundish-looking egg with a face resembling a funny clown appeared before me. “You're just an eyesore around here, not even fit to be her hands and feet; just a mere puppet. Like me!”

It broke into a vicious grin. Its clown-like eyes smiled widely till I felt something ticked off in my head. “What do you want? I don't have time to waste on a rotten egg who doesn't know it'll soon be shipped off to the junk markets.” As soon as the words left me, a moment of clarity began to dawn over the Egg-Clown's homely face.

“I-I'll...WHAT?!” It cried loudly, its eyes spinning. “Oh, I get it! You're trying to spite me into oblivion. Well, scrub it ain't working jack shit! I know how you filthy humans think—a buncha' of dimwitted creatures trying to pull a fast one on me, Eggy the Great! Without concrete evidence, you will never fool me.” They said, loudly firing complaints one after another. “And to think you would use such a blatant white lie to one such as me, how profane! Bow to me at once, you filthy scrub!”

Ah, shit here we go again. As you can see, we have ourselves here an egotistical robot that's quick to boast on their high horses while spitting dirt on other people's faces. Not exactly the best helper around if you ask me.

“Right, right. You want evidence? I'll give you one.” I raised my right hand before making a small wave motion in the air as a blue screen came right between us. Allowing me to conjure a screen full of texts.

Etched on the bottom of the text was an invoice, with Eggy being listed to be sold off to one of our clients.

“T-This is!?”

A surprised look appeared on Eggy's face. “No... NO! You're LYING!”

“Figured you would say that. Oh well, it's not like I have a say either. It's all on LA's part of the deal. So like it or not, you just have to face reality my good man.” I felt a light smirk working through my lips, enjoying every second of this farce. “Sometimes, you need to be grateful for even having the chance to live. You're one lucky bastard you know that?”

“K-Kuh... You demon—!” Eggy gave me a sneering look.

I stared them for a moment, before finally blowing a sigh.

“Ah~, looks like the cat's out of the bag. I don't care what's going to happen to you, but I wish you the best of luck. Oh wait, your time's up huh. Welp, this might be the best reveals of your life, isn't Eggy?”

“Blasphemy! I'm in no way going to succumb to your heathen words! For I am Lady Alize's favourite, her FAVOURITE I'LL TELL Y—”

Before they could say any more, a hole magically appeared beneath them, sucking Eggy to its depths. And soon, the hole magically disappeared just as fast as when it came.

*Ding!*

[A message from *PYTHON* has arrived! Will you view it or not?]

A white notification screen popped into view, round in shape. After thinking for a moment I said, "I'll view it later, so give him my regards." Having received my voice message, it then quickly disappeared out of sight.

With that thing gone I straightened my back, thinking about the girls. They sure are taking their sweet time. I wonder what's up. Just as I was about to check on them, another notification screen appeared before me.

[Eggy has successfully been delivered. You have received 300CP from *TECHO*. To finalize the agreement between both parties, Eggy's life core will be donated to Sunny's orphanage. You have received a *GIFT* from *TECHO*. Will you accept it or not?]

Smiling at this notification, I said yes.

[Affirmative. The *GIFT* will be sent to your home within the next two working days.]

With that, the notification screen finally whisked away into nothingness. Now that's done, I began to drag myself away to fetch up the silverware kept in a worn-down cabinet positioned in the kitchen area. As I had toiled many times, I dished out plenty of cooking materials and, to the best of my abilities, prepared lunch with style.

And soon, my ears picked up the pitter-patter of footsteps coming from the staircase. Oh, it looks like they're back.

Perfect timing.

As the three came down, I sneaked a glance toward LA. With that simple eye contact, she seemed to notice the sudden disappearance of the room's court jester, begging a smile to tug itself on her face. "Ah, already working on lunch I see. Just what I would expect from darling~" LA said clapping her hands gleefully.

“Th-This is...” Pia, having seen my other charming side, wore a disbelieving look as if seeing something out of this world. Literally out of her mind, I reckon.

“What's wrong Pia? Is something the matter?” However, that look quickly vanished by the time LC tugged on Pia's sleeve.

“N-No—it's nothing, my lady. It's just that I'm a little hungry right now. That's all.” Pia sent back, looking as composed as ever.

She's a tough nut to crack. Even this didn't get her at least, you know, charmed?

Who am I kidding? I'm just your average Joe. Short black hair, brown eyes, medium height, no muscles—the usual package. Though I'm pretty attractive, if I do say so myself, that is if you count my looks in the equation.

At the very least, I think so. I have to be confident, you know?

I put the food in the microwave, watching the girls having a conversation. I'm feeling left out. “Sooo… what's today's scheme? Playing house? Hide and seek? Or should I say, building sand castles!?” For a moment, the girls sent me weird looks before continuing with their talk. There went my attempt at having a glorious day at the beach. “So… what's today's scheme? Playing chess? Card Wars? Or should I say, Virtual Gaming?!”

“None of the above. Though it may be sort of… adventurous.” LA said, turning on her heels with a sluggish effort towards a wooden desk before sitting on its chair. “Nobles, don't just stand there. Take a seat if you fancy.” LA gestured with a motion of her pale fingers.

The pair of guests then nodded at each other before taking LA's offer to take a seat, going around a rectangular wooden table that was flanked each side by a black couch. It went without saying that the pair took the left part, sitting side by side.

*Ding!*

I heard a sound coming from the microwave, a cue for which I quickly took the food out. Before long, I worked around the place with joyous rhythm, a tray in hand. “Here, bite 'em. It's not poisonous or sleep-inducing, I assure ye.” I said while spreading the meals on the table.

With that LC sweetly replied back in kind, “Thank you, Einst. I— Lady Cheryll of the Eloyrian line shall gladly take up your offer.” Flaxen curls swayed attractively on her face, gleaming in anticipation of savoring my special lunch. A lunch comprised of tempura nuggets, a filling of cupcakes, and of course, a cup of blood wine.

“Here's your beloved premium fruit tarts, a glass of strawberry milk, and crunchy fries. These can't be healthy.” I put those on LA's desk carefully and slowly. She beamed almost childlike, her eyes sparkling. Her hands then shot themselves to grab my hands. I instinctively pulled away. She frowned for a moment, but not before giving me a bright smile of her own concoction. “As expected of darling~” she muttered, “acting so distant like that, are you perhaps trying to pull my strings, darling?”

I winced as the words hit me. “Darling that, darling this... what are we? A couple?” I shrugged.

She placed a finger on her lips, as a temptation took hold of me, forcing me to gulp down or two. “Well yes, we are partners in crime, are we not?” Don't be deceived; this is just one of her tricks.

"Sure enough." I tottered back to my couch, slightly annoyed. Leaving the two graelim girls to mind our practically silly business.

The witch visibly chuckled in amusement. “So my lovely guests, did that ever help your cause?” LA started, dedicating her mouth to savoring the fruit tarts with ardent fascination. The pair nodded, although someone seemed certainly troubled, judging by a sweat on her forehead. I wonder what's this about…

“Yes, Lady Alize. Thanks to your invaluable assistance, we've managed to confirm its location.” LC said, bringing a blue screen to view. Dancing fingers flew around the display. I shifted my eyes. LA was already working on her wooden desk, typing on a keyboard while being absorbed on a projected holographic screen before her.

On the other hand, Pia was intently providing attention to LC, somehow saying inaudible words that escaped my hearings. She briefly glanced in my direction, as if being watchful for my actions. For what?

”Right, I think that's all for the moment. Anymore would require a field investigation into the site,” LA sent to the graelims, and then said, “Later, I'll forward a notice to the Arbiter, so rest assured, Lady Cheryll.”

Smiling sweetly, LC whisked the screen into thin air, turning towards LA for a short bow, before rearing her heels to march outside the room. Her loyal escort followed suit, passing on me with a look of disgust as she took her usual place beside her master.

Boy, she really hates me, huh? Might as well suck it up. Can't do anything over spilled water, right?

Pia suddenly stopped, ending her little stride with a short glance behind.

C-Crap, did I say it loud?!

Maybe it was just my imagination but she seemed weary. She then looked away, closing the door in passing motion, leaving the witch and myself to remain within the room in simple silence.

I turned my attention to the table. Good enough; they've finished their fill. I guess it was worth it. Now, “Mind tell me, what's the deal with you guys just now? I don't like being left out in the dark you see, and I pretty much love to hear another of your fancy tales.”

The witch down one final spoonful of fruit tarts to her mouth, her high cheekbones twitched in delight. Very cute, LA, very cute.

“Meet me after class. We've got much to discuss.”

“And bring more juicy desserts to the table, I take it?”

An almost sultry smile formed on her face. “As expected of darling~”