Apparitions of flame and magick flicker from my dream-wake state. By the time I rise, the clock points to a bit past midday.

I roll restlessly around on the bed for a bit, but after deciding I wouldn’t get any more sleep, I get up all the same. After another much needed bath, I go out in search of a pair of royal siblings. Perhaps they’ll have answers to my questions.

Turning the corner, I’m met with a pair of soft, blue eyes.

“Leila!”

“Aeriea!” She settles her hands into mine. “How has your first few days of classes been?”

Hastily, I shuffle the previous events of last night aside, trying to make small talk of more harmless happenings.

We both complain of the physical exertion required of us in Arms & Aegis.

I knew it! Human nobility are not used to such things after all! Her grievances placate my heavy heart, her gentle countenance especially soothing after the nightmares of last night.

“Would you like to grab lunch in town today?” She asks.

Hmn, I should really be looking for Ceres and Mercurius…

But before I’m able to reply, a trio of familiar faces enter the hallway - Margot, Véronique, and Astrid. The three see us and change course to walk over.

Abruptly, Margot stops in her tracks. Her eyes lowering to where Leila and I have our hands interlaced.

“Lady Margot?” Véronique raises her eyebrows in inquiry.

Margot seems to ignore this though, directing her signature smile at us. Although it’s as refined and elegant as ever, it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

I get a sudden chill down my spine.

“Good afternoon, Lady Leila.” She pauses while gazing intensely in my direction. “Lady Aurel.”

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Who in Thrice is Aurel!?

“E-Er, it’s Aeriea.”

“Of course, how rude of me. Lady Arianne.”

…

W-What is this… She definitely knew my name before we even met… A terrifying cold sweat runs down my back.

“Ah, have you two already met before?” Leila turns unassuming eyes between us. “This is my very close friend, Aeriea Newlyn.”

While Leila emphasizes our good relationship, Margot’s smile kindles even brighter although her gaze freezes even colder.

P-Please stop Leila. You’re making this situation worse for me.

“Yes, Lady Lauralee and I are already acquainted.” Margot gracefully places her hand on top of my own…

But her nails are digging into my skin!!! This is too scary!

I’m mentally frozen in place by her blinding smile. All I can envision is a cobra suffocating a small mouse in its grips.

“A-Ah right! W-Would you three like to join us for lunch in town?” Doing my best to placate the serpent, I can’t help but feel guilty for throwing Leila to this predator.

She’s about to say something but stops as the sound of heels rapidly approaching us down the hall can be heard.

“Lunch in town you say!” Sigyn is gasping for breath as she bursts in front of us. “What a coincidence, since my companions and I will be there as well!”

…

Where did you even come from?

Not far behind, I see the rest of the Kindred retinue. Nott is grunting irritably, “Why did you suddenly start running, you idiot?”

Sigyn ignores him completely as she goes wide-eyed at the sight of Leila, Margot, and I interlocking our hands. “W-W-Wh-What are you three unashamedly doing in plain sight!?”

Uh, we’re just holding hands.

Sigyn’s hand suddenly shoots out, grappling all three of ours.

H-Her strength! That Kindred strength!!!

I try releasing and backing out of this match, however… At this point, I can’t even physically let go even if I wanted to! Sigyn is gripping my fingers so tightly, I think I’m losing blood circulation!

A-All this time, I never truly knew how terrifying a maiden’s war was…!

Vali is snickering deliriously at my misfortune.

Just because this isn’t your problem, doesn't mean you should be enjoying it…! I seriously want to slap him right now!

Nott and Hel are looking at us with deadpan eyes.

Stop looking at me like that, it’s not as if I want to be here!

Seconds pass in silence at this extremely uncomfortable situation. Finally, Nott seems to get annoyed at the wait, commanding Sigyn to “Hurry up.”

I don’t think I’ve ever been so thankful in my life for this idiotic prince’s impatience. All at once, freedom is within my grasp as everyone lets go.

Margot and Sigyn are haughtily throwing insults at one another, all the while walking towards the entrance.

The two girls behind Margot don’t even try throwing backhanded insults at the Kindred anymore. While the Kindred nobility aren't openly mocking the Humans either.

It’s only been seven sun-cycles since we all moved to Harthrow, yet they’re already used to this ferocious love triangle, huh?

…Wait a second.

Somehow I’ve been swept up into going to lunch with this motley crew of unlikely acquaintances.