I changed very calmly, carefully folding the butler uniform and putting it away with the sa dedication with which I had put it on. It was a precious mory that I hope to share one day. Returning to my normal school uniform felt like taking off a mask. Despite the lightness of the sleeves and the subtle freshness in my arms, I remained in the classroom for a few more minutes, waiting for Erwing to be ready.
It was no coincidence that we were together that day. We had agreed in advance, or at least, that’s what he thought. The truth was that, for days, my main concern had been to keep him safe. Although Erwing didn’t know it, and I hoped he never would, by this day, according to the novel, he would be kidnapped before midnight. That’s why I followed him closely. Not because I distrusted him or his strength, but because of the silent threat I still couldn’t identify. I was also afraid that my intervention would put him in a worse situation, so I didn’t dare risk leaving him alone.
Fortunately, in addition to the two of us, Alia and Aziel were also there. Cynthia, who always accompanied them, had rushed off as soon as the clock struck the end of the service, claiming she had "urgent" things to do on the main stage. Her energy was boundless. Sotis it made wonder if she had two bodies.
So there we were: Erwing, Aziel, Alia, and . The sun filtered a beautiful, warm light through the stained-glass windows of the corridor, and the bustle of the festival floated past the open windows. The festive atmosphere was very different from that morning: more relaxed, more carefree. But inside , the tension still simred beneath the surface.
"What if we go watch the fencing competition?" "Aziel suggested in a soft, almost hesitant voice as we walked down the main hallway.
"We can go later," Erwing replied from my left side. "How about we get sothing to eat first? I don’t want to see anyone fighting on an empty stomach."
His comnt drew a small laugh from Alia and a discreet smile from Aziel, as if confirming it was true. I simply nodded. I had no objection. After all, as long as Erwing was in sight, everything else was secondary.
We headed to one of the busiest areas of the academy: the southern corridor, where dozens of student stalls were lined up like a makeshift market. Aromas of all kinds perated the air: roasted at, sweet bread, spiced tea, caralized honey, fried foods, even fizzy potions sold by amateur alchemists. However, it was an okonomiyaki stall that caught our attention the most.
We stopped almost imdiately at the fragrant sll. There was a small wooden counter where a wine-colored tarp swayed gently in the breeze. The place had a welcoming and professional atmosphere, with fresh ingredients displayed behind a protective layer of mana that kept the temperature stable. The aroma was simply irresistible.
"Excuse ... give four servings, please," I said, raising my voice enough to be heard over the din.
A figure behind the counter turned toward us to serve us. Her eyes t mine for a brief mont.
"Right away... Cyan?" she asked, half surprised and half amused.
I blinked.
"Huh?... Ah... It’s you, Ivvy."
An almost involuntary smile ford on my lips, soft, almost automatic. She was wearing an apron that seed enchanted to prevent splashing, and her hair was tied back in a way I hadn’t seen before. She moved nimbly among the custors, delivering orders with precision and a confidence I didn’t rember ever seeing from her. She seed like a completely different person; perhaps it was because of that atmosphere that I hadn’t recognized her at first.
"What a coincidence," she said with a light laugh. "I’ll get your order."
I watched as she disappeared among the other stalls and custors, her pace quick and steady as if she were in her elent. I couldn’t help but follow her with my eyes for a few more seconds. But then, I felt a chill, a sharp sensation, as if soone were staring at .
I turned my head slightly.
Alia watched silently.
She said nothing, but the way she squinted her eyes, the subtle stiffness in her posture, and the way she clutched the hem of her scarf spoke louder than any words. Her expression hadn’t changed much, but it held that kind of suppressed annoyance that disguises itself as indifference. The kind you don’t shout, but you can feel it.
And before I could think of how to react, Erwing burst out laughing.
"Wow! Cyan, I didn’t know you were so popular," he said with a wide grin, raising both eyebrows in obvious amusent.
"It’s not that," I defended myself with a light cough, feeling the sweat rising on my forehead.
"Of course, of course... pure coincidence that the girl at the stand knows you by na," she added, winking. "And that smile? I haven’t even seen it when they served you strawberry cake."
"Idiot, you know her too. I introduced her that day, don’t you rember?"
I crossed my arms with a feigned calm expression, while Alia looked away, pretending not to understand, but her silence weighed heavily.
Aziel, for his part, simply smiled discreetly. Always so enigmatic, so little given to drama. He observed everything that happened like soone contemplating an interesting painting, without intervening, but taking note.
A little later, Ivvy returned with the portions neatly laid out on wooden plates, accompanied by tiny suffix leaves that gave a hint of fresh mint and retained the heat. She handed it to with a calm smile, seemingly unaware of the small misunderstanding that had arisen after her brief appearance.
"Here you go. Enjoy your al," she said with a slight bow.
"Thank you," I replied, my tone more neutral than I would have liked. I felt Erwing’s eyes piercing the whole ti, and Alia’s tension still hanging in the air with that cold stare.
We moved away to one of the tables located near a small garden, under the trees, in a less-traveled corner. We began to eat and talk about different things, comnts about the taste, the festival, so of the students’ costus... but I still felt a kind of buzzing in the air. A mixture of vigilance, discomfort... and sothing else.
And despite everything, I didn’t let my guard down. My mission wasn’t to enjoy myself. It was to protect that foolish friend of mine.
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