Tap tap tap.

The sound of fingers drumming a book.

A room in a church on the outskirts of town, Leon Nardo looked around the place he could finally meet his friends in if only just once a week.

In the room with him was a girl who you could tell was a n.o.ble even with just a glance.

Her unfriendly red-brown eyes were narrowed to slits. In contrast to her white, almost translucent skin, her light brown hair that went to her back was long and heavy. Although she was still a young girl in years, her beauty had a matureness to it.

Surfania Calibrachoa

A daughter of the high aristocracy She wasnt even attempting to hide her annoyance behind her book.

Hey.

What?

Though she address Leon, Surfania didnt lift her gaze from her open book.

Even though she had been holding that book open for a while now, she hadnt turned a single page. Probably not a bit of the books contents could make its way into her mind right now.

Though he was exasperated with Surfania, since he had guessed the reason behind it, Leon continued speaking.

Christina already said she wouldnt come, so quit being so jumpy. Next week is the entrance ceremony for the Academy right? Shell have no choice but to meet you then.

This has nothing to do with Chris!

Since she snapped back at him it was obvious it had everything to do with Chris.

Chris isnt coming, so what? Im not annoyed just because that idiot said she wouldnt be here. Rather, this isnt this peace a nice change?

Sure, sure, its just as you said, young miss.

He shrugged his shoulders at her obvious overreaction.

Leon honestly couldnt understand why she hid behind harsh words. Shed be better off being honest, he thought.

Well, Christina probably has all sorts of things to prepare before entering the Academy. Setting aside her not coming here, hasnt she gone to your house at all?

She hasnt. I dont care even if that idiot doesnt visit me.

With a humph Surfania turned away stubbornly. Such an easy reaction to read. His mouth was itching to grin, but it would be annoying if she took issue with him instead, so he suppressed it.

What should we do? How about a board game?

Weve already had a match today.

It was just like Surfania said. Since Surfania just kept improving, soon Leon wouldnt be good enough to play against for her.

Well then, as he was considering what they could play instead, he heard the creak of the church door opening.

Surfania jumped at the sound, of course.

Ah-Ill go and have a look.

Though it was obvious Surfania was desperate to go look herself, without getting up she just stared at the door instead. He couldnt just ignore Surfania when she was like this, so Leon went instead.

Surfania was the type where,If he tried to approach her, she would pull away. Having said that, since he was too clumsy, even if she wasnt like that hed probably still mess up.

Honestly, she was a troublesome girl. Not only did it seem to take forever, it was annoying as h.e.l.l. You had to be super patient, and even then it was a bother to do.

Hmm, well I also like that part of her though

Since there was no one around, unintentionally the words that came out reflected his true feelings.

During these two years, hed ended up hopelessly, stupidly, in love with that surly young lady.

Being with them, Id forgotten Im just a lowly commoner, how stupid am I. Smiling bitterly he walked towards the entrance.

To try to gain even a bit of favor with the one he adored, Leon was now an expert at being playing gofer for her. But the person he saw at the entrance was someone he knew well.

Eh? Ms Mariwa, andUgh

Ugh?

Inclining her head slightly at Leons word choice, was Michelie. Even from afar, that blonde hair and blue eyes seems to s.h.i.+mmer. Looking so lovely. Lovely was the best descriptor for her, even if you tried you wouldnt be able to forget her beauty.

Good afternoon, Mr Leon. While I understand your feelings, please refrain from showing them so obviously.

Ah, no I- Excuse my rudeness

To behave as I had in front of ladies was inexcusable, so I bowed my head in apology.

Did Michelie notice or not? Whichever, she doesnt seem to care.

It has been a while, Leon. Have you been well?

Ah, um, yeah. It has been a while. But, why is Michelie?

From today we shall be holding her cla.s.ses here.

Wha?

Without waiting for Leon to understand, they entered the room.

A, Wai-

Right now Surfania is impatiently waiting for Chris to appear. In a panic Leon tried to stop the two, but he was too late.

Who was it, Le..on?

Her energetic voice withered to nothing. Surfania who had been expectantly jumping and fidgeting about the room became suddenly still with disappoint when she saw who had arrived.

You are?

Good afternoon, Miss Surfania

Michelie quickly bowed her head in a show of good manners to Surfania whos disappointment now neared open hostility.

Good day, lady Surfania. Excuse our rudeness, however we will be using this room for this childs cla.s.ses.

Ms Toinette

To Mariwa and Michelie, who had come in, it seemed Surfania wanted to say something, but she just bit her lip.

Though among her friends she was intensely confident, at times like these Surfania became quite timid, so Leon stood in front of her as a buffer.

Um, while it seems that Ms Mariwa and Michelie are doing well, as for Christina, whats going on? That girl, she hasnt come here in a long time.

Even if you wait here its useless. Bis Sister, she wont come here anymore so.

The one who answered Leons question was Michelie.

But rather than Leon who had asked, her eyes were on Surfania when she spoke.

Even once youre all together in the Academy, it wont be like it was. Since Big Sister isnt coming here anymore, didnt you even suspect this a little?

Shut your mouth.

Michelies words seem to have a provoking tone to them. Her anger exceeding her shyness, Surfania who had been silent until now was now glaring with sharp eyes at Michelie.

Why is someone like you talking like they understand whats going on with Chris? Acting like youre all that. All youve ever done is cling to Chris, when did you become Chris spokesperson, huh?

as I thought. Is it that Ms Surfania dislikes me?

Isnt it obvious? Thinking you can get away with any and everything by using your face, youve, made a big mistake. Pretending to be all depressed like that.

The atmosphere had grown uneasy, Leon felt a trickle of cold sweat.

Though he hadnt noticed until now, somehow it seems these two really dont get along. He appealed with his eyes to Mariwa to rescue them, but as cold as ever, it seemed Mariwa had no intention of meddling in this.

Is that so? To think that you hated me.

Exactly. But so what?

In response to Surfania whose eyes were burning with fighting spirit as if she was issuing a challenge, a laugh slipped out of Michelies lips.

But, in front of Big Sister you couldnt say thatwhat a cute rival you are.

!

Surfanias face turned bright red, her shame was now greater than anger it seemed.

Since she didnt retort right away, it seemed this was Surfanias defeat. Right when Leon was wondering whether he should step in to protect her or not, Mariwa broke into their conversation with perfect timing.

Michelie. No more. Apologise.

Sure, Ms ToinetteMy apologies, Ms Surfania.

With Ms Toinettes intervention, Michelie easily retracted her claws.

tch. Im not particularly bothered

At the moment when she could have gracefully retreat, with her bruised feelings Surfania still acted tough.

You have my apologies, Ms Surfania. This child hasnt received an education term and it still quite impolite.

Continuing from Michelies apology, Mariwa also bowed her head.

However, if you stay outside for so long you shall cause the Calibrachoa household to worry. Before it becomes a commotion, I think it would be best for you to return home.

I know, okay

Clenched hands trembling, Surfania stood up and left the room.

Mr Leon.

Mariwa also called out to Leon, who in a daze after not being able to do anything, hadnt been able to see Surfania out.

You should also should return home soon. You also have quite a bit to prepare for the Academy, right?

Ah, yes. well then

Yup. Goodbye for now, Leon

As he stood up to leave, the smile Michelie showed was the same innocent look at that time during the National Day festival.

Y- yeah. See you, Michelie.

That he could someone force this out from his stiff face was a G.o.dsend.

His thoughts on the indescribable fear he felt towards that girl two years his junior, Leon went to chase after Surfania.