Embers

We gathered around and settled into chairs, ready for a proper conversation.

...So, Headmaster, about what happened

Hold on.

Osprey cut me off.

I apologize, but I cannot discuss that.

Why not?

It's not something a student should hear. I'm sorry.

Osprey smiled apologetically, his expression leaving no room for argument.

I sighed.

Alright, we have plenty of time to investigate.

If all else fails, I could always use Analyze. Though I'm unsure how effective it would be on Osprey.

...Then, why are Elodie and Mei here?

I changed the subject.

Ah, that's

Jane took over the explanation.

Apparently, Elodie had arrived quite early, coming here with Mei even before Osprey's return.

Jane, despite being affected by Osprey's magic, still had some grasp of the situation. So even without her memories of Elodie, she could still be of help.

So, what were you discussing?

About Mei.

Elodie pointed to Mei, who was sitting next to her.

After hearing she wanted to visit Constel, I thought for a bit

As Elodie spoke, Osprey observed Mei with a curious gaze.

Could someone of Osprey's caliber see through Mei's true nature at a glance? Even if not, would he at least notice she wasn't human?

Since things turned out this way, I thought it might be better to help her adapt to human society.

Mei?

Yes. It's a shame for her to keep living in that cabin.

Elodie naturally stroked Mei's hair. Mei remained still, her expression giving no hint of whether she liked it or not. Well, considering she wasn't resisting, it probably wasn't unpleasant.

A shame, huh.

While I didn't disagree with the sentiment, it did pique my curiosity.

Elodie first encountered Mei in her current form, as a young child.

I wondered what she would think if she knew Mei's initial appearance had been that of a liquid monster.

No, Elodie wouldn't judge someone based on appearances or preconceptions. Regardless of Mei's form, Elodie would have felt sympathy and compassion for her situation.

That's how she is.

But obviously, our house is out of the question, and the same goes for Fron's. I thought the Constel dorms would be the most suitable option. But then, the problem becomes the roommate situation

As Elodie pondered aloud, lost in thought, Jane blinked and looked between Elodie and me before asking,

Um, Elodie?

Yes?

By Fron, do you mean Frondier?

Elodie blinked, confused by the question, before her eyes widened, her jaw dropped, and her shoulders shot up as she practically levitated from her seat.

D-Did I say that?

Yes, you did just now. You said Fron.

Ah, ahaha! I misspoke! It's difficult to say Frondier's entire name! Haha, I guess I just blurted out a word I've never said before, ahahaha!

I-Is that so? I thought it was a nickname?

A nickname? Why would I call Frondier by a nickname!

Elodie's denial was emphatic.

There's no place for me in this conversation. I'll just stay quiet.

A-Anyway! I think the dorms are the best option! As long as it's okay for her to have a single room!

Elodie forcefully steered the conversation back on track.

Osprey shook his head.

That wouldn't do, Elodie.

H-Headmaster.

Constel's rules are not meant to be bent according to individual circumstances. And more importantly,

Osprey looked at Mei.

Having such a young child stay in a room alone would raise even more suspicion.

...T-That's true

Elodie deflated. Meanwhile, I pondered the situation.

...As Elodie said, it wouldn't be ideal for Mei to remain in the cabin indefinitely. Putting aside the issue of pity, my initial intention was to expose Mei to various learning experiences.

The devil Satan had expressed great concern about me being with Mei, but so far, there haven't been any signs of change or anything unusual due to our companionship.

We've conducted numerous tests together, such as having Mei assume my appearance and experiment with various skills, engaging in light sparring, and even using all my Mana to analyze her. However, we haven't discovered anything significant.

Therefore, my next step is to observe how Mei changes as she sees, hears, and learns more about the world. In that sense, Elodie and I were on the same page.

If you want to leave her at the dorms, how about you move out of the mansion and live in the dorms too, Elodie? You could be Mei's roommate. It seems perfect.

Elodie sighed at Jane's suggestion.

...I would love to, but, my brother

Your brother? Revet?

Yes. He absolutely forbids me from living in the dorms.

Revet de Rishae. Elodie's brother, Revet, is renowned for his extreme love for his sister.

Far from being jealous of his sister's exceptional talent, he actively promotes and praises her.

While it's endearing compared to harboring animosity towards Elodie, his overprotectiveness surpasses even the typical parent-child relationship.

Is he that opposed to it?

Yes. He even resorts to threats.

...I doubt threats would work on Elodie...? Does he say things like he'll kill you?

No. He threatens to kill himself.

...Ah.

Surprisingly, this threat is incredibly effective.

Because Revet seems like he would actually do it.

There are two things my brother hates. One is me being away from him. And the other is,

Elodie glanced at me apologetically as she spoke.

I answered for her.

Me being near Elodie.

...The dorms fulfill both of those conditions.

That's the problem.

Hmm. As I contemplated the situation, Elodie and Jane's gazes landed on me.

...What about Frondier?

Me?

Dorm life. You also travel back and forth from the mansion. The distance must be considerable.

It certainly is. I have a car and a chauffeur who takes care of the driving, so it's not overly tiring, but...

How about taking this opportunity to move into the dorms?

Ah, just like Elodie, I

I was about to say it wouldn't be possible, but

...Wait a minute.

On second thought, there might not be a reason why I couldn't.

Originally, Enfer had strictly forbidden the previous Frondier from venturing anywhere outside of Constel.

Dorm life was also prohibited. Enfer feared that the already lazy Frondier would become completely unmanageable.

Whether it was love or something else, Enfer's overprotectiveness was immense.

But now

Would Enfer still think the same way about me?

...I'll ask.

Wow, that's one potential solution then.

It's not certain yet.

Still.

Jane smiled brightly. Elodie, on the other hand, looked at me with slight surprise.

You, you're considering living in the dorms?

It's not impossible.

Do you even know how to do housework like cooking and cleaning? If Mei is your roommate, you'll have to do it all yourself.

Well, I'll manage.

It's the previous Frondier who wouldn't know how, not me. I can simply live like I'm in a studio apartment.

Then the remaining issue is

Osprey spoke up.

That child's appearance.

...His words came out of left field.

Appearance?

Yes. Anyone can see it.

I looked at Mei.

She's adorable. Yes, with a mix of Frondier and Elodie's features.

Anyone would think she's your child.

.

At his words, I looked up at Elodie.

She was glaring at me with a sulky expression. After a moment of thought, I said,

Ah, they might think that, huh?

Everyone will think that!!