The caretaker gifted Louise a basket of green grapes. When Louise bit into one, she savored the way its sweetness would spread softly from the tip of her tongue to her palate. Its aroma was refreshing as well. They were indeed very good grapes.

Louise plucked the grapes and ate them one by one as she headed towards the dormitory. The school year hadnt officially started yet, and most of the students spent their time lounging in their dorm rooms or hanging out on the rooftops. Just as she passed the library, she saw a tall girl waving enthusiastically by the corridor. Who was that? Louise felt like she had seen her before. She couldnt ignore it, so Louise waved back and headed towards the library. As she climbed the stairs, the girl cheered happily and approached with a cheery gait.

Green grapes!

D-do you want some?

The girl smiled beautifully and swept aside her hair, then dragged Louise by the wrist.

Lets go to a sunny area.

She stopped at a warmly lit spot, then hopped skillfully onto a stone balustrade.

Do you want me to lift you?

The girl stretched out her arm and Louise finally realized who she was.

S-sir Hesse?!

Its Rose.

Rose?

Yes, Im Rose Wood.

Sean Wood, since when did you have a daughter like this

Louise stared at Hesse. He wore a girls uniform and his hair was properly cut and styled. He had no sense of discomfort, as if he had lived his entire life wearing this outfit.

Wh-whats going on? This is

He grinned as he easily helped Louise sit up on rail.

Im on an infiltration mission.

He pushed five grapes in his mouth as he answered.

Infiltration? Why?

Who knows. Maybe I just wanted to hang out with Louise of the Greenhouse as a girlfriend.

He swallowed down his grapes and shook his fists in delight. They were delicious. Then, he started putting grapes back in his mouth again.

Louise watched him as she wondered about his job, then soon realized why he was on an infiltration mission. It was because the court officials were with Ian twenty-four hours a day.

Theres not many people you trust, Hesse.

Its not Hesse, its Rose, and I do have someone I trust.

He took a grape and stuck it right into Louises mouth.

Me?

Louise swallowed the grape and he nodded.

Say, when you graduate, why dont you become a court official? If Louise of the Greenhouse records the prince for twenty-four hours, I think Ill be able to rest well.

Even when he said this, his hands and mouth were constantly moving to fuel him with more grapes.

I cant write that fast.

Louise shook her head as she recalled the officials quick hands.

And I dont like seeing the president act like an honor student.

You dont think seeing him act all polite is cool?

Do you think its cool, Sir Hesse?

Yes! My master is always coolOh, but if you stay with him for twenty-four hours, Ill feel sorry for him.

Sorry? Why?

Well, if his beloved Louise keeps looking at him, hell be so embarrassed that he wont be able to do a single thing.

He practically inhaled ten grapes in a single swallow.

Not really

Are you serious? If someone stares at you quietly, wouldnt you be embarrassed?

Im scared that Ill be criticized, but Ill give it a try if its what Sir Hesse says.

Call me Rose!

Okay. Rose. Have you ever thought about wearing a normal male uniform?

Ive never been interested in male uniforms before.

Before?

I used to go here for a while. But I dropped out halfway.

He put on a half-smile.

I think a male uniform would look good on you, too.

Do you miss me?

A little.

Then Ill wear it. Ill be sure to be a boy next time.

I look forward to it.

Of course, youre more accustomed to looking at His Highness so I may not look very cool to you.

His posture was a little stiff, so he pulled up one leg to rest on it. Louises eyes widened as the garter belts on his thighs holding his long socks were exposed.

Too much!

Its okay.

Hesse lifted his skirt and proclaimed proudly,

Im wearing shorts underneath!

Oh, and this garter is new too. I love the touch of it on my skin. And the lace here is cute, dont you think?

Wow, that really is cute. Where did you get that? Oh, this is like having a real girlfriend!

I am totally a real girlfriend.

He grinned and touched his knees. She could believe that the beautiful legs underneath were indeed a womans.

Are you wearing long socks because of the scars

Louise thought about the painful-looking marks that had always crossed over his body.

Yes. Im not ashamed of them, but they also make me stand out.

Come to think of it, Sir Hesse, your face?

The scars on his face were also completely gone. Louise carefully touched the tip of her fingers to Hesses face, and he closed his eyes slightly.

The pretty curled eyelashes and pink cheeks looked natural, and it was only by looking carefully could Louise spot his scars. It was probably barely visible now because the sun was shining brightly. He really did look like an ordinary schoolgirl.

Amazing

Really? Its so nice to have Louise of the Greenhouse.

He opened his eyes softly and smiled.

But can you stop touching my face? Im in such a good mood that Im going to regret being a girl.

Huh?

It meant that I wanted to be a boy for Louise.

Oh, I wont touch you anymore!

He chuckled as Louise quickly drew away her hand.

You dont have to be so sorry. Anyway, would you like hold your hand out again? Your skin seems a little dry. I have a good cream.

He flipped through his bag for a moment.

Its a new product. The moisturizer is great, and its not sticky and absorbs quickly!

When he found the small pot of cream, he quickly opened the lid.

Smell it.

It smells like coconut.

Do you like it?

Everyone would like it.

He scooped up a little of the cream and smeared it on the back of Louises hand. While Louise rubbed her hands to absorb the cream, Hesse went back to eating the grapes again. A cool autumn breeze blew, ruffling his orange hair. The slender braid on the side was quite cute.

Did you do your hair yourself?

I usually do, but this time I asked someone else.

He patted down his disheveled hair.

Someone else?

Lord Hillard.

What?

Louise doubted her ears for a moment.

In fact, Ive always wanted to see his abilities.

Didnt Simon panic?

No? He just said, I see. Ill cooperate.

She could imagine Simons controlled face as he answered.

Oh, that was delicious.

He patted his stomach, and indeed when Louise looked at the basket all the grapes were gone. There were so many before.

Was it really good?

It was the best!

If I get some more Ill give them to you.

Oh, youre making me melt for you, arent you?

Youre just soft for me.

She was deeply moved by his sweetness, and she responded with a smile. However, Hesses face suddenly stiffened.

Louise of the Greenhouse.

He said her name in a quiet voice. Louise gazed at him uneasily instead of speaking.

Excuse me, please.

He hopped down from the railing then lifted Louise down by her waist and set her down gently.

Sarak.

After touching the grass, the both of them pressed themselves against the wall. Suddenly, Louise heard someone approaching where the two of them had just been.

Who is it

Louise turned to Hesse with a questioning look. He only smiled lightly with his index finger on his mouth.

I thought we wouldnt talk about it anymore!

The voice she heard was both familiar and unfamiliar.

Claire?