Confrontation
Lux’s Side
Siana and I had come into the city, and our first stop was a sweets shop where we tried various kinds of tarts together.
“I haven’t really eaten many tarts before, but they’re surprisingly good.”
“I only eat them occasionally myself, but there’s no denying how delicious they are!”
The flavor changes depending on the fruit used, and the way it gives under your teeth…
“I bet it would taste even better with the tea you brewed, Siana.”
“Ah…!”
When I said that, Siana’s face lit up with delight, and she replied in a bright voice.
“I-If you’re all right with the tea I make, please feel free to drink it anytime! Also, um… I’ve never made a tart myself before, but if you say you liked them, Master, then I’ll practice until I can make one on my own. If I do manage to make one, would you be willing to try it…?”
Siana asked hesitantly, a hint of unease in her voice.
A tart made by Siana herself…!
Just imagining it made me raise my voice a little as I spoke.
“Of course I’d eat it! Drinking the tea you made and eating a tart you baked… Thanks to you, Siana, I’ve found something new to look forward to.”
Seeing the joy on my face, Siana gave me a gentle smile and replied.
“I have something to look forward to as well… all thanks to you, Master.”
We gazed at each other for a moment, both quietly savoring the happiness we felt, then finished the remaining tart and left the shop.
Floria’s Side
“So it’s already noon.”
Floria had been staking out a building on the outskirts of the city since early morning, where the three male students were currently located. She glanced up at the sky and murmured to herself before quickly returning her gaze to the building.
“Considering the Third Princess’s temperament and circumstances, she’ll probably make her move at night.”
Even so, Floria’s role remained the same. She was simply to wait here until the time came.
Until then, she would not let her guard down for a moment.
Though concealed in the building’s shadow, she wore a masquerade mask to hide her identity in case she was discovered.
“To think I must risk myself for people I would never choose to protect… Yet that’s all because of Lux-sama’s kindness. I won’t betray that kindness. I will stop whatever atrocity would unfold if I do nothing today.”
No sooner had she reaffirmed her resolve than Floria sensed someone’s presence. She immediately suppressed her own and began to search for its source.
“…”
She didn’t even need to search. The figure had boldly revealed itself, walking straight toward the building.
The person wore a pink hood that concealed face and gender.
That build is different from the Third Princess’s. Judging by the physique, I’d guess she’s female. Could she be one of the Third Princess’s assassins?
Floria considered the possibility but quickly dismissed it.
Knowing Siana’s personality, she would never send an assassin, she would act with her own hands. Which means…
She’s not connected to the Third Princess at all. This is a development I hadn’t anticipated.
Floria had come fully prepared to confront Siana. She hadn’t accounted for a third party appearing.
If this person is acting today, perhaps she bears some grudge against the three male students… And if someone like that is here, concealing her identity… whatever’s about to happen certainly won’t be pleasant.
Floria couldn’t be sure what intentions the woman in the pink hood had, but one thing was clear, it wasn’t good news for her.
She stepped out from the building’s shadow and stood between the pink-hooded figure and the structure.
The woman in the pink hood turned her head toward Floria, who had blocked her path.
As they faced each other, Floria spoke in a calm tone.
“I don’t know what brought you here, but it can’t be anything pleasant. Your presence suggests you either intend to harm the three students inside or you’re allied with them. Either way, it’s not something I can allow. Please leave… If you refuse, explain your purpose here.”
The woman in the pink hood replied.
“…And who are you supposed to be? One of those three’s hired bodyguards?”
It was a woman’s voice. Perhaps because of the mask, there was a subtle distortion, not enough to hinder conversation, but enough to obscure her identity.
“I’m not hired by anyone. I’m here on my own accord.”
“Thought so. I didn’t think those three could afford a bodyguard right now… So, would you mind stepping aside? I have a quick matter with the three inside.”
“A quick matter…? What sort of business could that be?”
Floria asked, and the woman in the pink hood answered in the exact same tone.
“It really will be over quickly. I’m just here to deal with those three male students inside that building.”