“So that’s how it is… By the way, why are you doing this research again?” [Elia]
“The reason I’m researching? Well that’s because it’s interesting. It’s an unpopular topic without much data or progress on it. Which is really just another way of saying that there’s still plenty left to discover, right? So I want to unveil its secrets and see if I can make use of it.
And besides, even if I look like this, I am still the daughter of an earl. And the Willdan family has been a family of researchers for generations. If someone amongst us wants to research, then the family will without question wish them good luck and provide them the funds.” [Michelle]
When Michelle said that, Elia saw a slight resemblance to Ryouma in Michelle. As Michelle drew the magic formation with her ink, she said,
“I don’t know what effect will come out of this, so back off a little.” [Michelle]
Just as she was told, Elia took her distance. After confirming that Elia had distanced herself from the formation, Michelle allowed her magic power to flow into the formation. And the formation glowed bright red. When Michelle saw that reaction, she quickly distanced herself from it. And after five seconds, a small ball of fire flew out of the formation as the explosive sound like that of firecrackers resounded.
“Kyaa!?” [Elia]
“Kyaa!?” [Somebody]
“Oh, oh… to think this kind of reaction… hmm?” [Michelle]
Although Michelle was preoccupied with the reaction of the magic formation, she still noticed that there weren’t just one, but two surprised voices that cried out behind her. At that, she turned, and just like her, Elia did so as well. There, Miyabi, a female fox girl student, was apparently just about to enter the training area. Seeing that, Michelle called out to her.
“Looks like I scared you. My apologies.” [Michelle]
“This is the training area, so it’s only a given that loud sounds would boom out around here. If anything, the one in the way is me, for that please excuse me.” [Miyabi]
“Oh, no, no. Please don’t mind it. Rather than that, you are Miyabi-san, correct?” [Michelle]
“She’s in the same class, right?” [Elia]
“It’s an honor to be remembered not only in face but in name as well by the daughters of the Willdan Household and the Jamil Household.” [Miyabi]
Replied Miyabi in a fashion meant for interacting with nobles.
“There’s no need to talk so politely. Miyabi-san, are you going to practice now?” [Elia]
“No, actually, milady. There is something that I would like to pass on to you.” [Miyabi]
“To me?” [Elia]
“Yes. I’ve been entrusted with a message from someone the lady knows. Which is why I’ve come here today.” [Miyabi]
If Miyabi just outright declared that it was a man who had entrusted her that, and someone managed to hear it, then it might catch fire and become a topic for gossips. So in order to prevent that, Miyabi’s been looking for an opportunity to talk to her privately. And after a month, she saw Elia enter the training area alone as usual.
But unfortunately, this time, Michelle was around, causing her to panic. But of course, she was calm enough to be able to answer when asked.
In order to plot this meeting, Miyabi’s been getting information from other people regarding Elia’s and the personality of the other nobles. From that she found out that Elia and Michelle don’t place much emphasis on the differences between social statuses. A normal response won’t cause any problems. Knowing that lessened the mental burden on her. But other than that, she also had the message from Ryouma as an excuse for calling out to her.
“A message for me?” [Elia]
“Yes. Would the lady happen to know the name, Ryouma?” [Miyabi]
“From Ryouma-san!?” [Elia]
Ryouma thought of creating an impetus for Elia to make friends, but he wasn’t sure whether they would actually become friends or not. After all, whether they get along or not is something that the two of them will have to decide for themselves. That’s why he made his move in order to get Elia and Miyabi to meet, but he didn’t say anything about Miyabi to Elia.
What Ryouma didn’t tell Elia was that they both shared a common acquaintance. He did this thinking that there’s no need to since there are plenty of other topics to talk about. That and another reason was that Ryouma also held some mischievous thoughts, wanting to surprise Elia a bit.
“It would appear that the lady does in fact know him.” [Miyabi]
“Yes, but why would Miyabi-san know Ryouma-san?” [Elia]
“I came to know him through my dad. And he told me to pass on a message to a girl named Elialia in the academy.” [Miyabi]
“So that’s how it is…” [Elia]
At that, Michelle spoke.
“That Ryouma is Elia’s acquaintance?” [Michelle]
“Yes, he’s a bit strange, but he’s my friend.” [Elia]
“Well he’s certainly a bit strange…” [Miyabi]
“Oh...” [Michelle]
Hearing Elia’s words, Miyabi absent-mindedly said that. And hearing about how weird Ryouma is, Michelle became curious.
“And, what did Ryouma want you to pass to me?” [Elia]
“’Do your best,’ is all he said. It seems he’s worried about you.” [Miyabi]
Those words were enough for Elia to guess Ryouma’s intentions. After all, she knew very well that there’s no need to ask someone to say only a few words. Moreover, writing it by letter is more than enough.