Chapter 22: The Predestined Date
"Morgan, this really makes me feel so happy."
Eikou smiled and gently stroked Aesc's silky hair, as if gliding across soft golden sand.
Aesc opened her beautiful eyes wide, her blushing face buried against the bow-adorned collar, only daring to sneak a glance at him from the corner of her eye.
"Too fast, I still haven't finished preparing myself mentally…"
"It's okay," Eikou said with a smile, "just follow your own pace, slowly is fine, after all I'm already your prey."
"Mn a a…"
Hearing such a bold statement, Aesc's gaze became burning hot.
That was the expression of someone completely moved.
"Hey, Eikou!"
Just then, from the distant hallway came a sharp, angry shout, followed immediately by the piercing sound of high heels striking the floor.
Just from that voice, Eikou already knew who it was. His body instantly stiffened, then without hesitation he grabbed Aesc's hand and ran forward.
"Damn it!"
To run into the worst possible person at the worst possible moment.
Absolutely must not let Baobhan Sith see her mother in this state, must not let things get even more complicated!
Wait, why am I suddenly running away? Wouldn't that make me look even more guilty!
Baobhan Sith, with long blazing red hair and murderous intent surging, charged forward, her red dress billowing behind her, and her target was clearly him.
"Mochizuki Eikou, where is Mother-sama!"
"…That I really don't know."
Eikou hurriedly stopped on the spot pretending to be calm, holding Aesc's hand tightly, but his tone couldn't hide his guilty conscience.
"Just now you were running—clearly plotting something bad, right?" Baobhan Sith said in a lofty tone. "And who is that rustic woman next to you, some kind of Artoria variant?"
What the hell is Artoria, this brat doesn't even recognize her own mother!
Alright, Eikou thought, he couldn't really blame Baobhan Sith for the mistake, after all Aesc's earlier appearance and Morgan's current look were worlds apart—more like an Artoria with a witch's air and a gentle, quiet aura.
"No, it doesn't matter which version of Artoria she is, the question is where did my mother go? I call her but she doesn't answer, and everyone says you took her away. Do you have anything to refute that?"
"...Anyway, as you can see, she isn't with me now, that's enough."
After saying that, Eikou immediately intended to pull Aesc's hand and turn to leave.
"Wow, you..."
Aesc blinked her bright blue eyes, gazing sparklingly at the Blood Princess in front of her.
"What are you staring at?" Baobhan Sith said irritably. "I stand on the same side as Mother-sama, don't think I'll have any pleasant attitude toward you Artorias!"
Hearing those angry words, Aesc didn't show the slightest anger; instead she smiled gently and explained:
"It's nothing, I just think your outfit is so dazzling and cute, especially those high heels—did you make them yourself?"
"I made them myself, what exactly are you trying to say?"
"Such wonderful craftsmanship, please you must teach me sometime!" Aesc smiled sweetly, "May I, cute red fairy?"
"Ah, ah, uh..."
Baobhan Sith was startled by her sudden closeness.
Looking into those curious green eyes, at that innocent face full of admiration, made her a little embarrassed and she turned her head aside.
"...If your sense of aesthetics hasn't gone astray, then whenever I'm free I can teach you a bit of something."
No way, Baobhan Sith, why are you blushing! So you're actually the type who's easy to win over—are you about to be tamed by that young mother!
Eikou inwardly complained furiously.
Could this be the mother-daughter bond and conditioned reflex, that no matter what happens it can make your own daughter obedient, just one look is enough to recognize the charm and advantages of her own mother.
"Not right, I didn't come here to talk about these things!" Baobhan Sith finally reacted, "Mochizuki Eikou, where did you take my Mother-sama earlier?"
"Nothing much, she was busy with work so she went back early, no need to worry."
Eikou only gave a vague reply.
"Is that so..."
Baobhan Sith temporarily accepted this explanation, but in those gray eyes a trace of dissatisfaction appeared.
"It really makes me uncomfortable, why would a piece of trash like you know Mother-sama's whereabouts better than I do..."
"Because I'm handsome and full of charm?"
"Tch, you really dare to say that, you piece of trash... Oh right, do you have any plans for the long vacation after the midterm exams?"
She suddenly asked a very important question.
Eikou thought inwardly, of course—going to the beach with Gawain and the others, and by the way getting a motorcycle license——the premise being that the midterms go smoothly and he doesn't get dragged into a retake by Scathach-sensei.
"Is something the matter?"
"The long vacation after the midterm exams, reserve one day for me." Baobhan Sith spoke in a commanding tone.
Eikou was stunned: "Why?"
"It's about Mother-sama, anyway you just need to keep the time free." She stared at Eikou and said, "What, is that not okay?"
"..."
[Baobhan Sith wants to reserve a day in your schedule.]
[Wait until the five-day vacation after the midterm exams, perhaps the two of you will be able to spend a special time together.]
[Perhaps you can improve your relationship with Baobhan Sith...]
[Do you agree?]
He thought for a moment, inwardly saying so it's finally here, the Baobhan Sith route that had been quiet all this time is finally about to be triggered?
Very good, this time I must seize the chance, and push Baobhan Sith's affection to the maximum in one go!
"Umu, alright."
He spoke without hesitation,
"I'll try to keep a day free, but you better not break the promise yourself."
"Hmph, I should be the one saying that."
After speaking, Baobhan Sith turned and left. As she walked away she glanced at Aesc, and in her beautiful eyes there flashed a thoughtful look.
For some reason, she always felt a strong sense of familiarity.
Watching that fiery red hair flutter as she left, the small beautiful figure quickly disappeared down the hallway.
Seeing Baobhan Sith completely gone, Eikou took a deep breath.
Alright, then there's another reason to pass the midterm exams.
If he doesn't reach at least the average score, he won't be able to accept Baobhan Sith's invitation.
This concerns his Noble Phantasm, so he must think of every way to pass the exams!
By now, I, Mochizuki Eikou, should also have my own Noble Phantasm!
But in just a moment of distraction, Aesc had already trotted over to the group of Artorias nearby, successfully blending in.
"Nice to meet you," she narrowed her gentle eyes with a smile and greeted warmly, "are you all like me, fairies from Utopia?"
"Don't run over there, Morgan, that's the Artoria army you hate the most!"
Eikou quickly pulled her back.
Though he had sensed it long ago, Aesc—even Morgan now—truly they both really liked cute things after all!