During the quiet holiday break, Sora stayed in his room reading. All his books had been borrowed from the academy library—with Tabasa's recommendations, of course. History, culture, local customs, and magical theory filled his desk. They were essential for understanding not only this world's magic but also its people.
The peace didn't last long.
Bang! The door burst open. Louise stood there, wand in hand, under the astonished stares of a few boys in the corridor.
"S–Sora! Come with me to the royal palace!"
"Huh? The palace?"
She didn't bother explaining. Grabbing his hand in both of hers, she pulled him out of the room, leaving his book half-open and his thoughts still on the chapter he was reading. He only managed to snatch up his familiar's card—Delphin—before being dragged out the door.
They climbed into a carriage waiting at the academy gates.
"So," Sora asked as they settled in, "mind telling me what this is about?"
Louise's eyes sparkled. "Her Highness Princess Anrietta summoned us herself! She said she has a mission for me. Isn't that wonderful? I've always wanted to do something that could truly help her!"
"Oh, Anrietta, huh…" Sora leaned back, unconvinced. He wasn't nearly as excited. Whatever the princess wanted from Louise, it probably wasn't something that would interest him personally.
The royal capital lay half a day's ride from the academy. By the time they arrived, the sun hung overhead, gleaming off the massive white-stone palace that dominated the city's skyline. It perched upon the highest hill, visible even from the outer gates—a commanding view for whoever ruled within.
The carriage stopped outside the palace walls. Louise practically leapt out, dragging Sora through the streets and up toward the castle gates. She paused briefly to fix her hair, take a breath, and compose herself before approaching the guards.
"I am Louise Vallière," she declared. "Her Royal Highness Princess Anrietta has summoned me and my familiar."
The guard smiled warmly. "Miss Vallière! Please, come in. Her Highness has been expecting you."
Sora followed Louise toward the entrance—but another guard stepped forward and raised his hand.
"Wait. You can't bring a sword inside the palace."
Sora shrugged, unbuckled the weapon, and handed it over. "No problem."
"Thank you, sir," the guard said, taking it. "It'll be returned when you leave."
Inside, the palace bustled with quiet grandeur—polished marble floors, tall golden-framed windows, and the faint scent of expensive oils. Servants and maids moved with calm precision between corridors while nobles and dignitaries passed by in elegant conversation.
A short-haired female swordsman armored across the chest approached them. "You must be Miss Vallière," she said crisply. "I've been instructed to escort you and your familiar to Her Highness."
Even from her tone and bearing, Sora could tell she was skilled—and equally sure she was definitely a woman beneath the steel and discipline. A shame she wasn't one of those graceful dark-haired knight types. The severe soldier look lost a few points in his mind.
As Sora quietly appraised her, the swordswoman noticed and frowned. "Is there something on my face?"
He coughed and turned away. "No, nothing at all."
They were led into a side hall where the princess awaited.
Seated on an elegant stone chair, Princess Anrietta rose the moment she saw Louise approach. A bright smile spread across her face.
"Oh, Louise! It's so good to see you again!"
Louise stepped forward eagerly, embracing her. "Me too, Anrietta! It's an honor to be here."
Sora, meanwhile, wandered toward the edge of the chamber, pretending to study the tapestries while the two women caught up like childhood friends reunited after years apart.
After a few minutes, Anrietta released Louise's hands but kept her warm smile.
"Louise… can I trust you?"
"Of course," Louise said immediately. "My loyalty to you is absolute."
Anrietta's expression softened, then turned solemn. "There have been troubling rumors in the capital lately—accusations that some nobles are insulting and mistreating common citizens. I want you to go undercover among the people for a short time and find out if it's true."
"Yes, Your Highness! Leave it to me!" Louise answered without hesitation, her eyes glittering with determination.
Sora let out a mild snort. "Nobles bullying commoners? You don't need to investigate that to know it happens. But it's usually small-fry nobility without education or sense. The real elite wouldn't lower themselves that way—especially not a princess like you, Your Highness."
Anrietta chuckled softly. "My, what a bold familiar you have. I'll take that as a compliment." Her tone was teasing, but her eyes glittered with curiosity. "Then, I'll ask you, Mr. Sora—protect Louise during this mission."
"You don't even have to ask." Sora grinned, slipping an arm around Louise's slender waist and pulling her close. "Because Louise is my woman."
"Wha—! Y-you… what are you saying?!" Louise's face went crimson as she shoved him away, trembling in outrage. "Shameless! Absolutely shameless!"
Sora only smiled mischievously.
Anrietta watched the exchange quietly, an unreadable look flickering in her eyes before she turned her gaze away.
"I see…" she murmured at last, her voice faint. Louise and that man… if I were a prince instead of a princess… would I still give her up so easily?
Louise curtsied neatly. "Your Highness, then we'll take our leave." She leaned forward, brushing her lips faintly against Anrietta's cheek—a light kiss in farewell—and turned to go. Sora followed at her side.
As the doors closed, Anrietta lifted her fingers to touch the spot Louise had kissed. Her heart fluttered painfully.
Ah, Louise… my lovely, beloved Louise. How can I ever let you go?