The carpeted floor hushes my footsteps, my index finger lightly caresses the spine of books as I delve through every shelf. Here and there, I'll pull one out that grabs my interest. Soon enough, I can't even see over all the books in my arms.

Ohhh, this one looks interesting too- I place the stack down and slide it out.

Hmn?

The… Folleto?

My eyebrows furrow in concentration. A feeling of here, yet there makes my eyes bleary. But no matter how recognizable the term, for the life of me, I can't remember what it means.

Then why does this word tug at my chest like so…?

Continuing to stare at its cover doesn't reveal its secrets to me. In the end, I place it at the top of the pile and go a bit dazzled to the front desk.

“U-Uwah… So many…!”

“Hehe,” Flashing a bright smile towards Este, the thoughts from earlier drift away like a wisp of smoke. “I'll be back to get more right after. I just can't carry it all to my room in one go.”

She giggles into her hand, “You're so funny, Aeriea.”

And you're so cute, Este.

*

Heaving tomes and journals to my room proves to be quite the strenuous exercise. I’m exhausted from only two trips. Though in my defense, there’s five flights of steps in the way of each journey.

It’s evening, so I head to the dining area. Flush with excitement at what sort of meal will be prepared, I’m not disappointed when presented with a whole roast! Spotting Leila, I head over.

“Aeriea!” She jumps up and we hold hands excitedly.

“Leila! It’s been far too long.”

The two of us easily settle into conversation as we eat, it’s as though we have never parted. I suppose we never really did, what with all the letters exchanged.

“Though I must say, while I thought my year’s students was indeed special… Yours is even more so!”

“Ah yes. You have the Second Prince of Gardein in your grade, correct?”

“Yes, yes. He is quite the prodigy." She waves it off, "But I’ve never seen him place anything other than first. Truly outstanding Aeriea, to have knocked him off gold. I always knew you were a bonafide genius!”

A few curious stares turn to look our way. This line of questioning is getting dangerous… The earlier encounter with Nott and the Kindred supremacists still fresh in my mind.

“Haha...ha... It must have been a fluke...”

How do I get myself out of this…?

Ah, right.

“Speaking of which, I saw your incredible display of charisma at settling the dispute with two girls arguing over their outfit yesterday.”

“Oh yes, their pieces were handcrafted by Sir Lionel himself. His designs possess such delicate charm and detail!”

Ah no… I was talking about you, not the dresses… Well, whatever. Topic successfully averted.

Oh my, she’s started her passionate monologue about fashion again. Haha, what a girl.