Laughing down the hall, we make our way to the dining hall for lunch. As we settle ourselves at a free table, servants come to deliver our food. Sparrow, asparagus, and beetroot is spread before me - its aroma exquisite, its palate alluring.

I eagerly dig in and am rewarded with a heavenly taste.

What a truly wonderful day! It could not be going any better than this!

“Oh I’m quite curious about something Horusha. Do you happen to know Gunisha of the East?”

“Ah yes, her familia’s patriarch and matriarch are quite…” It’s brief but I see his smile twitch. “Something.”

Hmn? That’s an odd way to describe someone. If anything, that made me even more curious… Staaaare.

“E-Er, well you see. The Eastern Draconis nobility are known for their entertainment skills. My family in particular are quite renowned for this type of thing. So Gunisha’s familia… Hrm, how do I word this… They often request me. Much more than should be allowed.”

"That doesn't sound too bad."

“They also always gift me things incessantly… Trying to ask me to go on trips with them… Inviting me to their revels any chance they get… It’s actually gotten quite troublesome, they’re basically stalkers at this point…” He mutters the last part despairingly.

You're really loved, huh?

I hold my tongue back though. For he looks extremely weary just talking about it. Even I’m starting to feel tired looking at his expression.

“O-Oh right, I believe I’ve read this before. Anyone who sets their gaze upon any of the Four Polar Dances will be immediately mesmerized. On top of that, playing instruments and reciting poetry is another of your nobility’s specialties, correct?”

“Haha, as expected of the first rank. You’re well informed.”

Eh… What’s that got to do with anything…

Vaniriel interjects. “Even back then at the river, you had your face in a book. What is so fascinating about words on a page when you could go experience it firsthand.”

“Hmn. You have a point, Vani…”

She stops eating and looks at me in bewilderment.

Hey, I was given a weird nickname so it's only fair if I give you all one too! I ignore her glances and continue the conversation.

“Then… Can I ask to see you perform one day, Ru?”

Horusha's eyelashes flutter wide. He brings his sleeve to his mouth, but I can tell he’s smiling from the crease by his eyes. “It would be my pleasure.”

“Oh, I’d like to see that too.” Fenrir pipes up.

“Hey, this is why I mistook you for a butler, Fen. What kind of Kindred aristocrat speaks with food still stuffed in his mouth?”

“Hey, that’s rude.” He wraps an arm around my shoulder before using the other to dishevel my hair. “I only recently turned. I was a Human until two constellation-cycles ago.”

“Ahhhh, what is this fearsome attack!?” Flinging my arms about proves to be useless as he easily dodges my hands. “Anyways, two years is more than enough to learn proper manners!” I shout in annoyance.

He chuckles in that boyish way, sounding almost like a scoff than a laugh. The other two just continue eating in peace. Hey! If you two aren’t going to save me, at least pretend to be worried!

But I see... So he was recently turned. That would explain Fen not being used to waking up in the mornings.

He finally stops his assault and holds his stomach as if in pain from laughing too much, “Ravens Aey, your hair-!” Before his laughter fills up the whole hall.

W-What?

Feeling my cheeks grow warm, I try to smooth my hair down. But of course, with my curly hair being the hard to manage thing it is, pops back out like a spring.

The other two look at me.

Vani immediately turns away while Ru holds both sleeves to his mouth… But I see them both shaking! It’s actually a lot more hurtful seeing you trying so hard to keep your laughter in…!