Chapter 22 Beating Around The Bush

Shivers detonate through my spine, intuition exploding with bad premonition.

Ah.

I spot Nott and Sól looking our way.

Oh no, I-I accidentally made eye contact with then…! Whipping my eyes away, I wonder if maybe they didn't notice…!

Peek.

A gaggle of Kindred aristocracy follow in their footsteps as they walk towards our table. Lady Luck, why have you forsaken me so!

Glancing at my new-found friends conversing much too seriously about whether sneaking into the girls dormitory tonight would be plausible…. I can't help but have a very bad feeling about this…

“Hey, you.” Nott grumbles.

“Mind your manners, little brother. Good day Aeriea.”

By the way, the name Sól is also the personification of day. That is...

The Goddess of Day.

“Pfft- Ahem. Good day, Prince Sól, Prince Nott.”

Sól nods his head towards me and then greets the others, “I'm Sól Amaryllis and this is my younger brother, Nott.”

Fenrir goes wide-eyed. “Wow. The princes, huh?”

“Hello, First and Second Prince. My name is Horusha of the East.” Ru bows politely.

“Vaniriel.”

“Ah, right. Apologies for my rudeness.” Fen scratches his head and bows, “I'm Fenrir Carnellium.”

I notice the other girl who was making a commotion over matching outfits with Margot during the aptitude exam. Her dress today looks like a bell flower, mauve twin-tails in tight curls.

She's flanking Nott's side. “What are you doing, Fenrir? As a just-turned Kin, I'll give you some advice as your senior. You are shaming the Carnelliums by sitting with this lot.”

Fen's smile darkens at this. But Vani and Ru don't even bat an eyelash at her.

“Shut your mouth, Sigyn.” Nott states.

She looks unhappily at him, but wordlessly harumphs and turns her head away from him.

“Haha… Did this humble table attract you so much that you'd like to switch seats, Sól, Nott?” I try to ease the air by joking a bit, but the other Kindred seem to bristle at me for addressing them so casually.

“All the tables are the same, Aeriea.” Sól replies.

Nott deadpans at how my words fly over his older brother's head. He then abruptly walks over to Fenrir. “Move, mutt.”

Fen looks so surprised that it seems the words don't process and he’s rooted to the spot. Nott begins glowering at him, a dark aura swirls around.

Why's the atmosphere so intense…!? I just want to enjoy this lovely meal in peace. Because of you two, the taste of this food is turning to ash on my tongue. Just miss lunch! I begin cursing them internally with the same fervor as I do for Aristole.

“Perfect, Prince Nott! Show that inferior Kin how to behave as a proper aristocrat!” Sigyn and the others gush out similar phrases.

Power churns and condenses. Although it's not directed at me, fear begins overtaking my senses as well. My knees begin quivering, a cold sweat gathers at my brow. Every detail on my surroundings focuses as I become attuned to everyone around me. Each bated breath and uncomfortable shuffle is made aware of itself to me.

Fen's face blanches, he abruptly looks down at the ground and steps aside.

I gulp.

Nott plunges into the seat beside me.

“…”

What… So you just wanted to sit with us…

I can only describe the gathered Kindreds’ expressions as one of pure shock right now… My deepest condolences to you all for having such an idiotic prince.

Vani looks at him with her usual blàse ambiance and doesn't say anything. Fen blinks a few times, his eyes looking like they died a bit inside. “What… Scaring me like that when you just wanted to join us…”

Sól then turns to Sigyn, asking the Kindred to bring him another chair…

What… You too?

Ru chuckles behind his sleeves, bells jingling about in merriment. As soon as the two are settled in, Nott sends a glare at the crowd and they quickly disperse.

Lunch quickly becomes awkward. Well for me anyways. Even if you guys are easily chatting, why is it only me that can notice all these stares directed at us and having to feel uncomfortable!?

I glare at Fen, feeling a bit betrayed.

You were just stared down and basically lost a fight of dominance, Fen. Not to mention, you were bad-mouthed by the other Kindred… Aren't you way too carefree?

Even though, the other three are talking as usual... Nott simply grunts if he's asked anything, his intense eyes always look like they're glaring. On the other hand, Sól’s answers are overly-polite, his mannerisms seemingly cold and distant…

Seriously, what are you two dolts doing? What's the point of joining us if you're not even going to talk?

Well, at least today's dessert looks appetizing. The strawberry soufflé placed in front of me gives off a fresh and tantalizing scent. Cutting a bite-sized piece, I place a forkful of it into my mouth.

Mmm~

I quickly exhale my misgivings away and try to rejoin the conversation.