Lecture is in the heart of discussion. Professor Thoreau is speaking about the recently signed treaty between Humans, Fairfolk, and Kindred.

Well, recent being two decades past.

Although Humans and Sunrian Fairfolk negotiated peace after The War of Centuria, it took many laborious constellation-cycles, and the effort of many great beings to soothe tension between the three species. With the Unseelie Fairfolk being the last to agree to this accord.

Such an interesting topic... Or it would be if half the words could enter my brain. Ceres is still hanging upon me as if her very life depended on it. “Pardon me, Princess Ceres… Could you please loosen your grip a little?”

She stares at me with her eyes that seem to focus on something much beyond the present. Confusion laces her features. “To you, it is just Ceres. After all, are we not simply friends, Aeya?”

…This is the first coherent sentence you have spoken to me, Princess~ How do you suppose we are already friends?

I decide it’d be best to just ignore her bizarre remark. “Well then… Ceres.”

To call a Princess by her given name on our first encounter… I blanch at the thought of Aristole's reaction if he were to find out.

“Please let go? I think I am losing blood circulation and all feeling in my arm…”

I don't understand why, but saying her name placates her somehow and she relaxes her hold.

Tilting her face upwards, she shows an absolutely angelic smile. I swear I could hear trumpets and harps play O Fortuna in the background!

So beautiful…!

Her happy expression blows all my misgivings away, leaving my head empty and full of bliss.

Ahaha~ I suppose being friends with her isn't so bad~

*

Prince Mercurius makes his presence known as soon as the bell tolls once more. Noticing Ceres still holding onto my arm, he gives a distressed smile. “Hello again, Lady Aeriea. Now then little sister, shall we go out to town today for lunch?”

A smile blooms on Ceres’ face like an orchid in pleasant sunshine.

Hmn? But why are you dragging me along…?

“S-Sister…” But before he could try to placate her into letting me go, Vani, Ru, and Fen walk into the class.

“Aey, settle this for us. Ru is saying that it’s inappropriate to try and sneak out tonight. But, what are rules except words imposed upon individuals! What is freedom without a healthy inquisition into the unknown! Right?”

Uh... What's happening?

Horusha sighs in woe, “You’re just trying to rationalize this with dressed-up words. There are incantations set around campus to prevent such things, so we would definitely be found out and punished…”

“Those are easy enough to rid.” Vaniriel shrugs disinterestedly.

“V-Vani… Please don’t egg him on any more than necessary… Aey, you’re the only other reasonable person. Please help me persuade them-”

The three turn to look at me, finally seeming to notice the girl clasped shut onto my arms.

I'm suddenly acutely aware of the odd sight this must juxtapose - a woman is snuggling into my chest fervently after all… Embarrassment heats my cheeks up the more I dwell on this thought.

“…” Vani’s eyes are unmoving on Ceres’ countenance, lukewarm and full of judgement.

“Oh my.” Ru brings his sleeves to his mouth.

“And I was the one labelled as a pervert when I suggested sneaking into the girl’s dorm?” Fen smirks and nudges Ru with mock theatrics.

“You’re so over-dramatic." I fire point-blank. “Also, you’re too loud. Probably half the school knows of your escape plan at this point.”

Already, I see a few people stop to noisily peer into the lecture hall. These nobles honestly have too much free time…

“Er, Princess-” I stop mid-sentence. “Ceres. May you please let go so I can join my friends for lunch?”

She looks up at me, wide-eyed as if the thought never crossed her mind. Her peach lips open slightly in surprise.

…Why do you look so shocked? You couldn’t have thought you could just stay on me for the rest of the day, right!?

Pouting a little bit, she lets go and walks away. “Bye bye, Aeya.”

Mercurius dubiously looks at Ceres, but bows and takes his leave with her. Even in the hall, I hear his utterances. “What's gotten into you all of a sudden, little sister?”

When they're out of earshot, Fen shakes his head. “You keep attracting weirdos, Aey.”

I hope you know you’re one of those weirdos, Fenrir.

“Ah right.” I begin as soon as we’re left alone, “I third the breakout vote.” Excitement courses through me at the thought of moonlit escapades and adventure rife with camaraderie. Vani tries to hide a smile.

“That’s our girl!” Fen ruffles my hair.

“Even you… All of you are Hellions.” Ru mutters behind his sleeves in exasperation, but the chimes on his antlers ring about.

Hmnnnnnn, Ru~ Stop trying to hide your laughter.

Fen and I grab each of his arms, pulling them away from his face to reveal his embarrassed smile. “S-Stop it guys…”