The sudden announcement of the specialized class during Babel's entrance ceremony had likely thrown everything into disarray. Consequently, the individual entrance ceremonies for each academy were delayed by a few more days.
Today was the entrance ceremony for Ouboro Academy—the one we would be attending.
Having left Faf in Anna's care, I was now walking up the slope toward the academy grounds alongside Rose.
"Kai, please remember to—"
"Exercise restraint, right? Yes, I know."
Given how little faith she seemed to have in me, I had been hearing that exact same warning since dawn.
"You say that, but didn't you just beat down the son of Lorelei's Prime Minister right in front of a crowd?"
She gave me a deadpan side-eye, presenting a fact that was rather awkward for me to defend.
"I held back plenty."
Besides, he hadn't struck me as an irredeemable scoundrel. If anything, I felt I had been quite considerate in my discipline. The rest had been left up to the boy's own decision, but seeing as nothing had come of it since, it seemed we wouldn't be plunging into war with Lorelei anytime soon.
"I suppose..."
Rose let out a sigh that bordered on pure resignation.
"Anyway, aren't you quite the center of attention?"
The students heading up the hill were sneaking glances at us, whispering incessantly among themselves.
"Yes. It falls well within expectations."
As expected of royalty, she was thoroughly accustomed to being in the public eye. Rose continued walking calmly, paying them no heed whatsoever.
Further up the slope, my eyes caught sight of a small animal huddling in fear amid the crowd of students, timidly scanning her surroundings as she trudged forward.
Hm. That was Lumine. To think that girl—a literal bundle of social anxiety—was walking to school all on her own.
I had fully assumed Laila would be picking her up and dropping her off.
Then again, it wasn't as though Laila could stay glued to her side forever. Weaning herself off her older sister figure was a trial Lumine would have to face sooner or later. This was probably a good opportunity for her. Even so...
"Rose, let's catch up to her."
There was no need to push things too hard on the very first day.
"Understood."
Catching my drift, Rose offered a small smile, nodded, and followed behind me.
"Morning, Lumine."
"—!"
When I called out to her from behind, her shoulders jumped in surprise. She whirled around, a flash of relief washing over her face the moment she saw me. But just as quickly, she forced her features back into her usual sullen scowl, averted her eyes, and snapped.
"Don't talk to me so casually!"
Out came the customary venom.
"Come now, don't be like that. It's not as if we're strangers."
Falling into step on Lumine's left, I answered in an easy tone.
Given her contrary nature, she would never walk quietly to school with me unless I pushed the matter a little.
"..."
Lumine gave a faint nod with her head down, then reached out and took hold of my uniform sleeve.
Just as I was marveling at such docile compliance from the usually stubborn Lumine, she pressed her bright red face against my right arm, clinging to it as we walked.
Hmm, this was quite bewildering. Lately, the sharp edges Lumine kept turned toward me had vanished; it felt as if she had reverted to the clingy, lonely little girl she used to be. Above all, I couldn't imagine that overprotective Laila refusing to escort her. Lumine had undoubtedly chosen to walk alone of her own accord—a choice unthinkable for her not so long ago.
"..."
Noticing Rose watching us with a flat stare, I asked,
"What is it?"
I tried to probe her meaning, but...
"No, it's nothing..."
Rose simply looked away, muttering her reply.