A few days passed quickly.
The streets were packed with excitement that day.
A dozen carriages, escorted by the knights' guard, rolled slowly down the road. Crowds swelled on both sides, all eyes fixed on the most ornate coach with gilded trim.
Under everyone's gaze, a violet-haired girl in a regal purple cloak and gown, wearing a crown, descended slowly with the help of her attendants.
"It's Her Highness the Princess! She's so beautiful!"
"Princess Henrietta!"
The commoners cheered, and Princess Henrietta waved warmly in greeting.
Students from Tristain Academy of Magic clustered around to watch as well.
"Eh, that's the princess of Tristain? She's not prettier than me. Right, Tabitha?" Kirche cast a glance at Henrietta, then flashed a confident smile.
Tabitha glanced back. "This one…" she murmured, noncommittal.
Kirche was gorgeous, yes, but Henrietta princess's status only heightened her allure.
"Your Highness…" Louise stood with Hayashi Maki among the onlookers. This parade was also a way to bolster the princess's popularity.
Still, the idea of riding around greeting people sounded exhausting. Being a princess wasn't easy. With the king dead and no son to inherit, Henrietta, the lone royal heir, was expected to take the throne.
As the nation's symbol, her safety was paramount, so the escort was large. The Griffin Knights hadn't come, but the royal knights' elites had.
After greeting the people, the princess's carriage rolled toward the academy and finally entered the grounds. Louise and the rest of the students returned as well, lining the lawn in neat ranks.
Headmaster Osman, with Colbert and the other instructors, knelt on one knee to welcome Her Highness. After the ceremonial words, the princess formally entered the academy and received the highest honors.
To slight her would be a grave insult to the crown—punishable by beheading. Like a department bracing for a leader's inspection, Osman handled it with utmost care.
The arrangements, however, were handled by the secretary Longueville—Matilda. Instructors and attendants alike worked attentively, hosting the princess and her knights.
Before they knew it, night fell.
After a bath, Hayashi Maki—now in modern pajamas—sat behind Louise, comb in hand, brushing her hair. After a few days of "training," Louise no longer got jealous over Tabitha and Kirche. While he brushed, she was obedient as could be. Quiet Louise really was the cutest.
"All set, Louise. Let's sleep."
"Mm."
Hearing the word "sleep," Louise reflexively pressed her legs together, feeling shy. Hayashi Maki was just about to "teach" the pure noble lady some special lessons when a knock sounded at the door.
Louise pouted. "Seriously—who shows up now?"
Hayashi Maki, thoughtful, smiled and went to open it. "Only one way to find out."
Louise puffed her cheeks. Hopefully not Kirche? As for Tabitha—she'd sometimes seen her waking up in Hayashi Maki's arms. Honestly. The usually deadpan Tabitha, sneaking into the bed while Louise slept—it made Louise wonder if she'd dreamed it. But no—she hadn't.
As soon as Hayashi Maki opened the door, a cloaked figure in a black hood slipped inside.
Louise stared, startled. "W-who are you?"
The figure spoke her name and grabbed her in a hug. "Louise!"
"Eh!"
"Louise—my dear Louise, Françoise!"
Eyes sparkling with emotion, the girl hugged her tight—her hood fell back to reveal a crown over violet hair and a flawless face. It was none other than Princess Henrietta of Tristain, who had been so warmly welcomed that afternoon.
Seeing her face, Louise jolted, pushed her back, and dropped to one knee. "Your Highness! You mustn't! To lower yourself to such a humble place—I have been terribly remiss!"
Henrietta looked at her sadly, took her hand, and pulled her up. "Don't be so stiff, Louise—we're childhood friends!"
She hugged her again. "Since Father died, I've had no one to confide in. Seeing you again—it's wonderful!"
"Your Highness…" Louise was moved—and even more anxious.
"Louise, I've never forgotten the time we spent together. Those were my happiest days." Back then, playing with Louise, every day was full of freedom and laughter. They'd even pledged to help each other without reservation if either fell into trouble.
With the princess so affectionate, Louise gripped her hand, voice trembling. "When I received your letter, I was shocked—I never expected you would truly come."
"I wanted to see you. I have so much to say," Henrietta said, dabbing at the corner of her eye.
Louise was about to comfort her when Hayashi Maki said evenly, "Your Highness, perhaps we should sit and talk properly?"
Louise glared. "Idiot—how rude! Kneel and pay your respects to Her Highness, now!"
Hayashi Maki rolled his eyes. Seeing her devoted princess, she was suddenly giving him orders? The girl had forgotten who the master was.
Henrietta smiled and shook her head. "It's alright, Louise."
"You must be Mr. Hayashi Maki, Louise's familiar. I permit you to remain as you are." She added, "Word of you has already reached me—I've long wanted to meet you."