The next morning arrived quietly. Golden sunlight filtered through the dorm window as the aroma of breakfast filled the room, Keith had already been awake for a while. He had freshened up, finished cooking, and was setting the plates on the table when he glanced toward the upper bunk.
"Maki."
A sleepy groan answered him.
"...Mmm..."
"Breakfast's ready."
A few seconds later, a messy head of silver hair peeked over the edge of the bunk.
"...Morning."
Keith smiled.
"Morning."
Maki climbed down, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and disappeared into the bathroom to freshen up. Several minutes later she returned, now dressed for the day with her silver hair neatly brushed, she sat across from Keith and the two quietly began eating. For a few moments, only the clinking of cutlery filled the room.
Then—
"Keith?"
"Yeah?"
She took another bite before looking up at him.
"...How about we go to my place today?"
Keith nearly choked on his breakfast.
"COUGH—"
He grabbed his cup and quickly washed the food down.
"No way!"
Maki blinked.
"But why?"
Keith sighed.
"There's no way I'm walking into the Eldridge Manor as a mere commoner."
Her cheerful expression softened.
"...Okay."
She looked down at her plate.
"That kind of hurts."
Keith immediately felt guilty.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that."
He scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"It's just...I don't know how I'd act around people that important."
Maki looked back at him.
"My parents are just as friendly as yours."
She smiled reassuringly.
"I promise, you won't be ridiculed."
Keith hesitated.
"...And if I am?"
The question caught her completely off guard, her smile disappeared. Then she slowly lowered her gaze.
"...Then..."
She clasped her hands together.
"I'll do everything in my power to make it up to you."
Her voice was quiet.
Sincere.
There wasn't a trace of joking in it, Keith looked at her for a long moment before letting out a small sigh.
"Do you really want to spend your whole weekend with me?"
Maki answered immediately.
"With you..."
She smiled gently.
"It's not really a waste."
Keith blinked.
For just a second his heart skipped a beat.
She'd said it so naturally as though spending time with him was something she genuinely looked forward to. He quickly looked away, trying to hide the faint blush creeping onto his face.
"...Fine."
He sighed in defeat.
"We can go."
Maki's face instantly lit up.
"Yay!"
She pumped her fist into the air before jumping to her feet.
"I'll go get ready!"
She hurried into the bathroom, humming happily to herself. About twenty minutes later, she emerged after taking a shower and changing into a casual blue dress with a light white jacket. Her silver hair shimmered beautifully in the morning sunlight.
Keith glanced at her.
"...Ready?"
"Yep!"
She walked toward the door before suddenly stopping.
"Oh!"
Keith looked up.
"What?"
She turned to face him with a surprisingly serious expression.
"We need to agree on something first."
Keith raised an eyebrow.
"...About what?"
She pointed at him.
"We are not sharing a dorm."
Keith blinked.
"...Really?"
A teasing smile slowly spread across his face.
"Still embarrassed about what my parents said yesterday?"
Maki immediately shook her head.
"No."
She sighed dramatically.
"It's much worse than that."
Keith folded his arms.
"...How?"
"My dad."
She pointed toward herself.
"If he finds out I'm living alone with a boy..."
She paused.
"...He'll probably buy the principal just to move me into another dorm."
Keith stared at her for a second, then a mischievous grin appeared on his face.
"...Wow."
"What?"
"Now I'm seriously considering telling him."
Maki froze.
"..."
Her shoulders slowly slumped. She looked genuinely disappointed.
"...Keith."
"Hm?"
"You want to get rid of me?"
The way she asked it sounded so unexpectedly dejected that Keith immediately felt a stab of guilt.
"...I was joking."
He sighed.
"I don't want to get rid of you."
Maki looked up hopefully.
"...Really?"
"Really."
A smile slowly returned to her face.
"Good."
She folded her arms proudly.
"Because I'm an excellent roommate."
Keith chuckled.
"...Debatable."
"What?"
"Look at you proudly spitting lies."
She grinned.
"And yet..."
She pointed at him.
"...You'd miss me if I moved out."
Keith opened his mouth to deny it.
"..."
Nothing came out, Maki's grin widened.
"I knew it."
Keith sighed in surrender.
"...Let's just get going before you start celebrating."
"Too late."
She raised both hands triumphantly.
"Victory!"
Keith simply shook his head with a smile as the two left the dorm together, ready for another eventful weekend.
The academy gates slowly disappeared behind them as the two walked side by side beneath the clear blue sky, unlike the previous day, neither of them was in any particular hurry. The weekend had turned the capital into a lively sea of people. Street performers entertained children, merchants called out to passing customers, and the scent of grilled meat drifted through the air.
Keith stuffed his hands into his pockets.
"So..."
Maki looked at him.
"So?"
"...How far is the Eldridge Manor?"
She thought for a moment.
"If we walk?"
"Yeah."
"...About an hour."
Keith's shoulders dropped.
"An hour?"
She nodded cheerfully.
"Yep."
"...You nobles really like building your houses as far away from everyone else as possible."
"It's called having privacy."
"It's called making visitors suffer."
Maki laughed.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that."
Keith sighed dramatically.
The two continued walking. After several minutes, Keith glanced sideways.
"So..."
"What are your parents actually like?"
Maki smiled.
"My dad?"
"He's loud."
Keith blinked.
"Loud?"
"He laughs loudly, talks loudly, gets excited loudly, also cries loudly."
"...Your father cries?"
"Oh yeah."
She nodded confidently, Keith stared at her for several seconds.
"...I don't know if you're making this up."
"I'm not."
Keith slowly began walking again.
"...Your family is weird."
"Takes one to know one."
"My family isn't weird."
"Your mom nearly squeezed the life out of you yesterday."
"..."
"...That's different."
"It really isn't."
Keith couldn't argue.
"So? What about your mother?"
Maki's expression softened.
"Mom's..."
She smiled fondly.
"...Really gentle."
"She always worries about everyone. Whenever someone gets sick, she's the first one beside them, whenever someone's sad she's somehow already there before they even ask for help."
Keith smiled.
"She sounds nice."
"She is."
"And my siblings..."
She laughed quietly.
"They're all hopeless in their own ways."
Keith chuckled.
"...Sounds familiar."
"Really?"
"My parents say the same thing about me."
"I believe them."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
A comfortable silence settled between them.
After a while, Keith spoke again.
"...There's something I've been wondering."
"Hm?"
"Why did you choose that abandoned dorm?"
Maki froze for the briefest moment, she certainly couldn't tell him the real reason.
'Because I wanted somewhere private enough to sneak out at night and go dungeon raiding.'
Instead, she casually shrugged.
"It looked peaceful."
Keith nodded slowly.
"...Makes sense. Most nobles would've chosen the fancy dorms."
She smiled.
"I don't really like crowds."
"Neither do I."
Another silence followed, then Maki suddenly grinned.
"Besides..."
"Hm?"
"If I hadn't picked that dorm..."
She pointed at him.
"...You would've ended up somewhere else."
Keith blinked.
"..I didn't actually pick that dorm."
"What really?"
"Apparently all the other dorms were occupied and I was this close to being a go home student."
"Wow call me lucky."
"You?"
"Yes, it means other students would've eaten your breakfast every morning."
"I highly doubt that."
"And I got the privilege of having it every morning."
"You say that like it's a benefit."
"It is."
"For who?"
"For me."
Keith laughed.
"I walked into that one."
They rounded another corner, leaving the busy market behind. The streets gradually widened, the homes became larger, iron fences surrounded beautifully maintained gardens, elegant carriages occasionally rolled past. Keith swallowed.
"...This neighborhood feels expensive."
"It is."
"I suddenly feel underdressed."
"You look fine."
"I feel underdressed."
"You still look fine."
Keith sighed.
"...You're not helping."
Maki smiled mischievously.
"Want me to make you feel better?"
"...How?"
She leaned closer.
"My dad's probably going to hug you."
Keith froze.
"...Excuse me?"
"He likes hugging people."
"No."
"He hugged one of our gardeners because the roses bloomed."
"...No."
"He hugged my fencing instructor after losing to him."
"...No."
Keith looked horrified.
"...You're lying."
"I'm really not."
Keith slowly looked toward the sky.
"...Why do both our parents attack people with affection?"
Maki burst into laughter.
"I don't know!"
Keith sighed.
"...I'm scared."
"You should be."
"I was hoping you'd comfort me."
"I am."
"...How?"
"I'm warning you in advance."
Keith couldn't help laughing.
"...Fair enough."
The two continued toward the grand district of the capital, completely unaware that somewhere ahead several pairs of eyes had already noticed Lady Maki Eldridge walking beside an unfamiliar commoner and not everyone watching them was friendly.
A carriage beside them. Keith was shocked and asked.
"Have they stopped coz of you?"
Maki shrugged.
"Probably."
Someone stepped out the carriage. It was a woman dressed in a maid's outfit with short black hair, purple eyes who looked like she was in her early 20s. She walked up to them.
"Lady Maki." She bowed. "Why do you to travel on foot, you could've asked for a carriage from his lordship."
"It's fine Maria, I just wanted to stretch a little." She answered casually.
"Might that be a friend of yours young miss?"
Maki's expression shifted to something exciting in a matter of seconds.
"This is my friend Keith, Keith? I'd like to introduce you to one of our maid's Maria."
"Hi, it's nice to meet you." Keith bowed.
"And the pleasure is mine. Lady Maki do you mind heading back home in the carriage from here on?"
"Sure why not."
"Splendid." Said Maria.
Keith and Maki got in the carriage. The carriage rolled steadily through the capital, its wheels humming softly over the stone roads before gradually transitioning onto a smoother countryside path, morning sunlight poured through the windows, warming the wooden interior. Keith sat across from Maki, arms folded.
"...You're awfully quiet."
Maki shrugged.
"Just enjoying the scenery."
"...That's suspicious."
"It is?"
"You've been quiet for almost ten minutes."
"I can be quiet."
"I've known you for a week."
"...Fair point."
Keith smirked.
"I knew it."
Maki leaned against the window, watching the passing fields.
"You know..."
"What?"
"I've never actually gone somewhere with a friend before."
Keith blinked.
"... Yeah I realized that yesterday?"
She nodded.
"Most of my childhood was spent attending noble gatherings."
She made a face.
"Those things are painfully boring."
"I imagine."
"Everyone smiles."
"Sounds nice."
"They're fake smiles."
"...Ah."
"They compliment each other while secretly competing."
Keith nodded.
"That... sounds exhausting."
"It is."
She sighed dramatically.
"You know what noble children usually talked about?"
"What?"
"'My family's influence is greater than yours.'"
"'Father recently acquired another estate.'"
"'Our knights are stronger than yours.'"
Keith chuckled.
"...Seriously?"
"I'm not even exaggerating."
She shivered.
"It was torture."
Keith laughed.
"So what did you do?"
"I escaped."
"...Escaped?"
"Whenever I could."
She grinned proudly.
"I'd sneak into the kitchens."
"To eat?"
"To eat."
"..."
"...Understandable."
"I also climbed trees."
Keith looked surprised.
"...Trees?"
"Yep."
"...In a dress?"
"...That part wasn't exactly appreciated."
Keith laughed.
"I can imagine."
"My tutors hated me."
"I'm beginning to understand why."
"They'd spend hours teaching noble etiquette."
She straightened her posture elegantly.
"'Lady Maki, a proper noble lady should sit like this.'"
She suddenly slouched like a lazy teenager.
"And the moment they looked away..."
Keith burst into laughter.
"You really were impossible."
"I still am."
"No argument there."
Maki looked out the window again.
"You know..."
"Hm?"
"I always got along better with the servants than the nobles."
Keith looked at her.
"They treated me normally."
"..."
"They'd scold me if I tracked mud into the house, they'd laugh when I climbed rooftops, sneak me extra desserts."
She smiled fondly.
"They were fun."
Keith smiled.
"...That sounds more like the Maki I know."
"The Maki you know is the real one."
A comfortable silence settled between them.
Then, Maki suddenly snapped her fingers.
"Oh!"
Keith sighed.
"...There she is."
"What?"
"The quiet version lasted exactly twelve minutes."
"That's a new personal record."
Keith shook his head.
"I'm almost impressed."
A few minutes later, the carriage rolled past a wide meadow filled with wildflowers. Maki pressed her face against the window like an excited child.
"Dude."
"What?"
"Cows."
Keith looked outside.
"...Yes."
"They're just standing there."
"...That's generally what cows do."
She nodded thoughtfully.
"They're living the dream."
Keith blinked.
"...The dream?"
"No homework, no politics, no dungeon monsters, they just eat grass."
She sighed wistfully.
"I respect that lifestyle."
Keith laughed so hard he nearly doubled over.
"You... respect cows?"
"I aspire to their peace of mind."
"You are unbelievable."
"I know."
She smiled proudly.
For a moment Keith simply watched her.
The excitement.
The carefree grin.
The way she found something fascinating in absolutely everything. It reminded him of..
Akira.
His old friend had been exactly the same.
Always able to turn the most ordinary things into an adventure. Keith's smile softened.
"...You really would've gotten along with him."
Maki looked back.
"Hm?"
Keith shook his head.
"...Nothing."
She studied him for a moment before smiling.
"... You're thinking about something, c'mon spill."
Keith blinked.
"...Was it that obvious?"
"Obviously, you're making a nostalgic face right now."
He looked away with a small smile.
"...Maybe, you remind me of an old friend of mine. He meant a lot to me."
Maki rested her chin on her hand.
"He must've been important."
"...Yeah, the most important friend I ever had."
She nodded quietly.
"...Lucky guy."
Keith chuckled.
"...Actually, he probably would've liked you."
Maki felt her heart skip a beat.
"...Really?"
"Yeah."
"He was loud."
She laughed softly.
"Sounds familiar."
"He'd say the weirdest things with complete confidence."
"...Definitely familiar."
"And somehow..."
Keith smiled to himself.
"He always made ordinary days memorable."
Maki's smile remained, but for a brief instant it became different.
Smaller.
Gentler.
"...He sounds like a really amazing friend."
Keith nodded.
"He was."
His gaze drifted outside the carriage.
"I never really got to tell him that."
The carriage fell quiet. Maki lowered her eyes.
"...I'm sure he knew."
Keith let out a small laugh.
"...I hope so."
Maria, who had been sitting across from them, quietly watched the exchange without interrupting. She had served the Eldridge family for years and knew Maki better than most.
Yet...
This was the first time she'd seen the young lady sit so quietly while listening to someone else talk. She smiled to herself.
"Young Miss has really found someone precious."
The carriage continued forward, the city scenery slowly disappeared behind them, replaced by vast green fields and elegant estates belonging to the kingdom's nobility.
Soon...
A pair of enormous iron gates appeared in the distance, golden crests were engraved across them. Behind the gates stretched a stone road lined with perfectly trimmed hedges, fountains, and rows of flowering trees. At the very end stood an enormous white manor, Keith's jaw slowly dropped.
"..."
"..."
"...That's a house?"
Maki looked out the window.
"Oh, we're here."
Keith pointed at the mansion.
"That's not a house!"
"It's where I live."
"That's practically a castle!"
Maria giggled politely.
"It is considerably smaller than His Lordship's official residence in the capital."
Keith slowly turned toward her.
"...There's... another one?"
"There is."
Keith leaned back against his seat.
"...I'm never complaining about cleaning my room again."
Maki couldn't help laughing.
"Relax. It's just home."
"JUST HOME?!"
The carriage slowed before the massive gates, two armored guards immediately recognized the Eldridge crest. The moment they noticed Maki inside they stood perfectly straight.
"Lady Maki has returned!"
The gates slowly swung open.
CRRRRREEEAAAK—
Keith watched in amazement as the carriage rolled through, there were training grounds large enough to host dozens of knights.
Beautiful gardens bursting with colorful flowers, elegant marble fountains even a sparkling lake farther inside the estate.
"...How many people live here?"
Maki tilted her head.
"I've honestly never counted."
Keith stared.
"...You never counted?"
"I usually get lost before I can."
"You... get lost...Inside your own home?"
"...Sometimes."
Keith covered his face.
"Only you..."
Maria smiled warmly.
"It is quite a large estate."
Several maids working in the gardens noticed the carriage approaching. One after another they bowed respectfully.
"Welcome home, Lady Maki!"
"Good morning, Lady Maki!"
"We're happy to see you safely returned!"
Maki rolled down the window and waved enthusiastically.
"Morning, everyone!"
The servants smiled brightly. Keith noticed something.
"...They're genuinely happy to see you."
Maki blinked.
"Hm?"
"They're smiling for real."
She looked at the servants, then smiled back.
"...Yeah, they're family too."
Keith quietly watched the interactions.
No fear.
No forced politeness.
Just genuine affection.
It wasn't what he'd expected from one of the kingdom's greatest noble houses. The carriage finally came to a gentle stop before the grand staircase leading to the entrance.
Maria stepped down first before opening the carriage door.
"We've arrived, Young Miss."
"Finally."
She stretched lazily.
The carriage came to a gentle stop before the towering gates of the Eldridge Estate. As Keith and Maki stepped out, every servant within sight immediately bowed with practiced grace.
"Welcome home, Lady Maki."
"Welcome back, Young Miss."
The greetings echoed one after another, filled with genuine respect rather than mere obligation. Naturally, it didn't take long before curious whispers began spreading among the staff.
"Lady Maki brought home a guest."
"He's quite a handsome young man."
"I've never seen the young miss bring a friend home before."
"I just hope he doesn't encourage any more of her troublemaking..."
Keith tried his best to keep a calm expression, but the sheer scale of the welcome made him increasingly nervous.
Maki noticed immediately, she leaned closer with a small smile.
"Keith."
"...Yeah?"
"Relax."
"Easy for you to say."
She let out a soft giggle.
"You'll be fine."
Keith took a slow breath and nodded.
"...I'm trusting you."
Together they walked through the enormous front gates. Keith's eyes widened almost immediately, the estate stretched farther than he could see. Perfectly trimmed gardens surrounded elegant stone pathways, crystal fountains shimmered beneath the morning sun.
Rows of vibrant flowers lined every walkway while towering trees provided cool shade over the grounds. The mansion itself stood proudly at the center, its white walls gleaming brilliantly beneath the blue sky, with tall pillars, countless windows, and intricate architecture that looked more like a royal palace than a private residence. Keith unconsciously stopped walking.
"...It's amazing."
Maki smiled proudly.
"I know, right?"
She spread her arms dramatically.
"Welcome to my humble home."
Keith slowly turned toward her.
"...This place is anything but humble."
He looked back at the mansion.
"It's absolutely grand."
Maki burst into laughter.
"Hahaha!"
"Wow..."
She pointed at him with a grin.
"Your honesty is absolutely golden."
Keith scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
"...Really?"
"Yep."
She smiled warmly.
"I love that side of you."
Keith felt his cheeks grow warm.
"...Thanks."
Before either of them could continue—
"Well..."
A familiar voice echoed through the entrance hall.
"Look who's finally home."
Keith and Maki looked ahead. Standing gracefully at the top of the staircase was a beautiful young woman with long silver hair flowing down her back and brilliant sapphire-blue eyes that closely resembled Maki's. She carried herself with refined elegance, wearing a noble blue dress that perfectly suited her composed demeanor.
Yet despite her graceful appearance there was a mischievous glint in her eyes. She looked almost like an older version of Maki.
The moment Maki saw her—
"MARIA!!!"
BOOOM!
A burst of Water Jet propelled her forward like a cannonball. Keith's eyes widened.
"Wait—"
Too late.
Maki crashed straight into the young woman with a powerful hug.
"Big sis!"
Maria staggered back a single step before effortlessly catching her little sister. She laughed softly as she wrapped an arm around Maki.
"Hold on."
She gently patted Maki's head.
"It's only been a week, you missed me that much already?"
Maki buried her face against her shoulder.
"Hmph. Don't pretend."
She looked up with a smug grin.
"You missed me even more."
Maria smiled helplessly.
"...Guilty."
She flicked Maki lightly on the forehead.
"Of course I missed you."
She laughed.
"Who wouldn't miss the little menace that turns this entire estate upside down?"
Maki gasped dramatically.
"I'm not a menace!"
Maria raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Should I remind you about the time you flooded Father's office because you wanted to 'test a bigger Water Ball?'"
"..."
"Or when you somehow convinced the kitchen staff to help you bake fifty honey pies?"
"..."
"Or when you climbed onto the roof because you wanted to 'see if birds judged people?'"
Keith slowly looked toward Maki.
"...You did all that?"
Maki coughed awkwardly.
"...Allegedly."
Maria laughed.
"There she is, my adorable little troublemaker."
Maki pouted.
"I prefer 'adventurous.'"
"That's not the word Father used."
"It should've been."
The sisters laughed together, their easy banter making it obvious how close they were, only then did Maria's gaze shift toward Keith. Her warm smile remained, though it became noticeably more curious.
"So..."
She looked between the two of them.
"Do you mind introducing me to your friend here."
"Oh!"
Maki turned toward Keith with an excited smile.
"I'd like you to meet my friend and classmate, Keith Nova."
She then gestured toward the elegant silver-haired woman beside her.
"Keith, this is Maria Eldridge, the second-born daughter of the Eldridge family... and my big sister."
Keith immediately straightened his posture and gave a respectful bow.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Maria."
Maria returned the bow with a graceful smile.
"The pleasure is mine, Keith."
Then she paused.
"...Wait."
Her eyes shifted back to Maki.
"Did you just say... classmate?"
"Yep."
Maki nodded proudly.
"We're both in the Elite Class."
Maria's eyes widened ever so slightly.
"No way..."
She looked back at Keith with newfound admiration.
"A commoner made it into the Elite Class?"
Keith rubbed the back of his neck modestly.
"I got a little lucky."
Maria chuckled softly.
"I don't think luck alone gets someone into Azure Academy's Elite Class."
She smiled warmly.
"I'm genuinely impressed."
"...Thank you."
Keith replied with another small bow, Maria clapped her hands together.
"Come on."
She turned toward the hallway.
"Let's head to the living room."
A playful smile crossed her face.
"You're in luck. Mother and Father are both home today."
Maki's eyes lit up.
"They are?!"
Without waiting another second—
"Dad!"
She dashed down the hallway at full speed.
Keith barely had time to react.
"...She's gone."
Maria simply sighed with an amused smile.
"She's always like this."
The moment Maki entered the spacious living room, she spotted a tall, broad-shouldered man with silver hair streaked with faint traces of black sitting comfortably beside an elegant woman.
"Dad!"
The man looked up just in time to see a silver blur flying toward him. He immediately opened his arms with a booming laugh.
"Hahaha!"
"My little rascal!"
Maki crashed into him with a powerful hug.
He barely moved an inch as he wrapped his daughter in a warm embrace, laughing all the while.
Lord Eldridge laughed heartily as he effortlessly lifted Maki off the ground.
"Hahaha! It's only been a week, and you've already forgotten your old man?"
Maki pouted dramatically.
"I could never forget you."
"Oh?"
He raised an eyebrow with a teasing grin.
"Then tell me... who taught you how to fish?"
"You."
"Who taught you how to ride a horse?"
"You."
"Who taught you how to swing a sword?"
"You."
"Who taught you how to make your mother angry by sneaking frogs into the house?"
Maki blinked.
"...That wasn't me."
Lord Eldridge folded his arms.
"It was absolutely you."
"It was... an educational experiment."
His booming laughter echoed throughout the room.
"See?"
He looked toward his wife.
"Our little rascal hasn't changed one bit."
Lady Eldridge smiled gently from the sofa.
"And thank goodness for that."
She stood and walked over, brushing a few loose strands of silver hair from Maki's face.
"You've been eating properly?"
"I have."
"Sleeping enough?"
"...Mostly."
"Maki."
"...Probably."
Lady Eldridge sighed with the knowing expression of a mother who had heard every excuse imaginable.
"I'll take that as a no."
She gently hugged her daughter.
"We missed you."
Maki's playful smile softened.
"I missed you too, Mom."
For a brief moment, the room fell quiet.
Keith stood respectfully near the entrance, watching the warm reunion unfold, he couldn't help but smile.
They're... exactly like my family.
His nervousness eased just a little. Lord Eldridge suddenly noticed him standing quietly behind Maria, his expression became curious.
"Hm? Who do we have here? A friend perhaps."
Maki nodded.
"Yes, Dad, this is my friend Keith Nova."
Lord Eldridge's face lit up in recognition.
"Ah! The commoner who entered the Elite Class."
Keith immediately bowed respectfully.
"It's an honor to meet you, Lord Eldridge."
Lady Eldridge smiled kindly.
"And welcome to our home, Keith."
Keith straightened himself.
"Thank you very much for having me."
Lord Eldridge walked over with long, confident strides until he stood directly in front of Keith. Keith instinctively stiffened.
He's... really tall...
The Duke studied him for several long seconds, Keith could feel his heartbeat quicken.
Then—
Lord Eldridge suddenly broke into a wide grin.
"So you're the young man who's been looking after my daughter at the academy."
Keith's eyes widened.
"I... wouldn't say looking after—"
"Nonsense!"
The Duke laughed.
"I heard you worked well together during the entrance examinations."
Keith scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"We just happened to help each other."
Lord Eldridge nodded approvingly.
"Good."
He placed a large hand on Keith's shoulder.
"My children have always been taught that a person's character is worth far more than their title."
His smile was warm but carried the quiet authority of a man who had led countless people.
"So don't worry about being a commoner while you're under my roof. Here..."
He gave Keith's shoulder a reassuring pat.
"You're simply Maki's guest."
Keith felt the last of his nervousness melt away.
"...Thank you, sir."
Maki watched the exchange with a bright smile.
See? I told you they'd like you.
And for the first time since arriving at the estate, Keith found himself thinking...
Maybe this weekend won't be nearly as terrifying as I expected.
"Oh, where are Klein and Theo?" Maki asked, looking around. Lord Eldridge smiled.
"Klein was here yesterday. Unfortunately, you just missed him."
"And Theo?" she asked.
"He left early this morning."
The Duke took a sip of his tea before continuing.
"Some trade negotiations came up, so he's attending to family business."
"Aww..."
Maki's shoulders slumped.
"What a shame."
She glanced at Keith.
"I was hoping Keith could meet them too."
"So was I," Lord Eldridge replied. "I'm sure there'll be another opportunity."
Lady Eldridge suddenly smiled knowingly.
"Oh?"
She looked at her daughter.
"Maki..."
"Hm?"
"Has Keith heard your beautiful singing voice yet?"
The question hit Maki like a lightning bolt.
"W-What?!"
Her cheeks instantly turned bright red.
Maria immediately caught on.
"Oh!"
She leaned forward with a mischievous smile.
"Now that Mother mentions it..."
She looked at Keith.
"Has she?"
Keith blinked in surprise.
"...She can sing?"
Lady Eldridge chuckled.
"Our little Maki has an absolutely wonderful voice."
Lord Eldridge nodded proudly.
"She's been singing ever since she was little."
Keith looked at Maki with genuine curiosity.
"...Now I'm curious."
Maki immediately began shaking her head.
"N-No way!"
She pointed at him accusingly.
"I could never sing in front of you!"
"Why not?"
"B-Because it's embarrassing!"
Keith tilted his head.
"...Really?"
"For real!"
She puffed out her cheeks and folded her arms stubbornly. Maria covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
"I never thought I'd live long enough to see the day."
"What day?" Maki asked defensively.
"The day Maki Eldridge actually gets embarrassed."
"I'm not embarrassed!"
"You've been bright red for the past minute."
"...I'm... strategically red."
Keith couldn't help smiling.
"I've heard that excuse before."
Maki immediately realized what she'd said.
"..."
"...Dang it."
Everyone laughed. Keith rested his chin on one hand, pretending to think deeply.
"Hmm..."
"I guess we'll have to start eating breakfast in the academy cafeteria from now on."
The room suddenly went silent. Maki's eyes widened.
"...What?"
Keith nodded solemnly.
"I said we'll have to stop eating together."
He sighed dramatically.
"From now on i'll just eat cafeteria food."
The color drained from Maki's face.
"...No."
Keith continued as if he hadn't heard her.
"I suppose that's just how it'll have to be."
"No."
"The cafeteria food can't be that bad."
"NO."
Keith fought hard to keep a straight face.
"It'll be fi—"
"PLEASE!"
Maki clasped both hands together.
"Anything but that!"
She looked genuinely distressed.
"Keeping me away from your cooking would be actual torture!"
Keith finally broke into laughter. Lord Eldridge leaned back in his chair, grinning from ear to ear.
"...This is getting interesting."
Lady Eldridge giggled softly.
"I've never seen her negotiate this desperately."
Maria nodded with a smirk.
"I think Keith just discovered your greatest weakness."
Maki looked between all of them before letting out a defeated sigh.
"...Fine."
Everyone looked at her, she took a deep breath.
"...I'll sing."
Her voice was barely above a whisper, then she pointed at Keith.
"But you have to promise not to laugh."
Keith placed a hand over his chest with exaggerated sincerity.
"I promise."
Maki narrowed her eyes.
"I mean it, Keith."
He held her gaze for a few seconds.
Then his shoulders slumped.
"...Okay."
He sighed sheepishly.
"You got me, i honestly can't promise."
Maki groaned dramatically and buried her face in her hands.
"I knew I couldn't trust you."
Keith scratched the back of his head with an apologetic smile.
"It's not because I think you'll be bad."
He looked at her earnestly.
"It's because after everything I've seen this past week i genuinely have no idea what you're about to do."
A long silence followed, then Lord Eldridge burst into booming laughter.
"Hahahaha!"
"Fair enough!"
Maki let out a long, defeated sigh.
"...Fine."
She slowly stood from the sofa.
"If I'm doing this..."
She glanced around the room.
"...Nobody interrupts."
Lord Eldridge immediately raised both hands.
"My lips are sealed."
Lady Eldridge smiled warmly.
"We'll just listen."
Maria leaned back comfortably on the couch with an amused smile.
"I've been waiting a week to hear this again."
Keith nodded.
"...I won't interrupt."
Maki looked at him suspiciously.
"You'll also keep your weird facial expressions under control."
"I don't make weird facial expressions."
"You absolutely do."
"I really don't."
"You look like a confused puppy whenever you're surprised."
"..."
Keith blinked.
"...Do I?"
Maria couldn't help but laugh.
"...You kind of do."
Keith looked genuinely offended.
"I've been betrayed."
Lord Eldridge chuckled.
"Now, now."
He looked at Maki.
"We're ready."
The room fell silent.
Maki took a slow breath, she closed her eyes, her nervousness was obvious. Normally, she had no problem speaking in front of hundreds of people.
Fighting monsters?
Fine.
Standing before nobles?
No problem.
But singing...
For some reason it always made her feel vulnerable. She stole a quick glance at Keith.
Don't laugh...
Keith gave her a small, reassuring smile.
"I'm listening."
She nodded almost imperceptibly.
Then...
She began to sing.
Her voice was soft.
Gentle.
Clear as flowing water.
Every note carried effortlessly through the room, warm and pure, filling the silence with a melody that felt both comforting and strangely nostalgic. The living room seemed to grow still, even the servants passing outside the open doors slowed their steps, quietly listening without realizing it.
Keith's eyes widened.
...Beautiful.
He had expected her to be good but he hadn't expected this. The carefree, energetic girl who filled every day with chaos now sounded calm enough to soothe the heart.
There was emotion in every lyric.
Warmth.
Kindness.
And beneath it all...
A faint loneliness that she herself probably didn't even realize she was expressing. When the final note faded away, silence lingered for several seconds.
No one spoke.
No one moved.
Maki slowly opened her eyes.
"..."
"...Was it... okay?"
Keith was still staring, his mouth opened slightly then closed again.
"...Keith?"
He blinked.
"...I..."
For once he couldn't find the right words. Finally, he smiled.
"...That was incredible."
"No..."
He shook his head.
"Incredible isn't even the right word."
He looked at her with complete sincerity.
"...It was beautiful."
Maki froze.
Her cheeks instantly turned crimson.
"...R-Really?"
Keith nodded without hesitation.
"Really."
"I've never heard anyone sing like that before."
Lord Eldridge folded his arms proudly.
"Hmph, i told you."
Lady Eldridge smiled lovingly at her daughter.
"You've always had a gift."
Maria grinned.
"And she was worried she'd embarrass herself."
Maki looked away shyly, trying to hide the smile tugging at her lips.
"...Maybe..."
She rubbed the back of her neck.
"...Maybe singing in front of one person wasn't as scary as I thought."
Keith smiled.
"I'd happily listen again someday."
She glanced at him for a moment before quietly answering.
"...Maybe."
Then, realizing what she'd just agreed to, her face somehow became even redder. Maria covered her mouth, whispering just loudly enough for her parents to hear,
"...She's never volunteered to sing twice before."
Lord Eldridge smiled knowingly.
"...Looks like Keith really is special."
Maki's ears twitched.
"W-Wait! Don't say it like that!"
The entire room erupted into warm laughter, while Keith—completely oblivious to why everyone was smiling—could only scratch his head in confusion.
The afternoon passed more quickly than either of them expected. Keith found himself surprisingly comfortable inside the Eldridge estate, the nervousness he'd carried when he first arrived had slowly disappeared beneath the family's warmth. Duke Aldric enjoyed hearing about the academy, Duchess Elenora insisted Keith have another cup of tea every few minutes, and Maria occasionally teased Maki just to watch her react.
It felt...
Normal.
Far more normal than Keith had ever imagined a noble household could be.
Eventually, the sun began sinking toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold. Keith glanced through the tall windows.
"...We should probably head back."
Maki looked up.
"Already?"
Keith nodded apologetically.
"If we wait until it gets dark, we'll be walking back at night."
The Duchess smiled warmly.
"Then we'll have the carriage take you both back."
Keith immediately shook his head.
"That isn't necessary."
"Nonsense."
The Duke chuckled.
"You're our guest."
Maria folded her arms with a teasing smile.
"And if you refuse, Mother will keep offering until you surrender."
"...I probably would," the Duchess admitted cheerfully.
Keith laughed helplessly.
"...Then I'll gratefully accept."
After another round of thanks and after the Duchess secretly packed enough homemade pastries to feed an entire class into a basket for Keith to take back, the time finally came to leave. Everyone gathered outside the mansion entrance, the servants lined both sides of the walkway.
"Take care, Lady Maki."
"Have a safe journey."
"It was wonderful meeting you, Sir Keith."
Keith blinked.
"...Sir?"
Maria laughed.
"You're a guest of House Eldridge, that makes you our honored guest today."
Keith scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"...I'm still not used to that."
The Duke stepped forward and placed a firm hand on Keith's shoulder.
"Young man."
"Yes, sir?"
"Thank you."
Keith looked surprised.
"...For what?"
"For making our daughter smile."
Keith instinctively glanced toward Maki, she was pretending not to listen. Her ears, however...had turned slightly red. The Duke smiled knowingly.
"She laughed more today than she has in weeks."
Keith smiled modestly.
"...I think she's the one making me laugh."
"That's fair."
The Duke laughed heartily.
"She's always been a troublesome child, just keep enduring her madness."
"I'm standing right here," Maki complained.
"And we love you anyway," the Duchess said, gently patting her head.
"Hmph."
Maki puffed out her cheeks.
"You all teamed up on me."
"Naturally," Maria replied with a grin.
Everyone laughed.
Soon afterward, the carriage rolled away from the estate. Maki leaned against the window, waving until her family disappeared from sight.
"..."
"..."
"...I already miss them."
Keith smiled.
"You were only there for a few hours."
"I know."
She sighed dramatically.
"Still."
The carriage ride back felt peaceful, neither of them spoke much, there wasn't any need to. Eventually, they reached the edge of the academy grounds, the carriage came to a gentle stop. Keith climbed down first before offering Maki his hand, she accepted it without thinking.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
The carriage departed, leaving the two of them alone beneath the evening sky, the academy stood quietly in the distance as they began walking side by side. For several minutes only the sound of their footsteps filled the air. Then—
"Hey, Maki."
"Hm?"
Keith kept looking ahead.
"...Your singing."
Maki immediately stiffened.
"...W-What about it?"
He smiled softly.
"...It was beautiful."
She froze completely.
"..."
"..."
"...Really?"
Keith nodded.
"I've heard a lot of music growing up."
He glanced at her.
"But..."
He smiled.
"I don't think I've ever heard a voice as calming as yours."
Maki's face slowly turned crimson.
"...Y-You're serious?"
"Yeah."
"You weren't just saying that to be nice?"
"I'm not."
He chuckled.
"I meant every word."
Maki looked away, trying—and failing—to hide the enormous smile spreading across her face. Her heart felt strangely light.
"..."
"..."
"...Keith."
"Hm?"
She folded her arms, trying to sound composed.
"...You're definitely cooking extra today."
Keith laughed.
"So that's my reward?"
She nodded proudly.
"Absolutely, flattery earns bonus meals."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"You should."
She looked up at the orange sky, her smile lingering.
"...Maybe..."
"What?"
"...Maybe I'll sing again someday."
Keith smiled.
"I'll be looking forward to it."
For some reason, hearing those words made her happier than she expected. And as the two roommates continued walking toward the academy together, neither of them noticed how naturally they matched each other's pace.
Without realizing it they had already become an irreplaceable part of each other's everyday lives.