Book 9: Chapter 1: A Drawer Full of Treasures (1/2)

The morning of the school festival arrived with a situation that could hardly be described as perfect. Monica got up from the bed and took out the coffee pot for the first time in a long time to make a coffee. A cup of coffee was a ritual for Monica to refresh her mind. While blowing on the hot coffee to cool it down, Monica glanced at Nero.

Nero was still sleeping in his bed, muffled. It's been so cold lately that Nero, who's sensitive to the cold, has become completely sluggish. When Monica had finished her coffee and changed into her uniform, Nero finally crawled out of bed with a muffled cry.

”The freezing cold stings… I want to hibernate…”

”You know, it's a lot warmer here than in the mountain cabin.”

While responding to Nero, Monica opened a drawer in her desk. In the only locked drawer, Monica's treasures were inside. There was a coffee pot, a ribbon and a letter from Lana, a peridot necklace, and her father's book given to her by Felix—Eig.

At first, it was nothing but a coffee pot, but before she knew it, the contents of the drawer had grown considerably, which made Monica feel a little emotional.

…ever since I came to this school, I've gained a lot of important things.

When she first came to this school, all she cared about were her father's coffee pot and Nero. And yet, right now, there are so many things she doesn't want to lose, so many things she doesn't want to be taken away, so many people she doesn't want to be hurt.

…I will protect all of them… For I am the Seven Sages, the Silent Witch.

Telling herself that, Monica picked up her favorite ribbon and tied her hair up.

Just then, there was a knocking at the window. Opening the window pane, a beautiful woman in a maid's uniform—Lynn—fluttered over the window frame and walked in.

”Good morning, Miss Silent Witch.”

”Good morning, Lynn. Aren't you going to be a little bird today?”

When Lynn came in through the window, she often disguised herself as a small bird to avoid being spotted. This is rather unusual, Monica wondered, and Lynn nodded her head.

”Yes, there was something I wanted to deliver.”

”…………?”

”But first, let's discuss our plans for today.”

Lynn called it a meeting, but in reality, there was not much to discuss.

It's basically the same as in the chess tournament. Lynn and Nero will disguise themselves as a little bird and a cat, respectively, and mark Felix thoroughly. Monica pretends to be a student as usual, and Louis pretends to be a guest at the school festival and constantly keeps an eye on the school. That's it.

Nero looked up at Monica, yawning with a tension-free.

”Well, let's not be too rigid and just go about our business as usual. It's a school festival, right? It would be a shame if we didn't enjoy it.”

”…Nero, you are absolutely NOT allowed to take human form today, you understand?”

Remembering the incident at the chess tournament, Monica gave him a nudge, but Nero looked away and wagged his tail as if to play a fool.

Monica scooped Nero up in her arms and stared at him.

”Ne.ro.?”

”All right, all right, I got it! I'll be a good little kitty today!”

Repeating her warning to Nero, Monica glanced at Lynn.

”…you too, Lynn. Please try not to barge in as a human.”

”Yes, today I'm a cute little bird.”

So long as she persistently nudges them, things should be fine. Maybe.

If Nero and Lynn guard His Highness thoroughly, they should be able to handle it as long as it doesn't go too badly.

In fact, it would be safer if Felix can hold the barrier magic tool that she improvised. However, she was unable to find the magic tool brooch she had dropped yesterday. Remembering her own carelessness, Monica let out a sigh, and then Lynn said quietly.

”Miss [Silent Witch], please enjoy the school festival in moderation so that the Second Prince will not be suspicious of you.”

”…I'm sorry for making it sound like I'm the only one who enjoys it.”

”Please don't mind me. It is quite fun to pretend to be a bird and eavesdrop on human conversations.”

”………”