7 Diamond Academy Welcome Back Banque (2/2)
It didn't take long for both Mai onii-san and Isis to get pulled away by kids from their own peer group, leaving only Mai and Maria alone together. ”Hi, I'm Mai; want to become friends with me?” asked Mai with a large cheesy grin on her face that made Maria think of the sun, unable to resist smiling herself as she returned the gesture with a one of her own.
”Sure, I would love too!” Deep inside, Maria was really happy, since Mai would be the first friend she met since she crossed over into this world. Happy to have made a friend, Mai grabbed Maria's hand, dragging her over to the table filled with food and desserts. Both girls couldn't help but feel their mouths water at the sight of the food, as it took no time for them to begin stuffing their mouths.
Once each girl was filled and satisfied, it was Mai who spoke and suggested, ”Let's take a walk around the garden. Such a large meal needs good exercise to help digest the food.”
”Good idea, but just where is the garden?” asked Maria, watching Mai begin to ponder the same thing.
”Let's go out and search for it. It can be like an adventure!” suggested Mai with an eager and curious look in her eyes, that told Maria that Mai was the adventurous type of girl. Getting up on their feet, the two were about to leave but stopped when Maria saw a familiar redheaded boy make his way over to her.
”Richard-sama?!” exclaimed Maria, surprised to see the boy so soon after the whole fiasco that happened at the Scarlet Mansion. The young boy himself was drawing a lot of attention from girls of their own peer group and even older. Dressed in a stylish attire, it made Maria, and most likely the majority of the other girls, think of him as a prince. Mai looked confused as she watched the boy stop right in front of Maria. A charming smile was placed on his face, that caused some of the others to blush heavily and feel jealousy towards the one who it was directed towards.
”Maria, I'm happy to see you again. I never did get the chance to thank you for what you did at the Scarlet manor. You are a kind and courageous girl.” Hearing such a compliment, Maria couldn't stop herself from blushing, sheepishly scratching the back of her head.
”A-Ah, it was really nothing-” Maria couldn't find the strength to speak when a pair of soft lips touched her cheek. Richard's actions not only took Maria by surprise but all those who were watching. The girls' eyes by now had become murderous and Maria was oblivious to it, unlike Mai who began fearing for her friend.
”If you don't mind, I would love it if you save me a dance later?” Richard requested, showing off that bishounen smile of his, which brought forth the imagery of sparkles and red-roses. Mai sweatdropped when she saw that a few girls, who were not glaring daggers at Maria, fainted, while Maria was still in a daze but nevertheless, managed to nod her head. Satisfied with Maria's answer, Richard excused himself, while Mai dragged Maria away somewhere more private and away from the crowd of angry females.
It was only when they were outside, standing beside this large and decorated angel water fountain the size of a small pool, that the two took a breath as it was Mai who spoke up and asked, ”Just how do you know the Scarlet heir? That guy is basically untouchable and not the type to socialize, yet... It seems that that is not the case with you?” Mai stared at Maria, eyes filled with curiosity and questions.
Just then, the two heard footsteps come their way, followed with a voice. ”Tch, just when I was trying to find some peace and quiet, I just had to run into you,” complained the mysterious figure who Maria wasn't looking forward to encountering anytime soon.