14 Magic Summoning (2/2)
”Maria-chan, why are you crying?” Upon hearing a certain familiar voice, Maria's tears instantly came to a stop as she turned her head towards the direction the voice was coming from and saw Richard standing beside her.
”Richard-sama?! What are you doing here?” inquired Maria.
”Yes, Ri-chan, what are you doing here?” questioned another voice that Maria was definitely not familiar with. Simultaneously the group turned their heads towards their uninvited guest, seeing a boy around Richard's age whose feet were propped up on the table, leaning back in his chair that was standing on two legs, casually eating a piece of Maria's strawberry shortcake.
'Just when did he get there?! No! Scratch that! Just who is this guy?!' exclaimed Maria, looking a bit grieved to see that the uninvited guest had stolen a bite of her dessert.
”Akihito, I told you not to follow me!” Richard expressed an annoyed glance that was aimed towards the boy who was named Akihito.
'Akihito? Hmm, I don't think his name ever popped up in the original story,' mused Maria, only to have her vision blocked by a beautiful face. Emerald eyes made contact with obsidian.
”Ah, so you're Maria-chan! How adorable~!” Maria was not happy when Akihito reached out and began pinching her cheeks; luckily she was saved by Richard who snatched Akihito away from her. Aiming a terrifying smile towards the boy, he said, ”Akihito, please do not touch Maria-chan.”
Seeing such a terrifying smile, Maria couldn't help but blankly think, 'Wow, so Richard-sama does have a dark side.' Maria was soon brought from out of her thoughts when she felt trembling fingers grasp hold of her hand and saw that they came from Julian.
'Ah, the little lamb must not be used to being in the presence of a big-shot like Richard-sama.' Grasping hold of his hand, Maria offered him a smile that soothed his nerves.
”Julian, this is my friend Richard-sama. Don't worry, he is very kind,” persuaded Maria, feeling the precious lamb relax as he timidly shot a look at Richard, who in return offered a charming smile.
”Those who are friends with Maria-chan, I'll also consider as friends.”
”Ah, so does that make me friends with Maria-chan? After all, I am your best friend!” happily stated Akihito, only to once again receive a terrifying smile from Richard-sama.
”Akihito, please stop yapping your mouth. Your presence does nothing but taint the innocence.” Seeing their interaction towards one another brought forward a blank expression from Maria. Shirone and Kuroka silently continued serving the youngsters juice or tea as Mai was happily stuffing her mouth with meat. From afar, a certain someone took in the sight of her beloved idol conversing with a group of first-years. Gripping the hem of her dress harshly, she vexfully muttered,
”Maria... Rosendrey.”
At that same time, another person stumbled upon the group, narrowing his eyes on two people. The person standing at his side pushed up his glasses as he saw what had caught his friend's attention. ”It seems that your cousin and Earl Rosendrey's daughter are quite close,” spoke four-eyes as the raven-haired boy shoved his hands into his pockets and expressionlessly said,
”...Foolish.”