n

n

nThe next lesson started and Zoemi turned towards the teacher, slightly less worried than during the previous one.

nHe could hear Miriette whispering with Horeo which made him certain that the dark-haired girl asked out the first prince to have lunch together in the romantic spot he recommended her!

nBut then, his anxiety returned as around halfway through the lesson, a massive amount of clouds in dark showed up and covered the sky, pushing out the few that were there before, all fluffy and harmless – not to mention that the new cloud formation was growing more menacing by the minute and Zoemi could only grit his teeth and squint his eyes at the sky that seemed to be set on ruining the plan that he came up with for the sake of his master.

nBy the end of the lesson, it looked like the rain was imminent...

n

"...my lady...

"

nWith a heavy heart, Zoemi turned to Miriette and Horeo with the intention of asking them if they are okay with changing the location of the planned lunch to somewhere inside the academy – anywhere with the exception of the cafeteria - but then Miriette suddenly stood up from her seat and looked at Zoemi with a serious face.

n

"It's a bit stuffy in here, I'm going to refresh myself.

"

nShe declared with a stern, decisive look.

n

"Should I accompany you, my lady?

"

nThe black-haired attendant stood up from his chair ready to follow her any time.

n

"There's no need to, you may stay.

"

nThe dark-haired girl's stern glare softened, but either way, she shook her head and magnanimously

nstopped him with a wave of her hand and left.

n

"...

"

nHoreo observed her until she disappeared behind the door, and turned to Zoemi.

n

"She definitely went to take a dump.

"

nHe declared with a straight face while looking into Zoemi's eyes.

n

"Pffft...!

"

nZoemi had to cover his mouth with both hands to stop the outburst of laughter.

n

"Must be a huge one...

"

n

"PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTH...!

"

nThe first prince was merciless, and nodded making a face of an ancient philosopher pondering the meaning of life - and Zoemi started to hit his leg just to keep quiet.

n

"Pfuahaha... My... My prince... haa... haa... Don't say that...!

"

nThe black-haired boy gasped for air, wiping the tears of laughter from the corners of his eyes.

n

"Ah, I see your mood has improved~

"

nHoreo smiled back at Zoemi.

n

"What was bothering you? If you don't mind me asking.

"

nThe blond prince asked, tilting his head curiously.

nThe scarred attendant composed himself and straightened his back...

n

"The bad weather...

"

n...before sighing and slumping down in his chair.

n

"The weather you say...?

"

nThe first prince peeked through the window behind Zoemi's back and pointed at the sky with his finger.

n

"Then it's nothing serious, look, someone just took care of the source of your problem.

"

n

"Huh?

"

nConfused Zoemi gasped in shock, following the prince's finger and his jaw dropped...

nHeavy rainclouds that were about to burst open with the outpour of water, were being chased away by some powerful force and moved so fast that it could be only compared with a recording that someone had sped up at least eight times.

n---

nWhile the black-haired attendant and the golden-haired prince were talking, Miriette lightly landed on the academy's roof, straightened her uniform, and smoothed her wild hair, which was easy to manage thanks to her improved mood.

n

"No stupid clouds will mess up my date with Zoemi!

"

nThe dark-haired girl snorted imperiously and marched towards the staircase.

n---

nZoemi was holding back his smile when Miriette returned to her seat and sat back down with an innocent face.

n|Ah! Good job, my lady, now you and the first prince can have a perfect picnic date!|

nThe scarred attendant was so proud of his master's determination, he could barely keep a straight face.

nFor the time being, the most pressing problem was gone just like that - allowing Zoemi to put his mind towards another part of his plan...

nHe must determine whose route the heroine was on or could be on.

nIt was important to stay on top of things, different routes meant different scripted events and that meant different countermeasures the black-haired attendant would need to implement.

nLuckily, to learn such crucial information the black-haired boy had to take a look at a certain situation that would unfold on that very day.

nOne important indicator would be the incoming event in the cafeteria – the confrontation between Xeonith and Reo.

nIf the heroine would pick the option to calm down Xeonith – she would be able to access the storylines of either Xeonith himself, Horeo, or Arisu.

nWhile siding with Reo would unlock Reo's route, Surou's, and Grazio's.

nFor a short blissful moment, the scarred attendant thought that he would be able to learn about the heroine's decision by simply asking around... but then he remembered that he wasn't well-liked and also that it would be weird if he suddenly started asking about the only commoner girl in the school.

nThat would definitely pull more attention towards him and consequently to his master – and when the bullying would start, the people might make a mistaken, but very dangerous, connection...

n|No, I should confirm her choice with my own eyes.|

nZoemi finally decided.

nThe third period ended and the lunch break started, as it was a school for royalty at least one and a half-hour break was provided for them to enjoy their meal.

nThe prince left first and lady Miriette waited for her attendant to pick her up and then they left towards the entrance of the academy.

nThere were, of course, plenty of shortcuts to shorten the walk but this was the more scenic route – it also served the additional purpose of letting Miriette prepare herself mentally for the picnic date.

nWhen they were already outside Zoemi spotted the first prince talking with his attendants Teo and Veo - Veo also spotted Zoemi following after his master, and she showed him a thumbs up - carefully- so that neither master would notice her gesture.

n

"...

"

nZoemi nodded and returned the thumbs up – now he was sure that the plan was a go.

nThe black-haired attendant, of course, could have asked lady Miriette or Horeo directly to go for a picnic and all that, but he firmly believed that it would be better if he would stay in the background while the future royal couple does all the heavy lifting by themselves.

n

"Here my lady. All the necessary things are inside. Take it and join the first prince.

"

n

"....?

"

n