(A month later)

Things in my life eventually settled down. Most of the people that backed away from me, because of Witch's Burning, finally warmed up to me, especially the majority of my class. While those who were excited to see me calmed down and continued their daily routines without trying to include me constantly.

Even then, nothing will return to the way it was before I was kidnapped.

I now live a very busy life.

Being a student, servant, and parent, there's almost no free time for me now. The only time I'm guaranteed to get to myself is when I go to bed, and even then, sleeping can be a chore.

Other than that, it's the 3rd of Tessera, better known as April to me and Madelyn.

I'm inside the library after school ended, studying the history of Wind. Final exams are coming up and if I pass, I graduate to the next school year.

Kanna: "So this is where you've been."

I hear her voice right behind me as she poked my shoulder. I welcome her with a smile as she sat right next to me.

Steven: "Hey, Kanna.. were you looking for me?"

Kanna: "I was, what are you doing in the library?"

Steven: "Studying for Mistress Alvina's final."

Kanna: "Could I join you?"

Steven: "Don't you have Alchemy Club?"

Kanna: "They canceled the club meeting today because of finals. So, now we show up on Tuesday and Thursday."

She looks happy, but it wouldn't have to do with her club being canceled.

Steven: "Master, did something good happen? You look happy."

Kanna: "I just am."

Steven: "Then is there anything I could do that'll make you even happier, master?"

Kanna: "By stopping with the servant talk."

Steven: "Well, I'm just saying. You could make me do anything and I won't complain."

Kanna: "Anything?"

Her lustrous eyes meet with mine as she blushes.

Steven: "Kanna, you better not be thinking anything naughty."

Kanna: "I was just thinking about your—food!"

Steven: "Food, huh..? Shit, I remember that I'm supposed to go to the market today. Rayna, Hugo, and Young Mi are going to come by today."

Kanna: "That's today? How could you forget?"

Steven: "It happens."

Kanna: "We should get going then. What if they're already there?"

Steven: "We tell them we forgot because of school. They're understanding."

I put my books away and head for the Academy gates with Kanna. There, we run across Cynthia and Livia as they too were about to leave.

Steven: "Hey, guys."

Cynthia: "Oh, funny running into you now! I thought you both already headed home."

Livia: "So, you're not going to study like you said you would?"

Cynthia: "Oh my, we know you and Kanna have to be alone together, but you don't need to lie about it."

Steven: "Well, it was true but I remembered that I have to go shopping today."

Cynthia casually wraps her arm around me.

Cynthia: "In that case, we might believe you if you buy us something."

She inhales deeply.

Cynthia: "Yeah, I'd hate to have people think you were a liar."

Steven: "Why does this feel like extortion, Cynthia?"

Livia: "She does have a point. I would definitely believe you if you bought me something too."

Steven: "Livia.."

They've been hanging out together a little too much.

Steven: "Don't you think you're rubbing off on her a little too much?"

Cynthia: "Am I?"

Kanna: "Livia sounds just like you, Cynthia! It's like you're both twinsies!"

Well, it's not like I wouldn't have bought them something if they asked.

Steven: "If you help me carry the groceries I'll make you something to eat at my house."

Livia: "You won't mind?"

Steven: "Nah, I have guests coming over that I'd like you to meet."

Cynthia: "Well, I'll meet you there. I gotta do something real quick and I want Kanna to come."

Kanna: "It won't take long?"

Cynthia: "I just need to pick up my new boots."

Kanna looks at me with eyes asking me to let her go.

Steven: "Fine by me."

Kanna: "I'm sorry, Steven. I'll see you at the market."

They head off in the other direction and leave me and Livia to go to the market.

Steven: "You want to come with me, Livia?"

Livia: "Yes."

Just as we were about to go, Madelyn comes out of the gates, finishing up her job.

The Headmaster really gave her a job as a counselor and she enjoys it. She loves her independence, going as far as occasionally making her own food and paying Yuuna rent. Though, Yuuna shot that down as she sleeps in the living room and not her own room. Paying rent would make her feel bad.

Madelyn: "Oh, Steven? What are you doing out here with Livia?"

Steven: "I was studying, but now I'm about to go shopping. You want to come, Miss King?"

Madelyn: "Dude.. I just got off work, Madelyn is fine."

Steven: "How about Maddie?"

Madelyn: "Sure... I'm already used to Yuuna saying it."

Steven: "So, we going to the market, Maddie?"

Madelyn: "Err~ Alright, let's go."