---------------
Michael and Jeanne Classroom-School
---------------
(Michael's POV)
Jeanne, and I are currently in class.
As a matter of fact, the classroom was undergoing a monthly seating rotation.
Standard practice to prevent cliques from becoming too entrenched,and to get students to interact more with those they aren't close with, or so the teacher said.
Since the moment the teacher had announced we could choose our new seats, Jeanne grabbed my hand and pulled me along and rushed directly to a desk near the middle-left of the room.
With her claiming it as her territory.
Classic Jeanne... I guess.
I hadn't objected to it.
Why would I?
She'd just find me anyway.
And it's better for me to follow her thoughts, instead of fighting it.
I soon sat down at my new desk, and thankfully the desk and chair at the school's are comfortable,and balanced ( No wobbly chair and desk at the school,and sitting on one is hell if you got one).
Jeanne also sat down, wiith her on my right, practically leaning into my side as class begins, and the teacher starts today lessons.
Math.
And Jeanne began glancing at my work immediately.
With her checking mine,when she got stuck.
Which was often.
Math was not her forte.
The teacher was standing at the front of the class, writing a word problem on the board:
"A merchant has 45 apples. He then sells 3/5 of them in the morning and 1/3 of the remaining apples in the afternoon. How many apples does he have left ?"
...
Easy.
I'd already solved it in my head before the teacher finished writing.
Answer: 12 apples.
45 × (3/5) = 27 sold in morning.
45 - 27 = 18 remaining.
18 × (1/3) = 6 sold in afternoon.
18 - 6 = 12 left.
Simple fraction arithmetic.
Second-grade level/ CE1 (Cours Élémentaire 1) technically, but the wording makes it slightly more complex.
The teacher then turned around, marker still in hand.
"Can anyone solve this?"
I raised my hand wanting to answer it.
The teacher's eyes turned towards the raised hand.
"Claire, you can go ahead." The teacher said.
...
I lowered my hand.
Damn...
Meanwhile, Claire stood up from her desk in the front row, perfectly positioned, notebook already open with the problem worked out in her neat handwriting.
She then spoke clearly, and confidently.
"The merchant has twelve apples remaining."
"Correct," the teacher said, smiling. "Can you show us your work ?"
Claire nodded, and walked to the board.
With her moving with precision.
She picked up a marker.
And then slowly wrote on the board.
With her first wrote out the question.
And then wrote out the solution step by step, explaining each operation as she went.
And her handwriting was perfect.
Not just neat, like absolute perfection.
Somehow everything was perfectly leveled.
Every number, fraction,and equal sign.
She's good.
Really good.
In terms of writing.
And that's a compliment here.
Since compared to mine, while it wasn't bad it wasn't good as well.
I have to admit Claire is super smart, and even beats me in some areas.
Since having a perfect memory with the mind of an adult,still doesn't help,if someone else determine your grade, without much thought.
She's also seemingly perfect in terms of academic, not to mention confident and calm.
So overall she's really dangerous in a proper academic environment.
Meanwhile Claire soon finished writing her answers,as she then set down the marker, and turned towards the teacher.
The teacher clapped lightly. "Excellent work, Claire, well done."
Claire nodded hearing what the teacher said as she then went back to sit down, with her hand folded on the desk. With her remaining neutral looking.
Though for a moment, Her eyes showed being satisfied, probably because she got to answer it instead of me.
I looked down at my notebook.
As Jeanne leaned over and whispered, "you knew the answer didn't you Mikey ?"
"Yeah..." I replied staring at Jeanne and then staring back at my notebook.
"Why didn't the teacher pick you?" Jeanne asked, since her looking a bit annoyed that I got overlooked.
"Probably because the teacher saw Claire's hand raised first." I explained to Jeanne calmly.
"But you clearly raised your hand first." Jeanne complained.
"Well that's not what the teacher thought ."
I shrugged responding to what Jeanne said.
Compared to Jeanne, who still has a mind of a child, I, afterall, have an adult mind.
And i know it's not that bad if i don't get picked, since there are another time.
So I don't really mind about it.
Since you lose some and get some.
Jeanne meanwhile frowned, looking toward Claire's back, then she looked back at me.
"Still She clearly doesn't like you," she whispered.
"I know."
Overall talking about Claire.
I think i can understand about it.
Specifically her disliking me.
And that is the idea of someone being better than you.
Since let's understand being second sometimes is very painful.
Particularly when you're used to being first or you feel special.
But then suddenly someone beat you and he/she is overall better than you.
It must be frustrating.
And I know that feeling very very mcuh.
Since in my past life, I'd been... competent.
Good at things from studying, doing things,and etc.
But i was not exceptional,nor was i special in a way, nor the best.
Since in my past life I've never once, gotten 1st in anything.
With the highest i have gotten at most is 2nd place
And that feeling of always being just slightly behind someone else... Is painful, frustrating,and agonizing.
Where you try your best but sadly every time you try, you're always beaten, someone else beat you.
Making you realise you're not special.
You're always going to be beaten, you're not the greatest, there will be always someone better than you.
And that thought stays with you.
And that's probably what Claire probably must be feeling.
Luckily or unlucky for me I somewhat accepted that as fact.
And I got used to it and continued life.
Sadly some can't accept that fact, hopefully Claire in away to acknowledge that you'll meet someone that could beat you.
The lesson soon continued.
As the teacher gave us
More problems, and more questions.
Where Claire and I begin competing to answer them.
I answered a few when called on.
Claire answered more questions after that.
We were trading off at that point going back and forth.
Every time I answered, she'd answer the next one.
Every time she answered, I'd answer the next.
It was basically a competition.
Though neither of us saying anything about it, but both of us absolutely aware.
By the end of the class, the score was roughly even.
Maybe slightly in her favor.
Though at a point, the teacher had us stop answering to give the others a chance to answer.
Which of course was a bit funny seeing the other faces, when they realize they can't hide behind me or Claire, including Jeanne.
The bell finally rang.
With it signalling lunchtime.
" Alright class that's all for today session."
The teacher announced.
As everyone stood up,and begin leaving the classroom with some gathering their things.
While Jeanne was already putting her math notebook back to her backpack/cartable,
With her already chattering about lunch to the others.
I glanced toward the front of the room.
Claire was still at her desk.
Writing something.
Then she looked up.
Directly at me,for a second.
But She then went lookback down at her notebook.
...
Yeah.
This is definitely a rivalry.
And she's definitely aware of it.
And she's definitely not backing down.
Good.
I'm not going to back down either.
--------------
Break-School Cantine
--------------
Lunch was surprisingly peaceful.
Surprisingly because Jeanne wasn't entirely stealing my food this time.
Since her meal proportion this time was very massive, courtesy of the nice canteen staff.
With our school meal today consists of
Potato salad for appetisers, the main dish being pork roast with mushrooms.
For vegetable it was Polenta.
And the dairy for today school meal is Tomme Noire des Pyrénées, and the dessert being some fruits specifically clementines.
With baguette and water served on the table.
Jeanne was quickly eating her meal without showing any intent of slowing down. Somehow she didn't choke, even while talking.
I then watched her demolished a baguette she grabbed and finishing it in a few bites.
You know her appetite is sometimes ridiculous.
Genuinely ridiculous.
It's like Artoria from Fate.
Which does occasionally make me wonder if I'm in a light novel or anime world.
But that thought could be ignored for now.
I then continued eating my food,when -
OW.
The stupid headache is back.
As it pressed my head like a scalpel cutting through the brain.
I pressed my hand to my temple briefly.
Causing me to dropped my utensil.
Fortunately it faded, after a few seconds.
I looked back at Jeanne, who was now eating some roast pork.
With her quickly consuming it.
You know I wonder what she'll look like when she's older, especially with how much she eats,especially her being athletic.
...
...
That's a weird thought.
And it's future Michael's problem.
So let's move on from that.
-------------
Later - Art Class
-------------
The teacher stood at the front of the room, chalk in hand, having just written the theme on the board:
"Draw your favorite place"
That was simple enough.
And actually very mindful, since well kids find it easier if they were told to draw their favourite place.
Also it's probably allows for creativity, with kids going to add things that they like in their favourite place.
I picked up my pencil and started drawing...well sketching i guess.
Art isn't really my forte aka my skill.
But I'd done some comic drawing and doodling in my past life when I had spare time or in class, to the point i had once draw Doodle of robot's on my book covers.
(The teacher wasn't very happy with that)
Though it was nothing professional.
Just doodles, the imagination of a child.
With my best at most making character designs, or something like that.
I begin drawing my backyard, adding some trees,and plants as well as drawing the training area, the walls, the covered roof section that hid everything from neighbors.
The place I spent most of my time outside of school.
I begin adding some more detail, like the wooden training dummy, some obstacle courses and the bench where Dad sat with his wine while supervising.
Can't forget the wine.
It's important at this point, especially for dad.
Jeanne who was next was drawing of all places my goddamn room.
Now.... how do i know that ?
Since well she was drawing several stick figure. Not to mention she was also adding stick figure with one eating cookies and playing video games, while also tackling a shorter stick figure who was definitely me.
With another stick figure who was likely Lavi watching.
The teacher meanwhile walked around the room, observing her students' work, occasionally stopping to comment to the other kids or encourage them.
She then reached my desk.
And looked at my drawing.
"Oh, Michele," she said, sounding pleasantly surprised. "This is very detailed. The perspective is quite good for your age."
I looked up. "Um..Thank you."
"Have you drawn before?" The art teacher asked.
In my past life, yes.
In this life, occasionally.
"A little," I said.
"Well, keep practicing. You have a good eye for drawing." She smiled and moved on to the next student.
(Claire's POV)
Claire sat at her desk, with her pencil moving across the paper.
Her hand posture while doing it was good and professional.
With her focusing on the art class topic.
Her favorite place.
And what did she choose as her favourite place ?
The library.
Obviously.
Where else would it be?
She begin sketching the tall shelves, the reading nook by the window, the specific table where she always sat.
The angles,and proportion of the drawing was excellent, with them being aligned correctly.
Her parents had taught her how to draw, specifically her mother, who had studied art briefly before focusing on other pursuits.
Claire had learned properly from her.
She glanced across the room.
Towards Michele de Montfort.
Who was currently focusing on his drawing.
She'd seen the teacher stop at his desk.
Complimenting him.
Of course, He probably draws too.
Because apparently he's good at it as well.
She pressed her pencil slightly harder against the paper.
First place in class rankings.
And I'm second.
Not to mention no matter how hard I study and how much I prepare.
He's always somehow slightly ahead, even though he looks so bored or relaxed sometime.
She then shaded a part of the library window.
He's good.
I'll admit that.
He's genuinely,and objectively is good.
with him both fast and adaptable.
...
Which makes it MORE frustrating.
Because I can't even dismiss him as lucky.
He earn it.
She paused, looking at her drawing.
At least I beat him in writing.
From looking at his writing.
With her being able to see it when she was carrying the class notebook.
His writing is average overall and sometimes his writing looks like a chicken had been the one writing it.
after seeing that,she knows her writing is superior.
Though there's also another problem
Her eyes drifted towards the back and specifically to the tomboyish long blonde blue eyes girl, Jeanne.
The girl who always with Michele.
Her opinion on the girl is overall consist of three things :
- Athletic
- Loud
- Brutish
With her admitting the girl excells at sports, no girl and most of the boys could beat her in that.
She was somewhat ok with academics but not nearly as much.
But the girl has a brutish nature, with her doing things as she like and do things that she only like.
Claire meanwhile turned her head and watched Jeanne drawing what appeared to be a very enthusiastic stick-figures version of... something, with it being inside a room. she thinks...
It's really hard to tell what the girl was drawing.
But nonetheless she's a small problem considering Michele often helped her.
And the obviousness is easy to see.
With her ranking third.
But nonetheless not the main problem.
Claire still saw Michele as the main problem.
She went back to her drawing.
Adding more details.
While thinking.
Michele de Montfort.
You won't stay ahead forever.
I'll make sure i can beat you, and eventually I'll surpass you.
She added final details to her library sketch. books on shelves,some light through the window, and a comfortable chair in the corner.
Perfect
She thought.
As it should be.
She then set down her pencil.
-----------------
After School - Mom's Car
-----------------
(Michael POV)
" Yeah, Mikey's drawing was so good, that the art teacher was impressed with it !"
Jeanne was currently explaining to Mom and Lavi what happened during school.
With her now explaining about art class.
" My tesoro really is talented. " Mom replied as she continues to steer the car.
With her seemingly very content that her son is doing very well at school.
" What happened after that ?" Lavi asked who was very curious on what happened after that, with her clearly interested in what happened at my school today.
Well she was always interested in my activities considering Jeanne often tell her about it.
Which I don't know if it's good or worrying sometimes,when they worked together.
" Well, nothing much other than the fact that the girl, Claire seem to hate Mikey more than ever." Jeanne explained while recounting what happened.
" Wait really ?" Lavi asked.
" Yeah, she seem so mad that she would kill Micky if possible."
Hearing what Jeanne said, I jumped in to their conversation.
" I think you're exaggerating a bit, Jeanne.
Claire didn't really want to kill me , she's just annoyed." I explained to clarify things, since Jeanne explanation while clear somewhat exaggerated some parts, making as if Claire is evil.
" Ooh ok." Lavi nodded hearing that.
As I then turned to Jeanne.
" I think you need to stop making Claire look like a monster."
Jeanne stayed quiet for a few seconds but eventually,
"Fine...., but still she clearly dislike you and I want to help you by showing it."
Jeanne then looks at me with her mood going down.
" I know you do." I caressed Jeanne's head, with my action quickly improved her mood.
Jeanne then rest her head on my neck.
As she begin snuggling.
While Jeanne was doing that.
Someone then poked my side, as i turned to Lavi who was staring at me.
As i stared at Lavi, who was staring at me with eyes shining.
And myself understanding what she wants to asked, and that is her wanting to be pampered by me too.
I then begin to caressed Lavi as well, with Lavi then leaning to my side with her enjoying the treatment.
Meanwhile mom continue to drive heading home.
-------------
Backyard
-------------
(Michael's POV)
Let's do this.
I stood in the center of my backyard.
With myself breathing steadily, and hands raised.
I whispered an incantation under my breath, as i focused, and channeled intent through the words.
Energy soon flooded through my body.
Which the incantation i had done was an
Enhancement magic incantation.
The sensation of that spell effect was immediate.
As warmth spread from my core outward, with it flowing into my muscles, bones, and nerves, thanks to the body advanced network ie the blood vessels and the nervous system.
As i then took a deep breath, with it also enhancing all five of my senses.
My eyes sharpened,and everything got louder.
And causing me some pain.
I immediately reduced the amount of energy that is being sent to the ear,to not overload my brain with sounds.
After doing that, I then bent my knees and jumped.
I then jumped a few meters in the air.
Higher than I'd managed last week.
Significantly higher.
Then before i landed, i used a shock absorption spell on my legs.
Allowing myself to land safely.
By reducing the amount of kinetic energy I would take when I landed.
Dad and grandma had really helped me a lot.
In my studies about magic,with them correcting my technique and methods.
Overall huge leap for me.
---
Meanwhile across the yard, Jeanne was currently attacking a training dummy.
THWACK
THWACK
THWACK
Her sword,the birthday gift from her dad was being used to strike the training dummy.
High strike Mid strike Low sweep
Mid Thrust
With Her form improving every time she strikes the dummy significantly.
With her fixing her footwork,and recovering form faster and faster.
Her dad had been drilling her hard.
And probably Jeanne dedication.
She reset once again, circled the dummy, and launched another combination.
Classic Jeanne.
I watched her for a moment.
She's getting really good.
At this rate she'll surpass me in pure swordsmanship within a few months.
Since let's be honest using enhancement magic gives me an edge.
But raw strength alone? Yeah she'll win
Since Jeanne is really dedicated in becoming a swordman.
And she probably could annihilate me if we're comparing just by pure swordsman ship.
Lavinia meanwhile was currently having herself a training montage as well, with her having absolute demise behind her as she was currently training to concentrate her ice attack.
before she then released it, with her having make an ice bomb.
Since when Lavi released it,the thing explode and covered a part of the backyard.
Of course the explosion was bigger than expected,and caused me to receive some very cold snow to my face.
With Jeanne also being covered in snow, when she was about to strike her training dummy.
" Sorry, Micky! Sorry, Jeanne!" Lavi apologized after seeing the effects of her attack.
" It's fine." I told her.
" Yeah it's fine, Lavi." Jeanne replied back, shaking herself like what a puppy would do, when it got itself covered in snow.
Anyway back to my monologue.
Overall, our progress are good
Myself with magic.
Jeanne with her sword.
Lavinia with her Sacred Gear.
We're all improving together.
I smiled slightly thinking.
Since that exactly how it should be.
Though hopefully we're able to defend ourselves if it's necessary, but it's probably when we're older and when we're adults, when it's probably necessary since living here is pretty much safe.
I then turned back to the dummy
With me raising my hands again.
Let's go one more time.
A wind blast proceeded to be formed and it landed on the target dummy.
----------------
Meanwhile - Somewhere in Town
----------------
Three figures moved through the narrow alley between buildings.
With them wearing magician robes.
Of course them wearing that is a bit stupid.
But I guess these magician are very prideful to the point they would rather die than not wearing civillian clothing.
And clearly showcasing that they weren't from around here.
But somehow no one noticed it.
They stopped at a corner where the alley opened into a side street of the residential area.
Which meant they needed to be careful.
The tallest figure pulled out a map, as he muttered an incantation.
As they disappeared from thin air.
They went invisible.
And continue their part.
As these three figures were magician that will be involved in Glenda's plan to kidnap absolute demise.
With their role being scouts to gain intel about the town before their plan.
Magical notation.
Ward locations.
Target residence.
And the routes of the town.
"Here," the tall one said, pointing at their target location.
His voice was male, mid-thirties, with an accent that suggested Eastern Europe. "The de Montfort house. Three blocks north."
The second figure,female, younger one leaned over to look.
"Wards?"
" From what i can detect standard protection. Nothing sophisticated." The tall one traced a finger along the map.
"You're certain?"
"I surveyed last week." He folded the map. "The one who made them has gotten complacent."
"Glenda's right," the female said quietly. "The girl should be with us. Not with them."
With all of them agreeing.
The tall one looked at the map again, then at his companions.
"Timeline?"
"Two days," the female said. "Glenda has confirmed,the plan will be executed in two days. She'll arrive a day before the operation. She needs time to prepare the suppression field."
"And backup ?"
"In total 20 people including us, will join this plan ." She paused. "It's enough to handle Vivienne if she's present based on Glenda assumption.and clearly enough to extract the target even if Vivienne and her stupid husband are both present ."
The stocky man nodded. "What about her son?"
"Less of a concern. He's talented but not powerful, considering he spent his time at grauzbaurer chasing skirts. If we engage him, we just delay and retreat,but if possible just kill him. Glenda will handle him directly if necessary."
"And the children?"
There was a pause amongst them.
But then one of them then answered.
"Collateral," the tall one said flatly. "We're not here to harm them, but if they interfere..."
He then made a line across his neck.
Making it clear that they won't hesitate.
They moved to the next location,a different vantage point, with it being on higher ground, overlooking the residential district.
The de Montfort house was visible from here.
With them being able to see the large backyard from here.
Though the high wall roof covering the backyard doesn't help in their intelligence gathering.
" It seemed there's active wards around the house and the street around it,to keep normal humans from noticing any activities inside the house. But i still can sense something inside." The tall magician gave his opinion.
"I see, speaking of wards, how many other magicians are there in town?"
" Around Two confirmed, with them being low-class. And are unaffiliated with major organizations." She pulled out a small notebook. " Overall they're unlikely to know or even join to help if they find out about it."
" Good."
They then continued going around the town to find wards and the technique to disable it.
------------
Somewhere Else - Unknown
------------
Glenda stood in her preparation chamber.
Having everything she needed to neutralize any problems that may arise.
Like Vivienne's wards, block any teleportation spells ,and retrieve what was hers.
She traced a finger along the edge of the table.
Absolute demise.
Mine.
Always mine.
In Two days I'll get it.
With myself taking back what they stole.
While also taking revenge.
But gaining absolute demise is the priority.
Afterall that's the plan she had made,so she could gain data and study it, albeit with her having to share some of the data to the colleagues or magician helping her for the plan.But that's not a problem for her.
While killing or taking personal revenge to Vivienne is secondary.
If a chance arose to do both,then she'll do it.
The nagging feeling of Glenda to destroy Vivienne remained.
But She then pushed the thought aside.
Doesn't matter.
In Two days, She'll have absolute demise.
Glenda's face showed a wicked, evil grin.
-----------
Two Days Later - In Class
-----------
(Michael's POV)
Jeanne was currently staring at the clock.
With her tapping her foot on the floor, while counting down, which her entire body was showing that with it practically screaming "I want this to be over already."
Since the current subject we're studying was Natural Sciences aka a catch for all term for what would eventually split into biology, chemistry, and physics in later grades, but at seven years old it was mostly about :
"Here are some plants."
"Here are some animals."
"Here's how rain and the water cycle work."
Basic observational science.
I found it interesting.
Well with the fact the topic remains the same in this life with my old one.
While Jeanne found it torturous.
Not because she was bad at it.
She just didn't care. At all.
Her brain categorized the world into: "Things that are fun that i can do by not or use a little of my brain." and "Things that i have to do that aren't fun that have to use my brain."
Natural Sciences fell firmly into the second category.
Therefore for her it's boring.
I watched her eyes track the clock's second hand.
"10"
"9"
"8"
She's really counting down the clock?
...
Of course she is.
But that's the Jeanne I know.
Honestly I have done it in the past.
So I don't have a problem with it.
Then-
RIIINNNGGGGG
The School bell finally rang.
And with it signalling the end of school for today.
Jeanne's face immediately brightened.
With her thinking one thing.
Freedom.
She was already halfway out of her seat with her backpack on, just like nearly everyone else, who were thinking they're finally free.
When then teacher spoke up.
"One moment, class."
A secret, collective groan rippled through the room.
"For our next lesson, that is next week," the teacher continued, standing at the front of the room, "I'm assigning you all a group project."
At that moment there was a pause.
As everyone processed what the teacher said.
Meanwhile , Jeanne's expression shifted.
her eyes widening in absolute horror as if she'd just been informed of an incoming apocalypse.
But then her face changed.
As her brain completed its loading time.
Wait group project...
That means I can pick my partner.
It means I pick Mikey.
Hope returned to her face.
"I've already assigned the pairs, wait I'll read them out." the teacher added. With her grabbing her book where she put the group list.
With that Jeanne's face and smile died hearing that.
With her eyes darkening as if her worst nightmare had arrived.
She turned toward me, mouth opening, hands already reaching to grab my shoulders and shake me in her horror.
"Jeanne Beaumont," the teacher called out, reading from her list.
Jeanne froze.
"You'll be paired with..." The teacher scanned the list.
"Please let it be Mikey, God."
"Please let it be Mikey, God."
Jeanne was praying at this point for me to be her partner.
"Alexandre Rousseau."
...
Alexandre.
The quiet kid who sat in the back.
Nice enough.
But not me.
Jeanne meanwhile who heard who was her partner crumbled.
Like a sandcastle crumbling down when some ocean water hit it.
As Her head dropped to the desk.
Thunk
"Nooo...." Jeanne quietly muttered.
The teacher continued reading pairs.
"Louise and Marc."
"Thomas and Sophie."
"Émilie and..."
"...John."
I waited for my name to be called.
As the amount of student thats likely going to be partners is Dropping one by one.
But then finally my name was called.
"Michael de Montfort and...Claire Voltaire."
...
There it is.
Somewhere in the classroom, someone made a sound.
Precisely a shock.
I looked at Jeanne.
She'd lifted her head from the desk.
Looking at me with her eyes having horror in them.
Absolute horror.
"Mikey....Mikey you're paired with HER. The silver-haired girl who hates you, MIKEY!"
I watched Jeanne while i also was able read all of her expression.
I sighed internally.
This is going to be complicated.
-----------------
Later - Outside School
-----------------
Jeanne and I stood at our usual waiting spot.
Mom and Lavinia hadn't arrived yet.
Probably running slightly late.
Jeanne stood beside me with us holding hands, now usually Jeanne would be talking excitedly and would often be hugging me.
But the current Jeanne right now is very quiet and not talking at all.
Just existing as if her soul or reason to live had disappeared.
But then Jeanne opened her mouth but instead of her typical excitedness,she just muttered in a weak voice towards the sky.
"God," she muttered. "Why....why did you let this happen...?"
...She really is in despair, when she really started to call out for God.
"It's a normal project, Jeanne." I told her,as I then try to improve her mood.
"But it's with HER!"
"With Claire!"
"The girl who HATES you."Jeanne yelled , looking at me
"She doesn't hate me–" I genuinely have to calm Jeanne down.
"She clearly hate you! she often GLARES at you, Mikey, she also probably scheming to destroy you." Jeanne turned to me, deadly serious. "Every single day."
"That's just academic rivalry–"
"You're likely going to be in her HOUSE, since the project will likely took a while Mikey."
...
I hadn't thought about that.
The project that the teacher that will be given us while would be done at school ,and the fact France technically banned homework for primary school, but as you can guess some school or teachers don't follow it and usually one way to skim past through it,is them probably encouraging us to bring it home so technically it's not homework since the students want to finished it at home,so in a waywould require meeting up.
Which meant someone's house.
Either mine or hers.
"Or she'll be in yours," Jeanne continued, voice rising slightly. "And she'll see where you live. And she'll probably critique and make a mess about your room and then complain about it because she's THAT kind of person." Jeanne then hold me.
"Jeanne–"
"And I'll be stuck with Alexandre who's while nice but QUIET. Which means I won't be able to help you if she tries to–to–"
"To what?" I asked her.
"I don't know!" Jeanne threw her hands up. "Something! She'll do something! She has plans, Mikey! I can tell!" With her clutching her hand.
...
I think she's slowly going crazy.
I looked at her.
But i can see her just genuinely worried.
Not about the project.
But about me being around Claire.
...
Or maybe she's jealous. I know that possibility exist.
Or she could also be protective of me.
But it could also be both.
Probably both.
But nonetheless her reaction is a problem.
"Jeanne," I said carefully. "It's fine."
"It's NOT fine–"
"It's a school project Jeanne, Claire will probably be more focused on that, and work together to finish it. We'll turn it in. It'll be over."
"But–" Jeanne tried to argue.
"Look I'll survive, and I'll make sure nothing happens, ok ?...Can you trust me with that? Just for Me?"
She looked at me.
Somewhat skeptical.
But also complicated,when i asked her to trust me.
Then she sighed, shoulders slumping.
With her seeming to trust my judgement.
"Fine," she muttered. "But if she's mean to you, I'm allowed to be mean back."
"That's not how you should act–" i was shocked hearing what she said.
"I don't care."
...
I really have to control her temperament and how she should act sometimes...
Since she might become a violent person or delinquent.
Meanwhile as we continue to talk.
I then heard the sound of a car approaching.
I turned my head to see a familiar car.
Mom's car.
Finally, she's here.
The car pulled up, and Lavinia waved from the passenger seat.
With me and Jeanne climbed in.
Jeanne immediately started complaining to Lavinia about the situation.
Lavinia intently listened to what Jeanne said and what happened at school.
Though she didn't expect this was going to be a long ride home.
I leaned back in my seat.
...
Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
...
Ehh, probably my thought just thinking about bad cases.
I'll probably be fine.... right ?
--------------
Meanwhile - Somewhere in Montéglise
--------------
Glenda stood in an abandoned building on the outskirts of town.
Around her, twenty magicians who have joined this plan of her to steal absolute demise, and in exchange some will gain some data about a longinus, while the rest are magician who are disciples, or are magician owing her a favour.
With them gathering before they begin their plan.
"Tonight," she said.
Everyone looked at her.
"We move tonight,so follow the plan we had readied."
The magician that was here nodded with them readying their plan.
Glenda smiled.
Tonight I take back what's mine.
as well as the day of where I take my revenge.
----------------------
Back with Michael
----------------------
(Michael's POV)
Jeanne was still complaining about her disapproval towards Claire.
With her loudly and passionately doing it.
" And she just stare at him every once awhile,when he answers questions the teacher asked." Jeanne said as she made hand gestures to help in the details of her explanation.
Lavinia, sitting in the front passenger seat this time,turned slightly to look back at us.
"Are you sure she hates Michael?" she asked reasonably. " Because all I see is her being just a bit competitive. Do you have any other evidence ?"
Jeanne opened her mouth.
But her then pausing as she doesn't know what to say.
"...I mean..."
"She glares?"
"That's not evidence of hate," Lavinia pointed out. "That's just... looking."
"But it's a MEAN look–"
"Jeanne." I replied , since i think i have to intervene know making sure Jeanne doesn't started to make hearsay statement.
"Fine!" Jeanne crossed her arms. "I don't have evidence. But I have instinct and my instincts say she doesn't like him."
I mean she's not wrong, Claire definitely doesn't like me.
But "doesn't like" someone isn't the same as "hating."someone.
Overall it's more of a rivalry, it's a competition, so it's different.
Mom's voice came from the driver's seat, amused.
"You're still children," she said warmly. "These things always feel more dramatic than they are. I'm sure Claire is a perfectly nice girl. And you'll be friends within a few weeks."
I could agree with that.
Mom's right, I mean we're seven,and in ten years this will all be embarrassing memories.
Probably....
Then Mom's tone soon shifted, with her then casually replying
"Speaking of being children," she said, "I bought some ice cream."
...
The moment the word cream came out of mom's mouth.
All three of us me, Jeanne, Lavinia turned to look at mom simultaneously.
With us thinking.
Ice cream !
Mom glanced in the rearview mirror, smiling catching our expressions.
As she have gotten the three children attention, with them all completely distracted from the previous drama.
With her then smiling.
Mission accomplished
She thought.
"Neapolitan, mocha, and a few other flavors I thought you'd like," she added.
Jeanne's face lit up with excitement.
With her having a complete mood shift.
When I tell her to stop.
Talk about a complete turnaround, she went from sd to joyful in under three seconds.
Lavinia's meanwhile was also smiling very much, with her licking her lips.
Meanwhile, I felt myself relax with some excitement.
Being a foodie, anything involving food will improve my mood,not to mention i could be bribe by food.
And ice cream is specially effective with it being a universal bribe for foodies.
Especially for the tastebud of a child.
Mom then shifted gears smoothly, turning onto the road leading toward our neighborhood.
With us nearly at home.
And ice cream waiting with it
This is really a good day.
--------------------
Later - At Home
--------------------
I sat at the kitchen table, spoon in hand, and with a bowl of ice cream in front of me.
Neapolitan.
The classic three flavor combination that is chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, harmony in itself.
I took another bite.
Damn it's so good.
It's perfectly sweet, still frozen,and the texture is perfect.
This is why i love the modern world.
The other flavors Mom had bought were laid out on the counter mocha,blueberry,mint chocolate chip, salted caramel, and something that appeared to be cookies and cream.
There were a lot of extensive selection of ice cream.
Mom really had gone all in when she was shopping.
Dad's wallet probably took a hit.
I can't imagine his face when he found out.
Also speaking of dad.
Dad wasn't actually home.
Yeah I know.
Since he's now on a sanction templar mission somewhere, with Jeanne Dad also joining with him.
So Charlotte/Jeanne's mom was here, with her sitting with Mom in the living room, both of them talking quietly while keeping half an eye on us.
They were discussing about something, probably about us.
Lavinia sat beside me, eating her blueberry ice cream, that she scooped.
With her savouring each bite she took.
She paused, looked at my bowl, then at me.
"Can I try some of yours?" she asked.
"Sure."
I scooped some Neapolitan onto my spoon and held it out.
She leaned forward as i feed her, with her eyes closing briefly.
"Good?" I asked.
"Mmhm." She smiled. "The strawberry is really good."
"Want to trade?"
"No, I like mine." She took another bite of her blueberry ice cream. "But thank you for sharing Micky."
Then Jeanne appeared on my other side.
What–?
I looked back at the kitchen counter.
Since she was at the counter getting her own bowl two seconds ago.
How the hell is she already here ?
The ice cream Jeanne had grabbed was mocha aka coffee-flavored ice cream.
Jeanne's taste preferences really is chaotic.
Though considering i did also like mocha when i was young, especially buying mocha ice cream in a cup while eating it with a wooden spoon (Those spoons somehow contains a lot more flavour).
"Mikey," she said, already holding out her spoon toward my bowl.
"You want some?" I asked her, staring at her face.
"Yup !"
I scooped some and held it out for her.
As She then ate it.
Her face immediately showed satisfaction.
"Yours is so much better," she declared.
"You literally have mocha right there–" I looked at her.
"But YOURS tastes better."
Lavinia, from my other side: "That's because you always think other people's food tastes better."
"It DOES," Jeanne insisted.
"It's not." Lavi replied back.
"It's FACTUAL."
I ate another spoonful of my ice cream while they debated.
With myself having no interest in getting myself murdered.
Since i really prefer to live..
After awhile both of them returned to their own bowls, satisfied with having taken a bite from mine, with me feeding them.
With them sitting on either side of me.
Mom meanwhile glanced over from the living room, looking at the three of us
With her then smiling at the situation.
I pretended not to notice.
Outside, the sun was starting to descend , as the sky turned into a glamorous, beautiful, and mesmerising red orange golden sky.
With the shining light leak through the house windows.
I seeing that took another bite of my ice cream.
Yeah, this is a nice day.
Mom meanwhile was currently putting some rubbish into the trash bag.
With her having several trash bag that has been separated based on the materials.
With the organic one going to be thrown into the compost at the backyard.
The inorganic and recyclable ones are going to be put at the bins outside the house.
As Mom prepares to head outside.
________________________________________
We've reached 500 collection, thank you so much everyone for it, you guys are the best 🥳🎉🪅
Also for information the towns name is Montéglise, since I realize the town doesn't have a name after 40 chapters,so yeah.
Well that's all I'm going to say for this chapter.
So I'll see ya in the next one 👋
- AgentByteGOC