Red Dress and the Street

Hailey stood before the carriage, adorned in a red frilled dress she did not usually wear, and a pearl necklace like a cluster of grapes.

“Senior.”

“That’s enough, Junior. I appreciate the send-off. But could you perhaps step back a little? As your Senior, I care for my Juniors, but I don’t think we need to be closer than necessary.”

Hailey’s tone and demeanor changed as she stood where her Retainers could observe. She turned sharply and boarded the carriage.

Xenia, also dressed in a light purple gown, joined her in the carriage, seemingly going along.

A retainer from the House Pelton approached me and offered a greeting.

“I’ve heard much about Student Demian. We will formally invite you soon.”

After promising such an indefinite invitation, they all boarded their carriages. Three golden carriages from House Pelton departed with ten Escort Knights.

Hailey and Xenia turned their heads, casting wistful glances through the rear window of the receding carriage. Their eyes held a needless sorrow, like cattle being led to market.

“Demian? Is that really Demian?”...