The Elixir of Love

02: the prinzessin's judgment

Meanwhile, in the Astrology Club's clubroom...

"Oh, chauvinistic astrologist who devoted her soul to the Prinzessin, I was not benighted by your passion to serve the Immernachtreich! These eyes transcended the sky that mirrors the sea, the window to the soul and thus the portal to the truth. You cannot repudiate, Lady Megistus— tell and I, your royal Highness, will ease whatever troubles you!"

Mona blinked. Fischl did the same. Mona placed down her pen as she stares at her friend, lips slightly apart in confusion. "...what?"

Fischl, who was panting after spouting her speech in less than thirty seconds, did not reply. Mona looked at her friend's butler, who stepped forward to explain Fischl's words. "Mein Fräulein wishes to know the reason behind your troubled face, Lady Megistus."

"...that's all?" Mona switches her eyes between Fischl and Oz, before slamming her back onto her chair, palming her face. "Goodness, Fischl."

Fischl broke out of her façade for a second. "What? Just tell me. You look like someone slipped death threats into your locker."

"Well, not exactly, but that's the feeling I'm getting."

"Care to tell this Prin—"

"I had this classmate, he's the president of Alchemy Club or whatever, and he sits behind me. Lately, I kept on catching him sending me glares."

"Glares?"

"Like, he was eyeing me from head to toe, and when he notices that I caught him, he would raise his eyebrow as if he's telling me, 'So what?'. He's so— argh!"

"Did you perchance do something to upset the gentleman? Your sharp tongue is a weapon feared even by the highest-ranking generals—"

"No! I don't even know his name. It's Alberto... Alfredo.... or something. Whatever! Point is, he's disturbing me!"

"Do you wish to report it to the higher-ups?" Oz suggested as he heads to an unused chair on the opposite end of the clubroom. He carries it to Mona's side. "You know Mein Fräulein's family holds quite a huge percentage of shares in this school."

"As annoying as it is, I don't want to make it too complicated. I just want to know why he looks at me like that, like, like... he doesn't want me there! Ugh!" Mona kicked her feet alternatively in frustration and pulled her hair down. "I don't want you anywhere near me either, you blonde shorter-than-average annoying alchemist!"

"Do tell, Lady Megistus of the Immernachtreich! Is there a chance, be it one of the stars, that the Alchemist harbors unwanted romantic feelings for you?" Fischl sat on the chair Oz brought, crossing her legs as she continues. "Who knows— perhaps he adored the way thou pigtails dance as you strut across the classroom?"

"He looks like he wants to skewer me."

"Romantically?"

"Angrily."

"Ah."

"Even I couldn't think of a reason why Sir Albedo would hate you, Lady Megistus," Oz placed a hand on his chin. "You're quite charming and your charisma cannot be denied even by the students of this school. Everyone talks about you and your astrology nowadays."

"Hmph, of course!" Fischl proudly placed her hands on her waist. "She is one of the Prinzessin's closest aides, after all. Her name is worth fearing!"

"Ugh, that's also one of the reasons why I'm burnt out," Mona groaned as she slams her upper body on the table. "So many people... asking for my stars to tell their fate... I like the fact that astrology is getting more known because of me, but if they wanted me to read their sign, they should've at least given me some money—"