An Unexpected Encounter

-----Yui's POV

I wanted to learn more about what Mai just said, but with Lucien's announcement, we were essentially forced to vacate the area and return to our dorms. He also said that for the students who participated in the tournament can have time off from studies, saying that the tournament is generally held at the end of the semester before break. So this will act as some sort of mini-break to an extent.

Leon went out with his family while Kaede and I met up with the rest of the group. I spotted Olivia wandering through the crowd and asked her come join us. Despite me telling her it's okay, it still bothered me a little that she never came to lunch with us. I hope we can be proper friends and not this master/servant thing we have going on.

Oliver: "Sorry if I'm intruding..."

Yui: "You're fine. If anyone has any problems with you joining us then I'll just have to beat them up."

No one voiced any complaints as we began to walk outside the stadium.

Mark: "Congrats on the win Kaede!"

Kaede: "Thank you."

Fabian: "You're going to be the talk of the academy for a while, haha."

Kaede: "I'd rather not be."

Fabian: "Oh, and Ellen. You should head back to the mansion during this break and speak with-"

Iris: "Ellen!"

About a minute after we had exited the stadium, our mother comes up to me and wraps her arms around me out of nowhere, quite tightly if I might add.

Yui: "Mom? I thought you left already?"

Iris: "Like I'd leave without congratulating my own daughter. I'm very proud of you, the both of you."

Yui: "Thanks mom."

Hearing those words after all these years felt great as I slowly wrap my arms around her, ignoring the stares from my friends as I indulge in her embrace. Mom turned her gaze to the side whilst hugging me as I also follow her gaze, where my eyes lock onto yet another familiar face.

Oliver: "...You did, very well Ellen."

For the first time, he smiled at me. It wasn't as big as I'd like, but it was a smile nonetheless, filling me with huge amount of happiness to finally be recognized by him.

Oliver: "I'm sorry I doubted your capabilities for so long."

Iris: "Well if you managed to take some time to watch her train with Alice maybe you would've seen it sooner. I knew she had the talent the first time they met."

Oliver: "Y-yes. I'm sorry for not being a better father Ellen."

Yui: "It's okay. As long as you can see my greatness now, that's all that matters, haha."

We both share a small chuckle as I finally separate from my mother's embrace. That was when I noticed everyone who I was walking with stood silent, as if they were frozen in place from the scene in front of them, except for Fabian who was as carefree as me.

Yui: "Oh! Mom, Dad. These are my friends, but you already know Luna."

Luna: "G-good to see you again Mrs. and Mr. Leinhart."

Iris: "Mmm! Good to see you too. And congratulations on making it that far into the tournament. Your matches were exciting to watch."

Luna: "Thank you."

She's still very polite when it comes to my parents, but I can't blame her, especially because of how they're dressed all the time; it screams royalty. My mother then glances over the rest of my friends as they all fell to one knee, except for Kaede.

Iris: "Oh? You're friends with the champion as well Ellen? Congratulations on winning the tournament, Kaede."

Kaede: "Thank you. It's an honor to finally meet you."

She gives a short bow to my mother as I can't hold back my smile. It reminds me of the time when Kaede had first visited my house back in our old world. She said the exact same words in the exact same way, perfectly imitating that time. I couldn't exactly tell my parents about my relationship with her, at least not with everyone around us like this. Maybe somewhere more private would be better.

Iris: "I'm glad to see that Ellen has made such talented friends- Oh? the Crestel twins? A bit surprising you two befriended Ellen as well-"

Collin: "Well, I wouldn't say we're good friends yet. I met her through Kaede actually."

Violet: "Yes!"

Iris: "Let's hope that you guys can become closer then, hehe."

Collin: "Yes."

My mother looks over to the remaining people, before her eyes lock onto Olivia, who was hiding behind Mark and George.

Iris: "Ah~ You must me Bennet's daughter. Olivia, yes?"

Olivia: "Yes my lady."

Iris: "Your father has done wonders for us with our trade routes to the other towns. I do hope you can help Ellen as well, and give her company while at school."

Olivia: "Yes. I'll do my best my lady."

Yes! If my mother says it, then surely Olivia will stick around more often.

Mark: "My name's Mark Yalen, son of knight Yalen."

George: "George, son of... baron Aston."

Just like that, George's expression turned sour as he's brought to remember his father's death. It irks me to see him like this after all these past days where he's finally been distracted. But right now he looks to be on the verge of tears.

Iris: "I'm sorry for your loss, George"

Oliver: "We heard of the news right after it happened. We'll give as much support as much as we can."

George: "Thank you very much."

Iris: "Sorry for inconveniencing you all, but we do have to get going now, so we'll leave you be."

Yui: "More work?"

Iris: "Yes. Especially with news of the vampire outbreak, things have been quite chaotic. Not to mention the increase of attacks to our trades. Something is definitely happening, so you all best stay safe okay?"

Everyone: "Yes."

Iris: "Good. Well then, I hope to see you again Ellen. Your room is always there for you if you need it."

Yui: "Mmm! I'll come home again during our break."

Iris: "Great. It gets quite lonely coming back home with you two not there. You too Fabian!"

Fabian: "Yes mom!"

With that, they left us as the majority of us breathed a collective sigh of relief. I was actually planning on going home to see them later today, but since they met us out here, I can find some other time to go visit them later.

We all slowly began to go our separate ways. Luna wanted to go see her family once more, leaving just Kaede, Mai, Olivia and I heading up to the dorm rooms. I'm curious to know exactly which room is Olivia's, in case she runs away from me again I can kidnap her from her room if I need to. Turns out her room is right next to Kaede's. I couldn't help but wonder if she could overhear everything that we were doing in Kaede's room, or if there was some kind of sound proofing? Either way, asking her about it would be too suspicious so I refuse to pursue it any further.

Heading inside our room, I collapse face first onto the bed as the exhaustion takes over, pouring all of my remaining energy into the bed as the exhaustion takes over. "It's finally over." It sure does remind me when I competed in the track and field tournaments back home. I'd end up doing this every time as some sort of routine with-

Kaede: "You did well Yui."

Right on cue, Kaede began to gently pat my head as I lay there on the bed, just like all those times when I got home from my track meets. Closing my eyes like this, I can't help but feel like this new life of mine is nothing but a dream, and that I'm back home. I dread opening my eyes as I let Kaede continue to run her fingers through my hair while I reminisce on all the memories of our past life.