What Happens Now?

-----Yui's POV

Since everyone was now awake, we all got up from our beds with me sitting on the edge of the bed next to Kaede with our shoulders resting against one another.

Sicily: "I'd like to introduce myself again. Hi, my name's Sicily. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Lillian: "I'm Lillian. I'd also like to apologize for trying to hide Kaede from you. Things have been..."

Yui: "No it's okay, it's nice to meet you guys too, and thank you for keeping Kaede company. But- What's happened?"

Unlike Sicily who was smiling away, Lillian was looking to be more serious as she slightly hung her head before looking back at Kaede. Turning my head to her I saw Kaede had also began to look displeased before opening he mouth.

Kaede: "Remember in my letter when I said I might be in trouble? Turns out that I probably wasn't, but now we kinda are."

Yui: "What do you mean?"

Kaede: "...Can you keep a secret?"

Yui: "Yes!"

She glanced over towards Sicily, moving my gaze to her as well.

Sicily: "Well you may of found out about the recent murder right?"

Yui: "...Yeah?"

Sicily: "That... Was us."

Yui: "Eh?"

Did I hear that correctly? They murdered that person? George's father? But why? As if reading my thoughts, Kaede began to speak up.

Kaede: "It was justified. He had bought Sicily and Lillian as slaves in the past. Sicily purely wanted revenge so I helped her out."

Yui: "Slaves?"

This was the first time I've heard about such a thing in this world. I did learn back in my old world that there used to be slavery, but that was abolished decades ago. To think that I've been living this care free in this world knowing that slavery was hidden away.

Kaede: "It came as a shock to me as well. Which was why I accepted it. In return Sicily would help me find you."

Sicily: "I didn't really do my part of the deal then hehe~"

Yui: "I would think that people would enslave demi-humans though right? I've known about the discrimination with them unable to even enter the capital."

Lillian: "You are correct. When we were in the cages, I saw that most of the people there were demi-humans, with some regular humans amongst them."

This is crazy. I start to think that my life here has been somewhat of a lie. Thinking back on growing up in the mansion, there were plenty of maids and butlers along with the carriage drivers. Were they all slaves too? They did seem content with their jobs though so maybe it was okay, but for Sicily to want to get revenge by killing their previous owner makes me think that not every slave owner is as nice. I'll have to talk about this with mom when I get the chance, I'm very curious now after learning all this.

Mell: "Ah I'm here as well! My name is Mell. Nice to meet you"

Breaking the silence, Mell broke out in between the two sisters as she introduced herself. It was too cute as I couldn't help but smile at the sight of her.

Yui: "Nice to meet you all. My name is Yui. Or well actually in this world I go by the name Ellen."

Kaede: "Ellen? I guess it makes sense if you were born in with a family."

Yui: "You didn't get another name?"

Kaede: "No... at least not to my knowledge. I found myself not necessarily reborn, but more like thrown into a child's body."

Now this was interesting. So Kaede wasn't reborn? But instead took over someone's body? It kind of reminds me of my magic in a way where my magic attaches itself to other people's magic, making it my own. Weird...

Suddenly, a knock came from the door to the room followed by a familiar voice.

Luna: "Uhm. Can I come in?"

Kaede: "Come in"

I opened my mouth to answer but Kaede beat me to it as the door opens, revealing Luna all dressed and ready to go out. Looking down, my clothes were a mess compared to hers with my hair desperately needing to be brushed and fixed.

Yui: "Hey Luna. I thought you went back to the dorms?"

Luna: "I couldn't leave you all alone. You suddenly passed out so I was somewhat worried."

Kaede: "She's not alone though."

I felt Kaede's hand go to grab hold of mine as we remained seated on the edge of the bed. Looking at their faces, it looked like to me that there was some tension between the two as Kaede looks determined with Luna feeling lost on where to look.

Yui: "Kaede, this is a good friend of mine, Luna."

Kaede: "Mmm, we talked last night."

Yui: "I see~"

...

The silence was getting a little awkward between these two. Breaking the silence, I clap my hands together before speaking up.

Yui: "Right! Let's all get along yeah?"

Kaede/Luna: "M-hmm"

I have my suspicions on what's going on. I think Luna isn't at fault or anything. Seeing Luna and I spending time growing up together and attending the same school most likely is rough on Kaede, I can't blame her for feeling jealous. I grab hold of Kaede's hand this time, squeezing it gently as I give her a gentle smile, reassuring her everything will be fine.

Luna: "Ellen- uh I mean Yui. We'll need to head back to the academy today remember."

Yui: "Y...Yeah"

My heart sank as I'm pulled back into reality, I'll have to say goodbye to Kaede once again. The thought did cross my mind of just abandoning the academy and instead running off with Kaede, but that wouldn't be fair on my mom or Luna. Wait, I wonder if Kaede could somehow enroll in the academy? She is quite a well known adventurer so It may be possible.

Kaede: "Do you really need to go back?"

Yui: "Mmm. My mom, or well my 'new' mom enrolled me so I don't want to disappoint her."

Kaede: "I see..."

Seeing Kaede now visibly upset over this subject only makes me feel worse. I really don't want to leave her again, even if I can still see her every day.

Sicily: "Why not just enroll yourself Kaede? That'd solve the issue right?"

She had the same idea as me. Kaede joining the academy would be amazing, however there will be the issue of what room she'd stay in. Also would she even be able to attend if the academy has already started?

Luna: "That can work!"

Yui: "Eh?"

Luna: "Well normally it wouldn't be possible. But if it's Kaede, I'm sure she could be accepted as a scholarship student with her guild record."

Kaede: "That's possible?!"

Seeing Kaede now looking happy instead of her gloomy attitude just before made my heart flutter as I smile away at the thought of Kaede joining us.

Luna: "Yes. Maybe when we head back you can come with us Kaede? You could speak to someone about it."

Kaede: "I... I can try. But what about you; Sicily, Lillian and Mell?

She looks over to the 3 of them as they look amongst themselves.

Mell: "I wanna go with Kaede!"

Lillian: "We can't. Plus you're a little young Mell, we don't want to burden her."

Kaede: "Hmm"

I didn't think of that issue. They seemed to care about Kaede so leaving them behind might be a bit too much. If they had a house in Inasdale then that would solve the problem, they can just see each other on the weekend or something.

Yui: "Ah!"

Everyone looked my way as I thought of a possible solution.

Yui: "Maybe you guys could stay at my mother's mansion? It'll take some convincing but I'm sure my mom would be fine with it.

Lillian: "Ah no no Yui. I don't want to burden you either. I was thinking of finding a job here while Kaede attends the academy if she does get in. I was going to anyways."

Sicily: "Mmm! My thought exactly."

Lillian: "We can look after Mell for you as well."

This could also work. My idea wasn't the best I admit as there would be a lot of complications with how they would help out around the house. Mother might not even need new maids and find no use of them as all I would be doing was shifting the burden onto my mother. Thinking it over again, their idea was much better, although a bit expensive.

Yui: "I can help with financial issues if you need? I don't spend the money I have anyways so helping you guys have a place to live until you find a job wouldn't be a problem to me at all."

Lillian: "You don't have to-"

Yui: "I insist!"

These girls are clearly important to Kaede even if she doesn't necessarily agree that they are. So I'd like to help protect the people close to her as well. Lillian looked over to Sicily as they both thought it over before coming to a consensus.

Lillian/Sicily: "Okay-"

Sicily: "But we'll pay you back"

Yui: "Mmm! Deal."

I look back to Kaede next to me, looking for her approval in this as well as she gives me a smile in return.

Kaede: "Sounds good. But are you sure it's no big deal?"

Yui: "I'm sure. I have plenty of money saved."

Things started to get settled. The girl's situation is fixed, now all that's left if for Kaede to be admitted to the academy. It would be amazing if she would be able to attend, but I wonder what class she'll be put in if she does get accepted?