Chapter 8 - I Want to Hit You

"Ugh!" I exclaimed as I curled up, the foot that had just kicked me lifted to deliver another blow.

"Useless familiar, get up quickly! We're going to be late for class!" Louise asserts angrily as she kicks me again, this time in the chest. Though her small, delicate feet didn't inflict much damage, nobody wanted to be woken up that way.

I shoot a grimace at my 'master', but blush as I realize she's standing there completely naked, with only her long pink hair hanging over her shoulders managing to conceal her nipples... That didn't fully block her view down there. Damn it! I feel like the FBI will come for me.

Unfortunately, Louise was very aware of my gaze, so she gave me a strong kick in the face in response: "Dog! I won't tolerate my servant having those thoughts! Behave or else!" She seethes before sighing at my pathetic appearance. "Get up and dress me, or we'll miss breakfast and be late for class. Next time you'll wake me up on time!" she repeats, promising that this would be the last time she would ask "nicely".

Damn, damn, damn! How could Saito endure this treatment? I feel like hitting Louise for her attitude, but I restrain myself, keeping my gaze fixed as I help her dress slowly. However, literally putting on her panties was incredibly awkward.

Fortunately, Louise hadn't "grown" enough yet to need a proper bra, which relieved me a bit, as I wasn't sure I could handle that without losing my composure. After a few minutes, I finally managed to fasten her cape clasp and straighten her back. I'm not a morning person at all; waking up this early feels like a blow, especially after staying up late reading the spell book. I can't even complain; any attempt would be suppressed as if I were a dog or they'd put a collar on me.

Louise examines herself in the mirror and huffs to herself, "Acceptable, but much slower than my familiar should be. You're lucky we have limited time, otherwise I'd feel the need to punish you," she says before heading towards the door and waiting in front of it.

I simply stand behind her, ready to follow her like a good familiar, but it seems I misunderstood the situation when Louise attempts to kick me in the knee. "Open the door for me, familiar!"

I furrow my brow, doing my best not to hit Louise, and open the door, closing it behind us as I follow her down the hallway. However, it seems that each of my actions serves only to irritate her even more.

"Walk by my side! Like a family member should!" she orders, and I comply without protesting.

I descend with Louise down the long staircase, and finally, we reach the ground floor, where people are already shuffling towards the dining hall to have breakfast, having woken up as late as we did. Of course, our appearance doesn't go unnoticed, and the mocking glances from most of the guys follow us with every step. But, on the contrary, the girls seem to glance at me and whisper among themselves.

I'm not used to this kind of attention, and I don't know how to deal with it. I've noticed that in most fanfics, when the protagonist obtains an extremely attractive body, the reincarnated ones don't miss the chance to tease the female protagonists. But in my case, far from enjoying the attention, I find it uncomfortable. Although I must admit that this situation boosts my self-esteem a bit.

Louise simply clenches her fists in response to the stares and marches on with determination, allowing us to finally reach the entrance of the banquet hall.

Upon entering, I can't help but be amazed by the magnificence of the place. It's grand and luxurious, much more than I had imagined while watching the anime. Rich tapestries hang from the walls, and crystal chandeliers sparkle with the light of lit candles, casting a warm glow over the perfectly aligned tables. Not that I had expected these nobles to lack the means for such ostentation, but seeing it in person is entirely different from how I remembered it from the series.

I entered the common room with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The arrangement of the tables reminded me of Hogwarts, with its long rows and students grouped by year. I watched as the first-years, identified by their brown capes, sat on the left side, while the second-years, in black capes, sat in the middle. On the right, the third-year students wore purple mantles.

At the end of the aisle, I spotted smaller tables designated for the teachers, although most of the seats were empty at that moment. I recognized who I assumed was Osmond, the school's headmaster with a Dumbledore-like air, albeit with certain unusual tendencies. Beside him, a woman with green hair and glasses caught my attention. I couldn't recall the false name she used to go by, but I knew she was Fouquet, the witch with the enormous golem.

For a moment, I considered betraying her, but quickly dismissed the idea. I knew it would be hard to believe and I'd probably earn laughter or even punishment for falsely accusing a staff member.

However, one thing became clear: the other students quickly noticed Louise's presence and mine, each casting glances at one another to catch a glimpse of the fake family member Louise had paid to substitute for her. All the while, I was on the verge of dying in the attempt... At least, that's what the students believe.

Louise just grits her teeth and lowers her head slightly as she walks towards the middle table and navigates towards one of the empty seats. I follow her, noting the only dirty plate on the floor which supposedly was where she ate.

In the anime, Saito was forced to sit on the floor and eat stale bread while people laughed at his expense. Despite how things had gone so far, I couldn't allow myself to stoop to the level of an animal... So, despite my stomach growling, I stood patiently behind Louise after pulling out her chair.

I felt Louise's fury piercing me like daggers, for remaining standing while everyone else prepared for the morning prayer. She shot me those looks that seemed to say I was ultimately responsible for her embarrassment. I knew I was breaking a social norm, but honestly, I cared little at that moment.

Desperate to salvage some of her reputation, Louise relented and let me take up a spot right behind her. This seemed to calm the waters a bit, and as if on cue, the last attendee crossed the threshold and the room fell into expectant silence. Everyone began their prayer to Brimir.

I, however, remained silent. I didn't know the words, and even if I did, I doubt I would have spoken them. Paying homage to a figure representing Hitler in his utmost expression was something I couldn't do, neither out of courtesy nor obligation. So I stood there, lost in my own thoughts, discreetly scanning the room.

My eyes scanned every face, every gesture of devotion, until finally, I found the one I was looking for. Guiche. There he was, with his air of superiority and excessive confidence. I knew my next move depended on him, and as the prayer continued, my mind was already weaving the threads of the next encounter.