After school the three girls chatted at a corner of the school's courtyard. It was a good opportunity, so they decided to chat and get to know each other some more. But just as they were about to finish, Michelle suddenly said,
"Hey, how about we form our own group?" [Michelle]
In this school, there are assignments or practical work invovling magic or swordsmanship that needs to be done in groups. However these groups aren't decided by the instructors or by the school, rather they're decided by the students themselves.
If the school tried to forcibly dictate the groups, then the nobles would get mad. Part of the reason is because of compatibilitiy between the members, but there're also those who simply don't want to be in the same group as commoners.
However, in cases where there are students leftover without any groups, then they need to be taken in by other groups that don't have enough members. Neither the commoners nor the nobles have any say in this. But of course, it's not hard to imagine how uncomfortable of a situation that would be.
Elia and Michelle may not have any problems regarding groups, but of course it's still best to make a group with people that you get along with ahead of time. And that's why Michelle suggested to make a group, while Elia and Miyabi immediately agreed.
"But if we're making a group, then we'll have to gather two or three more members. We need five or six to make a group after all." [Elia]
"Yeah, otherwise we'll end up with students we don't know." [Michelle]
"Without considering social standing or anythin', can ya two think of anyone?" [Miyabi]
"I can think of one." [Michelle]
"Who?" [Elia]
"Liera Clifford, the eldest daughter of the Baron Clifford." [Michelle]
"Baron Clifford... From what I know, he used ta be a knight, but after pilin' up achievement after achievement, he became a baron. Nowadays, they're known for raisin' some oustandin' knights." [Miyabi]
"Exactly. Her pride's a bit high, and she won't shut up when it comes to rules, but she doesn't look down on commoners, and she honestly acknowledges anyone with skill. She treats commoners as if they're equal too." [Michelle]
"She's certainly qualified. Is she someone you know?" [Elia]
"There was a point in time where we saw each other a lot. But because of my research and because of her training, we've rarely had the chance to lately." [Michelle]
Like this, the three of them agreed to invite Liera Clifford. And immediately, they went to find her.
The place they went to was the training area for swordsmen. As soon as they got there, Michelle pointed at a corner and said,
"She's over there, let's go." [Michelle]
With Michelle leading, the three went over to a corner of the training area where a female student zealously praticed her sword as she gave off a frigid aura. With the girl's height tall for her age and a face that could easily pass as that of a beauty's, she stood out. Then from the group of male students that was watching her from a distance came Michelle's voice.
"Liera, could you come with me for a bit?" [Michelle]
"Michelle? What's the matter? And that person is..." [Liera]
"Calm down first, then we'll talk." [Michelle]
Michelle took Liera with her and left the training area. Following after her were Elia and Miyabi. They then sat at a resting area with few people. On the way, Michelle had already explained to Liera about their plan.
"I see, so you came to invite me... Alright, then in that case, I'd be grateful if you added me into your group." [Liera]
"Really?" [Elia]
"That's great!" [Michelle]
Elia and Michelle were both delighted, but Miyabi didn't look to be fazed at all as she asked Liera,
"Ya sure you're okay with this? From what I've heard, ya have the highest grades in swordsmanship, and many people have already tried ta get ya ta join them." [Miyabi]
"It's true that I've received plenty of invitations, but they're all from people I can't get along with. People who only see me as a tool to raise their grades, or people who don't even have the slightest decorum to hide their perverted gazes... And more than that, I can't agree with people who despise commoners. I don't want to be grouped up with people who mistake their haughtiness for pride." [Liera]
Although still a student, Liera's soul was already that of a fine knight.
It was in this way that Liera became their friend. And the four began to discuss who to ask next.
"I can't think of anyone. To begin with, I don't have a lot of connections, so..." [Liera]
"Liera's been obsessing over her sword ever since after all." [Michelle]
"Well aren't you one to talk? Even though you're exactly the same when it comes to your research." [Liera]
"True, then in that case, I guess we'll have to rely on Miyabi. I mean you're a merchant, right Miyabi? I reckon you must have a lot of connections." [Michelle]
"Even if ya tell me that, I don't have that many either... It's only been a month since enrolling, ya see? So... and besides the number of students that haven't been included in a group has also decreased a lot, ya know? And more than anything, don't ya all think it'd be best if we got another girl as our member? After all, we're all girls here." [Miyabi]
"If it's possible, then a girl would be best. Although as long as he won't look at us with a discomforting gaze, then even a guy would be fine." [Liera]
"It's because your style is so good." [Elia]
"I know right? We were just around the same level in the past too... I wonder why the gap is so big now... Even the parts that should be tightened are tightened." [Michelle]
"Where are you looking!?" [Liera]
"Hmm... everywhere?" [Michelle]
"Don't look!" [Liera]
"Now, now, please calm down. Anyway, we can't seem ta think of anyone, huh?" [Miyabi]
"It's not like there're none though." [Elia]
"Well yeah, but the group's balance will be affected. Right now, I can think of four people, but amongst those, three want ta be magicians. And even now, the only one who can fight in close combat amongst us is Liera. If we took two of the people I have in mind, then we'll end up with six magicians and one swordsman." [Miyabi]
"True.... the balance would definitely be quite bad in that case." [Elia]
"It's not like I'm fussing over the grades or anything, but there's also some danger in our assignments and training." [Miyabi]
"It'd be tough for me to defend five. Once we're surrounded, it's over. The teacher will also be watching and supporting over us during training, but it's not good to rely on that. If we could another swordsman more it would be great, but..." [Liera]
"Unfortunately the last person I have in mind won't be a swordsman either. The people I have in mind can fight to some extent though. I mean one of them can do some covert ops and put up some traps. A person well inclined for scouting in other words. And...- Well speak of the devil, looks like she's actually here." [Miyabi]
"*Sniff... I was rejected again..." [Girl]