✤
A few more days passed with frustratingly little progress. All the while, I was so focused on Matsuri that I totally forgot about my other problem.
One day, I went to the Sky Salon in the morning as usual, cleaned and took care of odd jobs, and enjoyed a nice cup of tea or two with Himeko. After that, I set out back to my dorm room—and came across a certain girl.
More accurately, she was waiting to ambush me. She stood imposingly on the path with her arms folded. With a scornful huff, she said, “Misaki Hotaru, right?”
Oh no. It’s Lutia.
Her chestnut-colored short hair and bright blue eyes were a rare sight at Amanotsuka Academy. It made sense that she stood out, though, since she hadn’t come with any intention of becoming a maid. That gave her something in common with me, but her reason for being here was very different from mine. She was a vampire hunter targeting Lady Angelica.
“No, that’s not my name,” I lied. “You have me mixed up with somebody else.”
Playing dumb, I started to walk past her, only for her to suddenly grab my arm.
“You can’t fool me. I’ve been researching you over the past few days. You’re actually sort of famous around here, so it wasn’t hard to get information. I’ve also discovered who you really are. You’re a minion of evil trying to help take over the school by cozying up to the highly influential Himeko Amanotsuka. You’re some variety of fiend operating under Angelica’s orders! And just like her, you’ll face my wrath!”
What?! What is she talking about?!
“None of that’s true! You’ve got it all wrong!”
I didn’t know what to do. Lutia was laboring under a major misapprehension. Evidently, she was the type of person to interpret information very freely and convince herself of things she’d made up.
“Will you please let go of me?”
“No. First I’m going to use you as bait to draw out Angelica, then I’m going to dispose of both of you at once.”
What now? Shall I cry out for help?
The second I looked around, I saw a small black form flying toward me.
Lady Angelica said she’d make sure a bat was always nearby. Now it’s come to rescue me.
Moments later, it was no longer alone; a whole swarm of squeaking bats bore down on Lutia.
“Dammit! You’re a vampire too! I knew it!”
Surrounded by the bats, Lutia was forced to let go of my hand and focus on defending herself.
A bat turned to face me and squeaked loudly as if to say, “Run!”
“Thanks,” I replied. “Don’t put yourselves in danger either!”
I ran to my dorm as fast as I possibly could. When I got to my room and looked out through the window, the bats were just flying up into the sky. Having successfully bought me enough time for an escape, they were swirling away in a flurry.
I’m glad they’re safe, but I still can’t believe how badly Lutia has misunderstood. She definitely thinks I was the one controlling the bats.
Groaning, I decided I had to talk to Lady Angelica as soon as possible. The only problem was, I had no way to get in touch with her.
That was when I remembered. I can ask the bats to give her a message, right? If they come back, I’ll give it a try.
Since they were still nowhere in sight by the evening, I cautiously opened the window to make sure Lutia wasn’t there. All was quiet; it looked like she wasn’t staking me out or anything. Maybe she’s retreated to form a new strategy.
“Erm, are there any bats around?” I called through the window. “If so, I have a favor to ask.”
Squeaking, a single bat flew over from behind a tree.
Ooh, how cute! I love how it comes when I call it! I wonder if you can keep a bat as a pet?
“Erm, I’m a little scared Lutia might be listening, so could you come into the room? I’ll give you a snack.”
Squeaking in reply, the bat flew through the open window. What a clever little thing! It understands everything I say!
“Do bats like fruit? I’ve got some apple pieces and milk ready for you.”
On the table, next to my own portion, I’d placed an apple cut into tiny chunks and a saucer of milk. I didn’t know exactly what bats ate, but this one gleefully flew over to the apple.
It’s eating the apple! I thought with excitement as I sat down on a chair.
“Are you all right? You and your friends didn’t get hurt earlier, did you?”
The bat squeaked and lifted up one wing as if to say it was totally fine.
“Thank goodness. Thank you so much for your help, by the way. You might have literally saved my life.”
I gingerly stroked the bat’s little head. It closed its eyes, reacting like a cat would. This critter’s so cute and charming. I’m starting to wish we could spend more time together.
“Anyway, I’m wondering if you can help me out. Could you take a message to Lady Angelica? I want to let her know that Lutia attacked me and ask if we can meet somewhere tomorrow. The more public, the better, since that’ll make it harder for Lutia to strike as well. Maybe we could go for the open-air café Lady Angelica likes? Maybe she’ll have anticipated this and will be there anyway. Still, I guess it would be best to set a time. Let’s say ten in the morning.”
After I’d finished, the bat flapped its wings. It seemed to be saying, “Leave it to me!”
The bat and I were still enjoying our little snack when Matsuri arrived. “Misaki, I’m back!”
I wonder if she went to clean the inside of the school building after work again. Wait, I hope she’s okay around bats. It would be awful if she’s scared of them.
I only had seconds to worry about this before she came into the living room and shrieked.
Gah! I knew it!
She collapsed to the ground and pointed at the bat. “Misaki! I’m not imagining things, am I? That’s a bat, isn’t it?!”
“I’m sorry! It seems to have gotten lost. I tried feeding it an apple, and it started eating it, so I’m playing host for now. It’s really, really tame. Look at how it’s eating the apple pieces. Don’t you think it’s adorable?”
“Erm, maybe.”
Looking exceptionally nervous, Matsuri sat up and crawled over to the table. Trembling, she poked half of her face up from behind the table to peer at the bat.