A mansion stood on campus. Gates and fences kept intruders away. Hajime was walking towards the iron gates. In the distance, before the iron entrance stood a short figure.
Hajime tilted his head to the side, Aveline should have arrived ages ago at the mansion. A familiar face appeared in Hajime's mind, her long blue hair was forever etched into his heart, and her mismatched eyes that always seemed playful and teasing.
"Sakura what are you doing here?" Hajime inquired as soon as he was near her.
"Daddy!" Sakura squealed happily as she jumped onto Hajime's neck. Her soft lips peppered a multitude of kisses along the side and back of his neck, making him shiver with excitement.
Hajime patted her head gently. Her silky blue locks felt smooth to the touch.
"I missed you," Sakura purred softly.
"I miss you too but you can't hug me right now." Hajime explained, as he pushed her gently away from his body.
Sakura pouted cutely, her lower lip jutted out and a slight frown graced upon her face. "There's no one nearby."
"Still no one should know that we're partnered up."
"Fine, but you have to make it up to me," Sakura demanded, as her lips curled upward slightly at the ends. She placed both hands on her hips and stared intently into Hajime's eyes, daring him to disagree.
"Sure, anything you want." he promised as he nodded his head vigorously. She was too adorable.
"I wanna go on a date!" Sakura exclaimed excitedly as she clasped her palms together tightly.
"A date?" Hajime parroted as he scratched his chin absentmindedly.
"Yeah a date!"
Hajime pondered for a moment before responding.
"Alright," he agreed, "Where shall we go?"
Sakura grinned widely.
"Let's go to-"
The iron gate slowly creaked open, catching both father and daughter off guard, the metal gates dramatically revealed a white-haired prince.
"I thought someone rang the bell?", Veloria asked as she glanced around.
"Don't you have a key Hajime?", her eyebrows squished together.
"Of course I do, but-"
"I rang the bell!", Sakura interjected loudly.
Veloria blinked twice as she stared at Sakura. Her eyes sparkled. She quickly clasped her hands together.
"You're so freaking cute." she yelled before hugging Sakura. Veloria nuzzled her face into Sakura's soft hair.
Hajime rolled his eyes and sighed. "Sakura I think it's time for you to go home."
"What but she just got here." Veloria countered.
Veloria shook her head defiantly. She held on tighter around Sakura's small body. Sakura struggled against her grip, but Veloria refused to budge.
"You can't let this princess go home just yet." Veloria insisted.
Hajime frowned. He eventually needs to charm Veloria but letting these princesses meet Sakura would probably make his life harder.
"Please." Sakura pleaded as she continued struggling within Veloria's grasp.
"Fine, you can come inside with us," Hajime relented as he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "However you'll be going home immediately after dinner."
"Yay!" Veloria cheered triumphantly. She released Sakura from her embrace and skipped merrily towards the mansion, dragging Sakura along with her.
Hajime watched helplessly as Sakura was whisked away from under his nose. He shook his head slowly before following suit.
The trio walked through the large doors into a grandiose foyer, decorated with intricate paintings and delicate sculptures from all over the world. A massive chandelier hung above their heads illuminating every corner of the room.
Calantha and Aveline sat in the sofa. One was reading a thick book: An encyclopedia about all types of known flowers and their mana type. Calantha was busy writing. Both of their focus was interrupted by the footsteps, their gaze now rested upon the newcomer with blue hair.
"Who is that?" Calantha asked.
"I don't know but she's cute," Veloria remarked with a wide grin on her face. She let out a soft chuckle, "She reminds me of my younger self."
"She certainly is cute," Calantha replied, while Aveline only gave a curt nod.
Hajime groaned internally. 'Why is Calantha still here.'
"Why are you women treating me like I'm a child." Sakura whined as she crossed her arms and puffed up her cheeks angrily.
"I'm a fully-fledged grown woman!"
Calantha laughed softly at Sakura's reaction.
"I suppose that's true, what's your name? And why are you here?"
Sakura smiled brightly, "My name is Sakura Starfall."
"Starfall?" Veloria raised an eyebrow curiously. She stared intently at Hajime, "Any relation to him?"
Hajime shrugged nonchalantly, "I found her on a street begging for food." He replied, earning himself a punch to his arm. Sakura pouted as she rubbed her knuckles, a gesture Hajime often did when they were younger.
"That's not funny." she muttered under her breath.
"Well, if you must know, Sakura and I are siblings," Hajime added.
"You're lying," Calantha accused. "She's a Floralith and you aren't."
"He's my daddy." Sakura declared proudly.
"Daddy?" Calantha questioned.
"Yes! He raised me!"
Calantha furrowed her brows together as she studied the duo closely.
"That doesn't make sense. You should've spent the first few years with your mother."
Sakura shrugged her shoulders. "He raised me so he's my daddy."
Calantha's eyes shifted back and forth between Sakura and Hajime, searching for signs of deceit in their expressions. She sighed deeply after finding none.
"It's only natural for the son of a mad scientist to have a few screws loose," Veloria joked lightheartedly. She giggled at her own gag.
Hajime rolled his eyes. He ignored Veloria's jab as he sat on one of the many leather couches.
Calantha turned her head towards Aveline, who had resumed reading.
"No comment?" she asked.
Aveline shook her head silently in reply.
The atmosphere became tense, as the silence lingered. Sakura broke it with another announcement.
"...I have something important to say," Sakura declared suddenly. She stood upright with confidence, her sapphire eyes sparkling brightly.
"I'll be living here from now on."
Hajime choked loudly on nothing but air. His eyes went wide and a look of disbelief washed over his face. Until the realization hit him.
This must be Charlotte's doing, an attempt at letting him know her authority.
A slow smile appeared on his face as he read between the lines. Charlotte didn't know their full relationship.