A/N: I've had this part sitting in my computer for a long, long time now. I had originally planned to include Nao's lesson in the chapter as well, but my brain is taking a vacation from fanfictions, so here's what I have so far, while everyone's waiting. Thanks again to all my reviewers and readers! I hope you enjoy this next segment.

As with everything, the passing of time eventually drew the ceremony to a close. After paying their respects to their seniors, the new students were rounded up by the Miss Maria who, at present, was explaining to them the itinerary for the rest of the day. Eagerly, the girls lapped up the information, but Nao noticed one student who seemed less than interested. The first-year’s eyes had wondered away from the archaic speaker, half-drooped from boredom. Her arms were crossed, and she stood with all her weight on one leg. Their eyes met, and the girl quickly righted herself, embarrassed that an eminent Column had caught her slacking.

But Nao only chuckled, “Reminds me a little of myself.”

The students dispersed, and the crowd followed suit. Nao watched as they were politely ushered out of the grounds by the security personnel. She felt a tap on her shoulder.

“Meeting in fifteen, in my office.”

Nao folded her arms, “More formalities, Natsuki?

“Yes, there’s still much to be discussed about among the higher Otome,” the principal adjusted the folder of papers under her arm.

“Like what?”

“Like what you’re going to be doing for the rest of the year.”

The room smelt pleasantly of lavender. Although Nao had been in the principal’s office on a number of occasions (most of which were during her more rebellious school-days), she remained impressed by its breadth. The back wall was entirely glass, and the view offered a magnificent panoramic view of the campus. On one side was a fireplace and sofas, arrayed around a small coffee table. A ceramic teapot and a plate of cookies had been placed on top, and beside them, sat a bowl of purple potpourri – the source of the aroma. Natsuki was seated behind her large desk, her back to the glass wall.

“You’re early,” Natsuki was busy organizing a mess of documents on her desk, but she looked up and gave a curt smile as her guest entered.

“Yeah, no point lingering outside the hallway. Thought I’d come in and call the best seat,” Nao sauntered over to the couches, and stretched herself out on the largest one. She eyed the pastry treats, “Mind if I start first?”

“Help yourself. No one else is coming.”

She crunched into the cookie, “Hm?”

“Everyone else had had other important business to attend to, so it’s only you this time,” Natsuki pushed the last pile of papers in place, and then focused her attention on the munching girl.

“Oh? A private meeting with the principal?” Nao placed her elbows on her crossed-legs, and licked away a crumb from her lip.

“Yes, something like that,” Natsuki rose from her seat. She walked over and sat on one of the luxurious seats. She picked up the teapot and filled two.

“Thanks.” Nao let the steam from the cup warm her face before taking a tentative sip, “These cookies are good; I didn’t think you’d ever get over that cooking handicap of yours,” she said as she reached for another.

“I didn’t,” Natsuki chuckled, “Actually, Shizuru made them.”

“Oh.” Nao stopped and examined the treat warily, then shrugged, and continued eating voraciously. She would pretend it was Shizuru’s head. “So, what can I do for you, principal?” she asked between bites.

Natsuki cleared her throat, “Well, most classes for this year have been sorted out, all except for one.” She pulled a paper from her folder and slid it across the table.

Nao picked it up, “A course syllabus? Oh, it says Shiho’s teaching it. What happened? Did a student file a complaint already?”

“No, nothing like that. Shiho’s not going to be teaching it this semester.”

Nao frowned.

“She sent me a message just yesterday. Seems she was offered a position as Meister to a Mr. Frederick Newman Dole during her trip back home to Cardair.”

“Who’s that?”

“Apparently he’s the heir to some big energy company. She seemed really flustered and excited on the phone, so I couldn’t catch all the details, but I can assure you, he’s very ‘handsome and rich,’” Natsuki smirked as she quoted her phone conversation.

“That lucky scum bag!”

“Yeah, I knew you were hoping to hit the riches one day too. Sorry.” Natsuki took one of the cookies and settled back in her seat.

Nao leaned forward, “Well, I want retribution.”

“For what?”

“For being stuck here in Galderobe for the rest of my life.”

“I’m stuck here too, you know.”

“Yeah, and that warrants me extra benefits.”

“Well, I hate you too,” Natsuki sipped her tea casually.

“At least give me a new room. Away from those annoying kids.”

“Hm, that I can do,” Natsuki thought for a second, “Room 533 is vacant at the moment.”

“That one’s beside that disgusting bathroom.”

“How about 275?”

“Too close to the classrooms.”

“075?”

“…That’s the dungeon.”

“I know,” Natsuki grinned.

“If you want to lock me up, there’s better ways of doing it…” Nao fixed her companion a sultry look, smiling as she let Natsuki’s imagination explore the hint.

Natsuki blushed, and looked away. As well as she could counter against her rival, Nao always leveled the field when the teasing became suggestive. It was not that she was particularly incompetent in the subject – well, to be honest, she was – but what drew Natsuki back the most was her fear of pushing Nao to the edge, and beyond. How far Nao could carry her flirting, Natsuki did not know. After all these years, she was never really sure how serious Nao was in her ministrations. Although she trusted her friend enough to believe that Nao would never try to force anything upon her, if the situation ever arose, Natsuki had reason to believe she should be afraid of her own response…

Nao had always found Natsuki’s uptightness cute, although she would have to be dragged for miles by horse carriage to admit it. She envied her friend’s pureness of heart. It was something Nao herself had lost too long ago to regain. As much as she teased her senior, she admired her strength of character, and her unbreakable resolve to fairness. But above all, she liked Natsuki’s human side: the side that was still vulnerable to embarrassment and shyness, and to emotions. Nao was capable of drawing out blushes from the principal, but that was as far as she usually got. It was the one gripe Nao had against Natsuki’s virtue…

Natsuki regained her composure, “Just… stay where you are for now. I’ll try to work something out. Deal?”

“Your room’s pretty spacious; we can be roommates.”

“No way. You sound like a horse when you sleep.”

Memories of a bygone school camping trip surfaced in Nao’s memory, “I told you, that wasn’t me! It was the stupid camp counselor and our paper-thin tents!”

“Whatever. I distinctly remember seeing you drool.”

“Oh? So you watched me sleep? How bold…”

Natsuki rolled her eyes.

“Alright, alright, I’ll stay put. But you better be snappy in finding me a new room.”

“Yes, master,” Natsuki pulled a face at her cheeky junior.

“Zhang-sama,” Nao corrected.

“Yes, Juliet-chin,” Natsuki would not give in this time. She then pointed at the syllabus, “Now, back to the meeting. I need you to take care of this.”

“What is ‘this’? Proofread it or something?”

“No, I need you to take Shiho’s place.”

Nao’s eyes widened, “You want me to teach the class?”

“Well, you’re more-or-less the most senior student here. I think you can handle it. It’s an introductory course.”

“That makes it even worse!”

Natsuki could not help but laugh, “Yeah, I know.”

“You’re sadistic, Natsuki. First-year students are crazy: they’re either so keen and ambitious they’ll bug the hell out of me, or they’ll be complete idiots who’ll break down and slobber all over me when they realize they can’t make it.”

“Well, someone’s got to do it.”

Nao poured herself more tea and sighed, “Fine. But don’t blame me if I scar these kids for life.”

“Just don’t do anything lewd, and you’ll be fine.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m pure as snow,” she rose her cup and drank from it.