The girl in the Academy uniform spoke, unable to stop herself from laughing as well. Shade had never seen her dressed in a student uniform before; it was probably clothing left over from her student days.
Of course, he would not tactlessly point out that she was the person he had been waiting for. He smiled as well and said:
"Hello, I'm an exchange student from another school. Administrator Miss asked me to meet her here tonight. I think the agreed time should already have arrived."
As he spoke, Shade took out the letter Emilia had sent over that morning. But the red-haired girl swiped a hand over it and pointed out:
"Look, it says to meet at eleven tonight. It's only eight in the evening now. You came a little early."
She then clasped her hands behind her back and took a step backward. Shade's eyes were briefly drawn to her beautiful lace-up boots. Seeing the girl smiling at him, he put away the now-meaningless letter and instead asked:
"Since there's still time, could you show me around the Academy?"
"Oh, sir, I have other things to do too. I'm very busy. I have so much to learn, course papers to catch up on, plans to discuss with my teacher, and I don't even have time to meet my lover. So I certainly don't have time to waste on you."
Without her reminder, Shade knew what Daniste was complaining about:
"I'm truly sorry, but I can offer payment."
"What can you give me? If you dare say anything lewd, I'll turn around and leave right now."
The red-haired girl still had her hands behind her back. Shade thought for only a second before giving his answer:
"If you show me around the Academy this time, how about I invite