Louise takes a step forward… then stops for a second longer than necessary. She straightens her back with a slightly sharp movement, clears her throat, and adjusts her cape with obvious irritation.

—L-Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière —she says, lifting her chin as if that could hide the blush on her cheeks—. And… this wasn’t part of my plans. So consider yourself lucky.

She clenches her fists, clearly annoyed at having to introduce herself, but the faint tremble in her voice gives her away. She’s angry, yes… but also nervous, and that makes her unexpectedly cute.

At her side, Aisaka Taiga crosses her arms quickly, tilts her head, and flashes a smile meant to look confident.

—I’m Taiga —she says—. Don’t get too excited. If we’re greeting you, it’s because we decided you were worth it… for now.

Her eyes move quickly, evaluating, calculating. She’s nervous too, but instead of anger, she takes refuge in a sharp, almost mocking cleverness.

Louise glances at her from the corner of her eye.

—“For now”? We don’t have to sound threatening from the very first second.

—Of course we do —Taiga replies with a shrug—. That way they don’t notice when you’re nervous.

—I’m not nervous!

—Uh-huh.

A brief silence follows. Then both of them take a half step forward, unconsciously in sync.

The message is clear even without being spoken aloud: one hides her trembling behind wounded pride, the other behind razor-sharp mischief—and together, even uncomfortable, they remain a problem no one should underestimate.