I notice the tremble and immediately pull my hand back, take a half-stumbled step backwards and bow deeply, my hands on my knees. Stupid, Etienne, why are you so stupid? "I'm very sorry." I look up and try to smile, but guilt brings it out as more of a grimace. "Sometimes my foreign heritage gets the better of me."

I take a shaky breath and bow deeply again. My leg twinges but I deal with it. I deserve it.

I will most definitely protect this school, if it's the last thing I do. "And you as well, Fudou-san."