Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Teh Ping Talk:Miscellaneous

2012-11-26T10:04:09Z

220.255.2.69: /* Hi */

==Singapore AFA 2012 ! ==

Hey there Teh_Ping ~ It's me again XD. Anyways, you going to the festival next week on saturday or sunday? Just wanted to know [[User:Vermiculo|Vermiculo]] ([[User talk:Vermiculo|talk]]) 00:34, 2 November 2012 (CDT)

I'm going on both Saturday and Sunday. Won't be at the concert though. Most likely in the afternoon on Sat, def on Sunday.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 00:55, 2 November 2012 (CDT)

==Teh Ping Talk:Miscellaneous==

Hey, when you get promoted/if you're promoted already, could you bump up unbreakable machine doll from teaser to full project status? Thanks alot. --[[User:Hayashi s|Hayashi s]] 08:36, 11 June 2012 (CDT)

Duly noted.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 05:47, 12 June 2012 (CDT)

Hai - Vermiliongrey

I don't understand your editing in the kokoro connect Spanish page, we can't work things out if you don't communicate directly. Please, to avoid confusion. --[[User:BakaSenpai|BakaSenpai]] ([[User talk:BakaSenpai|talk]]) 23:28, 18 October 2012 (CDT)

Ah~ Sorry for the confusion and thanks for the correction but I believe there will be more errors coming on the way since I'm new on this page and I'm still learning how to adjust the project without conflicts but thanks for your concerns and if anything you believe it's not proper please feel free to edit it. By all means, are you a translator? --[[User:BakaSenpai|BakaSenpai]] ([[User talk:BakaSenpai|talk]]) 23:42, 18 October 2012 (CDT)

I was going to ask you if you were a English translator since they are very short in translator in the English version since one is retired for now until midterms are over and there's only one working very hard on it. I don't know if you take "pending projects" but it's a fantastic novel. In my opinion from what I read and the themes that are included: Romance, drama, comedy ( light hearted ), psychology and super natural. They're more update with the Chinese Version so I don't know if you speak or read it. But you should really read it when you have the time and it's really good. I can tell more info about it but that would be spoilers...However if you help on it, it'll please many fans out there. I don't mean to pry but the project is a few months old so that explain the lack of help --[[User:BakaSenpai|BakaSenpai]] ([[User talk:BakaSenpai|talk]]) 23:55, 18 October 2012 (CDT)

== Good luck in the Army ==

It'll problaly drain a lot of your energy, but I think once you get pass it, you feel a little bit better about yourself too.

Thanks for your hard work. I'll hope to see update sometime.

Good luck! --[[User:Hypernova|Hypernova]] 19:23, 26 April 2010 (UTC)

Congratulations on the promotion ! --[[User:Saganatsu|Saganatsu]] 16:28, 2 July 2011 (UCT)

Lance Corporal? Congrats! [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] 16:48, 2 July 2011 (UCT)

==Shinrei Tantei Yakumo==
As I understand it, Angelanime is not the translator. --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 08:14, 8 March 2011 (UTC)

Well, that means we have to ask Angelanime who the translator is--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 11:06, 8 March 2011 (UTC)

== To Teh Ping ==

Hello, I just wanted to let you know that I wanted to thank you for all of the translating that you have been doing so far. Reading these light novels have been a real treat and I just wanted to let you know that your work is appreciated.

Thanks for passing the message. [[User:Zephyrus|Zephyrus]] 03:24, 6 March 2012 (CST)

Yo man, I hope your wrist is getting better! Get well soon!! [[User:M.A.D|M.A.D]] - [[User_talk:M.A.D|Talk]] 17:32, 10 August 2012 (CDT)

== Punctuation ==

The types of punctuation used formally were: ...''"" (You might need to see in editing mode to get the difference). I used the characters ... and ' and " to replace them. The thing is, that every type of character has an id set to it in the form of a combination of bits (01010101). This is done because bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, etc, is how data is stored. In other words " does not equal " or " in the storing language. However in English they would mean the same thing. " occurs earlier in the storage character table than " or " therefore it has a smaller id. Thus space can be saved by using it. My advice is to either stop using MSWord and use WordPad or TextPad editor. OR... first write in MSWord then take it to TextPad and then use the find and replace functions to switch the above characters. You can also use FoxReplace addon if you are using Firefox but that's just a little more complex in initializing the settings but the result is that the replacement process becomes fully automated (It's a major pain if you make a mistake though, if you don't exclude pages you need to, then the replacement could affect something you did not wish it to). The final way is to use this site's own search and replace function. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] 15:41, 29 May 2011 (UCT)

One more thing. I've noticed that stuttering words have been separated by commas. Example: "Do, don't think I was doing it for you okay?" The thing is that normally in English writing stuttering words are separated by the use of hyphens(-) lets take the example above. It should have been: "Do-Don't think I was doing it for you okay?" See the difference in the Don't(s). Just thought I should let you know. Was I helpful? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] 15:41, 29 May 2011 (UCT)

...Well, I guess it would be troublesome. I'm using MSWord right now to eliminate as many typos as I can, and I have no idea how much space does this website have. Will keep this in mind, definitely, but I don't know if I can get myself to work that extra bit though.

As for stuttering, I just followed how it's normally given instead of just following how the English do it. Thanks for your input.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 02:16, 30 May 2011 (UCT)

Either hyphens(-) for short(quick) stutters or three dots(...) for long pause between stutters is what I learned. If there is anything else just let me know. I'll be willing to help. Personally, my method is the FoxReplace one. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:58, 3 June 2011 (UCT)

Umm. I've added some info on the FoxReplace method on my talk page. If you feel like it please check it out. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:42, 6 July 2011 (UCT)

I would like you to support me [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4564 here], if you are willing. Thank you. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:35, 13 September 2011 (CDT)

===Stuttering===
Careful. Stuttering is denoted differently in Japanese and English. In Japanese stuttering is denoted by '''comma''' or three dots. Whereas in English stuttering is denoted by '''hyphen''' or three dots. The reason is to ensure that the <big>'''I'''</big> in stuttering words like <big>'''I-I'''t</big> aren't mistaken with the self reference word <big>'''I'''</big>. There are other similar instances as well. Since '''commas''' would allow for such mistakes to happen thus '''hyphens''' are used instead. Such conflicts do not occur in Japanese (due to watashi, boku, etc instead of in English where <big>'''I'''</big> can be confused since most stutterings are of words that start with <big>'''I'''</big> or similar curcumsatnces, <big>'''A'''</big> is another one). [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stutter#Primary_behaviors See here.] Take care. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 12:41, 9 February 2012 (CST)

== Narrative Tense? (Toaru Majutsu no Index) ==

The poll on this conundrum is leaning heavily towards past tense. Should we edit the project-specific guidelines to reflect that consensus? --[[User:Tactician J|Tact]] 11:00, 6 June 2011 (UCT)

As much as I hate to agree with that, go ahead, we should--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 14:06, 6 June 2011 (UCT)

== Collapsibility Upgrade ==

Umm. If it's not too much trouble could you take a look at [[MediaWiki_talk:Common.js|this]]. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 18:06, 29 June 2011 (UCT)

== Questions... ==
How long does a chapter take???

As long as it needs. --[[User:Saganatsu|Saganatsu]] 04:42, 6 August 2011 (UCT)

== Request ==

Since your user page mentioned you're leaving one space open I figured I might as well leave a request. I'd be really glad if you could help with Oreimo, since its translation has pretty much stalled (though I haven't confirmed the status of the translators, from what I gathered they all have it queued). Anyway, if you do pick it up, I'd be more than willing to be an active (personal, if it suits you) editor for the series.-[[User:Ppaaccoojrf|ppaaccoojrf]] 01:13, 26 August 2011 (CDT)

Well, it's a 'maybe', no guarantees though.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 02:54, 26 August 2011 (CDT)

Good enough, let me know if you do pick it up. Thanks for minding the request.--[[User:Ppaaccoojrf|ppaaccoojrf]] 15:15, 26 August 2011 (CDT)

== to Teh_Ping ==

please give Sword art online a piece of your time.thank you.

[[User:Deck of cards|Deck of cards]] 22:57, 16 May 2012 (CDT) I don't know if I'm doing this right I'm a complete noob to baka-tsuki. I'm replying to your message you sent me earlier; it's an original fiction that I created myself, I'm just looking to share it with others and I was wondering if that was a possibility?

Hi I got your message, I'm trying to post it on a forum right now and make a poll (which I don't really know how to do just yetx0.) Also, I'm encountering another problem at the moment, even when I press the preview button it says 'The username you entered is already in use, please select an alternative.' Any suggestions?? [[User:Deck of cards|Deck of cards]] 22:32, 18 May 2012 (CDT)

Haha alright mission accomplished. One problem, by accident I posted two threads. The first one I wrote said it didn't go through so I re-did it. Would you mind deleting one of them?? [[User:Deck of cards|Deck of cards]] 00:53, 19 May 2012 (CDT)

== Archiving advice ==

It seems that your talk page is getting more cluttered up. You know, you can always archive your talkpage when it reaches a certain limit. Simply create a new page named '''User talk:Teh Ping/Archive #''', where # is the archive number, and copy all the discussions that you consider too old to keep on your talk page but too valuable to delete. Create a link to the archive on top of your talk page by writing <nowiki>[[/Archive #]]</nowiki>. You won't need to create a link ''back'' to the talk page from the archive. It seems subpage settings are active on user pages. [[User talk:Zero2001/Archive 1|I've already made one.]] [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 21:18, 15 September 2011 (CDT)

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'll be sorting them according to the series.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 21:38, 15 September 2011 (CDT)

=== Subpages <- Archives ===

Umm, I think you named them wrongly. Shall I rename them for you? A backlink will automatically be generated that way. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:32, 16 September 2011 (CDT)

^^ [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 00:20, 20 September 2011 (CDT)

Name wrongly? No, I'm just following the wikipedia versions. Baka Test needs to be changed (and Index), but I haven't told told Oni that. Also, there's quite a lot of references out there on Volume 3 Author Notes and Volume 4 chapter 2 that I haven't added in.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 00:34, 20 September 2011 (CDT)

Umm. I mean the names of the subpages you made (assuming this page and the other similar ones were made as a result of the post in the parent section of this section). They were supposed to be named '''User Talk:Teh Peng/*''' not '''Teh Ping Talk:*''' where * is Miscellaneous, etc. A user's page, talk page and '''subpages''' are a users personal space. The way you named them put them in the main page namespace. It could lead to people challenging the pages for deletion. Best if you renamed these Teh Peng Talk pages before that happens. Plus you get an automatically generated backlink to your talk page. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 01:59, 20 September 2011 (CDT)

What Teh Peng? Should be Teh Ping lol. Need to switch around later then.

Anyway, I don't know how to respond to this: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=4553--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 03:48, 20 September 2011 (CD

Hey Teh Ping. I think it's about time you moved your talk pages to under your userspace. Mainspace should be mainly be for project, volume and chapter pages. Others have started to copy you and it's gonna end up making searches more problematic. Everything would be resolved if every user kept subpages rather than make personal pages in the mainspace. If you don't know how, I can move them for you. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 11:53, 3 September 2012 (CDT)

==Registering as an Editor==

How can I register as one (specifically on IS)? I mean in a way that my forum status also gets updated. I feel that those who don't know me can't take me seriously when I post as simply a Reader. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:27, 27 September 2011 (CDT)

You just log in on the forum, go to the user control panel, select the "Usergroups" tab, click in the radiobutton beside "Project Editors", scroll down, and hit submit. (I believe you have to get approved, so it will take a few days, but you'll become and editor eventually.) [[User:Hobogunner|Hobogunner]] 15:43, 27 September 2011 (CDT)

==Moving talk pages==

Are you able to track new messages? [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 19:19, 10 October 2011 (CDT)

I just need to set it as 'watch page', so yeah, I can track them.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 00:27, 11 October 2011 (CDT)

==[[Boku Wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai:Volume1 Past]]==
Uh, that was a surprise, that you translated that. Will you also translate more of this series? --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 16:23, 24 November 2011 (CST)

Not really. I still have my other series to work on...--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 17:57, 24 November 2011 (CST)

==Thanks==

I'm really sorry you had to fix up [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Kino_no_Tabi:Volume5_Chapter4&direction=prev&oldid=146986 this page....] I swear I didn't save it.... I was planning to just submit it later after I had a bit of sleep. So I was shocked to find it there all neat and tidy this morning...

Anyway, thank you very much!

[[User:Ella.servantes|Ella.servantes]] 22:13, 5 April 2012 (CDT)

==Asking for a favor==

Hi Teh Ping, do you know how to contact Js06? I want to translate one of his project into Vietnamese so I asked for permission in the forum, and no one answer. Then I posted in Js06 talk page (since he is the only one translating it) and no answer. Finally I posted in the PJ talk page and still got no answer. So if you happen to know how to contact him, please told him to answer me. Thank you [[User:Gingi|Gingi]] 11:40, 21 April 2012 (CDT)

Is it about Heavy Object, Oreimo or Monogatari? I can help you ask him if you want, but I need to know what series you're interested in.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 11:52, 21 April 2012 (CDT)

Oh yeah, sorry, my bad. It's Heavy Object [[User:Gingi|Gingi]] 11:57, 21 April 2012 (CDT)

Yes, you're allowed to.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 01:25, 22 April 2012 (CDT)

Thanks man. [[User:Gingi|Gingi]] 06:17, 22 April 2012 (CDT)

Hi there. This is regarding the Fan Fiction project by [[User:Deck of cards|Deck of cards]]. Sorry since I was the one who advised him to directly post the series on the Wiki without understanding the rules first. Based on your advise I think he posted it on the forum but in Future Project Suggestions. Can you help on moving it to the Fan Fiction project? I don't know how to do it or I don't have the power to do it.

==Group Membership==
Hey, I'm an Indonesian translator, so can you upgrade my group membership to translator? Thanks. --[[User:Gwilthyunman|Gwilthyunman]] 19:49, 11 June 2012 (CDT)

me too... Is it possible..? [[User:Tony Yon|Tony Yon]] 06:26, 12 June 2012 (CDT)

Please upgrade mine too. Is it still possible? Thanks [[User:Arczyx|Arczyx]] 08:49, 12 June 2012 (CDT)

Do note that I can only promote people to only translator or editor at this point.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 09:12, 12 June 2012 (CDT)

Oh venerable dark lord, Teh_Ping-sama. May I ask an upgrade for my account to translator? May you give thy grace to thou benevolent worshiper. -[[User:Lan013|Lan013]] - [[User_talk:Lan013|Talk]] 09:06, 19 July 2012 (CDT)

i'm a TL, but what do u get if you have this group membership?-[[User:idiffer| idiffer]]

You get a level up, of course, with some nifty skills like deleting pages, quick re-rolling edits and patrolling edits. --[[User:Rock96|Rock96]] 09:46, 19 July 2012 (CDT)

thanks, rock. then i'm in. i need some pages deleted... can you pls upgrade me, teh ping?-[[User:idiffer| idiffer]]

hi, can I get an upgrade to translator and editor? [[User:Hayashi s|Hayashi s]] 11:37, 24 July 2012 (CDT)

Hi Ping, can you upgrade me to translator? :) [[User:Stellarroze|Stellarroze]] ([[User talk:Stellarroze|talk]]) 07:33, 15 August 2012 (CDT)

==About Indowebster==

I'm very sorry about one of our member (in indowebster) for making such profit from printed PDF

although I had long in IDWS, this is my first time I heard something like this (I haven't looked in shopping corner section until now) 
I am also one of the translator in BT, so I understand, and also objected to make profit from PDF 

for now I have talked to oelil (the one who selling the pdf) and some of our moderators and super moderators to prevent something like this happened again) 
and oelil also has closed his thread voluntarily 

I'm as the representative from Indowebster, sincerely apologize to Baka-Tsuki and all of the translators for our rude behaviour

PS : please forgive me if my english is bad since it's not my primary language

-- [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]] ([[User_talk:LiTTleDRAgo|Talk]]) 11:43, 2 August 2012 (CDT)

Just like he said, LiTTleDRAgo already talk with the moderators there and the problem is cleared.

I also sincerely apologize on behalf of my fellow Indonesians, so please restore the SAO pages again, for the sake of the honor of my country (Indonesia have bad people just like any other country, and I don't want my country to be bullied by BT members because of them).

So, please...

Also, the main page too...

[[User:Arczyx|Arczyx]] - [[User_talk:Arczyx|Talk]] 12:24, 2 August 2012 (CDT)

I edited the main page to remove any implications of Indonesia since it seems that there was only one person, but I am not going to restore volume 9.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 12:38, 2 August 2012 (CDT)

Thank you very much for the main page. Regarding volume 9, you really mean to ban it for 3 days? Well, if you see this as a fitting shock therapy, then I won't object. I suggest you also put up a warning on SAO page saying "Don't profiting from our hard work" or something so people gonna know why volume 9 got deleted and no one from any country will do something like this ever again (just don't mention Indonesia in there though). [[User:Arczyx|Arczyx]] - [[User_talk:Arczyx|Talk]] 16:31, 2 August 2012 (CDT)

I understand, it's unfortunate things have turned like this, 
if this will really soothe your anger, then I shall speak no more about this -- [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]] ([[User_talk:LiTTleDRAgo|Talk]]) 18:41, 2 August 2012 (CDT)

==Changing Default Signature for all member users==

Hey Teh Ping, I have a favor to ask. You know how annoying it is to go through the user page to get to a user's talk page via the default signature; especially when you're in a hurry. Well I found a way to fix that. But I need a supervisor or above to do it for me. Can you copy the source code of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MediaWiki:Signature this page] to [[MediaWiki:Signature]]? It would be a great help if you did. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:16, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

I need TLG's permission for that though.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 21:05, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

I've already asked Onizuka and Thelastguardian. Let's see how it goes. Although it wouldn't hurt if you gave a little support. Honestly, I don't think you'd really need permission because even wikipedia edited it's default signature to include a direct link to the user's talk page (See the external link above). Plus, it's a less time consuming method than going out of our way to get to a user's talk page. Or to ''ask users'' and ''explain to users how'' to manually edit their signature. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 22:16, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

== Spam ==
Hi, could you IP-ban this guy - http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Blackdiamond . He's been spamming. Thanks.
(Is this international Spam B-T weekend???)
[[User:Stellarroze|Stellarroze]] ([[User talk:Stellarroze|talk]]) 19:31, 18 August 2012 (CDT)

== Password change? ==

Everytime I click onto the forum it takes me to a password change page, but I didn't receive any prior notice for this. This isn't BT being hacked or anything is it? --[[User:M.A.D|M.A.D]] - [[User_talk:M.A.D|Talk]] 14:03, 22 August 2012 (CDT)

Yeah, onizuka-gto is hacking the forum ^^ [[User:Vaelis|Vaelis]] ([[User talk:Vaelis|talk]]) 14:10, 22 August 2012 (CDT)

Ah, got it. I wonder if I should report him to himself :P --[[User:M.A.D|M.A.D]] - [[User_talk:M.A.D|Talk]] 15:07, 22 August 2012 (CDT)

== Hi ==

Hi, Teh Ping, do you have any interest in taking an apprentice? :D [[User:MADh0n0r|MADh0n0r]] ([[User talk:MADh0n0r|talk]]) 10:07, 25 November 2012 (CST)

I can see from your profile that you don't know Japanese...do you know Chinese or Korean? I can take apprentices, but do know that I have only 1 month left. (I'll disappear from here after that).--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 10:57, 25 November 2012 (CST)

I don't know korean, but I do know chinese. [[User:MADh0n0r|MADh0n0r]] ([[User talk:MADh0n0r|talk]]) 18:04, 25 November 2012 (CST)

Okay...just a test of your grammar. Try translating this: http://www.wenku8.cn/novel/0/467/25227.htm (May have some pop-ups, so be careful). (For hints, 友少 will mean Haganai, 平坂读 will mean Hirasaka Yomi, いたち means itachi, ブリキ means Buriki, and put all the 老师 as -san instead of -sensei (teacher))

Also, you might want to get started with memorizing these charts: http://www.freejapaneselessons.com/lesson01.cfm http://www.freejapaneselessons.com/lesson02.cfm

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter7

2012-05-27T12:57:39Z

220.255.2.69: /* Part 1 */

== Chapter 7: Contracted Spirit Est ==

=== Part 1 ===

.....He remembered that he was taken into a black room.

A room like a prison cell without windows.

He recalled being taken by people in black, also the day he met '''her''' for the first time ---

It was since eight years ago when the young boy became The Strongest Blade Dancer --- Ren Ashbell.

Before that he was at an orphanage.

It was no ordinary orphanage. It was a so called «Instructional School» of a town that didn't exist on any maps.

From every part of the continent, young girls with talents as a spirit contractor were gathered from orphanages or relief institutions, and received special training in the secret facility. Those were raised there were exceptional assassins. The emotions of the girls were killed by the crazily education, and nothing but massacre techniques using spirits where thoroughly hammered into them.

On that day eight years ago, a young boy who was taken in by the Instructional School was able to communicate with the spirits.

The Demon King's Reincarnation --- called the miracle child by the training instructor, that young boy was trained with highest priority.

He was subjected to the highest assassin skills training, handing to him their treasured one of the most powerful Pillar Spirits.

Formerly, a Sealed Spirit because of the Demon King, the Dark Spirit.

But, four years ago, an enigma berserk accident suddenly destroyed the Instructional School.

Thanks to the incident, the hideous truth of the Instructional School was brought to light, and the aristocrat faction in charge of the scheme was purged; its existence was erased from all the records of the Ordesia empire.

The young boy, escaped with his contracted spirit.

Running away from his pursuers, he disguised himself as a girl. Originally the young boy had well equipped features; his voice had yet to break, and nobody thought that he was a boy.

Also, three years ago. The strongest blade dancer magnificently debuted.

Winning the 'Blade Dance', in order to fulfill '''her''' one and only 'wish'.

But, it was --- '''something humans must never wish for'''.

=== Part 2 ===

Kamito opened his eyes and found himself lying in bed.

Birds were chirping outside the window. Bright morning light entered into the room.

He strongly felt that he had a very nostalgic dream, but couldn't remember what it was about.

His head hurt. Kamito slowly turned his head and sat up. Then he noticed.

What he was wearing was not the the Areidesia Spirit Academy school uniform. It seemed that someone had helped him into pajamas. The freshly washed clothes were very comfortable.

"By the way... where am I?"

Kamito looked around the room.

The layout of the room was very familiar. This must be the dormitory of academy.

However, this was not Claire's room. It was impossible for her room to be so clean. The furniture and household items looked very upscale and polished spotless. The room was like a luxury hotel. It did feel like a girl's room, but with a different perspective from Claire's.

He moved his arms to get out of bed - but a sharp burning pain shot up from his right hand.

Grimacing from the sharp pain, Kamito finally remembered.

''At that time, I......''

In order to protect Claire, Kamito had surpassed the limit to release the contract spirit's power.

Conjuring up a powerful Elemental Waffe was of course good. But since the spirit was too strong, his divine energy was exhausted all at once, and he had passed out.

''Right, ...How was Claire?''

Kamito was going to get up from bed, but at that moment -

''Hm?''

Something squirmed inside the sheets.

"Wow! What... What the hell!?"

Kamito bounced up and quickly yanked the sheets aside.

Something unbelievable was there.

A silver-haired girl.

And she was naked, stark naked.

No, more precisely she was not completely naked; she had black knee socks on.

A knee socks wearing, nude, silver-haired girl was there.

...Silence for about a full half minute.

"...Who are you?" Asked Kamito. His head was spinning, and he couldn't come up with any other questions.

"Est." The girl expressionlessly replied. It was a cold and mechanical-sounding voice.

"Est... so that's your name?"

"Right. Human vocal organs are incapable of pronouncing my true name, so call me Est."

"Well, Est."

"Yes."

One would blink in amazement at the transparent violet eyes of the beautiful silver-haired girl.

She seemed to be younger than Kamito.

Her body was very petite, maybe even smaller than Claire's.

"Uh... Why... are you... in my bed?"

"Because I belong to you, my master."

The girl answered with no hesitation.

"......"

Cold sweat flowed down from Kamito's forehead.

''...Wait. Calm down.'' He had no memory of such a thing. Wrong, isn't it that he didn't remember anything about it even worse?

''Why am I in bed with a naked girl? Kamito Kazehaya, were you really such a despicable pervert that stripped innocent little girls and then brought them to bed?''

''NO! Absolutely not!''

"Hey, Est."

"Yes, master."

"Why are you calling me master? Please briefly explain."

"Because master is my master. Was there any self-contradiction? "

Est replied expressionless.

"Or would you like me to call you differently?"

"For now, anything other than master."

"Well, Aniue-sama<ref>An extremely respectable way for calling an elder brother in Japanese.</ref>."

"No."

"Daddy."

"Even worse."

"...Onii-chan?"<ref>A casual and cute way of referring to an elder brother in Japanese.</ref>

"...Uh... no!"

Kamito averted his eyes slightly. Involuntarily, he felt that the last one was quite good.

"My bad. Kamito, please call me Kamito."

"Got it. I'll call you Kamito."

The knee-socks wearing nude silver-haired girl nodded.

Kamito... Kamito... my master is Kamito... the girl murmured, as if constantly chewing these words.

Kamito's head gradually started aching. What is with this girl?

"Why are you wearing nothing but knee socks? Isn't it odd?"

"Are you saying that I should take the socks off!?"

Est's normally expressionless face showed a sign of wavering for the first time.

"Actually demanding me to show my bare feet... Kamito is such a pervert."

"No, aren't you naked? What is this mysterious sense of embarrassment?"

Kamito sighed. Oh, well, perhaps it was due to cultural difference.

At this point, suddenly the sound of someone coming up the stairs was heard through the door.

"...Oh, no! Someone is coming!"

It would be bad regardless of whom, seeing this situation.

"Hide somewhere now!"

"Why?"

"No questions! Hurry up!"

"Oui<ref>French for yes or other confirmatory word</ref>, roger that."

Est wiggled deep into the sheets.

"Why there out of all places!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Snip* -

At this instant, the door opened.

"Kamito, you woke up!"

Rinslet's maid Carol appeared. She was carrying a basin and towels.

"Carol!? That you are here means this is -"

"The room of my lady, Rinslet."

Carol smiled.

I see. Indeed she was a daughter of the Laurenfrost family. No wonder the room was so different from Claire's.

"By the way, why am I in Rinslet's room?"

"My lady was very worried because you fainted and had you carried here. She and I took care of you."

"......So that's why. Thank you."

Kamito felt very grateful. That girl was surprisingly a good person.

Carol walked over towards the bed.

''...Oh, no!''

The moment Kamito put on the alert posture, Est squirmed in the sheets.

Kamito's body suddenly involuntarily froze.

''Hey... Hey! Come on. Please stay still!''

"You woke up, Kamito Kazehaya."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Snip* - this time the uniformed Rinslet came in.

Although he thought Rinslet would breath a sigh of relief, but she put two hands upon her waist, and glared sharply at Kamito.

"...I was so startled because you suddenly fainted."

"Ah, My bad. I heard that you have been taking care of me. Thank you."

"Humph! Taking care of the servants is also the duty of a master!"

Rinslet's face suddenly became red and she looked away.

"...Besides, you saved my friend..."

"Well?"

"Nothing...!"

Rinslet suddenly folded her arms, and turned her face aside.

Her behavior of not being frank with herself was somehow quite lovely, actually.

"By the way, how is Claire?" Asked Kamito. Back then Claire looked very haggard, and something was obviously wrong.

''...Hopefully she was not thinking something strange.''

"She locked herself in her room the moment she came back to the academy and has stayed there since then. No matter how I provoke her from outside the door, she completely refuses to come out."

"So..."

Kamito sighed. It seemed that even that defiant princess could suffer from depression. Although she acted very tough, she was just an ordinary girl after all.

"My lady is really worried about her childhood friend Miss Claire."

"Carol! what, what are you talking about! " Red faced Rinslet repetitively beat Carol on her back.

Looking at the exchange between the two girls, Kamito smiled bitterly.

''...Ah. That girl, even though she was seemingly convinced that she was alone,''

''She does have good friends.''

"What is it, Kamito Kazehaya? Why are you smiling?"

Rinslet puffed her cheeks and stared at Kamito.

"Since you have woken up, get out already. Men are prohibited in the female dormitory!"

"Ah, Oh. I'll go out now...... uh!"

Just then, Kamito suddenly froze.

''...No way.'' He absolutely could not get out of bed now. There was a beautiful knee socks wearing nude young girl hidden under the sheets.

This was bad. Extremely bad. If she was to be discovered by these two girls, his life will be in danger in all kinds of ways.

''What should I do... right!''

Kamito needed to change from pajamas into uniforms. Using that as an excuse, he could sent Rinslet and Carol away, then take this opportunity to escape with Est from the window.

No, no good. To go out with Est in her current state, they would surely be caught.

If they were to be dragged to that stubborn leader of the Knights, he would end up even more miserable.

That being the case, he had to -

"Uh... right! Can I ask for a favor?"

"What's that? Do you... want to lick my toes?"

"No one asked for such a thing!"

Kamito retorted out of reflex... Why was there an expectation in her tone?

"That's not what I ask. I was thinking... could you lend me some clothes."

"Clothes? Oh, of course, your uniform is right here."

Rinslet snapped her fingers, and Carol immediately brought out the folded uniforms. The ripped uniforms from battle yesterday was mended, even the buttons were sewn back on neatly.

"That's not what I meant. I would like to borrow a girl's uniform. "

"......"

''Eh? I feel like I have made some kind of fatal mistake just now...''

Rinslet stared at Kamito as if looking at a cockroach on the roadside.

"Oh? What do you plan to do with a girl's uniform, Kamito Kazehaya?"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gogogogo...*

"No... No, not what you think... uh... that..."

Kamito stammered, trying to find excuses to gloss over the question.

"Then it can't be helped. Then although it is a bit embarrassing, I'll lend you my clothes..."

Carol's face turned red, and she started to remove her clothes uneasily.

"Not your clothes! And that's not even a uniform!"

"So that's how it is. What Kamito-sama desires most is a uniform of my lady's."

"What? ...My uniform?"

Rinslet suddenly blushed totally red, and quickly covered her chest.

''Ah ah ah ah! These two are so troublesome!''

Kamito cried in his mind. Just at this time.

From the abdomen of Kamito somehow came a wiggling sensation.

''...! Est! What are you are doing!''

"Hmm? Kamito Kazehaya, what are you doing?"

"No... Nothing..."

[[Image:STnBD V01 207.jpg|thumb]]
"You have been acting strange since earlier. Come to think of it, the sheets seemed to bulge mysteriously."

"My lady, men are the kind of creatures to bulge in the morning."

"Yes... a normal physiological phenomenon, it can't be helped... '''That's not what this is!'''"

"Out with it already, what exactly are you hiding there!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Paa-tsu* - Rinslet forcefully yanked the sheets off.

"What!" "Ah!"

Rinslet and Carol simultaneously covered their mouths, and opened their eyes widely.

It was no wonder. In the bed, after all, there was one beautiful knee socks wearing naked girl.

"Kamito, we are caught."

Still expressionless, Est suddenly hugged Kamito tightly.

"Wh... Wh... What!"

"Hold on! Rinslet, don't misunderstand! This is because -"

Kamito panically shook his head, trying desperately to explain.

"This is because what?"

"Uh... because... that..."

...Uh, no good. Even Kamito didn't know why the young girl was here.

Having said that, regardless of what excuses that Kamito came up with, he had no confidence to convince these two.

"- I see, that's how it was."

Rinslet grinned, a chilling smile appeared on her face.

An elegant, graceful, and truely aristocratic smile.

"You... You understand?"

"Yes, I completely understand. While I was worried about you, you...you secretly brought such a lovely girl to bed---"

Rinslet's freezing cold stares repeatedly stabbed Kamito.

Or rather... it was really cold, cold enough to freeze one to death.

Unknowingly, the windows were covered with frost. Just as one thought that a blizzard was bursting around in the room, the wolf spirit of magic ice suddenly appeared on top of the bed.

"...Wait! This is no joke - I am really going to die!"

"Then... Then die! You pervert ----!"

The Magic Ice Spirit «Fenrir» let out a terrifying roar, then started attacking Kamito.

"...Wahh! For real!?"

Kamito nimbly jumped out of bed and fled around in the room.

Baring its fangs, the Magic Ice Spirit chased Kamito back and forth.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bark!* *Bark!*

"......"

At this moment, Est quietly rose up and stood in front of Kamito as if to shield him.

The white wolf bared its sharp fangs fiercely, and then leaped.

Still expressionless, Est thrust her hand in front of the nose of the white wolf.

Fenrir's movement suddenly froze.

"Woo...ong..."

"Stay back! How dare you as a Magic Ice Spirit to defy me, the «Demon Slayer»? "

The moment Est calmly finished her words, Fenrir began to tremble.

And then -

"Sit."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chokun*<ref>Sound of sitting down</ref>.

"Hand."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pofu*.

"Good boy."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Rub*. *Rub*.

"......"

Kamito was speechless. Rinslet's mouth also hung wide open.

Even spirits of the rank of Fenrir were lead by the nose. This girl, could she be -

"Might you be a spirit!?"

"Yes, I'm the contract spirit of Kamito."

Stroking the head of the tamed Fenrir, Est nodded expressionlessly.

===Part 3===

"Unbelievable. I never expect you to be the «sealed spirit» of that sword."

Having left the female dormitory and walking in the academy's courtyard, Kamito took a glance at the girl next to him.

Of course, she was not naked. Currently, she was wearing the school uniform of Areishia Spirit Academy.

The spirits that had a human form were the highest rank in Astral Zero. So it is understandable that Kamito did not immediately discover the girl's true identity.

"I mean, you can reconstruct clothes, so why were you naked?"

"I thought you would be pleased that way. Or do I really have to show you my bare feet?"

It seemed that this spirit would be embarrassed if she exposed her bare feet. Such an obscure type of shyness.

Kamito sighed, and tried to sort out what he had talked about with Est.

-- Back then Est resonated to the strong will of Kamito, and was summoned in the form of an Elemental Waffe. However, at the same time when Kamito lost his consciousness, the {{Furigana|Magic Circuit|Path}} was once again closed, and she ended up not being able to return to Astral Zero.

"Why was the {{Furigana|Magic Circuit|Path}} not connected? We did form the contract after all."

"One factor is that my original existence is an overly powerful being, but probably the main cause is from Kamito yourself. Subconsciously, Kamito was ''rejecting the contract with me''."

"......"

Kamito had an idea. His eyes rested on the left hand in the black leather gloves.

Back then to save Claire, Kamito strived to not consider about it.

But it is undeniable, ''her'' presence still haunts the heart of Kamito.

"...Sorry. It is not that I was unwilling to contract with you. That's not how it was."

Not being able to return to Astral Zero put an enormous stress on the Spirits.

However, most of the power of Est was left in Astral Zero, so at the moment she was seemingly unable to display her original strength.

Perhaps because Est took the form of a human girl, Kamito became more distressed.

"It does not matter. Anyway, I'm tired of being sealed inside the sword. It has been hundreds of years since I last came to this world. I decided to enjoy everything here. Say, Kamito-"

Est pulled the sleeve of Kamito's uniform.

"It feels like I have a good impression of you."

"...A good impression?"

"Meaning that I might like you."

"Ah. So... thank you."

Kamito could not help but blush, and averted his eyes.

Despite being a sealed spirit with extraordinary power, her appearance was that of a lovely girl.

To receive such a straight confession... Kamito did not know how to respond.

"But when you were sealed inside the sword, haven't you rejected contracting with all the other spirit contractors?"

"Yes, Kamito. So far, I have rejected 53 spirit contractors."

"Then why has such a high rank spirit like you chosen me?"

"Well, if I had to guess - it might have been an intuition."

Est watched Kamito with the pair of clear violet eyes.

"Because I felt- that the two of us are alike."

"...What do you mean?"

"Kamito."

Est suddenly held out her forefinger and gently pressed it against Kamito's lips.

"Do not snoop about a girl's secrets!"

"...!"

A completely unexpected reaction. Kamito's heart raced at the soft touch of her fingertip.

Then, her skirt twirled as Est quickly turned around. She ran forward lightly.

Going a long way from the dormitory, Kamito finally arrived at the school building of the academy.

''Could Claire be here?'' After being driven out of Rinslet's room, Kamito immediately went to Claire's room to check her out. But she was not in the room.

Maybe she had already recovered, and went to the class to take the lectures.

It was good if that's the case- but somehow his heart jittered anxiously.

While walking together with Est in the corridor, Kamito heard whispers constantly coming from all directions.

"Look. Look. There is that male transfer student."

"As expected, he has already laid his hands on a new girl."

"What a pretty girl... do we have such a student in our academy?"

"Hey. Is it true that Ellis's group engaged in a duel with him?"

"He can't be planing to lay his hands on all the girls of the academy, can he?"

"What a pervert... or rather, a lewd beast?"

"Definitely a lewd beast."

"Yeah, a lewd beast."

"Public enemy of the girls..."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Twitter twitter*...

...Kamito's heart hurt. The target of this chattering had heard everything.

"Is Kamito really a lewd beast?"

Est dealt a further blow. Well, she meant no harm.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Clink*-- the sound of a sword being drawn came from the back at that moment.

"- Kamito Kazehaya, you nasty man!"

"...!"

With no time to turn around, the blade had come to rest on the back of his neck.

Kamito raised both his hands, and timidly moved nothing but his line of sight -

Standing there was the pony-tailed leader of the Knights, emitting a terrifying murderous intent.

"E...Ellis...?"

"I misjudged you, you sex maniac! How could you lay your hand on such an innocent girl!"

"...Listen."

Kamito sighed, and said with half squinted eyes: "You have made a very rude misunderstanding about other people. She is my contract spirit."

"......What?"

Ellis raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"You are saying this girl is that Sword Spirit that slayed the Magic Spirit with one blow?"

Ellis skeptically stared at Est for a moment, then turned back to Kamito again.

"Stop making lame excuses, Kamito Kazehaya!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Clang*- the blade came to rest on his neck again.

But the next second, Ellis's startled eyes widened.

The blade that was stabbed towards the back of his neck turned soft and bent down.

"What is going on?"

"{{Furigana|Property Resonance|Howling}}- as a sword spirit, I can freely interfere with various blades. Are you willing to believe us now?"

"...!"

Ellis, with her eyes wide open, examined the bent sword.

Spirit magic could bring about similar phenomenon, but Est bent the sword without even lifting a finger.

"I see. ...Sorry for having doubted you."

Ellis put away the sword, and apologized seriously with a bow.

"No. Originally, even I did not think she was a spirit."

Kamito shrugged and shook his head.

Although there were times where she was overly stubborn, but this candor was also endearing.

"By the way, how are the other two? Hm, from the Knight Brigade-"

"You mean Rakka and Reishia? They regained their conscious this morning. They were beaten pretty badly by you guys. They need to rest for a while before they can control spirits again."

"Sorry... Once I use Elemental Waffe, it is difficult to calibrate my strength."

"It was a duel. Please do not mind it. For them it was a good lesson."

Ellis deliberately coughed, and then-

"...I'm sorry."

"Hmm?"

"I said, I'm sorry. I disliked you for no other reason except that you are a boy. So I feel compelled to apologize."

With her cheeks blushing red, she stared into the eyes of Kamito.

"When you stood up to the Magic Spirit to save Clare Rouge, you looked really... really cool. To be honest I was petrified with fear."

"I had to deal with frenzied spirits several times before. It was just experience."

Kamito, scratched the back of his head, like he was feeling a bit shy.

"Kamito, I dislike being ignored." Est said, puffing out her cheeks.

"Oh, sorry..."

Then, Kamito suddenly recalled his purpose here.

"Ellis, do you know where Claire is?"

"Isn't Claire Rouge still locking herself in her room? Losing the contract spirit seemed to be a very big blow to her."


"But she doesn't seem to be in her room. Do you have a clue?"

"Well..."

Ellis raised her hand to her chin and pondered a bit.

"Come to think of it, the «Military Spirit» Contract Ceremony will be held in the academic town this afternoon."

"Contract Ceremony?"

"Ah, volunteers are recruited among the students of the academy to form a contract with Military Spirits."

In short, it is scouting from the military - Ellis explained.

In return for the powerful Military Spirit provided by the Ordesia Knights brigade, the academy presents the students. Once the student forged a contract with the military spirit, he or she becomes part of the army, and as a cost for the powerful military spirit, he must obey the orders and be dispatched immediately whenever requested by the brigade.

"Although there are a lot of troubles to become military personnel, there are many voluntary participants seeking to form contracts with powerful spirits. From the very beginning, there are many student who entered the academy aiming to become Spirit Knights."

"With so many participants, how do they pick the candidate?"

"Of course - with a blade dance."

The format of the competition was a free for all battle royal.

Serving also as a demonstration from the Ordesia Knight Brigade to the public, the blade dance would be held in the arena of the academy town, rather than in Astral Zero.


"Having lost her contract spirit, it is possible that she will volunteer to participate in the ceremony."

"However, without her contract spirit, to enter a blade dance is-" Kamito stopped in mid-sentence and swallow the remaining words.

Impossible-- but he was not sure.

To perform blade dance without the contract spirit, that kind of action amounts to nothing but suicide.

Without the power of spirits, there was absolutely no way to beat other spirit contractors. Such a no-brainer simple truth.

But Claire now--

Kamito recalled how she looked like that day when she stood in the rain.

"...Ellis, where is the ceremony going to take place?"

"If I remember correctly, just go straightly along the Olivier Avenue- Kamito?"

"-Got it. Ellis, thank you!"

Kamito took Est's hand and started to run.

''Do not try to shoulder everything by yourself. Idiot!''

===Part 4===

Clare walked alone in the alley within the academic town.


She looked dejected, and her steps were very heavy.

However, she had to go. There is no choice but to move forward.

For the sake of Scarlet who shielded her with its own body, she must obtain an extremely strong spirit---an overwhelming power that will not lose to anyone.

...It could not be reconciled. In front of that terrifying Magic Spirit, she couldn't do anything.

Moreover, because of her own arrogance and stupidity, she had lost Scarlet, her most important partner that had accompanied her since childhood.

Further, had Kamito not come to her rescue, she would surely have been killed.

"...Why do I think about the face of that guy again!"

Claire shook her head, trying to get rid of the image of Kamito in her mind.

"-I do not need that guy. I survived on my own from the past to present."

Yes, she would not stop here. Claire Rouge must face the battle alone.

- I want more power, a strong power that will not lose to anyone.

A strong power so I would never lose anything again. A strong power to take back what I have lost.

For example--- like the power of that girl that I admired on first sight three years ago.

The overwhelming power of the Strongest Blade Dancer, Ren Ashbell.

"-You desire power so much?"

"......?"

Hearing the sudden voice, Claire quickly turned around.

There stood a beautiful girl.

It was a girl in a dark dress with lustrous black hair.

Her refined face exhibited a subtle grace, and a beauty that somehow looked like a dissociation with normal humans.

She had pitch black pupils, as if one will be sucked in with one look.

Claire instantly discarded her alertness, charmed by the beauty of the girl.

"Thank you. Because of you, Kamito has awoken."

"Who are you? What are you talking about?"

"However, this is not enough, his true self is much more than that."

The girl giggled, and slowly approached Claire.

Claire did not move. No, she couldn't move.

"What?"

"If you seek more strength, please accept this."

The girl gracefully stretched out a slender hand.

Above her palm, a mass of ominous fog-like black object floated.

"This is a spirit!?"

"Yes, it can help you draw out your real strength."

"The real strength..."

Claire absentmindedly murmured.

Had it been the usual Claire, surely she would not hesitate to brush that hand away.

The contract spirits were to be gained by one's own hand. They are not something received from others.

However, the flame in Claire's heart was gradually diminishing.

So weak that it would likely extinguish at any time.

Therefore-- Claire took that hand. She accepted the spirit presented by that girl.

The black mist gradually seeped into her hand and disappeared.

Sharp pain instantly shot up from the left hand, an ominous black spirit seal was engraved on it.

"The frenzy spirit «Gespenst» - do you like it?"

The girl in black smiled.

Like a cruel little girl.

Like an innocent demon.

<noinclude>
==Translator's notes and References==
<references/>

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter6|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter8}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter3

2012-05-27T11:54:42Z

220.255.2.69: /* Part 3 */

== Chapter 3: My Classmate is a Princess ==
===Part 1===

Stubborn footsteps resounded in the academy hallway.

A sleeved uniform had been provided directly to Kamito, who was following the swaying ponytail.

The uniform Greyworth prepared was custom-designed for his personal use. The fundamental colour was the same as that of the other students, pure white, but the dress below it was certainly not a skirt. The cloth of his pants, which was incorporated with holiness, was worn nicely like a gentleman.

''Damn, the size is perfect...she knew it from the very beginning.''

Kamito cursed Greyworth in his head.

"The instructor building and the student building are connected on the second floor's hallway. The cafeteria is located on the first floor."

Guiding him through the school building was the girl from before, Ellis Fahrengart.

While Kamito was changing into his uniform, Greyworth seemed to have summoned her.

At first, she openly showed a displeased face, but maybe because of her serious personality she did not abandon him midway and dutifully continued to guide him.

The school building's design was recklessly complex and in order to create a comfortable space for spirits, it has adopted the standard of the latest spirit engineering architectural style. Anyway, it was for sure a design that had given little consideration for the people using it.

Staring at Ellis' swaying ponytail, Kamito recalled the conversation from earlier. In the end, although he wasn't pleased that things had gone the way the witch had predicted ---

Hearing '''that name''', which was mentioned, Kamito was left with no other choice.

Ren Ashbell--- suddenly appeared three years ago, The Strongest Blade Play Dancer.

And, that Ren Ashbell's Contracted Spirit is---

'''A dark spirit in the form of a young girl'''.

"..."

While walking, Kamito dropped his gaze to his left hand which was covered with a leather glove.

''... No, it can't be her. Because, she is---''

Kamito shook his head. Trying to deny it rationally---but could it be... mixed thoughts were in his mind.

''... Well whatever. I'll make sure of it with my own eyes. For now I'll dance in your palm, Greyworth.''

"You..."

Then Ellis, who was walking in front of him, suddenly stopped.

Facing him with her hand on her waist, she sternly scowled at Kamito. 

"Are you listening or what? It's for your own sake that I'm explaining these things."

"... Um, my bad. I was thinking of something."

"Mm, thinking of something?"

For some reason, Ellis' face became red, and she quickly walked towards him.

"Y-You, what kind of things were you thinking while looking at my back!"

"Wai-Wait, Don't swing your blade here!"

The blade was swung at point blank range, and Kamito quickly dodged it.

''Perhaps... this girl is also...''

It appeared that it was a common problem that all the students of this academy had no immunity to men.

Maybe the reason that she was walking so fast since before, was because she was conscious of the fact that Kamito was a man.

"Listen, don't misunderstand anything! I have not accepted you. I'm guiding you because I have no choice but to comply with the Academy Director's orders!"

"Ah, I get it. But don't treat me like an enemy either. As of today I'm a student of this academy like you."

"I'll never accept you. The fact that there is a man such as you who is a spirit contractor, there is no way I would accept it!"

Returning on her heels, Ellis began to walk quickly.

"All things considered, why would the Academy Director want a man transferred here..."

... It seemed that he was being disliked a lot.

''Well, it can't be helped. This is my fate as the only man in this garden of maidens.''

It's as if a lion had been released on a herd of rabbits.

Naturally, the overly boxed princesses would be wary of a man of the same age.

The «Spirit Blade Dance Festival» will be held two months later.

He had to obtain their trust gradually in this school life.

''Hmm, yeah. Speaking of life.''

Suddenly, something came to his mind.

"Hey, Ellis."

"What."

Ellis turned around in a sullen mood.

He thought she might rage because of him calling her first name so casually, but apparently she didn't.

"From today onwards, where should I lodge at?"

There was no male dormitory in this academy, and there's no way that he would be given a room in the female dormitory. Would that mean commuting to the school from the academic city at the foot of the mountain?

"Don't worry about it, the academy has prepared a splendid lodge of great expense for you. A part of the endowment had been especially allocated for the construction cost."

"What a strangely thorny way of speaking."

... Well whatever. It's certainly better than being homeless or be outside in the <Spirit Forest>.

"It can be seen from this window--- there it is."

Kamito looked in the direction Ellis was pointing at.

"... Um, where is it?"

Looking around the vast grounds, it seems he can't find any lodging house there.

"Look well, over there at the corner of the plaza square"

Ellis was pointing towards---

"That's... my lodge?"

A splendid building with a large roof.

More spacious than an ordinary residence house, there were many rooms inside.

Beside it was an exclusive bathing area. Mangers have been piled up near its entrance.

"Is-Isn't that a stable!"

Kamito yelled loudly.

"Are those eye sockets empty? Look closely."

"What?"

''Um, am I seeing something wrong?''

He only saw the stable.

No, it was a stable at best. After all, they are soothing their horses in that place.

''Mm?''

---And then, Kamito finally discovered it.

Next to the stable, where wooden planks had been put together and were erected, there was actually a lodge.

Here and there, different lengths of planks had been nailed down together.

The roof was flaky. A sudden gust of strong wind would destroy such a lodge.

"Ah, maybe--- that one?"

"Yeah."

Ellis simply nodded.

"Where's the splendid lodge! It seems like it was been built in three days!"

"Three hours. Do not underestimate the power of my contracted spirit."

"You built it?! I mean, wasn't it built at a high price?"

"A high price indeed, I wasted my time because of you. Are you unsatisfied?"

"I'm full of dissatisfaction. It's almost harassment towards me."

"There's a proper bed, made of straws."

"I'm getting the same treatment as a horse..."

"Fu, You have a strong sense of pride. Of course a horse is more worthy of caring for than you."

With the ponytail at her nape brushing on her shoulder, Ellis said clearly.

Somehow, he wanted to cry.

"The restroom? The bath?"

"You can use the back of the lodge as restroom. Unfortunately, you'll need to share the bath."

"Shared bath... with the horses."

Kamito grumbled, "Are you complaining?" Ellis scowled at him.

"Look, even in the highly unlikely event that you try to invade the academy's restroom, my contracted spirit would turn you into a sauté mushroom."

"Sounds delicious. So, you really like to cook?"

"Aa, It's a hobby. Someday an ideal gentleman will take my hands for marriage, and to please him with my cooking, I'm usually training for it."

"Really, um, if there is a chance, please let me try it too. At least, I have a fine pallete."

"Aah. If there's a chance, I would like to demonstrate my proud cooking... Wha? Who are you to think that I would do something like that for you!?"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zing* - In a flash the blade was been swung, and Kamito dodged it by a thin margin.

"... You. Forget about cooking, these are not the kind of hands for marriage---"

"Uh..."

Kamito retorted with half an eye closed. Maybe being self-conscious, Ellis quickly glanced away.

"Another thing, being the leader of the knights, aren't you messing up the order the most?"

"Shu-Shut up. It was because you said something strange!"

Kamito shrugged his shoulders, then turned towards the corridor again.

"Let's leave the topic of the dormitory for now. Where's my classroom?"

"The Raven class. Where extraordinary problem children are gathered, a perfect class for you."

"Extraordinary problem children?"

"It's exactly as it sounds. ...Mm, Why are you looking so bitter?"

"No, I happen to know something about it."

Kamito remembered in his head, the crimson haired young girl he encountered inside the forest.

Seriously no way!--- That stroke of uneasiness, he couldn't shake it away.

"Are you also from the Raven Class?"

Kamito tentatively asked a question.

The term "extraordinary problem child" fit this young girl perfectly.

"As if... I'm from the superior class Weasel!"

In an instant, the sword was swung in a flash.

Kamito was expecting it this time, and only the forelocks had slightly been cut.

"... T-The Fahrengart secret sword skill was fended off."

"....As such, don't casually swing at me with your hidden sword skills!"

Climbing up the staircase and walking through the long corridor, Kamito finally saw his classroom.

A large wooden double leaf door with an abstract spirit shaped carving was there.

Areishia Spirit Academy's classrooms were arranged a floor apart from each other. Because classrooms close to each other would likely duel or create some other commotion immediately.

"All the students attending here are princesses from noble families. There are some who hold a grudge against each other. Although as a regulation of the academy, personal struggles are prohibited, frequent incidents like dueling have never stopped."

While sighing, Ellis clasped her fist strongly.

"We the Sylphid Knights will protect this peaceful academy from the perpetrators."

"No, the one who is disturbing this peace is you---"

--- Was what he was about to say, but Kamito shut his own mouth.

As she spoke, the side of Ellis' face was extremely serious.

He thought that she was a reckless girl who swung her blade on every occasion --- his impression of her changed a little.

She possesses the pride of a knight.

The '''Male Spirit Contractor''', whose mere existence would bring disturbance to the academy.

From the point of view of the leader of the knights, who maintains public morals, she naturally couldn't accept Kamito.

Despite all of it, she could sincerely face and talk to him.

A bit stubborn, but at heart she was honorable.

"... Hm, why are you glaring at my face?"

Ellis suspiciously frowned her eyebrows.

"Well, I'm sorry for the various teasing from some time ago."

"...? Wh-Why you, suddenly!"

Her embarrassed reaction seemed somehow strangely cute.

===Part 2 ===

Looking inside the large auditorium classroom, no one was there. During this time everyone was out. Perhaps they are all engaged in practical training outside in the training field area.

"It's okay from here, I'll hear the rest later from my classmates. Thanks for your guidance."

"Fu, such gratitude is unnecessary. If there was a failure to properly guide you, '''You might deliberately lose your way''' into the toilet later."

"You really have no faith in me......"

At this comparatively caustic line from the departing Ellis, Kamito let out a deep sigh.

Judging from his experience so far on the first day, it would be a tall order to gain the trust of his classmates.

While muttering, Kamito stepped into the depopulated classroom.

Then, at that moment *swoosh* a slash sounded in the air ---

"Gueh!"

A whip forcefully coiled around Kamito's neck.

Being caught by the rough sudden attack, he had been pulled and thrown down in the corridor.

''Wh, What!?''

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Cough* Looking around himself while coughing ---

"Kazehaya Kamito!"

Over his head, a familiar voice of a young girl descended upon him.

... Honestly, a voice he didn't want to hear.

"Y-Yo-You have escaped from me, despite being my contracted spirit!"

"Hugh, ug"

"Defying me!"

"Guh!"

Feigning ignorance and trying to whistle, the thing around his neck tightened.

''This sucks.....''

Thrown down flat onto his back, in front of Kamito ---

A blazing red haired beautiful young girl with her folded arms looking down to Kamito.

The blowing winds from the window caused her uniform's pleated skirt to float in the air.

"Claire, you...."

A deep groan came from Kamito's throat.

"What, do you intend to reason your way out?"

"No, from this place, I can slightly see your panties."

"Wha!"

Claire's face blushed, then she quickly restrained her skirt.

"Pe-Pe-Pe-Pervert~!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gogogogogogogogogo......!*

A heat haze coming from Claire's body was rising.

No. It was not a heat haze. It was a completely burning Astral Zero's flame.

"It seems, you really want to be turned into cinders, Kamito?"

"Wai-Wait, not yet!"

Kamito felt that his life was seriously in danger, and quickly shook his head.

"Black is too early for you."

"...............gu!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Strike* --- then Claire's whole body solidified.

From her neck to the tip of her ears, it turned deep red liked boiled octopus---

"It-It's not black! It is always white, black is....rarely, what have you made me say, idiot!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Fwump*. .......She seemed to have overheated.

Losing her strength, she sunk down to the floor.

Being overly boxed into an ideal priestess was her greatest weakness.

.......Is it really okay for a spirit contractor to be so naive?

"Uugh, this is the second time...... I can't become a bride anymore"

With both of her knees on the floor, Claire began weeping gloomily.

......Somewhat, it looked that he had done something terrible.

"My bad....don't cry, ok?"

Kamito stood up then approached her while Claire glared at him.

.....Frightening. She could have burnt a person with merely her glaring.

She wiped her tears with her uniform sleeve, then clenched her leather whip tightly.

"Kazehaya Kamito."

"Wh-What?"

"I-I'm quite generous, so I'll give you one chance to explain."

Although her tone was calm, obviously her voice was trembling.

........Extremely angry.

"Sometime ago, why did you escape?"

"No, it's common sense that I would think of escaping."

Kamito unintentionally replied immediately.

An answer --- that he immediately regretted.

"......I got it. There's only death for a fugitive slave."

"Wa-Wait, calm down. From a spirit I have become a slave?!"

"Slave, you're my '''Slave Spirit'''!"

"A new species of spirit was born. How about announcing it to the Spirit Research Agency?"

By the way, in whichever «Spirit Forest» of the continent, these species of spirit were yet to be discovered.

"Ch-Cheeky slave --- No, a slave spirit isn't it!"

"Uwah, I gi.....give, give up, seriously I'll die!"

Forcefully the whip on his neck ruthlessly tightened, and his consciousness was likely to fly away.

''The knight group, what are they doing! A murder is about to happen inside the academy!''

Looking around in the corridor with no sign of any student.

"By the way ---"

Then, Claire's face got closer. Looking rather displeased, she said,

"Sometime ago, you were speaking with the knight group's Ellis Fahrengart, '''you seemed to be getting along well with her'''. What does that mean?"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Cough*, "How could you call that getting along together? She was just guiding me."

"Guide? Why?"

"Because today, I have specially transferred into this academy."

"What?..... You have transferred? Here at Areishia Spirit Academy?"

Claire spread open her eyes, then looked to Kamito's uniformed figure, she just noticed it now.

"No way....you are a man!"

"Aa. But, you have seen me contracting a spirit."

Kamito nodded, then showed his right hand where the spirit seal was imprinted.

"I'm a '''male spirit contractor'''. That's why Greyworth summoned me here. "

"........"

Therefore, Claire ---

Lost in thought, she put her finger on her cherry colored lips.

"Really, what........a transfer student......"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pfft* *pfft* She murmured something to herself.

''...... If she stays quiet, she looks just like a usual, ordinary cute girl.''

And, while staring at her side face, Kamito thought.

Claire suddenly raised her head, then turned to face him.

"Um, because you are here, perhaps, you are also in the Raven class?"

"Yeah. .....does that mean, you are in the same class?"

"Yeah. I'm also from the Raven class!"

Claire spoke with a seemingly cheerful voice. Somehow she seemed awfully happy.

Her smiling face would charm anyone who was unaware.

"Say, since it has turned out this way, I'll give you another chance Kamito."

"What chance?"

"Contract. Without a doubt, this time become my exclusive contracted spirit Kamito."

"Wh-Why do I have to do that?"

"Fu, It's natural! Because you snatched the spirit that should have been mine."

Puffing up with her unfortunate chest, Claire pointed her index finger at his front eyes.

As always, she put forth an arrogant reason.

''......An annoying girl''

Kamito is really quite irritated. Particularly, with no gratitude for saving her life, he had been called a thief.

--- For such an arrogant princess, some proper punishment was needed.

"Okay. I'll bind a spirit contract with you, alright."

Helplessly, Kamito purposely nodded his head.

"........Eh? Um, so, at last you have finally become obedient."

She thought that he would be more resistant. Due to the unexpected response, Claire nodded as though quite bewildered.

"In that case ---"

[[Image:STnBD_V01_088.jpg|Slowly, Kamito raised Claire's chin by his fingertip. |thumb]]
Slowly, Kamito raised Claire's chin by his fingertip.

"Ha? Wha-Wha-What are you doing?"

"Doing? A spirit contract, a high level humanoid spirit contract..... you understand?"

"A......."

Claire's face froze.

A high level humanoid contract.

In short, it was ---

"'''A contract sealed by a kiss''', isn't it?"

Kamito said it, and Claire's face blushed red.

"Uh, not, to that extent --- you don't have to go that far, I mean, that."

In a panicky irritable tone, she shook her head furiously.

"Eve-Even without any such formality, I don't mind...."

"Are you scared?"

"I-I'm not particularly scared! Um, but, that......"

"Then close your eyes."

Kamito mischievously whispered to a shrinking Claire's ears.

"Eh, wait......hiwaaaa!?"

''.......She is totally green in such things.''<ref>Green as in "inexperienced"</ref>

Such a cute reaction, of course I would want to bully her.

Slowly, bringing his face closer to her thin cherry color lips.

"Um, sorry, I apologize......so.....forgive me"

"Too late ---"

"Su, so...kyauu!"

Claire gave up then closed her eyes.

''An obedient girl.....''

Kamito smiled bitterly in his mind.

Of course, he did not seriously plan to contract by kiss.

It was a thorough revenge for being tormented by her, but he was not so devilish as to go that far to mistreat a young girl.

Time to let her off --- then, as he was about to detach his body, at that time-

"Hey, you."

He was tapped from behind his shoulders.

Kamito slowly timidly turned around.

In that place ---

"What are you doing, here in this sacred institute Areishia Spirit Academy?"

A gentle smile floated from the beautiful woman standing there.

She seemed to be in the middle of her twenties. Long black hair, and wearing a pair of green black rimmed glasses.

She was dressed in a dark grey suit with a long sleeved white robe on top of it.

"I'm the one in charge of the Raven Class, Freya Grandol. I've heard of you from the Academy Director. The Academy's first ever male spirit contractor."

Wearing a smile that looked like it was pasted on her face, the beautiful woman introduced herself.

However, her eyes were not smiling.

"Now, why did you make our princess cry, bastard?"

=== Part 3 ===

Kamito rose up onto the platform, causing some quiet murmurs within the classroom.

That a male spirit contractor had transferred in, the rumors seemed to have already spread around. But they don't often get the chance to meet a young boy of the same age, so they couldn't hide their anxiety and curiosity from him.

"Is that a male spirit contractor ---"

"He has such vicious looks, like he will kill someone with them."

"Seems like he has already raped Claire Rouge."

"Wh-What is rape?"

"I-I don't know, but....so-something, perverted!"

"However, his delinquent look, is quite cool ♪."

"Don't be fooled by his outward appearance. Because every man is a perverted beast."

"Rumor has it that he was also having an affair with Ellis Fahrengart."

"Eeh, with that super-serious leader of the knights? By the way, what is an affair?"

"I don't know but..... so-something, indecent!"

.......*whisper* *whisper*.

''.......What are they talking nonsensically?''

Looking around the classroom built like an old theater, Kamito let out a sigh.

The number of students are fourteen or fifteen. Everyone has been brought up as a princess. Almost all of them are looking towards Kamito with interest, but some of the girls seemed really scared.

''Well, It was an expected reaction from them.''

After all, whenever anyone heard about a male spirit contractor, the first thing that came into their mind was the name of the ancient demon king who brought disaster and chaos to the continent. ..... has an excessively bad image.

Inside the classroom being showered with sharp glances like needles, Kamito had the urge to immediately run away.

Among them the specially intense glare --- came from the red haired girl in the front row.

Claire's glare that could burn people merely by her sight was fixed on Kamito.

"Burn, Burnt, Burning......"

She grumbled with different forms of the word.

Apparently, for a while ago up until now, she still seemed angry. --- obviously.

For that, Kamito reflected whether he had overdone it.

''If I don't properly apologize later...''

"Obliterate into cinders, obliterate into cinders, obliterate into cinders....."

.......don't know whether he would be forgiven when he apologizes.

"Stop chirping. Be quiet. Do you bunch want to lose credit?" 

The professor in charge Freya Grandol, hit the desk with the class list, and the classroom became silent.

She was not a teacher of practical skills but a special lecturer, and also a member of the spirit research agency who is traveling in every region of the «Spirit Forest» of the continent performing field work.

"Here, you, hurry up and introduce yourself."

The eye glasses worn by the beautiful woman gave her an intellectual appearance, but if she opened her mouth it would expose her true colors.

Well, to put it nicely she had a daring and largehearted disposition. At least, she didn't seem to be a bad person.

Kamito stepped forward in front of the podium, and briefly introduced himself.

"I am Kazehaya Kamito, sixteen years old. As you can see I'm a male spirit contractor however......so, don't be afraid and let us get along with each other, thanks."

It was too simple, but he had nothing else to say.

'''For secrets that can't be said''', there were plenty.

The classmates reaction were ---

"Like, ordinary......right?"

"Yeah, ordinary. Not much of a demon king."

''.....oh?''

"However, seems like, I have fallen for him ♪."

"A, see. An aloof look, doesn't he make you want to protect him?"

The once quiet classroom was filled with buzzing again.

''Wh-What is this fluffy sweet feeling?''

Due to the unexpected reaction of the young girls, Kamito was puzzled.

He thought that he would be greeted with chilly eyes, or even despising eyes.

However, the reactions that he felt earlier from all of the girls were very light.

Guessing Kamito's doubt, Madam Freya whispered into his ear.

"Ah, the princesses here have different senses to the commoners. After all, they are constantly handling the most puzzling neighbor to humans: 'the spirits'. Well, rather than criticizing you as a male spirit contractor, they are just curious in many ways about a young boy of the same age."

''Really? Is that how it is ---''

Since it was put that way, it might be a little easier.

"U-Um, Kamito.....you?"

And, one of the girls timidly raised her hand.

"Ye-Yeah, What?"

"Um, umm, wha-what's your, favorite food?"

"Eh? Well, anything.....if anything, I like [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gratin Gratin]"

"Ordinary!" "Quite Ordinary!" "I thought he would say [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyotaimori Nyoitaimori]!" "Cute!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Blah blah blah*.

".....What's this. A [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyotaimori Nyoitaimori]?"

Starting with that girl, one by one they poured questions towards him.

"Where is your home town?" "Your three sizes?" "Which place do you wash first in a bath?"

.....Princess, It was almost sexual harassment.

However, the one who was asking the question was blushing red all the way to her ears.

"Have you decided your team yet?"

"Team?"

"Of course the team for this coming «Spirit Blade Dance Festival»"

"Aa---"

The «Spirit Blade Dance Festival» that would be held two months later was going to be in the format of a five person team group battle. Kamito, as one person, couldn't enter by himself, he needed to find other spirit contractors and form a team.

"As of now, I don't have a team yet. I'm going to start looking for my other fellow teammates now."

In two months, whether he would find such people, he didn't know.

"Is it true, that you have tamed the sword «sealed spirit» that no one else has been able to contract?"

"Wh?"

Kamito's eyebrow frowned in surprise. It looked like words of the event from this morning had already went around in the academy.

What on earth ---

"Yeah, and I am the one who tamed this Kamito that tamed the spirit!"

Slowly rising, Claire puffed up her almost nonexistent chest proudly.

"......as I thought, you!"

The princesses shrieked together in excitement.

"Kamito, what's your relationship with Claire?"

"Master and her Slave Spirit!"

"Totally nonsense. Don't answer it for me!"

Kamito quickly retorted against Claire who was answering it with her hands on her hips.

"What, an insolent Slave Spirit."

"When did I become your Slave spirit!"

Watching the interaction between these two people, the girls became more and more excited.

The situation was about to be out of control ---

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bam*. Madam Freya strikes her desk. The classroom settled down.

"Arg. Girls, cut it out! You, hurry up and choose your favorite seat."

"Ye-Yes.....!"

Madam Freya sent a lifeboat, Kamito gladly rode on it.

Of course, he preferred to sit as far from the red haired princess as possible. he started walking towards one of the seats in the back.

At that moment. *Pashii*, a torturing leather whip coiled around his neck.

"Arg!"

With the neck being strangled, in that way, he had been pulled backward.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Cough* *cough*, "What are you doing!"

"Where are you going? Your seat is next to me."

"Hah, Who will sit in such a dangerous seat? Uooooh--"

While his neck was being strangled, Kamito tried to move forward.

"Hm, trying to oppose me. I'll show you who's the master!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Scratch scratch scratch scratch*...........!

Kamito tried to unfasten the whip, Claire skillfully controlled her whip and prevented him from doing so.

"dddd.....da, mn......"

He couldn't breathe. More and more oxygen ceased to circulate in his brain, at that time.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Swoosh* the sound of a gust of wind, Kamito's body was suddenly released.

"Oooowahh.......!"

Kamito lost his balance and tripped over the staircase.

What on earth happened ---

".......h!?"

Turning around, in front of him standing stabbed into the floor was a sharp arrow.

Not a metal arrow. It's a clear ice arrow sparkling from the reflection of the sunlight.

''......Is this, an elemental waffe?''

The same as Claire's flame whip, the incarnation of their spirit was turned into its weapon form.

Who was it...?

"A disgrace, Claire Rouge."

An elegant voice was heard in the highest part of the classroom.

Kamito staying down on the ground, looked up and there ---

An extravagant platinum blonde beautiful young girl, standing with her hands on her hips.

A high class princess, as featured in a painted picture. Her skin is as white as the first snow.

The color of her pupils is a fine emerald green in pale radiance.

A charming smile appeared, calmly looking down at Claire.

".......w-what do you want, Rinslet Laurenfrost?!"

Claire growled in a deep voice. A dangerous color floated in her ruby eyes, it seemed like she would bite at any moment.

"Give up, because he had already said that he wants to sit next to me."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Hmmp*, combing her platinum blonde hair, declared the princess.

''I have not said anything of that sort---anyway it was a big help.''

Kamito was about to stand up when the blonde haired princess gracefully came down the stairs.

She bent down in front of Kamito, and stared at him as though evaluating his value.

As the adorably beautiful girl was intently staring at him, Kamito's eye unintentionally diverted.

"Hmm, the face is not so bad."

Rinslet seemed satisfied, nodded and,

"Hey! You, do you want to become my servant?"

"What?"

Suddenly, she said something unexpected.

"Do-Don't lay your hand on him as you please, this guy is my Slave Spirit!"

Claire ran up on the stairs, and immediately grasped Kamito's arm.

"When did I became yours."

"Shut up!"

Claire suddenly yanked his arm.

The upper arm touched her breast, Kamito's heart involuntarily beat faster.

Although it was almost '''none''' --- She was still a sixteen year old young girl.

A reasonable elastic feeling was all that was needed and his heart would be pounding.

But ---

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Fuyoyon~*

In his other arms, '''an utterly other dimensional sensation could be felt'''!

"Ah, he does not belong to you, does he?"

Rinslet held Kamito's left arm tightly with both hands.

Different from Claire's pitiful assets, over here there is a considerable...sense of existence.

''Wai-Wait, this is.......!''

Pressed from both sides with soft feeling, Kamito's face suddenly became hot.

"Re-Release, fool!"

"What did you say, flat chest!"

A crackling spark scatterred from the two princesses glaring at each other.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Funyu*. *Fuyon~*. Fukyun~*.

......Though it felt great, but if they don't release his arms first, it seemed like his heart would burst.

And, at that time.

"Owawawah, my-my lady, don't give more hardship to Mr. transfer student!"

From above the classroom, A young girl in maid clothes came running down.

''.....What the? A maid?''

Kamito spreads his eyes, staring at the young girl's appearance.

A waving long skirt with frills. A short bob trim cut black hair. A white brim that nicely suits her is resting on top of her head.

No matter how you look at it, she's a fine maid.

''........Why is there a maid here in this academy!?''

Since she called her my lady, it seems she is this blonde princess' maid.

But in any case, she seemed to have a more normal personality. Without a doubt, at least she would intervene against this sour dispute. Kamito embraced a dim hope, but at that time...

"Princess......Kyaaaaah!"

The maid fell.

In the middle of the stairs, it was an impressive fall.

"Carol!?"

Rinslet's face became pale.

''......Damn!''

Kamito shook off the two people's arms, and jumped kicking off the floor.

"Hiaaaaaaah!"

Somehow he caught the screaming and falling maid's flying body. He wrapped his arms around the young girl so as to prevent her head from being hurt, and they tumbled down the stairs.

The two people hugging each other while rolling down, finally stopped.

".......Hm, are you hurt ---"

He opened his mouth to say that --- and then Kamito's thoughts froze.

In his front. *Fuyon~*, there were large soft things.

Under the neat and tidy cloth of the maid, melons larger than that of Rinslet.

[[Image:STnBD_V01_103.jpg|"U......um, .........uaah, I'm sorry!"　fuwa~* Tears began to float in the young maid's black pupil. |thumb]]
"U......Um, .........uaah, I'm sorry!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Fuwa~* Tears began to float in the young maid's black pupils.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaatsu* her face blushed, being panicked she tried to stand up ---

"He-Hey......mo-mogugugu~!"

The nose of Kamito was pressed more and more by her breast.

''I'm in trouble.....I can't breathe...''

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

At the sight of two people intertwined with each other, the classroom's young girls raised an excited scream.

"Pe-Pervert!" "As I thought a lewd beast!" "Reincarnation of the demon king!"

"N-No, I'm.........mogugugu.....!"

Hurriedly attempting to deny, his voice was being absorbed by the well rounded breast.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gogogogogogogogo.........!*

".......?"

Suddenly, A rumbling sound could be heard from above.

......An earthquake. Perhaps.

Somehow, it has a very, very bad sensation.

Looking up from the valley of the breasts ---

There, the shape of Claire holding a blazing flame whip.

"Thi-Thi-This ero spirit~!"

"Wait, It can't be helped no matter how you look at it...."

"Shu-Shut up, please turn into cinders!"

''Why is it that it always becomes like this.....''

While Kamito groaned hopelessly, the whip ruthlessly swung at him with no mercy.

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter2|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter4}}</noinclude>

Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter4

2011-07-05T11:02:45Z

220.255.2.69: Undo revision 103407 by Zero2001 (talk)

==4th Ammo - Team Baskerville==

Returning to Butei High in the night....

After the Masters ensured that there were no severely wounded casualties, they quickly split us up by subject and distributed debriefing records. Disgusting. Let us rest a bit first. At least allow us a bowl of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsudon katsudon]. Aria was taken by the Assault instructor Ranbyou to the principal's office. Riko and I were Inquesta while Mutou was of Logi; we were all interviewed by our respective instructors. After that, the Masters got into contact with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Metropolitan_Police_Department Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department], the media and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Railways_Group JR]. I thought we would be castigated for cutting the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen Shinkansen] however with the capture of the perpetrators, this did not happen.

On the contrary we were lauded for resolving the issue. Officially to boot. Like this, Butei High did not have to take responsibility for Koko and her group's hijack of the Shinkansen to extort money from the Japanese government. This was a very nicely done maneuver no matter how you look at it.

"Tohyama-kun, I'll tell you this before the start of legal hearings for a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plea_bargain plea-bargain]. The fact that you all were targeted must be kept strictly confidential lest some very important person gets upset."

The Inquesta Master Takamagahara Yutori said. With the presence of the black suited man during our debriefing on top of Yutori's words, I could somehow understand that. Judging from his badge, that guy was an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And holding the class of a vice-minister. Probably, this was due to Aria. As a general rule, regardless of whatever cases Butei are involved in, international ones are their own responsibility. However, Aria is a foreign [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristocracy_%28class%29 aristocrat].

It was better for Japanese-British relations that the fact that she was exposed to great danger on Japanese soil not be made public. That is the so-called "adult matter". Well on this, I can only listen to what the adults say. This isn't exactly a very good point either because if it continues to worsen, it would prove troublesome indeed.

Perhaps there was an attempt to offer us hush money, for the official mentioned something about "the government offering us distress money in the future" of which our polite refusals of his good-will caused us to be eventually dismissed very late.

Once done, I headed to the No. 2 girls dorm. To the highest floor......to Reki's room. Opening the door with the cardkey I got from her before, I found the interior dark. Although I already expected this, still there really was no one in.

(Reki...)

A naked light bulb cast its light to no purpose on a room of bare concrete. The living room window was shut and the silence was deafening.

The wind.....didn't blow here.

It wouldn't anymore.

Returning to my own room in the boy's dormitory, here too, there was nobody. According to Ranbyou whom I crossed paths with on my way, Aria had headed to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toranomon Toranomon] for a preparatory meeting with a female lawyer whom she had hired, before the trial of her mother Kanzaki Kanae. Doing so after such a major operation; she really is tough.

I entered the living room....

<nowiki>*Chika*, *chika*</nowiki>

I noticed the flicker of a light.

.....What? The answering machine of my rarely used landline is at maximum capacity? This is 1 min x 30 messages and with 30 minutes of recording time....With an unpleasant feeling in my heart, I pushed the playback button.

"Kin-chan, are you alright?"

As I thought, Shirayuki.

That girl....whenever anything happens, she'll have this habit of incessantly sending mail....As my cell was destroyed and thus could not be connected, she contacted here instead.

"If you receive this message, even if it might be a trouble....please call me back. I believe Kin-chan's alright, yet....guuugh....I'm really...worried....u...hu...hu...."

Shirayuki had been separated from me when she had been left behind in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shizuoka_City Shizuoka] with the rear portion of railway cars.

I know you are worried, but don't call for 30 minutes.

After a momentary break, the recordings began to play the next portion.

"Uu...eguu...huu..Kin-chan...uu...uu...uuuuuuuu....."

S...scary!

Please stop crying into the recording. In the dead of the night it's like a ghost.

With apprehension, I played the next part which was...

".....I've just got a call from Butei High! I am so relieved when I heard that Kin-chan's alright. The criminals have all been captured too! How truly magnificently done....! Kin-chan is truly amazing. Truly amazing, Kin-chan is.....aa.....Kin-chan is...truly an amazing gentleman...."

Why the repetition...

"All of us here are fine. We are taking the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokaido_Line Tokaido Line] back. It will be pretty late when we get back but I'll prepare a feast after we return. Just a short while back, I bought fresh crab!"

Shirayuki being Shirayuki, this switch in tone is too fast.

Speaking of which, have you brought the crab back yet?

Uu...there's still some more messages. I'm getting sleepy already.

"Kin-chan, about that...about that...that pregnant woman aboard the Shinkansen; she safely delivered her baby at a Shizuoka hospital! That's just great news...I just received the photograph by e-mail. It's a cute little girl! Errm....speaking of which...do you like babies Kin-chan? I like them a lot. They are so cute, just looking at them makes me feel all blissful inside. That...that's why I.....I....someday...someday, Kin..."

Pi......I pushed the stop button.

Stop....stop.

This no longer has anything to do with the initial purpose of ensuring my safety. Furthermore, what's with this bad feeling crawling down my back. Right, time to delete them all. Despite being sleepy; well Shirayuki was rather worried, so I gave her a call. In the face of all that excited screaming, I simply said, "I'm fine. Don't worry. Sleep now," before quickly ending the call.

Disconnecting the phone line and having showered, I lay alone in bed for a long time without my cell and nothing in particular to do.

(Koko, Koko, Koko...)

I dimly reflected on the memory of the three sisters who had targeted Reki and me. Those three were all captured at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Station Tokyo station], screaming and cursing all the way to the end. To better differentiate them for the Logi seniors escorting them, the words "eldest daughter", "second daughter" and "third daughter" were stuck on their foreheads, in a most amusing manner; just like the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyonshi kyonshi] in that old film "Mr. Vampire". Tonight, those three sisters would be interrogated by the Dagula's top S instructor Tsuzuri Umeko.

I don't know the details and I don't wish to know, but I hear that Tsuzuri does some rather horrific stuff to suspects during her interrogations. Good. Let them get their punishment.

(Well then....this time around...)

This time around, can I finally say my great ancestor's favorite phrase?

"With this, one case is closed"

But this phrase....thinking about it now, it has a ring of unease to it. One case closed. Doesn't this.....give the feeling that there will be a 2nd, a 3rd case? Oi....great ancestor....

Due to nothing happening after being vigilant for some time, I could spend my entire SW after Caravan I resting. No wait, it would be more proper to say, the start of the vacation. The prologue would be being awoken just some time after noon the next day by Shirayuki making crab fried rice. With Aria absent, that left Shirayuki and me to do the cleaning, washing and cooking. Shirayuki, who as ever, was a god with these household skills was like one of the maids commonly found in Riko's games. I spent my vacation leisurely under the care of Shirayuki, who for some reason was extremely blissful every day, while taking my time to pick a new cell phone.

Just in the middle of those tranquil days, right in the midst of my vacation, Riko, who had somehow gotten the cardkey to my room from god knows where, appeared in my room. A brutal mood like that found in a Western shootout scene filled the room. "Ki~ku~n♪" Riko said in a catlike voice. "Get away from Kin-chan-sama, you adulterer!" responded Shirayuki. With a swing of a knife, I returned to those sad days; Riko clinging all over me for who knows, possibly the sake of killing time and Shirayuki would always grab her, swing her [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%95%B7%E3%83%89%E3%82%B9 nagadosu], even let fly with her M60. My room has already been the scene of 10 grappling matches, 12 sword duels and 15 gun battles. Riko who likes games of chance besides fighting and Shirayuki who is easily provoked.....whether it be arm wrestling or speed eating, there have been many battles between those two. And Shirayuki being Shirayuki and having the ridiculous reasoning that "a wife should never lose to a mistress!" would always readily join battle. At times when I return home, those two would be on all fours head butting each other with grunts of "mo...!" "nnmo....!" like bulls......hey you two, aren't you actually on pretty good terms since it has even come to this? So it was that September arrived in the midst of this unceasing hubbub. The time had come to register the team roster that was submitted earlier even if I was reluctant to do so.

Normally, a representative from the team would attend the application, the Masters would give a confirmation call after the field trip and an affirmative reply would be made and finally, the confirmation photograph would be taken. However, as Reki did not respond to the Masters' call, our team had not been confirmed. Which is to say that I did not belong to any team and that I'm left dangling. Well, even if my case is a little special, truth is on our field trip, there were numerous "we are still not a team yet" incidents. That is why there were emergency measures known as "Just" for these students. These on-site applications simply required one to fill out and submit on paper the names of the team members. Once the Masters take a group photo, the team would be considered "acknowledged/registered." In short, it is a shortened, last-minute registration of a team. Nonetheless, the deadline for this emergency measure is tomorrow. As expected of me feeling impatient, I called Aria.

"About the formation of the team, please wait for a while." Awaiting instructions, I got only this from Aria.

"You told me to wait, that means you already have a plan?"

"Yes, but since you used that kind of tone on me earlier, I won't tell you. H-un."

Making that kind of anime sound with her nose, she hung up. It seems that..... she still could not let go over the "I'm fine with anything about the team formation" I had said before Caravan I. Certainly, that had been my fault however....good grief, Aria is certainly like a bratty kid in stature and personality.

Like that.....

During the deadline of the on-site applications the next day, I was unattached to any group. Students who did not manage to fill in a on-site application would have their team decided for them by the Masters. Well at worst, so be it. Either way, I still intend to transfer out of Butei High. Just when I was feeling a little unwell and forcing myself to study,

"Kin-chan, I'm sorry. I haven't said this until now...."

Shirayuki brought in something wrapped in a furoshiki. That body resembling a gravure model was dressed in a black outfit. The neat ribbon across the breast of her blouse was black. The hair band she normally wore was also black. Furthermore, her hair was tied up, which was rare. This was not like the usual Shirayuki. It appears that that clothing was Diviza Nero; the attire worn by students taking their team confirmation photos. It has been loaned out from Amdo.

"Ki..ki...ki...kun come here♪ The water here's sweet♪"

Riko sang as she appeared, also wearing black. She wore a design which daringly revealed her skin, particularly her breasts. Most disagreeable. One can tell at a single glance that she wore no underwear on her breasts. On that note, is the protection offered alright? Wearing bulletproof clothing which exposes the skin.... Averting my eyes in embarrassment upwards, I saw that the ribbons holding her two-side up tails in place were also black. These two were totally in black from head to foot.

"The team's....Just. You are all attending it?"

"Thaaat's right! Kiii...kun must go too!"

"......Me....too.....?"

"About that, even though it's not good to say, but....earlier, I divined that I would form a team with Kin-chan....so I did not tell anyone about the team's application. Furthermore, I heard from Aria after Caravan I that everyone would be in the team...."

I opened the furoshiki while listening to Shirayuki. Inside, was a black suit.

This is.....the Diviza Zero that I would use.

"Rikorin and Aria also formed a two man team; however, we annulled it during the confirmation. Aria had changed her mind; this was for the purpose of forming a new team with Ki-kun and everyone else."

So saying, Riko showed me the application slip for the on-site application.

On it was....
{| class="toccolours" style="text-align:left; clear:both; font-size:100% background-color:#FFFFFF;"
! style="background:#C0C0C0;" align="center"|Team Name "Baskerville"

Members
|-
|〇 Kanzaki.H.Aria (Assault)

◎ Tohyama Kinji (Inquesta)

・ Hotogi Shirayuki (SSR)

・ Mine Riko (Inquesta)

・ Reki (Snipe)
|-
|}

These 5 names were written.

This is the team that Aria envisioned.

Setting aside the fact that a double circle denoted me as leader, even Aria had a single circle marking her as the vice-captain.

"Oi...this is...."

I said while pointing at Reki's name.

After the Just, the students of the newly formed team had to have a group photograph taken by the Masters. Like this, each team member displayed their mutual solidarity.

However.....Reki, who had vanished at Tokyo Station, was still missing.

Which means that there was no way we could register.

"Un....Since we cannot contact Reki-san, we may cancel her name. But Kin-chan wants to do Butei work with her right?"

Shirayuki said with upturned eyes, as if she shared the same misunderstanding as Aria.....

However, it didn't seem fitting to tell her about Reki interning herself to me as a sniper at this juncture. With nothing confirmed or denied, I listened to whatever else she had to say.

"That's why Aria was bent on including Reki in the team. She said that, 'if Kinji is to be included, then so to too must Reki be included. Otherwise, this team would be against Kinji's wishes. '"

"But Rekiyu is still missing. I don't know whether she can join the team like that," Riko said, continuing Shirayuki's observations.

"And thus Aria said that, 'letting Kinji have false hopes isn't good, so please don't tell him about the team before Reki has been admitted.' Well, Aria being concerned about Ki-kun is a good thing that's why Riko won't say anything more from now. Apologies."

Aria.....

So that's the reason you were so vague about the team last night. Such human concern was so gentle and female. Even if you were like a man in every other aspect.

"However we still could not contact Reki by phone in the end. Just in case, she sent the assembly location and time of the application to Reki by text but there was no reply."

Looking at the downcast Shirayuki, I thought, "That's understandable," since Reki's phone was destroyed in Kyouto by Koko.

"Aria is already at the photo taking site. She was already there waiting for Rekiyu first thing in the morning. The deadline is noon today. 30 more minutes and it will be time. Well, we can't go yet Ki-kun! Put on your clothes! This is Ki-kun's on the spot changing show! Kyahaaa!"

Riko said as she reached for my belt while I stood still with the black suit in hand. Looking as if I would be stripped of my trousers, I shifted away from Riko.....With the Diviza Nero in hand, I left to change. Partly without protest.

My room was originally a four man room so there were a few to double as private rooms. Entering one of them, I straightened my hair before a mirror and got changed.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kasha*

From the roof, came the sound of a phone camera clicking.

"Ki-kun is too exposed. If I were using a pistol, Ki-kun would be a wind hole now."

Looking up, I saw that one of the roof panels had been removed. Riko hung upside down from there with her upper body sticking out, waving her rhinestone adorned cell phone.

....Appearing in weird places again, as usual.

"Girls shouldn't take pictures of men changing. Even if I don't do it, our roles would normally be reversed."

Already knowing that stopping Riko's weird behavior is fruitless, I checked out my new look with a black necktie in the mirror.

"Ki-kun's life photos can be sold to Yuki-chan for a considerable price. Kuhihihi..."

I say, Shirayuki would really buy them. You two really do get along, no? Definitely.

"By the way, is it okay with you Riko?"

Just in case....

I should ask Riko hanging over my head first. Looking in the mirror;

"You want to kill Aria and me. However fighting would be difficult if we form a team. Butei seriously fighting among themselves is strictly forbidden. Killings within a team are especially heavy crimes."

"Ha. This girl here is an outlaw. Tu es amnésie"

Riko.....her voice suddenly becoming sharp, turned towards me with a grin.

"The reason why I am working with you all, is so that others do not kill you. I said it after defeating Vlad, ''"I won't forgive you if you get killed by anyone else besides me."'' But after that, how many instances were there in which you all were nearly killed? It was also very dangerous this time round. I can't bear this any longer. Furthermore the Bandire is fast approaching. For the sake of the future from now on before Aria and Kinji are fully grown, I will always be with you. Once the cerises are ripe, I will eat you down anew.

"After this......the Ban..... what?"

Looking at Riko who mentioned that unknown danger....however, the ceiling was as it was before. There was no trace left let alone Riko. I let out a "hun" from my nose like I was trying to dispel this uneasy atmosphere before putting on my black suit and leaving the room.

This year's team photo shoot was held at the roof of the Inquesta block. When the 3 of us, Shirayuki, Riko and me, arrived, we found that there were more black-clad students there than we thought. 20-30 people were present. Were they all here for the Just? We were the same, yet its seemed that everybody was still hesitant at the end. Well, a Butei team is based upon mutual trust with lives. This is not something that can be so easily decided. Being unsure up to the last moment is entirely natural. I looked out over the rooftop beneath the overcast sky. There, amidst the milling crowd of students....was Aria. She was wearing what should be a specially made mini-sized Diviza Nero with a tube top beneath her jacket. Her navel was intermittently exposed as her clothes fluttered in the wind. A rectangle was marked out in black vinyl tape on the floor. The other teams waited in line in the middle of this area for Ranbyou to take their pictures.

"Oi, Aria. Kaminari-sama will eat your navel."

I said to the silent Aria who appeared to be having her picture taken.

"Kinji."

Aria, who had turned around, gave my navel and the overcast sky a "?" look

Her beautiful brows deeply furrowed, she walked towards me, Shirayuki and Riko.

"Once more you speak such ridiculous things. It isn't my navel that's going to be photographed."

Apparently, this child who has just returned to her country had no idea about the saying where Raijin is supposed to eat human navels.

Alright. Now was not the mood for explanation but next time I'll do so and give her a good scare. That's because Aria has a strong phobia of thunder.

"Approximately how long till the deadline?"

"Around 5 minutes."

At both Shirayuki and Riko saying this, Aria's camellia eyes turned up towards me.

"Kinji.....are you okay with it ....coming here? About you.... forming a team....with us"

"Whether I'm fine with it or not, you have already written my name on the application form. And as leader to boot."

"I, I was thinking of forcing you in because the matter between Reki and I would not abide us being in a team....I never thought about stealing you away from Reki's side."

Aria, who was slightly embarrassed at saying such forceful things, fell silent. I.....said nothing and watched the surroundings.

Reki.....didn't turn up. As I expected.

"There is no more time. What do we do with Reki?"

"Wait until the end. I'll text her again."

Aria said, cradling her arm and looking at the stairs.

About...4 and a half minutes left...

Looking at Assault Master Ranbyou who was handling today's photo taking and at Riko and Shirayuki who were holding the application form, I leaned over slightly and whispered,

"Aria, listen to me. It's still alright to cancel now."

"......? What?"

Aria leaned over, directing her tiny left ear at me.

".....Riko; she's dangerous. We still don't know if she's a friend or foe."

"I knew that all along. When the time comes, there will still be a final showdown between her and me."

"She may launch a sneak attack on us. She will always be around us if we form a team."

"She's not that type. Despite all appearances she's very prideful."

Aria, whose own pride reached into the heights of space, looked behind her.

"Anyway, if I do fall to a sneak attack, avenge me. That's an order. Carry it out well okay?"

"Me defeat Riko? That's a very serious matter. And strictly speaking, if you are going to order me why do you still need me to be leader?"

"That's for the strategic purpose of Kinji taking the role of UL in battle formation. In other words, a leader in name only. The orders will still come from me."

Even if I don't hand you that task, you would still start issuing orders of your own accord anyway. But if I were to mention that, a handgun would come into play.

Well, whatever. Just take it as I'm lending you the title of leader.

"Also, the team name sounds like that of a vehicle. What does it mean?"

"Aa...that's the name of a place that I own. It's in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartmoor Dartmoor region] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devon Devon county]."

Aria casually said as my eyes widened. Owning a piece of land...but she's a highborn lady doesn't she already own land? Does she intend to wear a crown on her head as well? I stared at Aria's twin tails in surprise.

".....Well, it's empty wilderness. It's just inheritance of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hound_of_the_Baskervilles one of the scenes of the Holmes family's triumphs]. I didn't even earn it through my own efforts." Aria averted my gaze in mild embarrassment.

I remember that name.....Baskerville. I read about it in the Inquesta textbooks. Amidst the cases solved by the original Sherlock Holmes, that name appeared. Later, the Holmes family acquired the land where that case occurred and named it Baskerville. And now, it belonged to Aria.

(As I thought, she's really a noble lady...)

I shook my head and while doing so, saw for a moment at the edge of my vision.....a flicker of white.

".....?"

In the shadow of the 2m high air-conditioning unit installed on the roof....was something that looked like a white tail.

"......!"

I.....broke into a run.

"Kinji!?"

Ignoring Aria's voice from behind, I sprinted towards the air-con unit.

....That was

It doesn't merely look like it; it was a tail. Covered in silver fur, it was the tail of an animal.

(It likely isn't a mistake....)

Turning a corner round the air-con unit, there....was a silver wolf.

Haimaki.

And.....

His master.

A girl with short cut hair, wearing a Diviza Nero in the form of a man's suit. Her back against the side of the unit, gazing impassively at us as she stood there without a word....

"Reki....!"

Aria, who had chased after me, shouted the girl's name.

"....."

Reki, who stood below my field of vision, no longer had a bandage wrapped around her brow. I was still worried about her other wounds but from the looks of it, she was alright. Her 4 kg [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragunov_sniper_rifle Dragunov sniper rifle] was also carried on her shoulder in her usual manner.

"Reki-san! This is wonderful, you made it in time....! Everyone was searching very hard for you yes? Where did you go? Really....."

Shirayuki, who was running over with Riko looked as if she was interrogating a younger child as she questioned Reki.

"....After joining up with Haimaki, I headed for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto Kyouto]."

"Eh?"

Seeing Shirayuki's surprised expression, it seems that she did not go to the Hotogi branch shrine there. She must have found it hard to show up there after stealing their helicopter. And Haimaki must have sensed that his master was near and thus, left the shrine.

"....After which we made a reservation at the inn where we came under attack before and had a bath there."
Inn.....you mean you were at Saori-san's Hachinoko? Speaking of which, baths? You still rely on traditional healing remedies and those are severe wounds. Well since you are healed now it's good.

"Even so....you knew that we were here."

I said as I remembered that Reki's cell phone had been destroyed.

"After I bought a cell phone just now, I received Aria's message immediately."

Reki replied as she lowered her head.

(Ah...so that's the case)

The moment I charged the phone that I bought a few days back, I was surprised by mail from Mutou and Shiranui. It seems that Reki encountered the same situation. Generally speaking, when cell phones that are receiving messages are out of range or off, the message will be saved for a few days in the network center. And once it detects a signal again, the message will be sent anew. It's the same with new phones bought after the destruction of the previous one. It just requires the user to use the same number and not change his mail address. That's why Reki received Aria's message when she bought a new phone. A wry smile surfaced when I imagined the surrealism of Reki in an electronics shop but it's fortunate that Reki bought a new phone today. If it were tomorrow, it would be too late.

(In any case, Reki.....made it here. She would never hear the Wind again.)

...Yes. She came of her own accord. This would be the first time Reki had acted on her own free will.

......Welcome. Welcome, Reki.

"....."

Aria....

Despite rushing over immediately, was silent.

What's....with this hesitance? The deadline of the Just is drawing near. Well, despite forming a team after you had a big fight, it's understandable there would be a strain in relations.

....Can't be helped. This is where I come in.

As I wasn't in Hysteria Mode now, I don't know if I can skillfully restore the ties between both girls to their former state.

"Reki, are you fine with joining this team? Even if its arbitrarily formed by Aria."

I asked in place of Aria.

Reki....nodded her head without a word.

"Well then, hurry up and say what you want to say, Aria. After that we hold hands like friends and go get our picture taken. During the battle when you were being attacked on both sides by the Kokos you were holding hands."

Recalling the turn above the Shinkansen, I pressed Aria on....

"During that time, I only did that because it was the best thing to do."

Aria, red from embarrassment, responded as she looked up at Reki.

"But you wanted Reki in your team. Stop being so hard-hearted."

"Th...the team needed a sniper in it. That's why I included her."

Aria...this stubborn girl....My words seem to have had the opposite effect. It would be bad if I continued speaking and they end up fighting. They would still be fighting when the deadline passed. Just when I was getting my hands burnt dealing with this troublesome kid, a lifeboat appeared...

"Even though you say all these things, Aria actually likes Reki, no?"

"Come on Aria, it's fine saying it. Yesterday, I felt pity for you watching from the sides....you were so worried about Reki."

Riko and Shirayuki said from both sides.

Aria looked at the two of them, looked at me, and then looked at Reki.

''Buwaaaa''

With no time for me to thank Shirayuki and Riko, Aria's face turned red.

"That...that's not the case! I....I...."

So saying, Aria, who had extended a trembling arm towards Reki....took one step, a second, and walked towards Reki.

".....Reki.....!"

....She hugged her.

"Reki....Reki.....I was so worried! Why did you suddenly disappear...!"

The crying Aria and the expressionless Reki as she was being hugged.

Riko laughed as she watched those two and Shirayuki looked as if she was the elder sister kindly looking upon her two younger sisters.

G-Great.

As I thought, to get girls to make up, you need the help of girls.

"Aria-san, that time atop the Shinkansen..."

Reki, from the center of Aria's arms....

"Thank you for holding my hand."

Looking into Aria's face, they were the first words of gratitude she had spoken.

Thank you.

Until now, Reki had never said those words to anyone as far as I can remember. And hearing those common words from Reki, who was so silent that it seemed like that would never happen, it made me feel good.

Reki did change a little after that life-threatening Caravan I after all.

Hearing this overly frank gratitude Aria....whose face had been red from embarrassment for a moment, neatly turned to face Reki.

"Reki....I too am thankful. For coming that time....thank you. Let's erase this hole in our friendship. Let's now......restore diplomatic ties? Renew our relations? Err....let's be friends again!"

I gave a bitter laugh at such strange words for mending ties.

"Hey hey! My dear students! There is still 15 seconds to the deadline. Butei are to strictly adhere to that timing!"

A man's voice could be heard from somewhere. I looked at everyone who was dispersed. This voice....the owner was famous for only remaining audible while he himself was invisible. Master of Lezzad, Chan Wu.

"Oi little brats! Stop clinging all over each other and come here! There's around 10 seconds left! Hurry up and enter this border and have your picture taken!"

Looking in this direction, Assault Master Ranbyou brandished a camera and denoted the area marked out by vinyl tape on the floor.

"Let's go."

Aria grasped Reki's hand. Just like when they were atop the Shinkansen.

"Alright, we'd also better get going."

Pushing Shirayuki and Riko by the shoulder, I hurried towards Ranbyou and her camera. Ahead of us, Reki who seemed unsure how to react after having her real self accepted by another person, ran behind after Aria's lead. Chasing after those two, I smiled.

Here, on this rooftop of the Inquesta building was where a month ago, Reki became my partner against my will. And now....at this very same spot, we dragged Reki into our team. What an inversion it is.

"5 seconds left! Run!"

Charging towards Ranbyou, who was looking at her watch and shouting angrily, the 5 of us entered the area in one scattered block. There was no time left to neatly line up like an exemplary team. If this were a normal photo shoot, the photographer would say "Smile, look this way!"

"Alright. No smiling! Look diagonally ahead!"

This is a Butei group shot. It required us to look diagonally ahead, giving little hint of our true selves. We wore black to prevent the identification of our school from the uniform.

"Team Baskerville! Kanzaki H Aria Just!"

Aria, who was first to stand in the middle of the area, said to Ranbyou with her hands on her waist. To her right rear, Reki, in order to prevent her Dragunov from being photographed, pushed the rifle sling on her shoulder back a little to hide it. At Aria's left rear, Riko folded her arms and faced to one side, with only her eyes focused on the camera. I brushed my hair slightly such that it covered the wound left on my cheek by the Slash. To hide the taping covering my still aching fingers, I placed my hand in my pocket and entered the frame's right corner. If anyone deduced my techniques from my scars, that would leave me at a disadvantage. Last to enter the left corner was Shirayuki, who, demonstrating her fine upbringing, faced Ranbyou's camera with a slight smile.

"September 23rd 1159 hrs, Team Baskerville....Acknowledged, entered!"

Looking at her watch, Ranbyou raised the camera and pushed the shutter release at the very last minute.

And so, the strobe flashed with a sound.

Unexpectedly however, the camera that Ranbyou hurriedly raised was slanted. Although all five of us were captured in the picture, it was messily crooked to one side. Well, whatever, it's a photograph of us who always leaves things to the last minute.

At that time, I never expected that this photograph.......

.....would be the first and last one together for us, the five members of Baskerville.

After an evening shower, the sky cleared. A rose-coloured sunset engulfed Tokyo...

I took Reki and Haimaki to the western tip of the Academy Island outside the fence that prevents anyone falling into the sea. This was for the purpose of giving Haimaki that reward I promised him on that mountain during the sniper battle.

"Here...eat up. It's really troublesome peeling off all the vinyl wrapping."

In an open box by my foot were 60 fish sausages. Or in other words, I bought the entire box. On seeing that, Haimaki let out a howl, thrust his head into the box and began devouring. His white tail was waving like a propeller. He really loves fish sausages.

"...."

At Haimaki's side, Reki knelt down and gently stroked his back, as always; expressionless to a stranger's eyes...however, I had the impression that I could read Reki's expression to some small degree. This was a gentle expression of gratitude to Haimaki. I turned towards the golden sea, illuminated by the sunset and took a deep breath of the sea breeze. At this time, the wind was refreshingly cool.

Summer....was nearing its end.

"Speaking of which, did you know that even the battle positions were submitted by Aria on her own volition?"

Hearing my words, Reki raised her pretty face from her kneeling position and shook her head.

"The front is formed by Aria and me. Aria is the PM (point man), I'm the UL (Unit Leader). Support will be you and Shirayuki. Riko will make up the tail. When storming a target, Aria and I will suppress with handgun bullets while you two will provide medium and long ranged attacks. Riko will be on alert for any attacks from the back and in retreat; she'll act as the rearguard, hampering any pursuers."

Reki's face was like that of a small animal as she gazed intently at me while I fired Assault terms non-stop. Seeing as she didn't say anything, it appeared that she had no objections. Well, at any rate, after being forced to become leader, I knew how to improve the team's formation. I had to combine everyone's talents and personalities.

Aria and I were experts at fighting alongside each other. Shirayuki was an almighty unit in both offense and defense. She could charge forwards with both spell and sword or stay at the rear tending to the wounded and act as a spotter for sniping. And at the rear was the genius sniper Reki, protecting Riko who would quickly spot dangers. In the event of withdrawal, although Riko could defend against the enemy's assault, however, her true skill lay in escaping; the fighting retreat being her expertise. Aria....in this accidental team of 5, was a balance. She may have no reasoning ability but she was a genius in combat matters.

(And furthermore, military formations aren't all there is to this team.)

In this team, everyone's abilities are singularly high. Including Reki, this team had two S-rank Butei which was something that was rare even amongst 3rd years. In the 2nd year, only we alone had this. Shirayuki and Riko are both A-rank so it's really a big drop in ability when my E-rank is considered. I'm truly sorry. Well, with the run-up to registration being so chaotic, the cohesiveness of the team in doubt and according to Ranbyou-sensei, "If the team is unwilling at the start, you'll have a hell of a time in the end."

I certainly pray we don't run into any cases big enough to have a hell of a time.

"How should I say this....Is this really alright? Forming a team with Aria."

Although the matter might have passed, but I'd still better be sure.

"....Yes."

Reki quietly stood up and faced me.

"Until now, I've never felt 'human emotions.' But after this experience, I've started to think. I've started to think about....Aria-san's feelings."

"Aria's feelings....?"

"When I was wounded on the mountain during the sniper attack, I was bent on following the Wind's orders; to fight to the death. And so, I allowed you to leave me. That had to be putting on a brave front. At that time, I was wavering between you and the Wind."

Putting on a brave front....even at that time, that emotion had already taken root in Reki?

"Now, I can say, at that time what I was thinking in my heart was 'I don't want to die.'"

"...."

"And the one who allowed me to embrace that thought was Kinji-san. You."

"Me....?"

".......You are a very important person to me. I did not want to leave you."

Reki, who was new to emotions....

Said honestly into my eyes without hiding her feelings.

"......."

Suddenly having a pretty girl say all this to me....

I was unable to respond and turned to face the sea.

"It's you who allowed feelings to take root in heart. If I died I would be separated from you....from the one important to me. I don't want that."

The one important to her....she said it twice. And furthermore, they were both direct to my face. Reki sure is straight. Exactly like a sniper who fires straight and true at her target.

"This time, I've thought about Aria-san's feelings. When I took Kinji-san away from Aria-san it was the same kind of act. To her, you are a very important person."

Perhaps mirroring my actions, Reki's eyes which were looking out to sea were.....at this moment filled with a hint of loneliness.

"That's why I'll join the team.....I'll watch over you all, never pulling you all apart again. No matter what happens in the end."

Hearing Reki who was normally caught up in her own world say all this.....I had some difficulty keeping up.

"That's why, you and Aria being together is a good thing."

Having said that, Reki closed her tiny lips. And after a rare moment of hesitation,

"But this too.....is putting on a brave front....."

She murmured.

"Putting on a brave front?"

"Yes. Once more there are conflicting emotions in my heart. I'm....facing not just the male who is simply the one Ulus need....but also the Kinji-san who allowed me to feel emotions."

Reki's red-brown eyes stared at me, as if she were gracefully expressing her own feelings and slowly said,

"I don't want to see you stolen away by Aria-san"

....That's virtually the statement of another confrontation once more and yet....

Reki's demeanor did not have the same one-sided feel as when she last fought Aria at Butei High.

"....."

"....."

For a while, the two of us were silent. The sound of crashing waves resonated in the distance.

"And conversely, I now ask if Kinji-san is fine with it; having me on the team. The Wind doesn't speak anymore. I myself don't know what to do either. My own heart follows some uncertain guidepost as it walks on, wrapped in contradiction. Without any direction from the Wind I don't even know who I am anymore...."

Perhaps it was due to the silence raising my sense of unease but Reki's behavior....resembled in some respects an attempt to cling onto something. Thinking this a little cute, my cheeks loosened imperceptibly.

"....Reki. No one ever knows who they are."

"....."

"Reki is Reki. That is enough. I'm fine with the current Reki, don't worry."

Hearing this, Reki's cheeks....slightly turned scarlet. Well, this must have been due to the red light from the setting sun.

"But....I don't know what to do from here on."

"If that's so, then just start looking from now and it'll be fine. Just set yourself a target. And the school and team are there for that purpose."

The S-ranked honors student, Reki hearing me, the E-ranked problem child with a reputation for being utterly useless say such vague things, looked as if she was.....slightly taken aback. She resembled someone listening to the warnings of elders.

....The sound of waves reverberated in the distance....

Reki....

"You.....are just like the Wind."

She murmured to herself. And gently caressed by the wind,

"Kinji-san is a great person. Even knowing about my emptiness....he didn't change."

"No, I'm quite narrow minded. You however..."

Being able to suppress Hysteria Mode demonstrates that I'm quite a virtuous person at heart. I felt like saying so but to do that in front of Reki would be embarrassing.

Swallowing my words, I tried to cover it up.

"Ah....emptiness, emptiness has its own benefits. You just need to fill it up with many various things."

"Kinji-san..."

"That's why I'll teach you some general knowledge."

"Yes. Please teach me."

So saying, Reki's attitude gives the impression of having pure respect for me....Even if it's appropriate that I remain silent, I still felt somewhat embarrassed. In terms of Riko's games, it would be like entering "Reki's route." Although it wasn't my intention, did I just pick all the words that would win her over? This...although the character is different, it was just like my junior in Lezzad, Fuuma Hina. Mistakenly respecting the useless me, Reki sure is pitiful, I thought.

"After all, you are devoid of common knowledge. Probably the most out of all 5 Baskerville members."

For the sake of balance, I said something that would reduce her goodwill towards me. And with that...Reki's mouth seemed to twitch by millimeters. It seemed like she was pressing her lips together in an endless line but she was actually curling them.

"....."

And with a sound, she drifted over to my side and....

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pa*

Lightly struck my upper arm.

This might well be an expression of anger. Communicating with Reki definitely requires observational skills. Because she hit me, I too retaliated. Lightly, gently, striking Reki on the upper arm.

And so, *pa* *pa*.

Reki hit me twice. I don't understand it but there was somehow an air of joy to the whole thing.

Which is to say that Reki also doesn't know how to express emotions.

Aa....this was bad. Even this had to be taught to her. Looking down, I saw that Haimaki had finished eating his fish sausages.....Beneath the brightening moon and the sun that had almost sunk below the sea, I turned around and prepared to return to my dorm. Like I'd just abandoned her, Reki....

"Kinji-san."

Lightly tugging my jacket from behind;

"The loyalty of the Ulus is eternal. Even if the wind no longer speaks to me, I will protect you....forever."

The happiness within her words took me aback. Seeing that kind of expression on Reki's face again, it made me feel good.

Those who do not know Reki well may not understand but I could understand that expression well enough.

It was a really thin smile. But it was cute enough to capture my heart.

There was nothing that could rival it in that....a smile, without a doubt.

That night, just after 11pm....having revised [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Japanese modern Japanese] until pretty late.....Shirayuki got the remaining crab out of the freezer and prepared a late night [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenshindon tenshindon].

Perhaps it was because the food was too delicious but Riko who for some reason, had recently settled at my home took her ladle and clashed with my own for the tenshindon. Riko you despicable little fuck...scraping even the tenshindon in my mouth out is far too much. My teeth are going to break like this. Just when I was protecting my own bowl by using Edge Catching Double Finger to stop Riko's ladle....my cell rang. It was Aria's lawyer. How many times has it been during this vacation that she had taken our testimonies over the phone? Thinking it was another one of those times; I resigned myself to leaving the remaining tenshindon and quietly walked into the living room. However, that was not the case. She was informing us that the preparations for the retrial of Aria's mother, Kanzaki Kanae-san, had been complete. In general, from now until the start of the hearing, no more new pieces of evidence could be submitted.