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Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa:Volume 3 Chapter 4

2014-04-10T19:29:17Z

70.177.34.197: /* Chapter 4: Value of existence */

==Chapter 4: Value of existence==

We were safely rescued by the hotel’s personnel a while later.

That the communication device Lilith-san had brought hadn’t broken with the impact of the fall was the silver lining on a dark cloud.

Being around two hours later than Zonmi and the rest, in the end I was brought to my room.

There, before my eyes, was an incomparably pointlessly super-deluxe suite room.

The ceiling was so high that you could play volley ball at that place, and the bed somewhat looked like one for a princess to sleep in, with attached curtains.

The point that personally struck my fancy were the flawless security measures.

The lock looks sturdy, so it should be difficult for Manami to make a night visit <ref>Yobai. I think I explained it already, but it’s an ancient Japanese custom where a men sneaks inside an unmarried woman’s room at night to have sex. The man doesn’t need to know the woman, the woman cannot refuse, and it was considered at the same level as the current picking up. The only ones who could stop the tryst were the males of the house.</ref> (<nowiki><-</nowiki>this is important).

The perfect anti-sister countermeasures.

Since, while looking for something to change into, I found a folded yukata<ref>Summertime style kimono (traditional Japanese clothing); ornamented ones are usually worn during summer festivals, but more simple ones are often provided by inns, lodgings and hot springs to wear as a housecoat.</ref> inside a chest of drawers I tried changing into it for now.

“How surprising. I’d never thought I’d come to wear a yukata at the Netherworld…”

I dare say this too is one of the achievements of the late Maou.

Lying on the bed like that, I waited for someone to come tell me it was time for dinner.

Checking the time with my cellphone, it’s 8 p.m.

I don’t know if there’s a time difference between the Netherworld and the world of humans, but going by my internal clock, that has the accuracy of a Swiss radio clock, there’s no doubt that it’s time for dinner.

Being guided to the hotel’s dining hall, we took seat in a zashiki<ref>A tatami floored room or partition they usually have in traditional or Japanese food restaurants (except rotating sushi and the like) where, for extra cash, you can keep your intimacy (opposed to the tables, at the sight of everyone, and the bar, that is, well, the bar, if they have it).</ref> and, like that, we waited for our food.

“Uhehe. What kind of food will they bring in, oniichan?”

“I don’t know, but… Judging from the luxury of the room… Won’t they bring rich-class food?” 

“And what kind of rich-class food, specifically?”

“Errrm… What is it…”

As I don’t usually grant myself luxuries, it’s a terribly difficult to answer question.

“What kind of rich-class food… Kyouko.”

“… Eh? W-w-w-why do you pass it to me!?”

“I beg you! You are the only one I can rely on.”

Zonmi and Iris, who have lived at the Netherworld for a long time, have a slightly off sense of values.

“… Understood. If I have to answer, then I’ll answer.”

Glad to be relied on, Kyouko wasn’t as annoyed as she wanted us to believe.

“Yup. Please.”

“Eeeeeerm……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Salted salmon roe?”

“…”

“…”

“Wait a minute! How come you look at me with eyes full of pity!?”

“Kyouko… Poor child…”

“Oneechan… If you were going to go with fish roe, at least make it caviar.”

“Uuu… Being made a fool by these siblings is terribly infuriating…”

Feeling for Kyouko like that, time passed flying.

Has it been around 10 minutes since we took seat? The maids that appeared before us started to line up dishes on the table one after another.

However.

“Oniichan… This seems…”

“… I see. Is this a joke?”

The meal that was brought in deserved to be called wretched.

If I have to sum each part up in a simple explanation—.

Something that looked like a frog with lots of eyes. Something that looked like a tiny human with grass growing on its head. Something that looked like a goat’s head. A soup with something that looked like a live water strider<ref>An insect that uses its long legs to stand over water.</ref> swimming on it. Raw meat (as for meat of what, I don’t have a clue).

… Since they have an instant effect of loss of appetite, they may be good for dieting.

If we talk about the only thing that looked edible among them, it should be the sorry quantity of what looked like bread rolls served on a basket.

Each serving of cooking brought made Kyouko & Manami & my (world of humans team) bodies tremble.

In contrast with us, Zonmi & Iris (Netherworld team) were keeping their cool.

“Wow. Sauté of hundred-eyed frog… Haven’t they brought something sumptuous?”

“Traditional local cuisine that makes you feel good old Netherworld culture. It arouses your appetite.”

“…F-for reals?”

Since everything up till now wasn’t very different from the human world, I lowered my guard.

I was sure that, on the same roll, they’d come with Japanese style food…

“Then, without delay—bon appétit.<ref>The same “itadakimasu” usually translated as “let’s dig in” or left untouched; I chose this since it goes better with Zonmi.</ref>.”

Minding her manners, Zonmi started chewing on the raw meat before her.

What the heck. It’s too late, but… I feel that’s the first time I truly get what Zonmi being a monster means.

I mean… Raw meat? Don’t you know about fire?

No matter how fine it looks on the exterior, a pretty girl happily chewing on raw meat is something I want to avert my eyes from.

“Monster tamer… Is thy body all right?”

“… Ah. Yeah. It’s nothing. Let’s dig in<ref>But this is Chiharu.</ref>.”

Since my hopes for the dinner have become nothing, there’s no other way.

Let’s leave the weird things to team Underworld, us team world of humans will go with the safe thing and eat just bread.

When, pulling myself together, I extended my hand to the inside of the basket—I noticed something unusual.

“…T-there’s no bread.”

Strangely, there was no bread.

Looking around in bewilderment, I saw Kyouko and Manami apologetically munching on bread.

“… Ah! Since there were so few, before I knew… Sorry… This was first come, first served…”

“I mean, Manami is a human! I don’t want to eat such a femininity lowering food!”

“…”

It seems that while I was nonchalantly checking on the food they were bringing, the four girls have ended up eating all the bread inside the basket, and speaking about my share, there was none left.

“Oniichan. It’s fine. Don’t worry. ♪”

Manami winked at me, who had my shoulders down in dejection.

“Manami… Could it be that… Your own share…”

Will you give me part of your meager share…?

[[File:Maou_na_Ore_to_Fushihime_no_Yubiwa_3_p113.png|thumb]]

A-a goddess!

A goddess has descended!

“If there’s no bread, then eat frog!<ref>A reference to a quote falsely attributed to Marie Antoinette, queen of France during French Revolution (until she was beheaded) that goes “if there’s not bread, let them eat cake”. Note that the reason the true noblewoman who said that said it was because she didn’t know that cake was much more expensive than bread.</ref>”

“Damn!”

I’m an idiot for expecting something from her!

“… Kuh.”

Since it has come to this… I can’t but accept my fate.

Thinking normally, simply missing dinner may not seem a problem, but you can’t make fun of a male high schooler’s appetite.

I’m really hungry from playing at the beach all day long.

“I-I give up being humaaan!”

Instigated by my sister, I made a decision; I cut a piece from the closest frog with lots of eyes (Iris called them hundred-eyed frogs) and put it in my mouth.

What will happen? 

“… Delicious!”

It was surprisingly delicious.

The collagen-like eyes that seemed to slide down my throat had a richer flavor than I thought and tasted like freshly squeezed milk.

Sure, they may look a bit like that, but… In the human world there are also strange foodstuff that are considered delicacies.

Going straight to the point, after that, I challenged the Netherworld dishes one by one.

Since all of them were delicious, before I knew it I was eating them with gusto.

““Blergh—””

To me, who was straying more and more from being human, Manami sent glares of open scorn.

<center>× × ×</center>

“… Something’s weird.”

I first noticed it after I came back from the toilet.

Something’s weird… With their spirits.

It’s especially obvious with Zonmi & Kyouko.

Zonmi’s yukata is slightly disheveled, and she’s showing a sexy appearance with her bra straps exposed.

Kyouko, also in a similar condition, was even humming.

“Erm… What the heck’s happening here?”

I tried asking a maid that coincidentally passed by.

The maid smiled wryly,

“I reckon they are under the effects of a specialty of the Netherworld, Tengu’s<ref>Name received by a kind of god or demon, protectors of the mountain, that are either humanoid birds or half-human half-birds with a long nose.</ref> Clear Water.”

“… Tengu’s Clear Water?”

How come they drank such a suspicious thing… Ah!

“Could it be the water that was inside the glasses?”

“Yes. Tengu’s Clear Water, despite tasting roughly the same as regular water, possesses a strong magical recuperation power.

Besides, it’s a high-class item that is good for your health, has a relaxing effect and also strengthens sexual desire.

… However, if drank by unaccustomed people, due to the excess dopamine and serotonin secreted by the brain, their consciousness…”

“So, in easy to understand words… These guys are drunk?”

“That’s what it comes to.”

“… I see. Thanks for the explanation.”

Well, now.

What do I do?

Since we’ve almost eaten up everything already, I’m willing to put an end to the dinner like this, but…

The problem here is, how will these drunkards return to their rooms?

Even though we are well acquainted, being nursed by the male me… I don’t know if I will be told off later.

I’ll better go with the safe and discuss it with Lilith-san.

Set on that, when I turned back.

“… Chiharu… Where are you going?”

I was stopped by the drunk Zonmi (with glassy eyes).

“Where… I’m going to Lilith-san…”

“Again, you’re going to another woman?… So… Do you prefer big-busted girls?…”

Zonmi’s stare grew cold.

“… You don’t have to say it so full of spite.”

“No. You always give some reason, Chiharu… You wander there. You wander here. Isn’t it like you don’t have fidelity?… *HICCUP*”

“…”

Befuddled by the drink, she grabbed my arm close.

“Chiharu… You should be more faithful. Once again, returning to the beginning, you should reward me for being your first contract.”

“Reward… And what should I specifically do?”

When I asked, Zonmi looked at me with upturned eyes,

[[File:Maou_na_Ore_to_Fushihime_no_Yubiwa_3_p119.png|thumb]]

“… Please never ever leave my side… Don’t make me feel anxious.”

She clung to my arm.

“<nowiki>~~~~~~</nowiki>!!”

Defeated.

If you tell me those things, even I could misunderstand…

“Or else… Am I not enough? You are not satisfied only with me, Chiharu?”

“It’s not like that. Zonmi is there, always helping me.”

“Ehehe.”

Zonmi, while rubbing her cheek to my arm in a good mood, just said.

“Chiharu… I like you.”

“…”

Ca-calm down.

Let’s think it through calmly. In this case, “like”… Has the meaning of something like “I like you as a friend” or “I like you as a contract partner”.

Even if it had the meaning of “I like you as a man”, since, as you see, Zonmi is completely wasted, it’s not like she’s saying what she really feels<ref>Last time I heard of it, there was an idiom that went “Children and drunkards tell the truth”, or something in those lines.</ref>.

In any case… this may be the first time a girl has looked me in the eye and told me “I like you”. Surprisingly, I feel that not even Manami had straightly confessed to me with an “I like you”.

“M-me too… I like Haru?<ref>It seems that drunk Kyouko tends to add question marks at the end of her sentences.</ref>”

I looked at the source of the voice, and there were panties.

“W-what’s the matter, Kyouko!?”

For some reason, Kyouko had entirely taken off her yukata—in her undies, it seems she’s breathing a bit roughly.

“… Somehow, my body’s hot… I’ve drunk lots of water, but… I totally can’t cool down. Uhehe.”

“…”

I see.

Not knowing that the water in the glass is the source of the heat in her body, to chill out, she drank water once more?

As a result… She has ended up dead drunk.

“Haru… How’s it? How’s my underwear?”

“… No. Nothing special.”

Am I imagining things?

This situation looks like something I’ve experienced before…

“In case something happened during this trip… Hang on, I tried to choose something sexy?”

“I-is that so…”

Certainly, to the Japanese Kyouko, these panties based on pink&black make her seem more adult-like than usual.

I can’t recognize her.

Kyouko’s panties, compared with the quality of her usual ones—.

Have experienced… A quick evolution…

“… Ku! How incorrigible, panties, panties… Was there a big bargain on panties, you?!”

“Uuu. Bargain… It’s true that before I used to buy underwear of 3 for 1000 yen<ref>Just under $10.</ref> at the local department store, but… I now diligently spend money on my undies!?”

“…”

I don’t have a clue.

What the heck are these two talking about?

“… Anyway, put some clothes on right now. Or else, I won’t let you get near Chiharu!”

“Shut up! Be quiet, ghoul! Now it’s my turn! Haven’t you totally appealed to him just now?!”

“… Ku!”

“…”

Turn, she says.

Since when do you have to pick your turn to speak with me?

Somehow, Zonmi has put a “you’ve got a point” face before Kyouko’s claim.

“Hey… Haru…”

Hearing the strangely coquettish voice of my childhood friend, I got unconsciously nervous.

“W-what?”

“Do I have no charm?”

“No. I think that you’re totally charming, but…”

“Lies.”

“It’s not like…”

“Then, why haven’t you ever put a finger on me?”

“Th-that’s…”

Perhaps, I’m also drunk.

Though they are nasty words even for me, I spilled my true thoughts that I had tried too hard until now to not say to them.

“You are a monster and I’m a human… so…”

“…”

The moment Kyouko heard my speech, her face clouded, and she finally showed a smile that just said “as expected”.

“Understood. Haru has been holding back since he thinks it’s unethical for humans and monsters to marry, isn’t it?”

“… T-to be frank, that’s how it goes.”

“But, If that’s the problem, hasn’t it been solved? Since, look, Haru right here is a demon-human crossbreed… Monster, I gather."

“… Ah!”

How come I didn’t notice something so obvious?

Up till now, I’ve been automatically working to keep my reason no matter how charming as women these girls were, using the racial wall between monsters and humans.

However, now’s different.

Just as Kyouko has said, since I’m now aware that in me flows half the blood of a monster, there’s no need to feel at loss before romance.

Thinking like that, I suddenly became conscious of the girls before me and I noticed my face becoming hot.

“Fufu. It works, it works. Once more…”

“…”

Co-could it be that I… Am dancing on Kyouko’s palm!?

How come?

This is something I haven’t felt before any other girl… I get an incredible feeling of having lost at being played by Kyouko.

“S-stop<ref>In English.</ref>!

Right after I thought like that.

With an unsteady gait, Zonmi got between Kyouko and I.

“Wha, I told you not to hinder me during my turn!”

“You can’t, you can’t! Anyway, you can’t! I don’t know about turns and such, but going further… Stop approaching Chiharu and me!”

“And why?”

“That’s… Because I am his very first contract partner! And since I’m his very first contract partner… Chiharu must treat me as the most important! People that came later please leave!”

“…Wha!”

It seems that Kyouko has something to say to that.

“Who has come later?! You… You know nothing about Haru!”

“The time you’ve know him and the depth of your trust are not related. Being Chiharu’s initial partner… I’m the one who’s able to know Chiharu the best.”

“Humph! Surely it may be as you say and the most important thing is not how long one has known him… But! If that’s what you propose, then the order of the contracts doesn’t matter!”

“Th-that’s…”

Kyouko’s remark left Zonmi at a loss of words.

In the end, Zonmi put a resigned face.

“…Very well. Nephilim. Since you are willing to go to that extent, let’s decide here and now if you are suitable as Chiharu’s partner!”

“What.”

How has it come to this!?

“As you wish!”

“…”

Sill in a state of excitation, Kyouko agreed to Zonmi’s proposal.

… Why did I kept looking at both of them without saying a word?

That is, if those two who had the power of monsters seriously battle, the surroundings could get destroyed to the point it couldn’t be recovered, but… Just this time, it’s different.

“Tah! Tah!”

“Ei! Ei!”

Zonmi & Kyouko were exchanging blows as they yelled unintelligible mumblings at each other.

Maybe due to the tipsiness, their power was at a cute level.

… Regarding the change of personality when drunk, humans and monsters are alike.

Is this what they call gap moe<ref>Feelings of loveliness that surge when seeing someone (oftentimes a cute girl) acting in a totally unexpected way (it doesn’t go with their usual behavior or clashes with their appearance, for example).</ref>?

It was moving seeing those two acting with a simple-mindedness usually unthinkable from them.

“… Now that I think about it, Manami has been awfully quiet.”

Looking around, I saw my sister looking down in a corner of the table.

Could it be that, after Zonmi and Kyouko, even my sister is showing a gap moe different from usual?

It’s that usually excessively bold and active Manami.

I personally find it a bit clichéd, but usually willful women, when drunk, are the type who change to the point so meek that it makes you want to protect them… Just thinking of seeing that makes my heart throb, but… As expected, isn’t that wishful thinking?

“Ufufu. Oniichan… Waity. I’ll prepare you wakamezake<ref>It means “seaweed sake”; it refers to the practice of pouring a beverage, usually Japanese sake, on the naked thighs of a woman to drink from. The “seaweeds” are the pubic hair. There’s a male version of that called “bamboo sake” (don’t know the specific word, but it mustn’t be mistaken with existing “sake made from bamboo”), where the “bamboo” is the male member.</ref> asap.”

“…”

I see.

If I think about looking down, I wonder what will I see.

Wouldn’t you better change your character a little more?

Though I’m worried about the drunk girls, my sister's wakamezake alone is not included.

In the end I left the place in the hands of the maids and I got out from there alone.

<center>× × ×</center>

Where is the toilet?

Having left alone from the dining hall, I was looking for the toilet.

My head was a little fuzzy and my body felt hot.

It seems that the Tengu’s water has got even to me and I felt that my thinking wasn’t working properly.

“… So, why don’t we cooperate?”

A somewhat familiar husky voice.

Softly opening the door of the room the voice came from, there was the unexpected combination of the RisLith combo: Lilith-san and Iris<ref>Pun lost in translation. Lilith it’s RIRISU. Iris is AIRISU. RisLith combo is RISURISUKONBI, where KONBI it’s short from “combination”, or combo.</ref>.

“I refuse. I cannot place my trust in demons.”

“Why don’t you reconsider it? This talk benefits both of us.”

“…”

What the heck are those two talking about?

From the mood, it’s some serious talk, if I’m not wrong.

“I’ll say it once again.

Please employ the contract ring we’ve especially prepared to make a contract with Chiharu-sama.

If there is someone as powerful as you, a red dragon, at his side, naturally the safety of Chiharu-sama’s body can be guaranteed.”

“!?”

What Lilith-san is holding in her hand is undoubtedly a contact ring glittering in silver.

What a surprise.

Could it be that like this comes around my chance to make a contract?

“No matter how, I cannot comprehend. Why dost thou obsess to such lengths with that lad?

If he’s a mere chimera between human and demon… But I don’t think that’s reason enough to receive so much hospitality.”

“… I can’t understand either. Weren’t you the one that wanted to make a contract with Chiharu-sama more than anyone else? Why… What do you not agree?”

“It’s deeply unpleasant. What thou art looking at it’s not me—”

Just when Iris was about to say something.

My gaze, while secretly peeping from behind the door, and Iris’s gaze met.

“…”

Iris, coming here with her head down, violently opened the door,

“… Forgetest what thou hast just heard.”

She muttered that as she parted.

… Why has Iris refused making a contract with me?

Moreover, what Iris almost said… It’s just a hunch, but it seems like it has to do with her self… I can’t help but feel that there are some deep circumstances.

“Chiharu-sama… You were there?”

“Sorry. I didn’t intend to eavesdrop, but…”

“No. There’s no problem.”

Lilith-san, “fiuu…”, sighing, sat on the couch.

Following her example, I took seat in front of her and voiced my question.

“Erm… Following the talk of just now… Why does Lilith-san intend to endorse our contract?”

“That’s easy. Your existence is more valuable than you can imagine. Hereafter, it can be supposed that chances are high that bad people set their aims on your body. That’s why, if you make a contract with a being of superior battle prowess—a red dragon, that perfectly means that the risk can be diminished.”

“…”

It’s true that, since coming here, I’ve been informed of the rarity of my existence.

“… And why has Iris refused that?”

“Honestly, that was beyond my expectations.

Though this is no more than a personal guess… As the last survivor of the red dragons, she’s subjected to racial discrimination that cannot be compared to that of us succubus… She may have some darkness inside her heart.”

“…”

Until I came here, it seems I couldn’t understand Iris’s feelings— having all of her comrades, except her, slaughtered.

However.

Only now I feel I can understand a little.

Since I, too… Have found I’m a monster completely alone, with no one else in the world.

“Chiharu-sama… May I ask you a single favor?”

“… What is it?”

“Please take… These contract rings.”

“…”

What Lilith-san handed to me as she said that were, no different from the ones I’m already wearing… A pair of contract rings.

“During this trip, I want you to open Iris-sama’s heart… And make a contract using these rings. I’d say you are the only one that can erase the darkness from that child’s heart.”

“What a coincidence. Had Lilth-san not said that, I’d have asked it myself instead. That request… I’ll gladly fulfill it.”

To shorten the distance between Iris and me.

That—was what I intended with this trip to the Underworld.

If I think about it, when I received the letter from my mother… When choosing the trip members, that happened.

I unconsciously excluded Iris from the list… Thinking back, that was disgusting.

Honestly speaking, I feel like there’s an open gap between Iris and I.

Zonmi, Kyouko and Iris, all of them… As they are comrades met in the same circumstances, this is weird.

With renewed decision, I — put the contract rings I received from Lilith-san inside my pocket.

<center>× × ×</center>

At the same time, in another place.

This is the threshold between the human world and the Netherworld.

Inside an old tower erected in the middle of a desolate wasteland, there was the hideout of the Black Tamers.

“… Then, even that fellow Noelle ran away back in defeat after being beaten black and blue by Kusumi Chiharu… Moreover, she even released the limiter<ref>Read as “limiter”, written as “monster transformation”.</ref> without the proper authorization…”

The man who hold a speck of doubt on the procedures of the organization—Clarie Shernfelt confronted his own superior.

“…So says the report.”

“Boss… I can’t believe it.”

The man shaked his head and muttered,

“Don’t Firsts<ref>From the kanji, it’s the title of the “first batch of test subjects” (but they say “bodies” instead of “subjects”).</ref> like Noelle have a power comparable to that of a high class rank monster tamer? This exceeds the level of just talent.

Kusumi Chiharu… Who the heck is he?

Why, being a Rookie, does he hold a combat ability on the level of a high class monster tamer!?”

“Before I answer your question, there’s something I want to make sure. Clarie… Can you repeat to me what’s the reason why us Black Tamers exist?”

“… Yes. To put the monsters under the total control of humanity… The creation of that Arcadia is our noble objective.”

“… By what means?”

“By bringing forth humans with a combat capability that surpasses monsters… To create superhumans. To insert monster’s cells in the human body, we need to calculate the rate of compatibility with the human body. For that, we used enforce to gather numerous samples of monsters.”

“… That’s right. As a result, we discovered a pattern on the compatibility rate of the monster cells with the human body and achieved a power that transcends humanity.”

“Yeah. Though our numbers are less than those of {{Furigana|those guys|the IMA}}, our individual battle prowess is already superior. It’s just a matter of time until the human world falls in our hands…”

“… I wonder if it’s time to tell you too… But, I called you now in order to tell you.”

After that introduction, the masked woman,

“Everything we’ve done until now, Kusumi Chiharu’s existence has rendered it to nothing.”

Blurted that succession of shocking words.

“…H-how come!?”

“I shall answer your initial question. Kusumi Chiharu’s true identity is that of a chimera born from a demon and a human.”

“!?”

Clarie couldn’t hide his commotion before the masked woman’s words.

A chimera between a monster and a human.

Since the dawn of history, that has been regarded as genetically impossible<ref>They always forget Nephilim.</ref>.

It’s not unusual for a child to be born between a human and a monster.

However, Clarie couldn’t acknowledge the facts before him.

“… I can’t believe it so right off the bat. Monster genes are usually far stronger than those of humans, so the children born from a human and a monsters are one hundred percent monsters… Isn’t that what’s widely acknowledged<ref>Following the previous note, you must take into account that, yes, they are monsters, but both Chiharu and Nephilim are not the same monster as the non-human parent, so in a sense, it’s true.</ref>!?”

“It’s mostly as you’ve said.”

The masked woman, after confirming that,

“However, I’m afraid to say that his birth mother is not a regular human.

The Undead Tamer.

That—is the moniker the Association gave his mother.”

“!? It can’t be… The high level monster tamer that’s regarded as a living legend…!?”

“Yep. I don’t know the details, that’s the only thing I can say with certainty.

Her uncommon magic power let her give birth to a chimera between monster and human… It made such an unprecedented irregularity occur…”

“…!”

Clarie completely stifled his half-hearted thoughts.

“Just ten years… Had he been born ten years earlier… Maybe that would have not happened…”

“… It’s no use crying over spilled milk. Anyway, wouldn’t his existence be a substantial shortcut to our Arcadia project? What we shall do from here on, do you know without me explaining it in detail?”

“… Yessir! I’ll definitely bring Kusumi Chiharu before you without delay!”

The masked woman chuckled,

“I’m afraid to say that’s not possible.

It’s quite inopportune, but… That lot is currently at the main touristic island of the Netherworld, Grandeel, lodging in a hotel managed by devils.”

“Do you mean… There’s someone among them that has anticipated our actions?”

“Yep. Be very careful they don’t trip you.

Clarie. This time, I’ll let you take five of the First that account for 30% of the Black Tamer’s battle power, except the Soul Tamer.

It’s OK? The battle this time is not only for capturing Kusumi Chiharu… It’s also a rehearsal for the soon-to-be all-out war against the IMA.

You’ve got permission to release the limiter, and even the Level Overlimiter.”

“Yessir! Everything is for the coming of our Arcadia.”

“…”

The conflict that is about to happen is unlike anything till now.

The masked woman, believing in the success of her strategy, on the other hand doesn’t plan for everything to unfold without problem… She held half-contradictory feelings.

(… The person who holds the seed for the coming of our Arcadia, it would be boring if he was so easily captured.)

The masked woman, from the throne, let out a daring smile,

(Terribly… Interesting. This time maybe I’ll personally go to the frontlines…)

She quietly made that decision.

<noinclude>

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

{{SimpleNav|e=6}}
</noinclude>

Absolute Duo:Volume 2 Chapter 2

2014-04-03T05:55:31Z

70.177.34.197: /* Chapter 2 『If I Borrow Your Words』 */

==Chapter 2 『If I Borrow Your Words』==

===Part 1===

“So you are the <<Irregular>>----Kokonoe Tooru”

The first words the ''transfer student'' put in her mouth was that.

Going back about 1 minute in time.

On the morning of the day the <<The Sublimation Ceremony>> would be commenced.

The HR started and right after Tsukimi introduced the transfer student------

Most of the classmates gasped……………even Tora too.

A beautiful {{Furigana|blonde hair|Yellow Topaz}} foreign girl with {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} was the one who entered the classroom.

Not only her eyes and hair, her style consisted of places which should be coming out, came out, and places that should be tucked in, were tucked in; that charming style that would put foreign actresses to shame not only made the males, but also the females gasp too.

Adding on, she had an elegant and lovely charm drifting around her, and her red lips further emphasized that fact.

If the same foreign beauty Yurie was a fantasy-like moon floating in the dark night then, the impression she gave would be the shining sun in the grand sky.

Such a girl was placing one hand on her hips while the other hand was on the table, and was in front staring right at me.

Thanks to her slouching forward a little bit, I was about to move my sights toward the two swaying bulges before the 2nd round of voice came flying over.

“……………hey, are you listening to me?”

“------uh!! So-sorry. I am Kokonoe……….”

“Okay. Kokonoe Tooru, I am interested in you. That’s why you'll come along with me”

I heard the same thing just one month ago but, the speech this time had a soft tone of command to it.

The gold girl acts as if it is only natural for her will to pass through, and turned her heels around without hearing my answer after walking.

“O-oi. Even if you tell me to come along, right now it’s-------“

“………….don’t make me say it twice”

She stopped her legs and said that sentence once she turned around.

“Errr---. It’s still in the middle of HR though…………”

Tsukimi was the first one who opened her mouth in the re-silenced classroom.

“You will '''''specially''''' have it permitted right? Tsukimi-sensei”

“…………Go ahead-----☆“

For an instant, although a vein popped up on her forehead, Tsukimi permitted the transfer student's selfish actions.

(What does this mean? That Tsukimi isn’t someone that would allow something like that…………..)

“…………….if you have a matter with Tooru then you can talk to him here”

Although Tora said that to her irritated-----

“Isn’t it okay since it’s something unrelated to you. I just want to have a talk in a place without any noise”

She flat out replied back.

Normally, his anger would burst out but, he was probably overpowered by her one sentence and glare. Tora stopped with a soft groan.

“Well. I’ll be heading out a bit. It’ll probably finish fast if it’s just talking”

I made a small smile to Tora and stood up.

Tentatively, as long as Tsukimi the home-room teacher has given her permission, there is no reason to refuse unreasonably.

I exited the classroom together with the gold girl.

The place we reached was the garden located between the school building and the dormitory.

Since it was the season when flowers and greens would prosper, the garden was covered entirely with multicolored roses.

Inside the choking scent of roses------I am bad with it------she unhesitatingly advanced through on the path of small stone pavements.

Further up ahead, there was a gazebo there and a female butler standing-by inside it.

The butler respectfully lowered her head to us--------rather than saying that, it was for the gold girl.

In the middle of the gazebo, there was a table with a white cloth with beautiful embroidery and a tea set was placed on top of it.

“………don't tell me we are going to have a tea party?”

“Yes, that’s right”

She says it as if she didn’t have to tell me about it and made a smile before sitting down and folding her long legs.

Although I have something I wanted to say and hear, I imitated her and sat down on the opposite side.

Once I sat down, the female butler poured the cup with milk tea.

“Thank you”

“………………….”

Even though I said my thanks, I was glared at for some reason.

(Why is that……….?)

Although I was feeling perplexed inside my mind, the gold girl siting in the opposite side did not bother about the butler’s manners and took a sip of the milk tea before making a satisfied smile.

“Well then, my business is-----“

“Nono, please tell me your name before your business. It looks like you know about me but, I know absolutely nothing about you”

I hurried and stopped the girl when she was going to start her one-sided business talk.

“Now that I think about it, I haven’t named myself yet. I am Lealith=Bristol. A student from a British school”

British school------

The official name is St Foren academy. I was told it was a sibling school founded by the Dawn organization similar to Kouryou academy.

It is the only school outside of Japan that can nurture <<Exceed>>’s, and just like Kouryou, graduated students will be affiliated to the vigilante forces of the organization. Since they would be dispatched overseas, after affiliated to the force, we would be meeting up with people from the British school eventually………..

“I see, a British school’s………”

“Yes…………..though I said that, I will be a student in Kouryou from today onwards”

Lealith winked and smiled.

The moment I saw that smiling face, it was the first time I felt she was a girl my age.

“Nice to meet you, Lealith. Incidentally, it would make me happy if you could tell me the reason why you know me”

She knows about my name, face, and also the <<Irregular>>.

And for the reason------

“I heard of rumors of the <<Irregular>> in the British school. I had them '''''specially''''' get the student documents and got your face and a name once I got here”

“I see………….”

Even though I nodded, I thought what happened to the protection of personal information in Kouryou academy.

(As expected it would be problematic if a student is able to browse through………..)

“………..Hn?”

I unintentionally raised my voice when I tasted the milk tea when I was in my thoughts.

“Th-this is very good………….”

“Fufu, its superb right”

I nodded at Lealith’s happy words.

It is clearly different from the milk tea I drank before until now.

It is this cupful of milk tea that greatly changed my impression of it because of the light aromatic smell going through my throat, and the exquisiteness of the moderate sweetness.

“Hn………….it was tasty, Sara”

“………………Much obliged, Ojou-sama”

The gold girl-----Lealith placed down with composed movements and the butler that has been silent until now opened her mouth for the first time.

(Ojou-sama, huh……………)

I already guessed it since she brought a personal butler here but, she is probably from a rich family.

But, I’ll just ask about that later after things ended.

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 2 Non-Colour 2.jpg|thumb]]

Maybe she grasped my thoughts, Lealith slightly nodded-----

“Well then, the main topic”

She pointed her finger at me and fluently said out words that my ears doubted.

“Kokonoe Tooru. From today onwards you are my <<Duo>>”

“………………huh?”

I wonder if there is any other response other than astonishment, when someone who I barely met for even one hour suddenly says that I am her partner?

“Wha-what did you say just now…………”

“Don’t make me say it twice”

“You won’t say…………..no, errrr……..me becoming your <<Duo>>……..?”

“It’s not you but Lealith”

“Ah, sorry………….wait, nononono wait a second. I have a <<Duo>> already so, I would be troubled if you suddenly tell me that, and isn’t it school rules that a group that has already been established will remain like that until graduation in the first place”

“Doesn’t matter. That’s because I am an <<Exception>>”

“<<Exception>>…………..?”

I pondered from the words I was not familiar with.

“………………but even so, I am troubled that you didn’t attend classes on the first day itself, Lealith=Bristol”

When I turned over to the voice that suddenly mixed into our conversation, a girl wearing a gothic dress was standing in front of a background with white roses.

“Pleasant meeting you. Chairman Tsukumo. This is a nice place. It’s an ideal place for tea time”

“Those words make me happy, Lealith. But, now isn’t tea time but class time”

“I’ll be '''''specially''''' pardoned from that”

Towards the threatening chairman, Lealith replied by pointing her fingers at me.

“I don’t care about the classes since I flew all over from Britain'''just to meet him''' in the first place. More importantly, how about you join us chairman?”

“………..I’ll accept that”

After the chairman made a soft sigh, she sat on the chair.

The butler was in the middle of brewing a new set of milk tea, and I said out the things I was pondering about from the words Lealith brought out just now.

“Hey Lealith. Judging from the way you said it just now, don’t tell me you transferred here to make me your <<Duo>>? Why are you going so far to make me………..?”

“'''You and I are the same''' a <<{{Furigana|One and only|Unrivaled}}>>. That is why I have cordially came to pick you up because you are someone fitting to be my <<Duo>>. Be thankful, Kokonoe Tooru”

“………no, even if you tell me to be thankful, I have been telling you from just now that I have a <<Duo>> already. And the school rules too ------“
“You don’t have to tell me twice, I already know that”

Lealith interrupted my words and swung her hands.

“But, Kokonoe Tooru. What you are saying is something '''general'''”

I tried recalling back the things Tsukimi taught previously.

(…………..now that I think about it, she said unless there is a good reason)

“Which means it is okay for you team up again with a new <<Duo>> if you are '''out of the rule restrictions'''. For example, when there is a big difference in <<Level>> with the partner or that person has dropped out from school………….”

Lealith placed her fingers on her mouth and made a smile.

“And I---------the <<Exception>> am not bound by the rule restrictions”

“…………I don’t know what is <<Exception>>. But, do you think you will be forgiven if you say such selfish things?”

“It can be forgiven.……………Right, chairman?”

Lealith directed her sights towards the chairman who holds the biggest authority in Kouryou academy.

But, the Gothic girl silently drinks the milk tea.

Not long later, after emptying her cup, the chairman finally destroyed the silence.

“………….Kokonoe Tooru. If you wish for it, by the name of the chairman of Kouryou academy Tsukumo Sakuya, I will '''''specially''''' permit you to cancel your current <<Duo>>”

“Wha………….!?”

“See”

Contrastive to my shock, Lealith made a satisfied smile and said that.

“………………what will you do?”

“……………..”

Right now should I cancel my <<Duo>>-----Yurie or not.

“I don’t even need to think about it”

“It’s decided then”

I move my sights from the chairman to Lealith and clearly told her my intentions.

“Aah. It’s decided. I don’t wish to team up with Lealith so, I won’t cancel my current <<Duo>>. That’s my answer”

“Wha……..!?”

Lealith was stunned there with an expression filled with shock.

Opposite to that, the chairman made a quiet smile and nodded.

“I have clearly heard your intentions”

“Well then, I should be heading back to the classroom. Pardon me, chairman”

I made a light bow, and stood up.

“………..See you, Lealith”

“-----uh!! Wai-wait a second, Kokonoe Tooru!! Do you understand what you are saying right now!?”

“Aah, I understand. The answer is No. I will not team up with Lealith. If I were to borrow your words then, don’t make me say it twice”

I turned my back at the speechless Lealith and returned back to the classroom in a fast pace.

"ZeeeHaa". I heard my breathing I was probably making from, far away.

Naturally it was impossible. I just felt that because the fatigue is quite something.

(Fin-finally the goal huh…………)

Since I saw the school gate from far away, I squeeze out my remaining power.

As a punishment for sabotaging HR and class, I was forced to run.

That’s because Tsukimi said, "The only one special is only that Ojou-sama".

Although I felt it was unreasonable, I accepted the penal regulations but, the difficulty is beyond my imagination.

“Go-goal………..”

Inside the ringing echoes of the clock tower signifying lunch time, I reached in front of the school gate and sprawled on the ground with my limbs spread out.

(It’s been a long time since I ran until I lost all my stamina…………)

I repeatedly breathe heavily and my chest moves up and down.

The salty scented wind riding on the wind feels good on my hot body.

After I was dead tired for a while, the sun was suddenly blocked making a shade.

“Good work, Tooru”

When I slightly opened my eyes, the silver girl making the shade was there making a small smile.

“Please take this”

“Aah. Thanks………….”

I then raised my body, received the bottle and moisten my throat. This is exactly what the feeling of coming back to life is.

“*Kusu* it’s rare to see Tooru-kun exhausted……………”

“That was a disaster huh, Kokonoe”

It seems they came over to see my condition with Yurie.

Miyabi was giggling while Tachibana was making a wry smile.

“Haa………I went through something nasty”

“Fuun. That’s because you nonchalantly followed after that girl”

Leaning against the wall, Tora snorted wildly and said that. Tatsu was in the middle of muscle training behind him.

“……………I am unexpectedly someone popular”

“Reflect a little on yourself, you idiot!”

“Well well, calm down Tora. More importantly Kokonoe, what matter did she had with you?”

While entering between me and Tora, Tachibana asked about the event in the morning.

“Ah----………”

My words was clogged when I was about to reply, and I remembered the conversation I had with Lealith.

'''“From today onwards you are my <<Duo>>”'''

She thinks her intentions passing are something natural; I thought that she was a selfish fictional Ojou-sama that has come to real life.

I then never met up with Lealith after that.

In the end, she did not appear in the class during the first period and after second period I have been made to run the whole time.

“------Tooru?”

Yurie tilted her head from seeing me being silent.

No, Yurie wasn’t the only one. Everyone’s sights were concentrated on me.

“She-----you didn’t hear anything from Lealith?”

“Because she did not come back to class, I think the problem lies there before even asking her”

“I see……………errrr, Even though Lealith enrolled here from St Foren academy. It seems the topic <<Irregular>> was told there too so, she came over to ask regarding about that”

“Fuun. Is that really all?”

She’s sharp.

“Aah, that’s all”

I made a pretentious face towards Tora who asked another question and did not say out the offer to be her <<Duo>>.

It’s because I don’t want to make Yurie worried.

“More importantly, let’s hurry and go grab some food. I am so hungry that I am going to die. It’s going to be the <<Sublimation ceremony>> after I recover by eating meat to my heart’s content”

Hearing my comment, everyone laughed except for Tora who made a given up sigh.

However---

“Not only meat, you have to eat vegetables too, Kokonoe”

After laughing, Tachibana made a firm comeback………….

The <<{{Furigana|II|Level 2}}>> sublimation, is a little different from the one we went through during the enrollment ceremony.

We had new <<Luciful>> administered into our body using a jet injector on the nape of our neck-------until there is still the same but, the difference occurs after that.

Right after administration during the enrollment ceremony, the <<Astar>> floated up and a heat that I thought was going to burn me to death attacked my whole body but, none of that happened this time. It’s true that my body felt a little hot but, it was just in the level of a little hot.

“Fuu………..thank god I could successfully <<{{Furigana|Rank sublimation|Level up}}>>……….”

Around the time we finished the administration and exited the staff building, Miyabi made a big sigh and stroke down her chest.

“It’s because the results of your training is coming up”

When I directed a smile at her after hitting that small back of hers, Miyabi became shy.

The sublimation can’t be done if the mental state and physical state does not match up with the <<Level>>.

Because she heard that, Miyabi became especially happy.

Miyabi knows clearly about the fact that she is the most inferior in terms of stamina inside the lineup of people that received the special sublimation.

Miyabi’s <<Duo>> Tachibana showed her happiness in her success for the <<{{Furigana|Rank sublimation|Level up}}>>.

“Fufu, with this everyone here has quickly accomplished the condition to rise to 2nd year. It’s a nice thing to be able to continue socializing with this lineup for the next while”

(Now that I think back, the people who don’t raise their <<Level>> will be dealt with expulsion…………)

“………..Fuun. There is still that possibility of dropping out of school if that someone is unable to follow the training”

“Uuu………….”

Miyabi groaned from Tora’s sentence.

(Seriously, this guy says too much…………)

Although I made a sigh in my heart, I raised a lively voice and hit Miyabi’s back once again.

“It’s going to be okay. If things get tough, I’ll pull you along even if I need to tie you up with a rope”

“To-Tooru-kun…………..”

“Fufu, Kokonoe isnt the only one, I will do that too. As Miyabi’s <<Duo>>, I vow I will not let you meet up with a bitter experience like dropping out from school”

“Miyabi. I will help too”

After opening her eyes wide from our words, Miyabi said [Thank you] and smiled.

“Tora. You have to help her when the time comes, for the portion of unease you caused to Miyabi. You’re a comrade too”

“Uu………Fu-fuun. I have no choice then, I’ll lend my hand when that time comes…………but there is one thing I need to say, I am not your comrade but rival, Tooru”

After I replied by saying "I get it, I get it" to Tora who was pointing his finger at me------

“Well, if Kokonoe doesn’t work hard on your general subjects, rather than pulling Miyabi your status will be overturned so you better be careful”

A hurtful comment to the ears came from Tachibana.

“Uguh………….! Even Tachibana’s English is the same as me!”

“E-everyone has a subject they are bad with!!”

Tora made a grand sigh when we were having such a pitiful quarrel.

“<<{{Furigana|II|Level 2}}>> huh……………it somehow does not feel real at all huh, Yurie-chan”

“Ya----. That’s true. If our appearance changed then it would be easier though…………..”

(It somehow does not feel real at all, huh………………….)

I recalled back the similar conversation I had with the ponytail girl last time and felt nostalgic.

(Even though one month has not passed yet………..I wonder if Imari is doing well)

But------

I didn’t have time to sink into sentimentally.

“Kuhah. If that’s the case then----want to try it out?”

“-------!!”

A voice suddenly mixed inside the conversation.

In an instant, I looked back at the staff building when I was pulled by my heart and placed my hand on the <<Astar>> on my chest at the same time.

“Tsukimi…………!!”

“Add sensei, <<Irregular>>”

The rabbit ear headband was swaying in front of my sights.

She was leaning on the wall with her back, and was making an unpleasant smile.

“Yooto………well, leaving that aside, manifestation of the <<Blaze>> without permission is against school rules”

Tsukimi came closer while being directed with painful sights coming from everyone in the spot.

“…………what do you want?”

“Since you all said it doesn’t feel real so, I am saying do you want to confirm it or not”

There was only one imagination that comes to mind from those words-----it is to fight.

“Tsukimi-sensei. I know about how strong you are. But even so, are you saying that you will cause an uproar by having these numbers of people as your opponents?”

“Kuhahah. Didn’t I tell you I don’t want to be fired after reemployment, honor student”

Tsukimi passed by us and in a defenseless state------even though we can’t lower our guard------exposed her back towards us.

“Well, forget about that and follow me”

After turning around and saying that, Tsukimi once again faced her back at us and walked away.

As for us, we could not read Tsukimi’s intentions and followed her while being cautious.

“This is…………..”

The place we were brought to was the outside training room.

Our shoes were covered with sand and the facility closely resembled a coliseum with all the mortar seats surrounding the area.

We were led to a place that had yet to be used in classes and was off-limits during the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>>, it was the same facility that we have only stepped into since the facility tour right after enrolling into the school.

“………..so, what do you want us to confirm here?”

“Will you all stop with those scary faces already. Even though I told you all I have no plans on hurting you all already, what a troublesome bunch…………..”

While we were thinking where this is and not releasing our cautiousness, Tsukimi started calling someone in a worriless manner.

“Heya, it’s me. Aah, right now in the training room. ………..yes, the outside one. Aah, that’s because '''I will be letting them use it'''. Hn, then I’ll be switching with the <<Irregular>>”

She suddenly threw the phone she was holding and I caught it in panic.

(It means I have to talk to the person on the phone right………?)

And when I was about to talk out the moment I touched it on my ears--------

'''“Is this Kokonoe-kun. It’s me Mikuni”'''

“Mikuni-sensei…………!?”

When I said out the name of the person I was talking with on the phone, everyone concentrated their sights on me.
'''
“I have heard it from Tsukimi-sensei. You all might feel uneasy from the previous matter but, right now she will not hurt you all. If you feel uneasy then I will send some observers there…………”'''

“……………… I understand. I’ll ask for it just in case”

I hesitated for a bit but, I ended the call after calling some people here just in case.

“Looks like observers will be coming”

“Kuhah. I have observers on me huh, I am not trusted at all huh……….”

Tsukimi said that after I gave a brief explanation.

“I am not that pure to honestly believe someone that almost killed me”

“Fuun. More importantly, I would like to know the reason about why have you brought us to a place like this”

“Because you all became <<{{Furigana|II|Level 2}}>>, so with a service in mind, I am allowing all of you to confirm the extents of that enhancement. Of course, I have received permission for you all to use your <<Blaze>> so fight to your hearts content”

I see. That’s why she said "I will be letting them use it" to Mikuni-sensei just now.

“I think I swallowed most of the idea but, don’t tell me you are planning to take all of us alone?”

“Kuhah. I wanted to do that but I gave up. We don’t know when we would be putting killing intent in the <<Blaze>>”

At the very least, I think our side won’t do that-------that’s what I would like to think but, I feel uneasy about Tora and Tatsu though.

“……….that means, each of us will have to decide with which opponent to go against among ourselves”

She is still someone I can’t trust but, now that there are observers being sent here, Tsukimi probably can’t do anything strange.

More importantly, since there is permission to use the <<Blaze>>, there is no way we won’t be drawn to it.

“One team will be left out if we fight in <<Duo>>. Let’s go with a one on one then”

[Tooru. Fight------] [Kokonoe. If it is okay with you, would you like a match?]

Almost at the same time. Tora was the one faster to a certain extend but I decided to accept Tachibana’s challenge.

“Sorry Tora. I usually have practice matches with you normally”

In the end, we went with a team up which we usually don’t go with and we decided to make Yurie fight with Tora, and Miyabi with Tatsu.

The observer appeared at a good timing and we started the <<{{Furigana|Blaze match|Practice}}>>.

Miyabi and Tatsu were made to be the ones to go first and we took audience in the audience seat in order to not disrupt them.

(Rather than calling it a rare team up…………is having Tatsu as the opponent really okay?)

She has a mental state of being bad with males and Tatsu’s physical strength is the best in the class.

Miyabi said she would do her best so, Tatsu would probably hold back but, I could not wipe off the uneasiness.

But-------

“I-I am coming, Tatsu-kun! Teyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa<nowiki>--------</nowiki>!!”

“---------!!”

In an instant, I wasn’t the only one who gasped.

Holding the <<{{Furigana|Chivalry lance|Lance}}>> and kicking the ground, Miyabi closed in the gap between Tatsu with shocking speed.

It was not to the extent of blinding speed.

However, it is an unexpected speed from the Miyabi we knew until now.

It seems the same case for Tatsu too-----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Dozuu*!! The strong impact shook the training room.

His stomach was pierced through and was skewered to the wall just like that.

If we had not known the specialty of the <<Blaze>>, it would be a shocking scenery where we would avert our eyes from………..

“Wawah, are you okay, Tatsu-ku<nowiki>~~~~~~~</nowiki>n!?”

Miyabi panicked. Staring at them from the audience seats, we were wrapped in shock.

“It is a surprise. It’s at the same speed as Tooru's”

Although slightly, even Yurie opened her eyes wider as she said her thoughts.

The factor that should be shocking wasn’t her speed.

The power that brought Tatsu from the middle of the training room to the wall was also observed.

“To think this much change occurred with just one <<Level>> going up………….”

I wonder how much it has occurred for me, if Miyabi has changed this much.

Those thoughts worked up my feelings and when I stood up to go down to the fighting area, my arm was grabbed.

“Tooru. Let us go first”

Maybe just like me or even more than me, Tora was making a high-spirited expression.

(Well, I did refuse Tora’s challenge just now……..)

It’s not like he would forgive me with this but I decided to pull back here.

After bringing the fainted Tatsu to the audience seat to sleep, the second battle started.

“Tora. I am going at full power”

“Bring it on”

Yurie and Tora. I don’t need to say this but, Yurie is the fastest in the first year. However, Yurie’s opponent Tora also has good speed coming after her.

Both of them have speed as their weapon. However, Yurie attacks furiously even though her self-taught skills have refined parts, and because Tora has learned martial arts for many years so, his attacks have a distinctive characteristic of attacking in a pointed and accurate manner.

“They would be equal on <<Fist Practice>> but, things would be different when it comes to <<{{Furigana|Blaze match|Practice}}>>. What is your insight, Kokonoe?”

“That’s because this is the first time I saw Tora using his <<Blaze>> to fight. But even so, I think it would be Yurie. Yurie is a different person when she is with her <<{{Furigana|Twin blades|Double}}>>. Even for myself, if I am asked whether or not I can win against her in a serious battle, I think it would be hard to say”

However, the results will be unknown if I use {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}}.

Since it is impossible for me to direct it towards Yurie, the assumption is out of question.

“I see. I have the same opinion as you since I fought Yurie with her <<{{Furigana|Twin blades|Double}}>>------oh, they moved!!”

Since we saw Miyabi’s movements just now, I thought we wouldn’t be that surprised.

But, we were astonished again at the speed of both of them the moment they moved at the same time.

Yurie took the upper hand using a speed slightly exceeding Tora’s.

Opposite to her cute appearance, the <<Saber>> she held with both hands was attacking wildly from left and right.

However, Tora blocked the blade with the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> from the right and avoided the left blade by slightly twisting his body.

Yurie did not stop and continued pursuit------ the instant I thought that, Tora dodged and continued thrusting. Even though the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> scratched her clothes, it is far away from a decisive strike.

After countless exchanges, the sound of blades slicing the air and the sound of steel clashing continue echoing.

But, the fight dance did not continue forever and the time of conclusion has come.

Right after Yurie reacted to the blade aiming to the side of her head by evading with bending her upper body, Tora’s body spun like a spinning top and made a continuous side sweep.

If it was me, I would use my <<Shield>> to block it or perform a back step to make distance------

Whatever I pick, I would probably be in a defensive stance.

But Yurie is different.

She reacted to Tora’s attack in an instant and dodged the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> by sinking her body as if she was crawling on the ground.

At this moment, this match was determined.

Yurie swung the <<{{Furigana|Twin blades|Double}}>> at the same time with standing up.

Just like the fangs of a wolf, the 2 blades attacking from left and right, slashed Tora’s stomach.

“Are you okay?”

“Fuun, this much isn’t a problem…………… I will win next time………!”

When I asked Tora who came back to the audience seat, he replied back with a hating to lose answer.

However, it looks like Tora could not hide the exhausted part of his <<Soul>> which has been slashed, and made a big sigh the moment he lowered his waist.

“Next off is Tooru’s turn”

I called out to Yurie, when I stood up and was about to go down towards the training area.

“Aah. Now that I have seen such a good match, I have to put up a good fight that won’t lose to that………….and, more importantly Yurie, take this………..”

I took off my jacket and handed it to Yurie by hanging it on top of her body.

“-----------?”

That’s because just now, the part scratched from the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>>---------the part around her collarbone was cut, causing her skin to be exposed.

“It isn’t cold now……….?”

Speaking of which, it would be hotter after a battle and Yurie was tilting her head.

“…………It isn’t good for a girl to show off her skin”

It wasn’t particularly an exposure that was bad, for a young man’s education but, this is just in case.

“…………….. Thank you very much”

From my explanation, Yurie finally understood and her cheeks were slightly blushing pink in color.

“Please do your best, Tooru. I will do my best in my cheer too………..with this jacket part too”

Together with the last sentence, she grabbed the jacket slightly tighter by rounding her hand and showed a small smile.

After I went down to the training area, Tachibana the one who I was going to confront was making a happy expression.

“It has been since the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>> that I had a match with you. But this time, I’ll have you hand over the win”

“It was as a <<Duo>> that time so, it’s not like I personally won……….that is why for this match, I don’t plan on giving away the win”

“Fufu, bring it on!”

At the same time as the signal, Tachibana and I kicked the ground while aiming at each other.

“Here I come!!”

“-------!?”

Tachibana and also I were shocked.

After looking at the previous two battles-------the fight Yurie and the rest had, I had already confirmed the enhancement of the physical abilities from the <<{{Furigana|Rank sublimation|Level up}}>>.

However, because it was beyond my imaginations when I confirmed it actually with my own body, I became bewildered.

To think my step in would become this fast from sublimating to <<{{Furigana|II|Level 2}}>>.

Inside the feeling of the almost weightless feeling of my body and yet not my body, I launched a thrust.

“Kuh………..I won’t let you do it so easily!!”

Regaining her composure instantaneously, Tachibana attempted to block my fist.

In regards of defense skills, there is no one in class that could come next to Tachibana.

Furthermore, it was also the same with switching from defense.

“Seii!!”

Tachibana blocked my fist with her palm and twisted her body-------

The energy of the thrust was used just like that, and I was thrown away.

But, in order to avoid being struck, I turned my body mid-air and landed facing over to Tachibana.

“Tou……..! Not bad, Tachibana! Your reflex speed also increased-------wait, Uoooh!?”

Right in the middle of my words, I noticed the metal drip approaching right in front of me, and I jumped to the side.

“That was dangerous……………”

The speed of the metal drip could not even be compared to that time I saw it during the <<Newcomer battle>>.

“Fuu, not bad for avoiding that one. But, how about this one!?”

The battle between me and Tachibana turned into a much simpler battle compared to the previous 2.

The focus point of this match is for me to pass through the <<{{Furigana|Iron chain|Chain}}>> and enter her chest area.

(………………at times like this, I envy Yurie and Tora who has light foot works!)

Evading the <<{{Furigana|Iron chain|Chain}}>> several times, and sometimes blocking with my <<Shield>>, I took the chance and closed in the distance.

“Over here…………!!”

I prepared my fist after slipping past, but-----

“Naïve!!”

The foot I stepped in was tangled with the <<{{Furigana|Iron chain|Chain}}>>.

Tachibana then pulled the <<{{Furigana|Iron chain|Chain}}>> just like that, and my balance collapsed when my foot was pulled away.

Without losing that chance, Tachibana grabbed my collar and sleeves and performed a osotogari<ref group ="2b">Judo move, a major sweeping leg throw</ref>, slamming my back towards the ground.

In a flash, Tachibana moved to the next attack but------

A problem occurred over here.

Tachibana then performed a scarf hold.

Explaining in an easier way on why that is a problem, '''Tachibana’s breast was being pushed at my face'''.

“<nowiki>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</nowiki>!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Funyan**funyan**funyan**funyan**funyan**funyan*.

Those soft lumps pressed on my face bounced. It kept bouncing.

Even though I struggled desperately in half panic, Tachibana did not let me go and pressed her breast even more.

“Tsukimi-sensei. This is different from a defeat but, since I completely sealed his movement, is it okay to say this is my win in this case?”

“Kuhaha. Why not? An oppai<ref group ="2b">Woman breast</ref> press feels like close to heaven too in a different kind of way”

“Eh……..? O-Oppai………Eh?”

Tachibana stopped……………while pressing her breast towards my face.

“Kokonoe!? Wha-what did she meant by close to heaven! Did you wish for this match with those shameless thoughts!? Yo-Yo-Yo………You foooolllllll!!”

Tachibana then *Pyon* hopped up and separated from me, and ran away with a completely red face.

“It’s a misunderstanding------------!!”

Although I shouted towards the back that was getting smaller-------

[To-Tooru-kun you pervert……….][…………you damn lecher][So Tooru was perverted……………]

“Like I said, it is a misunderstanding------------!!”

3 of them from the side shown perplexity, given up and, a surprised reaction respectively and the rabbit ear was hugging her stomach while making an unbearable laugh.

(I became stronger right…………?)

I thought that when, I recalled back to the match that happened in the afternoon in a daze.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pyuuu* the sound of the wind was produced when I swung my fist.

(It’s true I became stronger but----------)

Being strong isn’t my only goal.

I want a strength that can pierce through that person with my fangs.

(It’s still not enough……………)

There is nothing to measure the difference between me and that person but, I can tell from feeling.

The current me------no, it’s better to say that I am not even close to him.

After a while, Yurie with flushed {{Furigana|white skin|Snow white}} after a bath, returned back to the room.

“Tooru. There is something I want to request for tomorrow”

“What is the request?”

“It’s tomorrow but, is it okay for you to accompany me?”

“I don’t mind, is there something going on?”

“Ya---. It’s Sunday too so I want to go and buy outside clothing. It has been hot recently and I only have thick clothes……….”

It is still May so I don’t think it’s that hot but, it seems the heat can already be said to be summer to Yurie who was brought up in a cold country.

“I get it, I’ll accompany you. But, where are we going?”

“I have not decided yet. I was thinking of going to a good shop nearby. If there is one”

“I see. Well, we can probably find clothes if we search in a station building”

“Ya----. But, I think walking without a plan is a problem so, I’ll go ask Miyabi and the rest”

“Aah, that’s true-------and, wait! Are you planning to go like that……….!?”

Hearing my question, Yurie made a puzzled expression.

It is the usual style of her in her dress shirt form freely exposing her slender white legs.

Yurie didn't notice how dangerous that form could be on a floor lined up with male rooms.

As expected, there isn’t anyone that would attack her but----------

Before even that, it’s true that I felt somewhat unwilling to let them see Yurie like this.

“I-I will ask. Yurie………you prepare the apple tea”

“Ya---. I understand”

I stood up and left the room before hearing a reply.

(What the hell am I thinking…………)

While making a sigh, I walked in the corridor with less people in it.

I am not sure why I have those kind of feelings.

Is it because I don’t want the surroundings to misunderstand after someone sees Yurie like that?

It’s true that there is that but, I feel there is something wrong.

(…………something like, not wanting to expose my daughter to the eyes of inquisitiveness?)

I might have received the influence from Yurie looking at me as a father figure.

It felt fitting when I thought that and I made a wry smile while ascending up the stairs.

I reached the floor lined up with the girls rooms and, abruptly met up with Tachibana (#Finished kneeling on the ground during the day)

“Ko-Kokonoe!?”

“Ooh, nice timing. Hey Tachibana, actually-------“

However, I could not end the last part of my sentence.

“I-I am really sorry about what happened in the afternoon! Al-alright, I will be off then……!!”

Maybe she remembered the scarf hold in the afternoon, her face turned red in a flash and she descended down the stairs.

Her attitude is like that right now, and she didn’t show up during dinner time too so, it seems she was quite bothered about the matter in the afternoon.

(I have no choice. I’ll go ask Miyabi and quickly head back)

Thanks to Tachibana making a squeaky voice before leaving, a few number of girls nearby directed their sights towards me wondering what happened.

While feeling embarrassed from the sights, I headed towards Miyabi’s room in a fast pace.

“Wha-what’s wrong, Tooru-kun………?”

Bringing her face out from the door after I knocked, Miyabi looked up at me in a little surprised manner.

“Aah actually, I want to go buy clothes, so I came to ask whether or not there is a good shop nearby”

“If that is the case, then I recommend the a la mode shopping mall. Its nearby, and it’s very big I think.

Together with the direction towards that shopping mall, Miyabi introduced a recommended gelato shop too.

“I see, thank you…………ah, if you are free, Miyabi would you want to come with?”

“Fuee!?”

If it is buying clothes for Yurie, a girl’s opinion would be better than a guy’s so I thought of inviting her but--------

“Aaah, errr, errr, my heart preparation……….!! A-a date so suddenly…………..!?”

“--------!? Yo-you’re mistaken! It’s not a date! There is one more person coming!!”

“Eh?”

“Rather, I was planning to go buy Yurie’s clothing. Sorry for the confusing words”

“Ah……..I-I see. Ahahaha……………I am also sorry, for making such a weird misunderstanding………..”

“No, it’s because I said it in a way that caused you to misunderstand so, I am really sorry”

An unpleasant atmosphere flown by.

“So…………what are you going to do? Would you want to come with us tomorrow?”

“Ah, errm………I have a promise with Tomoe-chan to go out with her tomorrow so……….”

That’s why with Tachibana too--------is what I thought but, I immediately reconsidered.

From the reaction I saw just now, Tachibana is clearly not the type that would completely forget about the matter once its tomorrow and come with us, it’s probably better not to invite her unreasonably.

“It can’t be helped then. Alright then, I should be heading back soon. Thanks, Miyabi”

“Ah, un…………good night Tooru-kun”

After saying good bye to Miyabi who was nodding, I decided to head back to the lower floor.

“Together with Yurie tomorrow huh………..”

===Part 2===

“To-Tooru-kun and Yurie-chan are going out together………..”

Miyabi closed the door and muttered.

She heard clearly that Yurie is not Tooru’s lover from his mouth.

More importantly, judging from the point of inviting 3 people to go out, Miyabi probably knows both of them don’t have that kind of relationship but------------

What will happen tomorrow?

Then after that?

For the both of them, who pass a lot of time together, there is no guarantee their relationship won't change forever.

Much less, Miyabi normally thinks Yurie, who is the same sex as her, has a very cute appearance together with her personality.

That is why; there is no reason to be found for Tooru not to be attracted to the silver girl.

(I-its Tooru-kun’s freedom to go out with whoever he wants………….)

Even though she thought that, it was complex in her mind.

Miyabi is not self-aware of her own feelings towards Tooru.

It’s true that she trusts him the most out of any of the opposite sex she met until now but, she has yet to reach to conclusion of the affections deep inside her.

But even so, unconsciously from under her self-awareness, she leaked out a big sigh.

(As expected, I wished I said okay……..to go together with them…….)

How long would it take Miyabi to be self-aware of the reason to make her think like that?

“What’s wrong, Miyabi?”

Returning back to the room at that moment and seeing Miyabi standing there at the entrance, Tomoe asked strangely but, the reply that came back was a dry smile.

“By the way, where should we go tomorrow? If Miyabi doesn’t have any wishes then I am thinking of Kasai aquarium-------“

“Ah……..”

Towards Tomoe’s question, a place floated inside Miyabi’s mind.

“You have a place in mind?”

“Errrr, somewhere like A la mode…………..”

“A la mode? Didn’t we go there just last week? Is there something you forgot to buy?”

“Eh? E,errr, I heard To-Tooru-kun and Yurie-chan were going together so, err……………I-I was curious……..”

Originally, it would be normal to trick her in a time like this but; Miyabi said the reason in extreme honesty.

“Kokonoe and Yurie are……!?”

(Both of them together------which means………..a-a date?)

The scenery that immediately popped out inside Tomoe’s head from those simple words, was the scenery of Tooru and a naked Yurie hugging each other that happened a while back.

(Im-impossible right…….?)

She was explained to, the situation of Tooru and Yurie, agreed, and believed the talk.

However, once she gains a doubt, that doubt will expand in a blink of an eye.

“C-can we……….?"

The answer Tomoe gave from Miyabi’s question was------

“i-I would have never thought both of them would……………..Thi-this is because they are in an illicit relationship. That is why---------I think it would be good to watch over them from the shadows, Umu”

It was a trailing--------with a fake excuse as a cover.

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==Translation Notes and References==
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