In Love With An Idiot Chapter 19

Chapter 4    Ice Sword & Steel Sword

After school of the next Monday. Cla.s.sroom of First Year, Cla.s.s One.

Only three people still remained. Moroha and Satsuki were immersed in a conversation while stuffing their studying implements into their bags and s.h.i.+zuno was s.p.a.cing out from her seat.

– The texture of the carrots when cooked in a saucepan is an important thing, no? That's why their shape is important and why I like to be particular about their size too. But since Sophie-senpai came up with『There is a lot of them and that is a bother』, she snapped them with her hands and tossed them into the saucepan.

– Their skin got peeled at least?

– I peeled them while doing *whaa whaa*! Moreover, even though Sophie-senpai got a better texture of them because she torn them to pieces with her hands like she did, she said『My hands got tired』and minced them with a kitchen knife, aghhh! Furthermore, do you know what senpai said every time I ordered her to redo it?

-"It doesn't matter since they will get into our stomachs anyways"?.

– Yeah, that! Give me a decent excuuuse at least, like "I got too immersed in this".

– Isn't just pointless to expect a decent excuse from Sophie-senpai? It's that simple, isn't it?

– That senpai, why is she such a simple-minded person with everything she does and everything she says!? Is every American like that!? The delicate I can't understand her sometimes.

– Wait, wait. Just because Sophie-senpai『likes 』simple and clear, that doesn't make of her an absolute simple-minded person, you know? It's a misunderstanding to think like that. Isn't that right, s.h.i.+zuno?

A troubling story where, for some reason, Satsuki made Sophia be her helper.

Honestly, s.h.i.+zuno took the story with a grain of salt because it was uninteresting.

That's why, when the subject was brought all of a sudden by Moroha,

– Eh? What?

s.h.i.+zuno ended up giving a half-hearted reply.

Moroha, who was looking at her, scratched his head while giving a wry smile; Satsuki opened her eyes wide.

– What's with you!? Weren't you listening to my story?

– Let's calm down.

Moroha soothed Satsuki who was getting anger simply because it was unexpected.

Then,

– But, did something happen? Weren't you kind of absent-minded all the morning?

s.h.i.+zuno got frightened due to his eyes that were thoroughly examining her in concern.

– Am I not the woman who is known for always sleeping with her eyes open?

She couldn't help but try to deceive them in the form of a joke with a nonchalant look.

– Apart from that, however, you've been strange today…

As expected of his perception.

– It feels like you're brooding over something. Aren't you burdening yourself with troubles you're hiding from me again?

So perceptive she almost hated it….

s.h.i.+zuno let leak a sigh mixed with resignation.

– You got me, so it can't be helped, I guess. But yes, there's something that has me a little worried about.

She left her seat and walked up to Moroha's seat.

She counterattacked with a Noh mask-like facial expression and eyes that were suspicious of something and straddled on Moroha's lap all of a sudden.

They faced each other at point-blank range and dropped her bottom on top of his st.u.r.dy legs.

– URUs.h.i.+BARAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!

A scream was heard from a certain direction, but s.h.i.+zuno ignored it.

Moroha also ignored it but because he was dumbfounded.

– There's a boy that has been weighing on my mind these days. I can't sleep at night thinking about that person. Do you think this is "first love"?

She shook her body on top of Moroha's lap by making sure of rubbing her bottom against his thighs.

– Hey, why don't you try looking up at this? Why don't you listen to the violent throbbing of my chest and figure it out?

She embraced the stiffened head of Moroha who was still dumbfounded and guided it to her voluptuous chest.

She tried to insert it in the deep valley.

– Behave yourself, you ero idioooooooooot!

However, s.h.i.+zuno escaped to the opposite side as Satsuki leapt to try grabbing at her.

She defended herself with Moroha as a wall.

– But it's not a silly joke? So don't get grumpy, okay, Ranjou-san?

– I can't be careless when you're seducing him with jokes!

Satsuki made blood go up to her head to the point it got dyed red, neck included; she had started to bark.

Satsuki's good point was that she could get all desperate and that was a cute thing.

Though it had no effect unless teasing her.

– Ah. I was so surprised, but stop fighting. That's unbecoming of girls.

– That's because Moroha took sides with Urus.h.i.+bara already!

– I'm saying that Satsuki is more attractive as a girl when laughing than when being angry. Or it's just me saying something so weird?

– Uh…. H-hmph, you don't have to tell me!

Satsuki suddenly turned away in a bad mood while swinging her side tails.

But her cheeks were red. And different from being angry.

s.h.i.+zuno thought she was truly a sweet person. But she didn't say it.

– So? s.h.i.+zuno has a heartache and is suffering because of it?

– I said it was a joke. Please don't take it seriously.

Moroha tried to continue talking with a very serious face, but s.h.i.+zuno dodged the question.

She didn't want to give an honest reply or something like that from the beginning.

(That's right, I'm a coward)

If there was a day where she ended up being told by Moroha that「he can't accept her love」she would have no choice but to jump from the roof. That's why she plugged her ears from the answer. s.h.i.+zuno just kept approaching. That was ripening until the day when Moroha would forcibly put s.h.i.+zuno's hands down and whisper his love in her ear.

– Well, I've been called by Nii-san today. You two, do your best at the special practice, okay?

Without a.s.suring herself of Moroha's reply and evading just about everything, she left the cla.s.sroom alone.

– H-hey. You didn't hear me?

– I said no, didn't I? That discussion was transmitted from Nii-san to captain Isurugi. Well then, see you tomorrow.

s.h.i.+zuno, who told that one-sidedly, parted from the two.

She was able to deceive them somehow.

And the reason why she was dispirited the whole day was.

(Because I'm a coward)

She was unable to stay calm.

It didn't matter how much she had resolved herself, it wasn't possible for her to gather courage.

s.h.i.+zuno was going to challenge a dreadful trouble after this.

For Moroha. She was going to say nothing to Moroha.

She put her feelings on it. Even her life.

She hardened her heart. She threw away her hesitation.

She got in the limousine that was waiting at the parking lot for staff member use and went back home.

She took a shower as if doing a purification ceremony and changed her clothes to her combat uniform.

Then she slowly headed towards her place of destination, walking.

The possession her older brother has, the mansion, was in a small mountain.

As she went up, following the asphalt road, the tallest tree in this mountain appeared.

Just like s.h.i.+zuno had a frizzy hair that she cared about, only that tree stood out with its ugliness and short and small movements.

She got out of the road and followed the animal trail with that tree as the landmark and moved forward to the place without slopes.

Inside the completely empty forest.

She had come and waited first at the root of the tallest tree.

– You satisfactorily came, huh?

s.h.i.+zuno addressed the girl in front of her with an expression that couldn't hide her tension.

She didn't approach her completely, she stood at a distance not less than 20 meters.

– What is your intention by summoning me with a letter like this, Urus.h.i.+bara s.h.i.+zuno?

– You don't know? In j.a.pan, not just love letters, but also letters of challenge are hidden in shoe lockers, you know?

The one that heard the provocative lines of s.h.i.+zuno and made the look in her eyes laid bare their wariness──

Was Leshya.

Her appearance showed she wasn't in her uniform of Akane Academy, she was probably wearing her personal combat uniform. She was warily lying in wait, but she didn't took off the black jewel pendant.

Her standing posture was so admirable to the point that s.h.i.+zuno who wasn't a s.h.i.+rogane got that.

It was transmitted by the air that she was perfectly paying attention to all directions.

(She's scary…)

s.h.i.+zuno was about to tremble violently but she held it down with the strength of her will and her feelings for Moroha.

– What is a letter of challenge, Urus.h.i.+bara s.h.i.+zuno?

– It's the expression of my intention to crush you?

– You are saying you have the intention to fight me?

– Yes. You're… "man-eater", isn't that right?

Leshya returned a silence to the question of s.h.i.+zuno.

With the same grim stare, she didn't change her expression beyond that.

It was an excellent poker face.

– You don't have to particularly reply to it, you know? I don't think that you'll tell me the truth. In any case, a Russian being next to Moroha is unsightly.

s.h.i.+zuno talked cautiously so as to not make the tension in her voice be perceived, then she slowly took out her ID Tag and clasped it in her right hand.

– Is that an imitation? You are a Kuroma, yes?

The question of Leshya was reasonable.

This ID Tag was something with what the s.h.i.+roganes made a weapon appear by focusing in their memories.

This was truly nothing but an ID Tag for Kuromas.

It was produced by the Head of the American Division so all the Division were supplied with the same ID Tags. There were no exceptions.

– There are no exceptions when it comes to ID Tags, however, there are exceptions for those among the Dark Saviors?

s.h.i.+zuno put jet black mana into the grasped ID Tag.

Together with that, she imagined in her head.

The weapon that the s.h.i.+zuno of her previous life in a planet separated by hundreds of millions of light years and many thousands of years ago used.

The symbol that was together with the witch of h.e.l.l on the battlefield.

She dragged out the distant memories, refined them into a strong impression, and pictured it in her mind as a firm figure.

During that time, the ID Tag changed into a red hot-like shade and extended like a candy.

A long handle and a lumped pointed end. And then, it formed a delicate sculpture craftsmans.h.i.+p.

(Come… Dragon Staff Nargravitz!)

An ancient sacred treasure manifested in the palm of s.h.i.+zuno.

It was a long staff of metal and almost as tall as her.

The pointed end had a mysterious engraved craftsmans.h.i.+p that made others believe it was a millennial ice crystal.

s.h.i.+zuno stabbed the staff in the ground and made a pillar of protection.

– The Origin…

Leshya scowled at it and made her eyes narrow as if sharpening them.

– I'm wondering, are you thinking about Kuromas' peculiarity?

– No. I know several Kuromas, and Vasilisa Yurievna is the first on the list. Though you deserve my admiration as you are just a student and you are at that level already.

She couldn't read surprise from Leshya's expression or voice, but s.h.i.+zuno felt that her wariness had increased several times larger.

– Urus.h.i.+bara s.h.i.+zuno. I recognize you as an Rank Savior.

That came like an electric shock, she tried to pressure her.

– Now that you mention it, what rank does Elensan have?

s.h.i.+zuno began to spell a Dark Art while encouraging her trembling legs.

Thanks to AJ, she heard that "man-eater" was a s.h.i.+rogane.

In that case, she was going to make use of the advantage of this distance and move first!

– Darkness of Ice,  Spirits of Snow,  Lend me your anger to put a curse calmer than death…

She put three arranged lines into written form.

A cold of death was released.

The atmosphere was unruly and made the surrounding vegetation to freeze. Leshya was attacked by a visibly tough Dark Arts attack, a wind of extremely low temperature that extended in a vast range and that should be a nuisance for a s.h.i.+rogane.

The spelling speed increase together with the power increase were by means of skill. The Third Rank Dark Arts of ice was the biggest pride of s.h.i.+zuno.

Its name was Frozen Shade.

– What a nasty Art…!

Leshya gave up the instant dodge and directly accepted the frozen wind.

A darky, sinister purple prana like blood mixed with indigo blue was made to rise up from her whole body――she made the damage go down with Taimatsuu.

– Hmm… ah…

Leshya resisted it, clenching her teeth.

However, frost was sticking here and there on her body. Her fangs didn't meet, the clenched teeth began to making sounds.

s.h.i.+zuno's mana overwhelmed Leshya's prana.

s.h.i.+zuno was known as a blockheaded, but her mana was powerful than anyone of Akane Academy when she went serious.

Indeed, more than Kanzaki Tokiko, the vice-captain of Strikers. More than s.h.i.+mon Mari, the princ.i.p.al.

– The mortality of the powerful ones is the providence of the world,  The given laws of G.o.d are the inevitable fate…

Furthermore, s.h.i.+zuno attacked the routed Leshya.

Leshya was lead around by the nose by the fierce of the mana's pressure and the frozen air that blew against her. A second Frozen Shade was released, it was a good thing that she couldn't move from that place and that she put herself in a defensive stance.

She wasn't going to be lenient. She didn't have consideration for her.

「Urus.h.i.+bara s.h.i.+zuno」hadn't gained a lot of combat experience to say she could ease up on an opponent so far.

The surrounding area became extremely cold due to the after-effect of Frozen Shade, the trees were pure white, covered with frost.

The unseen hand of the witch of h.e.l.l, the cold hand of the G.o.d of Death attempted to blow out the light of Leshya's life.

– Like the water that flows downstream,  Stealing all lives…

Then again, and as soon as the third spell finished,

– Don't… make light of me…

Leshya finally moved.

Although she said so, it was no surprise that she couldn't go against the pressure of s.h.i.+zuno's Frozen Shade, but rather she gave herself to be blown away and then hid herself in the shade of a tree trunk.

(It was just a windbreak, but my Dark Arts of such a level was able to surpa.s.s her…?)

If that happened, it would be a charming idea, but s.h.i.+zuno wasn't careless, she though it was impossible.

She might have planned something. If so, then she would take away that leeway from her.

– Determined will!

She quickly spelled a First Rank Dark Arts.

And instantly transformed the mental power into physical power and threw it.

The tree that Leshya had hid herself was bisected right in half.

(Don't hide, come out!)

The thick trunk made a subterranean rumbling and fell slowly… her field of vision gradually widened… she stared at the other side and searched for the figure of Leshya… but she couldn't find it!

Just shadows and silhouettes as if they were smoke!

– Wha…

s.h.i.+zuno was lost for words.

Where on earth did she vanished to?

She turned her neck in panic and pierced everywhere with her eyes, but the figure of Leshya wasn't, wasn't, wasn't there…!

In that forest, s.h.i.+zuno, who had never been engaged in a 1 VS 1 duel with a s.h.i.+rogane, had no idea that she had already taken a roundabout path to her back.

Yes, after Leshya hid herself behind the tree, she continued moving at a high speed to the back of another tree and so on, detouring in a big way to avoid the wind pressure of Frozen Shade until she got to the back of s.h.i.+zuno.

That was made possible by alternately repeating two Light Techniques──one was a derivative technique, the way of walking Rentei which suppressed presence and sounds and the other one was G.o.dlike Movement to move at a speed outside the limits of the eyes of ordinary people.

The a.s.sa.s.sin drew near unnoticed and soundlessly right behind s.h.i.+zuno that looked to the left and right without hiding her dismay anymore.

Leshya unsheathed knifes and held them in both hands.

They were small and thick combat knifes that emphasized portability and durability.

They were by far more practical for a master of knife techniques than ones with a half-baked length of a blade.

They weren't items manifested by ID Tag.

She always carried six, two of which were in her hands now.

Leshya's "body conceal technique" and "surprise attack technique" weren't usual, it hadn't been 30 seconds since s.h.i.+zuno cut down the tree with Mind Swords.

Leshya's knife came close from her back before she could recover from the confusion.

But.

At the same time, the staff of s.h.i.+zuno, which stood as a pillar, hosted a flash light all of a sudden like an alarm light.

Leshya tried to close her eyes partly to withstand the radiance and to be on guard――on the contrary, she was made to open her eyes wide in surprise.

The staff which was no more than an inorganic thing, was transformed into some sort of monster.

A giant serpent made of ice, frozen air and crystals──

Or rather, a demon that should be called a dragon manifested!

Ooooooooooo…

When the ice dragon raised a low frequency roar having the appearance of a blizzard, it started to move by itself without being commanded by anyone.

It decided Leshya who crept from behind its owner as its prey, bared its fangs at her and attacked her.

Its speed was no inferior when compared to a s.h.i.+rogane!

The ice dragon pa.s.sed to the side of s.h.i.+zuno and rushed to Leshya behind her.

Leshya intercepted it by swinging the praninfused knives, but even when she cut off the dragon which was an amalgam of ice, frozen temperature and crystals, they just pa.s.sed through without stopping, without giving that much of a reaction.

On the other hand, the charge of the dragon showered Leshya with blows, becoming a pebble of crystals and innumerable hails.

The frozen air was turned into fangs and cut her here and there.

The slim figure of Leshya was blown off like a worthless thing.

– Like I thought… that is a《golem》, huh…

As she barely fell safely, Leshya made her face covered with dust warp while escaping, taking distance and dodging by rolling the chase of the ice dragon.

An instant of offense and defense performed by the ice dragon and Leshya.

The instantaneous crossings couldn't be followed by the reflexes of ordinary people.

s.h.i.+zuno noticed the change quite late and finally understood the situation.

– Well done, Nargravitz.

The witch of h.e.l.l showed appreciation for her favorite golem while looking back at Leshya.

The ice dragon didn't chase her too far, it was waiting at the side of s.h.i.+zuno like a loyal watchdog.

It knew very well its existence and what he was living for.

The Kuromas, who in terms of physical ability were no different from ordinary persons, created fantastic Imperial Guards over a long period of time to deal with physical attacks, their weakness.

That was when《Golems》came in.

When they laid them aside, they would automatically detect imminent danger for their masters and eliminate it automatically.

s.h.i.+zuno, who reconfirmed her own flawlessness, concentrated on the attacks even more.

– Child of ice,  Child of snow,  Lend me your anger,  To curse with a freezable breath.

She chanted a spell without interrupting it like composing a poem and wrote a number of spells in a row.

She switched to White Breath, an attack method that can be fired continuously at triple speed.

A cold air was emitted in a straight line, causing the water in the atmosphere to crystallize in an instant and pulled a number of white lines in the air. A Dark Arts attack that looked not like a flamethrower, but like a coldthrower.

Leshya jumped and jumped to the left and right to slip through the frozen white lines.

She had the knives at the ready once more and tried to challenge s.h.i.+zuno to a close combat.

Her speed, that put G.o.dlike Movement to use, excelled ordinary people and so, the dynamic vision of s.h.i.+zuno couldn't follow after her.

However, the ice dragon stood up and used its long body to protect s.h.i.+zuno from left to right like castle walls. The crystal-made golem targeted Leshya who moved at high speed with precision to constrain her.

Leshya stopped suddenly. It seemed she concluded that she became the prey of the ice dragon that was ready and waiting for her and started das.h.i.+ng compulsorily again.

The color of distress appeared on her face.

Of course, s.h.i.+zuno struck her with White Breath mercilessly.

Leshya had no choice but to dodge it by greatly jumping to the back.

It didn't seem to be a battle anymore.

It was a one-sided death penalty where only s.h.i.+zuno could deliver the final blow.

The color of resignation in the facial expression of Leshya who landed, lowered her back and held the knives at the ready also rose to surface.

The prana she wore on her whole body disappeared as if extinguis.h.i.+ng.

The combination of a Kuroma with overwhelming destructive power due to Dark Arts and the《golem》that guarded her perfectly was strong, outside the norm, just as it was demonstrated.

(Hmm, did I mistake her for another person…?)

s.h.i.+zuno meditated while starting the next spelling without interruption──she had changed it to Frozen Shade now that the distance had widened.

In the end, Leshya wasn't "man-eater"?

Actually, when crossing weapons, she felt that her response was no more than the one of a C-Rank.

(I don't feel like it, but I might have to take into consideration… the option of capturing her to interrogate her…)

She hardened her heart and resolved herself.

s.h.i.+zuno finished spelling the spell and when she was about to fire Frozen Shade without chanting.

At that moment――

『I am sorry. I can't keep this anymore, Kondrat』

The resigned-looking Leshya talked to herself in Russian.

s.h.i.+zuno released the already moving Frozen Shade while being suspicious of what had happened so sudden.

The blowing cold air. Although the power was kept within limits by the omission of the chanting, the extreme cold wind that didn't have enough torture engulfed the female a.s.sa.s.sin and attacked her.

Leshya still had a resigned face──

『She is definitely a witch that can reign above the Ranks』

She took out the ID Tag from her bosom.

Its color was already reaching a red-hot color and changed its shape instantaneously.

She held in her hand an ominous yet charming and beautiful sword as if causing a hallucination of dripping, spurting blood──with a swing of the sword.

『I can no longer hide it…』

Leshya brandished the sword to her right side easily.

*Swing* ──

A light wind sound sounded.

And, it was easily bisected.

The cold air made by the Dark Art that s.h.i.+zuno released.

That very thing.

Ignoring the laws of physics, it was cut in half, up and down like in manga and movies, then it distorted, swirled and disappeared into the sword that Leshya had at the ready as if it was gulped down by a sewer entrance.

– …

s.h.i.+zuno was just stunned.

Despite making AJ tell her things in advance, what on earth happened?

『If I die here, then the future of my only family member will end up coming to an end…』

Leshya stepped forward.

『I absolutely cannot die…』

She stated and advance slowly, without wearing prana.

s.h.i.+zuno finally came to her senses and,

– Sing,  Sing,  Spirit of thunder,  Throw everything away in the blink of an eye.

She changed the element of the Dark Arts and intercepted her with Lightning Bolt.

But the result was the same.

Leshya held her sword aloft without problems, the lightning attack of s.h.i.+zuno was swallowed into the sword blade.

Mind Swords. Flare. Fracturing Gust.

Continuous Dark Arts went towards the approaching Leshya, but all of them were swallowed by the mysterious and s.h.i.+ning sword blade.

The ice dragon opened its jaw and leapt upon her, but it was also cut down by the blade and returned to the shape of a staff split in two.

Dark Arts didn't work. The《golem》 was also useless.

s.h.i.+zuno was left with nothing.

Leshya just drew her mysterious sword and the situation was completely reversed.

A thought of defeat rose p.r.o.nouncedly to the surface of s.h.i.+zuno's Noh mask-like face.

(That's――the cursed sword Leprazan)

She confirmed it at last.

She had heard from AJ that such was The Origin that "man-eater" had.

She noticed she pointed at the sword with eyes as if devouring it,

– I hoped for no one to see this though.

Leshya told her indifferently with a resigned look.

It was a machine-like voice, one where something called emotions couldn't be obtained from.

– You are a friend of Haimura Moroha. Meaning that I can't erase you so easily. This is why I propose this to you. You didn't see anything today. And from today onwards, you are not going to get in between my relations.h.i.+p with Haimura Moroha. Swear it. If you break it, think that you will be a.s.sa.s.sinated by me, regardless of the situation.

– Why is a mad dog of the Russian Division saying something very kind?

– Don't pretend to be tough.

Leshya brandished the cursed sword like it was nothing.

– Ah, guh…

Her right lower leg was cut all of a sudden; s.h.i.+zuno crouched because of the intense pain.

– Pathetic, it was just a shallow cut.

Leshya said coldly.

The skin throughout her whole body got discolored due to the frostbite, it was better to say it was inflamed, but she remained calm.

– Since you have been training comfortably in what you call a safe barrier that heals you even if you get hurt, you are not able to endure pain on the battlefield well. A complete waste of talent while having so much mana.

s.h.i.+zuno, who was being looked down by Leshya, couldn't counterargument.

What kind of life did she have, the non-aging girl with such gloomy and rough look in her eyes?

Such eyes of Leshya didn't let off a retort, none of it.

– An untrained body is honest. The pain surpa.s.ses eloquence to argue down people who don't know h.e.l.l.

The sword was thrust at the tip of the nose.

– First of all, I will make an inerasable scar on that beautiful face as a lesson. With that, you will be too ashamed to meet Haimura Moroha. It was you who brought up the battlefield lessons first, so if you resent someone, resent yourself.

She was told a terrifying thing with inhumane eyes.

But――

s.h.i.+zuno, who trembled slightly, didn't fail to hear the tone of voice that sounded like a machine.

Thanks to that, she was able to read another emotion at the roots of Leshya's degenerated facial expression.

She was startled towards people who tried to hurt her.

The reason: An excess of hostility, like a hedgehog. And her defensive reaction.

There was no doubt that this girl lived through h.e.l.l during all these years.

She seemed to live in a battlefield where she could only defend herself by slaughtering the enemies with cruelty to make a display of her own absolute superiority, to make the enemies' fighting spirit lose and to buy the respect of her allies.

For the first time──in the chest of s.h.i.+zuno, the feeling of compa.s.sion towards Leshya welled up.

The sense of regret that she continued attacking without consideration welled up.

Her eyes wavered. She kept looking up at Leshya with sad feelings.

– Be prepared.

Leshya raised the sword overhead slowly.

It seemed that she intentionally put on airs to engrave fear in s.h.i.+zuno's heart,

Like she felt the hesitation of the cruel act she was about to do after this.

s.h.i.+zuno didn't try to avert her eyes from the sinister sword blade.

The other party was a s.h.i.+rogane, Even if she struggled, her Arts didn't oppose her.

This feeling, was also, retribution. Because she was the one who challenged Leshya to a fight.

– Alright, do it until you are satisfied.

s.h.i.+zuno replied with resolution.

It would be a lie to say it wasn't scary.

But if she pressed her left breast, then she could endure it.

The place where an unsightly slave brand in her past life was sealed.

The place that Shuu Saura had touched and treated with tender loving care many times.

(Because Moroha won't hate me because a scar was made on my face)

When she thought so, she could withstand fear.

Vigor crowded her eyes, she stared at the barely quivering sword blade while it was raised overhead.

And then, when Leshya raised her rigid corners of her eyes, that sword──

– Stop right there, Arshavinsan!

──Someone slashed at her from behind.

Three knives came flying from the back of Leshya together with a stinging, scolding voice of someone.

All of them were cladded in dark gray prana and had traces of a dark glow.

– A s.h.i.+rogane was also hiding, huh?

Just as she turned around, the cursed sword of Leshya flashed.

Then, the knives completely covered with prana were sucked into the sword blade like the Dark Arts of s.h.i.+zuno.

Not just that, they were turned into mere throwing knives; Leshya put prana on her whole body and repelled them with High Durability.

The surprise attack was a failure.

But s.h.i.+zuno was able to escape running when Leshya turned her back on her.

Her lower leg hurt and drops overflowed, but she was barely being reprimanded her not long ago and now she desperately kept running at any cost.

The pursuit of Leshya──didn't come.

She seemed vigilant about the newcomer that didn't show himself, and so she came to the conclusion of not moving carelessly.

– Where are you hiding? Come out.

Leshya kept watching in every direction, moving her eyes around her.

The owner of the voice given and the knives thrown was very near.

– Yareyare, good grief. Why can't our students know that personal disputes between Saviors are prohibited?

A figure appeared from the shade of a tree while grumbling and complaining.

At that moment, with such an out-of-place acting while cleaning the black edge of the gla.s.ses.

An unappealing office worker-like man with hair parted to one side.

But, he was a teacher of the respectable Akane Academy.

He was Tanaka Tarou, the cla.s.s teacher of First Year, Cla.s.s One.

– Even if we judge your sins lightly, you can't avoid a forced repatriation to Russia, Arshavinsan.

Tanaka told her, looking disappointed while putting on the gla.s.ses.

– That is a shame, teacher-dono. I did no more than taking self-defense measures.

Leshya objected with a stern look.

– Oh my, was it like that, Urus.h.i.+barsan?

– It's as she says. She was unilaterally attacked by me.

Since s.h.i.+zuno took enough safe distance, she turned around to the direction of the two and answered.

– If so, then there is no punishment for Arshavinsan. You may already go.

– … Is teacher-dono saying that he is not going to turn a blind eye to Urus.h.i.+bara s.h.i.+zuno?

– Since this was no more than a "retaliation", then it was a legitimate『personal dispute』, no? I will appropriate punish Urus.h.i.+barsan on the school side.

Leshya, persuaded by Tanaka, meditated for a while.

Then she glared at Tanaka with eyes full of suspicion,

– This case will be officially protested from the Russian Division to the j.a.panese Division, is that okay?

– Yes, it is, you're in your right to do so. It can't be helped. It might be mere consolation, but I, as a teacher, I make the promise to protect Arshavinsan's peaceful school life and to keep an eye on the surroundings to prevent this from happening from now on.

– … understood. If that is the case, then I will draw back.

Leshya a.s.sented then turned on her heels with an efficient movement like a machine and left.

After she decided so for a moment, her actions were fast.

The figure of Leshya disappeared in the forest and s.h.i.+zuno finally took a breather.

However, she saw that Tanaka wasn't relieved of the tension at all, she immediately corrected her posture.

Tanaka had an unusual grim face, he had put a sign like searching for something,

s.h.i.+zuno also caught her breath and tried to not get in his way.

She could hear the sound of wind.

And only the chirp of flying birds far away.

What did all that means──?

– Arshavinsan descended to the foot of the hill. You're fine now.

Tanaka felt relieved at last.

– It's amazing that you see her from such a distance.

s.h.i.+zuno couldn't hold back her astonishment.

When she counted the distance in a straight line to the foot of the hill, it was of 500 meters. To be able to detect her at such a distance, he was beyond the dimension of those called s.h.i.+rogane.

–  Hahaha, well, I'm an unimportant teacher of Akane, you see.

Tanaka said so but s.h.i.+zuno heard nothing but modesty.

She was told so without hesitation and made a small dimple appear on her face.

– Well, Sensei? What punishment should I receive?

– Don't banter with teachers, alright? The battle that happened had the permission of both the princ.i.p.al and the board chairman, so someone at school should tell you about the punishment you'll receive.

Tanaka wore a bitter smile.

– As a teacher, I can't completely agree about making you go through danger, but you could show your resolution when you're thinking about your Haimurkun. So I did no more than be silent and watch attentively. Rather, I feel guilty for waiting at the last moment to enter to help. Arshavinsan wasn't showing any gap for me to intervene, did she make you end up having scary thoughts?

– No, because I reap what I sow. But, as Tanaksensei can see, it was thanks to your help that I'm almost unhurt.

Though s.h.i.+zuno still felt that her lower leg hurt, she thanked him without reserving her thoughts.

That's right, it wasn't an accident that Tanaka came running with such a good timing.

That was the strategy that s.h.i.+zuno had planned.

She got permission from the board chairman first then she discussed it with the princ.i.p.al and she was introduced to Tanaka who was qualified for it.

In fact, with Tanaka's perfect invisibility, he kept watching attentively without being noticed by "man-eater", the specialist of espionage activities.

(Even if I wasn't warned about Elensan, I'm self-aware that I can't recover my powers because I'm still not at the level of the witch of h.e.l.l)

s.h.i.+zuno was, a coward. She didn't happen to have the courage to fight against the opponent who might have been "man-eater" without taking any measures.

And so, Leshya that「probably」wasn't "man-eater" was the real "man-eater".

It was an alarming situation.

– Your teacher will go back to school at once and report to the princ.i.p.al and board chairman. And we'll have a discussion after that.

– You have my thanks. I'll have a break at home, I've had enough for today. Honestly, I'm tired.

– Take care of yourself. Oh, I almost forgot──

Lastly, Tanaka clapped his hands in prayer like he remembered something all of a sudden.

– During your battle with Arshavinsan. I felt a gaze other than mine observing you.

– You even get to realize that?

s.h.i.+zuno was surprised again.

– Hahaha, oh well. The gazes I felt were two, but do you happen to know of whom might be?

– To know even the number of people watching us…

She was more than surprised, she was flabbergasted.

The level of ability to read presences of Tanaka seemed to be even beyond superhuman limits.

s.h.i.+zuno shook her head in denial and changed the topic,

– The normal thought would be to say that two spies of the Russian Division were hiding.

– Well, that sounds right. Anyway, hmm, the teachers will discuss countermeasures as well.

Tanaka nodded then disappeared like the wind using G.o.dlike Movement.

Even when it was at a ridiculous speed, the air didn't waver because there was no sound.

s.h.i.+zuno took the longest and biggest sigh of today and crouched on the spot.

She still had blood flowing on her lower leg.

It was oozing and it hurt.

However, the feeling that "I'm glad that it ended like this" was strong, and above all, she had a proud feeling.

It was absolutely necessary for the sake of Moroha to ascertain the real ident.i.ty of Leshya.

Moroha was relaxing in his room after he returned to the dorm.

He was amusing himself, chatting with his roommate Maya aka Angel-chan.

They were seating, facing each other at the low table,

– Just like I thought, sweet things are for fatigued bodies.

– That is the same for me desu.

They opened their mouths wide and ate heartily the chocolate contained in a vanity case and sipped instant coffee.

It was a present sent by the school princ.i.p.al and Maya, who got it, said「we can eat it together if you like」.

It was time for the evening meal, but there was always room for dessert for the two.

Especially after Moroha was squeezed strongly at Strikers' training. As much as he liked.

– Yeah. This one with vertical stripes is tasty. There's blackcurrant jam in it.

– Which one? Oh, this one nanodesu. Maaya wants to it eat too desu.

Here comes, aah, Moroha put the chocolate in the tiny mouth of Maya that was opened defenselessly.

Maya chew it and put an angelic smile like she was charmed by it.

– Since it's too early for Maaya to try it as it has western liquor, I want Moroha to eat it desu.

– Ok. Aah.

Moroha opened his mouth and waited, then Maya made him eat the chocolate.

Moroha didn't know yet about the taste of alcohol, but the bitterness and the faint sweetness of adults were in complete harmony with the chocolate and eat it with relish the good flavor as if it was melting in his mouth.

– Hmm. But the alcohol isn't strong at all. Doesn't Maaya want to give it a try too?

– I will give it a try. Aaah.

When she was made to eat it again, the cheeks of Maya gradually dyed with the alcohol while frolicking for a moment with「This is delicious desu!」.

Her skin was so white, almost transparent, that he could grasp a little about it.

– Hahaha, you're bright red already.

– M-Moroha, lies are bad desu! That is a lie desu!

– Haha, I'm sorry. Still, it was too soon for Maaya, no?

Moroha a.s.sumed the posture of praying and apologized to the roaring Maya.

– Here, please remove that bad taste. Ojou-sama.

And then again, he held another chocolate between his fingers and held it out.

Then the cell phone of Moroha made a sound faster than Maya eating so.

– It's s.h.i.+zuno. Not that she had things to do today?

Moroha answered the phone while thinking with suspicion.

– h.e.l.lo?

『h.e.l.lo, Moroha? Am I smelling something a little sweet?』

– Whoa. It would be amazing if that was true, but it's just your imagination.

Did the smell of the chocolate reach even the other end of the phone call? Impossible.

While Moroha slipped out a giggle, Maya cuddled close to him and made him eat a chocolate that she held between her fingers. Of course, the call continued as it was.

『It's just a woman's instinct… well, if you say that it's my imagination, then that's how it is, no?』

– Yeah, totally.

Moroha wanted to wet his throat with coffee and looked for a cup with his eyes, and the well-behaved Maya went to get it and made him take a sip.

Of course, the call continued as it was.

– So, what do you need?

Moroha asked quite indifferent, but,

『I have something important to talk with you. Can we meet right now?』

He immediately sharpened his eyes listening to s.h.i.+zuno's tone of voice.

The wise Maya sensed the mood and went away quietly.

– Where do you want me to go?

『Is it fine if it's… my house?』

– Got it. I'm going right now.

When the call ended, Maya wrapped up the partially consumed cup and put it in the refrigerator. To drink it later, so that it didn't go to waste.

– It will be cold in case you get back in the middle of the night desu (Happy face).

She also took out a cardigan from the closet.

– Thank you, Maaya.

– I will leave dinner for you, and please be safe desu.

– Yeah. If it gets late, then you should go to bed first, alright?

After he patted the head of the smart Maya to his heart content, Moroha left the room.

Angel-chan watched him off while showing signs of embarra.s.sment and laughing with *ehehe*.

As soon as he arrived at the residence of the Urus.h.i.+bara family, Moroha was led into s.h.i.+zuno's room.

It seemed that the strict board chairman who had been in a sort of good mood lately was still at school, so he got a servant to guide him while feeling relieved.

s.h.i.+zuno was waiting alone in the room.

Things were present like always, but the room felt tasteless; s.h.i.+zuno was sitting at the end of the luxurious canopy bed.

She tried to stand up using one of the crutches,

– No, don't move from there. So, what happened?

Moroha stopped her, fl.u.s.tered.

When she looked closely at s.h.i.+zuno, bandages were wrapped around her right lower leg.

– I ended up getting hurt in the evening. I was treated with Healing the scars not long ago, so I think I'll be healed by tomorrow. This is just a bit of what I've been taking care of.

Then, s.h.i.+zuno raised the crutch a bit.

– I hope so, but…. Were you careful?

– Moroha is kind? Is this happiness?

s.h.i.+zuno tapped the side next to her while revealing joy in her voice.

She was telling him to sit on the bed with her.

Moroha obeyed while feeling a little hesitant.

How much expensive this bed was? The body of Moroha was caught properly by the mattress while he softly sunk into it.

Because he couldn't a.s.sert its presence, he felt like he was sitting on a cloud or something.

And together with that, a sweet aroma rose up softly.

He frequently smelled this familiar smell. It was s.h.i.+zuno's smell.

That strong smell tickled his nasal cavities with a distinctive feature.

Moroha unconsciously got red and scratched his head.

– What is that important thing to talk about?

Because it wasn't good for his mental health to be silent, he changed to a stiff mood against his will.

– Does Moroha know about "man-eater" of the Russian Division?

s.h.i.+zuno seemed to be pressured as well, she immediately followed him without poking fun at him with her usual tone of voice.

Moroha searched in his own memory and turned his neck to the left and right.

– No. that hasn't come out in cla.s.ses yet, no?

He was unfamiliar with the situation of the White Knight Organization because he hasn't gathered information enthusiastically.

– It's a remarkable a.s.sa.s.sin and the strongest guard that Lightning Empress has.

– … that's a Savior, no? A Savior that kills people?

– Yes, it's terrible, isn't it? You already know that the Russian Lightning Empress reigns and holds down her subordinates with power and fear, don't you?

– Yeah, I know. You made me realize about that unreasonable person when we were at the summer training camp.

– There was a lot of people that had dissatisfaction towards the violent way of doing things of Lightning Empress, even among the Saviors of the Russian Division. But the ones who declared so were purged without exception. In addition, it is well known that Lightning Empress doesn't forgive the blunders of her subordinates and they are purged once they have failed their mission. But Lightning Empress herself doesn't do it──

– ──they are a.s.sa.s.sinated by that "man-eater", right?

Moroha asked a question and s.h.i.+zuno a.s.sented with a quiet look.

– Okay, but, if their opponents are Saviors, it doesn't mean that they did it safely, no? Or that "man-eater" is such a strong guy?

– Their rank is unknown. But it's a s.h.i.+rogane that specializes in fighting against Saviors.

– Anything in concrete?

– They have an outrageous The Origin. Its name is Leprazan. It's an invalidating, transforming sword that eats the mana and prana in the surroundings.

– Certainly, it's outrageous…

Moroha whistled and desisted from doing so because it was rude.

The s.h.i.+rogane could demonstrate their superhuman bravery using prana.

The Kuroma could cause supernatural phenomenon using mana.

However, if that cursed sword ended up invalidating both mana and prana──

When they had to fight against "man-eater", all the Light Techniques weren't usable and all the Dark Arts were useless.

Moroha continued asking questions while feeling a slight surprised.

– That "man-eater" doesn't get her own prana eaten by the cursed sword, do they?

If that was the case, then foul play was foul play.

There was no Kuroma or s.h.i.+rogane that could defeat them.

– That's how it looks, but no. However, the invalidation ability of the cursed sword can be turned on and off like switch by means of owner's will. While it's on, it will indiscriminately eat all the prana and mana in the surroundings. And so, the prana of "man-eater" will be invalidated and eaten.

– And if it's off, then "man-eater" and the opponent they are fighting can use mana and prana, correct?

– Yes. However, even if it's turned off, the mana and prana that are touched directly by the sword blade will be nullified, so it's necessary to be careful about that.

Moroha, who heard so, simulated it in his brain.

For example, let's say that "man-eater" was slashed using G.o.dlike Movement. Because the opponent could use prana, then the ability of the cursed sword was「off」. While that is a relief, that will become a serious thing for them and will try to defend themselves using High Durability. As soon as the blade of the cursed sword touches them, it will eat the prana of that place and cancel High Durability and the result will be their flesh being cut off.

– It's a perfectly annoying sword. I recognize that that person is a close-combat expert.

– Since it's also an unidentifiable a.s.sa.s.sin, it's impossible to deal with them anyways if such ability is used all of a sudden and for the first time.

s.h.i.+zuno said a ridiculous thing with a straight face.

– Even if it's unidentifiable, why s.h.i.+zuno knows about them?

– I just happened to be told about them by someone I know. I was given a warning to not say too much though.

– Who?

– AJ. You remember her, yes? The right-hand person of Sir Edward.

Oh, that person, the face of the beautiful maid-san that glared at him with scary eyes crossed his mind.

– A long time ago, Lightning Empress sent "man-eater" to do a preliminary test of Sir. Since he crossed swords with them once, the Sir and his close aide seemed to know about the ability of that cursed sword.

– They fought… what about the result? Was it a draw?

– Yes. But did you understand it well, Moroha?

It was a simple story to understand if you thought about it for a little.

One could say "yes but he's the monster Edward", but if prana is invalidated, then he couldn't fight. It would be difficult to lift up that huge thing.

But Edward had a cheat armor called「Silvery Argusten」. It should be impossible for "man-eater", who was in a state of not being able to use Light Techniques because the ability of the cursed was on, to pierce it.

That was the result of an idiotic scheme where there was no way for them to defeat each other.

– However, Edward is at fault here too. If he knew things about "man-eater", shouldn't he do an official announcement instead of having all to himself? Wouldn't the number of victims killed by the unidentified a.s.sa.s.sin decrease with it?

– There are reasons he can't do that. Because it's a political problem. Wanna hear?

When he heard "politics", Moroha became disinterested for an instant.

But curiosity was bigger this time.

– The White Knight Organization is an ability-based organization. To the extent that the strong ones are revered by the ones around them. In other words, the very strong and the『acknowledged by their surroundings』certainly are the power and authority in the White Knight Organization, yes?

– Uh huh, I immediately got that.

He was squaring off because it was a political issue――

– If it were to be well-known that the Russian Division has a terrible a.s.sa.s.sin who can invalidate both prana and mana, then everyone will tremble with fear and the influence of the Russian Division will get strong.

– Correct. Lightning Empress has an unidentified a.s.sa.s.sin for the purging of her subordinates――if we don't make it publicly known so that it won't be leading to concrete fear, then that will help Sir Edward.

– What a bad and evil business world, huh.

Which one would make the other party feel frightened and be the victor? Moroha understood that the organization he belonged to was like a yakuza one, he was seriously concerned about it.

– But then, wouldn't it be better for Lightning Empress to advertise greatly the real ident.i.ty of "man-eater"? If such a danger is in the Russian Division, wouldn't be exhilarating that a great amount of those shocked guys will be able to appear?

– Nope. Because if such a fact is propagated, people that think 『Don't you believe that "man-eater" is stronger than Lightning Empress?』will definitely appear, don't you think?. Whatever the fact is, it's inevitable that it will reach the corners of the mouths of people as gossip or arguments, no?

– Ah, you're right. Now I understand…. From Lightning Empress' point of view, the Russian Division is making them feel frightened when they shouldn't be scared, however isn't she making fun of herself by putting the cart before the horse?

– Yes, she is. For a woman that reigns with power and fear, she couldn't overlook a factor that would end up making her true strength be more suspicious, even if it was a little. The unidentified a.s.sa.s.sin is scary. But not as scary as Lightning Empress. It's important to a certain degree to continue making them believe so.

As for the outcome, it became a「political decision」where it was more convenient for Edward and Lightning Empress that "man-eater" remained unidentified.

The two S-Rank Saviors had no choice but to be careful handling that.

How much of a frightening and exceptional being was――

Moroha knew well this "man-eater".

A servant brought black tea to the room and interrupted them for a small interval.

Since she felt that Moroha wanted to drink sweet tea, she was happy for having prepared lots of milk. He poured it into the cup with a momentum that was a waste to not pour all into it and tasted it gratefully.

It was undoubtedly a good tea leaf. It didn't matter how much it was diluted by milk, its mellow aroma wasn't lost.

Moroha, who borrowed the power of the sweetness and the aroma, tried to calm down, especially his heart.

If he didn't do so, he felt he would end up feeling on edge.

(But, I can't help but avert my eyes from reality as long as I can…)

He couldn't afford to leave the interrupted talk as it was.

He still hadn't heard the core of the matter of s.h.i.+zuno's 「important talk」.

He already had a rough idea of what it was, and that was definitely turning into an uninteresting talk.

Moroha made up his mind and drank up a last sip.

He placed the cup for two on the tray and tidied it to the side then sat down on the bed, next to her,

– So? Is there a reason why you let me hear on and on that talk about "man-eater"?

He urged s.h.i.+zuno to the heart of the unwilling talk.

– Yes, Moroha, listen carefully――

s.h.i.+zuno corrected her seating posture from the small break mode.

She paused for a moment, and from there on, she said with a tensed voice.

– Elensan is that "man-eater".

Moroha, whose guess. .h.i.t the mark, looked like he was chewing a bitter bug.

– Isn't that a mistake or something?

He wished for that to be so, to confirm it like clinging to a hope.

On the other hand, the cool-headed part of his head was raising an objection.

Everything about Leshya──her machine-like behavior, her zero-waste movements, it could be inferred that she was the owner of high combat skills like an experienced soldier.

While she was a Savior, it pointed the meaning that she was expressly trained in fighting techniques that didn't rely on Light Techniques.

Was there a need for that?

If there were a time when she turned on the ability of the cursed sword and if she was thinking about needing techniques to fight with her body, then she was going to have to explain it adequately.

In fact, Moroha's a.n.a.lysis. .h.i.t the mark.

While the thought was to that extent, that it was clear――

– It's not a mistake. I got a confirmation of it today.

However, the reply of s.h.i.+zuno was completely unexpected.

It was so astounding, that he was truly surprised.

– I challenged Elensan to a fight and had a taste of her cursed sword with my body.

Moroha moved his eyes by reflex and glared at the right lower leg of s.h.i.+zuno wrapped up with a bandage.

Being attacked by Leshya all of a sudden, all because of acting rashly.

The price for that was a wound?

– You what? With her…?

He ended up getting annoyed and angry with her voice.

In contrast, s.h.i.+zuno was calm as if nothing happened.

It was a cool face like a Noh mask that didn't make any emotion to be guessed.

– You don't listen to what you say? I treated Elensan like an enemy, and even challenged her to a fight on my own――not even the gentle Moroha can forgive me, no?

She said it like making fun of him.

– You declined this before but, I'm not wrong, you see? When I thought that the Russian Division is the enemy.

She was saying so as if taking the offensive.

While Moroha dropped his eyes on s.h.i.+zuno's lower leg, s.h.i.+zuno kept silent for a moment and continued talking voluntarily.

– Even Elensan looked at Moroha with a charming face――

– Enough.

– I won't. Will you hear to the end? She's――

– I'm saying it's enough, s.h.i.+zuno.

Moroha raised his face.

s.h.i.+zuno made her mouth stiffen──looking at such facial expression that was suspended there.

She developed a crack on her Noh mask.

(To that extent, where I'm having a grim face now)

But Moroha couldn't afford to have a tender face.

He closed the distance with the adjacent s.h.i.+zuno.

s.h.i.+zuno escaped a little like she became frightened.

Moroha closed the distance again. He repeated so until s.h.i.+zuno was cornered to a supporter of the canopy bed.

He stretched his right hand to the head of s.h.i.+zuno who got rigid and her whole body stiffened──

And embraced her in his arms. To his cheeks.

And said, putting a flood of emotions into it.

– I'm glad you're okay.

– Eh…?

s.h.i.+zuno's body twitched due to the sigh of relief of Moroha.

– So Leshya is "man-eater"? However, I'm really glad that it was a wound of this degree.

– You aren't angry… about what… I did?

– Angry? Of course I am!

Moroha put both arms on the back of s.h.i.+zuno and held her tightly enough to break it.

– Why did you do such a horrible thing? No, you don't have to answer. After all, you did this absurdity for my sake, right? You accepted the role of the villain and even now you're a rascal that is trying to make me angry? I don't understand it, what were you thinking?

Moroha, confronted her and held her tightly, putting even more strength into it.

– How many times have I told you that your interference isn't necessary!? If something were to happen to you… then what should I do? Say in advance that I'll be puzzled…!?

The rise and flow of his emotions continued while rubbing his cheek on her cheek, moving his neck to the left and right many times.

This wasn't a sermon.

– If you think I'm important to you, then treasure yourself!

This was just a reproach.

I understand.

I'm sorry.

He couldn't say any more words, he just continued hugging the slender body of s.h.i.+zuno with all his heart.

The stiffened body of s.h.i.+zuno was relaxing in the arms of Moroha.

Warm drops were spilled and slid into the s.p.a.ce between their glued cheeks.

He could hear a small voice that seemed to vanish in his ear.

– I'm sorry…

s.h.i.+zuno apologized.

Not just her voice, her body was also trembling.

– I'm not apologizing for having attacked Elensan…. Even if you tell me, I'm not going to stop interfering her approach to you…

– … you sure an obstinate girl, huh.

– But, I'm sorry for making you be worried about me…

– You are really obstinate.

Moroha changed the amount of strength of the arms that were hugging her.

He embraced her strongly, but kindly.

He was rubbing the small back of s.h.i.+zuno.

s.h.i.+zuno didn't want him seeing her doing something like crying, it seemed. *Sniff*, *Sniff*, she was sobbing while trying to subdue her voice.

Moroha pretended to not notice it, he kept rubbing her back in silence.

Until s.h.i.+zuno calmed down. The whole time.

And then, he waited until the s.p.a.ce between their glued cheeks was completely dry and declared resolutely.

– Even if Leshya is "man-eater", nothing changes for me.

If s.h.i.+zuno was obstinate, then Moroha was also obstinate.

– I can't imagine her being a bad person from the bottom of my heart. And after I spent a whole day with her, I thought so more and more.

– That… may be true.

When he thought that a strong opposition would come there, s.h.i.+zuno agreed with a frail voice.

– She was talking in different ways during the battle. In Russian. I thought that I couldn't understand it, but fortunately I was able to…

– Eh, you know Russian?

– To the level of simple everyday conversation though.

Moroha admired her with all his power.

He had heard that the Urus.h.i.+bara family was picky about discipline and accomplishments, but to think she was even fluent in another languages.

– Since I'm telling you what is weighing on my mind, let's try investigating her a little…. Who was the guy that was building a foundation in Russia?

– Hey…. Aren't you poking your noise into another weird thing again?

– I won't be doing dangerous things next time. I swear. I promise it. If I break it, don't mind about no talking to me never again.

s.h.i.+zuno insisted, getting earnest.

Without feeling a hint that she was lying, and even though he was letting her do as she liked,

– Can you promise too that you're not going to do any strange interference regarding Leshya?

Moroha made her promise one more thing with a tough tone of voice.

– Understood. I have just sworn that I won't do anything dangerous. I also said already that I'm not going to meddle with Nii-san or the school princ.i.p.al. And that I have left Elensan in the hands of Moroha as well.

Moroha was satisfied and nodded in a big way.

– I'll be absent from school from tomorrow. It will last for a while due to the wrongdoing of my personal dispute that for everyone else will be known as "being made to stay at home".

During that time, he intended to look up the thing that was weighing in her mind not long ago.

– Are you feeling lonely, Moroha?

– … well, no, because it's not like we won't have phone calls, do we?

– But I won't see you directly, isn't that very sad?

s.h.i.+zuno slipped out from the hug of Moroha.

Immediately after, she faced the face of Moroha from the front.

Her eyes were a little dyed red because she was crying moments ago.

While thinking about such a thing――he was kissed all of sudden.

The surprise attack was a surprise attack!

The soft lips of s.h.i.+zuno were closely pushed against the ones of Moroha and her lively tongue traced charmingly the borderline of the upper and lower lips of Moroha that were closed.

He tried to run away, surprised, but he was embraced by s.h.i.+zuno, he was captured, he couldn't do it.

He was devoured greedily by her lips, until she was satisfied.

– Since I won't be seeing you for a while, I had to get a kiss for that while.

s.h.i.+zuno said nonchalantly after she had separated from the lips she had enjoyed.

– You're really saying it like it was a natural demand.

That seemed like an agreement between Moroha and s.h.i.+zuno where it was absolutely necessary to kiss regularly, isn't it?

– Is it okay to ask to sleep together for a while?

s.h.i.+zuno tapped the middle of the bed with a nonchalant face.

Moroha remembered that he was sitting down in an unthinkable thing once again and his face got hot.

– I'm going back now. Maaya is waiting for me, I'll have dinner in the dorm, there's also a TV program I'd like to watch and anyways I have things to do, so I'm going back right now.

He escaped to the front of the door with a back dash as he faced s.h.i.+zuno and raised his hand.

He said his goodbyes in a hurry and escaped to the hallway.

When he willfully walked down the stairs from the second floor where the room of s.h.i.+zuno was, he came across a butler with a thud.

– Haimursama, I was looking for you. The master of the house will be back in――

– Well, I don't want to see the board chairman, you see.

Moroha ran through his side like the wind, went through the entrance and went out of the mansion.

He put on the cardigan he had brought and ran swiftly the way back home; the night wind of the early autumn felt great.

His body, which ended up feeling hot because of someone, was being cooled down.

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