I don't deny that there was a kind of impatience in my heart.

　After all, I have not been able to confide my feelings, both during my human era and after I came here. In the meantime, Soraki Kyousuke has been getting closer and closer to Himemizu Rin, and it has become even more difficult to confide in her.
　That said, it's true that he had the thought of using 《Fascination》. That's not a fair way to do it, and I don't want to twist the other person's feelings to get them to turn around. In general, I don't think I would do such a thing and force Kyousuke and Rin to be separated. It's because Kyousuke looks really happy when he's with Rin.

　Still, for a moment. If only for a moment, if only he would turn to me.

　As a succubus, I would continue to contribute to the class. It wouldn't be possible to be an attacker with chaos magic forever. That was never the realm of a whore. From now on, the battle will intensify, and if it becomes a conflagration, the effect of the Enchantment to temporarily turn the enemy into an ally will be immense.

　There will come a time when you will have to use it.

　I knew that since my human days, there were people who evaluated me as 'acting like a kamatot'.
　Even Sakuma has no intention to act so innocent. But even so, I couldn't help but feel awkward using the charm to anyone and everyone. That's why I didn't use it until now. Of course, I thought it was a terrible idea to turn Kyousuke around with this.

　Still, he would have to use it at some point.
　I have to 《attract》 a demon that I've never seen or spoken to before.

　If that's the case, at least the first time, it should be someone I like.

　It was that thought that gave Sakuma's heart a final boost.

　Okuma Kaoru had never used 《Fascination》 to drop someone he liked, and he had no intention of using it. That was probably the right thing to do. Still, he didn't deny Sakuma's method, and he also gave me a boost. When I told him I didn't know how to use the 《Enchantment》, he even taught me how to use it.
　If he had just told me that it was not a good idea to use it that way, I would have given up.

　In the end, with Kaoru's help, Sakuma decided on Soraki Kyousuke to be the first person to use the 《Fascination》.

　I know that it may be an act that violates his mind, I know that.
　I also know that its effect is not something that will last forever.
　I'm going to narrow down the power to the minimum. I don't want to erase Rin from his mind, even for a moment. Perhaps he may not even turn around to look at me.

　Even so, the first 《attraction》 was good for Kyousuke.

''Good, Sachi. Let the other party look at your eyes first.''

　Kaoru lectured me on the procedure for using it.

'Well, you don't really have to make them look at you,' she said, 'but it's important to make them feel your presence. But it's important to make your presence felt firmly. If you're confident in your words, that's fine, but it's important to make them look you in the eye. But it's best to make them look you in the eye.

　I don't think I've ever seen Kyousuke's face from the front since his human days, ever.

　The current Kyousuke is a skeleton. An eerie, horrifying, empty skeleton person. Still, if you look at it from the front, you can clearly see that it's Kyousuke. It seems that even in the hollowed out eye sockets, there is something called vision. The only thing that made me a little uneasy was the fact that I didn't see my own image reflected in the eyes.
　But if I could, I should have seen his face once before, when I was human. Like himself, it was hard to say that Soraki Kyousuke was never brilliant, but I only remember the kind look in his eyes. Still, I can't help but compare the figure I saw from the front to the current Kyousuke.

''Don't be shy. This one also looks at the other person from the front, what do you call it? If you want to make the child in front of you your own, you should be able to naturally trigger the "fascination". However, if your desire is too strong, you won't be able to limit its power, so you have to be aware of that.

　Sakuma Shoko kept looking at Kyousuke.

　I want Kyousuke Soraki. Or, more accurately, I want his heart. I'm not going to say all of it. I'm not going to say all the time. Just for a moment, even if it's just for a moment....

"Sakuma,

　I couldn't help but shake my shoulders as the skeleton standing in front of me said that.

''Ha, yes........''
I'm looking at your eyes, but what do you see?
'What...?　Oh, eh...?

　There was no expression on Skelton's face. However, his voice seemed to be slightly puzzled.

　At the very least, it didn't seem to show the effects of the 《Enchantment》. Isn't it working?　Or have you not been able to activate it?　Sakuma wasn't sure. Was it because of the weakness of his thoughts? Or is it more of a different reason?
　However, I was afraid of making my thoughts any stronger and taking away all of Kyousuke's heart by the roots, even if it was only temporary. Sakuma's 《Enchantment》 experiment would stop there, without getting any effect.

''Eh, eh, well........ It's not that, I mean, there's no deep meaning to it. Um.........

　Or, or, or, yes.
　The Phase 2 ability "Brainwashing Enhancement" that I talked about a while ago. I had heard that was to expand the area of effect of the Charms. If that wasn't activated, it wouldn't be able to "charm" the same s*x, and depending on the species of monster, it wouldn't have any effect at all.

''It's nothing?　They say it's not the best idea to retract it by trying to say so.
''Yes, you're right......... Sorry..........

　But there's no way you can say, 'I just tried to brainwash you'.

　That's right, it's brainwashing. The 《Enchantment》 benefits from the Brainwashing Enhancement, which strengthens the ability of the mental manipulation system. In other words, it's a splendid brainwashing. He was trying to do that to Kyousuke just now. For the sake of his selfish emotions. For the first one, for the only thought that he was good, that's all.

　If he could verbalize it, his self-loathing was terrible.
　I'm even glad it's not working for him now.

　Yes, but I'm sure that even this feeling is only temporary.
　One day, when we talk about having to 'charm' someone again, Sakuma will think about the first time. It's absolutely disgusting to say that it's some demon that you don't like or like at all.

　So how about at least getting his or her approval?

"Mr. Utsurogi.
Oh, what?

　Just once in your life, you have to be mesmerized by me.

　Just say that one word. If you don't, I'll give up. Can you give up?　Really?　My consciousness was swirling around in my head. In general, this is no different from the "Confession of Love" that I have been so afraid to say.
　Afraid of being rejected. Afraid of being rejected. Afraid of being rejected. Afraid of being rejected.

'Gee, it's a nice day today!

　What's that?

　It's such a goofy cover-up.

　You could've done a better job of that.

'Yeah. I was worried about the marine caravan because I heard it got swept away by a storm, but I'm glad it cleared up.
'Yeah...'

　Kyousuke puts his hand on the edge of the deck and looks out over the ocean. The waves are calm. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the wide horizon.

'So, really?'
What?

　Taken by surprise, Sakuma involuntarily raised his head.

'Are you surprised? It's a good thing that you're not the only one who can't understand people's minds, or that you're empty. I'm learning from Ryuzaki and practicing to see through other people's thoughts.

　Kyousuke turned his skull around and around to face us.

'Sakuma is indeed a friend of mine from the library. I wondered if he was hiding something. Was it right?''
I'm not sure.

　Sakuma gives a small smile and lies for the second time.

''I see. I'm not quite there yet either........

　After all, I'm glad that the 《Enchantment》 didn't work. Even now, I feel guilty for being overwhelmed with guilt. I've been waiting for this long time for a "casual conversation" with him, but somewhere in the back of my mind I'm not enjoying it.

　Someday, I should say no, properly. The first time is good for Kyousuke. I'll ask again after I've made up my mind properly. It's not fair to tell just Kyousuke, so I'll tell Rin properly as well. No, should I say it to Ei as well?
　He might refuse. Even if it's with your approval, it will still be an unnecessary interference in Soraki Kyousuke's mind. I'm sure Rin wouldn't feel good about it either. If any one of them, even one of them, refuses, he'll give up.

　Give up.

　Give it up, and then what do we do?

　Would he then be able to sputter and try to use the Enchantment against another completely unknown demon? Would I be able to remind myself to take the mind of someone I don't like and make it my own?

''I'll think about it then.''

　Sakuma Shoko closed her eyes and silently thought so.

　In any case, maybe the [Enchantment] won't work on Kyousuke as it is now. I might have to pull my power up to Phase 2. This is my own problem. It's time for me to face myself.
　Or it might be a procrastination of the problem, but Sakuma had no choice but to somehow postpone his desire to 'charm' Kyousuke.




''Slight progress!　It's about time!

　The vigorous command of the quintet echoes through the cabin. Ryuzaki crossed his arms and looked at the front.

　Following the merchant ships of the maritime caravan, the heavy duty branch school also launched. Since the leading ship is a sailing ship, it is going quite slowly. Fortunately, the kind of video games and board games obtained from the old castle were well-stocked, so it didn't seem to be a problem for the students to pass the time.
　There are still numerous roles for the students to play, such as sending wind to the sailing ship and using water-based spirit magic to calm the waves. Since they had very little knowledge in running the ship, they had no choice but to steadily implement what Mr. Welkano had told them.

'Well, you have some of the notes Koganei left for us, don't you?
Yeah, just in case...

　The number of "Memos" that Ryuzaki keeps in his possession is currently quite large.

　The Serena memo is the most useful memo for learning about this world.
　The "Serena memo" is the most useful memo for learning about this world, and the "Benii memo" is about Phase 2 abilities and the Red Moon.
　And then there's the "Koganei Memo" that I asked Yoshiki Koganei to write when I was modifying my heavy cruiser.

　This memo is the only proof that he was currently in this class. The memo, which was written with his knowledge of millionaires to the best of his ability, had a lot of extraneous information, but it was not so boring to read, and as a result, the "extraneous information" in the memo about the voyage would be useful from now on.

So, Ryuzaki. What kind of country is this Albadamba we are heading to?
It's like a federation of island nations. One island and one country on one island, well, some islands have more than one country, but it's a council system where the chiefs discuss and decide on the policies of the country.

　It would be like a southern island nation, like Micronesia or Polynesia, Ryuzaki thinks. Since it is out of the area of the Empire's control, if Welkano and his team provide proper guidance, they will be able to get permission to stay.
　What I'm concerned about is that the fact that it's outside of the Empire's area of control means that it meets the requirements of being a base of operations for Red Moon. According to Beni, there are blood clans that have been infiltrating this world for nearly a decade now, let's say in this world, in order to gain ground for their activities, but she hasn't been told where that is, until now.

　They would be on the sea for the next few days, weeks at the most.
　If Redmoon detects any movement, it could lead to a naval battle with them.

''Well, we'll just have to hope we don't run into each other, huh.......

　Ryuzaki thought as he crossed his arms and stared at the horizon.




　For a while after the ship had sailed, the students were on deck looking out, crying, some for the first time in their lives. For some of them, it was the first time in their lives that they had ever crossed the ocean. It was like a little cruise.
　The main laborers on board the ship are the goblins brought by Gobu Kawahara, and the imps and sahagins that Kaoruko has brought with her. Sahagin was especially helpful in diving into the sea to fetch fish, as were the fish-dwelling siblings.

　Himemizu Rin was busy producing salt and fresh water, watching these students in a corner of the deck.

'Don't be so diligent, Rin,'

　Dullahan Kenzaki sat down beside him, arms crossed.

''The only thing that comes out is salt........ Oh no, it's hard. Sour.........

　With that said, the amount of salt stored in the bowl is already approaching 10 kilos.

'I have a feeling that if I just dry it out in the sun like normal, it will produce salt...'
Well, yeah. But that would waste the water that evaporates. Well, water is like MP for me. It's a valuable resource.

　In the event of an emergency, students who can use water-attribute spirit magic may not always be ready to use it. As much as possible, they must accumulate fresh water and prepare for an emergency. The amount of water is directly related to Kyousuke's ability to fight not only in normal times, but also when he and Kyousuke engage in an Extreme Cross.
　The EX Combine consumes the "blood power" stored in Kyousuke's bones. Since then, Kyousuke and Rin have been practicing combining for several times. It's true that the sweet sensation of the first time they merged isn't there anymore, which is a shame, but the merging itself has become smooth. From the Stream Cross state, it can even be turned into EX depending on the situation.

''Rin, since this is the time to ask you, let me ask you something.
Ho. What is it, Tsurugin?
Have you started dating the bunny?
Oh...!

　I gushed.

'Well, I've been suspicious of that ... since the first time we were merging ...'
Well, wait. Wait, Tsurugin. Anyway, that's not that kind of thing.

　Rin has never once publicly stated that she started dating Kyousuke.
　But, well, there would be many students who would notice the atmosphere. The foremost of them was Tatsuzaki Kunihiro. He came to say 'Congratulations' with a big smile on his face. He even said, 'I think it would be good for me too, if it were Utsurogi. It was hilariously awkward, but as it is the duty of a woman who has been hit by a hooked-up person to return the favor without even showing such feelings, Rin replied with a poker face (without a face), 'Thank you.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about it. Rin.

　The headless windbag coughed.

'I suspect that Sakuma likes Utsurogi too...'
I think, or rather, I'm serious about it, Tsurugin.
What... Is that right...?

　Yes, Sakuma Shoko also likes Kyousuke. So Rin owes her a bit of a debt.

　However, she has never talked to her about it, as feeling sorry for Sakuma might be conceited in itself. Even Sakuma should have been thinking about Kyousuke all the time and worried about him all the time, but right now, the person sitting closest to him is herself.

'I see.... I guess I would have known that if I'd seen it, hmmm...''
Isn't there anyone like that on the vine?
'I'm a publican!　What's more, I've given my youth to the sword!　I'm not going to date any particular guy right now!
Well, I thought I was dedicating myself to track and field, but...

　In Kyousuke's case, it was a bad encounter. Or should I say it was good?

　I thought I had dedicated my youth to track and field, but in order to "run", it was essential to combine with Kyousuke, and "running" and Kyousuke were the same thing. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who's interested in this.

So, as a Tsurugin, do you want to support Sacchan?
'I'm not saying that.... I saw Utsurogi and Sakuma talking to each other before we set sail...
"Hmm.
'It was kind of like, well, we were staring at each other...'

　I see. Rin paused her salt making process to think.

　Should I say that's just the way it is? Does it mean that Sakuma is getting serious and trying to bring down Kyousuke? Sakuma is a succubus, and his race ability is Enchantment. If even that power is used, it is indeed no match for him.
　However, Rin didn't have any particular feeling of urgency. I'm not sure if it's because they underestimated that Sakuma would never use it to "charm". Is it because I can't imagine Kyousuke fluttering with the power of the 《Charming》?

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea to use it or not.

''Sacchan, big tits and all...''
Is that where it is...?
Well, I'm gonna go talk to her.
You don't think it's going to be... a shameful situation?

　Kenzaki lets out a puzzled yell.

''Don't take my Kyousuke-kun, you thieving cat...'' or something like that...!
'I don't. Tsurugin, you're pretty much a daytime drama brain...




Hey, Kaoru.

　While sitting on the bed in the cabin, Sakuma asked Kaoru.

'Hey, Sachi?'
Kaoru-chan, who did you use the first Enchantment on?

　Kaoru Okama, who was brushing his nails by himself, looks up when he hears the words.
　This movement, which looks just like Beni's, is actually more original for him.

　Since joining Kaoru, Sakuma had spent a good deal more time consulting with him. Sakuma has relied on Kaoru a lot since his human days, but ever since he was reincarnated as a monster of the same species, it has become easier for him to confide in Kaoru about his race's unique concerns.

I know you too.
What, Mr. Goubayash?
No. It's Zekou.

　Zeku. It's a wild toucan that Goubayasi once beat and made him do what he said he would.
　For what it's worth, he's still a member of this class, and he's still aboard this ship. He got along well with not only Goubayashi, but also Okumura and others, and even though he couldn't talk to them, he fit in with the class. Now, I am sure that he is playing video games with the boys in the class.

　It was unexpected that he had once set up a "fascination" with that Zeku.

''When I was wandering in the wilderness with Gen-chan, that girl was the first one I met. It was a matter of life and death, so it was a reflex. Let me do what you say temporarily...

　Goubayashi then ran in and played one-on-one fisticuffs with him as his fascination was released, and Goubayashi eventually beat him down, apparently giving him the name Zeku.
　Zekou is a male. The fact that Incubus Kaoru was able to charm him means that he had moved into Phase 2 at that point.

''........How did you feel?''
I don't remember. I probably would have died if I was hit. Well, the first time I used it, it was like that, so I didn't have that much resistance to using it on a demon to make it listen to me. Maybe I just got paralyzed, though.
I see...

　If I am also attacked by something and pushed to the point where I can't stand it, will I not have to worry so much? After using 《Enchantment》 once, would I really be able to give up on using it on Kyousuke? Or will I still regret that I should have used him in the first place?

''I can understand why you want to make the first one the one you love.

　Kaoru said.

''Especially Sachi, she's so quiet. He's probably not comfortable with using the charm on anyone and everyone, so he wants to at least get it done with the person he likes for the first time. That's why I can't stop him.
'But you don't use it on anyone you like, Kaoru, do you?
Well, there's no one in my class who likes me. There's no one in my class that I like. There's no one in my class that I like, Gen, but I'm okay with that. But yeah, I'm not going to use it to take someone I like. If I were in the same situation as Sachi, I would have a hard time finding a way around it.

　As I spoke up to that point, I heard a sudden tap on the door.

'Sacchan, are you there?　It's Princess Water.

　Hearing that name, Sakuma's mind went blank for a moment.

　It's Himemizu Rin. Why did he come all the way here? Didn't you think that he had found out that he was trying to charm Kyousuke?
　For a moment, Sakuma wasn't sure if he should use a staycation or not, but in the end, he gave up. Shaking his head, he dispels his distractions and calls out to Rin on the other side of the door.

''Yes, I'm here. Come in, Himemizu-san.

　The door opened with a clatter.

I'm sorry to trouble you. Oh, Kaoruko-chan.
Hi, Rin. Am I interrupting something?
I don't mean to bother you, but I'm just gonna leave it to you.
Well, I'll leave you to it.

　Isn't he going to stay behind and provide cover? Sakuma patted himself on the head again at the thought of that. It's rust from the body. Then you have to deal with it yourself. I don't have the right to say anything about Kaoru here.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on. Please don't blame Sachi too much.

　Just as he was leaving, Kaoru said just that much. Sakuma felt sorry for himself.

　Sakuma and Rin were the only people left in the room.

''I'm sorry!''

　First thing first, Sakuma bows to Rin.

　I don't know if it's something I can apologize for and be forgiven for. But I couldn't help but apologize. It's outrageous to put your hands on two boyfriends and try to "charm" them. I should have known that this would happen. The feeling of self-loathing grows.

''No, that sachan........''

　Rin said in a slightly confused voice.

'I didn't come here with the intention of blaming you, Sacchan.
But I'm going to charm Utsurogi-kun.
Oh, you used it. Did it work?

　The response was surprisingly bland. Sakuma shook his head with a shake.

Oh, okay. That's a relief.
I'm sorry......... Utsurogi-kun is going out with Himemizu-san, and yet...
Oh, that...

　Rin let out a slightly awkward sound and undulated her body.

'I like Kyousuke-kun, but I feel like we're in a situation where we probably can't say 'we're together' just yet.

　The words that jumped out at me were surprising.

''Yes, but..... You like Himemizu-san too, don't you, Utsurogi-kun?
I don't know if I should say this, but I think so.

　The words were neither confident nor boastful, but only a sense of confusion and a wavering heart.

　It reminds me of Kaoru's words the other day.
　If you don't verbalize the words 'I'm going out with you' or 'I love you,' you won't be able to recognize the fact that you're together. That's what it was all about.

　But Kyousuke and Rin are bosom buddies. If you're aware of that, wouldn't it be fair to say that they're already lovers?

I'm a little scared, you know?

　Rin said.

'Scared...?'
You could say publicly that you're going out with Kyousuke-kun, or you could ask him to go out with you and get an acceptance. I feel like if I put it into words, the pleasant relationship I have now will somehow fall apart. Kyousuke-kun, I will definitely be aware of it.

　Sakuma somehow understood the meaning of the word 'awareness'.
　'Being lovers' and verbalizing their relationship with each other meant that it would become a burden for their actions. Soraki Kyousuke was indeed a man who tended to be particularly concerned about that part of his life.

'Oh, I like to run, you know?'

　Rin says something that we all know now.

'I like to run. I like it more while I'm running than after I cut the finishing tape.... Maybe right now I'm in that state where I feel like I'm stamping my feet right before the finish line, and I feel like I'm running.

　So," I connected.

So, if you cut the tape while I was doing that, I'd be disappointed, but I guess I'm just being careless.

　There is still room for Sakuma to cut the goal tape, Rin says.

　But those are not words of great comfort to Sakuma right now. I know that Rin doesn't mean to say it with the intention of comforting Sakuma, but it still leaves a lump in my heart that it's not the words that will break the rut in my heart.

''Himemizu-san, I........''
Mmm-hmm.
I'm really... a sly, obnoxious, helpless woman...

　No.

　I'm not trying to say this. I'm not trying to say these things and ask for forgiveness.
　But having faced Rin, Sakuma couldn't help but realize that once again.

　He had never tried to seriously face why he had become a succubus, until now. I was afraid to face it and admit it.
　A demonic woman who attracts men and sucks their sperm out of them. A whore. He didn't want to think that that was the demon that projected his mind. But what about reality? She was trying to take away the mind of Soraki Kyousuke by reasoning this and that within herself. No, he was still thinking about it. Is my desire that Kyousuke should be the first one is really a pure feeling?

'We all know that Saku-chan is really erotic,'

　Rin still said that in a matter-of-fact way.

'It's enough to make me a succubus. People didn't say it, though. Maybe it was because they wanted Kyousuke-kun to turn on them, though. But that's not something to be shy about. I'm also interested in pornography...
Yes.
'Sacchan, facing your inner self is the first step in Phase 2. Whew!

　Phase 2. hearing those words, Sakuma Shoko raised her head.

　If she could exert the whore's Phase 2 ability, the range of effects of the 《Enchantment》 would be greatly expanded. Perhaps, now that she was highly aware of her inner self, Kyousuke might be able to have the effect of the 《Enchantment》.
　But right now, that feeling had faded at once.
　I can't seem to go to Kyousuke's side here and intend to use the Enchantment.

　Did Himemizu Rin come here with that intention from the beginning, or was she drained of her poisonous spirit as a result?

''Himemizu-san.''
Yes.
I'm in love with you, Utsurogi-kun...
Yes.
Good luck.

　When she said that, Rin twisted her body as hard as she could.

I'm not sure if I can say "go for it" or not, but....... Yes, I'll do my best too.

　I must admit. That there's a part of me that wants to use 《Enchantment》 on Soraki Kyousuke.
　That there's a part of me that is cunning, annoying, and helpless.

　But before that, it has to be my own power to make him turn around. I can't say 'I'm afraid'. It's the same for Rin, who is fighting against fear, even though the form is different. Now that she is stamping her feet in front of the goal, there is still a chance.
　If possible, though, he should be the first one to go.
　If Rin finishes before that, there's nothing I can do about it.

　What happens remains to be seen.