Mr. Machina, are you looking for something at the library?
'I'm here to see Clarice. Well I thought that if you were still here, the three of us could talk about it.

　Makina-san flicks her gaze to the two men who were confronting her.

''It seems those two of you were only interested in Kurohiko, though.

　Currier-san and Cecily-san looked a little confused.
　Makina-san gave them a leisurely smile.

''But........I have to say that you guys are on a low level.
It's low?

　Miss Cecily asks quizzically.

'What the hell does that mean?'

　With a huff, Makina-san scooped up her hair with both hands.

''I listened to the exchange you just had,''

　Hmm?
　I felt trapped by what he just said.
　Makina-san seemed to have appeared as if she was saying something like 'I just came here by accident'.
　However, with what she just said, it was as if she was listening to the exchange between Currier-san and Cecily-san.......
　And that means--.

'Don't tell me the headmaster was hiding behind a pillar too?
Of course I do.
And of course you are?
Yeah.

　They have no intention of excusing themselves, and they have a refreshing response.
　After being returned like that........there's nothing more I can say.
　Both Curie-san and Cecily-san seem to be pondering what words they should say to such a headmaster.

　With a clear face, Makina-san said.

''The two of them seem to want to draw Kurohiko's attention to themselves, but--''

　Then Currier tried to say something.
　But the words didn't seem to come out, and she got stuck in a gulp.
　With an enlightened smile on her face, Makina-san continued.

''If you think you can attract the attention of the opposite s*x by using remarks that put each other down--I have to say, you're mistaken.

　For some reason, Currier and Cecily are making each other stiffen up.
　The expression on their faces was just like, goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it," said Makina-san, pointing at the space between them.

"And even more so, exposing that figure in front of the opposite s*x who is trying to attract their attention--that is out of the question!

　As soon as Makina-san said it, the school bell rang.
　In the midst of the dusk, the sound of the bell echoed through the school.

　When the bell finished ringing, the headmaster lowered his hand.

''........May I?　If you want to attract the attention of the opposite s*x, don't put each other down, but enhance your own value. Can't you at least imagine what Kurohiko would think when he sees that... the way you couldn't hide your rivalry with each other just now?

　Curie-san and Cecily-san glanced at each other and crossed glances.
　Keeping her voice down, Currier-san called out to Cecily-san.

'Hey, daughter of the Arkwright family,'
Can't you do something about that name?
"...Arkwright.
What is it, Versteyn?
That headmaster... who is he?
She is the daughter of a court wizard father, the daughter of House Lenowthia.
That's not what I'm talking about. What's your relationship with Kurohiko?
''Oh, is that what you mean? ........I heard that it was the headmaster who first discovered that Kurohiko was a forbidden spell user and brought him to this school.

　Currier-san peeked at the headmaster with a sideways glance.

''I see........Hmph, I'll thank you.''
.....
What?

　Miss Cecily turned a thin smile on Currier.

'Early practice, then?'
Hmm?　What?

　Currier-san gets pompous.

''Ugh.''

　Miss Cecily, oh no!　I froze as if to say, "I'm not sure.

'What do you mean by 'practice' now?'
It's nothing, it's just, uh, you're welcome.

　Kah," says Cecily, flushing and cowering.

?

　Currier-san raises her eyebrows dubiously.
　.............
　Or rather, she seems to be hiding her voice, but the content of the conversation can be heard in full.......

　And there, as if she had judged the timing, Makina-san opened her mouth.

''I won't tell you not to have a rivalry. However, if you devote all your energy only to defeating the opponent while neglecting the person who matters most, something bad will happen, don't you think?

　The point is we're supposed to get along, right?
　Yeah.
　I want you two to get along.
　So...

Hmm?

　Is that Mr. Machina beckoning me to join him?
　I walked up to Makina-san while paying attention to the two people with some unflattering expressions.
　However, even though I came in front of her, Makina-san's beckoning didn't end.
　Somehow, she seemed to be unhappy about it.

''..........''

　Oh, I see.

　I lowered my posture.

　Good, Makina nodded.
　I put my hand over my mouth as if to whisper a whispered story and she whispered in my ear.

'Cecily Arkwright is the daughter of the prestigious Arkwright family. And that Currier girl also checked the test results, and her talent for holy elements alone is quite impressive. ........Most importantly, she's your attack team's partner, right?
Yes, sir.
'So we should do well with those two in the future. The more capable allies we have, the better.
Nah, I see...

　Returning her gaze from the two people who are gazing at us with all their might, Makina-san further earns an earful.

'So that's why, well ... good luck with that. I tried to help you in many ways, but in the end, it's up to you.
Yes.

　The headmaster's breath on my ear tickled me inexplicably.

''Also, I'll hear from Clarice about the information you got today and figure it out. ........Well, don't worry about me, and just get through the rest of this somehow.

　Then, with a pop, Makina-san tapped me on the shoulder and began to walk towards the library door.
　Passing by the awkward-looking Currier and Cecily, Makina-san put her hand on the library door.
　There, Ms. Makina-san asked Miss Cecily a question.

''Miss Cecily you are obsessed with the Holy Ruins attack, the number of people, three?''
Yes.
'That number is probably due to your brother's awareness but I, you know, it just occurred to me.
It's...
'Hmph, don't worry about it. I just thought of something. Well, have a good day.

　And so the headmaster disappeared into the library, leaving the three of us in its place.
　And the first one to make a move was--

Uh, Miss Currier, Miss Cecily.

　It's me.

　Hmmm, I take one breath.
　Then I said.

'Me, I still want you two to get along. It's not because the headmaster told me to... but I've always thought so.

　I turn on my heel.

I'm hoping that the three of us can get along regardless of whether we form an attack team or not. Maybe I'm just imposing myself on you. But right now, I love the two of you........so much that I can't compare either of you!

　I said, and I ran off.

　I thought I heard a voice calling out to me, but I didn't stop, I just ran and headed home.

　As I ran, many thoughts ran through my head.

''Well.........''

　What the hell are you talking about?

　'I love you' of all people... oh my God!
　I was so embarrassed I couldn't help but run away!

　While repeating short breaths, I look down lightly.

　It's going to be hard to see each other tomorrow....

　When I finally looked up, the sky, which was finally beginning to darken, filled my field of vision.

　　　　　　　　　　*.

　When I returned home, I found Mia-san.

Oh, welcome home, Kurohiko-sama. .........um, what's going on?
"...what?　Oh, uh ........maybe I'm a little tired. I ran home for exercise........hahaha.......
''Well ... oh, I'm ready to take a bath, if you don't mind!　Also, you can definitely look forward to dinner!

　What is it?
　Mia's cheerfulness was very comforting.

Thank you.

　I said a few words of thanks and then headed for the bath.

　When I returned from the bath to freshen up, I found dinner on the table.

'Sorry, everything,'
'No, no, no, no!　This is something I like to do, so please don't mind me doing it!　Oh, I'm doing this with Makina-sama's permission, so don't worry about that either!

　After dinner, Mia and I started cleaning up (she refused to help me at first).
　We soon finished cleaning up after dinner.
　Then Mia said.

Well, I guess I'll be going.

　He was about to walk out of the house.
　But unexpectedly, I stopped in front of the door.

''...Kurohiko-sama, may I have a moment?''

　Mia turns to me.

'What?　Yes.
'You are not from this country, are you, Mr. Kurohiko?

　It has been explained to everyone around me, except Machina-san, that I am not from another world, but from the East.

''Yes. I'm from the east ... deep in the mountains. So I didn't know anything about it.
That's what it's all about, sir.

　Mia once hesitantly held her tongue.
　Then.

Well don't be too modest, okay?

　He said with concern.

'Refrain, sir?'
''Yes I think it's because I came to this academy from another country, but it seems to Mia that Kurohiko-sama is being reserved in some way.

　Mia smiles, with a lonely look of emotion on her face, as she lowers her eyebrows.

"Because Mia is a sub-race. So, although it's a bit of a stretch, I think I understand the feelings of those who are treated as 'strangers'.
Ms. Mia....
But Kurohiko-sama is courageous... and above all, very kind. So, please, please have more confidence in yourself.
..........

　I don't think so.
　I just didn't realize it was there, but maybe it was.
　From a quick glance, it's obvious.

　Mia, who bows her head with a smile.

''Well, I'm sorry for being so insincere.
'Oh no... I was rather glad to hear you say that. Thank you, Mia-san.

　Mia then responded with a smile filled with compassion.



　Then he lowered his eyelashes and put his hand on his left chest.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. So--

　Her mouth loosens softly, as if she is chewing on happiness.

'It's also a blessing to Mia now that Kurohiko-sama is happy in this country.
I'm not sure...

　I can't believe you're telling me this.
　I can't believe it.
　I'm not going to...
　No.
　You were just told to have confidence just now.
　I have to deal with her feelings.

"Mia.
Okay.

　Yeah.
　Just have a little more confidence.
　When you feel the need to say something you say it as well as you can.
　Like you did in front of the library, before.
　Don't be afraid to speak up.
　Say it out loud.

　Most of all I want to be able to stand firm, no matter what I have to say.
　.........I couldn't bear the embarrassment and ran away before, but from now on.
　But from now on--

I'll try harder.

　Without looking away, he looks straight into Mia's eyes.

'And I'll work harder and harder to become strong enough to protect Mia-san from anything.

　I clench my hands with determination.

"I will be, and I will show you.

　Now, what I need is strength.
　So, for example--

　It's not just about being able to 'use' the power of the forbidden spell.
　You need to be able to 'master' the power of a forbidden curse.

　It's not just that.
　You need to become strong in many ways as well.
　This will surely lead to a great deal of confidence.

Kurohiko-sama........
So please watch over me. I'll do my best to become more confident in myself. ...for Mia's sake.

　Ms. Mia got a little teary-eyed.

　Then he laughed.

"--Yes.

　He laughed.

　　　　　　　　　　*

Good morning, Mr. Currier.

　First thing in the morning, I spotted Currier-san on her way to school and called out to her.
　She came out of the girls' dormitory just in time.

''Hmm ... ah, good morning.''
'Today's combat class, bishops, please!
You're all up in arms about it but it's good to see you're willing to do it.

　They walk side by side.
　The other girls are giving me curious looks, but I don't care.

'By the way, what is it?'

　I cut him off.

'Hmm?'
I'm sorry about yesterday. I'm sorry you had to leave like that.

　I say the same line to Currier-san as I did when I apologized to Cecily-san yesterday morning.

''No, I was ... sorry about yesterday ... too.

　Mr. Currier scratched his cheek and looked away.

''Or rather, it wasn't like me.
It certainly didn't show the best parts of Currier-san.
But maybe you're right. That's what I'm talking about, you know, jealousy.
..........

　I didn't get the next word out of my mouth right away at this either.
　I said 'jealousy' straight away, now.........

'But it's nothing if you know what the haze is. And Cecily was sorry about it, too.

　Hmm?
　Cecily?

'Yeah well I actually sat down with that guy after that and talked to him for a bit.

　Currier-san, who seemed to have sensed my doubts, said while scratching his ear.

'So, well maybe he's not a bad guy, as you might expect.
"Ho-ho.
What... what?
'No, I'm glad to see that Currier-san and Cecily-san seem to be getting closer,'

　After that, I heard that there was an event that I didn't know about where the two of them were going to break the ice.

''But considering that I'm from the Sixth House it's probably not a good idea to get too close to each other.
I have an idea about that I'm just saying.
Oh.

　I said without hesitation.

'I'll be stronger and kick the shit out of those in the Sixth House.
I don't know...

　Ah.
　Currier almost fell off the edge.

Are you okay?

　Currier-san, whose cheeks were slightly upturned, glared at me with resentful eyes.

''Look what you're going to say.............................It flew far above my expectations, now.
But I'm serious.
But hey...

　I looked at Currier-san extremely seriously.
　Then, as if defeated by the roots, Currier-san breathed.

It's not a guarantee that you will be able to compete with those guys, but I will train you properly.
I will turn this nonsense into a weapon.
I have no idea what you're talking about. But...

　Humph, sniffing, Currier lifted the corners of his mouth.

'Willingness isn't a bad thing,'

　While we were talking about this, the main building of the school came into view.