I woke up to a faint smell tickling my nostrils and a feeling of hunger.

'....hmmm...'
Well, I see you're finally awake.
...Good morning.

　Somehow, though, I returned the greeting.
　The room was filled with the tranquil air peculiar to the morning.
　Morning light was leaking out of the cream-colored curtains.

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

　Oh, I see.
　I think I stayed in the medical room of the Holy Ruins Hall yesterday.

''You mean, the headmaster?　Why are you here?
Good morning, Blackbird.

　The headmaster was sitting on a chair next to the bed a bit.
　By the way, his feet didn't delicately reach the floor.
　Her clothes are still dressed in gothic chic today.

''Huh?　Even Mia?

　Next to Makina-san, there was a beast-eared girl in an apron dress - Mia-san.
　Looking around, I saw that they were the only ones in the medical room other than me.
　Huh?
　Where did that old man go?

Good morning, Mr. Kurohiko.

　Perhaps out of consideration because it was a medical room, Mia-san greeted him with a low volume of voice.

''Ah ... good morning.''

　Next to the bed was a wagon on wheels.
　On top of it was a row of lids that looked like silver bowls.

'Breakfast, sir.'

　Mia smilingly takes the silver lid off.
　Gently, Makina dragged her chair forward a bit.

''We can talk about it while we eat.

　While stretching her own hand into her honeyed milk, Makina-san glanced at the desk in the medical room.

'I asked the doctor who was here for now to take a few minutes to sit down... although he was asleep when we arrived.

　That old man ... you don't think he's been asleep since then?

"So,

　Feeling stubborn, Makina-san folded her arms.
　............
　But perhaps because her feet hadn't reached the floor, she didn't subtly radiate dignity.
　Well, let's not worry about that.

''It looks like you had a rough time.

　Hmm?
　So.

Currier-san you've made sure to tell us.
'Yes. She told me most of what happened. First, let me just say I'm glad you're okay.
Thank you for your concern, sir.
Tell that to Mia. Hey, Mia?
Uh, yeah, uh, well.

　Mia, whose face was bobbing and reddening, pinched the fingertips of both hands as she turned over.
　The awkward smile around her mouth was trembling slightly.

''How hard was it yesterday?　As soon as he ran into the headmaster's office, he said, 'Kurohiko-sama is here!　Kurohiko-sama is~! And it was a big deal.
Oh I'm sorry. I was so distraught last night.
I had already heard about Kurohiko from Currier Versteen, so we decided to go and see how he was doing. So we went to the medical room of the hall. And then, you know what?

　Ms. Machina looked up at Mia and asked for her consent.
　Ms. Mia lowered her eyebrows in annoyance.

'I don't know when you arrived, but Currier-sama was standing in front of the medical room. ''I was chided, 'I wish you would let Kurohiko rest today...'... I'm ashamed of myself.''

　Mia, with a huff and a pout, flattens her ears.

When you think about Kurohiko-sama, my actions were rash. I'm sorry, I regret that.

　Mia bowed her head with a smile.

'Oh no, I can't believe it was so thoughtless. I'm glad you care so much for me.'

　Haha, I giggle in embarrassment.
　It's a blessing to have someone who cares about me this much.
　But even though I decided to become stronger so that Mia-san wouldn't worry about me, I have to regret giving her this much worry.
　......
　.........

Headmaster?
Yes, uh-huh.

　Potatoes?　The fork that was stabbing me was inching closer to my mouth.

What are you doing?
'As a reward for your safe return, I'll feed you here. You are tired, aren't you?　Here, eat your food gratefully.

　Gulp, he sticks out a small potato.

'Hmm?　These potatoes ... they smell sweet.
"--

　The headmaster's face quickly flushed.
　Then his mouth twitched as if he was cheating.

''This, this is an apple I cut it.
Oh, really? Oh, I'm sorry.
..........
..........
Do you want one?
Thank you for this.

　Snap.
　..........
　Yeah, it tastes good.

"Phew, that's enough. You can eat the rest of it yourself.

　After sniffing one in an embarrassed breeze, the headmaster put down his fork.
　I looked down at my breakfast once and then looked up at Mia.

''Then may I have it?''
'Yes, please enjoy your meal!　Oh ... can you eat it yourself?　If you'd like, I'd be happy to carry you to Mr. Kurohiko's mouth.
That's all right!　I can eat it myself.

　I felt a tug on my back, but I held back here.
　I didn't feel comfortable letting Mia do that when I could eat it myself, as if I was taking advantage of her good intentions.
　But I was hungry, so I quickly got to work on my food.
　And.

Thank you for the food.
You're a good eater, as usual. Mia's got a lot to make, don't you think?
Yes, watching you eat so much, Kurohiko-sama, makes me happy too!
What?　Good for you.

　I bail.

'I'm honoured by your compliments,'

　'Well,' said Makina, looking at her watch.

'I've heard some things from Miss Currier, so I'm not going to bother rehashing yesterday's events here. I think we'll leave it at that for today. Mia, please take this down.
Yes, sir.

　Mia bowed, then pulled the wagon and changed direction.
　And then he stopped there.

Oh, Mr. Kurohiko.
Yes?

　There was a somewhat hesitant pause, then Mia said.

'I appreciate the sentiment, but you don't usually need to give any consideration to me. In other words, you don't need to tell me every single time whether you're going home or not.
But,
'It's fine. It's something I like to do, and on the days when Kurohiko-sama doesn't return, I'll leave dinner and breakfast and return at a reasonable time. Of course, if you have any requests for this, please don't hesitate to let me know, okay?
The...
''Haha........Kurohiko-sama is very kind. If I don't say this from my end, I'm sure you'll be exhausted from your concern.
No, it's not...
Lady Blackbird.
Yes, sir.
Master Currier is a very pleasant man, isn't he?

　With that, Mia pushed the wagon out, leaving a soft smile on her face.

'Isn't she a good girl, Mia?'

　Makina said as she looked off Mia.
　I nodded my head.

'Yes, really,'

　The headmaster stood up.

The first thing I want to tell you is that the situation in the holy ruins is definitely different this year than usual, so be a little careful. And also, don't worry too much about - hmmm ... well, yeah, I don't mind putting it on at this time.

　Makina-san lets out a smile as if to say, "Well, it can't be helped.

Yes, you can do what you want with it. You can do as you please. There will be times when a little overwhelm is necessary. But in the meantime - don't ever die. Are we clear?

　I nodded emphatically.

'Yes, I promise.'
Hmm, good answer. Well, I'd better get going.
Excuse me, Mr. Machina.
Hmm?
You're allowed to leave the class in the middle, right?
'What are you talking about?　It's a 'rest day', right?
"Is it true?
''That's why there are no classes. It's not a day for the students to go into town or dive into the Holy Ruins or spend their time as they please. .........Oh, didn't you know?

　According to a quick explanation, apparently, seven days is a week in this world as well.
　And the day that falls on Sunday in the previous world is a holiday - the 'Rest Holy Day'.
　Oh, I see.
　It's been exactly one week since the entrance ceremony was held on a holiday, isn't it?

You're starting to get used to this place, so do your best not to die. Now, it's your turn to be the next.
Click.

　Makina, with her fingers on the handle at the door, called out to the other side of the door.
　The door opens with a rattle.

''I'm sorry ... I'm sorry ... I tried to eavesdrop on you.

　It was Mr. Currier.
　He was holding something that looked like a plate in both hands.

'Don't worry about it. 'I mean, you're worried about him, aren't you?　As I said yesterday, you seem to be very good at your job, and you can help him. Now, if you'll excuse me.

　Saying that, the headmaster sashayed out while dominating his hair.
　In his place, Currier-san enters.

''Who is that headmaster really, that headmaster........well, good morning, Kurohiko. How's your body feeling?
Very good.
Yeah. So, here's the thing.

　What was offered to me was soup.
　..............
　A soup of a strange color, speckled with something purple and green.

''Um, what is this?''
Yeah, it's some kind of herbal soup. I made it. You should drink it.
Okay, yes.

　I accept the plate.
　And again, I look down at the soup.
　Gulp.
　There's no particular smell........
　But this color.........................it takes some courage.
　However, Currier-san made this for me.
　It's not nice to shy away from them because of their appearance, and above all, it would be rude not to drink them here.
　Besides, he said it was a herb, so it must be good for you.
　Even if it tasted like a thing, they say it's bitter to a good medicine.　

............

　Let's go!
　I tipped my plate and gulped down my soup.

"...hmm?

　Huh?
　How's that for a good meal?
　Like a salty, thick corn potage soup with a lot of saltiness... ha!
　Mr. Currier is looking at me suspiciously!

You didn't think it was going to be that bad, did you?
I admit it. I honestly thought so!
'I've been traveling alone, so I can cook a little better than that. Well it's unusual for me to cook for someone else.
I'm sorry I doubted you!

　It was a really nice soup for an after dinner drink.
　I'm really sorry for doubting you, Currier-san.

　After that, we had a brief chat (and mixed in some thanks for yesterday's help) while discussing our future plans.
　As a result of our discussion, we put the attack on the Holy Ruins on hold for a while.
　At least until my sword is found.
　So for a few days, it's school life while attending classes as normal.
　In the meantime, Currier-san is going to try to gather information about this year's Holy Ruins, but

I'll look into it.
All right. Do what you can to find out.
Yes, sir.
I'll take care of your sword. Okay?
I understand. Please.

　So, after chatting for a while more, Currier-san said, disinterestedly.

'By the way, what is it?'

　But he was clearly feigning a 'disinterested look'.

'That girl at your house, Mia, she was... well she was very pretty.
He's not only pretty, but he has a very nice personality.
..........
What's going on?
Well, I'm not so sure.
'I wonder,' you say?
Isn't she pretty, huh?
Hmm, I don't know.
Oh, okay. It's not pretty...
Currier-san is more of a beauty type than a pretty face.
Hmm.
I feel like I can see my cute side sometimes, but...
'Mmm, I see. I didn't know that I have that side of me. It's surprisingly gratifying to hear that from someone.

　Hmph.
　Although it was faint, Currier-san smiled ticklishly.

''--ah.''

　He has this kind of laugh, too.
　I couldn't help but lose my voice.
　When he laughs like this........I honestly think he's 'cute'.
　Normally, he's so crisp.

'Well, is it noon already?'
Oh, it's true.

　It was noon in the blink of an eye - and just when I thought that was it, someone knocked discreetly on the door.

'It's Cecily, may I be excused?'

　It was Cecily who came over.

"...........

　.... oh.

"Oh?　What's going on?

　Cecily rolls her sky blue eyes.
　What's up with that........well.

　Today Cecily-san wasn't in her school uniform.

　She was wearing a dress-like outfit with lots of frills.
　It gave the impression of being fluffy and soft, but surprisingly, it showed the lines of her body clearly.
　Looking at it this way, you can see that Cecily's body is very well-proportioned.......
　It may be rude to say, but she looks like a well-made figure.
　The brooch is fitted with emerald-colored jewels on the chest.
　The black tights are the same as usual, but perhaps because of the clothes, they've become even more dainty.

　It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she's a true "angel".
　It's so beautiful that I almost feel like I'm going to bow down to it.
　As I recall, Cecily-san was called the 'Jewel of Renowthred', right?

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

　And Currier-san looked down at her own clothes.
　Today she was wearing yesterday's black dress-like outfit.
　Then she compared herself and Cecily-san.
　For some reason, her eyes shook violently.
　And then she hung her head disappointedly.
　And then.

I'm going home.

　Currier-san, who was clad in a thick air, stood up shakily.

'Wha, what's wrong, Currier?

　Miss Cecily grabbed Miss Currier's hand, puzzled.

'Happy holidays,'
'I have no idea what you're talking about!　I'm not unhappy!
Speak for yourself. Don't mind me. I'm leaving.
So what's going on here?

　Hmm.
　Perhaps Currier-san......................was put off by Cecily-san's aura?
　Or maybe for girls, Cecily is a wall too high.
　I don't understand why my confidence is shattered as a woman - or even as a human being.
　Well, to be honest, I don't think we're the same human race in terms of beauty....
　Okay......
　This place.

Mr. Currier.
What the f*ck, Blackbird?
I love it.
!　S--
I like what you're wearing.
Mm.
I think people look different in different clothes.
Yeah, right.

　Currier-san sits back in her chair.
　Good, good....

?

　Cecily brought out another chair while tilting her head.
　...........
　She, to what extent is she aware of this?

How are you doing, Blackie?
Yeah, you're doing well. You should be able to walk normally now.
'Well, that's good to hear,'
Maybe it's because of Miss Cecily's healing formula.

　Miss Cecily laid her slender hands on her lap, laying them on top of each other.
　She had an air of neatness about her, even from her movements and posture as she sat in the round chair.
　Then Cecily-san looked at me and Currier-san in turn.

''Um, I need to talk to Kurohiko and Currier.
Yeah.

　Ms. Cecily smiled invitingly as she intertwined the fingers of her hands.

'Today--would you like to come to my mansion?