When I returned to the living room (or rather the living/dining room) to change into my nightgown, Currier-san was sitting in a chair waiting for me.

'Sorry to keep you waiting,'
Hmm, I'm sorry about earlier.

　I sit down in my chair.

I'm sorry about that, too.

　I was rather worried that Currier-san might have felt bad about what happened earlier.
　Well, well........she 'saw' it.

I'm sure you're not the only one who has seen it," he said, "but I thought I'd let you know since my treatment in this school has been decided. I've got some questions I want to ask you. But ... if you're tired, we'll talk later, okay?
'No problem. You're well aware of the recent rise in strength, Currier-san, right?
I hope so.
Would you like a drink?

　I'm pretty sure I had the tea and cup Mia gave me.

'No, I'm fine.'
Okay.

　I sat down again as I started to get up.

'So ... how did it go?　Actually, I've been wondering about Currier-san too.
I think I'll be able to stay at the school for now.
'Really?　Sigh, thank goodness.

　I am truly relieved.
　It is indeed too sad to say goodbye to Currier-san here.

It's all thanks to the headmaster. I've heard that he also lobbied the Holy Family about the school accepting a person from the 6th house.

　According to the explanation, it seems that Currier Versteen was set up as 'a man from the Sixth House who is hostile to the Sixth House'.
　Hostile is not gentle, but on the contrary, he had to make his position that much clearer to be convinced.
　At the end of this story, Currier-san added matter-of-factly that he was not on good terms with the people from the sixth house to begin with.

　And Currier-san said.

"A man from the Sixth Estate, disguised as a student, who has been invited to the school in secret to capture a man from the Sixth Estate who is planning to do something terrible.

　It seems to have been treated as such.
　It could be said that the key to this is not 'I blended in without permission' but the lie that 'Makina-san called me'.
　That added part of the lie will guarantee Currier-san's identity.
　There is a big difference in the sense of security that people feel depending on whether or not they are able to control the target.
　Well, to put it simply, there's no problem with Currier Versteen because the headmaster is managing it well.
　Incidentally, the reason for inviting him in secret to those around him is because he decided that if he revealed from the time he entered the school that he was from the Sixth House, he would cause unnecessary confusion.
　And it was obvious from the battle with Hibigami that they were not "friends" of the Sixth Academy.

　The decision to paint everything in a lie would make it easier to get ripped off.
　It could be said that the explanation to the Holy Family was a good mix of lies and truth.

　Also, from what I've heard, Currier-san spoke up and told Makina-san the truth about why she came to the school.
　It's a good thing that Makina-san has decided to work behind the scenes to find the person named Noyes Deuce.

'Didn't you say something like, "During that battle, Hibigami came after someone from the Sixth House, but didn't think it was me?
You told me.
''That was also the material that gave credence to the story of other people from the sixth house hiding in the school. There must have been a good amount of people who were there to overhear the conversation, so there's no problem with the witnesses.
Rather than hiding it, if you make it known, that noise person won't be able to bypass it... is that what you're aiming for?
The headmaster also said that if a dangerous person is hiding in the academy, he wants you to catch him. I'm sure that guy knows what I'm doing anyway, but the fact is that I'm much easier to move.

　As for the other details, Machina-san seems to be able to arrange them in a good way.
　By the way, when we parted with Currier-san, Makina-san looked exhausted.

''Well, let me take care of the rest. I'm going to be very good at the art of conspiracy even though I look like I'm very good at it..........but I've got another job to do.

　He was saying to himself.
　.............
　Hmmm.
　Should I prepare something for Makina-san as well as a gift to send to Mia-san to thank her?

　Then Currier-san, who had finished explaining the whole thing, humph, and sniffed one.

''That's why I seem to be able to stay here a little longer. I heard that the credit for getting rid of the Hibigami was also taken into account. In truth, I think you deserve credit for that.
I didn't take credit for that alone.
Even if that was the case, if you weren't close to the headmaster, the conversation wouldn't be going on like this. So it's like you're the only reason I'm here.

　Then it occurred to me that the reason I met Currier-san was because of that Noyes person in this school.
　The reason why I met Currier-san was because of the presence of that "noise" in the school.
　It's a complicated feeling.
　It's because of the presence of this problematic person at the school that I was able to meet Currier-san.
　But still........who is this noise deece?
　As I recall, it was called 'Intangible Games' in the Sixth House.
　Formless play--right?

I'm sure my position will be the same as it is now. And it's not in my nature to get deeply involved with people.
Does that mean it's the same as before?
'Yeah. In the future, I won't dare to give the students the kind of explanation I just gave them. In fact, we can't give out any information in a strange way, because we'll probably get distracted.
Yeah.
More importantly, according to the headmaster, the endorsement of the Holy Royal Family is quite effective in this country.

　Currier-san loosened the edges of her mouth a bit happily.

''If there's someone troublesome enough to still pursue you, then bring them to the headmaster's office. He said he'll persuade them to come to you.
Haha ... that's just like him.
''But who is that headmaster, really?　He's a man who knows what he's talking about, and of course I'm grateful for that.
I don't know much about her either.

　Even her age is unknown.

'I think I overheard somewhere that she's related to royalty... and I also heard that she's special to some of the Holy Tree Order members. I don't know the details, but it seems the reason is related to her mother.

　I don't remember if the person from the Sacred Tree Eight Swords who tried to take me and Currier-san yesterday also easily backed down when Makina-san asked her to, 'You can't say that to me.
　Hmm.
　Makina-san is still a mystery to me.
　However, it is a fact that I am indebted to her a lot.
　She's not a bad person.
　Let's not pry into her for no reason.

More importantly what's going on with you?
Is it me?
You've been there, haven't you?　Cecily's place.

　Huh?

Did I ever tell you that we're going to the Arkwrights' house?
I can only imagine what you would do.

　Oh I didn't know they could see through you to your actions.
　Be that as it may.

''It looks like he'll be back at the school in the near future. And it looks like he's recovered from the shock.
I see.

　There wasn't much of a change in his expression, but there was an echo of relief in his voice.

'That guy was stronger than I thought he was, wasn't he? I underestimated him a bit. By the looks of it, I thought you might need a little more time but I'll have to apologize when I see that guy.
Hmmm... how's that?

　So Mr. Currier seemed to have guessed something.

I see. I see, so you're the one who got him back on his feet.
Whether or not I got him back on his feet is a touchy subject, though.

　In fact, it would be a delicate place.
　I don't intend to explain this and that thing that happened between me and Cecily tonight, but even if I were asked to explain, I'm not sure how I would explain it.
　It may have been a trigger, but........it's still a delicate point.

'Anyway, I'm glad that guy didn't become desperate. As for me, it was a bit risky.......actually, I was planning to visit Cecily's mansion tomorrow or so.
Oh, I didn't know that.

　Hmm.
　If it's Currier-san, he's going to force his way into the room unexpectedly.........................in that case, I wonder what happened?
　Maybe you were able to get Miss Cecily back on her feet without any more complications than I did.

'Well, he's lucky it was you who came, too.
Is that right?
I don't know what he's gonna say, but I'm pretty sure you're the one he wanted the most, emotionally.

　If that's the case, I hope so.

　At any rate, the fact that Cecily-san has gotten better is something to be happy about.
　.............
　Looking back, though, I don't feel like another problem was created.

'Oh, and this.'

　And Currier-san placed one of the daggers on the table.

'Ah.'

　It was the same old disappointing holy magic sword.

'I thought I'd give you this too.

　Yes!
　The sword reminded me of this.

　I told Curie-san about the crystal-blade sword - or rather the Shijosho sword.
　In addition to that, I told her about the mission to defeat the magma giants.

　When I finished listening to the story, Curie-san said

All right. I don't have any objections. I'll bring the sword tomorrow as well. Also, if you can, I'll join you. Well, as long as there are no students who don't want me to participate in this--hmm?　What's going on?
No it's just so easy.
It's an unknown entity, right?　It could be dangerous for you. So I should go too. If you die and get thrown into bed for more than three years, Hibigami will kill you and me both.
'That's not going to be a joke...'

　If I can't handle the sainted element, I'm usually going to sleep permanently as it is.
　But let's not tell this to Currier-san.
　I'm afraid I'll cause her unnecessary worry.

　That's why.
　My partner gave me permission to participate in the mission, and furthermore, I found out that his partner is willing to participate in the mission.
　I'll let Ira know tomorrow.

　Before Currier-san left, we chatted for a bit.
　In the course of that conversation, she said

''It's just that........it's fine that I got the Holy Royal Family's approval, but it seems that I'll have to show my face to the Holy Royal Family people sooner or later. Moreover, I hear they're going to make me wear a dress.　I don't think I'd look good I'm afraid to admit.

　He blurted out something like.

　　　　　　　　　　*.

　The next morning.
　On the way to school, I received the Shosei sword from Currier-san.

　Today morning, I was seen off by Mia-san.
　During breakfast, Mia-san told me about yesterday.
　............
　For now, what we found out is that Makina-san is currently under a lot of stress.
　There may be an attack by her on our house in the near future.

　And Cecily-san was also absent today.
　(I guess we should think of it as a set-up; Sieg and Hyrgis will be at school tomorrow, too.
　And the reason for his absence was 'because the shadows under his eyes won't go away'.
　At first, my classmates were blown away.
　And they whispered to each other that there must be some other unusual reason.
　It's hard to believe that Cecily Arkwright would be absent because of her 'circles under her eyes that won't go away'.
　It's not just a matter of time.
　Maybe it's really true.
　I'm not surprised anymore.
　Now I think it's normal and possible.
　I can see Cecily-san smiling and telling Zeke and the others plainly, ''Since the shades haven't disappeared yet, I'm going to rest for today.
　And of course, there's Zeke and Hyrgis-san, who look at each other afterwards.

　　　　　　　　　　*.

　After the usual lessons in culture and combat, we went into lunch break.
　Me and Currier-san were sitting around the same table as Ira-san in the cafeteria.
　By the way, I've already given Ira-san the Shosei Sword that I was going to give her in the morning.

It's a good thing that you're willing to participate. Oh, thank you!

　Isla was sweating and smiling, but she was afraid.
　Apparently, she seemed to be put off by Currier-san.
　She also calls him 'you' instead of 'anta'.

'I don't mind, but.......are you okay with that?　This is still me calling myself from the Sixth House. You know what happened the other day, don't you?
I don't mind. I mean, hardly any of the students seem to care about that.　It seems that more students admire you rather than the other way around. I'm sure no one in our attack team would have any objection to your participation.

　It seems that Currier-san's pure white maiden knightly figure shown in the Hibigami incident was very popular among some.
　I heard there were people who made a picture of her and sold it for money.
　Well.........I must admit that she was a divine beauty to the point of being burned into my brain.
　First and foremost, Currier-san herself is a beauty.
　However, I don't think a portrait right exists in this country, but it wouldn't hurt for me, my partner, to have at least one portrait donated.
　What's going on in this country of the Sacred Tree?

That's why I welcome it. It's a good thing that you have the ability to do so, considering the atmosphere of the mock trial, it looks like you have high expectations for your abilities.

　I said it plainly, but as far as being able to measure competence with that degree of killing, Ira-san is also amazing.
　Ira-san's face fell suddenly.
　She has a slightly depressed look on her face.

''It's just that........it's starting to look a little unsettled today.
What's going on?

　Ira-san sighed heavily.

'To tell the truth, today, a number of the members who had given their consent were pulled out of the program. Some of the students I was going to call on were also pulled out.
Drawn?
''Yeah the side that pulled it out seems to be soliciting participants by saying they're going to give them a reward. Immediately we tried to switch to offering rewards as well, but the other side has more money than us...

　Come to think of it, I think I've been noticing people coming and going in the corridors during class travel time and combat classes.
　In other words, does that mean that they were moving around to recruit students?

What's that about........as if they're trying to rival us.

　The operation to defeat the magma giants was originally intended to defeat them all together since everyone was stranded on the ninth level.
　Probably after that yesterday, Ira and the others must have gone around to talk to some worthy students.
　So, the members there gathered as of yesterday.
　But today, another Magma Giant attack team appeared, and a number of students changed sides.
　I don't know.
　We were supposed to work together first to confront a common problem, so why is this turning into a competition?

To tell you the truth...
Hey, Ira!

　And the one who appeared there - was Asaro.
　There were several students standing behind him as well.
　Ira-san glared at Asaro with a clean stare.

''Fibruk.......What do you mean by that?　Pull out the members that Attah and the rest of the group have gathered, like they're shooting at them.
Did you pull him out?　That guy doesn't listen very well. I didn't pull him out, I woke him up to the truth!
Ha, ha!

　A good-humored Asaro spreads his arms out and laughs.

''Hey, hey, this is St. Renowthread Academy!　This is where we all compete for a place in the Little Saint rankings!　So why do we have to hold hands and finish together?　Competition is encouraged at this school!　Isn't it?!

　However, Ira-san, whose mouth was drawn tightly together, glared at the male student who was waiting behind Asaro.

'That was your put-up job.....................Beosa Fallonteza.
That's Miss Isla, with her penetrating eyes.

　The student, called Beosa, wore a black robe over his uniform.
　He was somewhat long, but his toned face was full of masculine charm.
　His eyes were slightly tarry, but that gave him a kind of s*x appeal.
　Dark hair brushed back.
　Slender-framed glasses.
　He had the air of a man of color.
　The way he speaks is a bit narcissistic.

''But a fool like Phiburg needs a man like me................you have to understand that!　Mistress Ira!
I don't think I'm going to get it.
The part about Fibruk being a jerk?
'I'm in full agreement with you!　It's not, it's the way you guys do it!

　Beoza's face was filled with grief.

'My God!　I never thought I'd cause Miss Isla grief, but I'm sorry!　But it's not an option!　This is my fate ... oh, it's my fate!　Destiny!

　Beoza looks up to the heavens with his arms outstretched.
　Curie-san and I were looking at this scene with a very delicate expression.
　Probably the impressions that Currier-san and I had were similar.

　--What is this guy?

d*mn, fibruk!

　It must have felt like an arm-pull to the curtain, because Ira's point of view turned to Asaro.

"I'm not an idiot!
'It doesn't matter!　I'm asking why you're doing this!

　'Bang,' said Ira, tapping the table and standing up.

'If you want to compete, do what you want!　I think we should all work together to take down that giant, but if you guys want to team up and take it down, I'm not going to stop you!　But hey, why bother trying to pull out the members we've assembled!

　That's when Asaro finally seems to have regained his composure.
　He begins to snicker again.

'Ha, I told you before!　This school is based on competition!　If that's the case, there's a race to win, right?
That doesn't make it any less of an assignment!
Shut up!　It's your fault!
What did I do to deserve this?　All I did was gather people together by suggesting that we all defeat the giant that appeared on the ninth level!　What's wrong with that!
...that's--

　Asaro looks at me out of the corner of his eye.
　So he cut off his words and reiterated.

Anyway, that giant is going to be knocked down by my 'fibruk team' before you guys. I'll show you the difference in overall strength.

　Well, I was diving into deep thought, wondering how I came to call Asaro Asaro, when Asaro turned to me with a smirk on his face.
　Oh, I just remembered.
　It was 'Maro' because it was Phiburg Maro.

''Are you listening to me, you bastard!
Oh, well, you know, we'll just have to keep it together.
Oh!

　..........
　Huh?
　Does Asaro look smaller than before... or is it more like a puppy barking a camping dog?
　I don't know.
　Since I fought Hibigami, my sense of danger has been numbed.......

"The point is, you're jealous.

　It was Currier-san who blurted out that.

''Oh?''

　Asaro glares at Currier-san with a blue streak.

　Ha, that's good, isn't it?　I'm just glad they gave me a face to look at there!
Phiburg.

　The one who called out in a stinging voice to stop him - was Beosa.

''What the hell...''
You should be a little smarter than that.

　With a sniff, Beosa raises the vine of his glasses.

The first thing you need to do is to learn how to make more allies rather than making enemies, although I accepted this invitation because it was a request from you, who considers you like a brother. Above all--I don't admire your verbal abuse of women.
Oh, shut up!
That's right, Beosa.

　A large, stocky man slunk in from further back.

"Bashkatha!

　Asaro is happy to see that help is on the way.
　In contrast to Beoza, this is a male student with a rough and rough atmosphere.

You can't help but be annoyed by these guys. You can't see any respect for me, the senior class.

　The student called Bashkatha looked down at Mr. Currier.

'Now, say hello to your esteemed seniors. 'Mimeulwasii, young lady?'
"Bashkatha.

　Beosa called out to him again as if to blame him.

'Nah, Beosa?　I don't care if you're number one in the world, I'm number six.　It won't make much difference.

　Hmm?
　First place?

You didn't know it was like that.

　He must have noticed the change in my expression.
　Ira-san opened his mouth, looking reluctantly at the scene in front of him.

''Beosa Fallontessa. He's the first rank of the Lesser Holy Order and the strongest magic user in this school.''