Come to me, Mr. Kurohiko.

　Someone is rocking my body.

''Hmm........''

　Mia?
　So.........it's morning now?

'Hmmm...'

　But it's not working.
　I'm unusually sleepy.
　My face does not leave the pillow.
　I can't fight the sleepiness.
　A great deal of fatigue lingers in her body.
　I try to get up, but my unconscious mind resists desperately.

As Mr. Kurohiko himself said last night, he doesn't seem to leave the bed. You know yourself very well........as expected.

　Mia says something in an impressed voice.
　I think she's talking about me.
　What's he talking about?
　Ugh.

''It can't be helped. This is an expected situation I'm afraid and if you'll excuse me!　Mia will follow Master Kurohiko's instructions from last night!　Fu, fuuuuuuuck...!

　A raw, warm breath tickled my earbuds.

'Hi!'

　Unable to resist, I jumped up.
　Mia's smile greeted me.

''Ah ... good morning, Mia-san.''
Yes. Good morning, Mr. Kurohiko.

　Mia-san changed from a smile and anxiously put her hand over her mouth.

''Um........was it okay the way I just woke you up?''
It's a perfect fit!　Thank you for the help!

　I gingerly gave him a thumbs up.
　Apparently I was right to tell him last night that he might want to stimulate his ears, a sensitive point.

　After getting out of the bath last night, I went straight to bed in my room.
　It's a good idea to get a good idea of what you're going to do with it.
　And then a sudden, irresistible sleepiness hit me.

　Before heading to bed, Mia said to me, "I'll be back in the morning," and I asked her to wake me up if I hadn't woken up at the time I usually get up, even if it meant forcing me to.
　It's a shameful story, but I was really tired and didn't have the confidence to get up by myself the next morning.
　More than I thought........the burden of the Eighth Forbidden Curse Second Realm was heavier than I thought it would be.

''--two.

　When I got off the bed and got to my feet, I found that I had a mild muscle ache in my thighs.
　My left arm also feels a little heavy.

'Duh, are you okay?'
Yeah. But he's just feeling a little tired.
Take care of yourself, okay?

　After saying it, Mia bowed politely.

''Then Mia will go and prepare breakfast. Kurohiko-sama, please make your preparations at your leisure.

　The sound of Mia walking down the stairs reaches my ears as she leaves the room.
　I finished getting ready for school and headed downstairs.
　Then I grabbed a homemade breakfast made by Mia and stuffed it in my stomach.
　After we finish eating, we finish cleaning up the mess as usual.

　It's a very peaceful morning.
　It's as if what happened at the Holy Ruins yesterday was a lie.

　There was still time to spare before school.
　Since it's time to go to school, I decided to ask her something I've been meaning to ask for some time.

''By the way, by the way,''

　As I said it, I offered Mia a chair.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of your time in the city.

Yes, what is it?
What's your favorite thing, Mia?
My favorite thing, sir?

　Mia looked pompous.

　In fact, when we defeated giants and small species at the Holy Ruins yesterday, a few crystals were left in the place where their bodies had melted and disappeared.
　I failed to collect them during the Blue Goblin battle due to various reasons, but this time I managed to get some of them back.
　I left those crystals in the care of Currier-san.
　She said she would find time to exchange them for cash.

　So, I decided to use the money I got from converting the crystals into cash to make a present for Makina and Mia, which I had been thinking about for some time to express my gratitude.
　I'm going to keep quiet about the gifts since I want to give them to them as a surprise, but if there's something you like, I'd like to hear about it if possible.

''Yes, that's right........I am.......''

　Placing her hands together in her lap, Mia shrugged her shoulders in horror.
　Her animal ears snapped off with a snarl.

''Ku, Kurohiko-sama--''
Yes?
Therefore...........Mia is very fond of Mr. Kurohiko, that's why.......

　Blurred and downcast, Mia's face turned bright red.

''Eh?''

　..........
　Me?

Oh.

　A disheveled Mia.
　Let's see.

And as for non-humans, what do you think?

　I asked, feeling heat in my cheeks, but with a wry smile on my face.

'Hee!　Two non-humans...?　Oh ... isn't that right!　No, I...

　Mia-san, who seems to have sensed something, is dismayed as she squeezes her eyes shut.

''I'm sorry!　I think I misunderstood something about the intent of Kurohiko-sama's question...

　Hmmm.
　I might as well explain this one to her.
　So I decided to tell her the purpose of the question.

A gift to repay her for her daily gratitude, is that it?
Yeah.
I see........I'm sorry for running off on such a strange tangent.
No, no, I'm sorry, too. I was too vague in my questioning.

　Mia's mouth naturally parted and she put her hand on her chest with a biting expression.

''Gifts for me and others..........................Your feelings are enough.
But I want to give it to you. Please, consider me selfish.

　I bow my head.

''Oh, no, Kurohiko-sama, please look up!

　Since it was Mia-san, I could imagine that she would say something similar.

''Eh, then... well, then... well, Mia... I'll leave it to Kurohiko-sama.
You want me to handle it?

　The emotion in Mia's expression was akin to trust.

''Yes. Whatever Kurohiko-sama has chosen for me, I'm happy to see it.''
Yeah, I see.

　An angel, this one.
　Hmm.
　However, I feel that the bar has been raised.
　In other words, my ability to make choices is being tested....
　But.....
　But.... since he's finally saying that.
　I'll do my best to choose a gift for Mia.

Is this too vague to be an appropriate answer?
It'll be fine.
Okay, sir. Thank you for your concern, sir.

　Mia-san smiles at me.

''So, since this is the time to ask you.......do you know what you like, Makina-san?

　I also told Makina-san earlier that I was thinking of a gift for her.

''Is it something you like, Makina-sama?''

　That's right, isn't it," Mia said, letting her gaze wander through the air.

''If it's a gift for Makina-sama, she might appreciate the clothes.
Like you usually wear?
'Yes. Master Machina likes to dress like a china doll.

　It's true that they usually wear gothic lolita-like clothes.

But when it comes to clothes, many of them are expensive, so........yes, that's right......maybe some clothing that goes with the clothes would be good.
Oh, I see. It's a piece of clothing.
Yes, sir.

　Okay.

"Okay. I'll think about it.
But I'm sure Makina-sama will be pleased with whatever Kurohiko-sama gives her.
...Is that so?
Yes. So I don't want to talk too much about your preferences, do I?　I'm sure Makina-sama will be happy to hear that 'Kurohiko-sama thought about it and chose it himself.'
Oh, yeah?
Something like that, sir.

　Hmmm, Mia smiled.

　That's right.
　If I have free time today, I'll ask her to do some research.

　In the meantime, the time for school was approaching.
　I left the house, receiving Mia-san's send-off, and headed for the school.

　　　　　　　　　　

　Under a pleasantly clear sky.
　We met up with Currier-san and talked appropriately about yesterday's events as we headed to the main building.
　When we entered the classrooms, Cecily and her friends and Isla had already arrived at school.
　After exchanging greetings with them, Currier-san and I also took our seats.

　Apparently, they already know what happened yesterday.
　I could feel the air around us by my classmates changing slightly.
　However, what is being directed at us is more of a positive feeling.
　I don't feel bad about it.
　After a while, instructor Josef came in and moved on to the time of ascent report.

　There were two main items of communication.
　Both are close to confirming and following up on the story I heard yesterday.

　The first was about the immediate blockade of the Holy Ruins.
　Following the incident with the giants and small species the other day, the Knights of the Sacred Tree will be investigating the ruins of the school.
　As soon as the investigation is finished, the attack on the Holy Ruins will be resumed, but the period of investigation is still undecided at the moment.
　This will make it impossible to attack the sacred site for a while.
　Since it is unknown how long the site will be closed, there is a possibility that this year we will not be able to convert as many grades from the first semester as in previous years for the attack on the sacred site.
　The school is considering what to do with the first semester grades this year.

　The other thing is related to this Lion's Club.
　The first Lion's Club member to die and drop out of school, Phiburk Marrow.
　According to the instructor's explanation, his parents are coming to pick up Phiburg today.
　Incidentally, it seems that they've been judged to be lacking in ability, and for good or bad, all of Phiburg's cronies in the Lion's Group have been cut off from the Phiburg Squad.
　Come to think of it, I didn't see any of them in the Phiburg Squad.......
　It could be said that thanks to that, they were saved from death.
　But currently, they seemed to be somewhat shrugged off after losing their strong backers.

　After that, they moved on to the normal liberal arts classes.
　The usual classroom scene.

　Nevertheless.
　If the blockade of the Holy Ruins continues for a long time, what will happen to my Little Saint rank?
　The combat class is a special case group.
　Since the technical class can't handle the holy elements, they can't be evaluated on practical skills.
　Just as I was about to do my best to capture the Holy Ruins, which is the most important evaluation point, the Holy Ruins were sealed off.

　I straighten my posture and look at the blackboard.
　In that case, I have to work hard on the test for the liberal arts class or something...?
　But let's do our best....

　Despite my enthusiasm, the day's class ended without a hitch.

　　　　　　　　　　*

So thank you all for the other day.

　Pulling out a chair and standing up, Ira-san bowed deeply~.

　After school.
　The members of Ira's group, which had been formed to defeat the giants, had gathered in the cafeteria.
　It was more like a victory party or a consolation prize.
　Ira-san continued nervously.

The situation was quite different from what we had originally envisioned, but thanks to everyone's help, I think we managed to avoid the worst possible outcome. Err, this is all thanks to the cooperation of everyone.

　We were sitting around a circular table.
　The seats were located clockwise, Ira at the twelve o'clock position, then me, Currier, Cecily, Zeke, Hyrgis, and Ray.
　On the table were several dishes that could be bought in the dining room.
　In front of each of them was milk with honey.
　You can eat in the cafeteria outside of lunchtime as well, although it's not free.
　But today it was Ira's treat.
　At first, there was an air of willingness to share the food with everyone, but Ira was adamant about not giving in, so in the end it was her treat.

　Also, it seems that she had actually wanted to invite the Horns to their mansion in the capital, but she was concerned that inviting Cecily, the daughter of the Arkwright family, to the mansion might cause problems for her family, so she decided to hold the party in the dining room.

''You can eat and drink as you please today. The money we had prepared when we recruited the attack team to defeat the giants is exactly what's left over, so please don't worry about the money. Well then, everyone, take your time!

　He said with an oddly cocky air, and Ira indicated the food on the table with his hand, saying, "Quickly, please.
　Light applause responded.

''This, like this........is it okay?

　Ira checked in with me as he sat back in his chair.

'Isn't that okay?'
I can't get used to this kind of thing.

　Ira plays with the earrings in his ears in an embarrassed manner.
　However, this member.
　I turn around and look around at the faces at the table.

　Eeeeee!　Let's get this thing going!　It's a very clammy...well, it's a calm table, to put it nicely.
　Everyone is quietly bringing drinks and food to their mouths.
　The other students who were chatting in the cafeteria were more excited.

''Duh, it's okay, right?　I didn't do anything wrong, did I?

　Ira-san, who felt uneasy about everyone's unassuming eating scene, scurried around the table, thrusting his hand at the table and looking at everyone's situation.

''Duh, it's okay!　It's a lot of fun!

　I stood up and lifted my china cup.

'Ehhh, good job everyone!　Congratulations to all of you for a job well done!
'Wow!　Good night!

　A sad sound of me and Ira-san's cup meeting with a clunking sound rang out.

''..........''
..........
Good night.
Hi, how are you?

　Mr. Ray brought the cup out to me.
　And Miss Cecily, I mean, she leaned in a little late and

Yes, thank you for your help.

　He matched my cup to his own.
　Hmm.
　I see.
　So it was very humble, like this.
　Yeah, I guess so.
　They don't all seem to be the type to make a fuss.
　Yes, Currier-san is--
　...........
　Yeah, that was probably embarrassing.
　The hand that was about to lift the cup was dropping back many times as if it was unable to step on it.
　It really shows that he is not used to this kind of situation.
　No, I'm not used to it either, anyway.
　I was motivated by a sense of duty to follow up on Ira-san, and that was the result.
　On the other hand, although Zeke and Hyrgis-san, who are rather quiet types, exchanged words from time to time, they basically seemed to be enjoying their meal quietly.

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

　Well, that's just the way it is.

Speaking of which, Beoza and the others, are you okay?

　I ask Ira.

"Yeah. The instructor told me that he's going to be okay. 'Cecily's healing technique was a good one, wasn't it? They said that the students who were saved will be able to return to work in a short time.
Well, that's a relief.

　Good.
　Beoza-san didn't seem like a bad person.

''But I didn't expect the Holy Ruins to be sealed off.
Yes. I never dreamed that our mission to defeat the Titans would turn out like this. It's not only that, but it's also an unknown monster that comes up the hierarchy. But--

　Ira-san sent a grateful glance at me and Currier-san.

''The two of you defeated the master giant. It's amazing, how just two of them defeated a giant that even Beoza and the others couldn't match.''
''It's thanks to Currier-san's analysis of my weaknesses first. Besides, I relied on the power of the forbidden curse to win.

　.................
　Nevertheless.
　I had a thought in front of the giants.
　At that time - when the giants appeared and stood in front of us.
　The first emotion that arose was fear.
　And as I felt a cold sensation run down my spine, I thought to myself: "I'm not going to be able to do this.

　--I'm not going to be the only one.

　It was around this time that I was confronted with the giant, and I was reminded of that man's strength as a monster.
　Since my battle with that man, I've vaguely sensed that some of my senses have been severely dulled.
　My sense of threat has been dulled, or so I thought.
　I could feel it more when I dealt with giants and small species.
　Not just the top of the Small Sage rank, but the giants that even the strongest jutsu users in the school couldn't stand up to them.
　Even when confronting them, they didn't feel as if they were 'afraid' of the giants.
　Rather, it was just a painful reminder that the man who was sentenced to settle the matter three years later was far above the rest.

　It was only for a moment, but I experienced the depths of Hibigami.
　Since then, the way I see things has partly changed.

　What came next?　This was the impatience.
　What would I have to do to beat that man?
　Who am I fighting?

　I looked at the person sitting next to me, the one in this seat who knew Hibigami best.

'Hmm?　What is it?
Mr. Currier how can I beat Hibigami?
In a straight-up fight?
Yes, head-to-head.

　Putting his crossed arms on the table, Currier-san looks down at them.

The first thing to do is to get close to that guy's strength by fighting stronger guys than you are now to improve your ability. And then, on top of that, I'll fight someone stronger than him to make him even more powerful. That's the general idea. I'm sorry but that's the only thing I can think of.

　If we're going to meet the order of a head-to-head fight, there's probably only one way to do it, and it's as simple as now.

　The question is, is that method actually possible?
　It's very easy to find someone stronger than me right now.
　First there's Currier-san.
　If I can get her to keep training me, I'll be stronger than I am now.
　But.

What would it be like to have an opponent stronger than Hibigami?
"A stronger opponent than that guy? Besides, I don't even know who's where right now.

　Casually, Currier-san continued.

Other than that........the 'twins' of the Empire's suicide sub-army corps, and Garbarossa Gimenze, the 'war god' of the Empire as well. But when it comes to an opponent that makes Hibigami roar, as I thought--

　Currier squinted at her twin eyes.　　

''It's either 'Doomsday Empress' or 'The Four Deadly Disasters,' I suppose.

　As I recall, those were the two words that Hibigami, despairing of his overly strong self, uttered as 'promising' as an enemy.

''I've been meaning to ask you for a while now, but are those 'Doomsday Empresses' and 'Four Deadly Disasters' famous?''
''Well. However, the existence of the "Doomsday Empress" itself is questionable. Maybe she's a god-like being, if you will.
'This sounds great, but what are you talking about?　I know about "Doomsday Empress" and "Four Deadly Disasters", but what is "Hibigami"?　A person's name?

　Ira came into the conversation hesitantly.

'A hibigami is someone who has a very unpleasant personality.

　Cecily-san, who described the person called Hibigami briefly and accurately, smiles at me.
　
　Was it bad to talk about Hibigami here?

Don't worry about it. It's all taken care of.

　Cecily-san, who seemed to know what was on her mind, said casually.

'Hmmm ... is he a bad guy?

　Ira asked, blinking his eyes.
　She doesn't know much about that incident.
　I'm not sure if 'murderer' = 'Hibigami' is also not connected to it.
　So.

A bad one.
A bad one.
A bad one.

　Currier-san, me, and Cecily-san.
　The three of us replied almost simultaneously.
　And Zeke, who was unexpectedly unable to take advantage of the momentum, blurted out, "Bad.......that's the one.
　Hirgis-san with her jitzy gaze said, "........you shouldn't have said it rather than being embarrassed" and Zeke, boshing, turned bright red.
　Then Hirgis-san added, "........I agree with you, though.


There's no one in this world who likes that guy. He's a nuisance to everyone.

　Mr. Currier rots the hibigami even more.
　What is it?
　Only she can say anything to this hibigami.
　It's the strength of the old days, isn't it?
　But even she doesn't think she's being called out in such a bad way in this place.......

I've already cashed in the crystals that were dropped by the giants and small species yesterday before coming here.

　Currier-san switched the topic to the crystal.
　Even though the Holy Ruins have been sealed off, the hall is still open for a change.
　Apparently, they finished redeeming the money yesterday.
　Now, the important result of the exchange.
　The crystal left behind by the giants was of considerable quality and size, so it seems to have been worth quite a bit of money.
　So, after discussing it this morning on our way to school, we decided to share the money we got from the exchange with everyone else.
　But...

Oh, I'm not talking about that.
Me too.

　Ira and Ray offered their declines in rapid succession.

'Why?'

　When I'm confused.

Yeah, I'll pass.
Like Lady Cecily.
Same on the right.

　Even Cecily and her friends declined to do so.
　When I asked them why, they replied that it was simply because they were not in need of money.
　Ira-san added that it's not like we're going to need a large amount of money for the recruitment battle anymore........

''But we're all in this--''
''Aside from those of us who can rely on our homes, doesn't Kurohiko and Currier have any other means of earning money at this point other than capturing the Holy Ruins?　And that holy site is currently on the verge of being reopened for capture.

　Cecily asked.

'It's...'
''Even if the crystal had the best conversion rate, it must have been dropped by the giants, right?　The two of you were the ones who defeated that giant, and if we hadn't defeated it, I don't know if we would all be safe this time... I think we're entitled enough to receive it, don't you?

　Hmmm.
　I was counting on the money I redeemed as funds to buy gifts for Mia and Makina-san.......
　And in the air........it feels like I have no choice but to accept it now.
　Everyone's faces are blatantly saying 'feel free to take it'.


'Then feel free to join me. To be honest, I'm not that warm-hearted either.

　That's why it was decided that the money converted this time was half for me and half for Currier-san.

　Well.　
　The atmosphere of the place has eased with time, but the end time we had planned was approaching.
　It's about four o'clock in the afternoon now.
　Most of the dishes have been taken care of (I was surprised to find out that Ms. Ray is a great eater).
　I'll take the opportunity to ask Currier-san about "The Doomsday Empress" and "The Four Deadly Disasters", which I've been wanting to hear more about.

''Er, by the way,''

　Amidst the air that tightened the scene, Ira cut in unexpectedly.

''The day before next week's rest day, I would appreciate it if you could keep your plans open if possible.
What's going on that day?
Actually, I've reserved a room for all of you in the Cirrusarium.
Cirrus Baths?

　What is it?
　From the name, is it a bathhouse or something?

'Oh, I don't know if you've heard of Kurohiko?　Cirrus Baths are a great place to--

　Ira-san gave me a light explanation.
　It seems that the Cirrus Baths is a facility like a hot spring inn built for the nobility.
　It seems that everyone other than Currier-san knows about it except for the reaction I get from seeing the reaction.
　I'm sure it's a well-known place for those who live in this royal capital.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of it. I also used the Horne family's contacts for a bit. Oh, of course, don't worry about the money, okay?
Are you sure?　This one today has been another form of indulgence for you.

　Miss Cecily said so.

No, no, no!　You know I love doing this!　I mean, I mean, you know....

　Ira scratched his cheek in embarrassment.

'I was happy. I'm sure you've all taken my side like that... so I wanted to thank you in some way. That's why it would be nice if you could accept me without saying anything, I guess?

　So please take care of me, Ira bowed his head.

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

　After being told this, I can't say anything else.
　I'm sure everyone felt the same way.
　None of them interfered in any way, and all of them expressed their gratitude honestly.

　Anyway, it's a hot spring.
　It's going to be one more exciting event to look forward to.

　　　　　　　　　　*

　After the consolation party, we left the dining room.

'What are you going to do with Kurohiko after this?'

　Cecily asked after seeing Ira and Ray off, who said they had things to do later.

'I've got some personal business to attend to as well, so I thought I'd better be off for the day.
Okay.

　A somewhat disappointed Cecily.

'Is there anything after this?'
''I'm going to ask Currier to rent a training ground for me to practice my sword.
Yeah, it's for the currier.
Yes, she's a better swordsman than me. Yes, she is more skilled than me. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. I'm not going to be able to tell the difference.

　Cecily gives me a meaningful look.

'Yes, he's the best mentor I've ever had to respect.
That's a tough thing for you to say, isn't it?
What?

　'Huh,' he sighed for some reason.

'I turned him down once because he might get into some weird habits when dealing with me.

　It was Currier who spoke up.

''Were you pushed through?''
'Yeah... or rather, Cecily's requests lately have been particularly hard to refuse.

　Cecily put her hands around Currier's waist from behind her, "You said you'd teach Currier the 'secret to being girly' in exchange for that?

"Hmph, didn't you say you would teach Currier the 'secret to being girly' in return?
Hey, man, what the hell is wrong with you, and I don't want to look like a girl.

　Unusually, Currier-san looked flustered and gave me an excusing look.

''Ya........well. Ah, that......................what is it?

　Even more unusually, the thought was topsy-turvy.

'Mr Currier, are you all right?'
I don't know.

　Miss Currier put her hand to her forehead as if her self-existence was wavering.
　Then she dropped her breath as if she'd lost her confidence.

'Really, I'm out of shape with you guys.
Does the Currier not like us?
'No, I don't hate you, but...'
I like that about Currier, you know?

　Currier-san's shoulders slumped in resignation.

''Yeah I like you too. Ick........
Well, shall we go now?
Yeah.

　We walked together for a bit and then we split up on the way.
　By the way, Siegfried and Hyrgis also went to the training ground.
　They are also going to practice their swords along with us.
　I have to be at least Cecily's training partner, Sieg said with a wry smile.

　Well.
　Now that I'm on my own, I start walking again.
　The goal is the headmaster's office.
　You seem to be very busy lately, so I wonder if you could take the time.......

　　　　　　　　　　*

　We reach the Dean's office.
　First, there's a knock at the door.

"Who are you?
Kurohiko. Are you okay now?
Oh, Kurohiko?　Yes, go ahead.

　I was prompted to enter the headmaster's office.
　A familiar interior greeted me.
　I'm not going to be able to get the same gothic loli outfit as usual, but Makina-san released the documents she was looking through on her desk.
　I was advised to sit on the sofa.

'It's unusual, coming from you to visit me. But it's just as well. I had something to tell you too.
To tell?

　What is it?

It's about your fight with that man, Hibigami. We've set a date for a member of the Order of the Sacred Tree to come and interview him.
Oh, that's right, there is.

　I remember we were supposed to reschedule it for a later date.

There was no notice of who would be there, but I'm sure David and the others who were there at the time will be there. I'm going to be there when it's convenient for me, so please be at ease.
Thank you.

　Then we talked a bit about what happened at the Holy Ruins this time.
　And when we were done talking.

I'm sorry. You're the one who came for me.
'Oh, yes. Makina-san's foot--

　I'm about to say it and then I gasp.
　Wait, what?
　If I ask your foot size here, won't they know I'm trying to give you a pair of shoes?
　Mia-san was no good, but I'd like to surprise Makina-san with a gift if possible.
　Or rather, I should have at least asked Mia-san about her foot size.
　No, is there a concept of 'size' in the first place?
　What should we do?

Legs?　What's wrong with my leg?
Legs... yes, legs!　Aren't you stiff!
Huh?
'See, you said the other day that you were going to relax your stiff body or something!
Oh, you remember me?
And of course!
..........

　'Huh,' Makina let out a breath.

''Right. Well then, since you're here, let's have you rub it a bit.''
Gladly!

　Makina-san left her desk and headed to her room next door.
　Mu.
　In that room over there?
　No ... or is this more of an opportunity?

What's going on?　Are you coming?
Oh, yes.

　And I'll stand up too.

　Okay.
　I'll look.
　Just watch.
　At the same time as fulfilling the promise of a massage, the size of Makina-san's foot - this eye and brain are to be burned into.

　I step into her own room, staring at Makina-san's feet from slightly behind.