That lavender-like scent tickled my nose as soon as I entered the room.
　This is Machina's private room.
　It's been a long time since I've been in this room.

　The double-ended window leading to the terrace was covered by thick curtains.
　The warm light of the crystals inlaid in the candelabra illuminated the room.

　Makina-san took off her shoes and laid down on her face on the canopy bed.

''Then, please be reasonable.''
Oh, yes.

　While replying as if I were being played, I eyed the little shoes that were placed in line by the bed.
　Remember how big they are.
　Small.
　The only thing I can tell is ... they're small.
　Up close and personal, if possible--

What's going on?　Do you have a bug?
No, I'm sorry. I'm coming.

　I stand beside the bed.
　From here, there is some distance to the body of Machina-san who is lying down.......
　In this position, it's going to be difficult to get the right amount of strength.

Is it safe for me to get on the bed too?
I don't mind. I don't mind.

　'Giggle,' says Makina, giving me a teasing smile.

'It's not like it's your first bed, is it?　After all, we spent the night here, didn't we?
Oh, I've seen that happen.

　I chuckle.
　That was the first night.
　I remember being really nervous.

'You've changed, haven't you?'

　Makina, who placed her shaped chin on her crossed arms, said with great emotion.

''What do you think? Maybe it's just a case of being disguised?
Then it was a good idea to peel it off, wasn't it?
Is that so?
At least I think so.

　After that conversation, I kneeled down on the bed.
　I moved to the side of Makina-san who was lying down.
　In front of me is Makina-san's back that has been exposed unprotected.
　............
　Even though the situation was self-inflicted, it has become somewhat strange.

''Can you ask for the waist area first?''
Is your back stiff?
A little recently. I guess it's all that sedentary work, huh?

　I slipped even closer and put my hand around Makina-san's waist.

　To tell the truth, when I was in my former world, I was bothered by a slight stiffness in my shoulder due to the fact that I often overworked my eyes in front of the computer.
　So I decided to spend my spare time on the Internet to research about stiff shoulders.
　And while I was following the link of the site that came up with the search keyword, I arrived at the site that introduced the massage and the acupuncture points that improve blood flow.
　Moreover, I read through the site from the beginning to the end if I noticed.

　I wish the knowledge I acquired in vain at that time is useful.
　In addition, I had never actually given anyone a massage.
　It's just a matter of learning by example.
　Will I be able to get it right?

'I might not be very good at it, you know?　I'm not used to doing that to people.
It's okay. Mia is very good at it, but she's a little weak. That's why I was wondering if a boy would be able to pressure her. But I don't have any boys around to ask. Well, maybe if you get a chance, you could ask Mia to show you how to do it.
Does that mean I'm going to be on the clock in the future?
I will, but what?　You don't like it?
'I don't mind, but...'

　Isn't there a more suitable actor than you?　That's what I was thinking.
　Well, that's not the point.

Okay, here we go.

　My hands are fixed on Makina's slender waist.
　Even through the fabric, I could clearly feel the shape of her waist.
　I gently touch the lower part of her back with my thumb.

''Uh, right around here?''
A little further down.
Yes.

　Gulp, and lightly press your thumb in.
　Ah.
　This part is a bit hard.

Hmmm.........yeah, that's the way it should be.......
You mean like this?
Oh, come on, he's a little strong... but be gentle with him.
Okay.

　I gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp.

.........How do you think?
'Oh, well that's about right... hmmm, what the hell, you're not very good at it for something you're not used to.
Hi.
Well, don't be alarmed you're still working a little hard, aren't you?
I'm sorry.
Oh, there... it feels so good... hmmm...

　I wonder what the tone of your voice can be a little better.
　I'm just massaging her, but I'm getting a strange thrill from it.

　Why am I doing this in the first place?
　Oh, yes.
　I'm just here to get my foot size.
　I shouldn't have done that.
　I was about to lose sight of my original purpose.

　While moving up and down the point of pressure according to the instructions, at the same time, I slide my gaze from Makina-san's thighs to her toes.
　I have no problem recognizing the shape of her foot, though she's only wearing white knee socks.
　That size and shape must be burned into your eyes--.

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

　Even so, her legs are so thin.....
　If I shifted my gaze slightly, I could see the white, raw skin peeking out between the slightly upturned skirt and knee socks.
　Fine and smooth thighs.
　A little above that, a small buttocks.
　But - for now - legs.
　Only the feet mattered.

'Kurohiko, why are you staring so closely at my lower body?'
What?

　Makina-san was staring at me with quizzical half-eyes.

''I, no, this isn't........''
You seem to be paying attention to my feet... what's wrong with my feet?
Um...

　There are bugs on my feet - no good.
　It's obvious that there are no insects, since it's a white background.
　And if Makina-san hates bugs, she might be scared.
　It's kind of disgusting, like a malicious prank.
　However, if you reveal that you were assessing the size of your feet for the present, the surprise that you had been waiting for is--.

'I........like the feet of beautiful girls.
...feet?
''Yes. I've never in my life met anyone with legs as beautiful as Makina-san's... so I just couldn't help but admire them.

　After I said it, I thought.
　This is the right thing to do!
　Surprise is something we have to defend, even if we have to abandon our pincers as people!

　But it's also true that we can't back down now that we've come this far.
　......................
　I have no choice but to go.

Hmm. The first time in my life I've met a beautiful foot, right?
Yes, I think it's a unique and wonderful foot.

　Makina sat up and sat back down on the bed.
　Then she played with her hair, her cheeks tinted and her little lips puckered up.

'Well, well I don't feel bad about you saying that to me.

　But the next thing that was directed at me was a softly censure gaze.

''But is it unusual or, how should I say, unusual that feet are the object of preference... or is it a normal preference in your world?''
No, I think it's more of a special kind of thing in my world...

　Well, actually, I think Makina's legs are in such good shape that I'm in love with them.
　So much so that you can see them even through your knees.
　But I'm not really a foot fetishist.

''Um ... have you had your massage yet?''
Do you want to touch it?
"Huh?
So my leg.

　Makina-san got up on one knee.
　The space between her thighs peeking out of her skirt is pretty close to the edge of the space between her thighs, and I can't help but turn away from her.

'If you want to touch it, though, I'll allow it?

　This.
　An opportunity, perhaps?

Are you sure you want to do this?
You'll get a proper rub in return?　Oh well if that's the case, should I take this off too?

　Makina-san shows you the edge of her knees in a pinch.
　It's an angle dangerous - but still.
　That's right.
　At this time, we should already analyze Makina-san's foot thoroughly.
　........................
　I should, right?

　No.
　We've come this far, there's no going back.
　You have to be ready for this.
　You have to be strong.
　We've made that decision.
　Well, it's not the same thing.
　I said definitively.

"Please, please.
All right. Give me a minute.

　Yes, Machina-san takes off her knee socks and removes them.
　I desperately avert my gaze from the dangerous space between my thighs, which is still the same as always.
　I can feel my face heating up.
　

　Hmm.
　I don't know.
　Is it a proof that she trusts me?

　While I was thinking about this, Machina finished taking off her knee socks.
　Then, your feet, which have a white porcelain skin without a single stain, were exposed.
　It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what to expect.

Then, please be appropriate.

　Immediately after, Makina-san adds anxiously.

'Although I'm sure the smell is fine.
Don't worry. A little smell is not a problem.

　It's the size that matters.

'I see, so the smell is included...'

　Hmm.
　I can see some confusion, but it doesn't sound like he doesn't like it.
　I don't understand the meaning of the statement that smells are included, though.
　But speaking of scent, at this distance, the smell of others...Makina-san's smell.
　The faintly sweet scent mixed with the scent of lavender makes me feel a little nervous.

　With that kind of doom and gloom, I fearlessly put my hand on her toes.

'Excuse me, sir.

　Oh it's kind of frisky.
　Her small fingers are neatly lined up, and her nails, which are nearly round, are carefully groomed.

''It's kind of strange to have someone touch your feet like this.
But I'd be very grateful.

　Makina-san's legs are lifted up a little bit in a reserved manner, taking care not to see the inside of her skirt.
　Alright.
　I'll make this hand, as well as my eyes, memorize the shape of Makina-san's foot.

　I press the pressure points on her left foot while continuing to observe it critically.
　I'm sure the foot pressure points I saw on the internet sites are not wrong here or here.......

Ah ........there, it feels good!
Doesn't it hurt?
Yeah, I'm fine. But I'm surprised. It's amazing what pressure on a place like that can make you feel good.
There are many different pressure points on the feet, and it seems to be healthy to press them. I'm sure it hurts in some places, but...
Wow you have such knowledge.
Hahaha it's almost a false alarm.

　To answer Makina's kindness, I stimulated a few of the pressure points on her feet that I remembered.
　But each time she did so, a voice similar to a gasp escaped from the gap between her pale pink lips.
　As I listened to her voice, I wondered if this was not good for something, and I made the decision to stop the massage right there.

''Let's end it like this........haha......
Well, yeah. That was pretty good, wasn't it, Kurohiko?　You had an unexpected talent.
It's a pleasure to be complimented.

　I already know the shape of your feet.
　It's perfect.
　You've done a good job.
　But did I really have to go this far?
　Now such doubts were beginning to arise.
　If you take a glance at Makina-san's shoes, you could at least get an approximate size without coming to such a distant place.

''Hey, Kurohiko.

　Makina-san, who had picked up the knee socks that had been taken off, stopped her hand and called out to her unexpectedly.

'Yes, what is it?'
Do you want to try it?
... what?
'You like feet, don't you?　Well I wondered if you liked it enough to go as far as licking it.

　Makina-san with a fist clenched loosely around her mouth and her eyes moisten.

''I don't mind, though, if you want me to. If you want, my feet, you can do what you want, okay?
No, no, it's not that bad. Don't worry about it.

　I made a serious expression and stuck my palm out in front of me and said no.
　From this point onwards, even if I was subjected to the sway of a person with a penchant for perverted s*xually beautiful girls' feet - there is a line that cannot be crossed.
　But even so, what I lost was too much.
　There is no room left for excuses for the current me.......from now on, I have no choice but to carry this cross in silence.

'It's not true, is it?'
"Huh?

　Instantly.
　Makina-san's expression, which was like a damsel in disgrace just a moment ago, changed drastically.


'What?　Oh--

　Makina-san, who folded her arms, thrust her face forward with munchies.
　Her expression is full of doubt.

'In the first place, I had an uncomfortable feeling from the middle. I can't get rid of a shred of doubt, if you will. But your current rather indifferent reaction confirms it. You.........you don't have any particular s*xual proclivities for your feet, do you?　You have something to hide, don't you?

　The accusatory glances torment me.

'Be honest with me,'

　So - washed up and confessed.

　　　　　　　　　　*.

We'll figure it out for now.

　When I finished listening to the explanation, Makina-san nodded in agreement.
　I, who was sitting upright on the bed, bowed my head deeply.

''I'm sorry.......I was so driven by a mysterious sense of duty that I fell back and forth.
Well, he was acting strangely, so I knew there was a reason for it.

　According to Makina-san, apparently she began to feel uncomfortable as she watched my reaction.
　It bothered her that he didn't seem too happy to touch her for a foot fetish.

'It's just that it was so serious, no, I almost believed at first that it might be genuine...maybe it was real.
By the way... how long did you start to feel the discomfort?
Will it be a while before I can take these off?

　Didn't he think to interrupt the question at that point?
　When I questioned that, Makina-san let out an evil smile of a giggle.

'It's getting interesting watching you, you know. Because your reactions are so adorable.
..........

　He was half enjoying himself.

'So, but what would you have done if I... well, if I was the real thing?'
I thought if I did I could do some of that stuff with my feet but, fortunately or unfortunately, it doesn't seem to have happened.

　Makina-san turns to me with a chuckle.
　...........
　What kind of route would have been waiting for me if I was the real thing?
　It's like I'm very curious about things I'd rather not know.

''Well, I'll just say thank you in passing for your thoughtfulness in wanting to surprise me with a gift. You were thinking of me, weren't you?
'I was going to, but it was kind of weird and I'm sorry about that.

　Then Makina-san put her hand to her chin and began to think about something, hmmm.
　And then.

If you're feeling sorry for yourself how about you do one thing to make up for it and listen to me?
Okay.

　I'll give you whatever you want in here.

Then--

　Gulp, I spit.
　I waited for Makina-san's next words.

'Come with me and go buy those gift shoes.

　I blinked.

'Huh?'
'I'm suggesting that we go together to buy a gift for me. I have a favorite store for shoes and we will go to the store together and you can pick out a pair for me on the spot.
Really, is that what you think?
"...what kind of impossible task did you expect to be asked to do?
"Spend half a year cleaning all of the school's facilities...?　I don't know if that level of detail is required--

　Makina chuckles.

'What kind of a nasty woman am I...'
Oh, no, I had a feeling I'd done just that much--

　I feel guilty just for lying to her and........

''Well, then, let's add one more thing to the list.
Did you add one more?
Oh, you're not happy?　You've been messing with my feet for too long.

　While scooping up her hair with a hand comb, Makina-san looks at me with her twin eyes narrowed.
　The red eyes have a playful lewdness in them.
　But the expression 'playing with your legs' is kind of amazing.....

''Wow, I understand. And.........what is that additional content?
'You will continue to act as my rubbing therapist. Whatever the motive, I know for a fact that your rubbing felt good.
Yes, sir.

　Even though I said I would do what he said, the point was that he only made me promise to go shopping for gifts with him on another day and to take on the role of Makina-san's massage on a regular basis in the future.

　Hmmm.
　I can't get over this guy.
　What an open-minded person, or something like that.
　If I were to list only the facts, he used the massage as an excuse to touch my feet for a different purpose....
　He even made me take off my knee socks.
　Normally, it's not strange that she'd have a harsher reaction and punishment.
　In that sense, Makina-san's generosity may have saved us.

　We went back to the headmaster's office and sat down on the couch facing each other.

''How about the next day off for shopping?''

　Makina suggested.

'The next rest day, sir?

　The day before the day of the holiday, everyone in Ira's group would be going to Cirrus Baths.
　In addition, Ira said that the plan was to stay overnight, and the breakup would be around past noon the next day.
　So, if we could go, it would be in the evening.

'Um, is it okay if we start in the evening?'
'Yes, fine. Then would you be able to come to the headmaster's office at a convenient time for you on the day?
I understand.
Well, let's get something to eat on the way home. Of course, I'll pay for your meal, okay?
Are you sure?

　Giggling, Makina-san laughs.

''At times like this, you should just nod your head in silence?
Well thank you for the meal.

　Combining her hands together, Makina nodded with satisfaction.

'Good.'

　Afterwards, after hearing more details about the date and time of the interview with the Holy Tree Knights, I said a few words to Makina-san and left the headmaster's office.
　It was already dark outside.
　There was still a chance that I could meet up with Currier and the others in time, but I hadn't quite recovered from the fatigue caused by the eighth curse, so I decided to go home quietly and rest for today.

　I left the main building and headed home, feeling the cool breeze caressing my cheeks.
　By the time I passed the women's dormitory, it was completely dark.
　Light was leaking from the windows of the house.
　It seems that Mia is already there.

I'm home.

　I opened the door to the house and my eyes widened.

Oh, Mr. Kurohiko...

　In the dining room, I saw Mia with her hand to her mouth in confusion.
　And.

Who are you?

　I prepare for the forbidden chant.

''Kurohiko-sama this person is not an acquaintance of yours?
Yes I've never seen him before.
I'm sorry, sir. He came to see me about half an hour ago and asked if he could meet with Mr. Kurohiko. I asked if we could reschedule the meeting for another day, but, well--

　Mia looked at the person sitting in the chair with a look of confusion on her face.

'A dear friend, as you say,'

　So you couldn't let that get you down.
　But--
　I don't even recognize the man sitting in the chair, let alone my friend.

'So, since I don't want to bother you, he wants me to wait here until Kurohiko-sama returns...'

　The man sitting in the chair gave a thumbs up to Mia, who looked sincerely apologetic.

That's why. So this little girl has done nothing wrong. Don't blame her, okay?　I'm always the only one to blame.

　The man was wearing the school's uniform.
　The front of his uniform was open and the black clothes he had put on inside were peeking out.

"Who are you?
My name is Rokia.

　The man - Rokia smiled wryly and looked at me with his keen, three-white eyes as if he were amused.

'Would it be easier to understand if you called yourself Currier Versteen's countryman?
!

　A fellow countryman of Mr. Currier's.
　So that means--

Kukku, you get the picture. I'm from the Sixth House.

　Rokia laughed, her tongue peeking out as she combined her hands in front of her knees.

'Nice to meet you. Sagara Kurohiko, forbidden spell user.'