He's from the same house as Currier.
　Who the hell is this man--

What do you want from me?

　Rokia looked relaxed and replied.

'Hey, I just wanted to talk to you. Hibigami's--'

　I took one look at Mia, who was watching me anxiously.

'I'm sorry, but if you want to talk to me, can you ask her outside?'

　He indicates the door with his thumb.

'Because that's probably not the kind of story you want her to hear,'

　The topic of Hibigami.
　It could cause her to worry unnecessarily.

''Kurohiko-sama you're okay, right?　I'm at the Sixth House and...

　He smiled at the caring Mia.

'Don't worry. I'll be right back.

　He fades the smile and turns to Rokia.

'Then let's go.'

　Rokia nodded silently with a smile left on her mouth.

　I got Rokia to step outside first.
　Then I followed and went outside.

　There was not a soul in sight.
　A nearby wooded area was swaying quietly in the night breeze.
　The only other things I noticed were the light leaking from the windows of the women's quarters and the smoke trailing from the chimney of the same quarters.

　Rokia sat on the fence surrounding the house.

You're pretty calm, aren't you? It's very considerate of you. This guy is better than I thought--what are you mumbling about?
Ninth curse, release.
Huh?

　A dimensional hole appeared on all sides of Lokia.
　Chains restrained Lokia.

'Oh!　Hey, what the hell is this?
Don't worry. Those chains will only restrain you if they remain in place. I have no intention of harming you - for now. And after all this, I have no intention of being hostile to you--this, too, for now.

　He is from the Sixth Estate.
　Whether or not he's someone who would be a danger to me and the people around me is unknown.
　But a sweet look on his face and a surprise attack is a normal possibility.
　Maybe the fact that he didn't do anything to Mia was just a stepping stone to get me to let my guard down.

　There was some doubt in my mind, but... in the end, I decided to make the first move.
　However, I'm not sure if it will be effective or not.
　It was a series of battles against Hibigami, the giant and an opponent who could break the chains so easily.......
　This man might easily break out of the chains' spell too.
　There are still such fears--.

'Good!　Don't answer it!

　Rokia shouted.

'This isn't Teme's place to be, Gozuto!　This guy has no intention of hurting me at the moment!

　Are you calling out to someone?
　Gosut?
　You got a buddy lurking nearby?
　Watch your surroundings.
　If you're there ... is it that thicket over there?

I'm sorry. He couldn't read the atmosphere.

　Rokia's words earlier stuck with me.

''Well what made you think I wasn't going to hurt you?''
Kukku.... it's obvious. You can't help it if you don't understand it, can you?
How do you know?
You don't have any hostile intent or intent to kill me right now, you know. But I also know that if they consider me an enemy, they will attack me without a second thought. It's a good sign.　But don't worry. I have no intention of hurting you, either - but if I were to hurt you, Currier would kill me.

　There was no hostility.
　It was the same for the man in front of me.
　Rokia doesn't even show any pretense of resistance, let alone an attempt to break the restraints.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal of information on this.
　But if you try to use the magic formula, it is impossible to use it as long as you are bound by those chains.

　Furthermore, if you try to use the magic, those who don't understand the nature of the chain should show a puzzled reaction.
　Just like Makina-san at that time.
　

　Did he have his people on standby?
　He's a man without a care in the world.
　...........
　Let's just be vigilant.

So what are you doing in this school?
Same goal as Currier's, I should say.

　The answer came back without a moment's delay.

'You mean, to look for noise?'
Oh.

　Rokia rolled her eyes like a plate.

'He told you about the noise too? You, you have a lot of trust in Currier.
Is it really such a surprise?

　And besides, Currier-san, I don't think I'd be very happy if Hibigami liked me.

You don't get it, do you? You don't understand, you're too powerful, you're too boring, you're too annoying, you're too loud, you're too boring.　Not only did you find your lifelong rival, but you also entrusted him with your beloved sword. And I'm very interested in this lifelong nemesis, right?
Is that why you came to see me?
Yeah. It's a way to kill time, looking for noise that could be an endurance battle.

　Searching for noise, huh?
　This man also came to the school in search of this person called Noyes.
　Noise Deuce.
　Who the hell is he?
　And Rokia talked about a lot of things that I didn't hear.

　That the man who broke down the detention room is Gozuto.
　The fact that Rokia herself went to the school because she decided that Gozuto was not reliable enough.
　The reason why he is chasing after Noyes is to get back his beloved sword that was stolen.
　The fact that he is the leader of the 'Kingdom of Fools', one of the three major organizations in Doomsday Township.

''Are you sure you wanted to tell me that easily?''
'Oh?　It's common courtesy, you know. Well, daring to reveal a secret is an effective way to win the other person's trust. The sharing of secrets creates trust, you know. You're all too easy to get rid of.

　If you say that, I feel like your trustworthiness is ruined....
　He's kind of fluffy and hard to grasp.

But this is the forbidden spell you're talking about, isn't it? You really are a master of the counterspell, aren't you?

　With a look of curiosity, Rokia looks down at the chains that bind her.

'Well, just in case.'

　And what is it?
　Even though he's bound by chains, he's still that calm.
　Is he a big shot, after all, because he leads a well-known organization in Doomsday Township?

"But you--you have a nasty look in your eye.
What?

　Bad eyes?

You could say I have the worst eyes in the world.
..........

　The main character of the shonen manga I know would be said to have good eyes or something like that by someone like an old master, but to be told that he has bad eyes.
　It's too much.

''Huh........I see. I'm beginning to understand why Hibigami is so obsessed with this. This guy is dangerous because of the purity of his mental center. It's true that if you give him direction, he could turn into one at a stretch.......either way.

　What is this guy talking about?

What the hell do you know about me?
I'm a very good judge of character. I've said it.　I know it, I know it. And I know--

　The emotion in that smile of Rokia's is close to rapture.

'Teme has the potential to be supremely wicked if he takes the wrong path,'

　What's the point of going the wrong way....
　And the supreme evil.
　I'm not trying to be the righteous one, but I'm not going to be the supreme evil, okay?

I don't know if it's the curse or what, but I get a bad feeling from you. I don't know how to describe it.
..........

　What the hell is this guy, really?

Well, that's okay. How about it?　Why don't you.........come over to my place?
What?
Ha-ha-ha, get it out. I'm inviting you to join the Kingdom of the Fools.
What did you say?
I don't want you to be my foot soldier. I'm not going to tell you to follow me or anything. It's possible for you to become the king of your own country in the end.　Yeah, you're going to do it with Hibigami in three years, right?　You know, there's no shortage of guys in there getting ready to fight the hibigami.　You can kill the ones you like as much as you want while you're training.
Hey, wait a minute.

　So what is this guy saying?

Oh, so you're saying I have to pay you something else?　What is it?　Money?　Or is it human?　I can provide you with a beautiful spot, woman or man, if you want, okay?
'Hey, why are we talking about this all of a sudden?　What in the world have you found worthwhile about me in this short time?
It's not just the fact that they are obsessed with you, it's the fact that they are obsessed with you. Well, I didn't really understand how great you were until I talked to you face to face like this, but now I understand.

　Rokia looked pleased.

'It's not just that he has a forbidden curse in his body. It's that you have the potential to be the best at what you do. Because of her purity.

　I'm not sure what you're talking about.
　Pure?
　Me?
　And the best way out.........

　Kukkuk," Rokia laughs with amusement.

''That unawareness proves everything, doesn't it--hmm?
'It looks like you want me to kill you before Hibigami does, Rokia.

　A sharp, stinging voice.
　Me and Rokia's gaze goes to the direction of the voice - the voice comes from the thicket.

'Ggh.'

　Out of the thicket, a man carrying a coffin jumped out of the thicket with an agonizing grunt.
　Then the man fell forward.
　The man was a skinhead and had a moustache.
　He was big enough to carry that big coffin on his back.
　From the glimpse of his face, he seems to be of a reasonable age....
　Perhaps he is the man called Gozuto.
　Unlike Rokia, he was not wearing a uniform.

''Sorry, Rokia,''

　The one who appeared behind Gozuto as he uttered such an apology was

Didn't I tell you?　I'll let you off the hook as long as you work to find the noise, but if you mess with Kurohiko, you'll have to agree to it?

　It was Currier-san in his uniform.
　She has a dull, moonlit, cold expression.

'Wait, wait, Currier!　As you can see, I'm bound by a curse.　And you know what... I never said I wouldn't have any contact with Sagara Kurohiko.

　With a grin, Rokia laughs.

''I said, 'I ain't gonna hurt Sagara Kurohiko or make him feel bad,' right?
You're not going to talk... are you okay, Blackie?
I'm fine. They haven't done anything to me.
Well I see. Yeah, you can break the ban now. If this guy makes any strange moves, I'll take care of it right away.
Okay, I understand.

　I broke the ninth curse.
　And after the chains disappeared.

Well, you know, I'm sorry...

　I called out to Rokia so.

'Oh?　What?

　Rokia tilts her head as she adjusts her uniform.

'No, because I used a forbidden curse without even listening to you.
Yeah it's all right. There's nothing wrong with what you're doing. In fact, if I hadn't been brave enough to follow you, I would have been disappointed in you.
You're a nice guy.
What?
Now that I've talked to you, I can see that you're not such a bad guy.
Blackbeard!

　Mr. Currier sounded unusually bareheaded.
　Meanwhile.

'Huh ... hahahahahahahahahahaha!

　Rokia let out a high-pitched laugh.

'This ole me is a 'good guy'!　Did you hear that, Currier?　He just called me a good guy!　The demon king of the Kingdom of the Fools, feared even in the end of the world.　What in the world makes me look like a 'good guy'?

　Nee, Rokia contorted the ends of her mouth into a wide arc.
　Teeth as sharp as fangs peeked out.　

You're not going to be able to get a good deal more than that. I don't hate people like that. How about it?　Why don't you seriously consider what you just said?

　Currier-san came up to me and hugged me as if he was trying not to give it to me.

''Well what did you propose to Kurohiko?''
Mr. Currier, I mean, you're right...

　I can see her breasts through her uniform.

You know, I just thought I'd ask you a few questions about my organization.
What did you say?　You--
Wait, wait, wait. I don't have to, and I don't intend to. And I never will. But, at the same time, he's someone I'd want, even if I had to send you and Hibigami to the other side.

　Hush.
　Currier-san, who was away from me in an instant, let out a sharp kick as if she was going to cut off Rokia's head.

You're in danger, you know!　You were going to kill me now!

　Rokia barely leaned back and avoided the kick.

'Humph ... what do you say, a guy who wouldn't die if you killed him?'
"Ha, you're still a delightfully horrible woman, you!　And if you were to kick me in that outfit, I'd see it, but don't you feel a sense of shame in front of your beloved Kurohiko?
You can't see your underwear and then you can't see...

　Currier-san held up the edge of her skirt and looked anxiously at me.
　Well, um........I could see it, but.......

'Huh?　You can't help but feel ashamed in front of the man you love, can you?　Huhahahahaha, another rare thing I've seen. That Currier Versteen was embarrassed. I guess people do change when they change, don't they?
Kurohiko will never again visit the apocalypse. I won't let him.
I don't think you're being too protective. It's a bit of an insult to think that Kurohiko is a guy who is constantly being protected by you.
I don't want to be a--
Nah, it's more of a noise thing.

　Then Rokia changed the subject.

It's like you've been talking to Kurohiko. I'm not sure if you don't want to involve Kurohiko or if you want to involve her in this, but I can't tell.
'I ... want to help Currier-san if there's anything I can do to help her. That's why I want to help you find someone called Noyes if I can help. So I'd like to know what information you have.
You wouldn't disagree with that, would you?

　In response to Rokia's question, Currier-san showed a moment's hesitation, but nodded her head.

''It's not that I don't have an objection but I thought I should at least tell you what's going on.

　Then she eased the air somewhat and turned the conversation over to Rokia.

'There's one thing about that noise that's been bothering me.
Hmm?　What is it?
Do you know about the giant that appeared in the Holy Ruins the other day?
... well, to a point. What's wrong with that?
The nature of the giant was a little disturbing.
Oh?　Characteristics?
I was just thinking about that extraordinary ability to absorb the sacred elements, like someone else.
So you're saying you were like me?

　Their gazes crossed.
　A faint tension flowed.

'No, I don't think it was you. But a thought has occurred to me today. The idea that this giant was 'created' by someone else.
So you think this Titan was modeled after me?　If that's the case there's only so many people who can do that, right?
Doesn't it go without saying?
Noise.
Yeah, I think so.
Oh, yeah?

　Noise could do that.
　Rokia was about to say that.

''Why were giants and smaller species able to move up the hierarchy when the demons of the Holy Ruins shouldn't be able to?　Moreover, the small species that the giants were following were attacking the Holy Ruins' demons. From this, it was possible that the giants were not the Holy Ruins' demons. The giants and small species were foreign to the Holy Ruins.
"So you're saying that those giants were 'created' by noise within the Holy Ruins?

　Currier nodded.
　Rokia begins to fiddle with her throat.

'The purpose is ... well, I'm pretty sure it's Currier.

　You're here for Mr. Currier?
　What does that mean?


What?

　A Noyes Dees was in the Holy Ruins?

"Kurohiko.
Yes, sir.

　Currier-san's gaze turned to me.

'What did that giant look like to you?'
'What?　I thought it was a demon from the Holy Ruins, but...
''Well, I suppose so. Since it appeared in the Holy Ruins, it's natural to think so. Moreover, there had been rumors of a strange occurrence in the Holy Ruins recently. No one would be surprised if an unknown demon appeared there.

　Mr. Currier put a hand to his chin as he searched his memory.

'So. At that time ... there were students from the Fiburg squad who showed up late after Fiburg, weren't there?

　Beoza and a few students who had escaped from the giant and the small species.
　They came a little after Phiburg.

'Didn't you see the student who ran over here first right after and took Cecily's hand?
Yeah, yeah.
The student quipped as he asked for help. 'It's like a golem that turned blue.'

　I'll do a little digging around in my memory.
　Yeah.
　I have a feeling I was saying that for sure.
　At that time, the situation was the situation, so I didn't feel any different, but....
　Currier-san continues.

''But everyone should have been calling them 'giants' the whole time during the defeat mission.
That reminds me.

　Hmm.
　In other words, Currier-san is trapped by the fact that the female student said 'golem'?
　But what kind of thing is a golem in this world?
　Then, as if to answer the question I had in mind, Curie-san began to talk about golems.

'It is true that there is a 'golem' that is created by spell chanting. But nowadays it is generally considered a lost spell. Furthermore, demons that remind us of golems are not listed in the Holy Ruins Book.......so why did the student use the word 'golem'?　Later I realized ... it felt different.
But that's just because the student simply reminded you of a golem, isn't it?

　Rokia interjected with a question.
　He has a point.
　It's quite possible that he knew about it from a book or something and it just came out of his mouth on the spur of the moment.
　It may be somewhat unreasonable to judge it as suspicious just by cutting out that statement.
　But it seems that Currier-san had come up with the idea there, too

Maybe.

　He easily acknowledged Rokia's doubts.

'But there's more to it than that,'

　Apparently there were other ingredients of discomfort.
　Currier-san's face becomes as if she is searching for her memory.

'The way that schoolgirl's armor was broken was strange. You can't say it's a deliberate breakage, if that's what you mean. Moreover, that female student is the only one in the Phiburg group who was not injured at all. While the other students were injured at least a few.

　That's right.
　Indeed, only that schoolgirl was unharmed, only her armor was damaged.
　At that time, I thought it was simply good luck........
　Hm?
　Huh?
　Speaking of which.
　One more thing I remember.
　Before the defeat mission.
　There was a time when their respective groups that had left the cafeteria had met up with each other, and in the process, Currier-san couldn't bear the agitation of Bashkatha and the others, and had spoken out.
　At that time.

"Oh no, I mean, that silver-haired guy is beautiful, but he's scary!

　I think it was the same female student who said that.
　.............

''Well, maybe I'm just overthinking things.

　Mr. Currier added at the end.

　At this point in time, it may only be speculation based on a fine point of view.
　But it's probably because he's a countryman who knows Noise Deece so well that he can't dismiss the small possibility.

　Noise Dees.

　If the schoolgirl really was noise.
　She blended into the place too naturally.
　If you want to put it that way - it wasn't like she was the noise of the place.
　There was no visible assertion.
　There is no clear form.
　However, despite the lack of a definite form, it is definitely present.
　The name of the game of Noise-Dees is "Formless Play".
　That's what I've heard.
　Intangible, playful and playful.
　Somehow, I thought I was beginning to understand the meaning of her play name.

　Then a question arose here.
　But why did she bother to do that...?

　Hmm?
　I mean, wait, what?

'What?　But don't you notice it?　We're from the same Sixth House, aren't we?

　Were they in disguise?

Yeah, I'm not talking to you. Noise, the user of the lost golem-creating spell.

　Currier-san said with a sincerely troublesome look on her face.

''I'm also a user of a change spell that allows me to change my face at will.

　　　　　　　　　　*

　We've talked a bit since then.

　It seems that Rokia will remain in the school and proceed with the investigation.
　He said he plans to investigate the data and recent behavior of the students of the school once.
　For example, if there are any students who have changed their behavior since a certain time, etc.
　That information is mainly obtained by taking advantage of their weaknesses and giving them what they want, mainly through monetary rewards.
　It looks like he's being surprisingly steady and careful.

　On the other hand, Currier said that he will soon ask Beoza-san about the female student.
　Since the Phiburg Squad must have been very picky about its members, they would not have added a stranger to the squad.
　So Noyes must have pretended to be the student.
　The idea seems to be that if you wash the area around the impersonator, you might find something.
　Currier-san, who saved Beoza-san and the others, would be able to extract information easily.

　Also, according to Currier-san, he's spared his eyes from Rokia's current actions on the condition that they don't threaten her living area.
　For the purpose of catching the noise.

　So, me.

Talk to the headmaster when you have time. I'll leave it up to you to decide how much information you want to give me. The headmaster is a smart man. He will see to it that you get what you want.

　He reached out to me.

'What I do, is that all you have to do?'
You are the one who gets along well with the headmaster, that's why I'm asking you. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I've brought you in, but I don't want you to get too deep into this, if at all possible. Rokia and I are going to do the best we can to catch the noise.
If you ever need my help just let me know, okay?
Yeah, I'll let you know.

　As we were talking to each other like that, Mia, who seemed to have finally become unable to stand still, appeared from the door with a worried look on her face.

I'm not sure if you're sure.　I heard something loud earlier...

　The conversation was cut off there naturally.
　Mia went back into the house after I told her I would be right back, and she went back into the house.

　I couldn't bear to let Mia worry about it any more, and the noise was not something I wanted her to hear about.
　I don't want to involve her in a bad way.
　Currier-san also immediately discontinued the topic of noise.
　From the looks of it, she felt the same way I did.
　Besides, well, the students in the girls' lodgings might get suspicious if we talk for too long here.

'Well, I guess we'll leave it at that for today........let's go, Gozuto.
"Mm.

　Gozuto, who had previously been sitting cross-legged on the ground and pressed still and silent, stood up.
　By the way, he hasn't participated in the conversation so far.

I'm sure we'll run into each other again if we stay in this school. I'll talk to you again when the scary silver-haired woman isn't around, forbid,
You look like you want to die, Rokia.
'That's not a good sign for Kurohiko now!　Ha, what kind of man would swoop down on such a strong woman?　d*mn it, why don't you try acting like an Otsume!　Just like that Ferril girl.
...Ugh.
So it's on to you, Blackie!　Best thing you can do is watch out for your scary sister!　To begin with, there are no good looking women in the world.　Huhahahahahahahahahahaha!　Bye!　I'll see you soon!

　While leaving behind such a victorious high smile, Rokia waved her hand with a flutter and disappeared into the thicket with Gozuto.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.

''And, for now, shall we go inside?
Yes.
Mr. Currier?
Am I....scary?
You know, I'm sorry.
...Ugh.
I'm fine!　I'm well aware that Currier-san is a kind-rooted person!

　Well we need to change the subject!

So, Mr. Currier happened to be passing by here?

　I was just coming out of the woods.

"Hmm, yeah I thought I'd borrow your bathroom.
You want to take a bath?
"There are bathrooms in the women's quarters, but I'm not used to the looks I get from the other students... but I've been practicing with Cecily and the others today, and I needed to sweat it out.
I wouldn't mind sharing my bath with you.

　And it's not like I own the house.
　Well, it's public property.

I'm sorry. I'm always looked at in a strange way because I'm a standout in the women's dormitory. I'm sure I'll have to get used to that feeling, but.......but........

　Currier-san breathes in a troubled wind.

'I can ignore it if it's a malicious attitude, but it's not like it's malicious to be directed at me, so I'm confused.

　Isn't that what you're longing for?
　Currier-san seems to be popular with girls.
　Well, I know that if you don't know the person, you'll feel an unapproachable atmosphere.
　That's probably why the girls can't measure the distance, and as a result, they may only be able to send a passionate glance at him from a distance.

　Currier-san went into the thicket and came back with a jute bag in her hand.
　He seemed to have brought a change of clothes with him.

''Well, shall we go then?''

　We both went back to the house.
　Then we went in and told him what happened, and Mia said

Well, I guess we're done for today.

　He turned to leave.

'What?　Are you leaving?
Oh, don't worry, we're ready for you to take a bath. The water should still be hot.
No, no, no.
Well, I won't do anything untoward. Currier, you're welcome.
Mr. Mia, um...
Mmm, that's right, Mr. Kurohiko.

　I was softly blamed by Mia, who held up her index finger.

''Heh?''
Don't mind me, but I'm sure you'll be able to sympathize with the feelings of the Currier.

　Currier's sentiments?

Now, if you'll excuse me again.

　With a smiling bow, Mia walked out of the house.
　What was that?

　With a question mark on my face, I sat down on a chair and waited for Currier-san to come out of the bath.
　After a while, Currier-san comes out of the changing room.

''This........is it a good idea to borrow it?''

　Currier-san came out with the steam as she wiped her hair with the cloth she usually used for a bath towel.

''Yeah, yeah.''
You've been a big help. The water was nice and hot, even without the machine. Hmm?　What's going on?
Oh, no...

　What is it?
　Because of the hot water, Currier-san looks extremely s*xy.
　The hair is moist and wet, and occasionally drops are dripping from the tips of the hair.
　The face is hot and exuberant, and the eyes also appear to be a little moist.

　And the clothes.
　I'm sure they changed the clothes inside, including their underwear.
　It was a familiar school uniform that I was wearing.
　

　No.
　Don't look at it.
　It is not a gentleman to stare at it here.
　I shut my eyes hard.

'What are you doing?'

　I felt a voice that was awfully close and opened my meditated eyes slightly.

''Hmm?　--Whoa!

　Currier-san, bent over, was looking into my face in front of me.
　Her beautiful, jewel-like eyes are staring at my eyes in wonder.
　Or rather, from here, mmm, my chest--.

''Kyu, Currier-san Stopp!　Watch out!
Dangerous... what?
Well, let's sit in the chair first, shall we?
Oh, yeah.

　Tilting his head, Currier sits in the chair.
　In the chair next to me.
　I was expecting her to sit opposite me, but....

　What can I say about being scared?
　It's more than normal, this is a girl.
　That guy Rokia, he looks like a bit of a madman, don't you think?

　And I suddenly notice that Currier-san has an unflattering expression on her face.

''Currier, Mr.?''
You're not... you're not gonna go to Rokia, are you?

　She blurted it out.
　He cared, did he?
　I chuckle.

'I won't go. As long as Currier-san is in this school.

　A smile returns to Currier's mouth.
　The usual cool smile.

'Well. I'm glad you said that... well, I'm glad you said that.

　Her eyes relaxed.
　A calm silence passed.

'Hey, Kurohiko.'
Yes, sir.
Do you want to know why I came to this academy to follow the noise?

　Currier shakes his head lightly.

'No I think you want to talk about it, I do.

　With a wry smile, Currier asks for permission.

'May I talk to you?'
Come in.

　Miss Currier turned forward and clasped her hands together on the table.

'Noyes, you know, seems to know where the woman who built the thirteen orphanages in Doomsday Township is.

　Originally, there were thirteen orphanages.
　But in that devastated and chaotic place, only the sixth house remains.
　I wait silently for her next words.

"Noyes is probably the only person in the Sixth House who knows where that woman is. She abandoned us, that woman's whereabouts.

　'Hmph,' sniffed Mr. Currier, and continued.

'Well, I don't resent you for abandoning me. Anyone would want to run away in a place like that. It's just ... I want to know. I want to know why that woman has built thirteen orphanages in the apocalypse. And why she wanted to raise us in that hellhole.

　Currier-san turned her eyes, which were lit with something dazed but determined, to the void.

''The words that woman said to us before she disappeared........I still remember those words clearly.

　Miss Currier's eyes were turned to the distant past.
　Then she spoke the words quietly.

''I have made the best of a failure. I have been too naive.'