Two days have passed since the interview with the Holy Tree Knights.
　Today was the day that everyone in the Ira squad would be going to Cirrus Baths.

　Currier returned to the girls' quarters once class was over.
　After quickly getting ready, she headed to the carriage yard in front of the main gate and met up with Cecily, who was already waiting for her.
　Then the two of them got into the carriage together.

　The destination of the carriage was the Arkwright family.
　The current time is about to be two o'clock in the afternoon.
　Today, we will get ready for the day and then meet again in front of the Great Clock Tower at the Lion's Hour (4:00 p.m.).
　From there, we will go to Cirrus Bath.
　By the way, it was Cecily's idea to disperse after class and then reassemble.

　It's a good idea to have a good time to get ready.

　Right now, Curie was in a mixed mood.
　In the past, a half hour of preparation was enough for her to get ready.
　But just today was different.
　Yes, just for today........

　The carriage arrives at the Arkwright house.
　When I entered the mansion with Cecily pushing me on my back, I was greeted by the servant Hana.
　The two of them finish getting ready with the help of that Hana.
　When they finally finished getting ready, Currier and Cecily left the mansion again and went to the carriage.

Oh, Currier. Please be careful not to step on the hem of your skirt, okay?
'Wow, I know. But what's the point of having a long skirt hem?　It's just hard to move in a fight like this--
''Yes, yes, I'm not going to fight today~. ........No, in a sense, it's a battle.
What did you say?　Are there any dangerous people out there?

　This trip to the Cirrus Baths.
　Is there some hidden agenda that I don't know about?

''Well........is he more of a difficult enemy than a dangerous person?
'Then wouldn't it be better to have a sword?'
No, no, it's not someone you'll need a sword for. This is a man we all know very well.
What?
Well, shall we go now? Let's go to Cirrus Baths.

　Cecily pushes me into the carriage.
　The guru's banton cracks the whip and the carriage begins to move.
　Slowly, the scenery outside the window began to drift by.

　Currier and Cecily sat facing each other.
　They sat down and finally felt comfortable.
　Last night it had been raining lightly and they had feared the weather would break up, but today was a pleasantly sunny and calm day.

　By the way, Siegbert, who usually works with Cecily, is not here at the moment.
　At any rate, he had some business to attend to today that he couldn't miss.
　He's going to join us in the evening, it seems.
　And since Hyrgis is like a family member of the Guiress family, she too will be attending at night.
　It seems to be a very important errand for Siegbert, and Cecily, with a wry smile

This is the only time I'll have to do it.

　I was convinced that it was a good idea.
　I didn't ask for details, but apparently people were suddenly scheduled to visit the Giless family.

　Cecily, basking in the sunlight through the intermittently flickering windows, looked down at her pocket watch.

'I'm afraid I'm going to be a little late, but ... well, it can't be helped.
I'm sorry.

　Currier understood that it was because he had taken the time to get ready.

''I don't mind, but if you're sorry... if you think I'm sorry, then by all means use what you've learned today, right?
"M

　Lately--
　More specifically, from the time the matter of going to Cirrus Baths was decided until today.
　Currier and Cecily have been steadily making "certain preparations" for today.
　And somehow they made it in time.

　But it was hard to keep from being noticed by Kurohiko.
　From the consolation meeting to today.
　Currier thought that he had acted to prevent Kurohiko from realizing our intentions.
　I can understand Cecily's desire to focus on the surprise of the day.
　But as a result, I feel like I ended up giving Kurohiko a cold shoulder.
　It's not possible to pass the moment as easily as Cecily did, and after hesitation, there were many times when I ended up behaving curtly in front of Kurohiko.
　Each time that happened, Kurohiko looked lonely.
　I resent my clumsiness.
　I'm sorry for what I did to him.

　However, from the day of the Holy Tree Order's hearing to today, Kurohiko was somewhat different.
　Even during class, he was muttering something to himself, "The decisive battle is yet to come.......it's not time yet.......hahaha......
　Also during battle lessons, he would say, "Aggressiveness....aggressiveness!　Positivity! He continued to say these words as if to suggest that his mind was not in the right place.

　Could it be that the nerves have finally gone out of control?

　This might be because of my attitude, Currier thought to himself.
　Perhaps Kurohiko saw his attitude as a change in the way he behaved.
　He was a sensitive man.
　It's not surprising if your nerves are worn out from repeatedly asking yourself if you've done something wrong.
　If that's the case.......I felt sorry for him.
　Now that I think about it, I should have said something to him to reassure him.
　However, after today's class, I said, "Well, I'll see you later in front of the Great Clock Tower!　--It's possible that the fact that I'm nervous is just my own imagination.

　While thinking about this, Currier looked at the pretty girl in the face of a good-looking face.
　Perhaps it was partly because of the way she was dressed, but Cecily sitting in front of her was in a different mood than usual.
　To begin with, both of them were dressed with 'girlishness' in mind today.
　But there's nothing but anxiety in Currier's heart right now.

　--Cecily notwithstanding.

　I check my attire again.

　--This is indeed too unlike me........

　However, I can't back down now.
　I've come this far.

　That's right.
　Certain preparations.
　One of them is clothes.
　I had Cecily's help in tailoring my clothes for today.
　I had planned to wear my usual clothes, but Cecily had half-heartedly asked me to wear my new clothes to the Cirrus Baths.

　And certain preparations were not just about the clothes.
　Cecily's mother had given her a small lesson in how to behave on the day.
　Cecily's mother, in fact, was a beautiful woman who showed no sign of her age.
　But that was not to say that she was a perfect match for Cecily.
　I'm sure you'll find that Cecily is just like her father.

　By the way, the other day, Currier asked Cecily's mother for advice on how to treat Kurohiko.
　The other day, Curie asked her mother for advice on how to treat Krohiko.

If you are too kind to them, your highnesses have a tendency to suddenly drift away from you at some point. The key to winning the hearts of your lordship is to have the right mix of sweetness and severity. So you are not wrong. Plant the seeds of anxiety in your opponent and make them blossom with relief on the day of the game. If you give the illusion that this woman is the one who will pull you out of the sea of anxiety - if you can make her believe that, you have won.

　Bargaining.
　I don't know if it's a bargain in a fight, but is there a bargain in a relationship between a man and a woman?
　Currier's head hurt.

''But my mother was a little relieved that Cecily finally had such a partner. At first, when I said I'd introduce you to her and brought Currier with me, she said, 'Oh, did you go that way?' But I didn't know you were my love interest.'

　Cecily's mother nodded with satisfaction at her daughter's correction that she was in love with her, then closed the fan and thrust it out into the space between them.

'May I?　The first battleground is Cirrus Baths. 'Remember my teachings in my dreams. As a woman, not Cecily Arkwright's mother, but a woman, I have high hopes for you two.'

　She was a bit of a mysterious woman, but according to Cecily, she was unrivalled when it came to tickling men's hearts.
　Cecily said of her mother, "It's a big deal because she made her father, who was a picture of rigor and fastidiousness, fall in love with her.

　-- but does 'such and such' make a man happy?

　Even now, there are still doubts about the lord's strategy technique, which was handed down to her by Cecily's mother.
　Above all, Currier is unsure whether he is attractive as a so-called 'love interest' or not.
　More to the point, he doesn't believe that his 'inner self' will be liked by people.
　Even during my time in the Sixth Estate, I have the feeling that I was the only one floating around for a long time.
　Perhaps those in the Sixth House saw Currier Versteen's inner life as an oddity.

　Still, I think I have maintained an apologetic degree of femininity in my own way, in Currier's way.
　Because it was more convenient for me to travel that way.

　When I was in the Sixth Institute, I wasn't really aware of it, but during my travels away from the Sixth Institute, I understood that I was a person who attracted the attention of the opposite s*x.
　There were not a few people who would get involved with me by exposing their vulgar desires.
　But if they were such people, he could beat them down without a care in the world.
　I've been known to collect money from the people I've beaten, calling it a "nuisance fee," and often use it to pay for my roadside bank account.

　All of the eyes directed at him were s*xual in nature.
　He only saw himself as an object to be spat out his desires.
　There were times when he was exposed to such sticky looks.
　At times, it even seemed that the guys in the sixth house would be better than this.

　Above all, those in the Sixth Estate had never had any romantic feelings for each other.
　They seemed to have very little awareness of the opposite s*x.
　Perhaps it was because they were too close to each other since they were young.
　I have a feeling that they all recognize themselves as siblings.
　..........
　An unwanted sibling, I suppose.

　And so, although Curie Versteen had an understanding of being seen as a s*xual object, he didn't really understand the concept of s*xual love.
　And it was only when Cecily pointed out to him "at that time" that he felt that his feelings might be "love".
　I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.

　Sagara Kurohiko.

　The gaze directed from him had been filled with strong fondness from the beginning.
　I didn't understand what it meant.
　How could he direct such pure goodwill towards someone he had only just met?
　Even when he found out that she was from the Sixth House, he was not afraid of her, but rather talked to her more and more.

　The meaning, I didn't understand.

　...................
　It's not that Kurohiko doesn't have a s*xual gaze, either.
　But the strange thing was that he didn't have the same disgusting feeling as he had learned on the road on the journey.
　Currier had been pondering the reason for this ever since she met him.
　She wondered what the difference was.
　And then, at some point, she had her own answer.
　Perhaps Sagara Kurohiko had no desire to hurt the other person, to make him bend over, or to conquer him.
　He probably just 'loves' the other person.

　Mr. Currier, Mr. Currier, Mr. Currier--.

　Sometimes I feel that he is like a dog that innocently plays with me.
　Instead, he occasionally says something unintentionally thumping, as if he's aiming for the best.
　However, according to Cecily, Kurohiko has a fatal flaw as a member of the opposite s*x--

What's going on, Currier?

　Cecily asks.

'No, I don't think all the things your mother taught me to do made sense for me to do and to be honest, I'm still not prepared for it.
But I don't think Kurohiko will step in where we want him to step in unless we step in.
I don't mind if I do.

　There was certainly nothing disappointing about Kurohiko.
　But Currier never disliked the current distance.

''Even if someone else kidnaps you?''

　Currier raised one eyebrow at Cecily's words.

'Kasa ... what?'
I think.

　Cecily looks out the window.

'Perhaps he has a very low tolerance for favors.
Resistance to favoritism?
'Yes. I think he's a very strong person with bad intentions. He doesn't seem to be terribly frightened by the malice directed at him. But when he is favored, he is unusually lenient with the person who favored him.
I mean I'm not saying I don't have a clue.

　So," Cecily held up her index finger.
　Even though I'm more used to it than before, there are still times when a little gesture can make me nervous.
　It's a good thing that the men can't help themselves, because even as a woman, I'm sure they can't help themselves.

The two of us have to make Kurohiko's attention turn to us even more by throwing greater favors at him.
Well that's something else, isn't it?
'No, it's no different. If we don't do something about it, there will be people who will try to abuse his power by feeding on his favors one day. Then - we can get him so involved in us that he can no longer see any other woman as a romantic interest.

　Thump, Currier tapped his temples with the tips of his bent fingers.

'That last one still feels different, though.

　Cecily smiles at me.

You'll be able to find out what's going on in the world. Don't think too hard. It's a good idea to have a good time with each other, since we are at the Cirrus Bath today. Right?

　Cecily laughs at her dainty smile as she tilts her head back.
　Currier chuckles.
　You can't help but drop me, a woman.

　'But,' says Currier, running his hand over the window sill and looking out.

　If it came to a situation where Sagara Kurohiko had to choose between them.
　The one to be chosen ... would be Cecily Arkwright, after all.

　Cecily Arclight, the jewel of Renowthred.
　The most beautiful of all.
　She excels in both literary and military arts.
　She is a man of letters and skills, and a master of the world.
　She's also a consummate socialite.
　Her origins and her family are indisputable.
　And as a wife she would be able to support her husband so well.

　On the other hand, what about Currier Versteyn?
　First of all, she is inferior to Cecily Arkwright in terms of beauty.
　Aside from Takeshi, he is unbalanced in terms of knowledge.
　Most importantly, warrior is unnecessary in a peaceful life.
　He is well versed in the underworld, but he does not have the knowledge or social skills to be a part of aristocratic society, especially in the aristocracy.
　Origins and family history are out of the question.
　As a wife what could she do?
　I don't know.

　A love interest.
　That's what Cecily's mother said but it was no contest to begin with.
　That time.
　After the headmaster chided me in front of the library and Kurohiko ran off.
　We went to the cafeteria together and exchanged words.
　At that time, I hadn't gotten to know Cecily Arkwright as well as I did.
　So there was a strange rivalry.
　But what about now........

　No, Currier shook his head inwardly.

　In any case, I will eventually leave Renousled.
　At least I won't stay at the school until I graduate.
　I don't think the search for noise will take three years.
　It's that Rokia.
　Although it's called a long-term battle, he should have planned to kick it off within six months to a year.
　If that's the case, it's within a year for me to leave the school.
　Whatever the case, he would be parting ways with Sagara Kurohiko in the not-too-distant future.
　He should remain at the school, and it would be better for him.
　Most importantly........I don't think I can make Kurohiko happy on my own.

　Sagara Kurohiko.

　Ever since I met him again in the Lion's Classroom, I somehow had a dangerous impression of the man.
　Perhaps he wasn't that kind of personality to begin with.
　It was obvious that he was pushing himself too hard.

　And yet, he was strangely trying to do his best.
　The man was struggling for something, even though he was desperately trying to stifle his anxiety.
　He also clearly floated in the Lion Clan until he was exposed as a forbidden user.
　He couldn't mix in anywhere.
　It was like that.

　It was as if he was looking at someone from the past - a feeling.

　And.
　That word.
　When I asked him about death.
　He uttered the same answer as that 'someone'.

　To say that he wasn't happy would be a lie.
　I was a different person, even in the Sixth House.
　The words of Noyes in particular still stuck to me without peeling off.

''Honestly, you're so weird and different. That's why you're more dramatic than anyone else in the orphanage, and you're supremely attractive. Currier, I like you best in the orphanage. Oh?　What?　Well, well, well?　Don't you suppose, by any chance, that the only thing that will kill me in a dramatic fashion is....　Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.

　It's eerie and alien.
　I know.
　Wherever I am, I am different.
　That's why I slept with my sword in my arms every day when I was in the sixth house.
　Because the only thing that could be one with me was the sword.
　Because nothing existed other than the sword that could mix with me.

'Whether you are alive or dead, in the end you are or were convinced... I think that's what matters...'

　I was surprised that someone else had such a similar idea to me.
　I was surprised at the similarity.
　Maybe that's why - maybe I was attracted to them.

　Nope.
　Already when I first met him.
　I had felt something about myself.

　He doesn't seem to remember, but Kurohiko, who had fallen unconscious near the main gate of the school...........had a single tear running down his face.
　When she saw his face with the glowing thing running down her cheek, Currier felt an arcing sensation like a gaping hole in her chest.
　And what came to a boil was an inexplicable feeling.
　It was strange.
　I'm not sure if the expression on someone else's face can make you feel "lonely" even to this extent.
　Since that time...

　Maybe he was curious about Sagara Kurohiko.

''..........''
Currier.

　Suddenly, Cecily opened her mouth.

'Hmm?　What is it?
I'm honestly jealous of you.
Me?

　What was suddenly going on?
　Cecily gave a masterful smile to Currier, who was showing a faint hint of confusion.

''Yes. Because there is a definite difference between the feelings that Kurohiko has for you and the feelings that he has for me.
Of course not. But I don't know about envy.
''Hmmm.......I really envy you that way too. You have something that I could never have, you know.
Hmph you can only be good at fighting. In the end, all that superficial strength is a dead end.

　Cecily clasped her hands together in her lap.
　Then she smiled thinly, looking down.

'That part of you is similar to Kurohiko. Your self-esteem is so low you don't even notice the most important part.
'What are you talking about...?　Cecily?
I don't think I can compare to you, that kind of thing.

　That's when Cecily's mouth stopped moving.
　And then.

Nah!

　Cecily's smile flashed and she cupped her hands together on her cheeks.

'This kind of seriousness is the first step in getting your lordship's attention!　Yes, do you remember that correctly?
'What?　Is there such a thing as a...?
Here it is!

　Cecily's mouth is agape.
　But when I searched my memory, I couldn't find any such teaching.

'Well, anyhow,'

　Hmm~, Cecily stretched out her arms towards the ceiling.

As I said before, let's all have some fun today! No hard feelings!　Isn't that nice!
Hmmm... yeah.

　Currier suddenly felt cocky.

'Cecily,'
Yes?
Well, I'm sorry.
'What?　What?

　Cecily tilts her head with her mouth in the shape of an arc.
　I mouthed an apology because I knew I'd put her on edge.
　Maybe I was being petty.
　Currier chuckled inwardly.

　--I'm not a match for you after all, Cecily.

　At the same time, he felt a pang of relief in his chest.
　Yes, I know.
　I think we should enjoy ourselves for the sake of Isla, who made all the arrangements for us today.
　So the hard part can wait.
　Today.
　Just not today.

　Forget the details and enjoy it.

　It's going to be a great day for me.
　That said--

　Currier was reminded again of his clothes.
　This time a tickling, zany sensation raced up to her mended chest.

'Hey........Cecily.
Hmm?　What's wrong?
I'm wondering if I can get another outfit from you right now.
No. You look great, so you'll have to wear it.

　I look at my reflection in the glass of the window.
　My teeth almost lifted.
　I almost burst into a funny laugh.
　Turning to Cecily, Currier buzzed his hands from side to side.

'No, I knew this wasn't going to happen!　Well, at least this--
Look, don't try to be a ribbon!　Meh, sir!

　A fingertip is pressed on my forehead as if to blame me.

''Ugh........
Oh, we're almost at the Grand Clock Tower.
'What?　Already?!

　With his hand on the window, Currier checks outside.

'Wow, wow, I knew it was no good!　Let's turn back!
I'm sorry, but there's no turning back now.
Oh, I'm out!　I'm the only one who gets off here!
Oh, yeah?　You want to get out here and gather as much publicity as possible, but I don't mind, do I?
I--no, no, I knew we're not getting off here!　Duh, what do I do....
Sorry, it's over.

　...................
　There was no way to get out of it.

　Thus, the carriage carrying Currier and Cecily arrived in front of the Great Clock Tower.