The day has finally come.
　Cirrus Baths.
　Two days and one night.
　It's like a super short, petite trip, but it's a very important day for me.

　I've been enduring the days since Machina-san gave me advice until today (though it's only two days).
　The decisive battle is at the Cirrus Baths.
　We can't run out of power before then.
　The problem was how to sustain this determination... but by continuing to say the determination word to myself, my determination was maintained in the best possible condition.
　I was also careful to behave as usual in front of Currier-san and Cecily-san.
　There may have been times when I couldn't hide my enthusiasm sometimes.
　Even if that was the case, it shouldn't have felt strange.
　The proof of that was that Currier-san didn't seem to feel uncomfortable with me.
　In other words, the first step is clear.

　But it's still too early to be relieved.
　That's right.
　The real show is about to begin--

What?　Thinking?

　I suddenly came to myself.
　I looked over next to her and saw Ira-san peeking at me with a nimble smile.

''About........my turn.
"Teban?
Yes, sir.
?

　Right now, I'm in the carriage.
　The others in the carriage are Ira-san and Ray-senpai.
　This carriage was arranged by Ira-san, and it belongs to the Horne family.

　The reason I'm riding in this carriage is because of her kindness.　
　The other day, Ira-san went to the Horns' house and arranged for the carriage.
　So, since it's your time, would you like to ride with me?　That's why.
　By the way, Ira and Rei have a room in the girls' dormitory, but it seems that they don't commute to school every day from the girls' dormitory.
　There seemed to be a reason why I didn't see them on my way to school.

　Originally, they were going to walk to the Great Clock Tower as normal.
　So Ira-san's invitation was extremely gratifying.
　The distance from the academy to the front of the Great Clock Tower is quite a bit of distance, you know....
　More than anything else, I'm glad that we can chat while traveling together.
　It's just like a trip.
　........
　Then you suddenly realize.
　Come to think of it, this is an overnight trip with a girl........
　But even though it's the first time in my life I'm traveling with a girl, I can't be afraid of her.
　You can't just end up being nervous or bewildered.
　But ... the only thing I can do right now is massage, including foot pressure points.

　So today, I'm going to find as much time as possible - and rub it in.

　In the previous world, I imagine that every hot spring has a massage machine in it.
　If that's the case, then this combination is perfect.
　

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

　All right.
　I'm going to rub it in today.

"You're gonna have a lot of fun today, Blackie.

　Ira clenched both his fists in front of his chest as if to get his spirits up.

''Yes, I'm very excited,''
Yeah, I'm looking forward to it.

　Huh, Ira-san lets out a happy smile.

"I've been to Cirrus Bath itself a few times, but this is the first time I've actually gone there with my classmates. So I was really looking forward to it today.

　By the way, Ira-san, for some reason, is sitting next to me instead of next to Ray-senpai.
　In the opposite seat, Ray-senpai is sitting with a warm look on his face.

　Today, Ray-senpai's outfit is chic yet light.
　Overall, the color is calm.
　But it has a stylish atmosphere.
　She also wore a pair of trousers that clearly showed the line of her legs.
　When you look at it this way, they are slender and beautiful.
　The dress is not so much flattering as it is glamorous, but it's exactly what she wears that makes her refreshing and attractive.
　She looks like a casual, stylish woman.

　Ira, on the other hand, is dressed in a relaxed style.
　She wasn't particularly fancy, but her simple, unpretentious style was perfect for Ira.
　Underneath her brown skirt, she's wearing what looks like leggings.
　And in her ears are the vertical pyramid-like earrings that she usually wears.

　The reason why both of them have less exposed legs compared to when they are in their uniforms is probably because they are less likely to encounter a phase where they take in the holy element.
　It's a very good idea to have a good skirt with a certain amount of skin exposed so that you can take in the holy element, well, that uniform skirt can't be helped, but....
　Rather, it's also strange to say that a crisis situation is more revealing.

　However..........
　I move my gaze to observe the two of them.
　They're both cute, after all.
　It's just that Cecily and Currier-san are abnormal, but Ira-san and Rei-senpai are both quite high level.
　Besides, more than anything else, being with Ira-san makes me feel........relieved, I guess.
　And as I was looking at Ira-san's excited face, I suddenly realized something.

'Huh?　Is that an earring?
Hmm?　This?

　Ira-san touches the earring.

"This is actually a magic tool. See, if you look closely, you can see that it has a crystal in it and a magic formula engraved on it?

　Ira leans in closer.
　Our shoulders are close to each other.
　I inspect Ira's earrings, thinking, "You don't have to do that.

It's true. It's engraved with the procedure.
You know?　There aren't many artisans who can dig into a technique on something this small. One of the treasures of the Horn family, I guess.
Oh....is that so?

　But the scent of Ira's scent from this distance makes me feel irritated.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　Ira-san breathed, as if to say she was weak.

'It's just that lately, I've been kind of not even getting into training... I'm going to be strong!　I'm going to beat Cecily Arkwright!　When I think back on the days when I was so uptight, I wonder if I was too uptight.　I was working as hard as I could, but... after our mission to defeat the Titans was over, honestly, many things didn't matter to me anymore...

　Ira sighs for the second time, wondering why.

'Maybe it's because the pressure of the house doesn't bother me as much as it used to?

　It seems that Cecily-san and I have come to know each other, and more importantly, Ira-san herself said something like she wasn't that particular about it.
　Ira-san bent her mouth.

''I wonder if that's so........hmm, if you think about it, that's probably true.
Surprisingly, it's because I've got other goals, isn't it?

　Rei-senpai, who had been listening to the conversation as he watched and listened, entered the conversation.

''Other, targets...?''

　Ira took one look at me.
　For some reason, the redness in her cheeks had increased slightly.
　Then she turned to Rei-senpai.


I think so.


　Mmm.
　Now.

I like Ira making an effort, though.
"Huh?

　Ira looked up at my words.

I like the way you put all your energy into something, and I've always found that attractive. I've always thought that was fascinating.

　I said clearly as I looked into Ira-san's eyes.

''Eh........eh?''

　Ira-san's face is dyed vermillion with a sense of embarrassment.

''That's right........hmmm......''

　His mouth is half-smiling in a loose sort of way.
　Ira-san put a hand to the back of her head.

But, I see, Kurohiko likes me when I do my best, doesn't he? I'll do my best. I'll do my best, just like I always have, at training.　Watch me, Kurohiko!
Yes!

　Oh!
　Mr. Ira is motivated!
　That's what I'm talking about, Makina!
　I'm quick to demonstrate my positivity, and it works great!

　Hmm.
　The point of this is to do it as Machina-san taught, without drawing a line of demarcation to your past self, but to do it plainly and effortlessly?

　Don't be shy and be honest.
　However, never take it too far.
　Just do it smoothly and naturally.

　This is the essence of positivity, isn't it?
　We've arrived at this place.

Well, then...

　Ira-san cautiously cleared his throat.

'.........let's try a little harder, shall we?

　Hmm?
　What is it?

You know what, Blackie?
Yes, sir.
So what kind of girl do you like, Kurohiko?

　Chillax.
　Ira-san comes to look at the situation with one eye.
　.............
　Has her positivity become contagious to her as well?
　Ha, anyway.
　I have to answer the question.
　I have to answer the question.

I said, "People like each other differently, you know. I think it's most important that the person's charm is brought out to its fullest extent.
Oh, yeah?

　Ira-san rolls her eyes with a smile left on her mouth.
　This is ... a face that says ... that was an unexpected answer.
　Soon after.
　Isla-san, who had stopped.

Oh, that's right!　That's right!

　I started to move.

'Charm is different for everyone!　Hahaha, that's great Kurohiko!　Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

　Pesh Pesh and Ira-san tap me on the shoulder.

'A hundred points ... a hundred points for an answer, Kurohiko ...'

　Lei-senpai put her fingers to the corners of her eyes and made a face like 'Ira.......do your best'.
　There was a faint glow around her eyes........
　Mmm?
　So you think this answer is too honorable?
　Then.

But I would venture to say that...

　I said.

"Oh, to name a few?

　Their attention is drawn to each other.

'A gentleman........is it?'

　...........
　After I said it, I thought.
　My favorite type is 'a kind person'.
　That's kind of an answer like an actress who is highly liked by the public.......

''A gentle person........a gentle person.......''

　However, despite my fears that it was too safe, Ira-san was in some kind of serious thinking mode.
　Ira-san folds her arms and raises her eyebrows.

''I wonder how I can become...''

　No, no.
　You're already nice enough to me without bothering me.

''Hahaha, Kurohiko is really a strange man.

　Ray-senpai laughs teasingly.

''I never get tired of watching you get involved with girls. It's the kind of person you want in a tight organization.
Is that a compliment?
By the way, Kurohiko, you know I'm a member of the Society of Public Morals, right?
Yeah, I don't know what kind of organization it is.

　As the name suggests........well, it's probably just like a public morals committee.
　Is it right to say that it's an organization that prosecutes those who disturb the school's public morals?
　It's just that in my previous world, I saw them a lot in fiction, but there was no such committee at my school.
　I wonder if public morals committees actually exist today?
　I can't help but release my doubts about a world that has literally become a different world already....

''Well, it's that windfall party, isn't it?　My chairman is a little bit interested in you. So, if you're free...

　At that moment, the Great Clock Tower came into view outside the window.
　Ray-senpai stopped talking.

''Well, let's talk about this another time.

　We arrived in front of the Great Clock Tower.
　We took our turn getting off the carriage.
　After thanking the driver, I looked up at the old and solemn Great Clock Tower.
　This is the place where I had visited with Machina-san and the others during the Holy Magic Sword.

　The sky beyond the Great Clock Tower was exhilaratingly clear.
　The occasional light breeze was also gentle and warm and comfortable.
　The square in front of the clock tower is off the main street, so the traffic is not so heavy.
　Nevertheless, there were a good number of people coming and going today as well.

　Ray-senpai checked the surroundings.

''It looks like Cecily and the others haven't arrived yet.
So why don't we just stay up here and talk about it?

　So we decided to wait for Curie and Cecily's arrival while chatting.
　And as we were casually talking about the research of the Holy Ruins, we saw a carriage coming from across the road.
　It was a familiar carriage.
　By the time I saw the figure of the guru, Mr. Bunton, I was sure it was the Arkwright family's carriage.
　The carriage stopped a little before us.
　I greeted Mr. Banton.

'Long time no see, Mr. Banton.

　Mr. Banton took off his hat and returned the greeting cheerfully.

'It's been a long time, Mr. Kurohiko.

　And the carriage door opened.
　Cecily was the one who got down first.

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

　Wow......
　Does that mean that the name of the 'Jewel of Renowthred' is not justified after all?

　Today's Cecily-san was wearing a black mini-dress-like outfit.
　On her head was a black catsuit.
　Her hair, usually tied back in a single bun, was down today.
　On her legs she wore black tights.
　In addition, the hand is wearing a long white robe with lace on it.
　I have a very different impression from the usual.

　But.
　It's no secret that she's pretty.
　Probably if you let a hundred men hold a flag of X and X, they would all give you an X.
　Or rather, it looks good on them.
　It suits them too well.
　It was hard to get rid of Cecily's usual picture of neatness and neatness, but Cecily in her black-centric outfit had a different kind of charm.
　It could be called a devilish look.
　It's just that the material itself is too good to be true, Cecily.
　This is the power of God's blessing....

　However.
　The girl who was supposed to have received God's blessing didn't have her usual calmness.
　She leaned out into the carriage and tried to pull something out of it........

''Ya, I knew it was no good!
'Oh, no, not again!　Here, just come out of your conception!
No!
''No,'' he said, ''I'm not a kid... you see, it's coming out.''
No, no!　Don't pull me!
Come on, Currier. You're going to be very angry, indeed, if you don't do something about it.
I'm not going!　Banton, come back to the school!
'Banton you'll be prepared to lose your job if you return at this rate with Currier on board, won't you?
'Yes, yes Miss.........

　Mr. Banton shuddered at Miss Cecily's extraordinary power.
　Cecily put her foot on the door frame of the carriage.
　And now, at last, she climbed into the carriage.

See, Currier!　We're all waiting for you!
'Wow!　They're coming in!
'What do you mean by that?' 'I mean, where is the Currier Versteen I know...'
I told you it wasn't!　This is ... not me!
'I didn't mean it like that... Oh, come on!　Come out!
'Wow!　What are you doing?!

　With a thud, there was a sound as if something had been pushed with great vigor.......a silver-haired woman in a crimson dress jumped out of the carriage by the wind that was too powerful.
　Ms. Crimson Dress landed on the cobblestones.
　.............
　Eh?

Mr. Currier...?
"Ugh--

　Currier-san hugged her body with her own arms as if she were being humiliated and lowered her gaze.

　A crimson dress with an open chest.
　The length of the skirt is long.
　The dress is decorated in places with white ruffles.
　The shoulders and exposure of the dress are bold.
　On your hands are long black gloves that look like velour fabric.
　Even with this alone, the impression is quite different from the usual Currier-san.
　However, what surprised me even more than the clothing was--

Twin-tailed...?

　Yes.
　Today, Currier-san was wearing her long hair in twin tails, usually uncomposed, with a crimson ribbon with white lace.
　This--.

　Unexpected, destructive power.

　What the hell.
　What the hell is this.........
　It's foul, I know.........
　
　I get misty.
　My resolve is going to get blurred...!

Oh, uh--

　Currier crinkled his mouth.
　Her face was bright red.

'Weird, right...?　Haha it's fine, just give me your honest opinion I'm going to take it off when I go to the bathroom anyway and I don't care what it is anymore. .....

　I think it's rare to find a currier who is so thrown together.
　.........
　Calm down, me.
　Remember what Makina-san taught you.


...What?
I mean, it's awfully cute.
You're lying. You scared the shit out of me.
I was surprised at how pretty it was.

　Suspicious zit eyes fly in.

''........Really?''
'I swear to God, I mean it. Currier is lovely today. Even though it looks like this, my heart is racing like it's about to burst right now.
So you say that with a straight face, huh?

　Currier-san holds her face in her hands and looks down.

''What am I really doing................................I don't want to do this anymore. I can't wait to go to the Cirrus Baths........

　I was kind of devastated.
　His voice was supercilious and his ears were red as an octopus.

'At any rate, it looks like your plan has worked.

　Cecily-san walked up to me while sniffing proudly, "Hmmm," she said, "I'm sorry I'm late, Cecily.

''I'm sorry I'm late, Kurohiko. Ira and Rei too, sorry.
Don't worry about it. And the longer you wait, the better you are. But this one... hey, you okay?

　Out of Ray-senpai's gaze that smiled bitterly.
　There was the figure of Ira-san, who also looked somewhat devastated.
　She is on her hands and knees on the ground and is hanging down.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea for me to be dressed normally like this.......I mean.......I don't think those two are the same human being. .....

　Then Ray-senpai pointed his fingertips to Ira-san with a twang.
　And then he sent me a message of some kind.
　He said something with his mouthpiece.
　What, or, voice, to, or, to, to, to, to, to, to.
　..........
　I see.
　Perhaps Ira-san lost her confidence as a woman after seeing those two.
　
　Ira-san has advantages that only Ira-san has.

"Ira-san.

　I bent down closer to Ira and put my hand on her shoulder.

'I kind of got the idea. She said it's nothing to worry about though.
'But there's nothing like it. There's nothing for me to beat.

　I smiled.

'I feel so relieved when I'm with Ira.
What?
'And now I think I know why. I probably like that unadorned simplicity of Ira's. That's why you don't have to worry about such a trivial matter. Besides, today's outfit looks good on Ira-san. By my standards, those two will never be as good as you.
Kurohiko...

　Ira-san looks up.

''........I mean, is it still no good by my standards?
I'm not going to freak out over this!　Thanks, Kurohiko.

　Apparently the encouragement was successful.
　Well, I'm not telling a lie.
　The point is that there is a difference between losing the embarrassment and saying it out loud or not.
　But still, I think.
　It's important to put it into words....
　And when I was lost in emotion

　Snap, snap, snap, snap.

　Senior Ray's applause flew in the air.
　I gave her one nod and sat up.

''Hmm?''

　And I notice Cecily looking at me with a strange look on her face.

'Miss Cecily, what's wrong?'
...Kurohiko, you're not quite like usual today, are you?

　With a huff, I brushed my hair back.
　This is a gesture originally reserved for the chosen handsome man, but I could do it now.
　I had that kind of confidence.

'I've finished it.'
...it's a pain in the ass.
Miss Cecily what did you say?
'What?　I didn't say anything, did I?

　You're lying.
　I told you I'm too messed up.
　Hmm.
　I guess that was a bit much, huh?

''Well that was overkill, but, you know, I think I'm going to be a little more aggressive today.''
Haha.....

　Cecily, with a hand to her chin, thrust her face out of the room with a whimper.

'What, what is it?'

　Miss Cecily hid her voice and whispered to me.

'You're the headmaster, right?'

　Ugh.
　Great insight.
　That's my girl.

"And anyway!　I'm a different kind of guy today, you know!
'Hmm... then can we expect to see you today?'
'Yes. Be prepared for that, Miss Cecily.
So, you're ready to have some fun?
So, yes.
"Yes, yes, yes, what is it?

　That was a mistake, that was a handsome flavoring.
　I had to say it properly, so that it came across as serious.
　So I said with a serious look on my face.

'Cecily-san, please let me rub it today.'