Currier was lying on his bunk.

　Cecily and the others had left the room long ago.
　It was time for their reserved mixed bathing session.
　However, Currier refused, saying he wasn't feeling well, and decided to let him rest in his room.

　Perhaps out of concern, Cecily turned off the crystal light and left, so the room was dark.
　The only light source is the moonlight coming in through the window of the room.

　She explained that she wasn't feeling well, but in reality, she wasn't physically ill.
　The only thing that couldn't be quicker.

You're the one with feelings.

　After he chuckled to himself, he naturally smiled.
　It must have been a self-deprecating smile, Currier thought.

　The reason he didn't go to the hot tub until he lied was because he somehow found it difficult to face Kurohiko.
　I'm sure Kurohiko doesn't think it's hard to see each other, though.
　I'm sure he doesn't think it's difficult for him to get along with you, but he just feels it's hard to get along with you.

'What am I doing?'

　Her own silver hair was sprawled haphazardly on the bunk's mattress.
　Currier pinched the ends of the hair with his fingers and began to play with it.
　Then the sparse thoughts gradually converged into a single matter and two figures.

　A few moments later, the hand playing with the ends of the hair stops abruptly.
　The presence of people.
　Then the sound of a key being opened.

I'm home~

　Ira's voice.
　Apparently, she had returned from a mixed bath.
　Perhaps out of consideration for Currier, his voice was subdued.

　I changed my stance slightly and looked at the situation.
　Following Isla, Ray and Hyrgis showed up.
　Judging from the atmosphere, it seems to have been a fun time.
　That's more than good.
　However, even after waiting, Cecily's appearance did not appear.
　Currier slowly raised his upper body, clutching the thin quilt.

''Ah, Currier. Are you.........feeling okay?

　Ira approached her with a look of sincere concern.
　Feeling guilty for lying about being unwell, Currier replied.

''Hmm, you seem to be fine now. I'm not used to places like this, so I guess I'm just a little tired.''
Oh, you know what?
Um, Isla.

　The two men's words came together almost simultaneously.

'What?　Yeah, what?

　It looked like Ira was about to say something too, but he gave it to Currier.
　Feeling bad, Currier went ahead with his own question.

''........What's going on with Cecily?''

　Is Cecily the only one left with Kurohiko?
　If that's the case......I should still be sleeping peacefully.
　When Currier thought that.

You know, I've been meaning to ask you about that.

　What do you mean by that?
　Ira turned back to Hyrgis.
　And Hyrgis stepped forward.

'He called out to me that he had something important to tell me and a man who called himself Rokia took Cecily-sama away.

　Piquantly, Currier furrowed his brow.

'What?'

　Isla and the others look at each other with confusion on their faces.
　Then Ira turns to Currier.

''Rokia, you know, the miscreant Currier said was spying on you, right?　But.........I'm like a relative to Currier, and he explained to me that I met him in the men's room earlier, so he must have been turned into a voyeur without permission because of his spite.......
..........

　It was hard to deny it, because it wasn't necessarily wrong.

Yeah, and?　The man said he had something important to tell me about Currier and Cecily said she just wanted to hear it.

　Why Rokia to Cecily.
　Currier felt a strange stirring in his chest.
　Careful not to be in a blaming tone, he asked.

'Didn't anyone stop you?

　Then, Hirgis started to get confused and said, actually.

The fact is, I got into a little trouble in the corridor a while ago and I was with Kurohiko at the time. After a while, this Rokia guy intervened and put the matter to rest. And since Kurohiko said he knew the guy himself, I thought it would be okay. But in hindsight, maybe I should have stopped it. I'm sorry, Currier.

　Hyrgis apologized, and Ray interrupted him, as if to help him out.

'But you know what?　Most of all, Cecily herself wanted to hear what the guy had to say, and she didn't want to budge. At first we said we'd go with him because we were worried about him but I don't think he wanted us to hear it. She wanted to talk to me about it, one-on-one. I think she overheard something before she said that.

　Both Ray and Hyrgis seemed to remember some sort of responsibility.

'I, should we go looking for them now?

　Ira asked everyone with an impatient look.

'I'll go find him.'
Kyu Curie?

　Currier slipped out of the covers and quickly adjusted his disheveled lodging clothes.
　Then he weaved his way between Ira and the others and headed for the door.

'I want Isla and the others to wait here in case Cecily comes back because of a scrape. That man is kind of ... dangerous in a way. So I'll take care of it.

　As soon as he said that, Currier vigorously opened the door and ran out of the room.

''That bastard--''

　Thinking of Rokia's face and clucking her tongue hatefully, Currier ran off down the hallway.

　The building is spacious inside.
　But Cecily has that look.
　Anyway, she stands out.
　Then there must be many witnesses.

　First of all, I asked him if he had seen anyone who looked like Cecily in a place with as many people as possible.
　As expected, there were many witnesses.
　Perhaps it was fortunate that I tried my best to talk to them amiably, most of them were willing to give me the information.
　On the way, he was approached by some aristocratic-looking men who seemed to be used to playing around, but he ignored them.

　Currier relied on the sightings to find Cecily.
　Finally, at the edge of the building, he spotted Cecily's back, leaning against the railing alone, looking out at the scenery.

　Cecily was standing in a dewy space outside the building.
　Rokia was ... nowhere to be seen.
　She opened the sliding glass inlaid door and stepped outside.
　The smell of a strong mixture of dirt and grass on the wind reached my nose.

'Cecily,'

　I called out, and Cecily turned around.

'Currier?'

　Behind the railing, the trees were lush.
　The lights of the royal city below peeked out from the trees.
　The space was furnished with wooden chairs and tables, but at the moment it was empty except for Cecily and myself.
　The lack of humanity is probably due to the building's secluded location.　
　In fact, the closer we got to this place, the fewer and fewer people were in the building.
　And - what were Cecily and the invisible Rokia doing in such an empty place?

　Currier carefully checked his surroundings.

''Where's Rokia?''
He just went back inside. Didn't you see him?
No....

　Currier looked back through the glass door.
　Did he consciously avoid being pitted against himself?

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

　Suddenly, I felt like I was being made to dance in the palm of Rokia's hand.
　Not a very good feeling.

'So you're okay?'

　Why did Rokia reach out to Cecily?
　Rather than looking for the figure, they had to find out what Lokia was up to first.

　Cecily propped herself up on her elbows and leaned against the railing.
　There was the usual smile on her mouth.

'Apparently he wasn't lying about being an old acquaintance of Currier's, I guess he wasn't lying. 'You mean, he's from the Sixth Estate too?'
Yeah.

　After a slight hesitation, Currier affirmed.

''I see. If that's the case, it could be said to be typical of the Sixth House. He was a man with a strange air, but I can accept being told it was the Sixth House. Unlike you.
So you're okay with it?
Don't worry. He didn't do anything special to me. It was more of a gentlemanly manner for your tone and language, don't you think?　He said he was afraid of the currier later if he did something badly.
Yeah, right.

　But I don't think Rokia reached out to Cecily without any intentions.
　What in the world was his purpose?
　Then Currier remembered what Ira had said.
　As I recall, Ira had told her that he had contacted her to say that he had something important to say about Currier.

''Was it........about me, or was it?''

　Cecily nodded her head in a persistent way.

'That's right. It was a story about Currier. The story itself was a quick one, though.'

　Currier felt a slight discomfort in Cecily's attitude.
　Yes, as if there was some anger inside.....
　I wonder if something has been blown into Rokia.

　A gentle breeze blew.
　Cecily's hair was softly swaying softly.
　She looked floaty under the moonlight.
　Only the same lodging clothes that she wears barely connected her existence to reality - it was like that.
　Just beautiful.

　Cecily lowered her eyelashes and stared at the wooden floor.
　Then, after a somewhat long pause, she opened her mouth to speak.

'A man named Rokia told me that you are planning to leave the academy once this person called Noyes is taken care of.

　Inexplicably, Currier frowns at the thought.
　What on earth did she mean by telling Cecily that?

'Why?'

　Cecily's questioning gaze was directed at me.

'Because... as you heard, my purpose in coming to this academy is to find the noise. If I've fulfilled my purpose, then it's only natural for me to leave, right?
'So what do we do about Hibigami?　He says he will settle with the grown-up Kurohiko in three years. Don't you ... have a responsibility to see to it that Kurohiko grows up?

　Maybe it was because of the mention of Kurohiko's name.
　Currier's reply was a little late.

''Of course I'm going to practice on Kurohiko until he becomes strong enough to close in on me, even after the noise thing is taken care of. He made us turn the brunt of the hibigami from us to him, you see. At the very least, you must take responsibility.

　Cecily loosely folded her arms together as she rested her hips against the railing.
　Then, with a look on her face as if she was guessing something, she waited patiently for Currier's next words.
　Currier dropped his gaze and continued.

''It's just ... that guy is growing at an unbelievable rate. That must be the power of the forbidden curse too. The rate of growth is extraordinary. And the only thing I can do here is practice my sword because that's the only thing I can take advantage of.

　Currier exuded self-deprecation and snorted.

''The way I see it, it won't take that guy a year to catch up to me. So I don't have to stay in the school for three years. It won't be long before I'm useless.

　Cecily looked at the floor.

'Done, sir?'

　It was hard to read the emotion in his voice.
　Currier smiles.

'It's okay. Even if I'm gone, he'll find a way to make himself stronger. There's even a headmaster. I'm sure that the talented headmaster will come up with some ideas to make you stronger. You can also ask your brother's contacts to train with the Holy Tree Order's Commander Sogut. That man is quite strong.

　Cecily still kept her face down.
　Her gaze was still sewn to the floor as well.

'So ... support him, that guy. Because the only person who can really do that--maybe you're the only one who can.

　Currier suddenly noticed that Cecily had an unflattering expression on her face.
　It's not - there was even a hint of anger in the air.
　Huh, Currier thought.
　I'm not sure if I've said anything to displease him.

'Ceci--'
''So how is it that... you're leaving the school?

　His voice was filled with a reproachful sound.

'So I told you earlier. When I have fulfilled my purpose and responsibility--
"Responsibility?

　Cecily, arms loosely crossed, grabbed her left arm hard with her right hand.

'Did you just say responsibility?'
Oh, yeah.

　Cecily quietly looked at Currier.
　Currier felt something cold run down his spine.
　It was because the girl smiling in front of her was wearing some unearthly, icy cold air.

''Then--''

　Cecily said with an icy smile on her face as she prodded.

'How are you going to take responsibility for making Sagara Kurohiko fall in love with you?'

　It took me a few seconds to grasp the question that was just asked.

"...What...to?

　Cecily shook her head in dismay.

'I knew you weren't aware of it.
"Well, wait a minute, Cecily that's not true. The feelings that she has for me - that's respect. It's like an apprentice admiring his master, isn't it?　So, with yours...

　Suddenly, Currier noticed Cecily's shoulders were shaking.
　It looked as if she was suppressing her emotions that were about to explode somehow.

''.........thahaha.......nothing.......''
What did you say?

　Giggling.
　Cecily bit her teeth.

'I knew you didn't have a clue.
Ceci, Lee?

　Cecily raised her face.
　Then she walked over quickly and lifted her chin in front of the currier.
　She had a hard-to-grasp expression of emotion.
　Those clear sky blue eyes were looking straight at Currier.
　And the next moment--

　A dry sound echoed through the silent night dew table.

　Currier felt a hollow sensation spread across his cheeks a little later.

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

　I could have avoided it if I wanted to.
　But he wasn't going to avoid it.
　Looking at Cecily's face as she put her hand to her feverish cheek, Currier was speechless.
　It was because tears were pooling in the corners of Cecily's eyes, as if they were about to spill out at any moment.
　The expression on her face was enough to make her speechless.

''How far do you have to go to make me feel miserable to make me feel better?''

　A miserable feeling.
　As soon as those words entered her ears, Currier felt a different emotion light up inside her than before.

''What........miserable feelings?''

　After he spoke, Currier realized that his voice was laced with irritation.
　But that might not have been surprising.
　Because.
　It was rather because the one who had been experiencing the misery was herself.
　It was the reason why I decided to leave this school in the first place--

''I'm the one who's been miserable.
What is...
It's my way!

　He couldn't help but shout.
　But once the words came out of his mouth, they didn't stop as if they had broken down.

'The only thing I'm better than you is my sword skills at best!　But what do you have that I don't?　If there were a hundred men, they would all choose you!　So--
So that's different.

　Cecily's coma stifled Currier's overflowing words.
　With an uncomfortable feeling, Currier said as he spat out.

''What, it's not the same...''
If ninety-nine men choose me - surely Sagara Krohiko will choose Currier Versteen.

　With a gasp, Currier looked up.
　Reflected in her eyes was Cecily's figure with her mouth twisted in frustration.

''He........to Sagara Kurohiko, the person called Currier Versteen is a special person. It's not just me. Compared to other humans........the only thing that makes him different is his feelings towards you.
So it's a respectful--
It was a heteros*xual favor right from the start!

　This time Cecily raised her voice.
　As if to suppress her emotions, Cecily grabbed her right arm with a squeezing motion.



　Cecily's expression shades.

'I told you, that time,'
..........

　That time.
　The 'that time' that Cecily just mentioned must have been after being admonished by the headmaster in front of the library.

　Currier--he remembered 'that time'.

　　　　　　　　　　*.

　The grounds of the school.
　In front of the library, illuminated by the setting sun, there were three figures.

''--But right now I like them both........more than I can compare them both, so....

　With those words, Kurohiko left.
　Cecily, who had been watching his back as he walked away.

Did you like them both incomparably more than either of them? Hmm.........he might be quite a big shot, isn't he?

　He said with interest.

''Well then, I'll take it.''

　I have no use for this place anymore.
　Currier turned on his heel to go back to the girls' quarters.
　Then.

Would you like to have a word with him?

　Cecily called out to me.
　But.

There's nothing to talk about with you.

　Currier prodded in a curt manner.

''If we are to fulfill his wish for the three of us to get along, I think it is best for us to understand each other first.

　But Cecily was undeterred.
　Somehow that aloofness doesn't even seem to be breaking down.

''I don't see any reason for us to grant that man's wish.

　As he said it, Currier thought that this guy might have a surprisingly strong core.

I'm a little curious about you myself.

　She really is a woman who smiles without being sarcastic, I thought.
　But that's why I feel it's sarcastic.

''Besides, if you find me depressing, I think it would be better to have a firm talk with you at this time so that we can avoid any unnecessary conflicts in the future.

　She's a woman who can't talk less.
　Currier looked in the direction that Kurohiko had left and thought for a while.
　Then she breathed, feeling overwhelmed.

'Tsk, fine. I'll make some time for the selfish young lady.'
Thank you, sir.

　Cecily clasps her hands together and tilts her head with a smile.

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

　It was a gesture that would never look good on me if I did it, I thought.

　Then we both headed to the diner.
　The diner was bathed in the light of the setting sun.
　The crowd was sparse, but as expected, Cecily Arkwright was a celebrity, and a few students with a hint of color were whispering to each other excitedly.

'Quite a popular person, isn't he?
'Yes. 'Cecily Arkwright' is very popular.

　What is he talking about, Currier thought.
　It's not like the person sitting in front of him is an imposter of Cecily Arkwright.

'Be that as it may, Versteen,'
Jesus, Arclight's daughter.

　Cecily's mouth curved in frustration.

'Can't you do something about that 'Daughter of Arkwright' call?
I'm sure he's not wrong.
Cecily.
Why?
It's all about getting along.
So why do we need to get along?
Then why did Currier take me up on my offer?
...it's
'I told you in advance what I wanted to do with it, didn't I?　You're here because you're convinced of that. Isn't it?

　She was a woman with a more inedible personality than I expected.
　Maybe she's not just an idealistic boxed girl who has risen to the occasion.

I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do that. In that case, let's call her Cecily. Well, it's true that 'Arkwright's Daughter' is too long to call her that.
Then may I call you Currier, too?　Versteen, it's a long one too.
You're on your own.

　Currier put his cheekbones on.

　--what is this situation?

'Then, Currier, I'll be blunt.
Yeah, make it quick.
You're in love with Sagara Kurohiko, aren't you?

　With a crunch, the elbow that had been jabbing the cheekbones lost its balance.

''What are you doing all of a sudden--''

　Currier raises an eyebrow.

'Are you out of your mind?'

　Cecily propped her elbows on the table and rested her chin on top of her stacked hands.

'Hmm, no awareness,' she said. But does this mean, in a way, that there is still room for me to get in?

　Currier gasps in disgust.

'If you want to have a conversation, you'll have to talk to me in a way I can understand.

　Cecily chuckled.

'I would advise you to think a little more deeply about the emotion of fondness. It's a sad thing to see the feelings cross, even if it's not you.
Humph, I'm surprised you're so sentimental.
Maybe it's because I'm sentimental, though, that I'm so sensitive to the feelings of others. I think I'm a difficult character to deal with.
Really?　It looks like you're doing pretty well to me. I envy you for being so adept at so many things, unlike my clumsy self.
I'm rather jealous of you, though.

　The smile that Cecily smiled at that moment seemed somewhat forlorn.

　　　　　　　　　　*

You mean from before?

　Silly, Currier thought.
　That, before.........
　Cecily's mouth, which had been drawn together earlier, arched up.
　However, her eyes were shaking somewhat sadly.

I know that I cannot catch up with the feelings that Kurohiko has for you. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it happen. That's why I told Kurohiko how I felt. But right now the one thing that Kurohiko needs more than anyone else is--

　Cecily turned her back to Currier.
　The glimpse in her peeping profile was a kind of regret.

'It's frustrating, but it's you,'

　Cecily clenched her fists in front of her chest.

I agree with what this man Lokia said. Sagara Kurohiko derives much of its power from the Seeking Others. And when motivated by the Seeking Others, he is capable of exerting his power many times over in normal times... However, when the relationship with the Seeking Others is severed, his mind can stop again...
Nonsense. He's not such a weak man.

　I was about to say, but Currier reconsidered.
　No.
　That's right.
　Wasn't that something he had felt somewhere along the line as well?
　The relationship with Sagara Kurohiko that began with those tears when they first met.
　And having seen Sagara Kurohiko until now, I had somehow sensed his 'weakness'.
　Maybe.........no, that's why I couldn't leave it alone.
　It was the same at that time when he went to check on the Holy Ruins.
　The figure of Kurohiko, who turned his back and walked away alone, looked somehow, dangerous.

''I see.''

　Sagara Kurohiko is looking for a connection with others.
　In fact, Kurohiko has changed since he started to relate to many people.
　The brightness is becoming less overwhelming.
　And he has become stronger.
　No.
　He's still getting stronger.
　Currier stared at his palms.

'The source of that power........us, huh?

　Cecily looks down softly.

'The man named Rokia also said this. 'Sagara Krohiko will almost certainly be useless without Currier Versteen. And he also said, 'Probably the only thing that is irreplaceable for Krohiko right now is Currier Versteen.'
No, you don't.
But you're the only one who denies that?
It's a--
That doesn't mean I'm going to give up on Kurohiko, though.

　Cecily said, with a radiant look on her face, as if she had already finished her resolution.

'Currier,'

　Cecily looked up at the moon.

Do you think I will be irreplaceable one day?
"Cecily, I don't--
Hey, Currier.

　Cecily laughed fragilely.

'No?'
...what?
Why can't the two of us just stay with Kurohiko all the time?
We'll... we will?
I don't think I'm the only one who wants to be loved by Kurohiko. Maybe that would cause him some pain. Besides.... lately, the three of us are terribly comfortable with each other.

　It was.........the same for Currier.
　Although there was a reticence that came from complicated feelings, it was also true that there was a part of me that was beginning to enjoy the time the three of us spent together.
　It's a good idea to have a good time with them.

'I, too, will wait three years.'
Three years?
When I heard back from Kurohiko I decided to wait three years.

　Three years later.
　That's the year Kurohiko and Cecily will graduate from St. Renowthred School, and if nothing else, that's the year Hibigami and Kurohiko will settle the score.
　Cecily's neck.
　That was the place where Hibigami had thrust his blade at her.
　Perhaps the thought of Kurohiko and Hibigami's promise came to her mind.

'So will Currier wait for three years, too?
..........
I know. It's just procrastination, that's all. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. But.........I feel that the time I gain from that procrastination will be a very precious time for me.

　Huh, Cecily let out a smile.
　It was an oddly mature smile.

'I know that it's too convenient,' she said. ─ I know that it is too convenient, I know that it is too selfish of me, and that I am just being selfish. And yet, now that I am here, it doesn't really matter.

　There was determination and resolve in her voice.

'I've fallen in love with all of you.

　Then.
　Suddenly, the insects stopped chirping in unison.
　The quiet night seemed to have grown even quieter.

　Our relationship has changed a lot, Currier thought.
　When we first went at it, we were quarrelsome, almost like it was a sell-out.
　And now we speak to each other with words of compassion.
　I don't understand the world at all.

　Cecily smiled at me gently.
　It was a smile that almost sucked me in.
　If I were a man, I would be completely destroyed by this smile.

'Let's get one last thing straight,'
..........
Currier is very fond of Kurohiko, isn't he?

　A cool breeze blew.
　Currier cupped a handful of silver hair that was scattered by the wind.
　And after a few beats.
　Feeling the heat in my cheeks...

Yeah, I like it.

　He shook off the hesitation and said the words.
　Cecily smiled benevolently.
　And.

I finally heard it from your mouth.

　He said this in a very calm tone.

　　　　　　　　　　*.

　I take a small, deep breath.
　Then a discreet knock on the door.　
　There's not a soul in the hallway.
　Perhaps because of the time, the corridors around the guest rooms are already quiet.

　This was in front of Kurohiko's room.
　After a while, there's a hint of movement from inside the room.

''Uh, who are you?''

　I heard Kurohiko's voice through the door.

'It's Currier,'
Oh, Mr. Currier?

　Once again, Currier breathed to calm himself down.
　Then he said.

'Kurohiko, I need to talk to you about something important.'