After returning to my room from the mixed bath, I lay in bed in a daze, unable to fall asleep.
　Zeke seemed to have moved on to full-blown bedtime as it was, and he was sleeping regularly on the bed.
　Maybe he was surprisingly tired after the widow thing today, as an example.

　The crystal light in the room is off.
　It's dark in the room.
　It's quiet, except for the occasional sound of footsteps and noises of people passing by, as I recall.

　...........
　I let my thoughts run through my mind, trying to think of something.
　But soon those thoughts fall apart like a spider's spawn.
　It can't be helped, so you decide to pass the time in a daze until you feel sleepy.

　And then - how much time has passed?
　Someone knocked on the door of my room.
　Who could it be at this hour?
　I crawled out of bed and headed for the door.

'Um, who are you?'
It's Currier.
Oh, Mr. Currier?

　There was a brief pause before he answered.

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

　I open the door.
　Under the pale crystal light of the corridor, Currier-san was standing there in her lodging clothes.

''I'm sorry. At this hour.
'Fine. More importantly, are you feeling okay?

　Currier smiles bitterly.

'Hmm, you're all right there.

　I don't feel like I'm in bad shape.
　In fact, I even have the impression that you feel vaguely refreshed.
　Well, it's a relief to know that you're feeling well again.

So, what was the important thing you wanted to talk about?
Before that,

　Currier's gaze went indoors.

'It would be bad to wake her up, and why don't we change places?

　I followed her gaze and saw Zeke's sleeping form ahead of her.

'I understand,'

　　　　　　　　　　*

　I walked down the hallway silently after Currier-san.

　An important story, huh?
　What kind of story is it?

　We arrived at a space that reminded me of a balcony in a secluded area of the building.
　There was no one else in sight except us.
　Curie-san walked up to the railing and leaned with his back to us.
　Then he turned around and silently beckoned me to join him.
　........She seems to want me to come next to her.

　I go next to her.
　I put my arm on the railing too.
　The trees are growing thickly in front of me, and it's not a good view.
　I can only catch a faint glimpse of the lights of King's Landing behind the branches and leaves.

　For a while, we remained silent as we stood in line.
　Currier-san seemed to be trying to find the right moment to speak.
　So we decided to wait.
　The night breeze shook Currier's glossy silver hair.
　A cool breeze gently caressed her cheeks.
　And then.

Hey, Blackie.

　As if she had made up her mind, Currier-san opened her mouth.

''I told you earlier that I was going to leave the school once the noise thing was taken care of, didn't I?　I'm trying to fulfill my purpose.
Yes.
But that wasn't the only reason I was leaving the school.
What?

　Mr. Currier looked at the bushes.
　She had a pensive look on her face.

''I have a feeling that my presence, you know, is going to........get in the way. No--

　Currier-san let out a sad huff of a smile and shook her head loosely.

'I wanted to look away from my miserable self I mean, I was trying to escape. And today, I'm finally able to admit it.
'Wretchedness...by Mr. Currier?

　Do you think Mr. Currier is miserable with himself?
　She's strong, beautiful, stylish, excellent at negotiating, a great negotiator, a great cook... and most importantly, she's very kind.
　I don't think there's any element of her that makes her miserable - but I don't think there's any element of her that makes her miserable.
　Besides.

You said earlier that you felt like you were in the way, but what is the point of being in the way?

　Currier sniffs self-mockingly.　

''Well, a lot of things. Just being from the Sixth House could bring in trouble, and most of all........you and him--
At least I never once thought I'd be in the way.

　I said flatly.

When I'm alone, all I can think about is how much I wish you were here right now, Currier,

　My ears heat up.

'Because to me, Currier-san is a... well, a special person.

　When I looked at her, I saw that Currier's cheeks were also flushed.
　I know.
　I know that it was an embarrassing line.
　But this is what I'm really trying to do.

Do you remember the first time we met?
'You mean when you were lying unconscious near the academy?
You were worried about me, weren't you, Currier?
I'm not so sure about that.
''And when Phiburg got involved with me, he helped me casually. Even when I first entered the Holy Ruins, he came to see me because he was worried about me... right?
Huh, it was just a whim--
And if they did,

　Even if it really was just a whim.

I was happy to see you.
..........
'And........I think I've made it this far because of you. Of course, Makina-san, Cecily-san, Mia-san and many other people have supported me. But at the end of the day, Currier-san is the one person who is irreplaceable to me.
Irreplaceable.
''Even if Currier-san leaves the academy that much will never change.

　I look down.

'To tell you the truth I'm hoping you'll stay in the school even after the noise thing is taken care of, but...'

　I kept trying to figure out if I could somehow come up with a reason to keep her around.
　But in the end, I couldn't come up with a good idea.
　Should I try getting down on my knees, if anything?
　If you ask in good faith, you might be able to sway her heart to your surprise.
　
　Hmm.
　Is there anything good that can be done?

　And then.....

'Do you by any chance have any idea how to make me stay in the academy?

　That's what Currier had heard.

''Yes, well,''
Phew!

　A smile that seemed to follow from Currier-san's mouth.

''Currier, sir?''
You don't have to think about it anymore.

　So that's........you're implying that your determination is unwavering?
　Currier-san narrowed her eyes gently.
　And ...

I've decided to stay.

　I said.

　Huh?
　What's the word?

I've decided to stay at St. Renow's Red Academy until three years later.

　I've decided to stay.
　Now you said you decided to stay on for three years, right?

Oh, is it really true?

　Mr. Currier nodded his head with a rather refreshed expression.

Of course, that is if you can stay on. In my case, it's hard to call me a regular student in some respects.
But how is this possible?
Now I have a reason to stay.

　Mr. Currier looked at the glass door.

'And that was only a few moments ago.'

　Not so long ago....
　What in the world happened just a short time ago?
　It must have been quite a feat to make Currier-san change her decision.
　..........
　I mean, what?

So, you know what might be important to talk about?
Yeah, I'll talk to you about that.

　So that's it.

So, three more years...

　Ms. Currier let her hair swirl in the loosely wiping wind.

Do you mind if I stay with you?

　That's what he told me.
　I don't need to hear this.
　I don't need to hear that.

I'd rather you stay.
...Okay. Thanks.
No, no, we should be thanking you.

　Honestly, I can't hide my joy.
　My mouth naturally takes the form of a smile.

'By the way, sir, what is it?'
Hmm?
What reason could you possibly have for... may I ask?

　Then Currier-san gave me a meaningful smile.

'It's you.'

　Huh?
　I blink and point at myself.

"...Me?
You gave me a reason.
Well what did I do?

　'Hmph,' sniffs Currier.

'Well, maybe it's Cecily's fault, as it turns out.
Cecily...?

　What do you mean?
　Because of me ... and as a result, because of Cecily?

Yeah, so what's the deal, Blackie?　About the reason I just told you...
Yeah.
Wow, I'm not sure I'm going to...

　Hmm?
　I'm losing my temper.

"S--
Su?

　She suddenly turned her face away from me.
　Then the redness of Currier-san's face, whose mouth was drawn into a straight line, increased rapidly.
　Her lightly opened eyes were swimming dizzily.
　What.........are you distracted?

"Uh--
Mr. Currier?


　Currier quickly covers his mouth.

'Cecily's one, at that time, I felt like this--'
How can I help you?
Hmm?　Oh, no.
Have you been sick again?
Well, that's why I like Kurohiko.
What?

　Currier-san's eyes whirled around in confusion.

''--what kind of woman is that, I mean, what kind of woman?''
What?
So... what kind of woman do you like?

　Currier-san, what did he suddenly say in the over-action?
　Moreover, you're kind of disappointed and sullen after saying it.
　Hmmm.
　But still, it is.
　Ira-san also asked me in the carriage, but I didn't expect to be asked by Currier-san about the type of woman I like.
　But this could be a great opportunity to appeal to her.
　I should answer firmly here.
　I was a little embarrassed, but I said, "I don't know if it's someone like you, Mr. Currier.

"Someone like Currier-san, maybe?
-Oh!

　It may be an illusion, but with a bosh, it felt like steam came out of Currier-san's head.



　I was poked in the chest.
　Hmm.
　It's important that a person's charms are brought out a hundred percent, because when I answered before, that seemed to miss the point.
　So I answered Currier-san herself in the sense that I think she usually brings out her charm.

''Then.........a kind person, I guess.

　Well, that's what I answered to Ira-san.
　It's a safe answer.
　But the truth is, when people are nice to me, I'm just a bit of a jerk.

　Mmmmmmmm, Curie-san looks at me with a look of disbelief.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
Yeah, well...
Hmmm... I didn't expect you to be such a spoiled brat, did I?

　A spoiled brat, huh?

I don't mean to imply...
... "Oh, you can spoil me if you want to, you know?

　Currier-san looks at me with half-lidded eyes, looking at me in embarrassment.
　Hmmm, this is--

Hey, you know what?
Yes.
How far do you think we should go with spoiling?
Hmmm, yeah.

　Currier-san lifted her own breasts with both hands, to her surprise.

''For now........do you want to try rubbing these?''

　I almost slipped away.

'How could it be!'

　But Curie-san rolls her eyes in wonder.

'What?　Isn't it?　Cecily's mother told me that a man always has a desire to spoil a woman's breasts... well, uh, it's a relief to act like a baby, right?
What's that?
'Well, I think it's a big place, so it's easy to rub, don't you think?　It seems to have some softness to it, for one thing.

　Currier rubbing his own chest with a soft smile.

'Plainly, with a straight face, how dare you.

　Kuh.
　It seems that the person who blurted out the unnecessary information was Cecily's mother.
　Oh, the person I admire.....

Then how do you want to be pampered, Kurohiko?　I'm in a good mood right now so... oh, I can spoil you, can I spoil you?　I don't really know how to spoil them, so hey, if you have any requests, let me know.
Mr. Currier.
Yes.
I'm a man too. If you, of all people, keep talking to me like that I won't be able to pull it off, will I?
No, it's okay.
'It's not a good idea!　How did this happen!

　With a rattle, the glass door opened vigorously.
　The one who appeared was, to my surprise, Cecily.

'What the hell was that exchange?

　Currier-san looks at Cecily with a geeky look.

''Well Cecily, aren't you a little ahead of schedule?''

　Plans?

What do you mean?
Yeah, Cecily said she had something to say to Kurohiko as well. So Cecily was supposed to be here at the time we'd agreed upon.

　Mr. Currier looked at the glass door.

'I noticed that you were opening the glass door there a little during the course of the day and listening in.
Wow, you know I'm here and you had that exchange with me... Currier, you're the one who--
Your hair is a bit shaggy, Miss Cecily.

　Yes, like after I'd scratched my head.
　And Cecily crumpled her hair with her hands, as if to say that everything was ruined.

'Ugh, but it's the worst appearance I've ever seen. I was going to make a dashing appearance like, 'Fufu, it seems the story is settled.......'
'Miss Cecily, are you all right?　There's something wrong with you, isn't there?
'It's not funny!　Rude!
You'll get more wrinkles when you're angry, Cecily.

　Cecily glares at Currier with a snap.

'No increase!　I mean, Currier, what was that thing you just did!　Instead of missing the point, you're moving on to sweet temptation with impunity!
It just seemed like a good opportunity to practice what your mother taught you.
You've got one foot in the molester!　What's the 'For now ... do you want to rub this?' Right!
Because your mother said, 'Those breasts are a powerful weapon, and if you get a chance, you should let him rub them for you...'
I'm not even here, so why are you blowing that shit up in my face, woman!
What, Cecily...?

　Miss Currier was stunned by Cecily, who was grounded.
　A huffed Miss Cecily, as soon as she could.

''Oh, no........that was, well.......that was just an accidental headache.......''

　He smiled elegantly at her, but it was a bit painful.

''Well, be that as it may!

　This time Cecily-san's point of view is directed at me.

'You're you too, Kurohiko!　What's that, you can't retract it!
Because it was Mr. Currier.

　Cecily grumbled and backed away.

'Ugh, nah, what a graceful answer...'
By the way, Currier-san said earlier that Cecily-san also wanted to talk to me about something...

　Cecily dropped one breath to calm herself down.
　And.

Well that's the thing, isn't it?

　Cecily said as she adjusted her bangs.

'I was going to tell you about the answer to that thing in the example, that I'll wait three years.
Let's just say that the thing is...
Yes, it's about my confession.

　..........
　It was kind of light.
　After quickly arranging my messy hair, Cecily-san stood in front of me.
　Then she looked up at me with her mouth slightly awkwardly agape and looked up at me.

''So, you're going to keep making me fall in love with you for three years properly?

　Ugh.
　That look is foul.
　It's the kind of thing that catches you off-guard.
　But... I have to respond properly here.

''I understand. I'll try to make Cecily-san fall more in love with you.

　Cecily smiled and placed the back of her loosely clenched fist on my chest with a plop.

'Hmm, well said.'

　Then she turned back to Currier next.

'Well, now it's Currier's turn, isn't it?
No, I don't--
Make sure you tell Kurohica exactly what you're supposed to do.
Ugh... but...
No 'buts', you see.

　Cecily-san made Currier-san stand in a way that made her face me somewhat forcefully.

''I mean........but it's like I already told you.

　Cecily gives him a quizzical look.

'Are you sure?'
But I think you get the point. So why don't you?
No.
Hmmm.

　..........
　Something is troubling Currier-san.
　Implications, huh?
　Hmm.
　Maybe I should take care of this myself.
　Help Marie Currier out in a nutshell.

"Don't worry about it, Mr. Currier. You don't have to say it, Mr. Currier. I got it all figured out.

　They roll their eyes and look at me.
　Then Currier-san says he was saved.

See, Cecily, she got it.

　I said.
　Yeah.
　Properly conveyed to me.
　If you put together Curie-san's words and actions and gestures, it was easy to guess her intentions.

''Currier-san is--''

　But yeah, I know.
　It's certainly something that might be hard to say from a girl's mouth, isn't it?

'You're curious about a man's feelings, aren't you?　Particularly the opposite s*x's preferences.

　When I got to the heart of the matter, for some reason, their expressions stopped.
　And after a few seconds passed, haha, two deep sighs of dismay.

''Hey Currier. After all, you did that on purpose, didn't you?
No, you know what I mean. That's what Kurohiko was like.
But hey, things have limits, don't they?　Can you believe it?　In this phase?　With all the ingredients in place?
To tell you the truth, I was a little surprised. I was both relieved and quite disappointed.
'Oh, I'm kind of depressed now. Let's go back to our room and lie down for the day, Currier.
Yeah. Kurohiko might not make it.

　No!
　Mr. Currier, what do you mean no?

Yes, it's all gone. Okay, then, dismissed.

　What's with your over-throwing attitude, Miss Cecily!
　Me, I'm just exquisitely truthful!
　Why did the two of them suddenly change their attitudes.....

　--This guy is seriously bad.

　Huh?
　I think I just heard someone who's been around for a long time, like a forbidden king!
　I mean, why the timing of this now!

You should get some sleep, yeah? See you.

　Fluttering~, Currier-san, who turned away, waved her hand.

''Currier-san!　Would you like to have a heated discussion with me about world peace from now on?
'Hmmm ... I'm not interested, that's fine. I'm going to sleep now. Come on, Cecily, let's go.
'Yes, Currier. It's still a long night, so let's talk a lot, girls, shall we?
Yeah.

　Aaaaah!
　My feared delusions of the past few days are about to be replaced by reality!

Mr. Cecily!　Ho, you're going to leave the man you're in love with alone in a place like this!
I don't know anything about insensitive Kurohiko anymore!

　Nope!　And.
　Cecily, who was leaving, turned around and gave me an Akanbei.
　.....................
　It was absurdly cute.

''--Not!　What's the matter with you two?　What in the world have I done to deserve this!

　I mean, what?
　Are they both smiling?

　You think I'm stupid or something.
　You're mocking me.
　It's not that kind of sickening laugh.

　It's not that kind of sickening smile.
　It's a very warm smile that's directed at me.

　Currier opens the glass door.
　So they turn around again and...

　She had a charming expression that was hard to put into words, that I couldn't help but admire.

　If I had to put it into words, would I describe it as an all-encompassing smile?

'Humph ... see you tomorrow, Kurohiko.
I'll share tomorrow's breakfast with you, okay?

　Honestly.
　At that moment, I was completely drawn to the two people in my eyes.

''Ha, yes........''

　I didn't know if the reply, which came out of my reflexive mouth, reached them or not.
　And after they disappeared, I stood there for a while.

　I stood there for a while, feeling my heart pounding in my hand.

　　　　　　　　　　* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

　The next morning.
　Me and Zeke woke up, changed and joined the girls.
　Then we all headed to the breakfast room.
　ちなみに本日のキュリエさんはついに何かを吹っ切ったらしく、紅いドレスとツインテール姿でも堂々としていた。
　朝食を終えてからは各々時間までゆったりと過ごし、そして午前十時半にはシーラス浴場を出た。

　解散場所は、集合場所と同じ大時計塔前広場。
　セシリーさん、ジーク、ヒルギスさんの三人は、先に広場で待機していたバントンさんの馬車に乗り込み帰途についた。
　アイラさんとレイさん、キュリエさんはそのままホルン家所有の馬車で学園に戻るとのこと。
　俺も一緒に乗って行かないかと誘われたが、しかしこの後はマキナさんと買い物に行く約束がある。
　なので、用事があるからと断って俺は広場に残った。

　俺は広場のベンチに座ってマキナさんの到着を待つことにした。
　マキナさんとの約束の時間まではもう少しある。
　ちなみにここだと時間の確認は大時計塔を見上げればいいだけなので非常に楽だ。
　大時計の向こうに広がる空は灰色をしている。
　場合によっては一雨くるかもしれない。
　辺りを見渡してみる。
　休聖日のせいか、あるいは時間帯のせいなのか前に来た時よりも人通りが多い。
　にしても――

「楽しかったな……」

　あんな風に誰かと楽しく旅行したのは俺にとって生まれて初めての経験だった。
　きっと……あのメンバーだったから、楽しく過ごせたんだと思う。

「もし機会があったら、またみんなでどこか行きたいな」

　俺はシーラス浴場の方角を見やりながら、晴れやかな気持ちでそう呟いた。