Hot clothes, huh?

　Currier-san was propped up on her elbows on the classroom desk, pensive.
　Out of the corner of her eye was Cecily, dressed in a cool, hot-period outfit.
　Seated on either side of her, Siegbert Guilds and Hyrgis Emeralda were also wearing hot weather clothes.
　Siegbert and Hyrgis-san broke their arms and fingers in the battle against the Four Deadly Plagues, but they said they are well on their way to full recovery, although they are still hampered by their combat classes.
　Ira, who is sitting at the front of the classroom, is also in hot weather clothing.
　Incidentally, Ira-san is currently wearing her hair in twintails.

''I'm thinking about changing clothes soon too. Currier-san, have you gotten around to it yet?''
'I don't like more skin exposure. I feel more comfortable wearing thicker clothes.

　She's not one to attract attention from those around her.
　And if she were to wear open-ended clothes, she would have to attract the attention of the opposite s*x much more than she does now, especially since she has great style.
　It may be that she is not keen on this situation because she herself is somewhat predictable about it.

'Well, I'm not good at hot weather because it's hot.

　Currier-san flapped the fabric of her plucked chest back and forth as if sending a breeze through it.
　The boys' casual gazes were pouring over her chest.
　.........If this was the case, it would be safer to wear cooler clothes, but in terms of exposure, I feel like it would be the opposite.

''I'm going to start my report on the climb!

　Instructor Isabella, who has been put in temporary charge of the Lion's Club, entered the classroom.
　Instructor Joseph, the original instructor in charge, is currently recuperating from wounds he sustained during the battle against the Four Deadly Plagues.
　In the meantime, Instructor Isabella, who is in charge of the battle lesson for me and Currier-san, will be in charge of the Lion's Team for a while.

''First of all, let's talk about the Holy War Festival.

　Holy War Festival.
　The attack on the Holy Ruins, which occupied a major place in the previous year's evaluation, was currently on hiatus.
　As an alternative, a tournament-style martial arts tournament was proposed by the candidates.
　The results of that tournament will be reflected in the first semester's evaluation.
　Incidentally, since the content of the battle is a major factor in the evaluation, it seems that even if they lose, it is worth giving it your all.

"You can register for the freshman division and the ungraded class. You can register for the freshman division and the ungraded division, and you'll get a higher initial grade point average than the grade-based division just by participating. However, as the name implies, it is quite possible that second and third year students will also participate, so keep that in mind. For example, the gap between you and your opponents is so big that you may not be able to show half of your ability, and you may end up saying, "Well, I could have shown more ability in the grade divisions.　Okay?

　It reminds me of the conversation between the student council president and the wind president this morning.
　From that conversation, it seemed that the two strongest student body presidents, Student Body President Dristos Kielusina, who is the strongest in his grade, and Koudelka Ferraris, the school's undefeated wind chancellor, were planning to compete in the ungraded class.
　Strongest.
　Undefeated.
　If someone with such a title was going to appear, it would be difficult for them to win the ungraded class.
　Beosa, who was ranked first in the Little Saint rank, had said that he was going to compete in the third grade division, so it seemed that he wouldn't be fighting both presidents.
　Nevertheless, I am looking forward to the Seibu Festival itself.
　The martial arts competition.
　As a boy, there's something exciting about it.
　However, me and Currier-san will not be participating in the Seibu Festival.
　No, I should say we can't participate.
　Apparently, the reason why we can't participate is because there is too much of a power gap between the students who fight and win against the four deadly disasters to make it a competition.
　However, we'll be given full evaluation points.
　I wondered if it's a good idea to give full marks to those who don't participate in the tournament, but according to Makina-san, there's nothing wrong with that because those who have the authority to make decisions decided so unanimously.
　That's why Curie-san and I are on the audience's side of the Holy Military Festival this time.

''Next, let's talk about the Holy Ruins. We're planning to resume the attack at the later stage.

　Holy Ruins.
　According to the information left by Noyes Deece, there is a spell document for the First Forbidden Spell at the lowest level of the Holy Ruins.
　Although I'm naturally valued as a candidate, I'd like to focus on attacking the Holy Ruins in order to obtain the First Forbidden Spell if I can.
　I want to collect as many Forbidden Spells as I can in order to beat that man.
　However, if you think about it normally, the First Forbidden Spell is usually attacked by the Holy Tree Knights, I think it is lying in the difficult Holy Ruins that spread out at the base of the Holy Tree.
　As for whether the low difficulty holy relics spreading underneath the academy are really connected to the lowest level.......I guess I shouldn't expect too much.
　If that's the case, we'll have to somehow find a way to get the Holy Tree Knights to approve the capture of the Holy Ruins that they are hiding in....

''Also, from the day after tomorrow, the special instructors sent by the Holy Tree Order will finally participate in the battle lessons. No, actually, I haven't heard who's coming either, yet...?

　Isabella's instructor is cute and cuddly.

　Inviting the holy jeweler from the Holy Tree Order for a battle lesson.
　I've already heard about this matter from Makina-san.
　Who will come to the battle class with only me and Currier-san?
　No, unexpectedly, just like the Seibu Festival, our special exception group may be judged to be competent enough and no one will come.
　Even though things have calmed down somewhat, it's probably still a busy time for the Holy Tree Knights.
　It's best to keep your expectations low as well.

It's a good idea to have a report on the time of arrival. Well then, get ready for class and wait.

　Then, after finishing the usual lessons in liberal arts and combat, it was lunchtime.

'I'm sorry to be eating, but can I have a word?'

　While we were having lunch in the cafeteria, senior Ray started talking to me.
　Ray-senpai is a good friend of Ira-san's second year senior, and I've known her since the days of Operation Defeat the Giants.

'Didn't I tell you before that I'm in the windbreakers?
Yeah.
The president of this wind society wants to meet with Kurohiko after school today... what are your plans for today?

　President of Public Morals.
　You're that guy who had a run-in with the student body president this morning.

We were supposed to have the usual after-school drill today, but...

　He takes a glance at Currier.
　She swallowed the stuff in her mouth and then said.

'No problem, go ahead. If you're talking to someone you don't even know who they are, or if you're talking through Ray, there's no problem.
''Haha. It's kind of nice to get a word of confidence from a currier.
'It's a result of Ray acting in a trustworthy manner. Well Cecily has some things to do today and I think we should take a break from training.

　Cecily puts her fork down quietly.

''Excuse me, I've been learning more and more at the mansion lately. Oh, of course I've been training to become stronger at the mansion as well, don't you think?　But I want to develop in other areas as well. I thought that I could be useful in areas other than fighting.

　Ray-senpai smiles bitterly.

I don't know if there's anything more that Cecily can develop. When you add a genius to the effort of a human being, this is unbeatable.
No, no, no, I'm not quite there yet.......as a matter of fact, not as a matter of modesty. The world is a big place....
I see... there's a bit of a change in the atmosphere from when you first started school, Cecily.

　Ray senior puts his hand on my shoulder from behind.

''Then I'll come and pick you up from class after school.
I understand.
Thanks, Blackie.
No, it's just the other Senior Brother Ray asking for help.
Hmm.... you're a very sweet guy, aren't you?
I'll choose my partner.
You're also a very good judge of character, which is surprisingly shrewd. But--
What?

　On my back, two soft sensations.
　Something exquisitely soft, pressed against me through the cloth!

You, on the other hand, have never been immune to girls, have you?
Ray-senpai... or don't make fun of me.
In your case, there are always attractive girls around, and you're probably in a hurry to get yourself in trouble.　Can't you get used to that?
There's no way I'm going to get used to this...
That's unusual. Well, let me help you get used to it.
No, thank you!
It's my way of saying thank you.
I don't want it!

　Lei-senpai lets go of her body.

''Huh, totally.............................Ugh?

　When I looked at them, I saw that Currier-san and Cecily-san were a bit miffed.

'Well, that's one of the charms of Kurohiko, isn't it?　The two of you wouldn't want Kurohiko to change and become like these confident, rascally aristocrats, would you?

　Currier-san and Cecily-san, who were directed to the question, avert their gaze with slightly red cheeks.

''Well, well........''
That's true, but...

　What did the girls imagine now?

'But, well, maybe Kurohiko who lost his self like that time at Cirrus Baths is just as manly as that, right?

　Gulp.

''Please don't let what happened back then go...''

　It's a past I don't want to dredge up.
　Cecily-san also looks down and gives off an aura that she doesn't want to be touched.

''Anyway, nice to meet you after school today!

　After Ray-senpai left, Cecily-san said to Currier-san.

'Shall we also do that thing we did earlier, on a daily basis? When you see an opening, from behind, like this, bam!　And.

　Cecily makes a motion to hug him from behind.

'I won't do it, though,'
'Wouldn't it be nice if the person you love had a chance to get used to the opposite s*x, and that's you?
I don't know.
Oh, did you just think about that in your case?
I don't know, I just don't think that I have any idea why you're so depressed, Cecily.

　There was the figure of Cecily Arkwright, with a brooding, brooding air, reclining on Hirgis-san's shoulder.

...
?

　Anyway, anyway ... let's wait for after school.




　After school.

''By the way, Lei-senpai, which division are you planning to compete in for the Holy Martial Festival?

　I was walking down the corridor with senior Ray to the windbreaker room.

''Hmm?　Me?　I'm going to be in the sophomore division, like normal.　I don't even have a desire to move up to that high of a small sanctuary rank. If Beoza doesn't appear, the ungraded class will almost be decided by the final between the student body president and our president. Well, if Kurohiko and Currier are going to appear, it will be a different story, though.
Speaking of which, I wonder what Cecily is going to do about it.
'If Cecily is going to be in the ungraded class, it's probably a little hard to tell. It's just--

　When the Wind Council room came into view, Senior Ray said.



　An opponent that even Mr. Cecily would not be able to beat, huh?
　I also wonder how well I can actually fight with no prohibitions.
　To say I'm curious is an understatement.

We're here.

　We arrive at the windstorm room.
　Senior Ray knocks on the door.

'It's Ray,'

Come in.

　I overheard Chairman Koudelka's voice again this morning.

'Excuse me,'

　I follow Ray-senpai and enter the room.

''........tatami?''
I love the culture of the East.

　Chairman Koudelka was the only one in the vertical tatami-paved room.
　He was sitting upright in a clean posture with his eyes closed at the back of the room.
　Unlike in the morning, he was not wearing a uniform over his head, but rather he was wearing a normal dressing gown.
　However, she seems to be wearing Western-style clothing inside her dressing gown....
　Even so, because of his appearance, he is still wearing an ethereal air, similar to that emitted by the stillness of Japan.
　And on the tatami to the left was a sword in its scabbard.

''The tatami may be familiar to Sagara-dono, but they are still a rarity in this country. This tatami was ordered from your father.
It's familiar, but it's not.

　In my old world, my room was wood flooring.
　In a manner of speaking, there was a Japanese-style room at home.
　Chairman Koudelka's eyes, which had been closed, snapped open.

'Did you enjoy the Cirrus Baths?

　Come to think of it, it seemed like the Cirrus Baths were owned by the Dukes of Ferraris.

'Yes. It was very relaxing and a wonderful facility.
That's good to hear. And, Ray,
Yes.
'Thank you for bringing Lord Sagara to me. It was a fortuitous thing that you were on such close terms with Lord Sagara.
Ha-ha, I'm just being friendly, aren't I?
That's not true.

　Ray senior chuckles.

''Well, I guess this is how our relationship is. We don't want you to have to do that, do we?

　Senior Ray still laughed, but the voice that was uttered had a somewhat nail-biting sound to it.
　'Kuni,' nodded Chairman Koudelka.

''I understand. For my part, I don't want to make enemies of the Arkwright family's jewels, those from the Sixth House, and all the other talented people.''
So may I ask why you called me here?
''I heard that Lord Sagara-dono was from the East, which was not present in this school, and I wanted to talk to you once. As you can see, I have been strongly devoted to the culture of the East for two generations, father and daughter. As you can see, I have been strongly committed to the culture of the east for two generations of my father and daughter.
Doesn't Renowthred have any contact with the East?
I'm not saying that people don't talk to each other. But those of us from the East who are close in age are very valuable.
I see.
'Of course, the reason I called you here is not the only reason I asked for you.

　Chairman Koudelka picked up the sword that had been placed at his side.

'Chairman?'

　Senior Ray makes a quizzical sound.

''I've heard that Sagara-dono is a katana user. Moreover, I heard that you cut those four evil plagues.
We were able to defeat the Four Deadly Disasters because of our friends and the forbidden curse.
Well, regardless of that--

　Chairman Koudelka's clear eyes look at me with a Linglong gaze.

''I have some confidence in my sword as well.................I've always wanted to cross swords with Sagara-dono once.
Me and the sword, sir?
I have rented a training camp.
You mean the Chairman had this in mind all along?
You can say no, if you want. I am the one who is asking for the impossible. It's just that if you agree to it, it would be a little impolite for me to go and rent your training grounds from now on.
..........
'Of course, the stand-up will be in the form of a mock match. I don't intend to use seriousness.

　The malice ... I can't sense it.
　What I could sense was just a purely combative spirit of wanting to fight.
　Lei-senpai dropped one breath and said.

''I'm sorry Mr. Chairman but if you want more than just a chat, I'd like it to end here.
''........I see.

　Chairman Koudelka's face, which didn't change a single expression resolutely - although it was really slight - had a little bit of a sad look on it.
　Somehow, I got the impression that he was like a child who asked his parents for lessons but was told no.
　It's also the type of kid who is very understanding and doesn't rebel.

　Watching her argument with the student council president in the morning, I thought she had a more stinging impression of him... but maybe I was prematurely wrong.
　Of course, it would be hard to dismiss the possibility that this was her own strategy.
　After all, she is the daughter of one of the five great dukes.
　It's not surprising that she is skilled at playing games in negotiations.
　But.

Okay.

　That she drew back easily without a trace of resentment.
　That there is no sense of malice.

　Somehow I don't think he's a bad person.

'Are you sure, Kurohiko?'
I don't mind at all if it's enough to cross swords in a mock match format. Also, this is my decision, so if there's anything else, I'll explain it to Currier-san and the others.

　I don't think Currier-san and the others would blame Rei-senpai for anything, though.

''If Kurohiko says so... well, for my part, if the chairman's wishes are met, that's better...''
''And--I'm also interested in the sword of the school's undefeated president, known as the school's undefeated president.

　Rather, it could be sword training for me, too.

　Then Chairman Koudelka bowed deeply as he sat upright.

'I am indebted to you, Lord Sagara.

　...you're a very polite person.

So....

　Looking up, Chairman Koudelka raises his body.

'Let's head out, shall we?
Yeah.

　Senior Ray and I turned our backs and opened the door of the windbreaker room.

''........Wait.......''

　From behind me, I heard President Koudelka's voice.
　I looked and saw that Chairman Koudelka had stopped, bending forward.

'What's going on?'
Would you mind waiting a few minutes?

　Chairman Koudelka looked up without any particular change in her neat expression.
　Then she said, without changing the tone of her voice.


'I spent a little too long sitting upright my legs went numb.


..........

　I wonder.

　I wonder if Chairman Koudelka is a natural type, surprisingly...?