As soon as we pulled back from the beach to our accommodations, we headed to the hot tub.

　Naturally, I was the only man in the hot tub today, and after getting cleaned up, we went to dinner.
　Then, after getting cleaned up and refreshed, it was time for dinner.
　There were more people at the dinner than yesterday, and I felt that the more people we had, the more fun we had.
　After we finished our leisurely dinner, it was time for each of us to have some free time.

　Currier and Cecily said that they will practice at the training facility from now on.
　Ira was willing to train with them, but this time it was Ray-senpai who offered to train with them.

"Can I train with Ira tonight?　In fact, I want to train for the Seibu Festival. My opponent in the second grade division is a sword similar to Ira's. Besides, if everyone came to train, the headmaster wouldn't be able to do anything about it. So Kurohiko should take a break and relax with the headmaster for a bit.

　Distantly, she urged me that I should deal with Makina-san.
　It must be a consideration of Ray-senpai's own.
　If you ask me, I can't leave Makina-san alone.

　After parting with them, I looked for Makina-san.
　According to Ray-senpai, he saw her going out of the facility some time ago.
　I went out, but I couldn't find her around the facility.
　According to Lei senior's research, most of the places where guests stay at the facility go out at night are fixed.

''If you can't find it here either, then I guess the rest is.......the beach?''

　I walked toward the beach at night, where the light from the crystal lights couldn't reach me.

　I arrived at the beach.
　By the time I arrived, my eyes were already used to the darkness.
　The beach was quiet at night, but there were many people on it.
　I stepped on the soft sand and walked, looking for Makina-san's figure.

''Hmm?''

　Someone poked me in the back.

"Kurohiko.
Oh, Mr. Machina.

　Putting her hands behind her back, Makina-san smiles mischievously.

'What's the matter?　Are you on the beach, too, for an evening stroll?
Yeah, well, that's about as close as it gets.
Do you mind if I join you?
Of course.

　I mean, of course, I was looking for you and nothing else.
　Makina-san went ahead and I followed her little back.

'Lots of people, but it's quiet.'
...Yes.

　It's hot season now, but tonight there's a mild, cool breeze.
　The smell of the sea breeze.

I just wanted to come out for a bit of a night breeze, but you know what, it's killing me.

　Makina-san smiles bitterly and cowers her shoulders.

'You give up?　For what?

　Giggling, Makina laughs.

'This beach is full of lovers.

　I'm more aware of my surroundings than before.
　As you can see, there are many men and women holding hands and hugging each other.
　I notice a sweet atmosphere wafting everywhere, and I feel a sense of embarrassment creeping in.
　Machina-san, who slowed down her walk and lined up next to me, suddenly folded her arms around me.

''Ma, Makina-san?''
There's no shame in being like them, right?
Do you mean boyfriend...?
Just now. Just now. I didn't feel comfortable before, either.

　He was just about to leave when he found me floating around all alone.

'Hey?'

　Makina winked.

'Okay?'
Okay then, let's pretend to be lovers just for now.

　Makina-san put a lot of strength into her arms that squeezed together.

''Oh, is it just now?''

　A joking tone.

"So you'll marry me?
Marriage, hey..... It seems like there won't be any recipients at this point, and if you say something so irresponsible.......I'm going to get serious about it.
All games aside, I'm sure Makina-san has plenty of company.

　Once I let go of her arm, Makina-san takes my hand.
　She starts to walk away as if she were an escort.

'Your father told me the other day, 'It's time for you to get yourself together. He told me.

　It's like he was refraining from bringing up marriage until his daughter's wish was granted.

Maybe he wasn't in his usual petulant tone, so maybe it's time to let him get down to business.
...What about Makina-san herself?
Well, I suppose I could settle for a good man, but...

　Makina-san turned around and gave me a meaningful look.
　Then she took a breath with a refreshed face.

''I'm still busy with the headmaster's work, you know...''

　Makina-san looked up at the clear, starry night sky.

''I was afraid that I would lose my mind after the matter of the four wrongs was settled. But that's not the case. In fact, now that I don't have to worry about the Four Deadly Sins, I'm able to concentrate on my work better than before.

　She looked out at the ocean's horizon, holding back her hair, which was like a lustrous ink flowing in the sea breeze.

"He'd be happy to see me, wouldn't he?

　The current 《that person》 is - maybe she's your sister.
　Makina-san's eyebrows change into a figure eight.

''Well, it doesn't change the fact that there are so many troublesome things that make me want to complain about it.
So now you're just going to focus on your work?
Well I guess we'll have to wait and see, at least until the current first year graduates.
You mean until our senior year is over?
Yeah.

　Marriage, huh?

'It's just ... how many people in Renowthred would want to be united with Makina Renowthia, cut off from the Renowthia family name?
Makina is a very attractive woman, I think.
'Hmm, thanks. But most of the noble lords prefer something like Noise Deuce to an underdeveloped little girl like me.
I mean, isn't that a bad metaphor?
Chuckle, is that right?
But if it were me...

　I said, feeling the warmth of Makina-san's slightly sweaty palms.

'I'll definitely choose Makina-san over Noise,'
....................
Mr. Machina?
You're a natural, aren't you?
If you're a natural next to being insensitive, then you're proud of yourself, but when you're fighting an enemy, you're very observant.

　I'm going to do it, and I'm self-proclaimed, but.

'Hmmm ... well, either way, I don't care. And besides ... because you're like that, I've probably chosen you.

　I was chosen as the person to erase the Four Deadly Disasters.
　I was honestly happy to hear her words of trust.

''I owe Makina-san a debt of gratitude that I can't repay. If you hadn't believed my story about you coming from another world, I don't know what would have happened to me by now... I'm really glad to have met Makina-san.

　Now, it's possible that the Forbidden Spell King might have forced himself to do something about it.
　In any case, I might have become a forbidden spell user.
　But - because I met Makina-san, I have this life now.

''That's why........people say that kind of thing is insensitive.
What?
Well you really can't help it.

　Makina-san let go of my hand and stood in front of me.

'But--'

　Behind her, the sea.
　The moonlight illuminates the surface of the sea and her back.

"I'm glad I met you, too. I'm so happy to have met you.

　Naturally, the impressions came up in my head.
　Earlier, I had said that I wasn't the type of aristocratic men who liked--

　I'm sure any man would be attracted to this smile.




　Returning to the accommodations, I parted from Makina-san and headed for my room.
　On the way back, Makina-san and I talked about the future - mainly about the future with an eye on the resolution with Hibigami.
　Training to improve our combat abilities is important, but we will still need to collect other forbidden spells.
　Both of them were of the same opinion.
　That man - Hibigami had yet to show the bottom.
　Even though he was at the bottom of the pecking order among the Four Deadly Disasters, Zeke told me that he had won that Four Deadly Disasters as if he hadn't been able to keep that one away.
　After the Noyes battle, he instantly killed the Seven Sins and End Fang.
　As far as I could tell, the Seven Deadly Sins were not exactly what they seemed.
　But--

　Hibigami and the people of the 6th House were too overwhelming.

　The strongest man who is said to be the pinnacle of strength in the 6th House.
　If I don't defeat that strongest man, the people I care about will be in danger.
　I can't afford to lose.
　I'm going to turn the corner of the hallway.
　Speaking of which, I can't afford to lose, so is the Holy War Festival.
　I won't be competing, but I'm responsible for getting Ira-san to the finals.
　..........
　Ira-san is a truly kind person.
　Anyone with a warm heart deserves to be equally happy.
　Even if I'm ruthless, I want to protect the happiness of the people I love with a warm heart.
　And if I could, I would make their wishes come true too.

　Click.

　So--

..........

　But....

Uh--


　I open the door and find Ira-san in the middle of changing.


　Ira-san was frozen, as if she had paused, looking at me.
　She was in what could be called her underwear.
　Ira-san's body moved with a jerk.
　
　Because I was thinking, my attention was neglected........

''I'm sorry........!

　Instantly, I closed the door.
　I think Ira was about to say something, but I couldn't think of anything else to do but high speed close it.
　I let out a deep breath.

''You're already back from practice.....oh dear........I suddenly got it wrong.......''

　I was aware that I was spending the night in the same room with a girl, so I should be more of a gentleman, but it started out as a peeping tom.
　What should I do?
　It would be too awkward to go back to the room now.
　It's too awkward to go back to my room now.
　I'll just spend the night on the couch in the facility....
　Click.
　The door opens.

"Kurohiko?
'Oh, Mr. Ira...'

　Her cheeks were upturned in shame, but there was no rejection.
　Now she was in her pajamas.

'Haha, cut the training out of there early, okay?　So, I heard Ray had gone to look for the headmaster, so I thought it might be a little while before he came back.
'I'm sorry, I didn't even check to see if you were there... well, I was in the middle of getting dressed.

　Even though I was thinking about it, why didn't I check it out?
　....................
　No, I'll admit it.
　I'm a dull - I'm a dullard.

'Hahaha, say it's fine!　It's my fault for not locking the door, too.
But...

　Ira-san averts her gaze.

'And ... if it's Kurohiko, you wouldn't mind being seen, would you?
What?
Come on, let's get in!

　He grabs me by the arm and drags me into the room.

'Whoa!　Wow!

　Because of the sudden dragging, I lose my balance and end up hugging Ira-san's body, just like that.

''Wah, Ku, Kurohiko--''

　Hmmm.

I'm sorry.

　He rushes away and apologizes.
　...........
　The texture was raw, just because the nightgown was a thin fabric.



　He was puzzled, but his generosity of spirit allowed him to forgive me.

'But ... I'm prepared for a slap or two.
Hahaha, Kurohiko is so sincere and earnest. But that's what I like about Kurohiko.
Huh, huh...
'Oh, yes. So instead of asking for an apology, can I ask you for one favor?
What the hell?　If you ask me to die, I'll compromise and at least half-dead--
'It's too exaggerated, and more importantly, it's weirdly specific and kind of scary!　In the first place, I would never ask you to do that!

　Unusually, Ira-san gave a tsk-tsk.

'What?　I'm just kidding!　Well, a finger, at most, one of the fingers, and a ho--
What?
Not--or at best, but at best--well, you know, on your knees?
Ha-ha, right?

　Phew, Ira lies on the bed while hailing himself.

''Oh, Kurohiko, sometimes the joke doesn't sound like a joke!　It kind of freaked me out.

　It wasn't even a joke.

So, what are you asking me to do?
Oh, yeah. Would you be willing to come with me to practice tomorrow morning?
'What?　Are you sure that's what you want to do?
No?
Yes, of course you can.
Thank you.

　You're so eager........
　While gazing at the ceiling, Ira-san let out a breath as if to release the heat from the fire.

''Hmmm........it's refreshing to be with Kurohiko. It's a strange thing to say, but Kurohiko isn't from the world I know. She's not even from the East.
..........

　Sharp.

'So?　When I'm with Kurohiko, I feel like I'm having a lot of new experiences.
'I enjoy being with Ira too,'
Oh, yeah?　But Attachi is so wild, he's not as glamorous as Currier and Cecily, he's not as dignified as the two presidents, he's not as chatty as Ray, and he's not as gracious as the headmaster...

　..........
　Is it full of class?
　I guess the reason I'm suspicious of what you just said is because the majority of my head is occupied by the goofy, b*tc*y Makina-san and the occasional damsel in distress.
　Well, well, there's a classy part to it, but....
　Anyway--

'There's something good about Ira, you know. And ... I was Ira-san, so I took the role of his training partner.
...Blackberry.
Was this training camp a nice break for you?
'Yeah. If I were to use a metaphor, I'd say it's more windy where there was no windage.
It was good.
'Hey ... Kurohiko ... Kurohiko ... if I ... if I ... if I ...
...Isla?


　Tiredness must have lulled her to sleep.
　Ira was breathing a quiet sleep.
　Gently, I put a thin blanket over her.
　Her belly was showing, so she fixed her clothes so they wouldn't touch her skin.
　I turn the light of the crystal light to its lowest level, being careful of the sound of footsteps.

　Speaking of which, what was she going to say?
　But for now, I'll let him sleep.
　I set the desk clock with the alarm function and whispered.

'Goodnight, Ira.'




　The next morning, as planned, I had morning practice with Ira.
　She didn't seem to have any tiredness left.
　The finish was good.
　We had become a different person from before we started practicing together.
　By the way, he didn't seem to remember what he had said just before falling asleep.

　After morning practice, we had breakfast in the dining room with everyone who had finished dressing for departure.
　I heard that Currier, Cecily and Makina had gone for their morning bath after they woke up.
　It was a lively and enjoyable meal, but it still attracted the attention of the people around them today.
　It wasn't so much that it was noisy, but more like the attraction of Cecily and her friends' glamour.
　Wherever they are, the jewels shine.

　After we finished eating, we got ready and gathered at the entrance.

''Hmm~!　Mia has allowed me to stretch my wings for the first time in a long time.

　With a radiant face, Makina-san stretches out her arms.

''I'll have to thank Mia again when I return to King's Landing.

　I'm glad that Makina-san enjoyed this trip as much as I did.

'Thank you for inviting me on this trip, Kurohiko.
Oh, no.

　When she gives me an unmixed smile, I'm usually embarrassed.
　It's easy to lose awareness of the fact that this is a family affair, but she's also a beautiful girl.
　When she smiles at you with a tremendous smile, you can't help but feel a thrill.
　I'm sure if she had an outstanding body with a lot of bumps and bruises, she'd be very competitive in the social scene.
　Well, I think the current Makina-san is good enough for me, but....




　Makina-san, Ira-san, and Ray-senpai left the Iowa Nourishing Area before us in the carriage they rode in when they came.
　And a little later, Mr. Banton arrived.

　After a while, the carriage was ready and we began to bring in our belongings.

'Now, Banton, I'll take this too, please.

　Mr. Cecily hands the package to Mr. Bunton.

'Yes, Miss. So ... how did you feel?　Did you have a good trip this time?
Yes, it was a very good trip. At least if you come with the Arkwright clan, it won't be like this.

　Mr. Banton laughs bitterly.

''Hohohoho........by any chance, you're still dragging around that example of fun you had two years ago with Vadias-sama, Socie-sama, Diares-sama, and Guyden-sama.......?

　The emotion disappeared from Cecily's face.

''That... that... that was... that was a terrible trip... haha...''

　What happened.........
　No, well, I think I can imagine it.

　Her father hasn't met her, but her mother, Socie-san, is over-interfering in her daughter along a strange line, and her brother, Diares-san, seems to be a eater as far as the way he treats Commander Sogut is concerned.
　And his grandfather, Gaiden, loves Cecily so much that it doesn't even hurt to look her in the eye.
　And Guyden-san, he usually doesn't get along well with Dearest-san.
　And I hear that your father is a very stubborn and strict person among them....
　At least, I can't imagine a harmonious trip.

''I've never been on an outing for amusement purposes before, you know.

　Mr. Currier said as he carried his luggage into the carriage.

'This kind of outing has a different feel to it than the Cirrus Baths. I want to come back next time with the same group of people.
Well.....

　If I could, next year, and the year after that, too.
　It would be great if we could beat that man and come back every year.

　We got into the carriage and it finally left the Iowa Feeding Ground.




'I don't even see Iowa anymore. I'm feeling a little sad about that.

　Miss Cecily said, leaning against the carriage window.

'I hope to come back next year.'
'Come to think of it, I didn't ask you, but did Kurohiko enjoy this trip too?
'That's the thing, I only have half a memory of the first day... but it was fun. I'm glad I came, I really am.

　I'll have to thank Chairman Dristos again when I return for the convenience.
　''Niyo~,'' said Cecily's mouth fell open.

''But........you remained insensitive after all on this trip as well, right?
Yeah, I'm not very good at it.
Mmm, so that's what you're supposed to be-- what?

　Cecily, who had been nodding her head, reacted with a thud.

　Thud!

Ah-tah!

　The rocking and momentum of the carriage caused Cecily's head to hit the window.

'Hey, are you alright Cecily...?'
''~~~~!''

　Miss Cecily gets teary-eyed and puts her head in her hands.

'Miss Cecily?　Is everything okay?
Yeah ... yeah ... it's fine ... but I'm gonna get a bump ...

　Currier-san, who rushed over to check the condition.
　For now, it seems to be nothing serious, but........
　Nevertheless, it is.

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

　I have to admit, after last night's incident with Ira, I have to admit it.
　I make up my mind and cut him off.

'I seem to be slow after all, so I'd be happy to ask you to be proactive in the future.
"Huh?

　When I'm thinking, I seem to lose my ability to detect things.
　It seems that my personality tends to get lost in the whirlpool of thought when I'm not careful.
　That's why I try to be as careful as I can, but when I'm slowed down, I'd appreciate it if Cecily and the others would actively bring me back to myself.

''Naturally, I'll be as careful as I can be, but when I feel dull, please do me a favor.
That's quite a... bold statement, isn't it...
Actually....last night, as expected, I have to admit something happened.

　Currier-san and Cecily-san look at each other, and again, they turn their pouting faces in my direction.

''You mean what happened last night.... in the room with Ira?''
Yes, sir.
Hey, do you mind if I ask you what happened to you?

　There's no way I can tell you that I'm embarrassed to say that I've peeked in on your change of clothes due to my perceptive abilities being dulled.

''I........I can't tell you.
N-No, Kurohiko!
What?　What's going on all of a sudden, Cecily!
Details.
What?
''I'm going to ask you to elaborate on last night's incident. At the last minute, you brought an explosive technique class, didn't you?
What?
You're not going to...?
Even Currier-san is looking at you so coldly...?

　The two men crowded in, almost simultaneously.

'Kurohiko!'

　Eventually that misunderstanding was cleared up when we got to the place where I lost my memory on the first day.




　At the end of this trip, I found out.



　A girl's imagination is an amazing thing, I thought.