As expected, it would be too tactful for me to leave here, wouldn't it?

　Cecily Arkwright breathed in the hallway in front of the medical bay where Krohiko was.
　Right now, inside the Sickbay, Kurohiko and Ira were embracing each other.
　However, as far as the conversation was concerned, it felt like Ira, who was worried about Kurohiko's safety, had embraced him with relief.
　So, as Cecily, it feels tactless to spear her.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

I wonder if I should have asked Kurohiko to be my training partner without holding back.......

　A small voice that may or may not be a voice.

''Well how can I say that now?''

　Cecily was blessed to have Currier as a training partner.
　Cecily felt that her training with her was improving her fighting skills at a rapid rate.

''Hmm........If you want more than this, you'll be cursed by the Hell God Odysoguzeia.
You are a humble man.
Yes, I'm humble and timid in spite of my appearance - Ray!　When did you--

　Before I knew it, Ray Sithonos, who had appeared next to me, shhhh, put his index finger to his lips.

''They'll notice, okay?　From the looks of it you don't want the two of you to find out right now, do you?

　I peeked inside the room, wary.
　Perhaps because of the throbbing in Ira's embrace, Kurohiko didn't seem to notice us.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this, but I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.
　Cecily lowered her voice.

''Ray, did you come to check on Kurohiko too?''
Yeah. But it's a hard air to get into right now, isn't it?

　Cecily lets out a sigh of resignation.
　From the looks of it, Kurohiko, who I'd heard was badly injured, seems to be in better spirits than I'd expected.
　Just being able to confirm that would be enough for now.

''Well let's give those two a little time now.

　Cecily said and cast her gaze across the hallway.
　Along with Ray, who immediately understood her intentions, Cecily slipped away from the scene.

''But to be a first year and participate in the third round... that's a genius, Cecily Arkwright.

　As they came to a spot away from the medical bay, Ray opened his mouth.

'If you say you're a freshman, then so is Isla. Besides, you've also advanced to the third round of the sophomore division. I've noticed that you're competent, but aren't you more competent than I expected?
Haha, I don't know.　We don't have our President Koo in the sophomore division!
Chairman Koo?
Oh, I wouldn't want you to call me that in front of him, would you?
Huh....
Anyway, if you're gonna deal with our chairman, you better be prepared, okay?

　Koudelka's unique technique, the Polar Sky.
　That ability is said to be futuristic vision.
　However, Currier expected that it shouldn't be future vision like a prophecy.

　--although even if it was, it's still a powerful inherent technique.

'Come to think of it, I'm changing the subject, but Cecily is also very tolerant, or rather, how can I say this...'
Hmm?　What are you talking about?
The whole thing with Kurohiko and Ira.
''Oh ... hmm, I'm still aware that I'm the most disgusting and jealous woman around Kurohiko--''
Ha-ha, I don't mind your honesty.

　With a clear face, Cecily lowered her chin lightly.

'Hi.'
I used to think you were a boxed-up princess with a reputation for integrity, but the more time we've spent together, the more I've learned that I was wrong. You're your own person and you're in a lot of trouble. What's up with being a jealous princess?
'Ugh?　Well..........well, you know.......I mean......that jealousy doesn't grow for those two, or rather......that jealousy doesn't grow for Isla, strangely enough.
Oh, yeah?

　Cecily smiles pleasantly.

'I guess that's because I myself like Ira... only I'm somewhat jealous of his straightforward purity.

　That's probably why she's so straightforward even when she's hurt.
　Recalling Isla during that operation to defeat the giants, Cecily analyzed her like that.

'It's frustrating, but sometimes I think about it. I think you and Kurohiko are a good match for each other.
'Oh?　That's a weak statement from the One who is also known as the Jewel, isn't it?

　This light response from Ray made it easier for Cecily to have a conversation with him.

''Because even if you have the looks of a reputation that resonates across the continent, you don't hold much value against Kurohiko.

　I know how people talk about my appearance.
　I also know that I can get a good feeling for the opposite s*x.
　Even Kurohiko tells me I'm beautiful and I know he feels that way about me.

　But I feel like he helped me even without this good looks.
　I feel like he brought me out of that maze of suffering in the same way.

　That's why this beauty that is called a jewel is surely useless in the end.
　When it's the most important time to communicate your feelings, this appearance shouldn't be the most important factor.
　But I think that's why I fell in love with him.

　And I think I will continue to like him.

'You know, I feel like Cecily has grown up.
Hmmm... what's that, all of a sudden?
I mean, I'd be in love with you if I were a man.
If you were a man, I'm sure you'd be charming the girls of the school here and there.
"Haha, but if Ira was here...I feel like I'd still be next to her. If that was the case, what would I think of Kurohiko?
That's exactly what I'm feeling, isn't it?
Complicated?

　Cecily smiles to herself.

'Yes, that's it,'
Haha, then I'm glad I was born a woman. Oh, and by the way, what would have happened if Kurohiko was a girl?
'Hmm I never thought about it, but I can't imagine that...'

　It's like the sister who can't leave you alone, isn't it?




　Cecily and the others found themselves walking up to the matchground where tomorrow's third round would be held.

''The match list is about to be put up soon, isn't it?''
Yeah.
I wonder what kind of combination I'll have.
Without Koudelka, is the sophomore division seemingly unbeatable?
What do you think?　You can't let your guard down, you know.

　They stand shoulder to shoulder and look at the game field.

Now.....who will I face in the next semifinal...

　In any case, they won't let you win easily against anyone.
　The two chairmen go without saying.
　The two chairmen, needless to say, will have a tough time no matter who they face.

　Isla also won this third round without a hitch.
　All the contestants in the third round of the ungraded division knew that she was the real deal.

''I'm still wondering who her next opponent will be, right?
Yes. But...

　Cecily is a quiet fighter.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one. I feel like this festival is one of the walls that I will have to cross.

　I have to catch up with them.