Assassins Pride - Volume 2 - Chapter 4

Assassin Pride Volume 2 Chapter 4
LESSON IV: ～The singing voice of beauty, and broken vessel～
The morning following the trance liken welcoming party──

Melida and Elise were accompanied by Kufa and Rozetti as they went to school. They were currently in the school building tower first floor at the most conspicuous position where a large decorated scale made from glass was.

Before them hanging from at the tips of the four arms of the scale were glass baskets. Each glass basket had a name plate on it;『Melida』『Elise』『Keira』『Salacha』.

At the bottom of the four baskets, little multicolor glass stone were spread out all over. The amount was different respectively. 『Keira’s basket had the largest heap built up. 『Salacha’s』basket also contained a considerable amount. 『Elise’s』 appeared to be half full. And then finally there was 『Melida’s』 basket with what would be considered a poor excuse of eight stones scattered within.

“Ojou-sama, what do these glass stones stand for?”

“It’s the number of votes a person has obtained.”

Melida calmly answered. She didn’t appear to be overly shocked by the results.

“These glass stones are distributed among the four participants by the other students. Each stone counts as one point in the voting process. It’s fine to put a stone into a basket at any time, but it’s not possible to take it out and reallocate it to another basket. Normally the common practice is to vote four separate times. Typically, before the trials start the first votes for the participants are cast, then a vote is cast after each trial is completed.”

“I see. So, once the third trial ends the candidate who has the most glass stones in their basket ultimately becomes the Luna Lumiere’s laurels, correct?”

Kufa nodded in comprehension. Once again, he looked up at the giant glass scales.

“In other words, right now, this is the advance reviews for the selection matches, but……”

“It seems that no one expect anything from me.”

Speaking as though she was used to this sort of thing, Melida gave a little smile. However, Kufa showed that he pointed at the bottom of the basket which her name was put up. Shiningly, many glitters could be seen.

“Even so someone believes in Ojou-sama! Please look at that, Ojou-sama.”

“It’s true. I’m so happy!”

Just like a blossoming flower, Melida’s brightened up with a smile.

At that moment, the chime on the upper floor of the school building’s tower rang. It was the signal for the start of homeroom. They began moving forward towards the usual classroom. Melida unconsciously tried to grasp the hand of her cousin…… but she came to notice that the hand which should have been grasped was not nearby.

“Ely?”

When she looked back, the girl was still looking up at the scales all alone. She was there deep in thought akin to a daze like state, to the point that she didn’t even notice the sound of the chimes ringing.

“Ely, we’ll be late for the lesson you know?”

“Ah……Un… Go.”

Pitter-patter Elise caught up to her and entwined her hand with Melida’s as they headed off to class.

Although their good relationship was charming to say the least, they were regrettably in different classes from each other. After parting with Elise, Melida entered her own class. Right after she passed through the door the eyes of her classmates all gathered on her, their gazes then turned away in an unnatural manner.

Not a single person called out to her while she received those glares.

“……Good morning everyone.”

“Good, good morning, Melida-sama!”

The classmates moved further away as if they were afraid after being greeted by Melida.

Ever since leaving the dormitory today, this seemed to be the mood from the other students. The reason was obvious. This was the aftereffects from incident at the welcome party last night. The atmosphere was similar to when magnets with same poles face each other and push away from one another, it felt like no one wanted to approach her. Since there was no other way around it, she put down her bag at the corner seat with no one around.

Kufa sat on a nearby stair. After seeing the events unfold in the classroom, he let out a sigh of grief that wouldn’t be noticed by anyone nearby.

“……Good morning, Melida”

Melida’s voice unconsciously squeaked in surprise as one of her classmates unexpectedly took a seat next to her.

“Ner-Nerva? Good, good morning”

“…………”

With a sour face, silently sinking into the seat next to her, was none other than the original bully who targeted Melida, Nerva Martillo. Although her expectations were unknown, Nerva had announced she would become a member of Melida’s unit, there was no time to talk directly with her at this time though.

Her sisters (Blumen) worryingly watched over the development from seats nearby. Nerva rested her chin on her hand, while looking at scene outside the window, she said in a whisper to the restless Melida.

 “……What do we do now?”

 “Eh……Wh-what is?”

 “You know, that……”

 “…………”

 “…………”

Cutting off there both of them fell into silence.

Seeing the chat had not advanced at all, Kufa cleared his throat “cough” and stood up. As he turned around in front of the table, the eyesight of the little girl gathered as if looking for somewhere to go.

“My ladies .Although there have already been many interactions between the two of you, unfortunately right now there no time for a slow reconciliation. For now, you can join hands in a relationship of mutual trust through a──Handshake!”

As Kufa did a gesture of handshake with both of his hand, the little girl timidly faced each other. Although awkward, simultaneously they extended their hands, clasped them together.

With that as if to say they had reached a decision, Nerva rattled on with rapid questions in succession

“With that said, it’s about the selection matches! Have you thought of something? I don’t want to have eggs on my face in front of D’Autriche’s students by any means you know.”

Melida too put aside the difficult thoughts then answered with a plain tone.

“Although I have thought about it, we’ve gained Shenfa-onee-sama as an ally. I think this is our strong point after all.”

“That’s nice. Then something like Melida and I will devote ourselves as support, acting as something like a decoy or a shield……?”

“That’s right. If Shenfa-onee-sama is able to create good position, even if it is only a single one, it wouldn’t be that miserable even if we lost right?”

“Not a bad idea. If so, after she does that that we would only need to draw the enemies’ attention.However,──”

Pishi~in! The wooden sword struck Kufa’s hand hard making both of girls silent. Melia and Nerva’s shoulders jumped, reflexively they sit up straight and looked up.

“Your cowardice, cure it at once!”

“Or rather, where was that wooden sword……?”

“Showing a nice lose you say? Are you half asleep? Surely you ought to aim for the victory with all your strength!! As long as you can!”

“E-eeee!?”

“Kufa-sama, would you use some common sense?”

Nerva stated her opinions, unable to change cautious standpoint, even until the bitter end.

“It’s not really a disagreeable remark, as the objective opinion──wouldn’t it be hard for Melida to aim for the top in the selection matches this time? At any rate, concerning the other candidates lead by D’Autriche’s Prince, that girl Salacha is considered the best first year, even then regarding Elise-sama…….Well, it goes without saying. You’ve seen the scales in the lobby, right? You know, the difference in votes suggestion the outcome of the selection matches?”

“Interesting. Just who do you think I am?”

Kufa lifted the edges of his mouth, as if saying they should be even more fired up from how high the odds were against them.

“Exactly, because no one has any expectation of you. There is the possibility of producing a miracle that would astonish anyone. Have you already forgotten about the previous semester’s public tournament? Was there anyone among the few thousand in the audience that foresaw Melida-ojou-sama’s victory that day?”

“Uu……are you seriously saying to me after I was the one defeated?”

“Exactly! You, more than anyone else should realize this because you witnessed firsthand.”

Nerva heaved sigh as if having given up towards the older man who had no intention of quit.

Looking somewhat happy, yet seemingly troubled, Melida let out her voice.

“Sorry Ne. Even though Sensei always looks like a grown-up, somehow when it comes to me, he can be pretty childish.”

“It sounds like nothing but a lover’s boast, so then.”

After heaving a sigh, appearing to have a headache, Nerva also roughly nodded.

Kufa nodded in return. Appearing satisfied with the response he vehemently argued.

“Very well. Given that the objective is to make Ojou-sama be chosen as Luna Lumiere as the intention, for the following month I will guide you without restraint. The schedule will be every day after school! Do your best to be there.”

“I wonder, why did I even announce my candidacy……”

“For the present the terms are──”

Splendidly ignoring Nerva’s lament, Kufa continued.

“Including myself, Team Melida consists of four people. Therefore, we need to arrange it properly, right?”

“Meaning, we have to call Shenfa-onee-sama over”

With an awkward exchanged, Melida looked to Nerva and confirmed.

“Unfortunately, the upperclassman classroom is a little……”

“It’s hard to enter right.”

“When inside of the school, I’m always receiving cold looks. Making the situation even worst for me for me.……”

“I also don’t know what would the onee-samas say either”

“I wonder if there would be a better time, when there are as few people possible?”

“Wouldn’t the holiday be fine? Since Shenfa-onee-sama shouldn’t belong to any club, we’ll patiently lay in wait for her as she comes out of the dormitory tower ──”

Pishiin!!

““Maybe like today at lunch break!!””

With only one timbre from Kufa’s wooden sword, Melida’s group straightened their posture into a more dignified appearance.

†　†　†

“Although I thought you would hesitate a bit longer…… Surprisingly though you marched right into the third-year classroom, you girls are quite brave.”

While drinking the cup of black tea, Shenfa Zwitoque wore mischievous smile.

Built on the bank of the herb garden was the purveyor’s open-air café. A large number of female students were scattered around the tables enjoying lunch. Occasional glances filled inquisitive looks gathered on them. From the outside looking in, their group probably appeared to be a very strange combination.

The sole male knight in school, the talentless girl whom he was working for, sat next to them the girl who used to bully Melida and furthermore the Onee-sama which all the students admired…… Throughout café the profusion of gossip spread and bloomed similar to the flowers in the garden.

The girls’ attention was first grabbed hold of by Kufa politely greeting them.

“Let me express my thanks, miss Zwitoque. You helped us in the welcoming party last night.”

“It’s fine you know. Being able to participate in the selection matches is something honorable for me as well.”

Wearing a calm smile, she answered as she actively leaned her body toward the table.

“Now then. Since this unit has been constructed in a hurry, we don’t have time for leisure either. Let’s promptly begin the countermeasure meeting of the selection matches.──Melida-san, the candidates taking part in the trial received a detailed handed out from the Headmaster-Sensei, right?”

“Ah, yes! I brought it with me.”

Melida took out the curled-up parchment from her bag. She untied the string and spread it out in the middle or the table for everyone to read. Each of the girls leaned their bodies towards the center of the table from four directions, bringing their heads togetherinto a huddled.

As for the parchment, it was written as follows.

=====================

＊First trial Bottoms Up. Date: September 2nd week, 7th day. Location: the rooftop’s pool.

The glass pet Siren has been chosen as the pool’s guardian goddess. The candidate must demonstrate to the vessel, the beauty and skill one must possess to be worthy as Luna Lumiere. The candidates must also capture the wings from back the back of the Siren’s body.

Separate condition: the candidates will have to preparea swimsuit. 

＊Second trial Threaded Ball Dance. Date: September 4th week, 3rd day.  Location: courtyard.

Select a pair as the king, with one of the candidates carry out a real battle in a chess match.

A great variety class pets will become the player’s pieces.

        ※Detailed game rules will be available after first trial.

               ※At the starting time, there will be additional special rules given.

＊Third trial Castle of Miracle. Date: October 2nd week 1st day. Location: All of the palace.

By the means of a battle royal between all the candidates and their unit members, decide victory and defeat. A medal will be worn on each of their chests and a point the value of three per candidate and one point for the unit member.

Inside the thirty-minute limit, freely use your power to the limit and secure the most points.

===========================

After reading to the end, Shenfa pulled her body away from the parchment.

“Until the third trial we still have time. There’s no way to think about the second trial at this point.──For now the problem is, the countermeasure for the first trial coming up in three days.”

Nerva too sit down on her seat and directed her face toward Shenfa.

“Although, I understand what to do generally, but whatdo you think it mean by『Display beauty and vessel』 Onee-sama?”

“In short, it’s charming the siren and receiving permission to touch its wings. Perhaps some sort of performance or action will be necessary……”

“So that means?”

“With all due respect, I think it would be the trial questions the education of being a lady. Meaning doing nothing in particular would be insufficient. For example, playing musical instrument, performing a special skill……”

“Anou……”

At that Melida timidly raised her hand and gathered the eyes from the table.

“Ojou-sama. What could it be?”

“I-I, don’t have much confidence in my swimming……”

Slowly, the other three people dropped their shoulders. Kufa, having regrouped, raise his face.

“Then let’s practice.”

“But Kufa-sama, where would we do that? In St. Frideswide, or perhaps I should say there is rarely enough swimming facility in general and there is not wide enough place for practice.”

“I see, that’s troublesome……”

As he lined up his head with Nerva worrying, Shenfa suddenly lifted her face as if realized something.

“There is a place you could swim.”

“Is that true?”

“You know on the 6th floor of the dormitory tower, there is a big bath house only the student council officers, or the dormitory’s prefects may use. Although I’m also sometimes allowed to enter, but if that was a large enough space you should be able to practice.”

Shenfa put her finger against her chin, while thinking she put together her words.

“Since it would conflict with others’ bath time be problematic……I’ll somehow reserve it for you. Say around eleven o’clock night for one hour. I’m sorry it’s so short for time, but please work diligently Melida-san and Kufa-Sensei.”

Kufa pressed his hand on his chest, once again bowed.

“Thank you very much for your cooperation, Miss Zwitoque.”

“Shenfa-sama, you’re also dormitory prefect ne?!”

Melida directed a respectful gaze. However, Shenfa flatly shook her neck side to side.

“No, certainly not. Such a troublesome duty, who would want to undertake it?”

“Eh, but just now, you said if it weren’t the people from student council or prefect, they wouldn’t be able to use it……”

As far as Melida knew, Shenfa wasn’t a member of the student council. While holding up her black tea making a nonchalant face, she revealed the answer in a quite roundabout manner.

“The authority of Luna is convenient you know.”

Kufa group’s gazes immediately scatter as they picked up the tea cups. As if just remembering, they pointed at the cake counter that the café was known to be praised for things like baked sweets.

Certainly, she wasn’t wrong about it being convenient. Given that they didn’t ask anything anymore.

†　†　†

The night of that same day, once the time for the dorm’s light out had passed. Two people, Kufa and Melida immediately set out to practice swimming, aiming for the first trial. First, they passed by the clothing room and supplied themselves with the specially made swimsuit for the candidates to use. Then they headed towards the big bath house on the 6th floor Shenfa informed them of.

Not being the student council officers nor the prefects, the moment the dorm mother’s sister found Melida while she was roaming around at this hour, it’d be big scolding. Kufa while masterfully avoiding the patrol light he guided Melida to the upper floor, fully displaying the skill of the samurai class.

Occasionally he would review the school building map that Shenfa lent them.

Standing in front of a door on the dormitory tower’s 6th floor, if opened it would lead to their target the big bath house.

“It seems Ely and Rozetti-sama haven’t come yet.”

Circling the excessively spacious bath house, Melida put the hand luggage in one of the baskets. Position back to back with Melida, Kufa was in the opposite trellis changing his clothes.

Melida was worried that Elise, who was made to participate just like her, might have also been troubled by this matter. Because of this she decided to reveal the information about the big bath house and proposed a joint practice sharing this limited time and space.

As for Kufa, he had no intention of hindering the sister’s friendship. Nonetheless, that silver haired little girl from Angel’s branch house, was no doubt a powerful rival for the selection matches. While Kufa promptly loosened the military uniform’s belt, he called out to Melida.

“Time is limited. Let’s start the training a step ahead.”

“Y-yes…………Ano, Sensei?”

While unbuttoning the collar, with a glance Melida peeped at him.

“Si-since I’m changing into swimsuit at the moment, I’ll have to take off everything…… Therefore, y-you mustn’t peek! Because if I was seen, I’d know immediately.……But, if Sensei said by no mean then, I-I’ll pretend not know for a bit──”

Don! In the middle of her words Kufa pulled out the foldable partitioning screen​. While setting it up around Melida, brightly he smiled.

“Don’t worry, Ojou-sama please use this.”

Her home tutor who was fully prepared floated a gentlemanly smile, fully overflowing with self-control. Melida for some reason looked dissatisfied pulled and pursed her lips.

“Thank you for your concern!!”

While being angry with an extremely complex expression, she stomped her feet in frustration.

With somewhat drastic momentum, from opposite side of the partitioning screen, the sound of rustling clothes became audible.

Even for him, reason and worldly desires were paper thin. It should not be something similar for Ojou-sama. Kufa shook his head to clear away evil thoughts, “Now then” he turned his back and started taking off his clothes.

Different to Melida though, they couldn’t prepare any tasteful swimsuit for man. Having aware of this, he had brought a change of slacks and underwear. He folded the outer garment of the military uniform, took off his shirt and tie, followed by his socks. The he rolled up the hem of the slacks to finish his preparation.

While being naked from the waist up, he waited for Melida to change clothes. Suddenly from the opposite of the partitioning screen ”A”a voice came out.

“Achaa～……this is troublesome.”

“Is something wrong?”

“Even though I had checked the name tag, it seems I have mistaken and taken Elise’s swimsuit. What should I do……?”

“Shall I go and take them back?”

Although he tried to say that, Kufa’s group could only use the big bath house for merely one hour. Leaving and coming back to the clothing room again, while carefully trying not to be found…… As he thought, it was inevitable a considerable time would be lost.

Was she thinking the same thing, there was hint as Melida shook her head from the opposite of the partitioning screen.

“If its Ely’s, then I’ll just have to borrow it like this.”

“Is there any problem with the size?”

“It’s fine. Our body sizes are almost the same. We would usually lend and borrowing each other’s clothing since old times…… Say, what are you imagining!?”

“I-I’m not imagining anything, so please hurry.”

Images of duke knight house sisters’ naked subconsciously floated in his mind, which would forever remain a confidential secret.

Smoothly and also stirring restlessly the sound of clothes rustling continued. Before long, Melida-Ojou-sama who had changed into a swimsuit revealed her figure from the opposite side of the partitioning screen.

They were not the usual swimsuit. For the sake of the candidates taking part in the trial they were specially made costumes. There was not much emphasis on exposure due to many decorations because they were separate type. This type impressed the people who saw them for their ritual usages, rather than swimming use, because of the mysterious thin veil.

While bashfully hiding her skin, Melida reddened her cheeks and looked up over him.

“Ho-how is it? Is there anything strange……?”

“Truly Ojou-sama, you would look good with whatever you wear. If you were to wear adress, you’d be a princess, your figure in a negligee would equal a fairy of the forest. And then, the sweet mermaid’s swimsuit……”

“Stop it, Sensei……”

Kya! after hearing that the Ojou-sama’s face flushed, she covered her cheeks as if embarrassed and hid her eyes looking shy. She caught glances of him as she peeked through her fingers.

“Sensei……You have a body just like a sculpture, though you gave more of a slender impression.”

Kufa took a muscle pose in a lighthearted response.

Having finished complimenting each other, the two promptly stepped into the big bath house.

Just as Shenfa had said, it was a considerably luxurious bathing facility. On the marble floor, evenly spaced pillars stood in a row, the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling gorgeously illuminated the spacious facility. For example, even Melida-Ojou-sama who wasn’t the dormitory student thought, “Should I become a candidate for the student council when I’m in second year……?”

She muttered to herself consenting to the high treatment.

And then although it was the essential bathtub, the width was nearly fifteen meters, the depth was at the level around Kufa’s waist when he submerged in hot water. If it were the small built thirteen years old Melida, then it would be sufficient for swimming practice. Although a little anxious about the width, wishing more than this would be fitting for a punishment.

“Please swim according to my indications, so I can in see and check your form.”

“Ye-yes.”

Melida, feeling somewhat tense let her body float inside the bathtub. According to the home tutor’s voice she tried to circle around Kufa from right to left of the bathtub, she freely displayed her image on the water.

“From the flutter kick, crawl, backstroke to──What’s this, you’re swimming without any problem, aren’t you?”

“You’re right. Although, it’s been a few years, but unexpectedly it’s something never forgot.”

“With this then only letting your body use to the water──No, please wait.”

Kufa put the fingertips on the bridge of his nose. The invisible glasses shined “kiran.”

“This training is lacks something thrilling…… It’s somewhat boring right?”

“Why does Sensei suddenly feel like raising the difficulty level!”

“What are you saying. Since we don’t know what will happen during the trial, if we don’t make absolutely sure. ──With that said you are in a position where you could retrieve these, ten coins?”

Taking the golden coin from his pocket, he showed and let them glitter in his palm. Suddenly with his thumb “Pi────n”, he flicked it, the twinkle fluttered midair then fell down into the bathtub. In succession the sound of “pin, pin, pin, pin pin pin pin pi────n” clearly echoed out. The hectic force of the golden shards caused ripples to emerge throughout the hot bath water.

Linking both of his arms behind his back, Kufa smiled looking seemingly delighted.

“Now then Ojou-sama, with this your test begins. Please collect all 10 coins inside this bathtub. Your time limit is 3 minutes.──Now, start!”

“Yo-yo～shi……let’s go.”

Clasping both of her hands, having motivated herself, Melida dove underwater.

Since the hot water was transparent, the sunken coins on the floor were glittering existences. The errand of collecting them wasn’t a hard challenge. Melida was doing a good job of picking up and collecting the golden shards, though she required time to catch breath several times. In one breath 3 pieces, in a good trend 5 pieces, in the time to say “ah” 7 pieces, and then the 8th piece, the 9th piece entered her hand──

“Puha” Melida took another breath, looking a little impatient she looked around the bathtub.

“A-a-re? This is strange……Where is the 10th piece?”

“Oya, that’s strange nee.”

Even though she continued to look around the bathtub floor, the last bead of gold was nowhere to be found. Finally, before her eyes, the figure of the home tutor wearing a broad smile stood with his hands clasped behind his back……Melida immediately “Pin,” noticed.

“──Ah, I got it! Sensei is holding the 10thpiece!”

“That’s correct. Now then, only 1-minute remains.”

Showing off the final coin he hid behind his back, Kufa stood ready inside the bathtub. Melida sternly sharpened her pupils and kicked off the bathtub floor.

“Ei!”

She sprung in a straight line, but the home tutor unthinkably evaded wise nimble ease inside the hot water. Without resting she attempted again a second time, then a third time stretching out her hand, Melida’s palm was dodged with extreme ease. Having been hit by the water’s resistance, there was no strength left in her waist.

“30 seconds remain.──Ojou-sama, please don’t forget that we are capable of using mana.”

“That, that’s true!”

At Kufa’s advice, Melida hurriedly concentrated her thoughts in the depth of her heart.

Shortly after, golden flames were released from around the swimsuit.

Due to the reflected light, the whole bathtub was divinely dyed. Kufa lowered his waist while he continued to lightly smile.

“Ojou-sama. Now that you’re in the state of releasing mana, please use your body to feel the sensation of the water’s resistance and movement. This should be much different compared to the normal body sensation. Make sure you don’t make a mistake when adjusting your strength……”

“I got it!”

She answered lively, then Melida tried to kick the floor hard with all her strength.

Bacha────n! the water surface erupted.

As the water splashed up vigorously, Melida flew out of the bathtub and soared up nearly touching the ceiling. No matter how one thought about it, she put in way too much power. Kufa opened his eyes wide in surprise.

“O-Ojou-sama!”

At the unexpected event, Melida darted her eyes around. Deeming that it wouldn’t be good if she violently slammed against the water’s surface, Kufa precisely kicked the floor and jumped over to where she would fall.

As if slow motion Melida fell down inside his arms, followed immediately with the loud sound of water and s big splash of water. While Kufa protect Melida, his back was sunk into the bathtub.

““Gobobo……！””

The two of them while breathing out bubbles, somehow went above the water. Kufa put his back on the edge of the bathtub. If the jump had a little more force put in it, she would have crashed into marble flooring.

While still being held by his sturdy arms, Melida glanced at his face while in a position appearing as if she was pushing down Kufa. The hand that was supported by his shoulder, “Kyu”, clasped apologetically.

“I’m, I’m sorry Sensei, are you alright?”

“O-Ojou-sama too, are you injured?”

“I’m completely okay. Because Sensei protected……”

“I’m also fine, a trifle matter. It’s great that you’re safe.”

“Yes. It’s great that nothing happ──”

Butsun.

At that moment, a clear noise echoed from nearby. It was different from the sound of water. It was an intuitive yet strange sound warning that something had broken. As Melida knitted her eyebrows, at the same time, “Shuru”, there was the sound of rustling clothes.

Immediate after, the swimsuit top slipped off from her chest.

The incident occurred before Kufa’s eyes. Not understanding the situation, his eyes were immediately as if naturally, attracted to the exposed skin color. There a nude and defenseless chest with swollen hills. Looked upward at the tip, were points that stuck out with the appearance of fresh and fruitful strawberries “tsun.”

Water droplets flowed along the collarbone down to her cleavage, climbing their way down to the pink summit on her right chest. Only after it projected a transparent glitter……“Pichan,” it popped onto Kufa’s lips.

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“I…………!!”

Ojou-sama, who was unable to understand what happened to her body, at that moment finally returned to her senses. She covered her bare chest, and while letting out a scream, she crouched down in the bathtub.

“Iyaaaaaaaaaaa!?”

“That voice just now……Lita!?”

And then, there was a press for an answer about that tragedy.

As he thought he could hear a different voice coming from the dressing room, the door was thrown opened with force. From the opposite of the steam, furthermore without wearing their towels the young girls rushed in.

“What happened, Lita!”

“Wait a bit Elise-sama! At least wear the towel!”

The ones who were moving their bodies around before Kufa were, none other than Elise Angel and Rozetti Pricket. The girls noticed Kufa and stood still, after finding Melida who was top half naked in the bathtub with red face. After that they finally realized the state of their own appearance.

They must have been in the middle of changing into swimsuits. Although Rozetti was fine as she was still in her underwear. However, Elise’s was in a state of not wearing a bath towel, leaving her skin from top to bottom open, as if a flower displaying its blossom. Dumbfounded Kufa’s eyesight unconsciously, tasted every corner of the young girls’ glamorous bodies──── Immediately after, in a flash both of their arms protected their chests and waist from his eyes.

Elise’s expression was rare, she was tainted with red in anger while being shy. As Rozetti let out a voice ”Hiuu,” tears began to swell in her eyes.

Anyone could clearly expect what was to come──The awaited future came a moment later.

Before the ear-splitting shriek, Kufa resigned himself to his fate and took it head on.

““Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!””

 ──Originally, they gathered here not to bath, but to practice swimming. The other girls had also agreed to instructor Kufa being there. It should have been enough to explanation the situation after they rushed in naked. However,

“Please forgive me rudeness, Ojou-sama. Whatever punishment would be……”

Without adding unnecessary words, Kufa only deeply knelt. The three young girls who wrapped their naked bodies with bath towels were sitting on the edge of the bathtub and waving their hands at him.

“N-no. It’ not Sensei’s fault……”

“Or rather, we still went in while knowing there was someone inside and……

“…………”

Elise while still silent, kicked up some of the water from the bathtub with a splash. Kufa ended up receiving the hot water upon his head, but if he could bring things to an end with it then it would be fine. While Kufa shook his head to wipe away the drops of water, once again he faced the girls.

“I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart for your tolerance.─ With that said, Ojou-sama, please look at this.”

What he handed over was, Melida’s swimsuit’s top. While being red remembering the accident just now, Melida confirmed the swimsuit with dubious gaze.

“Speaking of which, why did you suddenly take it off?”

“Please look at the collar’s knot. There’s an unnatural cut.”

“Eh!? That means……!”

Rozetti flipped up her face. Kufa deliberately nodded in return.

“It appears to have been altered in a manner where, if one’s actions were strong enough while wearing this, it would fall off. This swimsuit is the one Melida-Ojou-sama had mistakenly taken belonged Elise-sama. After I inspected the swimsuits, it appears that Melida-sama’s swimsuit, which Elise-sama accidentally took, didn’t have the same alterations to it. In other words, someone amongst the candidates is being…… Rather than that, I think Elise-sama is the target of harassment.”

“Unforgivable! To plan a sabotage like that!”

Thinking about her cousin, Melida stood up with a deep red face. Restraining that girl expressionlessly still, Elise stared at him. On Kufa’s cheek, the scornful gaze stuck.

“Rather than me, what Kufa-Sensei saw is more of a problem.”

“An-anyhow!”

While clearing his throat “Gohon,” Kufa tightened his expression and fixed his gaze on the girls.

“Ojou-sama, there is one thing that has become clear in this case. Whoever is planning to obstruct the selection matches is involved with us.──Please fully stay cautious.”

†　†　†

Three days after, although harboring many doubts time flew by in a blink. At last it was the first match of the selection matches. The time arrived for the four candidates to confront the first trial.

On the glassmond palace’s rooftop, a large pool surpassing fifty meters wide had been installed. Of course, the building materials were all made of glass. From the mysterious water tank’s floor, blue light was rising up, as if water itself was glittering, giving birth to a fantastic scene.

From the outer circumference of the pool, “kyaa kyaa” high pitched cheers were raised. Over three hundred female students in swimsuits were swimming, sprinting in the water, merrily going around.

The swimming institute that required large quantity of water was one of Flandor’s most luxurious amusement. “Long live Selection matches!”, as if he could hear that shout from the hearts of the girls.

“Everyone! Although we have permission to enter the pool, try not to obstruct the trial, also try not to get involved to the trial and get hurt!”

The robed figure, Headmaster Blamange was running along the pool’s edge and sending out caution. With only one word “hurt”, the girl student’s expression was a little tense.

In the center of the pool there was a round pedestal, on it was a glass doll that was lying sprawled. Although the upper half was the figure of a beautiful girl, the lower half was the shape of a fish. Moreover, on her back was a pair of bird wing……she was called the guardian of the pool, the glass pet Siren.

As if to surround the Siren, right now, from the edge of the pool four gondolas had started rowing out. No need to say, on each of those boats there were the figures of the candidates. The special made swimsuits for this trial were being illuminated by the blue light and the thin veils were fluttering in the wind.

For the first trial, there was no assistance from the pair, nor from unit member. The candidates had to face the hardship with their own power.

Melida wore a tense look, Elise whose expression was unchanging as always, St. D’Autriche’s candidate Salacha who was curling her shoulders, and the only one calmly floating a smile Prince Keira. After equally surveying the four candidates, the Headmaster stretched her voice as if to make it resound across the entire pool.

“Now then, I’ll confirm the summary of the trial. The first trial Bottom’s Up’s objective is, with your source of power, usurp the wing from the back of the siren. If the removal is difficult, I don’t mind its destruction,──Regardless, the siren is a hard to please woman. As a Luna candidate, showing appropriate beauty and vessel are the vital point to defeating the opponent.”

In front of that comfortable violin like voice, Kufa and Rozetti didn’t enter the pool, but standing in the corner of the pool side listened. Rozetti was wearing the swimsuit lent by the academy, but Kufa was the usual top half naked slack state.

From the gondola floating on the water surface, Melida and Elise’s eyes were looking toward them. Kufa touched his nape and waist, sending back those gestures. The girls checked each of their swimsuit knots once again and firmly nodded in return.

Before the trial Kufa’s group had checked and it seemed this time the swimsuit itself had nothing done to it. Be that as it may, they had to be on guard. Somewhere in the academy──rather, undoubtedly somewhere inside this pool, someone intended to sabotage the selection matches.

“Just like before, I wonder if this is the handy work of the one called Black Madea?”

From the side Rozetti brought her lips close and whispered. Kufa couldn’t answer immediately and shook his neck.

“I don’t know. In the first place what kind of merit is there for her in doing this to Melida-ojou-sama’s group. Also,c ould be the objective in obstructing……”

“However, speaking about it this trial.Doesn’t it make you feel a little odd?”

More than ever while sticking her body closer, Rozetti pointed at the glass doll lying on its side elegantly.

“That is, a mermaid, right? However, it doesn’t give an impression of accepting other’s beauty”

“I didn’t say anything, because Ojou-sama didn’t notice, but……”

After hesitating a little, Kufa opened his mouth.

“In the first place if charming with beauty and being liked by the siren is the way to defeat the opponents, then somehow the impression clashed with the trial’s outline expression Usurp the wing.…Although it would be fine if it were just simple words”

Ahorrible hunch began to swell up. Finally, once again Headmaster Blamange looked around the entire pool, announced with a loud voice.

“Now, it’s about time we start the trial! Sightseers please gather closer to the edge of the pool, if you don’t want to have scary experience then get out of the water──Miss Shanson, you’re a little too forward. There there, you must not obstruct the candidates.──Now then, preparation is complete!”

The four people who were standing on the gondola each nodded in return. The Headmaster quickly raised her finger.

“Very good! Then first trial Bottom’s Up, commences right now!!”

The glass bell played a refreshing melody. The angelic timbre echoed across the roof of the pool, over three hundred female students were watching over the trial from the outside, “Waa!” letting out their cheers.

At the same time, the glass pet Siren opened its eyelids looking quite troublesome. In as state as if saying “what it is?” its upper half body rose and gazed at the four gondolas approaching from four directions.

Keeping a fix distance from the siren, each of the gondola stopped their advance. The student sightseers suddenly lowered their sounds of breathing, watching over the turn of events. “Shin,” in the tense atmosphere of the pool’s rooftop, only the sound of lively water reverberated quietly.

As for why Melida and Elise hadn’t moved, it was according to Kufa group’s indications. First priority was to monitor the other candidate’s moves, since they didn’t know what the saboteur was scheming. Salacha, one of the D’Autriche’s group candidates was not the type to make the first move either, no matter how one was to look at it.

The final candidate Keira was, not doing anything and laughed scornfully at the first years.

“Oya, everyone’s getting cold feet? If so then it’s my turn.”

Vigorously she rowed the oar, stepping forward in front of the siren. While bathing in the colorless and transparent eyes sight, Keira put down the oar at her feet and she picked up a folding fan which had exquisite embroidery attached.

Apparently, it seemed Dancing was her performance. Being well informed with that battle style, Rozetti leaned her body forward to watch “Hou.” Kufa too, crossed his arms “now then, how will this go?”

Keira whose face overflowed with self-confidence, was suddenly expressionless. Just like an artificial object she had a delicate blank look, as if spun by a thread smoothly her arm was raised.

Her pupils were decorated by long eyelashes, the overwhelming beauty surprised people and left them frozen in place.

While still on the gondola she started to dance, Keira’s wrists fluttered about.

Her movement was relaxed like a calm wave. At the same time, her gestures were delicate like gentle breeze. Not pausing for even a second she weaved a tale, expressed through her whole body.

Not being restricted by narrow footing, instead the space being closed to the water brought the dance into prominence. The moment Keira stretched her arm toward the unreachable sky on the edge of the gondola, the female students watching all responded with at once “Hou……”, leaking out painfully long breath. Someone was even collapsed on the pool side, losing their consciousness all while looking happy.

Kufa shifted his eyes to the siren, wondering what the probability success was.

……The body which ought to be made from blue glass started to release to gentle l bright red spot from the corner of the chest.

“A-a-re?”

Immediately after, having seen the same thing Rozetti’s cheeks twitched.

Zun………… the entire pool strongly vibrated, and the water lowered in the pool.

On the water surface a large ring of water spread out. Keira’s dance was interrupted on the swaying gondola. The female students started to make noise wondering what happened. The pool rumbled with the girl splash-splash in the middle, short and repeated rings of water forced the four gondolas back further and further.

“You know I have a just a little bit of a bad hunch.”

While trying not to move she braced her legs, Rozetti shouted.

“Perhaps the siren couldn’t forgive anything more beautiful then itself!?”

Immediately after, the water surface erupted as if being lifted up, with thunderous roar a dragon suddenly came out.

To be precise, it was the water current. With the width of two meters the water current was bundled up and swirled, stretching up into the sky then falling down. Becoming a very thick spear, it charged at Keira’s gondola.

“Ku──!?”

Immediately after Keira flew out, the vertically raging stream slammed down pulverizing the gondola. Creating a gigantic whirling tide, once again, it caused a gigantic explosion from the bottom of the pool.

There was an intense spray of water that shot up towards the rooftop, raining down as droplets when returning to the pool. More and more of the female students let out screams and started to escape from the pool. While checking to see if anyone was injured, Kufa and Rozetti walked over to the pool side.

Poking her head out from the water’s surface, Keira looked up at the violent siren and shouted.

“Is-isn’t this different from the story! What did you say about that thing……Dammit!”

A mana flame spouted up from her body, as she poured in her fighting spirit. With all her strength she kicked off the water flying and soared, just like that she started running on the water. It was the feat unique to the physical ability of a well-trained mana capable one.

Just like a stone skipping on water she trotted across the water’s surface and sprung directly at the siren. However, immediately after the siren casually swung down one of its glass arms. As if being pulled by divine power, the water current rose up sharply like a curtain and engulfed Keira.

“Gua……!”

Keira was slammed against the water’s surface. Even her drawn out scream was blown away.

Even for D’Autriche’s Prince, as she tried to make a friendly approach couldn’t push through with brute force. Not to mention Melida and the other candidates, naturally began to get cold feet. At that moment, Rozetti who’s pupils were searching around, suddenly drew her arms back.

“Nee, somehow, that! Elise-sama’s state is somewhat strange, isn’t it!?”

However, there was no time to confirm her said sense of discomfort. Without a moment’s delay, the raging Siren called up the next calamity. Just like she gathered all the strength in her body, both her arms trembled, next, Guwa! released toward the sky.

Ten places erupted into a giant apocalyptic tsunami which wrapped the pool. With fierce force the water current roared, frantic high waves slammed down on the water’s surface. Melida’s gondola had barely escaped from capsizing, Elise’s and Salacha’s gondolas were helplessly overturned, the two’s figures were pulled into the waves.

“Elise-sama!!”

Unthinkingly Rozetti dashed out, Kufa with anguished thoughts pulled her shoulder to stop her.

Even now with everything happening, the Headmaster didn’t budge and watched over the pool. The trial was still ongoing.

At that moment from the pool side, one third year from Frideswide leaned her body forward looking irritated.

“Aa mou, why are you so unsightly!? Even though if it were me I could do it much more skillful……”

“President Christa, that’s dangerous! Please back down!”

Without heeding the warning from her classmate and still leaning her body toward the pool, she was Frideswide’s true candidate, student council president Christa Shanson. For long time she had always been a nuance, the girl seemed more anxious to put her body on the edge of the pool compared to the other normal students.

With the worst timing, that impatience had become her enemy.

The siren disheveled both its arms, further waving a second and third time with the same furry. From the water’s surface, water bulged and exploded causing the water surging up. Brute forcefrom the water current bounced around freely, assaulting the pool’s side from the sky.

“President, above!!”

“Eh……?”

Reacting to that voice, a moment quicker, the water current came slamming down hitting her. Taking that attack head on, president Christa lost consciousness and was thrown into the pool. She was then swallowed by the raging wave, before the time to say “a” she was pulled to the bottom of the pool.

“““President Christa!!”””

From a gap between the screaming students, a black-haired figure ran through. It was Kufa. Without hesitating he kicked off the pool side and leaped into the pool, pushing aside the violent wave he dived to the bottom.

The panicking female students he passed by were left bewildered by the spectacle.

“Even Kufa-sama! Aaa, what should we do! What should we do……!”

“The only safe one is Melida-sama!”

While gathering gazes from the pool side, Melida herself, was in a panic not knowing what to do. It was already some sort of miracle to be inside this raging storm and not have her gondola capsize. Melida’s body clung to the side with all her might.

“Wha-what should I do……?What can I do……?!”

Suddenly at that moment, a hand stretched out from the water’s surface and grasped Melida’s hand. “Kya!?,” without time to even let out a scream, the figure of a girl in swimsuit crawled onto the gondola.

It was one of D’Autriche’s candidates, Salacha. Undauntedly, her lips tightened, betraying the impression she given up till now. With sternly raised pupils that tended to look down, Salacha said.

“Please……cooperate!”

“Eh?”

“It’s impossible to do this alone! We have to combine our strength!”

“I-I get it! But how should we do it!?”

On the violently shaking gondola, Salacha stretched her arm with utmost effort and pointed at the siren, as she exchanged gestures to appeal.

“I’ll draw its attention from in front, you from behind! According to Headmaster-Sensei’s talk, if we somehow manage to touch its wings, then we should be able to stop it!”

“Understood! Leave it to me!”

After nodding in return, Melida grasped the two oars on the side and jumped onto the water.

As if exchanging places, Salacha stood above the gondola and adjusted her breathing.

──She began to sing.

Looking lovingly, she spread both her arms, Salacha let her singing voice resound perfectly clear. Inside the roaring water current, at the mysteriously vivid degree, it dyed the extremely noble world.

The siren’s antagonize heart swelled up for an instance. It turned about directly opposite of the gondola; she too took the posture of singing. The singing voice was inhuman, seemingly the minds of its listeners were scattering around by the ultrasonic waves.

In between the Siren and Salacha, the air blew violently. It could be described as a sword fight between the singing voices. The different melody completely resounded and clashed with each other. As if adding the emotions of the opponent, the volume increased. Toward the domain of the world that didn’t exist, the sublimed sound of wave evoked a raging storm of the likes never seen before.

From the water’s surface rose a spear made from the current, aimed at rolling gondola. From the pool side the students released an “A!” before swallowing their breath. Immediately after, the water spear head landed in front of the gondola with a“ Splash!”and shattered magnificently.

Landing on the gondola while bathing in the splash, with her platinum hair fluttering was Elise Angel. Rotating the oar in her hand above her head, she thrust it before the siren. At the same time, from her whole body pure a flame of mana erupted, the oar shined dazzlingly.

“Elise-sama!”

From the left and right, endlessly numerous water currents came attacking, only to be knocked away by Elise who skillfully swung the oar. With her eyelids shut Salacha continued to sing. The siren became even more heated, causing ripples to emerge in the pool. Water and sound erupted from the exchange of the glittering multicolored flame on the water.

The female students on the pool side were sending out cheers, with bright shines in their eyes.

“Elise-sama──!! Please do your bes──t!!”

“Wonderful! What a gallant figure～～～!!”

“I’ve decided! All of my remaining glass stone will be votes for Elise-sama!!”

“──!!”

At that instant.

As if the gear had gone awry, in that moment Elise’s body had stiffened. As if weaving through that gap, the water current’s whip came crashing down at the girl from above the gondola.

“Aa!”

Overlapping the girl students’ scream, from the opposite direction there was also another water current. It plunged down applying force under the gondola causing water surface to send the boat flying. Salacha’s song was interrupted, the girl was helplessly thrown into the pool.

After removing all the beautiful girls from its own sanctuary, the siren floated a contended smile. The boiling red color slowly calmed down to the corner of its chests, at the same time, the rampaging water surface also returned to order.

Everyone on the pool side made a gulping sound with their throats, immediately after──

From the back of the siren, the water surface burst open. The golden human figure leaped to the sky, while scattering flame from the whole body, she squeezed the oar tight.

“──AA!!”

Toward the figure flying out with vigor, the siren momentary turned back ──

An instant. The meteor that jumped out from behind drew a locus on the siren’s back. Melida who fully swung the oar couldn’t hold out like that, “Awa, awa, kyawa!” together with a miserable scream she fell down into the pool.

And then, from the siren’s back, “sharaan……!”

Resounded a pure timbre to the point of hair-raising, the pair of wings scattered and fell down. The guardian goddess of the pool became just like a doll that had its string cut, falling down onto the pedestal.

While everyone was fixing their eyes forgetting to breath, Headmaster Blamange’s voice resounded loudly.

“The first trial concluded!! Good work! Good work!”

It became stimulation, intense cheers enveloped the area all the way to the roof. More than three hundred people from Frideswide and D’Autriche united to praise the candidates.

“Pull them up from the pool! Hurry up!”

The Headmaster energetically sent out orders and the lecturers who were waiting flew into the pool. The first-year group was welcomed back with crackling applause. Salacha and Elise then joined up with Melida who returned using her own strength.

Melida was raised her face “hah,” while having a towel placed on her shoulders,

“That’s right, what about president Christa……!?”

As if answering her voice “zaba,” they dashed out from the water surface. Carrying the figure of the third year wearing a swimsuit, Kufa poked his head out of the water, powerfully he climbing to the pool side.

“She’s fine.”

As he spoke, she began coughing violently, seemingly there was nothing wrong with her. Apparently, it was fortunate that she lost consciousness early and didn’t drink much water. The classmates of the third year rushed over to her all at once, scrambling to put bath towel around her.

“Cough, cough! Just, just, what happened……?”

“Melida-san’s group stopped the siren. It seems, you had been saved by them.”

Shenfa admonished her with that information. President Christa’s face was, for an instance dyed beat red.

The girl, as if being flicked turned her gaze around to find the figures of Melida’s group peeking in on her. President Christa furthermore blushed to the tips of her ears, as she hurriedly pulled the towel to herself, “Fun!” she snorted her nose and left the area.

Being taken aback while watching her leave, Melida exchanged looks with Elise right beside her and let out a chuckle. “It’s great that’s she’s unharmed ne” and Elise nodded at Melida’s words.

“Please wait! This is absurd!”

At that moment, a sexless voice tore the air to pieces.

Violently pulling the towel, it was D’Autriche’s Prince, Keira. While pushing aside the wave of female students, she came over pressing the Headmaster with loud voice.

“What was that, the trial just now! Even if the winner is the one that reined the siren in, if you didn’t cooperate with other the candidates you wouldn’t be able to get close to it! It honestly shouldn’t have to be solved this way! No, in the first place, it should not be valid as a task!”

“That’s wrong, Keira. Please recall the meaning behind the selection matches.”

The Headmaster still with her calm toned voice responded in order to persuade her.

“This battle is not a match, it’s an election. Although, certainly there is a victory condition established, but you don’t always have to compete for a win or loss. Even if the opponents lost and the students watching over the trial judge that “they aren’t worthy of being Luna Lumiere,” then they too, are not qualified to be exemplary ladies, right?──For this first trial, I wanted you candidates to understand that.”

“……”

Keira kept silent while biting her lips.

The Headmaster turned to the three first years, appearing happy from the bottom of her heart, she floated a smile.

“Melida-san, Salacha-san, and Elise-san. None of you looked down on the others in that extreme situation but were able to choose the possibility of Joining hands. The beauty of a woman is not only the outer appearance, but it overflows from the inside of her heart. Undoubtedly, as fitting of the Luna Lumiere candidate, you could say you have shown that beauty and vessel.──Wonderful work!!”

The Headmaster applauded, once again, from both Frideswide and D’Autriche students’ applause rose. Being in the middle of the ring looking embarrassed Melida group’s smiled, Keira looking even more dissatisfied bent her lips, quietly she turned her body and walked away.

“We did it, Salacha-san!”

Overflowing with emotion, Melida entwined her hands with the D’Autriche student’s next to her. As if responding she entwined her fingers, she smiled just like a princess of the flower kingdom.

“We did it! Melida-san!”

Sharing their joy, the little girls “Ehehe” smiles bloomed like a flower.

For some reason, Salacha suddenly came back to her senses. Her expression stiffened, with an apologetic look she removed her hands and turned her back.

“I-I’m……sorry”

Saying only that, she dashed off into the wave of people. What did she apologize for? Why did she run away? Unable to understand, Melida gave a puzzled expression after losing sight of her hands’ destination.

The Headmaster stretched her voice toward the excited female students.

“The first trial ends here! Now then, everyone return to the school building. Carefully wipe your body off, as to not catch a cold──Or perhaps, are there are some students who haven’t played enough with the siren?”

“Anou, Headmaster. I’m sorry, I broke the siren’s wings……”

Suddenly realizing what Melida had said, she apologetically dropped her shoulders. Thereupon, the Headmaster answered her in a manner displaying that she didn’t mind.

“You don’t need to worry miss Angel. the glass pets have self-repair mechanism. For example, in the case where even if its whole body was broken──, it’ll fix itself if we leave it be.”

Melida was unable to believe what she was hearing, unconsciously she directed her gaze towards the center of the pool.

The mermaid that had lost its wings, was lying spread out on the pedestal letting out peaceful sleeping sound.

†　†　†

“That was wonderful!”

With her cheeks blushing Melida said. Without any reason she looked around her surroundings and once again nodded.

“Again, somehow it was wonderful!”

It was the locker room of the school building tower. In a place reserved as the candidate’s waiting room, Melida who was changing into her uniform repeatedly talked about the excitement inside the trial.

Sitting on the chair, passing time playing the role of a quiet listener was Elise wearing the same uniform.

“Un, it was wonderful.”

“I mean, I have no confident in my performance, so maybe it was great that it had become a feat of strength development……However, Keira-sama from D’Autriche! Did you see her dance? I too had thought that “Victory and defeat had been decided!”

“Me too.”

“But, but──we had played an active role! Since the Headmaster-Sensei had praised us! Everyone, gave us a wonderful applause──Aa, it felt sogood!”

“Lita, you look happy.”

“I am happy you know! Since the start of the selection matches, , hadn’t we had been looked at with cold eyes? I didn’t even think we would get that much support. Perhaps tomorrow……Maybe the number of votes obtained will grow!?“Gu～n!”

“…………”

Elise shut her mouth at that point suddenly and aimlessly she averted her eyes.

Melida remembered that uncomfortable feeling. She bent her knees to match Elise’s eyesight.

“Ely……You know, you had a strange appearance right in the middle of the trial?”

“……What strange?”

“For example, that moment where you were protecting Salacha-san! If it were the normal Elise, then you would normally be able to endure more, right? Or should I say, even though I was bearing it, you were simply subdued. I thought it was somewhat strange.”

“…………”

Elise once again swallowed her words, at that moment “kon kon,” someone knocked on the door.

As Melida answered “Ye～s?”Slowly the door opened and revealed the figures of two female students. Melida unconsciously corrected her uniform which was put on in a hurry.

“Shenfa-sama……Student council president Christa!”

With president Christa who still had an unpleasant expression and Shenfa who was pushing on her back. The instant Elise stood up from the chair, the former Luna Lumiere smiled mischievously.

“Christa has something to say with you.”

Naturally, Melida group’s eyes all gathered on the student council president. Being looked upon by the juniors all at once, president Christa “Uh,” pressed her throat.

She turned away while lightly clearing her throat. Her cheeks dyed red; she began to talk very quickly.

“You…… You guys were not the culprit behind changing the stained glass. I understood that from the beginning.”

“Eh……?”

“That, that’s all!”

“Bishan” she yelled as if throwing something violently, president Christa turned her around because of irritation or something. After saying what she wanted to say, before one could say “a” she had gone and disappeared from the locker room.

While Shenfa was letting out a chuckle, she herself also put her hand on the opened door.

“What she meant was“I’m sorry.” What a clumsy girl.”

“Etto……Ano, that means……”

“Melida-san, you── you battled on with difficulties more than we thought you had.”

Shenfa left those words in a carefree state with a faint smile. Gradually, her figure also disappeared to the other side of the door.

And then it was the silent, as if a tornado had just passed. Absentmindedly, Melida’s group lowered themselves down onto the chairs and exchanged looks. As Melida breathed out “Buh”, Elise nodded with an expressionless face.

Melida smiled with a cheerful expression.

“Nee, Ely. I have no idea why I had participated in the selection matches, but……in order not to embarrass Frideswide’s representatives, I will battle with all my might.”

There was no reply from Elise. Melida furthermore spoke with ardor.

“Although my status amongst the candidates is the lowest. Once I stand on the field of battle, such a thing is irrelevant! I, in order to fight with Ely, shall not take it easy. So, I’ll fight with all my strength!”

“…………”

Elise still didn’t say anything. Inside her blue pupils, unseen emotion flickered.

Before long, the girl muttered a few words.

“I……Will take it easy.”

“Eh?”

“Nee Melida. If I lose on purpose, would you win for me?”

Melida for an instant, didn’t understand what she was being told.

Elise seemed far too uninterested. The spur of that moment couldn’t hold back the true meaning of the words.

──Terrible insult, those words.

“If Lita won for me, we could join into one unit, right? It’ll be great if me and Lita become a unit. So, go and win, while I will lose on purpose.”

“Wai-wait up Ely, what do you mean……”

“Lita do you hate the idea of being in the same unit as me?”

“Of, of course I don’t hate it! Even still……not by those by something like that, right?!”

Elise couldn’t understand why Melida was yelling, causing her totilt her head slightly.

Melida unconsciously stood up, in shock her legs stepped back.

“In other words. Ely you’re trying to say……I absolutely won’t win?”

Without an ounce of ill intent, with a pure expression, Elise tilted her head a little.

“You won’t win, right?”

“……!!”

Melida’s face momentary boiled red. Her body was trembled.

“I…… I, surely have lower status than Ely, even though I’m the called Talentless girl…… But I thought we were equal! Do think differently Ely!?」

“Fui,” Elise averted her eyes sight, looked down the floor.

With only a few words, her true feeling came out.

“I don’t want to be your equal Melida.”

“──!”

Melida having heard this with her own ears, a cold chill emerged from within her. Violently she grabbed her luggage and turned around.

“I won’t say anymore!”

She flung opened the door of the locker room with force and dashed out just like that. She sprinted with all her power without looking back, she shouted in a loud enough voice as to not be mistaken.

“I’ll definitely defeat you!!”

She didn’t even notice the figures of the home tutors beside as she was running like the wind. Kufa who was coming to meet her, unconsciously stood stock still at the uncommon state his master was in and confirmed that there were glittering tears running down her cheeks.

“Ojou-sama?”

The petite back, before one could say “a,” turned at the end of the corner, disappeared.

If one turned to look back in the opposite direction, on the other side of the still left opened door, left alone on the chair, there was the figure of Elise Angel.

The door was naturally, slowly closing. The girl’s figure, just before being hidden by its shadow──

“Do it if you can, Lita.”

The voice, which was like pulling a thin thread, had a hunch as if it was heard.