Infinite Stratos - Volume 12 - Chapter 1

Chapter I: The Princess That Shouted ‘Me, Me, Me!’ 

“It always sneaks up on me how close New Year’s is to Christmas.” Winter vacation had begun, and with it, the new year was about to arrive. “Gonna be nice to just have a bowl of soba and relax without the crowd around.” 
Ichika was relieved to be back home after everything he’d gone through recently. But just when he picked up a tangerine, Chifuyu stepped back into the room after a long bath. 
“So much happened this year. Hey, Chifuyu, you feel like some soba?” 
“Sounds good.” 
“I’ll get it going, then.” 
As he stood up to go to the kitchen, though, Chifuyu added something unexpected, “But make extra, okay?” 
“Huh? Why?” 
“Hold on a sec.” 
She turned and stepped out into the garden, where a few lazy snowflakes were melting as they landed. Still, though, it was December. More than cold enough for people. 
“Come on out, Laura.” For once, Chifuyu was calling her by her given name. “I know you’re hiding. Come out.” 
Laura’s instinct was to stay down and hope it was just a trick, but realizing her punishment would only be worse if she didn’t comply, she rose, her white-and-grey winter camo more visible now against the fence. 
“How long have you been there?” Ichika sighed. Her nose was beginning to turn red from the cold, but she was still defiant. 
“Since before nightfall.” 
“What is wrong with you?” He wrapped an arm around her to warm her up, and led her inside. “You know, you could always just knock on the door like a normal person.” 
“My mission was to protect you and her from the shado— Achoo!” Laura couldn’t even finish her sentence without sneezing. 
“Sit down at the kotatsu,” said Ichika, gesturing forward. “I’ll get you something warm to drink.” 
“So this is a kotatsu. An Eden for cats! Symbol of the winter season!” That kind of not-quite-right, not-quite-wrong idea could only have come from Klarissa, who seemingly had an endless stock of slight misconceptions about Japan. 
“Here’s some warm milk.” 
“Mm. Thanks.” Everyone knew Laura didn’t drink coffee. Even if she was envious of how mature and hard-boiled Chifuyu and Klarissa looked ordering it black. Even if she tried doing so herself at the dining hall, and kept leaving it untouched on her tray. “Phew! That’s hot!” 
Laura, never really a fan of hot drinks, sucked her tongue back into her mouth, waiting a few moments before timidly lapping it up like a cat. Leader of the elite Schwarzer Hasen at home in Germany or no, in Japan she was thoroughly domesticated. 
“Three bowls of soba coming right up, then. Laura, why don’t you chat with Chifuyu while you wait?” 
“Oh, sure.” Even with the prompt, Laura was nervous. Her previous awestruck respect was bad enough, but tinges of an imagined future conversation with her sister-in-law made it even worse. But who could really blame her? 
“Laura,” Chifuyu called out, breaking Laura from her daydreaming. 
“Yes, Lehrerin!” 
“We’re not on base or at school. You can call me by name.” 
“Understood, Chiffy!” 
“All right, that’s taking it a bit too far.” A quick karate chop reinforced the point. “Anyway. Want a tangerine?” 
“Y-Yes, Chifuyu.” Laura cradled the fruit in her hand as if it were priceless. “A tangerine... From mein Lehrerin... I can’t eat this, I need to save it forever...” 
Her mumble to herself was apparently loud enough for Chifuyu to overhear. 
“No. Eat it... What has gotten into you, anyway?” 
“Err. What do you mean?” 
“It’s obvious. You’ve been acting funny lately.” 
“Acting funny?! Who, me?” 
“Yeah. Especially now.” Chifuyu shrugged. Somehow, in the warmth of the kotatsu, she seemed almost impossibly relaxed compared to her normal self. “Anyway, though. This year sure was a mess, wasn’t it? Hey, Ichika. Get me some sake.” 
“Of course,” he replied. 
“Make sure it’s warm this time, okay?” 
“I know, I know. What do you want with it? Pickles?” 
“Sure. That’d be great as an appetizer.” 
Laura was a little bit jealous of how casually domestic their relationship was. But even a little bit was enough for Chifuyu to pick up on it. 
“What did you always used to say?” 
“I... I’d rather not think back to that...” Laura muttered. 
“C’mon. I know it’s awkward, but it’s still part of who you are.” She cringed as Chifuyu laughed it up. 
“Here you go, Chifuyu,” said Ichika, coming back into the room. “Sake and pickles. Try not to drink too much, okay?” 
“Fine, fine.” Chifuyu brushed off his concern as she took the plate. What better to go with warmed sake than Ichika’s homemade napa kraut and a conversation with her student Laura? “Mmm, this stuff’s great.” 
She seemed in high spirits as she took a swig of the sake. None of the stress which had weighed on her during the Excalibur incident was visible now. 
“So, Laura. How are things going with Ichika? Getting anywhere?” 
“Well...” Laura clammed up, making the answer obvious. 
“You’ve got to step it up, Laura. A woman needs to know when to go on the attack. Don’t worry about winning the battles. Win the war.” 
“I... I see.” 
Chifuyu continued to loosen up as the line of liquid visible through the sake bottle sunk lower and lower and the plate of kraut disappeared into her mouth. 
“The soba’s almost done, Chifuyu. Don’t fill yourself up before that.” 
“I’ll be fine. Just keep the sake coming.” Ichika rolled his eyes as he brought out another two decanters. It didn’t take long for a satisfied Chifuyu to polish them off. 
“Y’know, Laura. When you turn twenty we really need to go out drinking sometime.” 
“R-Really? Are you sure, Chifuyu?” 
“Ahahahaha! Think of it as something to look forward to. I know I am.” 
Thinking about the future only put Laura on edge. Naturally, perhaps, for someone who normally focused on the past. The unknown unsettled her. But Chifuyu was kind enough to dispel those fears with her own earnest enthusiasm. It was enough to make even her imagine the days to come. 
“All right, soba’s done.” Ichika came to the kotatsu, carrying a tray with three bowls and a delicious-looking plate of fried seafood. “I made fried squid and shrimp too. Laura, you eat squid, right?” 
“Hmm? Oh, yeah, I’m fine with it.” Her wavering eyes were more honest than her words. It didn’t seem like Europeans were very used to eating squid. Ichika remembered her remarking that she’d first eaten it in Japan. 
“It’s chopped up nice and fine, so it shouldn’t be too chewy. Get it while it’s hot!” 
“...Understood.” Laura gingerly took the bowl of soba. But as her eyes caught sight of the rich golden broth, her mouth began to water. “Wow! This looks great!” 
Laura’s own fantasies of her future life in Japan as Mrs. Orimura had taken her into a wholehearted interest in the country’s everyday life, and especially its street food; she’d had plenty of soba by now, and knew a good bowl when she saw one. Knowing the broth was Ichika’s own homemade recipe only made it even more appealing. 
“C’mon, Ichika. You sit down too.” Less a suggestion from Chifuyu, more an order. After bringing the empty sake decanters away from the table, Ichika settled down at the kotatsu himself. “Let’s eat, then.” 
“Yes, let’s eat.” Chifuyu, Laura, and Ichika each fell silent for a moment. Chifuyu had drilled into them the importance of being grateful for their meals. 
“Mmmm! This is delicious!” Laura spoke with her mouth still full. 
“She’s right. Ichika, you’ve gotten a lot better at cooking.” 
As the meal stretched on, they heard the chimes of distant bells. 
“That’s it, Chifuyu.” 
“Mm.” 
“Happy new year!” 
Chifuyu and Ichika bowed their heads, Laura following along after a moment. And thus, a new year dawned at IS Academy. 
 
“Wait, what?! You stayed over at Ichika’s?!” Charl, who had been waiting at Shinonono Shrine in a kimono with her hair done up, sounded shocked. 
“Yes. It was truly an evening to remember.” 
“No fair, Laura! I don’t think you should try to get out ahead of us like that.” 
Charlotte puffed her cheeks out in frustration, then began to plan how she’d stun Ichika when he arrived as she waited. I need to be a little more proactive myself. Yeah, that’s it. And spending a Japanese holiday with Ichika, just her and Laura, was a good chance to be last but not least. Especially with all the other competition out of the way. No one could deny that she looked absolutely adorable. Cecilia had stayed behind in England to take care of some business, Ling had gone home to China. And Tatenashi and Kanzashi were celebrating at their own place. 
“Oh, there you are.” As she clenched her hands in tension, Ichika arrived. Unlike her and Laura, he was in his usual non-school-day clothes. Charl was more than a little relieved, though, to see he was wearing the scarf she’d given him. 
“Wow, you look great in a kimono! Did Houki help you put it on?” 
“Yeah. She’s amazing, it took no time at all.” 
“And what about me? It looks perfect on me, doesn’t it?” Laura was as bold in showing off her kimono as Charlotte was shy. Both of them, though, were absolutely gorgeous, enough to catch second and third glances from passersby. 
“Wow, is that Charlotte from IS Academy?” 
“That must be Laura with her, then. Man, they look even better than the photos.” 
Ichika, meanwhile, ignored the crowds as he lined them up in his camera’s viewfinder. “Guess I should get our first pictures of the year.” 
“I hope they come out good.” 
“It’s nice to be in the habit of having something to remember days like this by.” 
The first shot was the girls together, then each of them alone. Next, they passed around the camera so each could get a shot with Ichika. 
I’m so glad I bothered to come to this. I guess the early bird really does get the worm. Charlotte was already satisfied with how the day had gone, but Laura wanted more. 
“We should probably go make our wishes now. Klarissa said I should wish for safe childbirth.” 
“Why does she always say that kind of thing...” Ichika was nonplussed, and Charlotte was blushing. 
“...Safe childbirth?” 
“Yes. Good health is important.” 
“Well, yeah, but... Seriously, c’mon, Laura.” Charlotte, red-faced, punched Laura in the back, much to her confusion. 
 
Shinonono Shrine’s clergy and lay ministers milled around the grounds, exchanging their holiday greetings. As they did, Ichika spotted Houki in the crowd and waved to her, trying to get her attention. 
“Ah...” She shyly waved back, trying not to make eye contact. Just seeing his face made her feel embarrassed. He’ll probably be watching when I perform the kagura dance ritual... 
The kagura, or the offering dance, was thought to bring luck in the coming year. Normally, Ichika watching as she performed such an important ritual would make her happy, Calm down, Houki... You’ll be fine, you can do this. He’d said she was beautiful after last summer’s performance. And she had even more practice under her belt now. She was sure to impress him even more. 
With her heart rising, she stepped forward and began to dance. Her steps were precise, graceful, yet packed with passion. It was perfect. 
As she finished, Ichika rushed over to her. “You were great, Houki! Wasn’t she, Charl?” 
“Yeah! That was beautiful!” 
“T-Thanks.” 
Praise or no, her heart ached even more. Ichika and Charlotte had been holding hands. It was probably just to make sure they didn’t get split up in the crowd, but still. It’s nice that he liked it... But... Emptiness welling up in her chest, she retreated to the vestry, her eyes gleaming red. 
 
“Hey, why don’t we pull a fortune?” Ichika asked the two. 
“Fortunes, huh. Letting the gods of Japan judge my fate...” 
“Laura, you should really be a bit less credulous about what Klarissa tells you.” 
As they chatted, Houki appeared, dressed in a kimono at her aunt’s insistence. 
“Oh, Houki! Great, I didn’t know if you’d be wearing one too!” A smile spread across Ichika’s face, and Houki’s heart fluttered in response. 
“I guess. I didn’t really care either way, but my aunt thought it was important.” 
“Really, it was the right idea. Can I get your picture?” 
“Hmm? Oh, sure.” She was a little surprised at how enthusiastic he was. 
“All right, just Houki for the first one.” 
Snap went the shutter. Twice more, too, once for all three girls together and once for Houki and Ichika. 
“.........” 
“What’s wrong, Houki? If you don’t get closer to him I can’t fit you both in the frame.” 
“Mm...” Houki’s embarrassment came to the forefront during their picture together. Whatever her other duties today were, she was still a girl. Ichika, instead, took the lead, and as he wrapped an arm around her Charl pressed the shutter release. 
“There we go... Houki?” 
“Er, ah... Oh, nothing...” She hid her face, not wanting anyone to see her blush, as Ichika took her hand and led her to where fortunes were being told. 
“All right, no putting yours back and going for something better. Hear me, Laura?” 
“W-Where on Earth did you get that idea from?” 
“By you suddenly not being able to look me in the eye.” The young part-time miko watched her like a hawk. Ichika was less flanked by beautiful women, more completely encircled by them. And being the elite of IS Academy, they were as famous in their own right as they were eye-catching. 
“Look at the harem Orimura Ichika’s got.” 
“Ssh! They’ll hear you.” 
“I can’t believe he’s just leading them all on like that.” 
“What a pig.” 
Ichika sighed, “You know I can hear you, right?” 
Anyway, though, it was time for fortunes. Ichika reached straight for his. Chifuyu had taught him to be decisive. 
“Ooh, ‘Great Luck’! What about you, Charl?” 
“‘Good Luck’. Sounds pretty dull. Laura?” she replied. 
“‘Some Luck’. Is that better or worse than just ‘A Little Luck’?” 
Ichika and Charlotte shrugged. 
“Guess I should pull another one, then.” 
“C’mon, Laura! You’re not supposed to do that!” Charlotte scrambled to keep her from pulling not just one more, but a whole bundle. 
“How about you, Houki?” 
“M-Me?” Houki slid her fortune up her sleeve. “I got ‘A Little Luck’.” 
“Huh. Anyway, now you’re supposed to tie them on a tree.” 
They wandered off toward the tree. But Houki’s expression was clouded. Her fortune, reading ‘Big Trouble,’ hung in her hand like a lead weight. 
 
The second day of the new year. Chifuyu and Ichika were, again, relaxing in their living room. 
“Mmmm. Last year was a mess. I hope we can just relax now.” 
“I hear you, Chifuyu. Oh, hey, how many mochi balls do you want?” 
“Two’s fine.” She was watching the international news. “‘Luxembourg princess arrives in Japan’, huh.” 
For just a moment, her eyes hardened. There were few other people in the world who realized the significance of that—and Tabane was one of them. 
Luxembourg, a small principality in Europe. A country nestled atop a sprawling cave system. The cave system was the only source of time crystals, the raw material for IS cores. She must be pulling strings to get an IS force into the country, completely above board. But why now? The more she thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed. What’s she up to? 
As she mulled it over, Ichika brought her a bowl of rice cake soup. “Here you go.” 
“Ooh.” She took a deep breath of its aroma, savoring the traditional holiday meal, before stretching out one of the mochi balls and taking a bite. “This is good.” 
“Thanks.” 
“You should have some too.” 
“Sure. Lemme clean up the kitchen first.” 
He quickly washed up, but just as he was about to start cooking his own bowl, the doorbell rang. 
“I wonder who that is? It’s strange to have unannounced visitors so soon after the holidays,” Chifuyu voiced her thoughts aloud. 
“I’ll get it.” Hanging up his apron, Ichika went to open the front door, and there he found— 
“Happy new year, Ichika!” 
“I’m sure you’re thrilled to see me so soon.” 
Cecilia and Ling, in kimono. Ichika’s jaw dropped at the sight. 
“Who helped you two put those on? They’re perfect.” 
“The lady at the store did.” 
“Oh, I just put mine on myself.” 
That’s a total lie, Cecilia’s glare screamed. And she was right. Ling hadn’t just had it put on where she bought it, they’d done her hair too. Ichika was a bit taken aback by their new hairstyles. 
“I should get a picture of this.” He was really getting into the idea of a holiday photo album. “Can you line up together for me?” 
Cecilia shot a quick glance at Ling. 
You know what this means, right. 
Of course. He’s not even thinking about getting photos with us. 
Very well, then. Time for plan B. 
Got it. Here I go! 
This took barely a second and a half. What a team; such good friends. 
“Actually, why don’t I get a picture with you, Ichika? Ling, can you do the honors?” 
“Hey, wait, no matter how you look at it I should be first! Cecilia, if you’d be so kind?” 
Lightning flew between them. This took barely half a second. What fickle friends. 
“Ling! I should be first!” 
“Cecilia! I should be first!” 
The two girls growled at each other, and almost came to blows before a hanetsuki paddle was thrust between them. 
“It’s an ancient tradition that disagreements between women be settled through sport. So now! For New Year’s! That’s how you’re going to solve it!” Chifuyu had appeared from the kitchen, a bottle of sake in her other hand. 
“Well, that certainly makes sense.” 
“You’re gonna have to walk home covered in ink!” 
Each girl gripped her paddle, eager for the chance to prove her own prowess. 
“You do realize I’m quite familiar with this game?” 
“Pssh! They used to call me the Paddle Fairy! I don’t care how good you are, there’s no way you can compare!” 
And thus, the match began. At first, Cecilia played almost like it was a tennis match, but as time went on she began to pick up more and more of Ling’s tricks. 
“No fair, Cecilia!” 
“All’s fair in love and war. And— There!” 
“Ugh, dammit!” 
As they talked trash back and forth, Ichika managed to snap a picture of them enjoying themselves. 
 
“I certainly seem to have worked up quite a sweat.” Cecilia fanned her cheek with a palm. 
Meanwhile, Ling was scrubbing ink off her face with a towel proffered by Ichika. “Phew, I’m all worn out. We’ll have to finish this later.” 
Ichika appeared with two more bowls of soup and called out to them, “Did somebody say ‘leftovers’?” 
He couldn’t help himself from smirking a little as he unleashed his latest wordplay. 
“Yes, let’s eat.” But neither of the girls was taking the bait. 
“Get it? Finish it later? Leftovers?” Once Ichika committed to a joke, he was damn well going to see it through, even if it meant wringing every ounce of humor out of it. 
“Mm! This is tasty. You picked some good ingredients.” Ling poked at the shrimp and seitan, spinach and fish cake floating in her bowl as she chewed. 
“And the broth is delicious too,” Cecilia spoke quietly as she sipped. She’d gotten a lot more confident about her own cooking lately as well. 
“How about some amazake, too? I can go get a bottle,” Ichika suggested as he ate. 
“Ichika. Aren’t we a bit young for that?” Ling quickly shot back. 
“It’s okay. It’s not really alcoholic. Right, Ichika?” 
Ichika nodded. Cecilia was a bit jealous about the two of them knowing something she didn’t, but still nodded along. 
“It’s more like a sweet soup. Hold on, I’ll go get some.” Quickly draining his bowl, he headed back to the kitchen. 
As she watched him put on his apron, Cecilia sighed, dreaming of a future where she saw that every night. “Wouldn’t that be nice.” 
“Really? Guess I’m just used to it by now.” 
“Oh my, Ling. How depressing. I’ll simply have to enjoy the sight enough for both of us!” She smiled serenely as she watched Ichika work. Noticing her gaze, he waved, sending a blush across her face. 
“Grr...” It was Ling’s turn to be displeased with the lack of attention, and she immediately stared at Ichika. Who completely failed to notice. “Gah! Dammit, Ichika!” 
“Wait, what?!” 
And thus passed January 2nd. 
 
January 3rd. 
“I kinda feel like shiruko tonight. How about you, Chifuyu?” 
“Mm? I... I shink I’mma...” Chifuyu had been ensconced at the kotatsu since early in the day, the sake flowing like water. “I’mma go sleep now.” 
A sudden thunk as she hit the floor, followed by steady breathing. Sighing, Ichika spread a blanket over her. 
“Anyway, about that shiruko.” As he cooked a pair of mochi balls, the ding-dong of the doorbell announced another day of guests. “Be right there!” 
Stepping into the foyer, he was greeted by the Sarashiki sisters—Tatenashi, or Katana to use her real name, and Kanzashi—in flashy, fancy kimono. “Oh, wow! You two decided to wear kimono too?” Ichika said, taken slightly aback. 
“Well, of course. I am Japanese. Even if I’m Russian on paper.” Tatenashi had, of course, chosen to become a Russian pilot. 
“Happy new year, Ichika...” Kanzashi primly bowed her head as Tatenashi snapped open a fan reading ‘season’s greetings.’ 
“Anyway, let me just get a picture, and then come in, spend some time!” 
“Thanks. We both have the whole day free.” 
“Mmm... Here’s a present, Ichika.” 
He tried his hardest to turn it down—after all, only little kids get new year’s presents—but there was no way he could stand up against the stereo assault of Tatenashi and Kanzashi. 
“All right, that’s sorted. Come on in! Or, uh, actually, can you give me a minute?” 
As Ichika rushed back to the living room, Tatenashi poked Kanzashi. “Let’s sneak on in after him.” 
“Really? We probably shouldn’t...” 
“C’mon, it’ll be fun.” With a deliberately-too-quiet-to-hear ‘I’m coming in,’ Tatenashi stepped further into the Orimuras’, Kanzashi resignedly following. 
“C’mon, Chifuyu, you have to get up. Go sleep upstairs or something.” 
“Mmmm... Nawwww, I wanna shleep under the kotatshu...” Chifuyu mumbled before rolling over. 
“We have guests.” 
“Tell ’em to come back later.” 
“I can’t just— Ah.” 
By the time Ichika noticed her, Tatenashi already had an incriminating picture of Chifuyu on her phone. 
“Looks like it was a good idea to drop by~?” 
“Mmmph...” Chifuyu slid herself as far under the kotatsu as she could fit. 
Giving up on getting her to move, Ichika led the Sarashikis to the table set up between the living room and kitchen. 
“Did you two have lunch yet? I’m making shiruko.” 
“That sounds great! Doesn’t it, Kanzashi?” 
“Yeah. I could go for some mochi...” 
“Got it!” Ichika answered happily as he began cooking enough for three. The batch from before would make dinner for Chifuyu. 
“Wow, this is great!” 
“Yeah. I like it...” 
It was a refreshing change from the extravagant feasts the Sarashikis had been holding. 
“Phew. It feels great to relax.” 
“Mmm... It sure does.” 
As they chewed their mochi, Ichika saw a golden chance to snap a photo. “Gotcha!” 
“Jeez. Don’t you have any manners, Ichika?” 
“Yeah, c’mon...” 
“Aww, why not?” Ichika winked, and the two found themselves blushing unexpectedly. 
“Jeez, fine.” 
“You’re such a tease lately...” 
With their bowls nearly empty, conversation turned to how to spend the afternoon. 
“Karuta’s probably a bad idea. What do you two feel like?” Ichika tried to steer the conversation away from things that could wake Chifuyu up. 
“How about lucky laugh? We could all use some more luck, and some more laughs.” 
“Yeah... It’s perfect for the new year.” 
As Ichika began to nod in agreement, Tatenashi produced a set from her purse. “What a coincidence, I came prepared.” 
“Tatenashi!” Ichika and Kanzashi both sighed in exasperation. It seemed like it would be another year of the student council president always being a step ahead. 
“Why don’t you go first, Kanzashi? I’ll do your blindfold.” 
“Well, I’ll try...” She clenched her hands. 
“And Ichika, this is a perfect chance for you to cop a feel.” 
“What?!” 
“...I may have a blindfold on, but I can still hear you.” 
Anyway, the game began. 
“Hmm...” Kanzashi wrapped her fingers around the face parts, trying to gauge them by feel. I think these are the lips. They should go... Around here? Slowly but surely, Kanzashi began to assemble the face. 
Ugh, this is so boooooooring. Having to sit and watch quietly while absolutely nothing went wrong was like torture for Tatenashi. Maybe I should spice it up. 
Kanzashi was nearing completion of the face, completely oblivious to what was about to befall her. And then, suddenly, a hand cupped her breast. 
“Eek?!” 
Did... Did Ichika really just— He... He’s feeling me up... She could feel the hand relentlessly creep forward. And smell boozy breath... 
“Bwahaha. Nice to see a shtudent of mine making progresh.” It was Chifuyu. 
“That’s not nice! C’mon, Chifuyu, go up to your room!” For once, Ichika knocked some sense into her. 
“Jeez, you’re such a killjoy.” Her pride wounded, Chifuyu disappeared up the stairs. And as the storm passed, Kanzashi sat quietly, still a bit shocked. 
“Sorry. She messed up your kimono, too. Ugh.” Ichika stood, reaching out his hand, only to be batted away by Tatenashi in a playful mood. 
“And the only way to wrap it up tight is to start all the way from the beginning!” She pulled open her sister’s kimono, exposing her cleavage. 
“Eeeeeek!” 
Unfortunately for Ichika, he was the one who ate the reflexive punch. 
“Why me?!” 
And thus passed January 3rd. 

 
“In any case, I plan on pushing you to the fullest of your potential this year. Don’t let me down.” 
In classroom 1-A at IS Academy, a suit-clad Chifuyu had just finished laying out her plan for the third trimester. Not a shred of her recent drunken debauchery was left. 
“And speaking of which, we’ll be having a very special exchange student: the seventh princess of Luxembourg.” 
The class gasped in surprise. 
“Ehh?! A princess, at IS Academy?” 
“I’ve never actually seen her, even on TV...” 
“But I’m sure she’ll be amazing!” 
Everyone was excited. Except for Ichika, who had a very bad feeling about what was coming. 
“Quiet down!” Chifuyu demanded. “She’s still only fourteen. I expect you all to be on your best behavior. Understood?” 
“Yes, ma’am!” 
Her stern tone of voice was enough to put a little bit of fear in the girls as well. 
“Then, Your Royal Highness. If you may.” 
The classroom door slid open and a red carpet rolled forth. Then came a retinue of maids in smartly-cut pantsuits surrounding a young girl. This was Her Royal Highness, and national cadet, Iris Twilight de Luxembourg. 

“Thank you for your trouble, Orimura Chifuyu.” 
“But of course.” 
She was even shorter than Ling, even flatter than Ling, with a baby face which made her look even younger than she was, but wrapped in an extravagant dress. Her poise and air were every inch as regal as a queen’s, but her cheeky grin gave Ichika the impression that she’d be even more of a handful than Ling was. 
This is not good. Not good at all! 
For just a moment, their eyes met. He tried to tear his away, but it was too late. 
“You there!” Her finger pointed straight toward him. “Orimura Ichika, am I correct?” 
“Err... Yes?” 
“Ufufu. You shall be my attendant. Bask in the glory.” Her lips wrapped back in a self-satisfied smirk. 
“Ugh, I just knew this was going to happen.” Ichika slumped back in his chair. 
“Wait, what’s going on here?!” The rest of the cadets seemed just as displeased with how things were going as he did. 
“You heard Her Royal Highness. I expect you to be a perfect gentleman.” 
The message was clear. This was his problem. And thus began a new trimester sure to be even messier than the last. 
 
“Ugh, a butler outfit? Again?!” I couldn’t imagine being any more embarrassed. And it wasn’t even temporary like last time. The royal command was that, if I was wearing anything, it had better be that or pajamas. “I don’t care if she really is a princess, this is...” 
A glare from one of the suit-clad maids cut me off before he could even finish with ‘going too far.’ 
“It is as Her Royal Highness commands.” 
“Uh, okay...” 
Their leader, a woman with a standoffish attitude accentuated by her low-bridged round glasses, had an especial talent for throwing daggers with her eyes that could cut through steel. 
“Er, Florence? Can I at least go to class now?” 
“No objections!” She was standoffish, or more just completely unapproachable. “The Imperial Knight will be arriving in Japan today. I expect you to greet her.” 
“O-Okay.” And right now, those metaphorical daggers had me metaphorically pinned to the wall. First princesses, now knights? This is getting more and more absurd. What the hell is going on with my life? Ahh, hell, who am I kidding? Who else would even be able to figure this out? 
“Garde à vous!” 
Backs stiffened all around me as a clear, intense voice rang out like a bell. Even I couldn’t help but straighten up in response. That was how intense her voice was. A bright flash filled my vision, like lightning I heard rather than saw. I wasn’t sure which way I’d look if I heard her in one ear and a lion’s roar in the other. 
“Her Royal Highness desires a promenade. Of course, the companionship of one of you will be necessary.” Her hair was long and straight, and in lieu of the others’ suits she wore a brigandine and an épée at her hip as if she’d stepped straight off the set of a period drama. “Very well. Orimura Ichika!” 
“Yes, ma’am!” She had an ice-cold beauty about her as she pointed at me. 
“She’s chosen you. I expect you to be on your best behavior.” 
“Understood! But, er, who are you?” 
“Imperial Knight Djibril Emmuler. Any other questions?” 
“No, ma’am!” She was taller than I was, and I stretched out as much as I could as I answered. And as I did, she whispered in my ear. 
“You understand what will happen if any misfortune befalls the princess, correct?” 
“Y-Yes! I will protect her with my life!” 
“Exactly what I wanted to hear. Dismissed!” 
We split off. The maids and the Knight going one way while I went the other. Still wondering what the hell was going on, I made my way to the special guest room in the dorms. 
 
As he did, the usual crew watched from behind. 
“They’re working him like a slave.” 
“Indeed! I’m jealous, er, I mean, that’s unforgivable!” 
“He’s just a magnet for trouble.” 
“Maybe he has a talent for it?” 
“Well, I’m not sure I’d call that a talent.” 
“More a curse...” 
None of them were quite satisfied that they’d gotten the last word in that exchange. 
“Looks like we have to tail him.” At least, that was Ling’s idea. A spy thriller off school grounds was appealing to them all, though. 
“Let’s try not to be spotted.” 
“Yeah.” 
Their whispers were no less enthusiastic for their muted volume. No one suspected that disaster was about to strike. 
 
“Jeez...” Keeping up with Princess Iris was absolutely exhausting for Ichika. Regal airs or no, she was kind of a selfish little brat. 
“Ichika! I want something to read. Go buy me some manga.” 
“Ichika, I want ice cream. Go buy me some.” 
“Ichika, rub my shoulders.” 
“Ichika.” 
“Ichika!” 
“I-chi-ka!” 
He could hear it echoing in his head even when she wasn’t with him, and the echoes were beginning to give him a migraine. 
“What will it be today?” he sighed as he stepped back into the room and Iris sat up in bed. 
“There you are, Ichika. My legs are tired. Massage them.” 
“Very well.” 
She sidled over in bed, casually sliding her legs off the side. They were lithe like a girl’s, with smooth, smooth skin. Not really thinking, he began the massage. 
“.........” 
“What’s wrong? You’re so quiet today.” 
“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking, you have pretty legs.” 
For Ichika, it was just a casual observation, but Iris’s face turned bright red. 
“H-How rude! Of course they are! Hmph!” As if it just now occurred to her that he was a guy, Iris tugged her legs back and tucked them under herself. 
Ichika didn’t really get why she’d do so. 
“Jeez, and I was just complimenting you...” he shrugged. 
“Rude and lewd!” He couldn’t help but laugh at how it reminded him of Houki. But if anything, it frustrated Iris even more. 
“What are you laughing about?! How insolent! Off with your head!” 
“Please, no.” 
This exchange had become a refrain between the two of them, evidence of how they’d grown to know each other over the past week. 
“Anyway, Ichika. I want some clothes.” 
“But you already have plenty of dresses?” 
“Not like that! I mean, something like... Like... Find me this!” 
Looking at the fashion magazine spread open on her bed which she pointed to, Ichika realized what she meant. 
“So something like a normal girl would wear?” he questioned. 
“Y-Yes! I need to know how the hoi polloi live! It is my duty as a ruler!” She shook with tension as she tried, and mostly failed, to puff out what passed for a chest. 
“And? What will you wear when we go out?” 
“W-Well, I’ve been thinking—and while I’m sure it will be impossible to hide my regal aura—but an IS Academy uniform should make me blend in well enough.” 
“Understood.” 
She had prepared in advance for this eventuality, and already arranged for an IS Academy uniform. Apparently, she really did want to go shopping. 
“Anyway, I’ll wait in the hall while you change.” 
As he began to step out, words he’d never expected stopped him. 
“No. I’d like your assistance. And I’m sure you wouldn’t mind.” 
“Are you sure?!” Even if she was flat as a board, it would be awkward seeing her in her underwear. But shooting her down would make things even more awkward between them, so he went along as if it were completely natural. “Very well. I’ll assist you.” 
“Hmph.” 
“......?” 
Iris, apparently displeased with that answer, puffed her cheeks out. “Enough! I can change myself!” 
“Huh? Very well. Understood.” 
“Get out of here, you idiot!” She shoved Ichika out into the hall, where all he could do was be relieved that he’d survived that ordeal. 
 
“What do you think?” 
“Smells fishy to me.” 
“Very fishy.” 
“Yeah, that’s fishy.” 
“Fresh-caught.” 
“Is it really fishy... if it’s just a sure thing?” 
Houki, Cecilia, Ling, Charlotte, Laura, and Kanzashi conferred in the shadows as they watched Ichika’s unceremonious ejection. They’d arrived at the conclusion that the princess was new competition. 
“I always knew there was something that set me off about her.” 
“Simply unforgivable, using her privilege like that.” 
Ling and Cecilia were willing to form a temporary alliance to deal with this new threat. Charlotte and Laura nodded their assent, as well. 
“She’s too aggressive for me...” Kanzashi muttered. 
“It’s not fair. So... So this is where you meant?” That wasn’t quite what they were expecting to hear from Houki. 
“...Houki?” She was alone, off to the side, muttering to herself. “What’s wrong?” 
“Oh, nothing. Nothing at all,” she laughed wanly. 
At that moment, the disaster was only just beginning. 
 
“So, what do you think? I look stunning in this uniform, don’t I?” Iris preened for Ichika in her new outfit. 
“Not bad at all.” He had to agree, it looked good on her. “I can’t wait to see you in that every day.” 
An honest assessment, and one Iris took well. 
“Mmhm. It’ll be wonderful, won’t it? And a very good thing for the school.” Even her usual haughtiness was adorable when clad in a school uniform. Ichika couldn’t help but giggle, and Iris’s face turned red as he did. “W-What’s wrong with you? You’re so rude.” 
“Sorry. Anyway, I’ll go change into my uniform.” 
“Okay. Shall we meet at the gate?” 
They split up, Ichika rushing back to his room so as not to keep her waiting. 
“Phew, I haven’t worn this in a while.” It was a relief to be back in his normal clothes. Change complete, he ran to the gate. 
“You’re late!” As he expected, she was angry. “While I was waiting for you, they kept mistaking me for a common student! Me! Me, of all people!” 
Her frustration with being taken for an average first year was obvious. But in a uniform instead of her normal dresses, it was entirely within reason. 
“Someone even called me a middle schooler! Me! Me, of all people!” Her anger only helped complete the picture of a normal girl. Put that way, it softened the edges of her habitual pride, and made her seem cute. 
I guess she is around the age where it really matters what people think of her. It almost felt to Ichika like he had a new little sister. 
“What are you laughing about?! Off with your head!” 
“Please, no.” Ichika brought out his bicycle as they squabbled. “Now, if you could sit behind me.” 
“Hmm? Why not take a car?” 
“If we took a car, they’d definitely realize who you were, Your Royal Highness.” 
“Very well, Ichika,” she nodded in understanding. “Oh, I suppose you can call me by name now.” 
“Okay, Iris.” 
“D-Don’t just call me by name! I’m not used to it!” 
He... Almost understood, and nodded himself then said, “How about Alice, then?” 
“A-A-A-A-Alice?! Me?! Me, of all people?!” 
“Now sit down behind me. We’re running out of time, Alice.” 
“...Understood.” It seemed like she enjoyed her new name, even if it took a little getting used to. The Princess—or, for now, just Alice—nodded and climbed on behind her. “So this is what the little people call ‘growing up’...” 
“Huh? Didn’t hear you.” 
“N-Nothing! Let us be off!” 
“Okay.” He began to pedal. 
There was a chill in the January breeze, but Iris’s face was comfortably warm. She’d finally felt like one of the heroines she always read about. 
 
“Okay, where do I park... Oh, there’s a spot.” 
Ichika found a place for his bike at the shopping mall by the station while Iris stared up in awe at the massive building. 
“We built castles for war, Japan builds them to sell clothes...” 
“No, Alice. It’s not just clothes. They sell plenty of things. They even have restaurants.” 
“Oh, I see! Is there one with soba? I’ve always wanted to try that.” 
“Of course. A famous one, in fact.” 
“I see!” Iris’s eyes sparkled, and a girlish smile crept across her face. 
“Anyway, we should look at the clothes.” 
“Indeed! Let’s go, Ichika!” As she spun toward the entrance, her foot caught a patch of ice. “Eek!” 
“Look out!” Deftly, he caught her before she could fall. As his arms wrapped around her, her face glowed red. 
“Y-You’re too close! Let me go, you insolent pig! O-O-Off with your head!” 
“Please, no, Allie.” 
“W-Wait, that’s going too far! Call me Alice!” 
“Okay, Alice.” Ichika lightly set her down. 
“Oww!” A jolt of pain welled up from her twisted ankle as she tried to walk. “Ugh, these boots are so difficult to walk in.” 
As Iris frowned, Ichika had an idea. “That’s okay, I’ll carry you.” 
“W-Wait, what? Ichika, what are you doing?!” 
“Just leave it to me!” Hoisting her up behind him, he confidently began to stride off. 
“I-I-I-Ichika! Stop this! Everyone’s staring at us!” 
“It’s because you’re making a scene. Now let’s go.” 
All she could do was bury her face in his back as she felt her heart begin to throb. 
 
“Agghhh! I will make him pay for this!” 
“Indeed! He’s never even done that for me!” 
While Ling was stamping her feet and Cecilia was twisting her handkerchief, Charlotte, Laura, and Kanzashi were taking things more seriously. 
“So like I was saying. We dress up as employees and try to split them up.” 
“No. Ichika’s not so easy to fool anymore. It’s like he had some kind of spell cast on him.” 
“Yeah. I’m pretty sure he’d notice...” 
And meanwhile, Houki was off to the side, staring up at the sky. I’m getting this weird sense of déjà vu... 
When? When was it? Who was it, then? 
I can’t remember... 
C???a???n???’???t??? ???r???e???m???e???m???b???e???r???.??? 
C???a???n???’???t??? ???r???e???m???e???m???b???e???r??? ???a???n???y???t???h???i???n???g???.??? 
I???t??? ???d???o???e???s???n???’???t??? ???m???a???t???t???e???r???.??? 
I... I’m... 
I???’???m??? ???h???e???r???e??? ???f???o???r??? ???y???o???u???.??? 
“...Wait, Houki, are you okay?” It was only when Ling called out to her that the red gleam left her eyes. 
“What?” 
“What do you mean, ‘what’? You’ve been staring off into space this whole time! What’s wrong, anyway? You’ve been acting real funny lately.” 
“Not really, I don’t think. This is how I normally am.” Houki clenched her fists. 
“Oh? Fine, I guess.” That was enough to make Ling back off. One of her strong points was knowing when she absolutely had to stop pushing. 
“They’re leaving that shop!” 
Iris was grinning ear-to-ear. It looked like she’d found the outfit she wanted. And judging by how close they were as they left, it looked like Ichika had told her exactly what she wanted to hear. 
“We don’t have time for this! We’ve gotta stay on their tail!” Ling grabbed Houki’s hand to drag her along even as her reverie continued, and trailed Ichika and the princess. 
 
“Ooh, so this is the soba I’ve heard so much about!” Unsurprisingly, Iris had the political skill to look savvy yet still girlish by ordering hers with tempura. Ichika’s order was with chicken. And while they waited for their bowls, they had time to talk. “Anyway, Ichika.” 
“Yes?” 
“Well, um... Don’t you have any interest in the outside world?” 
Ichika, bemused by her sudden uncharacteristic fidgety nervousness, asked, “The world? You mean, like, traveling overseas? I just did that last month.” 
“Oh, really?” 
“Yeah. I had a lot of fun in Europe, I’d like to go back someday.” 
“I see! You want to go back, huh?” Her smile gleamed. This was going just as planned. “Then why don’t you come to my country?” 
“Huh?” 
“I could make you my manservant there.” 
“Umm...” Before Ichika could figure out quite how to respond to that, their orders arrived. “Why don’t we talk about it after we eat?” 
“Okay.” The crunchy tempura was exactly what Iris was hoping for, but she wasn’t quite sure how to eat the soba. 
“Huh? What’s wrong, Iris?” 
“Umm... Am I really supposed to slurp this?” 
Ichika was impressed. He’d always heard that foreigners couldn’t even imagine eating noodles like that. 
“Just eat it however you want to. You don’t have to act like a princess. Today, you’re just Alice.” 
“I see!” Relieved, she began to spin the noodles around her chopsticks like they were spaghetti. “This is delicious! The taste is so delicate.” 
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” It really felt to him like he had a little sister. “Anyway, about what we were talking about... Wait, huh?” 
The world spun around Ichika. It was only as he and Iris collapsed that they realized something was wrong. 
“So, how is everything? If you need somewhere to rest, come right this way!” The waiter dragged their unconscious forms away. 
By the time the others noticed something was wrong, they were already gone. 
 
“Ugh... Where am I?” Iris’s consciousness faded in and out. She could tell she’d been drugged. 
“Ah, Your Royal Highness! Awake now, I see.” A maid stood before her with a malevolent smile. Iris couldn’t focus enough to remember her name. “You’re a very valuable individual, you know. Especially as a hostage.” 
As Iris’s eyes darted around, she saw a row of burly men behind her. “What are you doing with me?” 
“Don’t worry,” the maid replied. “This will all be over soon.” 
“I see. Then, I’ll grant you a moment to say your prayers. Three seconds should be enough.” 
“......?” 
“And that’s time. Come forth! Seventh Princess!” Iris’s hairpin glowed as seven wings wrapped around her into a royal gown—the angelic IS, Seventh Princess. “Any more regrets, you can work through in Hell!” 
The seven wings spread as she shifted into attack mode. But even as she did, her vision began to fade. 
“What... What is this...” Whatever anesthetic they had dosed her with left her unable to fully open her IS. “Ichika... Ichi... ka...” 
The princess called out, not to her Imperial Knight, but to her manservant. To the man she’d come to love. If... If only Ichika came to save me... All she could do could hope in vain. 
But then, a bolt of white light proved her wrong. 
“Alice!” 
Ichika pulled the double door open to both sides, his IS Byakushiki already formed around him. 
“You’ll pay for this!” 
These were the last words she heard as his arm wrapped around her.