Chapter 51

Book 5




"The matter with Kai-kun? Well, I did hear some stuff through the grapevine--Ha!"
"Figured. Oh right, you're a formal employee despite being a Scwhein Student, aren't you Kaname."
"! Whoops... sure am! I mean, I was an amateur champion in my high school days. So yeah--there!"
"I see. So there's no issue if someone is employed before they get enrolled here."
"Well, that too but it's also because they didn't want to let a talented individual like me go to another school--see!"
"Whoa. Hey, quit the casual brag!"
"I'm just telling it like it is."

　Since Jen-sensei hasn't formally forgiven me, I'm attending Mika-chan's lab instead of hers for my first lab meeting after returning to school.
　Found Kaname here, so I thought might as well go for a light spar.
　According to him, Ichinose-san hasn't been coming to this lab either as of late. Knowing how straitlaced she is, I bet she feels it's unfair if she comes when I can't due to being suspended.
　I see now, that explains me bumping into her shopping in the downtown.

"Alright, that's my win. Why won't you fight with your spear anyway, Kaname."
"Cause you'd die if it hit you. I can't bring that out for training without at least VR protection even against you, Yuuki-kun."
"Welp, no helping it then. So, what rumor did you hear about Kai from your sponsor?"
"It's just a hearsay though, mind you. Some corpo heads got really excited because a company managed to headhunt a Schwein School student. Things are gonna get messy in this campus if there's even one precedent on that. I bet they're gonna flock you hard Yuuki-kun, no?"
"Geh... I'd hate that. Chairwoman gotta do something about it."

　I went to the lab to refresh myself from days of nothing but lectures and ended up finding out something unpleasant instead.
　I decided to leave early because I got depressed here instead of getting refreshment.

"Why're you leaving too, Kaname."
"I mean, both Selia-san and Arariel-kun aren't around today. Ichinose-san isn't coming either."
"Well, Mika-chan is all about freedom so that's always allowed. I feel kind of sorry for him though."
"Same. I just hope everybody's coming back at the end of school festival. You can only attend most labs in this school on your first year after all."
"Oh yeah, now that you mentioned it. What to do next year... guess going lab-free is fine too."
"How about joining the swordsmanship research lab? You're not a member this year right."
"Hmm, I don't think I'm fit for that."

　I mean, my swordsmanship is mostly reproductions of moves from games.
　We talked and loitered around in the campus ground while the sun was going down when I saw a group of students arriving through the front gate. Upon a closer look... that's Koune-san. They gotta be Battler Club members.

"Oy, Koune-san! What have you been up to?"
"Ah, Yuuki-kun. Senpai, if you'd excuse me."
"Hm? He's... from that time... I want to apologize to him. He was injured by one of our members."

　Koune-san and what seemed to be the leader of the club walked up to me.

"Sasahara Yuuki-kun. I was there during the incident yet I never made an attempt to stop you guys... even though it only happened because you stood up to our member. I wish to apologize in behalf of our club. I hope you could forgive me."
"You still think of him as a member?"
"Of course. Straying from one's path because you're drunk in power is a tale as old as time. But... that's a pitfall all of you Class SS students could easily fall in I suppose. Nevertheless, that won't change how things are done in our club. If he's ever coming back, we will welcome him back with open arms. That's all there is to it."

　Leader-san is a brawny intimidating-looking man who just said all that line fervently. It's the type that I'm instinctively not good against. I mean, you know, I'm not exactly an upstanding individual.
　But well...

"I'm relieved to hear that. The whole thing doesn't really bother me and I plan to have my revenge match with Kai someday. Hope you can referee our bout."
"Haha, I get it. I'll take my leave. Koune, you better take care of yourself until the day of the match."
"Yes, I will. Thank you for your work."

　You've got some really good seniors there, Kai. It's such a waste to leave them all behind.
　Leader-san went after telling Koune that after which we resumed our talk with her.

"So, where were you guys up to?"
"From what I could tell, you were together with members of your club, right?"
"I was. Our Battler Club can't enter Kanto Tournament, but we have an exhibition match with the champion coming, see. So we went to watch the tournament in person."
"Oh, okay. So, how was it? Who do you think gonna win?"
"You're being too hasty, Yuuki-kun. Today is the opening day, you know?"

　Guess I'll go and have a look... if I got time.

"I'm guessing Kaname-kun is familiar with the program?"
"Sure am. I mean, I got admitted into Kanto exhibition match in my high school days and all. I even fought this school's club representative last year."
"Whoaa, and you won?"
"Yup, I was the winner."

　He just said that so casually. Guess being an amateur champion isn't just for show.
　...How'd a high school win against a college battler club's representative anyway.

"Hmm... judging from the first round, I think Grandia Knight Trainee Academy Asia Branch is gonna be the champion. They don't hold that academy high for nothing even if it's a branch school. The runner-up is probably gonna be from the Japan branch of Grandia Academia. That place doesn't really have a strong club presence but they have quite a strict requirement for enrollment."
"Hee... that reminds me, I might have fought a student from that Knight Trainee Academy over the summer break."
"Ah, you mean that punk."
"Here's a little tidbit, the tournament uses team battle format and the captain of Knight Trainee Academy this year is a first year student. Since the exhibition match is in a one-on-one format, I bet that captain is the one they'd choose."
"Hee! Guy's gotta be pretty strong then."

　Oh, they might very well as strong as a Class SS student.
　Hm, huh? Right, didn't club leader-san earlier...

"Hey, don't tell me, you're the representative for the exhibition match, Koune-san?"
"Fufu, an acute acumen. Yes, it's only right for a first year to take on another first year. We originally had Kai as the player so I'm actually a pinch hitter."

　Seriously? I get the feeling that Koune-san's pretty strong... but it's kinda hard to imagine her as the rep....

"I've heard about another match being held for the exhibition match. I wonder what's the deal with that? They wouldn't tell me the detail."
"I have no idea either. But, I think you can hazard a guess with everything going on lately, no? Yuuki-kun."
"Eh? Nah, I got no clue. I mean I won't be around on the second day."
"Eh!? But you're here on the first day right? You'll miss my heroic figure on stage but you can afford going around the festival with me on the first day, can't you?"

　Uwoo, booking now of all time. My bad, Koune-san.

"I promised Kyouko-san already. My bad, really."
"Oh... and here I thought I could introduce you to my father since he's coming from Grandia."

　Dangit! She had an ulterior motive!

"Oh, you won't be at campus huh, Yuuki-kun. I was sure it was gonna be a revenge match between you and Kai-kun."
"Why'd I draw all that attention to myself. Especially just when things have finally settled down."
"Well, I get you. I see, then who are fighting in the second exhibition match anyway."
"Hmm... I haven't got the faintest idea."

　It's probably me. Me as Yuki, versus Kai.
　But, I see, even Grandian bigwigs like Koune-san's dad are coming on that day. Which means... shouldn't Chairwoman focus more on those bigwigs' protection over trifling matters like my dispute with Kai.
　Or maybe... she believes that our fight would have a bigger effect than if something bad happens to any one person present. Yeah, no clue!

"Alrighty, I'm gonna head home. You two are in dorms right? Don't be late for curfew now."
"Alright alright, I'll be fine. I'll be dropping by again, tell Ixia-san I said hi."
"We don't got no tuna no more."
"That's not why I'm going. I just want to cook at your place."
"Eh, Koune-san's been to Yuuki-kun's place? That's so nice."
"Why don't you come too when you got time? Later, guys."





　Less than a week after my return to school, the school festival day is upon us already.
　But for Class S and Class SS, the only thing that felt different was the fact that there had been a lot of people working outside as of late since we didn't have to open a stall or anything. Days went by like usual for us otherwise.
　Well, I'd occasionally go and inspect those stalls with Kyouko-san every now and then as committee members, but that's it. Her girl friends were never not noisy about it though.
　On the day of the festival, I woke up early to do the final check in the morning. I talked about my schedule to Ixia-san who was up just as early.

"Just like I told you before, guardians are allowed to come into the school around ten in the morning today. I'm sorry I can't go with you since I have a promise with a friend."
"Oh I'll be alright. Fufu, school festival is it. Tomorrow you've been granted some freedom to act as Yuki, right? Let's look around together. I shall head there on my own today."
"Got it. Today's breakfast is as tasty as ever. Thank you for waking me up early. I'm off."

　Now then, today I'm supposed to look around with Kyouko-san... but I bet it's gonna be more like an official patrol than anything. That said, well, running around doing all that stuff with a girl doesn't sound half bad at all.



<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >



　About two hours after Yuki left, unfamiliar sounds of explosions could be heard from the direction of the campus.
　I know what those sounds are. They are the so called starting signals.

"Yuuki is together with his friend... could this be what they call parental independence? What should I do, perhaps Chief Nishida would be at the campus... I suppose I should go and have a look for now."

　I have been there quite a few times already. Yet I cannot help but feel excitement at the changes this 'festival' would bring to Yuuki's campus as I make my way there. 



"Oh... what a huge crowd... they must be the students' guardians."

　What was normally a parking lot has been turned into a crowded aggregate of food stalls akin to the scenes I saw during the fireworks festival day.
　Apparently, today, students are mandated to wear their uniforms which explains why Yuuki was wearing his when he departed.
　He sheepishly muttered, "It fits right in... I haven't grown at all...". It's okay Yuuki, I can confirm that you have grown a bit if I compare you now to your photos I have plastered on my room's door.

"There is this nice aroma... it has to be a sauce."

　It could be okonomiyaki, takoyaki or maybe yakisoba. Fufu, I really have studied a lot of Earth's dishes. The past me wouldn't even imagine I could guess the dish types from aroma alone.

"The students are seemingly manning those stalls... how very intriguing."

　The atmosphere here reminds me the times I held bazaars together with orphanage members and officials which gives me a slight, truly a slight, tinge of homesickness.
　Speaking of which, I wonder if Yuuki's class has a stall open?
　I fetched the brochure Yuuki gave me and investigated the map.
　By the way, this brochure also has an electronic edition in my smart terminal, but it is beyond me. I cannot fathom how to operate it.

"But still... I seem to see plenty of Grandians around... A lot of students here must have come from Grandia."

　According to the brochure, it doesn't seem that Class SS has a stall open. Neither does Class S. Only Class D through A have items for sale... Clubs? Is it the bludgeoning type I wonder.
　They appear to have a different classification than classes and are opening stalls. Mumwu... what a stump. I cannot have a grasp.

"Err... you're Ixia-san, right?"

　I looked away from the brochure and turned around to the voice's owner.
　It's Yuuki's classmate who visited our home once. Selia-san who is an elf like me.

"Oh, if it isn't Selia-san. Fufu, I'm here for the festival today."
"Ah, knew it. Are you by yourself?"
"Yes. Yuuki is going with his friend today. I thought for sure he meant Selia-san."
"Ahaha... I actually sent him an invite, but he was booked already..."
"Oh, I had no idea. Would you like to look around with me instead?"
"Ah, with pleasure. My parents live a bit too far from this place so they couldn't make it."
"I see, in that case."

　Fumufumu, so it's not Selia-san. I can't believe he would desert such a nice girl like her.
　...If only this body was 20 year younger, I could have attended this campus too. What a shame.
　In human's age, I would be around forty I believe? No, perhaps even now I could pass as a student in accordance to Earth's standard...? Such a thought flashed through my mind.
　At any rate, with Selia-san's guidance, I succeeded looking around the festival.
　The two of us had lunch together at a yakisoba stall manned by students. The price was more reasonable than the festival stalls found outside.
　...Is it because they're still students?
　Initially, I feared there would be untoward types loitering about with so many people around but it appears they have security in civilian clothes mixed in the crowd hence things have been peaceful.

"Ixia-san why don't we take a look over--"
"Good afternoon, Selia-san. Are you together with your family?"
"...Hmm, more an acquaintance. She's with me."
"Oh? Could you be Selia-san's friend? Nice to meet you, I'm--"
"Ah, where are my manners. I cannot let a woman introduce herself before I do. Nice to meet you, I'm Riiku Bizehan. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

　A male elf who seemed to be around Selia-san's age stood in our way while we were walking about. Seeing as he's wearing a uniform, I believe he's a student here. However, Selia-san's mood seems to worsen with his appearance...

"So, what do you want? Sorry, but can you move aside, we still have places to go."
"Do pardon me. I was thinking I could accompany you Selia-san if you were alone... I suppose that was unfounded."
"Is that right? Selia-san, isn't he your friend?"
"An acquaintance yes, but we're not exactly friends. Uun...."
"Fumufumu."
"How harsh... by the way, how are you two related."
"What's it got to do with you."

　She's obviously acting prickly. I loathe to see children quarreling. They seem to know each other, and Riiku-san looks eager to please Selia-san at least...

"Oh, I should introduce myself as well. Nice to meet you, Riiku-kun. I'm the mother of a student enrolled in this campus. Perhaps you're a classmate of my son?"
"He's not, this guy is a class S student."
"Oh, I see."
"M-mother... do we have an elf that takes after you..."
"Fufu, unfortunately we're not biologically related but I can assure you that I love him just as much as a real mother would."
"O-okay... that's news to me. I see, Selia-san must be a good friend with that son."
"Yes, they are. She even visited our place. Ah, both my son and I live in the neighborhood."

　He must come from a good family. If I had to guess from his eye and hair colors... his pedigree is likely quite high. That is if his lineage continued to hold their standing since ancient times.
　Mumwu... could he have a feeling for Selia-san perhaps.

"Ah, my son is 'Sasahara Yuuki'. I hope you could get along with hi--"
"Whaa! E-excuse me, I have an urgent business to attend. I must go."
"My. I understand. Until we meet again."

　Riiku-kun opted to leave out of the blue. Has he given up I wonder.

"Thank you Ixia-san."
"What did I do? But you don't seem to get along well with him, do you?"
"Errr... our outlooks on life just don't mesh..."
"I see. Fufu, then I suppose this is the natural outcome."
"Ah, right. Wanna have a look at handicraft club's room? I heard they let you do stuff there."
"Oh, that sounds delightful, let us go."

　It's only natural. There will always be someone you can never agree with out there.
　I'm sure that Riiku-kun won't force her to agree with him either. Hence why he relented easily. What a gentleman for such a young kid.

"And we're here. This is the handicraft club. I don't belong in any club since I have labs but I helped out my parents on talisman-making a lot back home."
"I see. I do dabble in handicrafts myself every once in a while. Currently, I'm researching the effects of bestowing magical charms on earthen handicrafts."

　It's a research on grafting spells in artificial gem-like matters like the resin handicrafts Yuuki introduced me. I hope to make some fashion of talisman for Yuuki one day.
　As it turns out, the club is letting guests to weave good luck bracelets using fur of Grandian monsters as one of the materials used.
　By the way, weaving my mana-induced hair into a bracelet produces an unexpectedly powerful object, hence Chief Nishida has prohibited me from producing them.
　She said, 'How come a single bracelet managed to block an anti-army gatling gun?' about the prototype I made once previously. What kind of weapon is that I wonder?

"Huh, now you don't see this often. Arariel, why're you here?"
"Whe!? Whatchu mean, what's wrong with me here."

　We came across another student who seemed to be Selia-san's acquaintance yet again.
　He must love handicrafts, I'm sure.

"Ah! N-nice to meet you, Yuuki-kun's mom! I'm Arariel! I'm real chummy with Yuuki-kun at class... uh I mean, I'm a good friend of his!"
"My, is that right. Arariel-kun is it, pleasure to meet you."
"Quit trying to act cool in front of a beauty. Ixia-san, this guy's a real punk you know. Well... can't deny he's close with Yuuki and he's also in the same lab..."
"Hey you, quit butting in. Sorry 'bout that, but hey, I'm legit Yuuki's buddy."
"My, my, are you now? Fufu, Yuuki is quite a naughty kid himself, make sure you two don't go overboard okay?"

　This kid appears to truly be Selia-san's friend... I see, and he really is a good friend of Yuuki by the looks of things.
　Silver hair, I believe this young man has demon's blood running in his veins. I see... if he's in Yuuki's class, this kid could very well come from a high lineage that inherits a certain power. 

"But, it's hard to imagine you and handicrafts together, actually... do you even like it?"
"I'm here just cause they let you try stuff out. Been going around lotsa clubs like this."
"Ah, other clubs are doing this try-out thing too huh."
"Is it really? You looked quite earnest I was convinced you were dedicating it for someone."
"Eh, wait... oh come on, Yuuki's mom."
"Eh, you're giving that to someone? Hee, a handmade stuff?"

　I'm sure it's for his family. I see, he must be at that age when kids love to act tough. How Yuuki sometimes acts reserved around me must be because he's at that age as well.

"Ah, yeah. If you girls are looking for Yuuki, he should be in the industry building. Go for it, Selia. Guy's with Kyouko-san right now tho'."
"Eh? Oh yeah, Kyouko is a committee member too. Won't we get in the way though?"
"Why wouldcha? Just go, it's gonna be fun I bet. See you around, Yuuki's mom." 
"Yes, Arariel-kun."

　I see, so he's with Kyouko-san.
　...Perhaps she's the girl Yuuki is closest with right now.

"Selia-san, let's go to the industry building once we have our fill of handicrafts."
"Y-yes. I see... they're both committee members after all... maybe I should have joined too..."

　Fumu... what a sinful kid you are, Yuuki.
　And thus, we went to the building Yuuki was.

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