Volume 21 - CH 3(2/5)
On Jennifer's face surfaced a barely noticeable expression "here's the devil," apparently this was something that cannot be reported to students. However, she quickly changed her mind, deciding that "no need to keep it a secret." She answered Tatsuya's doubts as simply as she could.
-At the entrance examinations this year, compared to the results of the previous years, there were a lot of people who showed high scores for magic engineering. Among the newcomers are also many students with excellent skills in this direction, and their number is in much greater proportion, compared with previous years.
Tatsuya soon realized something. It seems his feeling that there were too many spectators in a practical lesson was not a mistake. The reason was illuminated by Jennifer before Tatsuya brought it up with her.
-As expected, last year's experiment "Stellar Furnace" had a big impact. It seems that the students who would normally choose Fourth High decided to enter our school. Therefore apparently this year the pass mark on the exams was raised.
-I see. To do something so bad ... was inappropriate.
-You should take into account that the level of newcomers has risen.
After the return of the answer, which was either a joke or a serious one, Jennifer gave Tatsuya permission to leave with the words "the conversation is over."
? ? ?
From an objective point of view, the conversation time with Jennifer was not long. When Tatsuya opened the door to the school boardroom, only Pixie was inside.
Connected to the security system of the school boardroom room (and not only her) Pixie must have noticed the entrance of Tatsuya. However, she did not meet Tatsuya. Of course, something, like "You have returned Master," was also not said.
Tatsuya took his seat and launched the terminal. The startup process was instantaneous, so he immediately went to work.
Having made sure that there are no instructions for it, Pixie moved and stood opposite the dining processor. The original function of 3H is the "wireless humanoid interface of home automation". They are usually used for centralized management of something like vacuum cleaners, kitchen stoves, air conditioners, etc. Automation for stores, having the same basic structure, but different scale, can also be controlled by updating the firmware. The dining processor, installed in the school board room, was a professional model for business use, but Pixie easily managed it remotely.
The lunch processor came into motion at the same moment that Pixie stood in front of him. Coffee was released from the depths of the dining processor for Pixie to Tatsuya. The coffee was heated automatically, but this machine could be called her third and fourth hands. The heated coffee had a taste that was finely adjusted in accordance with Tatsuya's preference. Tatsuya no longer ordered chilled coffee, so Pixie returned to the waiting chair.
Immediately after Pixie sat down, the school boardroom admitted second- year students Izumi and Minami. Izumi saw that Tatsuya was present, and, it seems, thought that Miyuki had also come. But when she saw the vacant seat of the president of the school board, she showed an undisguised disappointment on her face. On the other hand, Minami, seeing Tatsuya's coffee cup standing on the table, felt a slight displeasure.
Fortunately, the complaints of both quickly evaporated.
"Tatsuya-san, are you here already?"
- Izumi-chan and Minami-chan are also fast.
Miyuki and Honoka arrived before Izumi and Minami managed to take their seats.
Minami, instead of starting her terminal, went to make tea. Pixie holds in her hands various devices in the room of the school board, except information equipment, but this does not mean that she blocks them. On request, manual operation is possible. Minami made black tea for four people, including herself. There were no ulterior motives that it was not coffee, probably.
Another member of the school board, just enrolled in the school and the school board of Shiina, seems a bit late.
? ? ?
Shiina was late not because the classes were delayed. Today and tomorrow begins attending specialized courses (magic training and practice). Second course students who do not have teachers, can freely attend classes, and first course students do everything according to the instruction of the practice teacher. Although this was not an established rule, but at least among the first course students, there was no one willing to "get off the rails" immediately after the reception.
Since the teacher who controls the visit is in all classes A through D, they do not have such a thing as extended time or overlapping schedules. On the contrary, following from the idea that it takes time to learn what is seen with their own eyes, the students should return to classes from the overview classes before, after which they will have free time.
This principle was also used in the last lesson of the first day. In the case of class A, after the review tour there was still more than 10 minutes. The lesson ended quickly, and the usual thought at this point is that you can quickly come to the school board room, however this excess of time resulted in a harmful effect.
Yesterday Shiina was invited to the school board room after the inauguration ceremony, and, after talking about joining the school board, they went home alone with Saburou. The classmates did not have the opportunity to talk quietly with Shiina. Today, at lunchtime, Shiina went to eat with her classmates, but they ate more than they talked, so they did not talk too much. It was also awkward to make noise under the eyes of high school students.
Classmates from Class A very much wanted to establish an "acquaintance" with Shiina.
A representative of this year's newcomers. The only person this year who is in direct relationship with the Ten Master Clans. However, despite all these titles, it seemed that the main reason that classmates of both sexes crowded around Shiina was that she was a beautiful girl, attractive even for her sex.
For first years, Miyuki's a third-year student, and besides being the next head of the Yotsuba family, was a woman whose outrageous beauty inspired fear. It was a level when you froze in fear, just met with glances. Around Kasumi and Izumi, there was also an atmosphere that they could not just be called. Especially Izumi, despite the fact that she looked affable, she felt some nervousness and shyness. And the direct descendant of the Mitsuya family, Shiina, did not have similar difficulties for rapprochement.
As soon as the teacher left the classroom, Shiina was immediately surrounded by classmates and could not move. This continued even after the end of the classes with the same strong pressure.
Shiina was troubled by the time. She did not forget that she should go to the school boardroom. But by nature, she is a company loving personality. It can be said that this is a rarity for a woman from the Ten Master Clans. Perhaps it is also influenced by the fact that she is the youngest child in the family, separated by age among seven brothers and sisters.
For Shiina, who was worried that she would be avoided because she was from the Ten Master Clans, this kind of environment by classmates was a pleasant situation. Honestly, she considered herself guilty, that she gathered all the attention of others, except for the moment that the current situation was close to how she imagined her daily life as a high school student, thinking: "It would be so good."
"I do not want to be avoided and made comments for the fact that I cannot read the situation," - I thought Shiina and could not talk about the school board in any way. But her faithful childhood friend rescued her from this goodwill prison.
- Shiina-Ojou-sama!
[note. Translated as "young lady" or "daughter of a wealthy family". Like any Onii-sama, left as is, as it is difficult to convey the Japanese mentality by translating this word.]
On a loud voice from the entrance to the classroom, with puzzled faces, not only the classmates of the A class that surrounded Shiina, turned around. Shiina herself looked inquiringly. No, Shiina looked just the most puzzled.
"It's time for you to go to the school board!"
Suddenly, Saburou's eccentric behavior aroused little interest, but the impatient voice of the other person made him realize that "it's time for her to go."
"The school board?" A ~, already so much time!
Shiina's classmates also finally realized that they were delaying her.
"I'm sorry, Mitsuya-san." Hey guys! Let her pass!
- Mitsuya-san, forgive us for this?
They, too, did not have malicious intent, detaining Shiina. They were unconsciously engrossed in the conversation.
The first-formers simply did not have the courage to interfere with the activities of the school board immediately after entering the school, so classmates apologized one by one to Shiina.
- No, I'm also very sorry. I'll see you tomorrow.
Shiina waved her hand in a friendly way, left the ring of her classmates and walked briskly toward Saburou waiting at the open door.
Shiina quickly ran up the stairs, Saburou followed at her heels. On the way from the third floor to the next landing, Shiina started talking with Saburou.
-Saburou-kun, thank you.
-It's my pleasure. I know perfectly well that in such a situation Shiina cannot object to other people.
"Of course it is, but ..." Saburou answered, Shiina was displeased. There was a feeling that her cheeks were puffed up. But, realizing that he was absolutely right, she did not object.
"... More than that, Saburou-kun, what was that?"
Although this was a direct translation of the topic, she was also curious about what it was like for Ojou-sama's unusual treatment.
-What, what was it?
-Well, what, what did you say "Shiina-Ojou-sama" for ...
-And what's wrong with that? "Saburou did not pretend to be a fool." - Is not it an obvious fact that you are an "Ojou-sama"?
For Saburou, the appeal of "Shiina-Ojou-sama" was as natural as the treatment of "Shiina" without nominal suffixes. Saburou's parents were not people who opposed friendly relations with the employer's daughter, but they taught the son to see the differences and not be irresponsible.
Shiina did not seem to agree with Saburou's answer, but she did not have any thoughts that could be refuted. She more than understood that in the company of magicians she is none other than "Ojou-sama." Because of the absence, than to object, the pressure on her cheeks increased even more.
However, she believed that it would be too childish, really pout, and refrained from doing so.
- ... Anyway, thanks for that. That's enough about all this.
It seems, instead of demonstrating the complaint with an expression of a person, Shiina decided to show that she was offended by her voice and actions.
Having said this, reaching the fourth floor, she defiantly turned away from Saburou and went to the school board room, burned by his gaze.
Left behind by Shiina, Saburou stopped in the middle of the stairs and sighed.
Saburou thought that such a childlike behavior of Shiina is quite an attractive feature. Also, he was glad that, not showing such a trait to anyone but him, even to his family, she proved by this that she completely trusts him.
However, Saburou's present behavior was puzzled. Shiina went away without any instructions for him. In other words, left him free to act. But for Saburou, "freedom", in most cases, was a nuisance that he could not cope with without knowing what to do.
When you cannot do anything without an order, it's like being a slave or a robot. Even he knew it was bad. But this did not mean that he acts by following orders 24 hours a day. On the contrary, right up until a few days ago, he spent almost all the time in training, occasionally interrupting small- scale work.
Nevertheless, if Shiina is within sight, then there is nothing to worry about the time spent. Saburou always decided what to do to himself, on the basis of the fact that he is the guard of Shiina. It was the basis of his identity to be the protector of Shiina. ... Until half a year ago.
When he was informed that he had been removed from the post of guardian, due to lack of talent. He was not angry at anyone. At parents, too, there was no point in getting angry. First of all, he would not even know Shiina if he were born at another time, so it's completely illogical to be angry with his parents.
In addition, Saburou did not give up yet. He was aware of the lack of power at the moment, but he believed that talent and ability were not the same thing. If there is not enough strength, then we'll sharpen our skills to compensate for this. He decided so.
He did not know what, specifically, he should do. Perhaps it was teenage prejudice. It was worth noting that his heart was not broken when he was deprived of his identity. His parents also thought so and allowed him to go to First High .
But then it was just a conversation about the possibility. Now Saburou is not allowed to directly serve Shiina. Therefore, he committed a gross error yesterday, thinking that he must observe from afar.
Without ideas of what to do next, he by inertia went up the stairs. He did not even think about returning home early. Accompanying Shiina on her way to and from school is one of the few privileges that were left to him. In search of a place to kill time, Saburou went to the roof.
On the roof of First High was a real mini-garden. Various flowers and herbs (as a remedy against insects) grew in flower beds made in the form of steps, which were closed with a case for the winter, and benches were placed in the free space between the flower beds.
The weather today was clear and windless. Despite the fact that it was an April evening, the roof was quite warm. It was comfortable, as if immersed in warm, and not in hot or cold water.
Such weather caused drowsiness.
On a bench of the roof the thoroughbred cat was dozing. Saburou suddenly stopped and stared at the picture before him.
Slender relaxed body. Hair of medium length with a bizarre, slightly light color. A beautiful face was visible, even if it was half hidden in her hand, used like a pillow, and her eyes were closed. This student was really like a thoroughbred cat.
She looked older than Shiina. Most likely, a high school student. On his shoulder, there was neither a logo with eight petals, nor emblems in the form of an eight-pointed gear. ... It was the same as Saburou himself.
In other words, it was sempai from the second course.
Saburou was fascinated by the look of a sleeping high school student for almost ten seconds before he could regain composure. The first thing he thought was, "Maybe it's better to wake her up?"
The season only changed in April. Although it's warm now, the air will cool down quickly in the evening. The wind can blow. If you sleep on the roof in such conditions, you can catch a cold.
However, when he was about to wake her up, it occurred to him that this situation could lead to a misunderstanding. Right now only he and this sempai were on the roof. When she wakes up, she may mistake him for some pervert. Or for a fetishist, who loves to spy on the sleeping schoolgirls. You cannot call this a 100% error (although only for 10 seconds, but Saburou was fascinated by the sight of this high school student), but if such a delusion emerges, it will be a big problem.
Saburou stopped the foot he had entered for a step and began to retreat very slowly and quietly back. To avoid the possible consideration of him as a pervert, he tore his eyes from the high school student and turned toward the door leading to the school staircase.
- No need to run away, it's okay.
On the side, from the bench to which he had just looked, a voice was heard. Caught unawares by a well-chosen moment, Saburou froze in place. At first, barely raising her head, now the high school student rose and sat.
Not caring about Saburou's suspicious behavior, the student stretched herself properly. In this, too, there was something feline. However, by lowering her arms raised while stretching, she looked at Saburou with a look that contained the power of a panther or a tigress, not a cat.
"I did not take you for a pervert." You were worried that I would catch a cold and want to wake up?
- Y-yes, em ...
The explanation fell exactly on the target, why not only the language, but Saburou's whole body refused to obey.
- Hmm ...
Studying his gaze, the student nodded with a understanding sort of face.
Saburou felt very uncomfortable. The senpai, who opened her eyes, was much prettier than he imagined when he saw the sleeping face. She was full of energy and full of cheerful charm. Although he was concerned about the reaction to just staring at such a beauty, this girl was not only a cutie, but she also had a gaze that pierced to the bone.
Not to the depths of my soul. It was the power of a master's look that you do not expect to see in a girl, and who at first sight sees the level of your strength and abilities, character, strengths and weaknesses.
"... She, if I'm not mistaken ..."
The name suddenly arose in the mind of the reflecting Saburou.
-Um ...
-Um, what?
"I'm sorry if I make a mistake!" Tell me, and the name of the senpai case is not Chiba Erika-san !?
Hearing Saburou's question, Erika widened her eyes first, and then narrowed her interest.
"Ho-ho ... Do you know me, then?" And the very name of something?
-I'm sorry! Saburou unconsciously straightened up. Not because of the fact that he is a high school student. Not the head, but the body ordered to treat Erika with utmost courtesy. - Class 1G, Yaguruma Saburou.
-First-grader Yaguruma, then. As you have already said, I am Chiba Erika from class 3F. If you know about me, then you are keen on kenjutsu? I suppose you specialize in short weapons, such as a knife.
By Erika's explanation, Saburou was more impressed than wary. He thought, if she really could see the learned techniques of the enemy with one glance, then it definitely was a level higher than his instructor, from whom he trained in hand-to-hand fighting. Saburou, who had recognized the well- known Erika for a long time, only now understood this.
"Such insight, this one underestimated you." This one is fond of self-defense methods using folding knives and short clubs.
[note. He spoke in a very formal tone, belittling himself to such an extent that he speaks of himself in the third person.]
Hearing Saburou's too formal tone, Erika scratched her head awkwardly.
-These formalities ... From such a way to talk to the interlocutor will be uncomfortable.
"Uh, it's ... I'm sorry."
-I do not need to be so formal with me. And do not need any "this", "I" [ore] completely off. What you usually use.
-Did you understand even this? ...
This time, what Saburou admired (about the "usually use"), was told by Erika at random. But Erika did not bother to correct Saburou's thoughts.
"By the way, you said you're working on self-defense skills, but ... I do not think so." Even if your self-defense is really self-defense, it is not meant to protect you. Some dark skills that will become a shield that protects the master. Is it not?
This question was asked confidently, almost in the affirmative.
- Did you grasp even this ...?
Saburou said the same words, but in a different tone. The previous words sounded simply with surprise, and this time it was a shock in the form of "I cannot believe it."
The stunned Saburou on the other hand, Erika frowned for a moment, but immediately made a face like "I do not care."
- Well, I also teach some techniques in my parents' house.
When Saburou heard this, a light appeared in his eyes. It was a light that could only be called a "burning flame."
- Chiba-senpai. I think this will be impertinent, but could you teach me?
After reading in Saburou's eyes a strong thirst, no, thirsting for strength, Erika broke away from the back of the bench. It was worth it to straighten up, as the air filled the chilling atmosphere. Saburou stared at this change with wide eyes.
- What do you want me to teach you?
The language of Saburou, who was shy from all these surprises, was already normal. Now the obstacle for Saburou was a dry throat. Having moistened his dry throat, swallowing saliva, Saburou, having collected all his willpower, answered Erika's question:
-... Ways how to become stronger.
-Why do you want to become stronger?
The drying of the throat only intensified. Saburou, almost coughing from this dryness, again swallowed saliva and through his strength spoke in a hoarse voice.
-Because I want to be able to protect this person with my own hands.
-With your own hands, then?
Erika closed her eyes and smiled cynically.
"It's not good, to be honest."
Opening her eyes, she looked at Saburou with a satisfied grin.
- Good. I'll keep you company.
Erika jumped up from the bench and headed for the exit from the roof.
-Come after me. - Said Erika, looking back over his shoulder at Saburou, who was confused by her abrupt actions.
?? ?
The place where Erika was going was a small gym No. 2, the so-called "Arena". It had a wooden floor covering, and now there was a joint training of clubs kenjutsu and kendo.
- Hmm, well, here. Aizu-kun!
The pupil Erika was looking for watched the whole picture from the corner of the room. She bowed and entered the wooden floor and walked along the wall to this pupil. Saburou did the same bow, and followed Erika uncertainly.
- Chiba-san.
The president of the kenjutsu club, Aizu Ikuo turned to Erika and bowed. And then he went back to watching the training.
-Can I distract you for a little while? I would like to borrow a part of the training hall.
"I do not mind, but, if possible, will you join us?" If strangers are injured, club management and the disciplinary committee will make a fuss. With each passing day, it becomes increasingly difficult to hide such things.
-You will not need to hide anything.
-For Chiba-san, everything, maybe, is in order, but for the members of the club you cannot say that ...
"We'll talk about this another time." In addition, today I brought you to the club beginner.
With a cry of "Uh-huh?" in an elevated voice, Saburou intervened.
-... He himself, it seems, does not really agree.
-Um, no ...
Saburou was confused, looking at the head of the Kenjutsu club.
"Yaguruma, did you want to join another club?" - These words of Erika carried a lot of pressure.
-No, but, family work ... - This was not an excuse. The duties for the protection of Shiina were abolished, but being a subordinate of the Mitsuya family, he still had the possibility that some work would come about which it would be impossible to talk about.
-This is normal. His name is Yaguruma-kun, you say? First-year?
-Ah, yes.
-In our club kenjutsu there are many same, as you, doing family work. If you properly inform about such things, then no one will be condemned for missing the club activities. - However, when the head of the club said this, there was a feeling that you need to join this club. - Well, I do not mean that you need to immediately make the absolute decision to enter. After all, did Chiba-san bring you without explaining anything? You should make a decision by carefully thinking.
-... Thank you very much.
As a result, it seems that it was not coercion. Realizing that the head of the kenjutsu club was a sensible person, Saburou breathed a sigh of relief.
"Aizu-kun, you're too soft!"
"There was a voice that animated Saburou's alarm. The owner of these words was behind him. And it was not Erika, but someone close to her in strength.
Realizing that someone was hiding behind him unnoticed, Saburou turned nervously. There was a little girl, dressed in kendo gear. Looking at the panicking Saburou, she tilted her head inquiringly, as if asking: "Hmm?". No malice or hostility was felt at all. Perhaps that's why he did not notice her, but Saburou decided that he relaxed and clenched his teeth.
Surprisingly looking at the worried Saburou, this student looked at President Aizu.
-Aizu-kun, to miss the long-awaited beginner right from under the nose, this is unworthy for the president behavior!
The student pressed Aizu not aggressively, but in a tone, a bit childish for the high school student.
"Saito, even if you say so, we cannot force."
Student ... vice-president of the club kenjutsu and concurrently president of the female department, Saitou Yayoi shook her indexed finger, as if to say "you did not understand."
- Ts-ts-ts [* clicks tongue *], Aizu-kun, you do not understand.
No, not only "as if to say", she actually said it. At the same time accompanying shaking with onomatopoeia.
-Uwaa, as the page ...
-Erika! I'm not strictly speaking!
Hearing Erika's words, repeating what was on the mind of the surrounding members of the club, Saitou Yayoi returned her gaze to Aizu.
"Aizu-kun, you must not force it, but ask!" For example, cause a sense of weakness from what the sempai so persuasively convinces, and take advantage of this!
-No, will it become of this ...
-It will!
After interrupting Aizu's suggestion with a loud voice, Yayoi turned to Saburou. She did not hesitate to reduce the distance between them. Saburou could not retreat, behind was a wall.
-And so, beginner-kun! Uh ...
-Yaguruma-kun. - Aizu whispered the role of a prompter.
-Okay, Yaguruma-kun!
Yayoi took Saburou's hand. Saburou for some reason did not shrink from either of Yayoi's hands, clinging to his right hand. ... Probably could not follow the developments.
Yayoi, in turn, clutching his hand tightly, gazing happily at him with wide- open eyes.
"Yaguruma-kun, are you good at this?" You must enter the kenjutsu club by all means.
Yayoi's supporters, frankly speaking, looked out of control to Saburou. If there was an enemy before him, he could easily shake it and escape. However, he was ashamed of rude behavior towards a high school student, moreover, to a girl who does not show any malicious intent.
-Set in clubs will begin the day after tomorrow. It is necessary to follow the rules.
Erika wedged in between them. With one hand, she pressed Yayoi on both hands, clinging to Saburou's right hand. Yayoi easily released Saburou's hand.
Saburou did not understand what had happened. But Yayoi, it seems, did not interest this technique at all.
-Erika, hearing from you about the observance of the rules is a bit weird.
-Yes Yes. Now we will start training with Yaguruma, so you can postpone complaints and invitations for later?
Erika responded with an appropriate way of looking at her with Yayoi's children's eyes.
-Training? You're from a tennis club! In addition, if you have time to play with the first year, then first ask permission for me!
-I already received permission from President Aizu.
Yayoi immediately stared at Aizu, and then returned her gaze, which contained a dumb question "what's wrong?". Of course, it was already too late to make a problem out of the fact that Erika is so free to visit kenjutsu and kendo clubs.
"Besides, we did not come to play." - Erika evenly interrupted glimpses of the president and vice-president of the club kenjutsu. From this voice, Saburou felt a cold shiver. Yayoi looked at Erika with a serious face, and Aizu twisted his eyebrows irritatedly.
-Chiba-san, I would like to ask that the matter does not reach hospitalization ...
- Maybe someone who will go to the ambulance, I will.
Not only Aizu and Yayoi, but other members of the club who overheard their conversation, simultaneously looked at Saburou. He, feeling that he had to refute something, but not understanding what exactly, in a hurry, waved his head in negative.
"What are you waiting for, Yaguruma?" Start training faster.
Meanwhile, Erika had already taken off her socks and walked barefoot toward the empty seat in the corner of the room. On the way, she took a shinai from the wall. [bamboo sword]
Saburou also hurriedly took the shinai. It was about half the length of the usual shinai. Even this was a bit long for him, but, although his opponent was Erika, it was impossible to choose something better here.
"Yaguruma, would not it be better for you to take off your jacket?" Erika asked Eben, who wa-->>