The turbulent but enjoyable night ends.

On the morning of the next day, Latia and Fritz left Yamato ahead of Hayato and the girls as scheduled, and went to the Eurasian continent.

They will be returning to Little Garden in two weeks after visiting various countries.

Together with them, Sakura and Karen also left the institution.

The reason is, they have work in the imperial capital.

Hayato and the others will be joining with Karen in the imperial capital to return together to Little Garden.

Sakura has to go around the world for two weeks’ work, so she will be coming back to Little Garden alone at a later date.

Therefore, the ones remaining in the institution are Hayato, Emilia, Touka, Rebecca, Aoi, Claire and Mei Mei.

However, Claire had to go out from noon, since there were meetings and the like at Motomatsu Base.

From the morning, Touka has been doing intensive training at Ryūsei’s place.

Rebecca is with her, now that she also become a pupil of Touka.

Aoi is helping Ryōko, the children are at school——.

The remaining Emilia is repairing Mei Mei while keeping in contact with Charlotte.

As for the mechanism, the completely useless Hayato would just stand in her way, so he couldn’t help her.

In other words, he’s the only one doing nothing.

– It’s been a long time since I could be leisurely like this..

He was murmuring something like that without thinking.

Instead, he wished to be helping Touka and accompany her with her training.

.. nonetheless.

(Without a doubt, I’m getting tired)

It was because of the interview.

He was nervous and couldn’t have a proper sleeping recently.

Although he still has to do a couple of shootings, he already ended the interview part, he got calm a little, so he can go to sleep soundly.

Thinking so, the sleepiness attacks instantly——.

Hayato was being dragged into the world of sleep.

– .. Kisaragi Hayato, Kisaragi Hayato..

– Hmm?

In response to the faint voice reaching his ears, Hayato opened his eyelids.

– .. what.. was that?

He was sure that he heard the voice of a woman.

But, when sitting up, he didn’t see anyone around him.

– .. was it a dream?

*Stomach rumbling*, his stomach made a sound.

When looking at the watch, it’s 20:00.

The time for dinner has passed already.

(Nobody came to wake me up?)

For the time being, he heads to the living room.

Thinking so, he raised his body and left the room,

– Eh..

Deep in the hallway——.

Seeing a girl standing in front of the stairs, Hayato stared at her in wonder.

A girl with blonde hair and almond-shaped eyes.

Regarding her body, many thorny ivies are intertwined on it over and over again.

– Liza.. why, are you here?

That’s the girl for Hayato.

He spontaneously muttered, looking at Liza Harvey.

As a matter of course, he’s perplexed.

At any rate, she shouldn’t be here in the first place.

It’s because she should be sleeping in the basement of Little Garden.

– Be calm.

– ——wha!?

When he noticed, Liza was in front of his eyes.

She traveled a distance of 10 meters approximately in the twinkling of an eye.

Then Liza put her index finger in front of her face and opened her mouth in a big way.

– Umm..

What’s up with this situation?

– That’s right, I’ll call the President——

– Claire isn’t coming back yet. Besides, I have something to talk with you, Kisaragi Hayato.

– .. with me?

– Yes, but not here..

Liza smiled meaningfully and stretched her right hand, towards Hayato’s chest.

– How about talking in your room?

Just like an adult woman seducing a man, Liza crept her finger on the chest of Hayato.

– Well, that’s..

Hayato became surprised, thinking what to do.

– Oh, right. A little while ago, you called me out when I was sleeping..

– Ah, you noticed. I was a bit nervous for entering a man’s room without permission.

Saying that, Liza put her finger on her lips, then *fufu*, showed an obscene smile on her face.

And just after that.

From the downstairs, the footsteps and voices of the children are heard.

That means dinner time is over.

– .. they are getting in the way.

Liza turned her eyes towards the staircase while pouting her lips in a disappointing way.

– I’m saying that I was trying to wake you up, but even if I push you into the room, we won’t be able to talk. It’s so disappointing.

This time, she knits her brows in sorrow.

– But.. a good thing came into my mind.

A complete change from mere seconds ago.

Her expression brightening in a flash, Liza bent herself forwards towards Hayato.

– There’s a big lake near here, right?

– Do you mean Nishina lake?

– Is there another big lake?

– No, that’s the only one but..

– No, that will do. There should be a pier in that lake. Then, be there in an hour. Because I’ll be waiting there. Of course, keep this a secret from Claire.

Leaving those words with him, Liza disappeared suddenly before his eyes.

Then, the children who came up the stairs are approaching him.

– Oh, nii-chan. You woke up.

– Sleepyhead-san!

– Go eat some food!

– Ah, yeah..

Hayato keeps company with the children.

However, his confusion continued.

(What on earth, was that?)

He doesn’t understand.

But——.

(.. I only have to go, right..?)

At any rate, the other party is an important existence regarding Little Garden.

And because she’s like an Ohime-sama, the Slayers must protect her.

An hour later.

As he promised Liza, Hayato came along the shore of Lake Nishina.

He thinks from the bottom of his heart that he was glad to be wearing his uniform because it was quite cold.

– .. hmm..?

Hayato doubted his own eyes.

It wasn’t Liza who was there, but Claire dressed in her uniform.

– Kisaragi Hayato, what do you have to talk with me desuno?

– .. eh, talk?

Hayato is completely bewildered due to Claire’s question.

– I came here because Liza told me she had something to talk with me..

– Wha..!?

Claire, who’s face turned red, quickly clenched her teeth, her facial expression became severe.

(No way, this is the scheme that Liza devised to make me be alone with Kisaragi Hayato..?)

While thinking why she came to this place, and when she asked Kisaragi Hayato about why he’s waiting in this place, Liza suddenly appeared before her eyes.

Then Liza’s voice echoed in the head of Claire.

『The precious vacations are over. Why don’t you enjoy the time together with the person you like so much more meaningfully?』

– Kuh..!

The expression of Claire reddens and becomes even more severe.

– What’s wrong, President? Is something worrying you about Liza..?

– N-no.. it’s, it’s nothing masenwa!

– Is that so?

– Ye-yes..

Claire replied.

Liza’s voice is heard there.

『Don’t worry. I won’t stand in your way and I won’t eavesdrop on your conversation. So, have a great time you two———』

In response to those words, Claire asks a question in her mind.

(I can trust in your words, right desuwane?)

『Sure it is』*

She would be very grateful if she doesn’t do anything this time.

That’s after she complained Liza.

But——.

– ..

She doesn’t know what to talk about.

– Err, Kisaragi Hayato..

– What is it?

– Well, it’s about Liza, but..

In the end, it’s the matter to talk.

– You see, I also saw Liza mashitawa. And then, she informed me that you have something to talk with me, so I came to this place desu.

– Eh, is that so? But I don’t have anything in particular to talk with the president, that’s why Liza..

– Is that so desuno?

Besides, why is Liza here..?

– I don’t know how, but it seems that she came to Yamato because of us desu. And, wh-what on earth is she thinking about by dragging us to this place..?

– Ah.

Hayato remembers at the same time he listens the words of Claire.

– Then that means that the thing at the hot spring..

– Probably that’s the correct interpretation.

Claire replied.

– I felt a weak?energy, so I thought that it could be her, but now I’m sure of it desu.? What is her real intention..?

– Come to think of it, I have heard from Karen some rumors that she often appeared at school too.

– .. Is that so desuka?

– Yes..

Liza thinks, while listening to the conversation between those two people.

(.. it’s not worth worrying and talking about me..)

She’s a little impatient.

Although they are finally alone, she won’t be satisfied with that till the mood becomes good.

Liza turns her eyes to the surroundings whether there’s anything that will change this situation somehow.

She found a small boat floating in the lake.

Looking at it, Liza thought of something.

She moves to the top of the boat and materializes there.

She invited the two people to enjoy themselves a secret date at the lake at night.

First, she unties the string that is attached to the pier and moves on top of it.

There, Liza materialized.

– .. ah, President. Over there!

It was Hayato who noticed first the shining existence of Liza.

With that, Claire also notices the existence of Liza.

– Liza, why are you in that place!?

– Let’s go.

– Yes.

Without knowing it was a trap, Hayato and Claire nodded to one another and ran towards the boat.

It was Hayato who first got into the small boat.

The moment he put his feet on the boat,

– Eh?

The boat suddenly started to move.

Only after that, Hayato notices that the rope is disconnected.

– Kisaragi Hayato!

Claire stretches her hand towards Hayato in order to stop the drifting boat.

However, the boat that started moving towards the center of the lake didn’t stop at all.

As a result, it looked like Hayato was pulling Claire towards the boat.

– Kyaa!

Claire, who is about to fall, stretched her arm towards Hayato.

In a hurry to support her body, Hayato asks.

– Are you alright, President?

– Yes..

As a result, they were in a shape as if they were embracing each other.

He’s feeling the chest of Claire.

And, when feeling the warmth of her body, Hayato finally noticed that fact.

– Ah, I’m sorry!

He separates himself from the body of Claire with both hands while apologizing in panic.

At the same time, the boat swayed.

– No, it’s fine desunoyo.. you saved me, hmm..?

– Ah..

The two noticed that the boat finally started moving towards the center of the lake.

– This is bad desuwane, now that we are this far from the shore, it will be hard to get back desuwayo.

– No, don’t worry. This boat comes with oars, so we can return at once.

Hayato’s completely right.

When looking closely, there are two oars placed on the bottom of the boat.

– I’m used to rowing oars.

Saying that, Hayato was about to pick the oars.

『This is your long-awaited chance. It will be wasted if you don’t make use of it』

Claire is hearing the voice of Liza inside her head.

(Again, don’t say unnecessary things..!)

It seems she was aiming for this when she made her appearance moments ago.

But, it certainly is a good opportunity.

A lake.

Two people on a boat.

How should progress this?

Claire concluded, looking at Hayato with a sidelong glance.

– .. say, Kisaragi Hayato.

– Yes?

– I appreciate your efforts but, why don’t we enjoy the lake for a while masenka?

– .. eh?

Hayato is frozen while holding the oars.

– I would like to enjoy the view of Yamato seen from the lake desu.

– Well..

Despite thinking that it’s fine, at this time no one is likely to come around here.

If it’s for a few moments then why not?

– Understood. Then, shall we do so?

Hayato starts to hold the oars. The boat proceeded to move towards the center of the lake.

– It is a very nice scenery desuwane.

– .. I agree.

Hayato nods.

The lake surface illuminated by the stars and the moonlight, and the visible range of mountains are very beautiful.

– I guess it is thanks to Liza that we can see a scenery like this, don’t you agree masenwane?

– .. oh, that’s right. Where’s Liza..?

Hayato points his line of sight towards the shore.

But her figure is nowhere to be seen.

– Why on earth did Liza call us here?

Hayato throws an honest question.

– Maybe we won’t get to know it masenwayo.

Lifting her eyebrows with a little angry appearance, Claire told him, spitting out.

– I am sure she is having a great time pranking us desuwa.

– A prank, huh... By any chance, maybe she wants to play with us?

– Wants to play, you say..? Fufu, fufufu..

– Eh? Did I say something strange?

– Yes, you said a really funny thing masuwane.

– ?

Smiling happily and looking at Hayato who doesn’t seem to agree with it, Claire continued her words.

– By the way, this is my second time talking with you on a lake like this desuwane.

– Like the time of the 《Operation: Bird in Cage》, correct?

– .. however, unlike that time, we aren’t in the middle of an operation, and I am feeling very good desuwa.

– I am also feeling good. Even more since this is also my hometown.

– .. right, this is your hometown desuwane..

Murmuring in a deep emotional state, Claire looked at the surrounding scenery.

– .. Kisaragi Hayato. I am very happy that I could come to your hometown in this way before I go to the moon desuwa. Looking at the same scenery, breathing the same air, eating the same food.. I feel that I have come to know you more masu.

– Is, is that so? I also like it, and it’s the best if you were able to be pleased with all this..

– Li- like!?*

– Ah, yes. I came here after difficult things but, even so, this is the place where I have spent many years.

– I- I see, that’s what you meant. That’s what you meant desuwane.

– Eh? Is something wrong?

– N-no. It’s nothing masenwayo.

– Is, is that so..

Silence flows between them.

– By the way, the President said just now that is going to the moon..

– Yes, that’s correct desuwa. It’s becoming a rumor, don’t you agree? During next year, I will transfer to Lunaltia Base masu.

– And I’m going to remain here, right?

– Yes, as you said desuwa.

– When that happens, you will be separated. It looks a little lonely.

– .. you are right desuwane.

They look up at the moon floating in the sky.

A moon that can be reached if you stretch your hand.

But, it can’t be reached.

It’s in a very far place.

– But, I think that I will be coming and going a lot of times, and I think that it will be the same thing for you masuwayo.

– That will certainly happen..

They laugh together.

– President, it may be a little late to say something like this at this point of time but, thank you very much for this past year. I believe that I were able to grow so much thanks to the President.

– .. it’s the best to receive such words desuwa. But, I hope you continue growing even more from now on. You will be in a position to train the youngers.

– Yeah.. I’ll do my best.

Like that, Liza was irritated looking at Hayato and Claire, who are going through a conversation that was frivolous in some respects.

(.. it’s a little irritating..)

Both of them don’t cross the line on purpose.

It looks like she’s hearing a drama-like conversation.

(I’m getting tired of waiting like this)

Or rather, she’s already at her limit.

In this way, then a little prank will——

No, not that.

She has no choice but to grant her another chance.

Otherwise, they won’t move forward.

So, Liza started to move.

– Ei!

She stands by the side of the lake and swings her arms towards the small boat of Claire and Hayato.

Then——.

– Ah..!

Liza stared in wonder at the standing huge water column that was bigger than she thought.

– ——!?

– ..!?

Hayato and Claire respond to the feeling of the strong?energy.

But——.

– Huh?

– Eh!?

The lake suddenly split and a water column of 20 meters high approximately stood up.

Because of that, the small boat they were on board swayed greatly, and lost their footing.

– Uwaa!?

– Kyaa!

The two fell down together.

– .. oops. It seems I failed to adjust the?energy..

Liza, with a troubled look, scratched her cheek.

– But, the result is nice.. rather, it’s a huge success.

Regardless of the situation, the development went according to plan.

The small boat swayed greatly, Hayato and Claire fell down. As a result, they are at a very close distance.

Claire’s appearance is as if she was pushing down Hayato.

(.. don’t tell me that that was Liza just now..)

For a moment, the energy that she felt is definitely from Liza.

Claire was convinced of that.

(——wha..!!)

Now, realizing that she was pushing down Hayato, Claire’s face turned red.

At the same time, she also noticed that Hayato is fainting.

Maybe it’s because he hit the back of his head when he fell down.

(.. kuh..)

*Gulp*, Claire swallowed saliva.

Her eyes are nailed to the lips of Hayato, the distance is no more than 10 centimeters.

It reminds her of 《Operation: Bird in Cage》.

It was at the time when she kissed Hayato to destroy the defensive membrane of the Dragonfly type Savage that appeared in that opportunity.

(.. the feeling of being satisfied at that time. I want to taste it, one more time..)

Her body is wishing for it.

She couldn’t think about Liza and that she could be watching her.

Being just stimulated by desire, Claire put her lips on Kisaragi Hayato’s lips.

Not only that, she’s also entwining their tongues.

– *roll*.. *kiss*.. *roll*.. *roll*.. nn, *kiss*..

She doesn’t stop.

She can’t stop.

Her chest hurts a lot that is bursting.

But, she’s happy..

(No good, this sensation... It’s as if Kisaragi Hayato’s thing flows into my body..)

Her body gets hot and her heart gets filled.

It was a long kiss, it lasted for more than 10 seconds.

– Puaah..

At the same time as their lips separated, Claire has a fascinated expression.

Between their lips, the saliva was pulling a long thread.

– .. wha, what am I..!!

Claire, who came to her senses, was taken aback.

Then, Hayato woke up.

– .. agh.. I, what just..

Hayato tries to raise his body.

The flustered Claire also raised her body and separated from Hayato.

– A-are you okay desuno? You hit your head and fainted desuwayo.

– Eh, ah, is that so? I’m sorry, President. It looks like I caused trouble for you.

– N-no, not at all masenwayo.

– Besides, umm..

Hayato was about to ask her what the water column of a while ago was.

Then their PDAs abruptly sounded at the same time.

– Who’s there!?

Hayato and Claire are surprised.

Because they felt?energy?once again.

However, it’s different from the one of a while ago.

– You guys, why are you flirting in a place like this!?

The voice they heard came from overhead.

When they looked up at the sky, Emilia was riding a vehicle that was shaped like a giant ray* and created by her Innocence type Hundred?Arms Shroud?around 20 meters high.

When Emilia jumps off, the vehicle disappears.

In exchange for it, guns appear in her hands.

Emilia aimed with precision at Hayato and Emilia and shot them.

– .. kuh!

They couldn’t afford to deploy their Hundred.

Claire gathers?energy?on the palm of her hand and deploys an E?barrier.

However, she couldn’t suppress the shot since she wasn’t armed.

– Kyaah!

Claire flies backwards, pushed by the light bullets.

With that force, the small boat rolled over.

– Kyaah!

And following Claire who screamed,

– Uwaah!

Hayato was also thrown into the lake.

Emilia landed on top of the rolled small boat using?Arms Shroud.

– What do you think you are doing, Emilia Hermit!

Claire shouts when turning up of the lake surface.

While looking down at her figure, Emilia put both hands on her waist and said.

– Those are my words! Hayato and you were having a boat date!

– Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-, date you say..!?

Claire blushes in an instant.

– Am I wrong? No matter how I look at it, it looks like a date to me!

– Ce-certainly it looks like a date.. no, it wasn’t a date but..

– If it’s not a date, then what is it, huh!?

– Well, that’s, Liza is..

– .. Liza..? ?Are you telling me that Liza was doing all of this!?

– No, that’s not it..

– Puhaa.. ah——

At the very same moment when Hayato turns up of the water’s surface.

Looking at the two who are fighting in front in front of him, Hayato exclaimed.

– What are you doing you two!?

– Don’t say a word, Hayato!

– Be quiet, Kisaragi Hayato!

Claire and Emilia gathered their voices.

– But, and the emergency call..

– Ah!

– I forgot desuwa!

Even though it has been ringing all the time, they didn’t care about it completely. Or rather, they didn’t care at all.

– Anyway, take us out of here.

– Eh, I have to help Prez too?

Emilia raised a dissatisfied voice.

In response, Claire shouted.

– Get moving! A state of emergency is occurring desuwayo!

– Yes, yes, I understand, I understand.

Emilia, who created a large surfboard with a gigantic ray shape with?Arms Shroud, pulled up Hayato and Claire on it and moved to the lakeside.

– It’s still really cold..

Claire, who is dripping wet, sighed greatly.

– .. President, are you okay?

– To be honest, I want to go back to the institution and take a bath desuwayo. Leaving that aside, what happened desu?

Claire asked Emilia at the same time she drops to the ground.

– I don’t know. I was thinking about where Hayato went, because I checked his GPS position and came in search of him. Then, I felt a strong?energy.. and, well.. that’s right, I forgot about the alert!

Emilia took out the PDA from her chest pocket.

Then, the screen of the emergency alert changes to the appearance of Charlotte.

『.. Emilia. You know what means an emergency alert, don’t you? And you took a while to respond』

– I’m very sorry. By the way, Hayato and the Prez are also here.

Emilia directed the PDA’s camera to Hayato and Claire. She then realized that both of them got wet.

『Good grief, you guys seem to be always relaxed, no matter the place, huh?』

Sighing amazed, Charlotte continues.

『.. now, onto the real issue at hand. I confirmed the reaction of Savage in space』

– What did you say!?

It was Claire who raised her voice.

『The predicted falling point thanks to the measurements of Liza has a 90% to be around Motomatsu Base in Imperial Yamato——that is, where you guys are now』

– In short, we are entering in a sortie state?

『Yeah, like you said』

Charlotte answered Hayato who asked and continued her words.

『.. okay so, are you returning to the institution soon? Are you carrying your Variable Suits?』

– Yes, we are bringing them with us.

Although there are no?Outers, they are bringing the Suits when situations like this have occurred.

『Okay then, I’ll leave it to you. While you return, I’ll be keeping in touch with Motomatsu Base to set up a strategy』

– Then, let’s go back to the institution. I’m going to place a vehicle.

Saying that, Emilia deploys her Hundred——.

Arms Shroud?made a board shaped like a ray.

– Unlike a while ago, we are going to fly through the skies. Get on, Hayato. You too, Prez.

Following what he was told, Hayato got on the board.

– .. err, Prez?

Emilia calls out Claire for a second time, since she turns her back to them, staring fixedly at the lake.

– Prez! Why are you doing nothing? We have to get back soon!

– Eh, ah, this... You are right desuwane.

Claire turned back and moved towards the board, approaching it with a jog.

In the orphanage* there were Rebecca, Aoi, Touka—and Mei Mei.

*TN: I’m glad I didn’t use orphanage before and stick with institution (abbreviated form is home but went for the other one), since THIS is the word for orphanage in Japanese: 児童養護施設 = jidouyougoshisetsu.

『Hmm, I’m troubled. Properly speaking, I would like to request local support to you but..』

Charlotte was showing a troubled look on the screen of the PC that Aoi opened.

『I am sorry, Emilia-sama seems to have been unable to repair it... Because of that, I cannot manipulate the PC properly..』

– In that case, then who’s the one who connected this communication?

– Eh, umm, it was me.

『.. hmm? Certainly, you are..』

– I am in second year of Little Garden middle school——Umino Aoi. And umm.. ?if it’s a computer, then I can use it for a bit and.. I can be the helper of Mei Mei-san..

– Yeah, that’s true. This girl, Aoi, has the goal of entering the intelligence department of Warslan, you know.

– Come on, Rebecca. That’s still a secret!

The face of Aoi turns deep red.

Charlotte smiled and grinned at the sight of her figure, and hit the keyboard of the computer in front of her.

『I’m looking at the data of Aoi-kun now. Your scholarly ability and skills seems to be promising. I’ll rely on you for the role of supporter of Mei Mei』

– Is that true!?

『.. though, I guess there will be staff of Motomatsu Base, so I don’t think that there’ll be that much work. But, you’ll be doing a properly job of control. I’m counting on you』

– Yes! Tha-thank you very much!

Hayato and the girls returned to the institution and the first thing they did was to change to their Variable Suits.

Claire and Emilia were in the room where they were staying at and were changing clothes all together.

In the middle of that, Claire couldn’t get away that thing from her head.

(The?energy?of Liza that couldn’t control. And now, the attack of the Savage..)

There’s only one thing she can imagine from those two events.

(As expected, Liza attracted the Savage this time——)

Like blessing in disguise, their numbers aren’t that high, and the chances for unknown Savage is almost zero.

(However, if the Savage come along because of the powerful?energy?of Liza, then there’s no doubt that Lunaltia Project is essential for the Earth masuwane..)

Attracting the Savage to the moon can prevent attacks on the Earth.

And at the same time, in the thin atmosphere of the moon, the distance that Liza’s?energy?can be felt will be longer.

If so, there are greater chances that a large amount of Savage will come, and also that new species that they have never seen before may come.

(It seems that it will be a really tough battle once I have left to Lunaltia Base desuwane..)

– Prez, why are you spacing out? We have to change our clothes at once, you know.

Emilia, who finished changing to her Suit, spurs Claire.

– I know that masuwayo. I- I will change my clothes in no time masuwa!

Flustering, Claire equipped her Variable Suit.

『8 Savage are predicted to fall——and none of them are Unknown type nor Trenta type Savage. All of them seem to be either regular——or giant type Savage』

That’s the communication from Chris from Little Garden’s strategy conference room.

In the backyard of the institution, a huge antenna for camping was extended.

Through the PC of-->>

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