There was no doubt about it—the upcoming Warlord's Banquet was a big deal for everyone on Itogami Island.
Saikai Academy took it just as seriously. Not only would classes be canceled the day before the festival, each homeroom teacher also held a special class meeting to lay down the law.
"Listen up, brats. During the festival, I expect every single one of you to behave yourselves. Just because you're off school grounds doesn't mean you can throw manners out the window. If anyone dares to pick a fight or do something stupid because the festival atmosphere went to their head, I won't show mercy."
Standing at the podium in her Gothic lolita outfit, Natsuki Minamiya recited the various rules in her usual cold tone… and shot a glare straight at Kaiser.
"Especially certain people who have a knack for causing trouble—try to rein it in."
Her attitude was just shy of calling him out by name.
"…You really think that if something did happen, it wouldn't involve you?" Kaiser muttered silently, exasperated.
He knew the original story—during the Warlord's Banquet, something did happen, and it centered entirely around Natsuki. She was the cause.
Originally, he'd been debating whether to step in and prevent the incident so no one's holiday got spoiled.
Now? …He decided it might be more fun to stir the pot.
Natsuki, of course, had no idea her veiled barbs had earned her a place on Kaiser's mental blacklist, and continued her lecture without pause.
To be fair, she wasn't being strict for no reason. During the festival, Saikai Academy students wouldn't just be enjoying themselves—they'd also be participating in band competitions, club exhibitions, and even manning stalls run by the Residents' Association. Some would take on part-time jobs to cash in on the holiday rush.
With so much going on, student-related incidents were bound to pop up, so the school's list of warnings was long. And Natsuki, being a homeroom teacher who couldn't help fussing over her students, was far stricter than most.
She even added:
"I understand some of you are itching to make a move on your crush, but don't overdo it. If I catch anyone crossing the line, I'll drag you out for a public shaming."
For couples and would-be couples, the Warlord's Banquet was a big deal.
After all, it had all the classics—test-of-courage events, fireworks displays—and plenty of special attractions unique to a demon district, like charm booths and fortune-telling. It was the perfect excuse for anyone with a romantic interest to make a move.
Naturally, Natsuki's warning made quite a few students drop their heads and shrink into their seats… Blue-haired hacker included.
As for Kaiser… yeah, he got another glare from Natsuki.
I don't even have a girlfriend…
He wanted to say it out loud, but didn't.
Because everyone knew that during the festival, he'd be out on the town with multiple girls.
Natsuki clearly suspected as much, and in her mind, that made him prime troublemaker material.
Kaiser was both speechless and annoyed at her pointed suspicion—annoyed enough that his resolve to "cause a little trouble" solidified.
Poor Natsuki Minamiya had no idea she'd just been added to the grudge list. She simply finished rattling off the rules, sipped her water, snapped open her lace fan, and sauntered out of the classroom.
The moment she was gone, the students collectively sighed in relief, as if a weight had been lifted.
"So, where are we going first?"
"Hey, wanna come with us?"
"Sure, count me in."
The room quickly erupted into chatter as people started forming groups and making plans. Even Kojou, Asagi, and Motoki were huddled together, clearly plotting to hang out.
Kaiser figured it didn't concern him and was about to slip out when—
The boys in the class suddenly swarmed him.
"Hey, Kaiser—got any plans for the festival?"
"You wanna work part-time with me? Our neighborhood's doing an outdoor café but we're short on staff. I'll even bump your pay."
"Our booth's selling goods—come help and I'll give you ten percent of the profits. No, wait, twenty percent!"
"Don't forget the beach volleyball tournament! C'mon, let's work up a good sweat in the sun!"
"Hold it, if it's about competitions, you've got to help judge the beauty pageant! We'll reserve you a spot at the judges' table!"
"This is life-or-death, man!"
Their eyes lit up—not with admiration, but with the predatory gleam of hunters spotting prey.
Even Kojou was stunned.
"Wait… what the hell? Why are they all so eager all of a sudden? Since when was that guy this popular?"
Motoki chuckled knowingly.
"Of course they've got ulterior motives. Everyone knows Kaiser spends all his time with your sister and the middle school saint. Those two practically glue themselves to him."
"So anyone running a stall or organizing an event sees a golden opportunity. If Kaiser shows up, there's a good chance those two will tag along."
"Great for drawing in customers… and, y'know, for the view."
Before Kojou could react, Asagi was already rolling her eyes.
"Seriously? They're that stupid?"
"To you maybe," Motoki shrugged, "but for guys, this is just below a life-or-death matter. Even if it's not about business, they've got their own little schemes."
"Think about it—if they get Kaiser stuck working during the festival, he won't have time to stroll around with your sister and the saint."
"They'd rather not spend the holiday slaving away while some guy waltzes past them on a date with two cute girls. That's the ultimate finishing blow to a single guy's pride."
Kojou's eyes lit up like he'd just found religion.
"…So that's the play, huh?"
"Hey! Kaiser! You're working with me!"
No hesitation—Kojou charged forward.
Well, he was the doting big brother type who couldn't stand the idea of his sister on a date with another guy.
Snap! Asagi's pen broke in half.
"That idiot…!"
She'd been debating how to invite Kojou to hang out, and now her window had just slammed shut.
Motoki patted her shoulder in sympathy.
Meanwhile, Kaiser had no clue about their scheming, but he could tell these guys were up to no good.
So he turned them all down flat.
"Sorry, I've already got plans. No work, no competitions."
Snap! This time, it was every single boy in the room breaking their pens.
"Plans…?"
"What kind of plans?"
"Don't tell me… with the middle school saint?"
"Or Kojou's sister?"
"Kaiser, they're still middle schoolers—you can't just—no, wait, I mean, you should pace yourself!"
They were practically foaming at the mouth.
"I can't help it," Kaiser said, wearing his most harmless smile. "Nagisa told me her mom—who's almost never around—will finally have time during the festival, and she wants to introduce me."
Kojou took a critical hit straight to the heart, his eyes bloodshot.
"And Kanase—her family's coming to the island for the festival. Apparently, they specifically asked to meet me. Can't exactly say no, can I?"
That was something La Folia had told him in advance.
The Aldegyr royal family had been looking for a chance to come to Itogami and deal with Kanon's refusal to return home. With the festival loosening entry restrictions and providing a perfect cover, it was the ideal opportunity.
Of course, to the uninformed, this was nothing less than a killing blow.
"They're already at the 'meet the parents' stage?!"
"With both of them?!"
"Monster!"
Tears streamed from the boys' bloodshot eyes.
"Why… why didn't Nagisa tell me?! When did Mom say she wanted to meet him?! How could she not tell me?!"
Kojou sounded like his soul was breaking.
"I'll never accept this!"
The siscon's roar was pure blood and heartbreak, his eyes on Kaiser now filled with the hatred of a sworn enemy.
Kaiser, having just dealt maximum emotional damage to a room full of scheming classmates, walked away in satisfaction… heading in the direction Natsuki had gone.