Following someone was a technical skill.
Maintaining visual contact without being noticed required either a professional—or a seasoned pervert.
So it was inevitable that someone like him, a morally upright and honest young man, would make mistakes during a background investigation on a girl—definitely not stalking—due to lack of skill and experience.
"Officer, please listen to me. This is really just a misunderstanding."
Life was unpredictable, and one must always remain cautious. A misjudgment of both parties' abilities and unfamiliarity with the terrain had landed him in a mess.
Specifically, after following Kirino into a quiet alleyway, she, who should have been ahead, suddenly appeared behind him and tried to arrest him.
"You're still denying it?"
Kirino glared at him with her clear blue eyes.
"Don't think I didn't notice you've been following me since the café! Come clean—what are you plotting? Were you sent by the thug who escaped yesterday to take revenge on me?"
"I'm telling you, it really is a misunderstanding. Besides, if I really were a bad guy..."
He crouched down in front of Kirino and picked up the handcuff key that had fallen near his feet.
Seeing her inexplicably cuffed to a utility pole with the key tossed just out of reach, his feelings were complicated.
To add context: Kirino had tried to arrest him and rolled a critical failure.
How did she even manage that?
"Miss Kirino, can you calm down now? If you're willing to listen, I'll unlock it."
"...How do you know my name? So you've slipped up! Are you my stalker? Somebody help! I don't want to be taken to a basement and forced to wear weird clothes and do strange things!"
Tears shimmered in Kirino's eyes as she struggled.
"Wait! Don't yell that on the street, you'll cause a scene! I know your name because I'm a sensei at Schale! Ugh, can you please listen to me?"
Maybe he wasn't speaking loudly enough, because she clearly wasn't hearing him.
He had no choice but to restrain her. It felt like wrestling a raging bull. He struggled with all his might before finally managing to unlock her handcuffs.
But as soon as they were undone, she pinned him to the ground using a grappling technique, sat on his back, and restrained him with her full weight.
"Pervert caught in the act! Arrested! You have the right to remain silent, but... um... what comes next? Whatever. Anyway, do you have anything to say?"
"...I'm a sensei from Schale..." he replied, sighing in exhaustion.
"...Eh?"
A moment later—
"I'm so sorry!"
"You don't need to apologize..."
Brushing the dust from his uniform, he looked at the girl bowing at a perfect ninety-degree angle, feeling utterly drained.
He couldn't pretend he wasn't angry. But since he still wanted to recruit her to Schale, and this situation was ultimately his fault for following her, he decided to let it go.
Besides, showing patience to an innocent girl might win her favor.
He hadn't forgotten that his golden finger—his student-targeted "credit card"—only activated when he gained a student's affection.
So he had to be as kind as possible to every potential recruit.
The more he thought that, the more uneasy he felt. He reined in his wandering thoughts and refocused.
Was he really going to recruit Kirino into Schale? Even with low expectations from her profile, the reality was still concerning.
If only she were as dependable as Yuuka...
He considered the situation. Originally, he planned to observe discreetly, but getting caught red-handed ruined that. If he continued making excuses, it might damage their relationship. It was better to be honest.
"Kirino, I'll be straight with you. I'm here to invite you to join Schale."
"Huh?"
"You might know that Schale is currently an empty shell and urgently needs capable members."
He chose his words carefully. "I saw how energetic you were on duty (personally arrested by you), and after reviewing your file (anonymous tip), I believe you're a talented individual overlooked by the Public Security Bureau (how have you not been fired yet?)."
He took a deep breath and extended his hand to her.
"Maybe you're lacking in skill, but that's not important. No one is born perfect."
"What truly matters isn't talent—it's heart."
"I've been watching your efforts. Your burning passion for justice, unwavering and incomparable, is a treasure far more valuable than any ability."
"Kirino, I believe you are truly invaluable."
"Join Schale. Come to my side. I'll provide the perfect stage for you."
"I need you."
He held out his hand, waiting for her answer.
Kirino stood frozen, staring at him. Her eyes glistened, dazed.
Seeing her unresponsive, he grew uneasy. Had he oversold it? Would she be angry when she found out what the job actually involved?
Well, technically, it was the perfect stage for her...
Okay, maybe he felt a little guilty.
"Sensei..."
Kirino finally spoke, blushing shyly. "Were you just... confessing to me? I know it's not illegal for senseis and students to date in Kivotos, but this is our first meeting! It's not that I dislike you or anything, but I'm not ready yet!"
"Huh? Confess? I was just inviting you to join Schale?"
"Eh? Oh! I'm sorry! I got ahead of myself!"
Placing a hand on her chest, she let out a sigh of relief and returned to her cheerful self.
"Thank you for your encouragement, Sensei. No one's ever said something like that to me before... I can't give you a clear answer yet. According to PSB regulations, members aren't allowed part-time jobs. Schale might be an exception, but I still need approval."
"And even if I do join, I can't leave the PSB. I'll only be able to do small tasks in my spare time... Sorry, I've probably let you down."
Though she claimed to disappoint him, it was Kirino herself who looked disappointed.
As for the application, the file from Kanna had mentioned it.
Kirino and another student named Nemugaki Fubuki were constant headaches for the PSB higher-ups. If both joined Schale, their incidents might reduce, which the PSB would likely welcome.
So that wasn't a problem.
As for Kirino's concern...
"Listen to what you'd actually be doing in Schale before you decide."
He gave a brief explanation.
Mainly, it involved escorting him between Schale and the subway station during business trips to other schools.
It might sound absurd, but D.U.—the district under the General Student Council—was now the most dangerous area in all of Kivotos, and Valkyrie Police Academy's efficiency was appallingly low.
In contrast, the subway and school districts had rapid emergency response teams, and during his trips, he'd be assigned escorts, ensuring his safety.
He blamed the missing president of the Student Council for making him fear for his life every day.
He had only dared to visit Kirino's café alone because it was very close to Schale.
"That's it? If it's that simple, I just need to take a slightly longer patrol route!"
Kirino beamed. "After this morning's patrol, I'll submit my application! If it gets approved, please take care of me!"
At last, his goal was achieved.
With a student escort, he could safely travel to other districts and recruit more reliable—or more affection-prone—students.
If Kirino had refused, his only option would've been Wakamo.
Wakamo was powerful and trustworthy, but as a wanted fugitive, she was a last resort.
Taking a step forward, he shook Kirino's hand.
"Please take care of me. Oh, right, I'm free this morning. Want to patrol together?"
It was a sudden thought.
He had been in Kivotos for nearly a week and hadn't explored alone due to safety concerns. This was the perfect chance.
With Kirino's cheerful agreement, they set off side by side.