The heavy classroom door slid open.
Every conversation inside Class 1B died almost instantly.
Thirty pairs of eyes turned toward the entrance.
Standing there was Ms. Georgia, as composed as ever.
Beside her...
Was Elara.
Sunlight poured through the corridor windows behind her, causing her scarlet hair to shimmer brilliantly while her sapphire-blue eyes calmly surveyed the unfamiliar room.
For a brief moment...
Nobody spoke.
Then the whispers began.
"...She's gorgeous."
"I've never seen her before."
"Isn't that the girl that escaped Mad Hound yesterday?"
"No way, that's her?"
"I heard she outran the disciplinary committee."
"I heard she fought Celeste."
"I heard she destroyed the gym."
"...Already?"
One boy rubbed his chin.
"Think she can become one of the School Goddesses?"
A girl nodded thoughtfully.
"She's pretty I'd be more shocked if she didn't."
Another immediately chimed in.
"Same."
"Looks like Amanda has competition."
Not far away...
Amanda's cheerful smile twitched.
"...Excuse me?"
The students pretending not to gossip immediately looked away.
Ms. Georgia gently cleared her throat.
"Everyone settle down."
The room gradually fell silent.
"We have a transfer student joining us today."
She smiled toward Elara.
"Would you like to introduce yourself?"
Elara stepped forward confidently.
She placed one hand over her chest before giving an elegant bow.
"My name is Elara Valenheart."
"It is a great honor to stand among the scholars of this magnificent academy."
"I look forward to learning alongside every one of you."
"...Please take care of me."
Her graceful introduction earned several impressed murmurs.
One boy leaned toward his friend.
"Man..."
"I suddenly feel uncultured."
His friend chuckled.
"You've always been uncultured."
"Fair point."
Ms. Georgia nodded approvingly.
"Very well."
"There's one empty seat."
She pointed toward the third row.
"You'll be sitting beside Mika."
The moment she heard her name—
Mika shot upright.
"Hey girlfriend!"
Elara's eyes brightened.
"Mika!"
Ms Georgia adjusted her glasses.
"You two already know each other, that's great. Hey Mika show her the ropes."
"You can count on me teach."
Before anyone could stop her...
She practically launched herself across the classroom.
Elara moved forward as well.
The two met halfway.
Mika grabbed both of Elara's shoulders.
"We just keep running into each other, funny right?"
Elara laughed awkwardly.
"Yeah last time we met you pummeled a punching bag, the poor thing stood no chance."
The class burst into laughter.
Even Ms. Georgia smiled.
"That's our boxing champ, shame she isn't as passionate in her studies."
Ms Georgia picked up Mika's homework.
"Although with that said I'm impressed, you got a perfect score in your homework."
Mika let out a chuckle.
"Don't get used to it though."
Ms Georgia clenched her fist.
"Why can't you maintain this level of hard work, it wouldn't kill you to do so, you could even end up graduating early, don't you want that?"
"No not really."
"What!"
Ms Georgia sighed.
"I give up."
Once everyone had settled down...
Elara looked around curiously.
Her gaze stopped on a familiar face.
"...Mad Hound?"
An elegant blonde girl sitting near the window looked up from her notebook.
"...Pardon?"
Elara tilted her head.
"...Forgive me."
"I appear to have mistaken you for another."
The blonde smiled politely.
"No offense taken."
Mika leaned closer.
"...That is Charlotte , better known as Mad Hound."
Elara stared.
"...Impossible."
Charlotte blinked.
"What is?"
"You possess the dignity of a noble lady."
"I distinctly remember someone far more terrifying and... Feral"
A boy sitting behind them couldn't resist.
"She's basically a werewolf."
Another nodded.
"Perfectly normal..."
"...until she's on the hunt."
Charlotte smiled sweetly.
"I can hear both of you."
Both boys immediately sat up straight.
"...Good morning, Charlotte."
"...Lovely weather today."
The classroom erupted into laughter.
Even Charlotte giggled.
"...Cowards."
Amanda finally stood.
With her usual confidence she walked toward Elara.
"Welcome to Class 1B."
"I'm Amanda."
She proudly placed a hand on her chest.
"If you're looking for friends, our group is the most popular in class, I've deemed you worthy you stand among us."
Amanda then looked over Elara's shoulder and at Mika with a scorn she said.
"You deserve better company, gods recognize gods."
Several girls behind her nodded enthusiastically.
Elara smiled politely.
"I appreciate the invitation."
"But..."
"I must decline."
Amanda blinked.
"...Why?"
Elara answered without the slightest hesitation.
"You remind me of the young nobles back home."
"They often surrounded themselves with admirers."
"They believed popularity was proof of greatness."
"I found them... exhausting."
Silence.
The entire classroom slowly turned toward Amanda.
Amanda's eyebrow twitched.
"...Excuse me?"
Elara innocently continued.
"I simply fear I would struggle to keep pace with such behavior."
Mika quietly covered her face.
"...She's gonna explode."
Amanda inhaled deeply.
Then smiled.
A very dangerous smile.
"Oh?"
"If that's how it is..."
She stepped closer.
"In exactly two months..."
"The academy will hold this semester's Beauty Pageant."
The classroom immediately became lively again.
"Oh!"
"That's soon!"
Amanda proudly folded her arms.
"I'm currently one of the School Goddesses."
Several students whistled.
"If you rank above me..."
"I'll surrender my position."
Gasps echoed across the room.
"But..."
"If I rank above you..."
Amanda pointed dramatically at Elara.
"...You'll become my personal lackey."
Mika's eyes widened.
"Is becoming a school goddess supposed to be a good?!"
Mika pat Elara's shoulder.
"It is and it comes with a ton of benefits, with popularity to boot, I'd know I am a goddess myself."
Amanda nodded.
"I'm impressed Mika, looks like you're smarter than the average gorilla."
"Gorilla? Ok that does it now I'm locked in, Elara accept her challenge, we need to put her in her place."
Amanda never looked away from Elara.
"...Do you accept?"
Without a second's hesitation...
Elara smiled.
"I do."
Amanda blinked.
"... really?"
"Aren't you intimidated?"
"You really think you stand a chance?"
Elara tilted her head.
"You merely proposed a friendly contest."
"I fail to see the issue."
Amanda felt annoyed at the fact Elara even thought she stood a chance.
"...Tch."
"Fine."
"Don't cry when you lose."
She confidently returned to her seat.
One boy whispered,
"...She's definitely crying if she loses."
"I heard that."
"...Sorry."
The class laughed again.
Meanwhile...
Mika couldn't help grinning.
"...You're fitting into this class way faster than I expected."
Elara smiled warmly.
"I believe everyone here possesses kind hearts."
Across the room...
Amanda quietly muttered,
"...We'll see about that."
The first bell rang.
Ms. Georgia clapped her hands together.
"Alright everyone."
"Let's begin today's lesson."
And with that...
Elara's first official class at Apex Academy truly began.
Ms. Georgia had barely turned back to the board when a loud flutter echoed through the classroom.
A blur of brown feathers shot in through the open window.
"Eek!"
The bird zigzagged wildly over the students' heads, knocking loose sheets of paper into the air.
"Pigeon!"
"No, that's a dove!"
"Who cares?! Get it away from me!"
Within seconds the orderly classroom descended into complete pandemonium.
One student ducked beneath their desk.
Another climbed onto theirs.
Someone at the back was laughing so hard they could barely breathe.
"This is the best lesson ever!" one of the boys shouted as the bird swooped inches above his head.
Mika doubled over, tears forming in her eyes.
"I can't breathe—Amanda, your face!"
Amanda, who had been trying very hard to maintain her elegant image, had abandoned all dignity.
"It's coming this way!"
She waved her notebook like a sword.
"Stay back, ew ew not my hair !"
The bird changed direction so abruptly that it sent a few feathers drifting through the air.
Unfortunately, its new course led straight toward Ms. Georgia.
"Oh dear!"
The startled teacher stumbled backwards.
Her glasses slipped from her face.
The stack of worksheets she had been holding scattered across the floor like autumn leaves.
"My papers!"
"My glasses!"
Meanwhile the poor bird, trapped in an unfamiliar room, flew even more frantically.
It darted toward the window.
Freedom!
Thud!
The class collectively winced as it slammed beak-first into the closed glass.
The little creature tumbled onto a windowsill, dazed.
Amanda finally saw her chance.
"Move!"
She snatched the thickest textbook on her desk.
"If it won't leave peacefully—"
Before she could throw it—
A hand caught the book.
Amanda blinked.
"...Huh?"
Elara stood beside her, holding the textbook with surprising ease.
She smiled apologetically.
"I believe that would hurt the little one."
Amanda puffed out her cheeks.
"It's just a bird!"
"No."
Elara gently set the book back onto the desk.
"It is a frightened life."
Those simple words caused the room to fall strangely quiet.
Elara slowly approached the windowsill.
The tiny bird trembled violently, pressing itself into the corner.
"There now..."
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"No one here wishes you harm."
She slowly extended one finger.
Instead of grabbing the bird, she waited.
"..."
"..."
The little creature hesitated.
Then, almost unbelievably, it hopped onto her finger by itself.
A chorus of surprised gasps spread through the classroom.
Elara smiled softly.
"There you are."
She carefully cupped it in both hands.
Its tiny heart beat frantically against her palms.
"You must have been terrified."
With infinite gentleness, she stroked the feathers along its tiny head.
Once.
Twice.
Again.
"It's alright."
"You've done very well."
"There is nothing to fear anymore."
The trembling gradually stopped.
The bird tilted its head, looking up at her with curious little eyes.
The room had become so quiet that everyone could hear its tiny chirps.
Even Mika had stopped laughing.
"...She's like a Disney princess," someone whispered.
Mad Hound rested her chin on her hand with a faint smile.
"Heh... wasn't expecting that."
Amanda folded her arms and looked away.
"...It's still just a bird."
Several classmates slowly turned to look at her.
One boy frowned.
"Remind me never to let you babysit my goldfish."
A wave of laughter swept through the room.
Amanda's face immediately turned red.
"I wasn't going to hurt it that badly!"
Elara walked to the window.
This time she carefully slid it open.
She raised her hand.
The bird remained perched there for another moment, as though reluctant to leave.
Then, with one cheerful chirp...
It spread its wings.
And disappeared into the golden afternoon sky.
Elara watched until it became nothing more than a tiny silhouette.
"I'm glad you're safe."
Only then did she notice Ms. Georgia kneeling on the floor, patting around blindly.
"My glasses... where did they..."
Elara quickly bent down, spotting the spectacles beneath a nearby desk.
"I believe these belong to you, Ms. Georgia."
The teacher looked up in surprise.
"My glasses!"
Elara gently placed them into her hands before kneeling to gather the scattered worksheets.
"I'll help."
Several nearby students immediately joined in.
Within moments the classroom had returned to order.
Ms. Georgia adjusted her glasses before looking at Elara with a warmth that hadn't been there before.
"Thank you, dear."
"It seems our class has gained quite a remarkable young lady."
Elara noticed a girl who wore glasses glaring at her.
She nudged at Mika with her elbow.
"Have I done something that might have offended her."
"Oh her don't mind her too much, her name is Trisha and she's basically the teacher's pet so you helping Ms Georgia was like you stealing her moment."
"Teacher's pet?"
"Basically students who help teachers a lot, usually in exchange for gaining the teacher's favor although in Trisha's case I think it's because she is a perfectionist."
"I see."
"Yeah she works really hard to be a model student."
The first lesson passed in a blur of introductions, laughter and the occasional argument between Amanda and half the class. Before long, the bell rang.
"Alright everyone," Ms. Georgia announced while gathering the stack of textbooks she had brought earlier. "We'll continue from here tomorrow."
She bent over to lift the heavy pile.
"I'll help."
"I'll carry them."
Two voices overlapped.
Ms. Georgia blinked.
Standing beside her were Elara and Trisha.
For a brief second the two girls looked at one another.
"..."
"..."
Then both smiled.
"It seems we had the same idea," Trisha said politely.
"It would appear so."
Ms. Georgia laughed awkwardly.
"Well... there are two stacks, so I suppose that solves the problem."
The girls each picked one up.
The moment they stepped outside the classroom, silence followed them down the corridor.
For nearly half a minute neither said anything.
Eventually Trisha spoke.
"...Why?"
Elara tilted her head.
"Pardon?"
"Why are you doing all this?"
"The books?"
"No."
Trisha adjusted her grip.
"You've been helping Ms. Georgia since the lesson started."
"You rescued the bird."
"You picked up her papers."
"You found her glasses."
"And now this."
She looked straight at Elara.
"What exactly are you trying to accomplish?"
Elara looked genuinely confused.
"Accomplish?"
"Yes."
"There has to be a reason."
Elara thought for several seconds.
"...Because she looked like she needed help."
Trisha stared.
"...That's it?"
"Should there be another reason?"
"You aren't trying to become the teacher's favorite?"
"No."
"Earn extra privileges?"
"I didn't even know that was a possibility."
"Improve your reputation?"
Elara blinked.
"Does helping someone improve one's reputation?"
"...Usually."
"How peculiar."
Trisha narrowed her eyes.
"...You're serious."
"Of course."
Elara smiled softly.
"Where I come from, knights exist to aid those around them. One does not calculate whether helping another is profitable."
She looked ahead.
"If someone is struggling, you help."
"That's all."
Something inside Trisha wavered.
She had spent years trying to become the perfect student.
Perfect grades.
Perfect attendance.
Perfect behavior.
She volunteered because excellent students volunteered.
She answered questions because excellent students answered questions.
She helped teachers because...
Because that was what excellent students were supposed to do.
When was the last time she'd helped simply because someone needed it?
She couldn't remember.
They reached the staff room.
Ms. Georgia happily accepted the books.
"Oh my goodness, thank you girls."
"It would've taken me three trips."
"My pleasure."
"Think nothing of it."
Ms. Georgia smiled warmly.
"Honestly, Elara..."
"You've only been here half a day and you've already brightened the classroom."
Elara scratched her cheek awkwardly.
"I merely did what anyone would."
Trisha silently disagreed.
No.
Not everyone would.
As they walked back toward class, Trisha suddenly stopped.
"Elara."
"Hm?"
"I've made a decision."
Elara turned.
Trisha extended a hand.
"I still intend to become the best student in Class 1-B."
Her normally gentle smile became surprisingly competitive.
"So from today onward..."
"...you're my rival."
Elara stared.
Then her face lit up.
"Wonderful!"
She immediately shook Trisha's hand enthusiastically.
"I accept!"
Trisha almost laughed.
Most rivals glared.
This girl looked excited.
"...You're strange."
"I've been told that before."
"I can see why."
By the time they returned to Class 1-B, another teacher had already begun writing equations across the board.
Unlike Ms. Georgia's lively atmosphere, the classroom had become deathly quiet.
Each scrape of chalk against the board somehow sounded intimidating.
Mr. Bernard didn't even look around.
"You are three minutes and twelve seconds late."
Elara looked surprised.
"...You counted?"
"I always count."
"...Impressive."
The class collectively lowered their heads.
Amanda whispered,
"He's scary."
Mad Hound nodded.
"Terrifying."
Mr. Bernard finally turned around.
His sharp eyes swept across the room before landing on Elara.
"The transfer student."
"Yes."
"You may sit."
"Thank you, commander."
"..."
"..."
"... Commander?"
Mr. Bernard adjusted his glasses.
"I'm a mathematics teacher."
"My sincerest apologies."
Elara bowed.
"The aura you possess reminded me of the commander of our royal knights."
"...I'll take that as a compliment."
A few students covered their mouths.
Mika bit her lip.
Please don't laugh...
Please don't laugh...
Kept together.
She lasted exactly three seconds.
"Pfft—"
Soon the entire class was trying—and failing—not to laugh.
Even Mr. Bernard let out the smallest sigh.
"...Sit down before someone suffocates from holding their laughter."
"At once."
Elara hurried to her seat.
The lesson resumed.
Almost immediately...
The scratching of pencils filled the room.
Elara stared at the first question.
Unlike English, mathematics proved to be Elara's greatest weakness.
Mr. Bernard solved an equation.
Elara copied every symbol perfectly...
...and somehow reached an answer that wasn't even mathematically possible.
She frowned at her notebook.
"Negative... apple?"
She slowly raised her hand.
"Sir Knight."
"...Mr. Bernard."
"My apologies."
She corrected herself immediately.
"Sir. Bernard."
"How does one obtain negative fruit?"
The classroom exploded.
Even Mr. Bernard had to remove his glasses for a second.
"...You don't."
"I thought as much."
He walked over.
"You made an arithmetic error here."
"Oh!"
"I see."
"No..."
She looked again.
"I do not."
Mr. Bernard patiently explained it.
She nodded confidently.
"I understand."
Five minutes later...
"...I've somehow arrived at negative oranges."
Amanda nearly fell off her chair laughing.
Even Trisha couldn't hide a smile.
Mr. Bernard simply rubbed his forehead.
"This may take a while."
And surprisingly...
...he didn't seem bothered by it.
Whenever Elara misunderstood something, she immediately admitted it.
Whenever corrected, she listened carefully.
Whenever she failed...
...she tried again without the slightest embarrassment.
There was no pride.
No excuses.
No fear of looking foolish.
Only genuine determination.
By the time the independent exercise began, Mr. Bernard noticed something unexpected.
Although Elara still made mistakes...
...she never repeated the same mistake twice.
Her improvement was absurdly fast.
When the papers were handed in, he quietly marked them while the class worked.
Eventually he reached Elara's.
"...Hmm."
Not a high score.
"We will now continue with—"
Snap.
The chalk broke in half.
"..."
Without a word, he walked toward his desk to fetch another.
Before he could reach it...
A fresh piece of chalk appeared in front of him.
He looked down.
Elara smiled politely.
"Here you are."
"..."
"..."
Mr. Bernard accepted it.
"...Thank you."
He returned to the board.
A few students exchanged glances.
"She helped Mr. Bernard?"
"He thanked her..."
The lesson continued.
A few minutes later...
Mr. Bernard finished writing a long equation across the board.
He reached into his pocket for his pen.
Nothing.
He checked another pocket.
Still nothing.
"..."
Without saying a word, Elara quietly walked over.
"I believe this is yours."
She held out the pen he'd left on his desk earlier.
Mr. Bernard stared at it.
"...You noticed."
"You seemed as though you would require it."
"...I see."
Again...
No scolding.
No complaint.
He simply took it.
The class was beginning to look confused.
Not long afterwards...
A ruler slipped from the edge of the teacher's desk.
Before it even touched the floor—
Elara caught it.
"You have impressive reflexes."
"Thank you."
She placed it back on the desk.
"You know..."
Mr. Bernard finally looked directly at her.
"...You don't need to keep helping me."
Elara tilted her head.
"Why not?"
"...Because these are trivial matters."
She thought for a moment before smiling.
"I disagree."
Mr. Bernard raised an eyebrow.
"If I can save you even a few seconds each lesson, then that is more time you can spend teaching us."
The room became completely silent.
"..."
"..."
For the first time all lesson...
Mr. Bernard didn't have an immediate response.
Instead...
He quietly turned back to the board.
"Very well."
From the corner of the room, Trisha bit her lip.
"That... actually worked?"
She'd spent months trying to earn Mr. Bernard's approval.
She always answered questions correctly.
Always submitted homework first.
Always greeted him politely.
Yet he'd remained exactly the same.
Meanwhile the transfer student had spoken to him for less than an hour...
...and somehow she'd gotten him to say "thank you" twice.
"What exactly am I doing wrong?"
---
The lesson soon shifted to another short exercise.
"Ten minutes."
"No discussion."
"Begin."
Even Mr. Bernard couldn't stop the corner of his mouth from twitching.
By the end of the exercise...
Her answers still weren't perfect.
But every mistake was different from the last.
She wasn't repeating them.
She was learning.
Mr. Bernard looked over her paper.
"...Remarkable."
"I still got several wrong."
"Yes."
He nodded.
"But you did not repeat a single mistake."
He placed the paper back on her desk.
"That is rarer than a perfect score."
The class stared.
Coming from Mr. Bernard...
That might as well have been a standing ovation.
He quietly placed three Personal Liberty cards onto her desk.
"For diligence."
"For courage to ask questions."
"And..."
He hesitated.
"...for reminding me that teaching someone willing to learn is enjoyable."
The room froze.
Did...
Did Mr. Bernard just compliment someone?
---
Then it happened.
Amanda slowly raised a trembling finger.
"U-Um..."
"Sir..."
Mr. Bernard looked up.
"Yes?"
"...You're smiling."
"..."
He instinctively touched his own face.
The class leaned forward.
For the first time in recorded history...
The legendary stone-faced mathematics teacher...
...was smiling.
It wasn't a big smile.
Just a small one.
Warm.
Genuine.
Real.
Silence.
Then—
The classroom exploded.
"HE SMILED!"
"NO WAY!"
"I SAW IT TOO!"
"Mika, slap me!"
"I'm busy freaking out myself!"
Mr. Bernard immediately cleared his throat.
"...Settle down."
It only made them laugh harder.
---
At that exact moment...
Ding!
The classroom speakers crackled to life.
Todd's cheerful voice echoed through the room.
> "Attention, Class 1-B."
> "Congratulations on achieving something many believed impossible."
The entire class went quiet.
> "After reviewing today's classroom reports..."
> "...I am delighted to announce that Class 1-B has successfully made Mr. Bernard smile during a mathematics lesson."
A beat of silence.
Then—
> "As promised by academy policy, Class 1-B is hereby awarded ten Class Liberties."
The room erupted louder than before.
"WE HAVE A POLICY FOR THAT?!"
"I DON'T EVEN CARE, WE GOT TEN LIBERTIES!"
Mika threw both fists into the air.
"ELARAAAAAA!"
Amanda slumped over her desk.
"I've spent a whole year trying to impress him..."
Trisha sighed dramatically.
"...I have officially found my rival."
Mr. Bernard simply adjusted his glasses.
"...This academy rewards the strangest accomplishments."
From the speaker came Todd's chuckle.
> "That's because the strangest accomplishments are often the most memorable."
The announcement ended.
Mr. Bernard looked toward Elara one last time.
"...Welcome to Class 1-B."
For such a reserved man...
Those four words meant more than any speech could have.
Meanwhile Haru's day was completely different.
The first lesson passed in a blur.
At least... for everyone else.
Haru barely heard a single word Ms. Georgia said.
His fingers absentmindedly traced the worn edges of the novel resting on his desk.
The sequel Mai had given him yesterday.
He stared at its cover for a long while.
"..."
Why...
Why did looking at this book make his chest hurt?
He could remember receiving it.
He could remember reading the first few chapters.
He could even remember someone's voice enthusiastically recommending it.
But whenever he tried to picture the person...
...their face dissolved into an empty blur.
Like a painting that had been washed away by rain.
His eyes slowly drifted toward the empty desk beside the window.
It should've belonged to someone.
He knew it.
He just...
Couldn't remember who.
"...What's happening to me?"
The classroom door slid open before he could think any further.
Ms. Georgia entered carrying a stack of books.
She looked strangely amused.
"Good morning, everyone."
"Good morning, Ms. Georgia!"
She smiled.
"I suppose today is just full of surprises."
The class exchanged puzzled glances.
"This is already the second transfer student I've had to introduce today."
The room immediately exploded into whispers.
"Another one?"
"Seriously?"
"Didn't Class 1B get one this morning too?"
"I wonder if this one's cute."
Ms. Georgia sighed dramatically.
"You people really have your priorities in order."
She stepped aside.
"You may come in."
A girl calmly walked into the classroom.
Long silver hair.
Crimson eyes.
An elegant posture that somehow made the classroom feel smaller.
She looked around with quiet confidence before giving a graceful bow.
"My name is Yukiko."
"I look forward to our time together."
Silence.
Then...
"Dude..."
"She's gorgeous..."
"Another school goddess candidate?"
"No way..."
"The transfer students this year are terrifying..."
Even Haru looked up.
"..."
For a brief moment...
He felt like he'd seen those crimson eyes somewhere before.
But the feeling disappeared just as quickly.
Ms. Georgia looked around the room before noticing the empty desk.
"Perfect."
She pointed toward the seat beside Haru.
"That seat has been vacant since this morning."
"You'll sit there."
Yukiko followed her finger.
"..."
Her crimson eyes landed on Haru.
So...
That was him.
The human who had commanded the Scarlet Knight.
The one who had defeated her.
Interesting.
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
Everything was proceeding according to plan.
She walked over before elegantly taking her seat.
Haru, however...
Didn't even notice.
He was still staring blankly at the novel in his hands.
Yukiko blinked.
"..."
Ignored?
Her eyebrow twitched.
She slowly reached into her school bag before pulling out a thick ancient-looking book bound in black leather.
Its cover read:
101 Ways To Make Friends
She opened it.
"...Chapter One."
"...Introductions."
She nodded seriously.
"I see."
She closed the book.
Then turned toward Haru.
"Human."
No response.
"Human."
Still nothing.
"Human!"
Nothing.
Her eye twitched again.
"HEY HUMAN!"
Haru nearly jumped out of his seat.
"Huh?!"
He looked around in confusion before realizing she was talking to him.
"Oh...
Sorry."
"Were you calling me?"
Yukiko folded her arms.
"You dare ignore me, are your ears nothing more than decorative accessories?"
"I have addressed you four times."
"Most who ignored me never walked away with their lives."
She paused.
"...However."
"I shall overlook your disrespect."
"This once."
Haru stared for a second.
Then...
He laughed.
"..."
She even talks like Elara.
Why does that feel...
Comforting?
"I'm really sorry."
"I was thinking about something."
Yukiko gave a proud nod.
"Very well."
"I have decided I wish to know your name."
Haru blinked.
"...Shouldn't you introduce yourself first?"
Silence.
Yukiko froze.
"..."
"..."
"You..."
"You dare make demands of me?"
She quickly reopened her book.
The pages began turning by themselves.
After a few seconds they stopped.
She read silently.
Then cleared her throat.
"...I have been informed that introductions are indeed conducted by introducing oneself first."
"My mistake."
She closed the book.
"I am Yukiko."
"You have my permission to address me by that name."
Haru smiled.
"Hmm..."
"Yukiko's kind of long."
"I'll just call you Yuki."
"..."
A vein on the side of her head bulged.
"...You—"
She stopped herself.
Slowly reopened the book.
Several pages flipped.
Her eyes widened.
"...Nicknames signify closeness between friends..."
"I see..."
She shut the book.
"...Very well."
"I shall permit this as well."
Haru couldn't help laughing.
"Thanks."
"I appreciate it."
He extended his hand.
"I'm Haru."
"I hope we get along."
Yukiko stared at his hand.
"..."
"..."
Confused, she once again opened the mysterious tome.
It answered almost instantly.
"Oh."
"A handshake."
"A greeting ritual among humans."
"How fascinating."
She carefully reached out before awkwardly shaking his hand.
"..."
Warm.
Why...
Was something as simple as this...
So strangely pleasant?
"Haru..."
She quietly repeated his name.
"What does it mean?"
"I think it means spring."
"...Spring."
She nodded thoughtfully.
"A season where life begins anew."
"...An excellent name."
Haru smiled.
"Thanks."
The corner of Yukiko's lips lifted ever so slightly.
Maybe...
Making friends wasn't impossible after all.
The rest of the lesson passed surprisingly peacefully.
Yukiko spent almost the entire class secretly consulting her mysterious book whenever Haru did something she didn't understand.
When he laughed...
She checked the book.
When another student borrowed a pen...
She checked the book.
When someone thanked another classmate...
She checked the book.
At one point Haru glanced sideways.
"...Are you studying?"
Without looking up she answered proudly.
"I am studying humans."
"..."
"...Should I be worried?"
"No."
"You are all surprisingly harmless."
"...Mostly."
Haru decided not to ask what she meant by "mostly."
When the lunch bell finally rang...
The classroom immediately erupted into noise.
Chairs scraped across the floor.
Conversations filled the room.
Yukiko stood with all the dignity of a queen addressing her court.
"Haru."
"I have deemed you worthy of dining with me."
"You may consider yourself honored."
Nearby students immediately turned toward them.
"...Whoa."
"Did she just invite him?"
"On the first day?"
Haru scratched the back of his head.
"Sorry."
"I usually eat lunch with my friends."
"I'll have to pass."
Silence.
Yukiko simply stood there.
Her proud expression didn't change.
Not outwardly.
Inside...
"...Rejected?"
Her shoulders suddenly felt heavy.
So...
All that effort...
For nothing?
She had spent hours researching friendship.
Hours cooking.
Hours preparing.
For the first time in two lifetimes...
She had wanted to share something she made herself.
"..."
Perhaps...
She had misunderstood.
Perhaps she simply wasn't suited for this.
She quietly lowered her lunchbox.
"...Very well."
"I understand."
She turned to leave.
"H-Hey..."
Haru watched her walk away.
Something about that lonely back...
Made his chest tighten.
He looked toward his friends waiting by the doorway.
Then back at Yukiko.
"..."
"...Guys!"
Everyone looked over.
"I'll catch up with you later!"
"I promised someone I'd eat with them today."
Before anyone could respond...
He hurried after her.
"Yuki!"
She stopped.
Slowly turned around.
"I changed my mind."
"If your invitation still stands..."
"I'd like to join you."
For the briefest moment...
Her crimson eyes sparkled.
"..."
She immediately composed herself.
"You are perhaps the luckiest human I shall ever meet."
"I have allowed you to refuse me..."
And then accept afterwards.
"Do not expect such generosity twice."
Haru laughed.
"I'll treasure the privilege."
"...You should."
But despite her proud tone...
The tiny smile she failed to hide said everything.
The rooftop was quiet.
A gentle breeze drifted across the school buildings, carrying with it the distant chatter of students enjoying their lunch break. It was peaceful—almost too peaceful.
Haru followed Yukiko up the final flight of stairs before stepping onto the rooftop.
"I never knew we were allowed up here."
"We aren't," Yukiko answered matter-of-factly.
Haru stopped walking.
"...What?"
She looked back at him.
"I simply ignored the sign."
Sure enough, hanging on the rooftop door was a large notice.
ROOFTOP ACCESS PROHIBITED
"...You know what, somehow that doesn't even surprise me."
"It shouldn't."
She walked toward the fence overlooking the academy grounds and gracefully sat down.
"This place is acceptable."
"That's... one way of putting it."
Haru sat beside her, setting his lunchbox between them.
For a few seconds neither of them spoke.
Yukiko quietly reached into her bag before carefully placing an old leather-bound book on the ground.
Its cover shimmered faintly under the sunlight.
Across the front were four elegant words.
The Tome of Knowledge.
She gently patted it.
"I have succeeded."
The pages flipped by themselves.
"Correction."
Yukiko blinked.
"What?"
"You have reached Chapter Two."
She frowned.
"...That is not what I meant."
"Then phrase your questions better."
Haru stared.
"...Did your book just talk?"
"It always talks."
"..."
"It is very knowledgeable."
The tome puffed itself up proudly.
"Naturally."
"...I'm not even going to question that."
Yukiko nodded approvingly.
"A wise decision."
She then carefully placed an elaborate lunchbox between them.
"I prepared today's meal personally."
Haru smiled.
"Oh? You cooked?"
"I did."
"You know... that's actually impressive."
A tiny smile appeared on Yukiko's face.
"I spent the entire night researching."
"I'm looking forward to—"
She then lifted the lid of her lunchbox.
The moment it opened...
Haru felt something.
It wasn't a smell.
It was...
An aura.
The air itself seemed to recoil.
The clouds overhead looked slightly darker.
Even the nearby pigeons abruptly changed direction mid-flight.
Silence.
The food...
...looked alive.
Something purple bubbled ominously in one corner.
A suspicious green smoke lazily escaped another.
One sausage appeared to be... vibrating.
Haru slowly leaned closer.
"...Yukiko."
"Yes?"
"...Why does it look like you imprisoned an eldritch horror inside your lunchbox?"
She tilted her head.
"I think it looks beautiful."
The Tome immediately chimed in.
"An exquisite culinary masterpiece."
Yukiko folded her arms smugly.
"You see? Even the Tome agrees."
Haru pointed at the lunchbox.
"I'm less worried about beauty and more worried about whether it's edible."
The Tome went silent.
"..."
"...Well?"
"Why are you asking me?"
"You literally know everything."
"Correct."
"So... is it edible?"
Another pause.
"Truthfully..."
The pages trembled.
"...answering that question may endanger my own existence."
"..."
"The good news is..."
Haru leaned forward.
"It probably won't kill you."
Haru slowly looked up.
"...That word 'probably' is doing an unbelievable amount of work."
Yukiko confidently picked up her spoon.
"There is nothing to fear."
She looked inside the lunchbox.
"..."
"..."
"...I seem to have misplaced my spoon."
Haru looked around before noticing something metallic half-submerged inside the food.
"Oh."
He reached in carefully before pulling it out.
"...I think I found it."
Yukiko smiled.
"Wonderful."
"..."
"...It's melted."
"...What?"
He held up what remained.
The handle was intact.
Everything else had dissolved into an abstract piece of modern art.
"...Somehow..."
"...your lunch melted the spoon."
Even the Tome remained silent.
"..."
"..."
"I advise against further investigation."
Yukiko stared at the remains of the spoon.
"...Curious."
She shrugged.
"It changes nothing."
Using what remained of the spoon, she scooped up a tiny bite.
She confidently placed it into her mouth.
One second passed.
Two.
Three.
The color completely drained from her face.
She froze.
Her eyes became empty.
A translucent crimson window suddenly appeared before her.
---
[WARNING!]
[Toxic substance detected.]
[Immediate detoxification strongly advised.]
---
Yukiko remained perfectly still.
Haru waved a hand in front of her face.
"...Yukiko?"
No response.
"...Yuki?"
Still nothing.
"...Hello?"
Nothing.
"...I think I broke her."
He quickly opened his own lunchbox.
"Uh..."
"I don't know if this works..."
He picked up one of the grilled sausages he'd made that morning.
Carefully...
He held it in front of her lips.
"...Here."
Almost mechanically...
Yukiko took a bite.
Crunch.
She stopped.
Her eyes slowly widened.
She chewed once.
Twice.
Three times.
Her expression changed.
"..."
"..."
"...Delicious."
Before Haru could react—
She suddenly leaned so close their noses were nearly touching.
"I desire another."
Haru nearly dropped his chopsticks.
"W-Whoa!"
Without seeming embarrassed in the slightest, Yukiko simply opened her mouth.
"...Ah."
"..."
"...You're serious?"
She nodded.
"I am waiting."
Haru scratched his cheek.
"...This feels strangely familiar."
For some reason...
...he was reminded of Elara.
Trying not to overthink it, he picked up another sausage.
The moment he brought it close—
Chomp.
Gone.
"..."
"...Another."
"You don't even hesitate, do you?"
"I fail to see the issue."
"...Fair enough."
He laughed before cutting a piece of omelette.
"This one's my favorite."
She accepted it just as readily.
Her crimson eyes sparkled.
"...Magnificent."
"Really?"
She nodded several times.
"This texture..."
"This flavor..."
"...Human cuisine is terrifying."
"...I think that's a compliment."
"It is."
Piece after piece...
She happily accepted everything Haru offered.
Rice.
Egg.
Vegetables.
Even the pickled side dishes.
Each new bite somehow made her happier than the last.
By the time the lunchbox was empty...
Small stains covered the corners of her lips.
Haru couldn't help chuckling.
"...Hold still."
"Hm?"
He pulled a clean handkerchief from his pocket before gently wiping the sauce from the corner of her mouth.
"There."
"..."
Yukiko blinked.
"...Thank you."
She quietly accepted the cloth before finishing the rest herself.
For a while...
Neither of them spoke.
The wind gently rustled through the rooftop.
Haru packed away his empty lunchbox.
"...Thanks for lunch."
"...Although I think only one of us actually ate."
"..."
"...Yukiko?"
She hadn't moved.
When he looked closer...
He saw tiny tears gathering in the corners of her crimson eyes.
His smile disappeared.
"...Hey."
"...What's wrong?"
She lowered her head.
"...It isn't fair."
"Huh?"
"No matter how many times..."
"...you always defeat me."
Haru blinked.
"...Defeat you?"
She slowly nodded.
"I devoted myself to making today's meal."
"I consulted the Tome."
"I followed every instruction."
"I wished..."
"...to impress you."
She laughed bitterly.
"And yet..."
"...your food surpassed mine completely."
She looked down at her ruined lunch.
"...Just like before."
"...Just like in our previous world."
Haru quietly watched her.
Although he had no memory of what she was talking about...
...the sadness in her voice felt painfully genuine.
He slowly reached toward her lunchbox.
"...Well..."
"I guess one bite won't hurt."
Yukiko's eyes shot open.
"Wait—"
Too late.
Haru scooped up a generous spoonful.
"...Here goes nothing."
He took the bite.
"See it's not so ba-"
His pupils rolled upward.
"...I..."
With the grace of a fallen tree, he collapsed backwards onto the rooftop.
One trembling hand reached dramatically toward the heavens.
"...I see it..."
"...The light..."
"...Mom..."
"...Dad..."
"...Looks like..."
"...I'm joining you in the afterlife..."
His arm dropped lifelessly onto the floor.
Complete silence.
Yukiko stared.
"..."
"..."
"...HARUUUU!!"
She practically tackled him.
"Haru!"
"Stay with me!"
"Do not go toward the light!"
The Tome flew open by itself.
『Warning. Toxic substance detected. Immediate detoxification recommended.』
"I KNOW THAT!"
Golden and crimson magic circles burst into existence around her.
Healing magic.
Purification magic.
Recovery magic.
She cast every spell she knew one after another.
"Haru!"
"You fool!"
"Wake up!"
The Tome turned another page.
『Recommendation: Next time, do not feed guests experimental cuisine.』
"... NOW YOU TELL ME!"
---
"...Mmm..."
Haru slowly opened his eyes.
A white ceiling greeted him.
"...Where am I..."
"The academy infirmary."
He turned his head.
Yukiko sat beside his bed.
Her usual regal posture was gone.
She looked exhausted.
The moment she noticed his eyes were open—
She shot to her feet.
"Haru!"
"You idiot!"
"What were you thinking?!"
"You knew it looked dangerous!"
"You still ate it!"
"Do you enjoy poisoning yourself?!"
"You almost died!"
Haru blinked a few times before scratching his cheek.
"...Yeah."
"But..."
"...you looked so disappointed."
Yukiko stopped.
"...What?"
"You worked really hard making that lunch."
"I could tell."
"So..."
"I couldn't just let all that effort go to waste."
"I figured..."
"...the least I could do was try it."
Silence filled the infirmary.
Yukiko simply stared at him.
"...You..."
"...ate it..."
"...because of that?"
Haru smiled sheepishly.
"It would've felt wrong not to."
"I know what it's like to put your heart into something."
"...and have nobody appreciate it."
"So..."
"...even if it nearly killed me..."
"...I'm glad I tried it."
Yukiko's lips parted.
No words came out.
Her face slowly turned crimson.
A strange warmth spread through her chest.
The Tome quietly opened by itself.
『Diagnosis: Affection level increased significantly.』
She slammed it shut so hard it let out a squeak.
"T-That tome..."
"...keeps malfunctioning."
Before Haru could ask what she meant—
BANG!
The infirmary door flew open.
"HARU!"
Mika charged in first and immediately launched herself at him.
"H-Hey—"
"Oof!"
She wrapped him in a tight hug.
"You idiot!"
"You scared us half to death!"
A second later Kia walked in, relief washing over her face the moment she saw him awake.
Without hesitation she hugged him as well.
"You really had us worried."
Finally...
Elara entered.
She walked straight over to the bed.
Without saying a word, she gently placed the back of her hand against Haru's forehead.
"...No fever."
"Excellent."
Then...
She suddenly wrapped both arms around him.
"I feared I would arrive too late."
Haru laughed awkwardly.
"I only ate bad food..."
"Apparently very bad food."
"You still frightened me."
"...Permit me this much."
Watching the scene...
Yukiko quietly stood.
No one noticed.
She glanced at Haru one last time.
"...How troublesome."
She slipped out of the infirmary unnoticed.
---
"Haru."
Kia suddenly folded her arms.
"I believe you owe me something."
"Hm?"
"The make-me-do-anything card."
Haru blinked.
"...Oh."
"I completely forgot."
She pushed a pair of glasses up triumphantly. Haru rubbed his eyes.
"Where did those glasses come from?"
"That's not important, all you should know is the card is mine now, Mika you might as well give up now because there is no way you surpassed me."
"Oh really, I was about to say the same thing."
"There was never any doubt I have won this challenge."
Kia smiled proudly before producing her marked paper.
"A perfect score."
Mika chuckled.
"...That's funny."
"What is?"
"I also got a perfect score."
She proudly held up her own paper.
Kia's confident smile froze.
"...Excuse me?"
"We tied."
Both girls slowly turned toward Haru.
He immediately sensed danger.
"...Right."
He coughed into his fist.
"In that case..."
"The competition continues."
"What?!"
"The next homework decides the winner."
"You moved the goalpost!"
"I object!"
"My card."
"My rules."
Both girls groaned in perfect synchronization.
Elara suddenly raised a hand.
"Haru."
"Lend me your ear."
"Oh?"
"I have acquired rivals."
"You what?"
She began counting on her fingers.
"First, a silver-haired maiden with crimson eyes."
"Second, a diligent scholar named Trisha."
"And finally..."
"...a rather loud noblewoman."
Haru blinked.
"...Noblewoman?"
Mika burst into laughter.
"She's talking about Amanda!"
"The self-proclaimed princess."
Realization dawned on Haru.
"...Princess Perfect?"
"The very one."
He couldn't help laughing.
"So Amanda challenged you?"
Elara nodded proudly.
"She seeks to defend her title as one of the school goddesses."
"I accepted."
Haru sighed while rubbing his forehead.
"...Somehow..."
"...that sounds exactly like something you'd do."
The room erupted into laughter.
Outside the infirmary...
Yukiko stood quietly beside the closed door.
The laughter inside drifted into the hallway.
She smiled to herself.
"...Haru."
"You truly are unlike any human I have ever met."
Her expression became thoughtful.
"...No."
"...Unlike anyone I have ever known."
She turned and began walking away.
"I was already considering it..."
"...but now I am certain."
"I shall ensure your ascension comes sooner rather than later."
With those quiet words...
The Demon Lord disappeared around the corner, while behind the infirmary door, the laughter of Haru and his friends continued to echo through the halls.