“Man, that was a fun meal! Let’s meet again sometime!”
“Heh, yeah. You get better soon, alright? You’re kinda pitiful to look at.”
“Well, don’t worry about me! Being tough is one of my few good traits!”
Hahahahaha!
After the meal ended, Victor left with a boisterous laugh, supported by his companions.
I didn’t think a person could be this loud. My eardrums were still ringing like they’d been through a war.
Of course, you could say he did save everyone at Saint Maria. He’s got plenty of likable qualities, so it’s not like I hate him or anything. He’s just… a lot.
But as someone who’s totally introverted, this kind of energy is a bit much for me.
With that thought, I secretly munched on some candy inside my mask and stood next to Alice.
By the way, this candy was given to me by Victor’s assistant, who somehow makes office attire look amazing. She said something about how it’s nice to see someone eat meat with such gusto. If someone offers me candy, I’m not one to refuse.
“Phew, I’m properly greased up now! How long has it been since I ate expensive meat without worrying about money?”
“Haha… I think the finance people might cry…”
Alice awkwardly laughed as she watched Raven pat his stomach in satisfaction.
The amount of meat those two just ate—excluding bones—was several kilos. If we converted that into cash… yeah, let’s not. It’s an astronomical loss. And they didn’t even pay for it. Alice looked like her conscience was pricking her a bit.
Well, technically, these two bled and fought yesterday to prevent casualties. If you think about the future value of protecting the hotel’s reputation, maybe it’s a bargain.
Anyway, after leaving the restaurant, I walked down the hallway feeling pleasantly full. Then Raven turned to Alice and asked,
“Wanna grab some coffee? My throat’s a little dry.”
What’s with this guy suddenly wanting coffee when he usually says it’s too bitter. Weird.
Blinking in surprise, Alice waved her hands and replied, “I’m good. What about you guys?”
“Hmm, I think I’ll take some.”
“Oh, then I’ll wait here at the table.”
“…!”
Out of our group, four people went to the café inside the hotel, excluding Alice and me. I didn’t feel like drinking anything, so I decided to wait outside with her.
The table we chose had a stunning view of the ocean. Through the transparent glass, the winter sea looked breathtaking. It made my heart feel light and clear.
Looking at the sea, Alice rested her chin on the table and muttered to herself, “It’s nice… though it’s a shame it’s not summer…”
“…”
“Huh? Why? Oh… are you saying we can come back in the summer?”
“…!”
She burst out laughing, tears forming at the corners of her eyes, and gently patted my head. Thankfully, my heartfelt gesture seemed to comfort her.
After a brief chat, we quietly enjoyed the scenery. The sound of waves wasn’t audible here, which was a bit disappointing, but watching the white foam crash against the shore was mesmerizing enough.
“Ah, there’s Alice!”
But this peaceful moment was abruptly shattered by an unexpected visitor.
Who’s this mood-killer?
Turning toward the voice, I saw Tamamo, the foxy beastwoman beauty, standing there.
“Uh… Tamamo?”
“Yup, it’s me. And you’re… Yuria, right? Nice to meet you.”
“…”
Hello.
I bowed politely to Tamamo, who greeted both Alice and me. We hadn’t formally introduced ourselves, but somehow she knew my name.
However, Tamamo didn’t seem to have any business with me. After winking playfully, she scratched her cheek and glanced awkwardly at Alice.
Wait, now that I think about it, isn’t there someone behind Tamamo…?
“Aha, Alice! Great lunch, huh? So… apparently, Nera really wants to apologize…”
“S-Sorryyyy!”
Whoosh!
A pitch-black shadow clinging to Tamamo shot up into the air at incredible speed. Then it clung to Alice like glue, bowing low in apology.
Upon closer inspection, it was a girl dressed entirely in black from head to toe. An apology, huh… Yep, probably the academy’s disciplinary committee president.
She must’ve been the one affected by the rage gas yesterday and unintentionally hurt Alice. That would explain it. Her groveling posture definitely conveyed genuine remorse.
“Uh, um… Excuse me…?”
“I heard everything when I woke up in the infirmary! Apparently, I attacked you under the influence of that strange gas! Even if I was being controlled, the fact remains that I committed a crime! So… please punish me however you see fit!”
“P-Punish you?!”
Nera, the disciplinary committee president flattened on the floor, cried out emotionally. Her hips swayed exaggeratedly every time she shook her head.
Hmm, she’s got quite the figure. To be honest, looking down at her from above felt a little indecent. Maybe that’s why Alice, who’s sensitive to suggestive things, looked flustered and couldn’t form words.
Helplessly, Alice glanced at Tamamo with trembling eyes. Tamamo sighed and smacked Nera’s butt lightly.
“…?!”
“Eek!”
“Get up already. You’re making Alice uncomfortable. I understand you feel sorry, but putting her in this situation doesn’t help.”
“U-Ugh… Sorry…”
With teary eyes, Nera cautiously rose from the floor, looking up at Alice like a guilty puppy.
You could say Alice saved her from causing further harm, so her exaggerated reaction wasn’t entirely strange. A bit crass, sure, but understandable.
As time passed and emotions settled, Nera approached Alice timidly, completely different from her earlier self.
“I’m sorry… and thank you… for helping protect everyone with the student council president…”
“Haha… Well, it just sort of happened.”
“You don’t even emit much magical power, yet you’re incredible! Do you have some special trick or something?!”
Crickets.
An awkward silence fell over the table.
Alice froze like a statue, smiling awkwardly. Tamamo gaped, her lips quivering.
“Y-You idiot! What are you saying?!”
“Gyah!”
Tamamo smacked the back of Nera’s head and bowed deeply to Alice in apology. Talking about magical power was clearly taboo for her.
Think about it: magical power is a core part of identity for beastfolk. Having lost their homeland to invaders, it’s the only thing distinguishing them from humans now.
Alice suffers from congenital magical power deficiency—a condition called “mana atrophy.” For Nera to bring this up was akin to complimenting someone missing an arm for their piano skills. Awkward, to say the least.
“S-Sorry, Alice! This kid has no common sense…!”
“Aha, it’s fine. She didn’t mean any harm; she genuinely thought I was amazing, right? I should be the one thanking her?”
“That’s right! Honestly, I might even admire you… Mmph!”
“Quiet down! Ugh… We haven’t seen Alice in forever…!”
Perhaps realizing Nera’s comment came from admiration rather than malice, Alice quickly regained her composure and responded with a warm smile.
Amidst all this, Tamamo looked increasingly flustered, while Alice curiously observed their close bond.
“Tamamo, how’s life at the academy? Fun?”
“Yeah… it’s okay. Becoming student council president was unexpected, though.”
“Hmm, really? It would’ve been fun if we could’ve entered the academy together. That’s a bit disappointing.”
“About that…”
As Alice spoke, she glanced briefly at me, listening quietly nearby.
Tilting my head at her enigmatic gaze, I watched her turn back to Tamamo with a faint smile.
“But honestly, I think I prefer things this way. I’ve gained so many precious people I never want to lose.”
Her eyes sparkled with newfound clarity, as if shedding lingering feelings of inferiority or regret.
Moved by Alice’s sincerity, Tamamo smiled softly and replied,
“Yeah, I’m glad. I always wished for your happiness, truly.”
After exchanging a few more words, Tamamo and Nera left. As the academy’s student council president and disciplinary committee head, they likely had other duties to attend to.
“We’re back. Is this the table? Wow, what a view!”
“Right? The sea looks amazing from up high.”
Had they grabbed drinks to-go from the café? Our group returned holding cups with straws sticking out—lattes, sodas, smoothies… each drink reflected their unique personalities.
Raven sipped his latte casually, gazing at the ocean. Without turning his head, he nonchalantly asked Alice,
“So, what’s next? Everything except the damaged facilities is operational. If you’ve got plans, let’s go.”
His tone sounded indifferent, but the underlying consideration was clear. He seemed to still be thinking about what happened last night.
Ever since before the trip, he’d been openly excited about hanging out together. Guess ditching Alice made him feel a bit guilty as an adult.
Alice seemed to pick up on this immediately. With wide eyes, she grinned brightly and answered cheerfully,
“Yes! Sounds great!”
Her smile was as radiant as the sun itself, carrying a magic that lifted everyone’s spirits.
Our vacation was just beginning.
