CH 84

Even though the vacation was supposed to be long, it passed in the blink of an eye. People came over to play, I went out to play, one way or another I had a fulfilling vacation. But, that’s not enough for me to say I’m satisfied. I wouldn’t mind at all if vacation lasted my whole life.

“Haa…”

“Seventh time.”

“… Haa.”

“Eight time. You’re being a bit gloomy you know.”

“Two more times and I’ll be fine.”

“I’d prefer if you didn’t.”

The reason why I can’t stop sighing is because I’m becoming depressed that tomorrow is the last day of vacation. The day after tomorrow is when people will be returning to the dorms.

The time to leave for school marks the end of various things for me. Peace never continues for eternity.

“I felt the blessing of being at your own home…”

“Really? I think the dorms are more convenient. I don’t have to do any chores.”

Keito often split housework with his father so it’s easy to understand why he enjoys dorm life where there’s a cafeteria and where people who will clean for you. In exchange, on the occasion he goes home, he has to toil away to clean his messy house, so I wonder which option is truly better.

To me, academy is not a place to raise flags, but enemy territory. [1]

I did discover that Runa is a wonderful person. As long as he stays in that proper position, he might be able to keep Tuvalu from running wild. Runa is that important to Tuvalu, after all.

With that in mind, it is still a fact that Tuvalu and I consider each other enemies.

…. My stomach is hurting.

“But, it felt much shorter than it was. Even though I played with you as usual.”

“Actually, I thought so too… We also went to Neriel’s.”

Keito attended elementary school so he is used to having a long vacation but he basically just plays with me and never goes out with his dad. Apparently he goes to play with his friends sometimes, but the majority of his time is spent with me.

“It was your first time going on a trip. It was a new experience for you.”

“True, I normally just pass the time here.”

It’s probably strange that we’ve spent many years together without leaving this property. We lived on the same property so we didn’t need to make appointments and the most comfortable place for us to relax and play was the rose garden.

“Well, even if we return to school, it’ll be the same. The Tempest house will just become the academy.”

“That’s… well…”

The Tempest grounds will just become the academy grounds.

Since I’m not in a club, I’ve been visiting Keito more and more after school and our dorms may be different, but that’s not particularly new.

I understand, very well. But, even though I understand,

“… I don’t want to go.”

I’m throwing a small tantrum, but I think he’ll forgive me.

×　×　×　×

Throwing a tantrum, resisting, there’s a time when everybody does so. I’m against favoritism and discrimination but I believe distinction is important. I knew that, but I stepped over the line.

“It’s been a long time, everyone.”

Among the students gathered in the lecture hall, you are probably the only one who thinks so.

Hurry up and end it, I’m exhausted. Listening to an elderly person talk for a long time isn’t particularly fun.

No matter what world you are in, opening ceremonies are time-consuming things.

I barely remember any of the entrance ceremony since I was being overly conscious of Saashia. When automode was still in action, I don’t remember the entrance ceremony happening either.

When the yawn-fest ended, all the students went to their classrooms.

The faces of my classmates that I haven’t seen in a long time were a little nostalgic but if you asked me if I was happy, I’d answer not really. I’m happy to see Eru and Primella but the feeling I have towards returning to school is painful.

“Good day to you, Maria-chan.”

“Morning.”

“Good day to the two of you.”

“We hung out over the vacation so it doesn’t feel like it’s been a while, huh.”

After they first came over, we went out to play many times. Primella invited me to her house so we went shopping together before I went over. Eru’s house is a store so we couldn’t freely go and play there, though.

It somehow was a fulfilling summer vacation, huh. My feelings of reluctance for vacation ending have doubled.

“Maria-san, it’s been a while!!”

“Saashia-sama, good day to you. It has been a while.”

Thank you for that refreshing smile that is the same as the one from my memory. When I see a capture target, I snap back to reality. I’m not happy.

I got used to it before vacation but, now that I think about it, he sits next to me. It’s been a long time but being next to a capture target… Well, it’s Saashia so it’s still okay.

It’s a new semester so I’d like to propose a seat change, please.