Volume 1 - Chapter 1.7

The feared situation.

…It came again.

There’s definitely no way I’m getting out of this anytime soon. Not mentally for that either.

Calm down, me. Calm down. There’s still a long way to go. Though we will eventually reach there sooner or later, there’s still time for me to prepare my heart.

By the way, both of us are halfway on our way to the lift, carried by the conveyor belt. Persia and I didn’t talk much after her declaration, so it felt awkward as we stood on the conveyor belt, avoiding from eye contact. The main reason for this awkwardness to happen is because of me. I felt extremely troubled. Persia, who was extremely observant, choose to keep her silence because she knew I was distressed.

But here’s one thing.

Though she knew I was distressed, but yet that grin she’s been hanging on her face is excessively annoying. My face twitches out of irritation whenever I caught a glance of her smirk. She’s constantly provoking my mood till I’m on the verge to pull her cheeks (I don’t punch nor slap girls unless I am angry).

Putting that aside, I had my own reasons to be distressed.

The person who I was paired up with is not some random person. We are talking about Kuroyuki Shiroha here. Though she merely enrolled for six months, she’s a legend in this academy. Top grades, outstanding achievements, excelling in sports, a blessed beauty with talent... These aren’t rumours, but the truth and fact instead. As her partner, this means I’d need to work my arse off to keep up with her reputation, or else I’d just lose my face completely. I’d rather be her shadow rather than nothing.

But if I do so, I’d lost my precious time to be who I really am, the time to do what I can to save myself. Given the opportunity, I’m sure anyone in this school would’ve wanted to be her partner even if it cost their lives. But no one is able to keep up with her. I witness that myself, so I could tell how terrifying she is.

“Lucifer.”

Persia, who seems to give in from the awkwardness, called out my name.

Though I’d like to ignore her, it seems she has something important to discuss with me. Perhaps it’s about Kuroyuki Shiroha. After all, she’s the only one who’s close enough to be with her for two months, I guess? Nevertheless, I’m okay with any gossip or rumours but not her dirty jokes.

And so, I faced her.

“Tell me, are you afraid of her?” She asks politely.

As expected, she’s into the main topic already. It couldn’t be anyone else but Kuroyuki Shiroha now.

“………” I nodded my head in response.

Persia then looks away after watching my reaction, with an ‘as expected’ expression on her face.

“You should be.” She added while wearing a smile of indifference on her face, like those who don’t give you an ounce of consideration.

Good grace. You are worsening my feelings!

We reached the lift and entered after the door opens. After it closes and goes up, Persia then begins her blabbering.

“Studies, sports, cooking, music, arts, dances, management, martial arts, and so on— there’s not a single thing this academy is able to teach her. She was just this perfect. The teachers can’t do anything but to follow the scheduled lessons, it’d be pretty pointless anyway. Adding her appearance, simply put— she’s the most perfect being in this academy.”

…Most perfect being. Wow. Should I see this as an exaggeration or not? If it’s a being closest to perfect, then I’d agree with it— not with the most perfect being. No one in this world is perfect except the God of Creation itself. Not even the angels, not even the celestial gods, not even the twelve apostles.

Anyways… I don’t think Persia’s the type to compliment on others. So Kuroyuki Shiroha might really be that amazing, for Persia to praise her as such.

“If you take it that way,” I said, “Wouldn’t that make her better than me several times over? Then why was I chosen?”

“You weren’t chosen. It was the result through the process of elimination.”

Process of elimination… Such a simple reason he’d made. But that’s not the reason— I know it right from the start— the reason why I was chosen. Because things were already decided right from the beginning. Even if Kuroyuki does have a partner, her partner will eventually get kicked out by me.

“…I don’t have a choice to begin with.” I inadvertently murmured.

“Why do you look so unhappy? Anyone in this academy would willingly die for her merely just to be her partner.”

…No, not me.

“And? When everyone looks at him, he will merely be known as Kuroyuki Shiroha’s partner— or worse, her sidekick, or even worse, an ornament, without ever getting his name known to others. He will be living a pathetic life. That’s not what I wanted.”

“If you constantly compare yourself to her, of course, you wouldn’t be happy.” Persia suddenly warned. “After all…”

I know what she will say. The word I have been avoiding it to say it at all cost. The exact same word that the other me carries. The word that I always rejected.

…Because I understood everything when I saw her expression.

That’s why she was perfect. That’s why my heart ached.

…Because we shared the same feeling.

“She’s not a monster,” I uttered. “Only those who had been through overwhelming grief and suffering is able to pull off such a feat. So she’s not.”

After a pause, for some reason, Persia wrapped herself on my right arm.

“As expected of you… You passed.” She said.

“Huh…?”

I was dumbfounded.

“Even if the principal approves of you, I still have my doubts. If you were able to see that much, then I’m sure Kuroyuki will be fond of you.” Persia said.

So she was testing me? Was I being tested? Wow…

“…When did you try to figure me out?”

“Since the beginning.”

“What!? And I totally did not notice!?”

“Of course I wouldn’t squeeze my body in front of you. It’s embarrassing… But I need to do so all for Kuroyuki’s sake!”

I’m not sure if it’s for her sake or not, but oh man. Persia’s mask sure is thick. I couldn’t tell at all… as if the event I had so far with her is nothing but a coincidence that just happens.

“Even if a girl was to stimulate your sexual desire, you aren’t the least bit fazed. You did not hesitate for one bit to place a punishment; even after you knew I was the daughter of one of the highest-ranked noble. You would try to understand me, and my feelings too. Most importantly, you’d even do your best just to keep up with Kuroyuki. That alone already gives you an outstanding mark, isn’t it~?”

“W-Wow… No wonder she chose you as her vice…”

Such a terrifying multitasking ability. She’s able to fulfil her job as the Student Council President, for herself, and for Kuroyuki.

“Though I’d introduce Kuroyuki several selected students… Of course, I disapproved of them, but I’d brought them to her anyway. Nevertheless, all of them was still disapproved by Kuroyuki. Even those of the best of the best would call her a monster sometimes. But not you. At the very least… you are different. Only a little bit lacking with confidence.”

It’s not like I wanted to, most of my confidence was with the other me.

“Nevertheless, special students sure are something,” Persia murmured.

“Huh? Why did you say so?”

“Why is it there’s still something else in you I’m unable to understand…?”

“…………”

I froze up.

Her words shocked me to the core. She realises. I’m quite certain she will never have the slightest clue about the other part of me, but— she realised it. That something about me is ‘unusual’ or ‘abnormal’.

And we’d just knew each other in less than an hour, too.

“You mean, Kuroyuki too?”

I diverted her attention.

“N.” She nods her head.

“Personally, I think it’s normal if you don’t understand it sometimes. After all, there are times where everyone hides a secret or two.”

“…Is that so?” As Persia murmured, she stared at my face with a vacant look— free from any expression.

It seems that answer is unacceptable for her. Or rather, unbefitting for what she had asked.

Then, what did she really meant?

Perhaps I would understand if I know what she really thinks.

“Okay, you don’t seem to be satisfied,” I said. “Then why don’t you describe what were you able to see on me right now?”

“Surprised. She realised. Divert her attention. She seems to be unsatisfied, my answer seems to be unbefitting, what did she meant? Maybe I will understand if I know what she thinks.” She blabbered. “Something like that.”

“…………”

I immediately did a perfect 90-degree bow to Persia.

Bowing down to others, is an act containing many different meanings. You could say I bowed to her in respect, or maybe to thank her, or to mourn, or to apologise. In this case, though it seems to be meant to apologise, it’s not— and there’s no reason for me to do so. If someone is going to apologise, then it’s her instead. I merely did so just to hide my face from embarrassment, as well as my thoughts afterwards.

I now swear I will not lie to the girl known as Persia Silverlight, not even once.

“Erm… it’s actually useless— I would know even if I shut my ears tight.”

“…………”

God, I’m dying from embarrassment. Someone just kill me already.

But nevertheless, I raised my head and stared at her with a slightly grumpy, speechless look.

“……Pfft— Hahahahaha…!”

That was the time where the lift reaches the ground floor. We’d exit the lift with Persia’s burst of laughter echoing throughout the lobby. A bold laugh that was unbefitting for a noble like her.

“Anyways, Lucifer.” She suddenly said.

“Hmm?”

“Did you confess to Kuroyuki?”

“G-Gehem…!”

My saliva suddenly choked my throat, and I was forced to cough as I slammed my chest with my right hand.

If there’s something inside my mouth, like food or drink, I would definitely spit it out in that very instant.

And on her face, too.

It’s abnormal to have confessed to someone you just met unless it’s a prank or your brains were fried. Though something like ‘Love at first sight’ does exist, but no logical human would’ve confessed straight away, even if they do have guts.

Persia said it naturally as if it was the natural thing to do. As if anyone would’ve seen her for once and immediately say ‘I love you!’ or ‘Please go out with me!’ to her— to Kuroyuki Shiroha.

“Hah… Hah… What on earth are you talking about?! Of course not! Why the hell would I even do so!?”

“Why didn’t you? Aren’t you were supposed to do so when you look at her in the eyes?”

“What is she? A succubus? She had some sort of charming ability or something?” I inadvertently blurted.

Even if it is a succubus, which has a unique charming ability— but that would only stimulate the target’s ‘sexual desire’, not their ‘love meter’.

“Perhaps so~ After all, those guys you met earlier… just did so— and was attacked by Kuroyuki.”

“Hold on, hold on, hold on.” I inadvertently blurted. “Are you telling me those guys are confessing to her in one go?”

“Mmn… you could say that,” Persia murmured.

“Could say that… What do you mean by that?”

“Or so I read from the newest report coming from the infirmary— written by Kuroyuki. It’s not the first time anyways.”

Oh… right. It’s a matter of life and death. She wouldn’t have left them there. If she did so, they would’ve ended up suffering from hypothermia and die, at worst case.

“Then what was the reason for Kuroyuki’s attack?”

It’s merely a confession, so there was no reason for her to do so. But then again, she probably had a good reason to. So I did not ask why did she suddenly attack.

“Since they are quite persistent… Kuroyuki finds it rather bothersome and attacked them to shut them up.”

“Wouldn’t she gets some sort of warning if she’s the one who started it?”

“Don’t worry~ This is Kuroyuki we are talking about. ‘Self-protection’ is the perfect excuse~ Hehe…”

“… What’s with that sudden evil laugh?”

This girl is up to something no good again.

“There’s a postscript written at the end.” She remarked. “One escaped.”

Though I’d hate to admit it— but undeniably, the one who escaped is clearly me.

“She knew where you were headed, and told me in advance~” She added.

“Aren’t you brave? You’d even decided to test me right from the start. What if I’d actually touch you?”

Originally I was going to say ‘assault’ instead of ‘touch’ just now. I don’t think she’d mind, but considering she’s a young noble lady with class… I’d be careful with my words as I talk. Her family could take down a small town if I’m not mistaken.

“Eh… I don’t mind if it’s you.”

Sometimes Persia could say some surprising words.

“Unless you are a prostitute or a slave— or else don’t let anyone else touch your body other than the person that loves you!”

“I could even strip and display my body like a model, embrace you as you take off my underwear—”

I ignored Persia’s excited blabber.

As the blood gushes to my brain continuously, the nervous system was stimulated, causing my right hand to raise up from the usual habit when I’m angry.

My face twitches out from the irritation, and with a karate chop, I smacked it upon Persia’s head—

“Eh— Eep!”

—with a bang.

“It seems you didn’t learn well from the last lesson,” I murmured.

“Mu…”

Persia, who was cradling her head and on the verge on kneeling again stared at me with an upward gaze that was soaked with tears, which her tears is nearly falling.

“…Sorry.”

Then again, I apologised as I pat her head all the way till we reach the South entrance (or backdoor) instead of the main entrance.

Oh right, there is four entrance for the Student Council President’s Building.

North, South, East and West. Obviously, they act as emergency exits as well (it’s easier to evacuate).

The North entrance is the main entrance, so the South entrance is commonly known as the backdoor. It’s installed initially just for emergency evacuation, it was then remodelled as an entrance—convenient for that special student to enter, if not, she needs to take a detour till the West entrance, which she will be forced to walk for quite some distance.

The reason I took a detour to the main entrance is that, well, you know, manners— I guess.

Perhaps this is the reason why Persia’s was sitting with her back facing the window. She was expecting me to be entering from the South entrance, so she could keep in check on my arrival. Or else anyone who usually sits would’ve faced the window instead.

Anyways, as I mentioned, the South entrance is a shortcut to the pink drop tree, or rather, to the special building. But even if it’s a shortcut, the distance actually takes 1km— and it’s only till the pink drop tree. The distance towards the special building is at least twice of that. Although global warming and green-house effects were temporary suppressed back at 20 years earlier, but it’s still a problem that remains unsolved. Though at a slower rate, but the world is still facing the same ‘heating up like an oven’ problem.

What I wanted to say is… with this long distance, it takes some time to walk from our current location to the special building. The time now is 9.46 a.m., which is still considered morning, and two hours away from noon. But yet, at this hour— the blazing summer heat is deadly hot enough to penetrate through my clothes and fry my skin. So I don’t want to walk under this heat for too long.

So…

“Persia, how fast can you run?”

“Erm… if I take a hundred-meter dash, for example, it’s around 10.7s.”

So slow. And it doesn’t seem she’s able to run for a long distance either.

“I’m not slow! Meanie!” She shouts and hits me repeatedly with her fists like that of a child.

I then defended her cute attacks with my right arm as I laughed.

“Ehem… I will let you choose. Do you want a ‘princess’ or ‘back’ carry?” I said.

“Eh… So this is your purpose. I was completely fooled by your kindness, well done~”

Then why do you look so happy and delighted?

“Absolutely not! It WAS pure kindness!” I uttered.

“Tell me, then. Do you want to feel it with your back or with your hands?”

Geez… here we go again.

“Just shut up and let me carry you already…!”

“E-Eek!?”

With that sudden burst of anger, I charged to Persia and grabbed her on her thigh and shoulders. That’s right, I choose a princess carry because she worded that way. As a gentleman, I avoided my hand from touching her chest, though it seems she’s making me to do so.

“Ku… How rough~ Help~ There’s a pervert here~”

…Though she says that, but she looks extremely pleased. Girls really like this sort of stuff, huh? Or is it just her?

“You know, your words aren’t matching with your tone and look.”

And stop flailing.

“Let’s go~ Let’s go~!”

“…………” She can’t hear anything now.

“Hold tight and keep your mouth tight. You don’t want to bite your tongue.” I said.

“Wah~ So manly~”

She’s ignoring me and rubbing my chest with her face.

What are you? A pervert?

At any rate, it seems she could need the THIRD PUNISHMENT.

Deep breath… Go!

“Eh— Wait—”

I ignored Persia and took the first boost with my left leg. Like attempting a long jump— I leapt 10m. Just as I was about to reach the ground, I extended my right leg to accept the impact and transfer it forward— as the second boost.

Tup, tup, tup, tup, tup.

As the interval between my legs touching the ground gets lesser, I reached an even faster speed, shooting all the way to the special building.

Well, it seems Persia can’t get used to this speed. She’s grabbing tightly with her eyes closed— and she did the right thing. If dust accidentally hit you in the eye with this kind of speed, there’s a chance to blind.

………………

“Phew…”

I stopped outside the area of the force field surrounding the special building. It seems I’ve run for a minute.

…Wait. Did I just make a ‘phew’?

Though it may seem normal to anyone else, not for me. I’d never need to catch a breath in a mere 2km run. This is the first time.

Then again, maybe I shouldn’t worry too much. It might be caused by my lack of sleep.

At any rate…

“What are you doing!? Stop hugging me already!”

Persia coiled her arms on my waist, and still sticking her face on me. But this time, it’s on my abdomen— or rather, my abs.

“It’s… so warm… I feel so sleepy…”

I grabbed Persia on her waist with both of my hands, peeling her off me and hoist her up easily.

“Hnngh…! I don’t wanna let go…!”

It feels like I’m carrying a moving doll. Shit, was she this cute? I better keep stay calm. At this rate, I might lose something important as a man.

“Stop acting like a spoiled brat.”

…Ah.

I remembered the exact same words that he spat at me. Damn.

“I want you to spoil me! I’m a mistress from a noble family, so you should spoil me~!”

Can’t quip anything about that. All mistress mostly behaves like that, so I can’t blame her.

If that’s the case… It’s time for that.

I placed Persia down on the ground. Though she immediately pounces to me the moment her foot touches the ground, I stopped her by pressing her head down with my right hand. Though she immediately grabs my hand and tries to fling it away from her… but no matter how hard she tried— it deemed useless. My arm strength can pull off up to tonnes.

“Stop struggling, it’s useless,” I muttered.

“Nngh…!”

It seems she’s not going to quit after all.

“Just stay put already…!”

BAM!

“Owie!”

After a karate chop, Persia quickly retreated backwards as she kneeled down in pain.

What a stubborn girl. Even after hitting her head three times, she wouldn’t listen.

Damn, it also makes me feel like I’m training a dog.

“… I’m sorry…”

Persia stood up and made a light bow as an apology afterwards.

She then faced the force field behind her and activated her screen for authentication.

The force field opens a small hole, on where she stood. But from the look of it— it seems to be controlled by a person instead of artificial intelligence, and that person… is the girl that lives within.

The instant we pass through the force field; it seals off immediately.

And then… we still have quite some distance to walk. Maybe I can get this chance to chat with Persia more about Kuroyuki…