Chapter 43: Volume 7 - CH 1

Campus Martial Arts Tournament / Projection / New Year’s Eve

It’s the top of November where autumn is also intensifying.

<<Campus Martial Arts Competition>> was approaching.

A little more than a month after the Third Attack, Little Garden leaves the city of Sangria where restoration is progressing, so it sails over the Pacific Ocean. The casual daily life came back after near 2 months since the school festival [Gardens Festa].

…nonetheless, the next event was immediately here.

Autumn’s <<Campus Martial Arts Competition>>.

Spring and autumn competitions are originally included in Little Garden’s annual schedule, which have been held every year since its foundation. But this year the meaning that carries the competition is changing.

Because the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>> will be held at the beginning of the year, that is, from mid-January. To participate in it, a strong request came from the United Nations and Warslan HQ, to which the representative of Little Garden, Claire Harvey, accepted. The only thing is that she is not interested in the Project Lunaltia. However, Claire inferred that Judal Harvey, President of Warslan, his older brother, may use Liza, their sister, on the lunar project. It is obvious that the sample of the residential facility to be built in the moon is this Little Garden.

If Warslan takes the initiative in the Moon’s development plan, the disposal of Little Garden is―― there is a high possibility of using Liza’s energy to power the residential facility of the moon. If Claire is against that, she should definitely enforce it. The reasons are not that clear but, Claire knows that Judal is raising the temperature in regards to the moon project.

For that purpose, he created an artificial island along the coast of the Sunshine State district where the space station’s profitability isn’t taken into consideration. It’s about constructing a facility to use in the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>>. In the future it’s planned to be a harbor for heading to the moon.

As for the person who’s the main technologist of Little Garden, and the supervisor of <<LiZA>>, named Charlotte, she will also be on Judal’s side regarding the project of the moon. For her past achievements and skills, those shouldn’t be posing for effect. If there are more things to do by going out to the moon, she would like to head there. In brief, there’s no one on her side.

That’s why――

If the situation happens as expected, Claire will board the moon, intending to keep Liza protected by her side.

That’s why they must win the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>> and increase the right to speak of Little Garden.

In addition, it’s settled that the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>> consists of two parts, an individual category and a group category.

The individual category will be held in advance together with the opening of the tournament, it’s only a place to appeal free Slayers who finally want to belong to some country or organization and those who learn by observation, and the battle over who will have the hegemony of the Project Lunaltia is wagered to the group category that will be held after the individual category ends.

Up to 10 groups can enter it. Despite the luck on the prospect of <<LiZA>>’s guess, the result of the <<Campus Martial Arts Competition>> in autumn has resulted in the selection of representative members of Little Garden. Originally it was decided that only the students of high school martial arts department could participate in the <<Campus Martial Arts Competition>>. However, the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>> is supposed to be participated by anyone over 13 years old.

Therefore, the limits for this time, the regulation was changed so that middle school students can participate in <<Campus Martial Arts Competition>> if they have qualities as a Slayer.

For that reason, Touka can also participate in autumn’s <<Campus Martial Arts Competition>>. Krovahn and Nakri are also participating.

After receiving explanations about the upcoming tournaments in the classroom, Ryu Shuemei, a classmate of Hayato, muttered her growing deep emotions.

– The moon, I would like to go there…

– But, your true strength is grave.

Without a moment’s delay, Noah inserts a tsukkomi.

Noah is also a classmate of Hayato and the others, just like Shuemei.

At any rate, in order to be sent to the base of Lunaltia that is in the moon, the first condition is to come in top of the <<Campus Martial Arts Competition>> and participate in the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>>.

Next, the team to which you belong must get to the top of the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>>――

Moreover, it must also be a member of Selections that will be dispatched to the moon.

– Are you sure that only ten people are sent to the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>>?

– Yeah, I’m sure.

Noah nods to Shuemei’s doubt.

– If so, the President and the Vice-Presidents are confirmed, Emilia-san, Latia-san, and Kisaragi-san who have top class skills among the members of Selections, Fritz-san―― and we can agree on those three who are transfer students――.

It is rumored that those three, Nesat, Krovahn and Nakri have the same power as Hayato.

The leading figures are the ones who dealt with the Savage even in the sea during the Third Attack.

– Certainly, that’s the vibe I get.

Going along with the reasonable, then you’ll agree with what Shuemei says. Noah thought so, and most of the others calculated the same. The prediction of <<LiZA>> and the prediction of Claire were the same as that.

Thus, in the middle of November. Autumn’s <<Campus Martial Art Competition>> began. It lasts for a whole week.

They have already entered the second half of the battle and today is the fifth day.

It’s the day that two matches of semifinals will be held.

The first match card is [Emilia Hermit vs Nesat Olfred].

Emilia’s a user of the Hundred Arms Shroud  that can change its form freely, and then is Nesat. Behind her eye patch lies the eye with which she can duplicate a Hundred, the <<The Eye of Truth>> Truth Eye.

Their fight was getting more attention than the other second match of the semifinals, [Claire Harvey vs Liddy Steinberg].

By the way, Hayato was defeated by Liddy in the quarterfinals.

– As always, you’ll not be able to fully demonstrate your power in this competition, huh?

Those are the words that Liddy said to Hayato after the match. Unless it’s a battle to protect his life or anyone else, he can’t fully demonstrate his strength. It could be said that it’s a weakness of Hayato.

Nevertheless, having entered the best 8 is a thing to value, as Hayato will definitely be a member of the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>>.

Perhaps that’s the reason for those words. In the next competition it will be a problem if he doesn’t give his best.

Hayato understands so.

(But I’m planning to do it as I’m serious about it…)

Of course, he can’t use the power of the Variant, that’s unavoidable as it’s an implicit rule. It’s imposed on Emilia as well as Krovahn and the others.

By the way, apart from the four members who are in the semifinals, the members of the best 8 are Hayato are Fritz, Latia and Krovahn. Erika and Nakri are within the best 16. Touka is there too.

The <<Campus Martial Arts Competition>> is progressing with the development as expected by most people.

…but, this game was different.

There are many voices predicting Emilia’s victory in advance, but the result is not so like that. That’s because of the use of Nesat’s hidden [ability] so far.

Her Hundred―― it was added by Charlotte to compensate the weakness of Truth Eye.

―― Projection.

That is the name of that ability.

The armament of Emilia at the start of the match was a Dragoon type. It manipulates six floating batteries and set off beam attacks. Naturally Emilia thought that it was going to be a Dragoon type match, because of Nesat’s <<Duplicate Deployment>> Trace On. Hayato and the audience also thought the same. Immediately after the start of the match, it was indeed that kind of development. A gun battle where two girls and twelve floating batteries are disturbed in the air. During that time Emilia dominated. However, Nesat shortened the distance with Emilia and suddenly changed the armament to a large Twin Sword like the one Krovahn uses.

(Eh…!?)

Truth Eye of Nesat duplicates the armament she saw. Rather than a melee fight of multiple people versus multiple people, in this place, there is nothing to duplicate other than Emilia’s armament. Because she thought so, it’s natural that can be a gap there. Emilia was unable to take a defensive posture against the attack, and received one from a big sword without a barrier, she was beaten to the field.

If this was the usual, it wouldn’t be strange to be settled like this.

However, Nesat didn’t think so.

The other party is that Emilia.

Without descending to the ground, she changed the armament to a Long Shooter type in the air, fired some shots towards the inside of the cloud of dust and started to pursue her.

Now an explosion covered the stadium. The cloud of dust becomes even more intense.

– What’s the vital value of Emilia?

Hayato, who was watching the match at the front row of the audience seats, looked at the monitor instinctively.

– She still has some left.

It was Latia that muttered so while looking at the same monitor. The vital value remains at 30%. There was still around 25% of energy value. They don’t know if she’s aware of that or not. However, Nesat never loosened the attack technique. Nesat, who has coming down to the ground, changes her weapon to a huge scissor and stands behind Emilia, who is about to rise in the cloud of dust. There, Emilia’s body is between the opened blades.

Emilia noticed it and raised her hands, and said.

– Ahaha, it’s expected that I should give up with this. If this was a real battle, the moment I moved, my body would be split in two.

Thereupon, the buzzer indicating the end of the match reverberates in the arena. Subsequently, Nesat’s victory was displayed on the monitor.

– Can’t believe that you gave up. You could have done a little bit more from there, right?

Emilia asks to Charlotte who’s descending into the battlefield while smiling with a broad grin.

– …it’s because I wanted to ask what’s the meaning of that to Charo.

Saying that, Emilia glared at Charlotte.

– The transformation of Nesat’s Hundred, what on earth are you planning? So that isn’t the same as my Arms Shroud?

– In short, giving up was just a quick way for you to ask that, huh? It’s possible to say as an answer that it’s not evolution, it’s just different from your Arms Shroud.

– If that’s the case, then what is it?

– I brought something that makes easier for imagination.

– Imagination? What do you mean?

– I added one function to Nesat’s prosthetic eye. Projection―― that’s the name of that ability.

The image she sees is stored in the memory within the eye prosthesis, that is, the memory of the artificial lens, so it seems that she is able to project it.

– So, you mean that if there are pictures and videos of armaments stored in the memory, it’s possible to deploy any shape of weapon, right?

– You might say that most of that is true. However, it isn’t good to just look at the pictures of a weapon, because if you don’t know how to use it, even if a weapon is created as it seems, there’s nothing that you can do.

– Yeah, now that you say so.

– That point is the same for your Arms Shroud, so you’ll understand it well. That’s why she wants to fight a lot of Slayers now to remember how to use various weapons. That way, she will surely be a great force. So please, help her too by practicing together with her from now on. For the victory of Little Garden at the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>>.

– …oh, okay. I understand.

While expressing a slight subtle expression, Emilia nodded.

In the second semifinal round Claire wins against Liddy, and in the decisive battle for the third place which took place one day apart, Emilia won against Liddyーー Having prepared new abilities, Claire won against Nesat and so, the <<Campus Martial Arts Competition>> closed its curtains――.

– Aaaa… third placee…

Lying her back on her bed, Emilia sighed greatly. This is in the prepared bedroom for Emilia in the residence of the main technologist of Little Garden, Charlotte Dimandius. The residence boasts to be one of the prominent and extensive among the ones in Little Garden. It symbolizes somehow the favorable treatment that Charlotte has in Little Garden. But she rarely returns to this mansion. She secludes herself in the laboratory.

Therefore, Emilia is mostly alone in this spacious mansion.

Emilia was used to stay alone. It was because she was always alone when she was confined in Gudenburg.

But now it’s different.

She got used to come in contact with many people.

Besides――.

Now, when she is alone, she only thinks about Hayato. Although she often thought of things of the past like the boy who helped her during the Second Attack, now emotions different from those times overflow from her heart.

Her heart is choked up with emotion, her whole body shivers, and so her body gets hot. In order to suppress the shivering, Emilia hugged the pillow tightly.

– Hayato no baka*…

What came to mind when she murmured that, it’s the figure of Kenzaki Touka. The Third Attack that happened about a month ago――.

After Kisaragi Hayato used the sword of Kenzaki Touka, the one she yearned as her Shinshishō, to defeat the dreadnaught type Savage that invaded the city of Sangria in the United States of Liberia where Little Garden was staying along the pier.

Emilia enquired Hayato about Touka.

What she was told was that Touka was attacked by a wild dog that had eaten a core during the battle with the Savage in Yamato. And then Hayato, about the poison from the wound of her body, he―― it’s said that he sucked up the Variant Virus. Although the circumstances are slightly different, he made to another woman the same thing he did to her ten years ago. Feelings of that special event of only two people that were eroded because of another person, nothing can be done to resolve that.

It’s because of that, that her chest was also hurting in a stinging manner.

(But I heard that Kenzaki Touka isn’t becoming a Variant…)

They didn’t kiss to relieve symptoms. Hayato’s eyes during the story weren’t lying. Besides, Kenzaki Touka doesn’t seem to have anything in sight but swords―― that means, it seems that she doesn’t know about [Love] yet.

Therefore, she believes that the possibility that she will become a rival is low, for now.

– Still, this…

It doesn’t change the complexity. Hayato is thickheaded, but he is a nice person. There’s no mistake in such a thing.

Even if he must throw away himself, he will be there to save others. Like in the past, like that girl who now has an armament similar to herself―― the enemy, Nesat Olfred, was saved.

…still.

That gentleness, from Hayato, I consider that wanting it for myself only.

(Really, that’s ego, right…? Knowing that Hayato, now more than in the past, I’ve come to love him more and more…)

With a *hehe*, she noticed that her nature and cheeks are loose.

– All right!

Emilia, who raised her upper body while clapping her cheeks with both hands doing a *PAN* *PAN*, descends from the bed. And then, swore within her heart.

(I’ll do my best to not lose to anyone again! Not to the Prez, not to Kenzaki Touka, not to Kirishima Sakura, not even to Nesat Olfred――)

Two days after the tournament was over.

The members selected for the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>> were announced from the Student Council.

It’s as expected in advance, members of the best 8 that includes Claire and Nesat and also Erika and Nakri who are from the best 16 of the tournament. With more than ten people, Little Garden was to fight in team battles of the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>> which will be held earlier next year.

November was about to end. The season will change from autumn to winter. Although outside has become much cooler, the Little Garden’s training grounds are not cold even with a Variable Suit, which have a lot of exposure, because the air conditioning is working.

The class in the afternoon is battle training. And it was about to end now.

– Come to think of it, what are you going to do for winter vacation? Are you going back to Yamato like you did in summer vacation?

Fritz calls out to Hayato who was stretching.

Right to the back of Hayato is Emilia, who stood there helping him to stretch and asked him, trying to look into his face.

– …Hayato, are you going to do that?

– I’d like to do so if possible. What do you plan to do?

– If you are going to return to Yamato, then I’ll accompany you too. I’d like to meet everyone in the institution.

– Then, I’ll ask Karen and everyone about it. It’s absolutely necessary to tell the schedule to the President soon.

Hayato and everyone who are members of <Special Team> Selections, have been told by Claire to promptly inform the schedule for winter vacation.

In that case, immediately after the class have ended.

Hayato changed into his uniform and sent an e-mail to Karen.

[Do you have a moment after this? Where are you now?] He should have go to the hospital when she was hospitalized, but the Karen of now doesn’t need to be there.

Karen is now attending the school, and together with Sakura and Touka, she lives in a beautiful guesthouse, located along the seaside, at the opposite side of the deck of Little Garden. Maybe she took the chance to go out to Central with her friends, but he doesn’t know where she is now.

[Now I am at home with Sakura-san and the others. Do you need something?]

In other words, it seems that Touka is also with her.

Hayato sent a mail again while thinking if that was just right.

[Is it fine if I go right now? I have something to talk]

Karen’s reply is really fast. The mail arrived in less than a minute.

[It is fine. There is something that I also want to talk with Nii-san, so I will be waiting]

At the same time he sees it, Hayato said to Emilia standing next to him.

– Well then, I’ll go to the place of Sakura and Karen for a moment.

– Eh, now? Is Sakura there too?

– Looks like it.

– If so, then I’ll go as well.

Emilia said, obviously.

Hayato understands from the experience so far that when Sakura and Emilia face each other, it usually becomes awkward.

However, against Emilia in this state, Hayato won’t say something like “Don’t follow me” or “I’ll go alone”.

In any case if they go back to Yamato, Sakura and Emilia will be together, and together with both Touka and Karen.

It will surely be difficult to be able to avoid it.

Believing that, Hayato started walking towards the guesthouse.

The guesthouse where Sakura and the other girls live is built a little far from the President’s house and from Charlotte’s house, which is where Emilia lives.

Hayato walks on foot towards that place along the road paved with concrete, where on both sides of it, beautiful lawn and trees are growing. To the right side, the sea can be seen through the tempered glass. There isn’t a single cloud, it’s a very nice weather.

He arrives in front of the guesthouse which is a little more than ten minutes from the school. There was a girl standing there.

It’s Touka.

She is wielding a black sword while wearing a kendo uniform.

– Aah, if it isn’t Shinshishō and Emilia-san? Did something happen?

Touka stopped swinging, and called out Hayato and Emilia.

– I need Sakura and Karen for a bit. I have some business to do with Touka too.

– Eh, something with me?

– Actually.

Hayato began to talk about the story of the winter vacation to Touka.

– Ah! It’s something like that…? I’ll leave it to Shinshishō and the others. I just came here and I don’t want to return yet. Rather, training is the priority for the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>>

Saying that, Touka readies her sword.

– Got it, then I’ll let you know when it’s decided.

– Understood.

Separating from Touka, Hayato stands in front of the gate of the guesthouse and rings the chime. Then, Sakura popped out while opening the door with energy and opening both arms wide.

– Hayato-kun, please come… in…

When Sakura sees Emilia standing behind Hayato, she kept speaking while making a wry face, and spits out.

– Why are you coming along!?

– Were you thinking about doing something because I’m accompanying him?

– …I’m just disappointed when I think that you are involved in what Hayato-kun has to say…. For now, come in. Let’s continue the conversation inside.

Of course, it’s the first time that Hayato enters this house. Just because his little sister is in there, he naturally entered in there, to this place that is a girl’s garden.

At the moment he gave a single step into the building, he noticed something in there. A sweet smell fills the indoor.

(At any rate, it’s a spacious house, huh…)

It’s a guesthouse, it’s something that is meant to be used as a reception. The guided living room, it was approximately the same as extensive as the lobby of the dorm.

The furniture there is also quite luxurious.

However, if you look closely, Sakura’s favorite stuffed bear is placed on a chair, there are videogame consoles to the side of the TV; he saw a teacup that is placed on the sink, and he feels that the three girls who are there living their life, become a little charming.

– Nii-san, welco…

Karen, who was sitting on the sofa of the lounge suit set, placed the Tablet PC she was holding on the desk as she looked at Hayato’s figure.

And almost at the same time.

Karen grazed her eyebrows, looking at Emilia’s figure that appeared there.

– …why has Emilia-san also come here?

– I think the same.

It was Sakura who said so with astringency like Karen.

– As Touka is training now, I thought that Hayato-kun, Karen-chan and I, the three of us, could have a good time.

Saying that, Sakura sits vigorously on the sofa with a pop.

– …so, Nii-san… what do you want to talk about? Is that also somehow related to Emilia-san?

Karen’s tone is more stingy than usual. She also had sharp eyes on Emilia.

(As I thought, I shouldn’t have come with Emilia…)

Even if he regrets it, it’s too late. It can’t be helped so, Hayato continues the discussion.

– Actually, it’s about the winter vacation. I think that I’ll return to Yamato if I get vacation around New Year…

– Oh, that…

Showing a troubled facial expression, Karen points her eyes to Sakura. Thereupon, Sakura informed to Hayato in a serious look.

– We are sorry, Hayato-kun. That schedule is impossible for us.

– …eh, is that so?

– Actually, this time I came to Little Garden to talk about the New Year’s work for the end of the year, and so I did an appointment of that with Karen-chan. In the end, Hayato-kun was a little related to that conversation. I thought that at least I had to try.

The popularity of Kisaragi Karen who debuted with the producer of <<Oriental Sorceress Princess>> Oriental Wizard Kirishima Sakura, there’s no way that can remain only at that.

Not only the songs sung by themselves, but also if Karen sang a song alone, she may continue to rank in the top of the music charts for a long time.

Because of that, Sakura says Karen is in a great demand of a year-end popular song program on TV as a Cinderella girl of the music world.

– With that said, from now on, Karen-chan’s activities will increase as she keeps singing and so, in addition to that, various troublesome procedures will increase too, so I would like to officially keep Karen-chan in my office. It will be done in the same way until now, but now in a proper form. This is the contract――

Saying so, Sakura handed out a piece of paper in front of Hayato’s eyes.

– There shouldn’t be bad conditions. Karen-chan has also agreed to it. By saying that, Hayato-kun, sign as her guardian.

– Even if you suddenly say such a thing…. Karen hasn’t finished compulsory education yet…

– Yeah, of course, it is written that studies have priority. Souffle will have it properly adjusted.

Souffle- Souffle Clearrail is the manager of Sakura and the president of the office. She is a reliable woman with whom he can trust.

Hayato looked at Karen’s face.

– …are you okay with that?

– Yes.

Nodding, Karen continued.

– I would like to do music activities properly together with Sakura-san. Because I always liked her songs―― being a singer, is my dream.

– …understood.

If Karen is motivated, then I don’t want to disturb her, I want to support her. Besides, entrusting her to Sakura and to Souffle, she will be safe.

Thinking that, Hayato signed the document.

– Thank you, I think Souffle will surely be pleased.

– …come to think of it, Souffle-san isn’t here?

– Right now she is busy preparing the program for the end of the year, so she couldn’t come to Little Garden. Karen-chan only needed the approval of Hayato-kun as her guardian, that’s why I came in this way.

– Oh, it’s that kind of thing.

The manager of two popular singers.

Moreover, because one of her companions is Kirishima Sakura, she probably didn’t have any time to come to Little Garden which is floating on the sea.

– …by saying that, we got the acknowledgment of Hayato-kun too, as all of us will be coming out on the program that we were requested for, we will be staying in Liberia from December 28th to January 2nd. It will take us three days to arrive at Yamato.

– Let me see, about our vacations, how many days did we get?

Hayato asked Emilia that is sitting next to him.

– As long as there is no unusual things happening in the world, I’ve asked to have a week. It will be from December 29th to January 4th.

Emilia answered while confirming it with the PDA.

– If that’s the case, there is little time to spend with everyone…

When thinking of going back to Little Garden the fourth day of the month, they will have to leave Yamato around the evening of the third day.

– Is that so? Then at that time we will return back home.

– I wish I could have stayed together in Yamato for my long-awaited birthday…

– Huh? Hayato and Karen-chan, have the same birthday?

Emilia who heard Karen’s muttering said as if surprised.

– Is it perhaps you didn’t know about Hayato-kun’s birthday? Even though you are always by his side?

Sakura put her hand on her mouth and shows a grinning smile, making fun of her.

– You are wrong! I knew Hayato’s birthday! It’s just that, I didn’t know that Karen’s birthday it’s the same as Hayato’s.

– It’s often said that something like this is rare.

– By the way, do you know my birthday, Hayato-kun?

– …eh?

Sakura asked, and Hayato is lost for words.

– Really!? Why are you hesitating? It’s March 10th, the season of cherry blossoms! For several years there was a concert on my birthday every year, so I couldn’t spend it freely… but after that, I will leave it for the sake of Hayato-kun!

– Sakura-san, what are you saying!?

– Karen-chan can also join us. Let’s have a party with everyone!

– Oh! Is it something like that? Certainly in that case.

– By the way, Hayato.

– ….hmm?

– I don’t care at all about Sakura’s birthday, but you know my birthday, right?

Emilia asks with a smiling face. As a matter of course, she has been to his side all this time. There is no reason to not know, isn’t it?

It can be said than that’s the situation.

– Ye, yeah…

He didn’t know about Sakura, but he knows Emilia’s birthday.

Hayato nodded though he became a little worried that Sakura would be in a bad mood.

However, there are reasons to remember.

– Eh? You know it!

Suddenly, Emilia was delightfully smiling.

– February 14th, I think?

– That’s――

Following Sakura, Karen cried out as she bends herself forward towards Emilia.

– It’s Valentine’s Day!

– There was a time when I saw Emilia’s personal data, so I think that I remember it because of that.

– Ehehe, you are right.

Giving a sweet smile, Emilia turn her eyes towards Hayato, rises a finger, and told in a natural way.

– I give chocolate to Hayato. So I get a present from Hayato. Like killing two birds with a stone!

– No, what is killing two birds with a stone…!

– By the way I’m expecting White Day which is in a month later!

Emilia brings her body to Hayato’s arm, sitting next to him. The expression of Karen and Sakura sitting in front of him was instantaneously grim.

– Hey, don’t get too close! Sakura and Karen are here too!

In a hurry, Hayato pulled away Emilia’s body.

– I’m sorry, it’s my usual habit…

Returning the body to its original position, she scratches her cheek while feeling awkward.

– …usual habit?

– Nii-san, what does she mean with that?

– Well…

Being troubled, Hayato stood up from the chair. It is mentally too bad for him to stay in this place for a second longer.

– Fi- first of all, let’s return to Yamato for winter vacation as I said earlier. I’ve just came back from there a while ago, so I can ask to get some vacations even after the end of the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>>, so is it fine to do it at that time? About this, please convey it to Touka. I will inform the President about our plans!

– Ah, Nii-san!

– Wait, don’t run away!

Sakura and Karen got up like striking at the desk, and shouted at the back of Hayato who started running. Emilia also got up, raising her voice.

– That’s right, Hayato. Take me with yo――uwaa!?

*BOOM* *CLATTER* *CRASH*

Emilia, who tried to run, stumbled on a short table and made a grand sound.

As expected, Hayato is also concerned about her condition, but he only turned back his head.

(…that Emilia, is she okay?)

As far as he can see, she doesn’t seem to be hurt.

– Ow ow ow ow ow…

Her voice was heard as she stood up, then that means she’s all right. So Hayato jumped out of the guest room as it was without stopping his feet.

Claire Harvey, President of the Student Council of Little Garden, is in the Student Council room, and is doing clerical work. Suddenly, *TON* *TON*, the doors of the Student Council room make a sound, and a face appears.

– Who is it desuno?

– It is me. I will enter.

Using her body to open the door, the one who entered the room is Vice-president Erika Candle. There are a huge number of bags hanging on both arms, and there are also many boxes on both hands.

Looking at that figure, Claire breathed with a small sigh.

– I am deeply sorry for making you take care of that too wane.

– No, this is also part of my work.

Saying that, Erika moves to the short table of the lounge suite set and the sofa. There were similar boxes and bags already there.

– As for this, Claire-sama did this by herself?

– That is correct, and just like you now, Liddy has also received them, so she brought them to me masuwa.

– If that is the case, would you mind if I put the presents in here as well?

– Yes, there is no problem. Those that need to be refrigerated can be separated and put in the refrigerator.

– Can that be done if we do not know what is inside without opening them?

– It does not matter, you can open them. However, it will be helpful if you let me know to who they belong to.

– Understood.

Answering, Erika starts to organize the packages.

That’s right――

Today, 23rd of November, is Claire Harvey’s birthday, the Queen of Little Garden. In other words, this large amount of packages are presents from students, residents of Little Garden and other fans.

– Errr, Claire-sama…

– What is the matter no?

– I have just finished organizing the packages. Also… how to say it….

– Is something wrong no?

Claire, inclining her head in puzzlement, asked while looking at the bashful Erika

– To be honest… well… I also have a present…

The face of Erika turned bright red, and pushed out both hands that were surrounding her back. A long and narrow box is on top of it.

– Claire-sama, happy birthday.

– Thank you very much masuwa.

Claire stood up slipping out a smile and received the present from Erika’s hand.

– Can you open it, and look what is inside?

– Yes, certainlyーー

Opening the wrapped box received from Erika, Claire confirms the contents.

– This is… a fountain pen desunone.

– That is correct. I thought of something that might be helpful to your work.

– Thank you very much masuwa. I will use it at once masu.

The face of Erika, who became happy when she saw Claire with a surprising smile, was dyed in deep red. She was happy. She was tremendously happy.

But she felt embarrassed that her face could be seen.

– Ah, errr…. We- well then, I will return to my work!

Erika lowered her head hurriedly and left the Student Council room.

– It is likely the best to get a present like this desuwane.

Claire seats on the chair, and muttered while watching the fountain pen she had in her hand.

Of course Erika, and thus to the many students that adore her, she is indeed happy for receiving all of these presents.

But, there was only one thing that was of concern to Claire.

(…well, he is not supposed to know my birthday monone)

There, *TON* *TON, the door sounded.

– Err, President. Do you have a moment?

It’s Kisaragi Hayato’s voice.

(Do- don’t tell me…!)

Claire’s heartbeats turn fast.

(Wh- why is he here? Is it that he knew my birthday desuno?)

Her head is in chaos.

– …do- do you need something, Kisaragi Hayato?

Even though she tried to calm down, her voice was excited.

It was shaking because of that.

– Ah! Well… I have something to talk with the President. Is it fine if I come in?

– Ye- yes… it is fine desuwayo.

While the shaking didn’t settle, the door of the room was opened.

– Thanks, if you excuse me.

Kisaragi Hayato comes into the room. His eyes were aimed first at a large number of boxes and bags placed on the lounge suit set table and over the sofa.

– … that, what are those?

– Th- these are presents desuwayo.

– Presents?

Claire breathed on a big way looking at Hayato with an expression of what does that mean?

(As I thought, Kisaragi Hayato does not seem to know that today is my birthday…)

Then why did he come to this Student Council room, I wonder? She continued talking while feeling bothered.

– Today is my birthday desuno. That is way everyone delivered their presents to me desuwa.

– Oh! Is that so? I’m sorry, I didn’t know.

– Yo- you do not have to worry about something so particular desunoyo. You would not know if you do not talk with the person itself.

– …nevertheless, it is a special matter, so let me congratulate you. Congratulations on your birthday, President.

– Ye- yeah… Thank you, very much masuwa…

Although she didn’t get a present, Claire was satisfied with those words alone. Besides, with this Kisaragi Hayato now knew about her birthday――

(That means that I can expect something for the next year, right?)

The two of them, dining.

A present from Kisaragi Hayato.

That comeback is――

– Err, President..?

– Huh…?

Calling her out, Claire returned to her senses.

– Th- that’s right desuwa. Kisaragi Hayato. What is the reason that you came in here for desuno?

– Well, it is to…

The lives of Hayato and the ones who were selected as members of the  <<World Martial Arts Tournament>> have changed completely since December. First of all, less time is spent receiving classes and training with their classmates, and in the form of special training, there are many sham battles with Claire, Krovahn, Nakri and Nesat.

Not only one-on-one fights but also team fights, since it’s confirmed that three-to-three battles will take place, a lot of time has also been spent on collaboration and confirmation of teamwork accompanying that.

In addition to confirm their appearance, they were supposed to participate in a CM photography for some reason. There were also coverage and physical examinations.

Because of that, he was away from Little Garden for a while, so Hayato’s honest impression is that December passed in a flash.

Christmas is over in the blink of an eye, winter vacation arrived and so, New Year’s Eve day is coming. Hayato, who decided to not go home to Yamato, had been staying in the dorm for a long time since entering winter vacation.

There is nothing in particular to do.

So he is taking a nap because of the tiredness of the past month. He is sleeping in the bed of his room from noon today. It’s not just because he’s tired, but it’s a nap to not miss Karen or Sakura’s song program that will broadcast before the day changes*.

– Hhhhmmm… it’s a good time…

Hayato who awoke naturally, got up from the bed and saw the clock, it was five o‘clock in the evening. It’s New Year in 7 hours.

– Hmm…?

For the time being, he went down from the bed and thought to take a shower, but suddenly the PDA made a sound.

It’s an incoming call from Emilia.

– Hello?

[Hayato, where are you now?]

It was a sudden question.

– In my room of the dorm but…

[If that’s the case, won’t you come here from there?]

– For ‘here’, you mean Dr. Charlotte’s house?

[That’s right, like you said. I can go over there, though. There are almost no people in the dorm right now, right?]

That’s true.

Most of the male students go out to their parent’s house or go out and travel outside Little Garden on vacation. Now, only three people, including Hayato, remain in the dorm.

– Even so, it’s a bad idea if you come here. If the President gets to know it, we will have a hard time.

[But today is New Year’s Eve? It’s a special day so, Prez will forgive us]

– I’m not so sure about that…

She will be absolutely angry.

He was confident about that much.

[If so, then come over here, Hayato. I called out to Charo and she said that there’s no problem. Are you planning to watch the program where Karen-chan and Kirishima Sakura will appear at night, don’t you?]

– Well, you might say so. That’s why I was taking a nap until now. Because of that I’ve just got up.

[Ah, I see. Then, let’s watch it together!]

– ‘k then, I’ll go take a shower.

[Eh, things like a shower, Hayato ecchi…]

– What are you talking about?

Well, if Dr. Charlotte is there, we will not be by ourselves, so there’s no problem, I guess.

Hayato thought so, and after finishing changing clothes, he left the dorm to head to Dr. Charlotte’s house where Emilia lives.

– …Eh? Dr. Charlotte isn’t here?

Entering Dr. Charlotte’s house, Hayato who was guided to the living room, heard the fact from Emilia and doubted his ears.

– Charo is designing a plan for the arena of <<World Martial Arts Tournament>>, planning the lunar base, among other things. Work that hadn’t been in the original schedule has increased so much that she is very busy, so because of that work she gave up the New Year’s holiday.

– Oh! That looks terrible…

– But, it’s fine if she is enjoying it, don’t you think? She told me that her job is her hobby, so it looks like there’s nothing she would like to do other than that. By the way, Hayato hasn’t eaten dinner yet, right?

– As I was taking a nap until a while ago, I didn’t eat yet.

– If that’s the case, you’ve come just in time. Charo has prepared a good one.

– That’s great! What is it?

– Wait a moment.

While looking at the back of Emilia heading to the kitchen, Hayato sighed.

(She is feeling more feminine than usual, because she is not wearing the uniform…)

Emilia wears a white dress that has something similar to frills on the hem.

(… hmm, this kind of situation where I’m alone with Emilia, it is quite awkward…)

While thinking what’s the deal with that, Hayato found out that he was finally wandering in, and looked around the wide living room.

It’s the first time he enters this house, but it gives him a sense of déjà vu. Both the interior design and the arrangement of the rooms are almost the same as the guesthouse he went before where Sakura, Karen and Touka live.

It seems to give a feel of not being populated.

Besides Emilia and Charlotte――

An Ohime-sama and a scientist, just giving a thought about those two living together, one would think that the rooms would be messed up, but there is no such a thing at all. Although the cleaning robot is cleaning the floor, it should not be so clean to that extent.

– What is it that you are looking around restlessly like that? Do you worry that much about my house?

In a hurry, Hayato answers to Emilia who asked smiling while holding a spatula.

– It isn’t like that, I think that it is tidier than I thought.

– What is with that? Remarking that Charlotte and I are sort of poor at tidying up.

– But isn’t that the truth?

– You might say that is the case though. That’s because Mei Mei will come and clean this house every day.

– Oh, so that’s the reason.

If that’s the case, then Hayato is convinced and gives his approval.

– By the way, here here.

– Here, you say…

Emilia puts a plastic bag on the table and attempts to remove something from it.

– Charo bought this for me, thinking that this would be nice if I spend New Year’s Eve with Hayato.

– Oh! That’s…

Looking at the cup taken out by Emilia, Hayato’s eyes shone.

– Charo said that it’s common in Yamato to eat this on New Year’s Eve. Is it true?

– Yeah, I’m glad to see soba after a long time.

Little Garden is where people from various countries gather. Although there are of course Yamato food shops, you don’t see much popular menus of this kind at the cafeteria, but instant noodles were seeing sold though. Because of New Year’s Eve, it was probably sold as a special.

– I must absolutely give my thanks to Dr. Charlotte for this.

– …hm, I wonder what else is in this. It looks like there is something still in there.

After taking out two instant noodles from the bag. What Emilia took out of the bag was a small box. There is a piece of paper covered with rubber bands.

– What is- this――wha…

As she saw that box, Emilia’s face turned bright red.

– That Charlotte, what is she thinking!?

Shouting, she throws the box on the desk.

– Why on earth are you saying so?

Hayato turns his line of sight to the box that bounced several times on the desk and fell on the carpet. It’s a message from Charlotte that jumped into his eyes.

While looking at it, Hayato’s face turned deep red.

– This thing, don’t tell me…

The letters written by Charlotte are [Use for Hime’s first time]

In other words, what is in that box are…

– Eh, errr…

Hayato thinks about what happened. Naturally the ambience was getting heavier.

– I’ll dispose of this――

– I’ll take care of it――

You are reading story Hundred at novel35.com

Two palms overlap on the box.

– Eh!

– Ah!

Their faces dyed bright red with each other, and rapidly separated their hands.

At that time, Hayato tripped with a chair.

– It’s dangerous, Hayato!

Hayato grasped the hand extended by Emilia. But Emilia can’t stop the body of Hayato….

Dragged by Hayato’s momentum, Emilia also falls to the floor.

– Uwaa!!

– Kyaa!?

Screams go one after another.

Hayato falls earlier with his backside. On top of him, Emilia looks like is in a posture similar to riding him.

– Eh…?

– Ah…!

The eyes of the couple overlap.

Their faces, in a twinkle, turn red.

A few seconds passed without a change.

– Err…

It was Hayato who couldn’t stand the silence and raised his voice first.

– If you don’t move, I won’t be able to stand up…

– Well… I don’t mind though…

– Eh…?

Those words returned.

That was something he didn’t imagined…

– Look, this is the first time that we spend together a New Year so… to commemorate that… the memories of only the two of us…

– Hey, what are you talking about…!?

The heartbeats rise doing *DOKI* *DOKI*

It was Hayato’s PDA that suddenly began to make sound that made them sprung greatly.

It’s an incoming call request.

– No way, just when the mood was good…! Who the heck is it? Your younger sister-san? Or is it Kirishima Sakura?

Hayato also stands up following Emilia who stands up despite frustration, takes out the PDA from the pocket and checks to who belongs the incoming call.

– It’s Ryōko-obasan.

Moreover, it’s a request of video call. Pushing the call button in a hurry, the figure of Ryōko appeared on the screen.

[Hello, Hayato-kun. Can you hear me?]

– It’s been a long time, Ryōko-san!

[Yes, it’s been a long time. Thus, happy New Year]

– Is that so? Right, there it’s…

[Yes, that’s right. New Year has passed a while ago already. Are you still in Little Garden?]

– That’s correct, in this same instant we are on the east coast of Liberia.

[I see. I’m sorry. Because everyone wants to see the face of Hayato]

– Everyone you say…

[Certainly, everyone]

Following Ryōko’s words, the figures of the children of the institution were projected on the incoming terminal screen.

[It’s been a whileー, Hayatoー]

[Happy New Yearー!]

[Is that Mihalー?]

[Emile is in thereー?]

The children gave their voices one after another.

– I’m here! Long time no see, everyoneーー and, happy New Year!

– Ah, hey! Wait aーー

There are reasons about why Hayato stopped her.

It was the moment Emilia showed her face, when she snatched away the PDA of Hayato.

The children’s facial expression solidified, and the silence came.

[…who?]

[A girl?]

[Emile’s little sister?]

[But she said Emile]

[Perhaps is cross-dressing?]

The children began to argue seriously.

(Good grief, these guys are really…)

Hayato spontaneously grabbed his forehead.

Finally Emilia seems to have noticed the reasons for the reaction between the children and Hayato.

– Oh, that’s right. Come to think of it, I didn’t tell the truth to everyone yet…

*Ehehe*, Emilia laughed, and continued.

– Actually my real name is Emilia Hermit. My real sex is woman. There were a lot of things, so that’s why I had to lie to everyone.

Simple as usual, Emilia declares that she is a woman. Naturally, the children were confused.

[Eeh?]

[Is it a joke?]

[*Feeling shocked*]

[Let me touch your breast when you come next time. I will confirm it]

– That’s impossible! Because only Hayato can touch my breasts!

– Why are you saying such stupid things!?

Hayato’s face was bright red while he slapped Emilia’s head.

Page 77

Then, Ryōko’s laughter is heard from the PDA.

[Ahaha, to think that Emile-kun was in reality Emilia-chan]

– Well, there are various reasons for it…

[It is fine to leave that conversation for the next time. Above all, I’m glad that both of you are fine. Hayato-kun, if you have time again, come back to Yamato. Of course, Emilia can come with you]

– Yes, of course. I’m likely to have time for a while after the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>> has ended, so I think that I should be able to return by the time of spring break.

-. Undoubtedly, I’ll go together with you.

– Well then, we are looking forward to that time. Of course Karen-chan, Sakura-san, Mihal-san―― I think that everyone will be pleased if you arrive with the former members. Of course, Touka-chan too.

– Ah! Which reminds me, Sakura and Karen are…

[They will be singing on the Liberian New Year’s Eve’s program after this, isn’t it? Naturally we know about it. Now, I’m waiting to see it with everyone]

– Oh, I see.

[So I thought of giving a phone call to Hayato-kun who is awake. Watching a New Year’s Eve program in a foreign country, it must feel somewhat strange since we passed over the year but, I’m looking forward to Karen-chan’s gallant figure. Hayato-kun and company. Have a good year]

.[[[[Have a nice yeear!]]]]

In response to the children’s voice following Ryōko, Hayato smiled with a grin and replied.

– Ryōko-san, thank you.

– Well then, happy New Year to everyone!

Following Hayato, Emilia said so and the phone call ended.

– Everyone seems to be fine, don’t you think?

– I agree.

In response to Emilia who answered him happily, Hayato puts the PDA in his pocket.

– Okay then, I’ll take care of this for now――

– Ah…!

Without a moment’s delay, Emilia picked up the small box and put it in her pocket.

– I’m going to boil water to prepare noodles.

– …no…. Or should I say, do you know how to make instant noodles?

– What does Hayato think I am?

– A noisy-tongued Ohime-sama, I guess…?

– Muu…. I’m not someone who eats instant noodles on a daily basis. Charo eats them frequently. So I’ve prepared them many times――

– Oh, I see.

–  …in that case, I’ll prepare them.

– Ah, wait a moment?

– …what?

Hayato calling her out, Emilia stopped her feet.

– There is still another cup of soba inside the bag, isn’t it? I thought about calling Touka. I can’t imagine her preparing soba by herself.

– …muu

Emilia pouted her lips while continuing her words.

– Well, it’s okay if Hayato would like to do so.

– Then, I’ll call her.

When Hayato contacted her on the PDA, Touka came right away.

It seems that she’s been practicing until the end, she has just ended.

– Even if it’s New Year’s Eve, you are carefully practicing, huh?

– Unlike Shinshishō and the others, I’m still training by myself.

Saying that, she drops her back on the sofa. On the television, end of the year scenes in various places were flowing.

(Come to think of it, I won’t be able to hear the jayanokane* this year…)

Hayato thinks that at the same time the spectacle of the end of the year at Yamato is projected.

Somehow, he feels a bit lonely.

After the news ended, the opening of the popular song program is transmitted.

– Hey, it started!

Hayato spoke spontaneously. Thereupon, holding in her hand the cup of soba, Emilia comes back.

– I made it just in time. I’ve just finished putting in the boiled water. It’s hot! Did Karen-chan appear?

Emilia asks, and puts the cup noodles in front of Hayato’s eyes.

– No, not yet but…, ah!!

Looking at Karen coming down the stairs alongside Sakura, Hayato’s eyes shone.

– Hey, Emilia! It’s Karen! Karen has appeared!

– I can understand that much by looking at you. With that said, you are over excited. Hayato… really, is like a father.

– That’s good enough. I will with all my power stop any man that approaches Karen!

– Good grief, what are you talking about…

Continuing, Emilia brings the portion of soba to Touka and another portion to herself.

– Almost three minutes have passed, right? They are almost ready.

Emilia opens the lid. Subsequently Hayato and Touka also opened the lid.

What jumps into their sight along with the steam is, the delicious-looking shrimp and vegetable fritters mounted on the soba. As soon as she saw it, Touka said.

– This seems to be really delicious, don’t you think? It is my first time eating soba since I came to Little Garden.

– If you are eating in the middle of the song of Karen-chan, Hayato’s excitement will make him spill it, so don’t eat quickly.

– I know that.

Although saying so, Hayato was concerned that Karen would appear again soon, then he couldn’t remove the eyes from the TV.

Then after a while――

While viewing the popular song program, after they ate all of the soba of New Year’s Eve.

– Haa, I ate too much…

Emilia is very satisfied. Although he understand the impression by the nuance of that voice, Hayato asked just in case.

– What is your first impression of the soba?

– Ramen in comparison to udon, it’s something where you have to slurp like *ZUZUZU* to eat it. In addition to that it was interesting and very, very delicious! Is it the same for Hayato?

– Same, it was delicious. When I eat this, I feel like I’m really having a New Year’s Eve.

– Me too.

Following Hayato, Touka said.

– Is that so? I’m glad that both of you are pleasured with it.

Emilia smiled as she heard the impression of Hayato and Touka.

– …that’s why I would like to thank Charo for this… but there was that…

Emilia sharpened her lips and speaks in dissatisfaction.

That is of course, the letter and the small box.

– What is that, I wonder?

– No, I’m talking to myself. Don’t worry about it.

– Ah, sure…

Hayato thinks that it’s good that Touka was there now. If he was with Emilia alone, they would have been strangely conscious.

There is no mistake that it can’t be helped to be worried about the small box that is in her pocket. For the time being, Hayato decided to change the conversation to avoid further questions of Touka.

– Apart from that, is Karen and Sakura’s turn yet?

– Wait a moment.

When Emilia operates the remote control of the television, the display screen of the program becomes smaller, and the singing order is displayed next to it.

– Oh, it seems that the turn will come in a bit. There’s a fifteen minute news break after this, and it looks like the second half of the round is immediately after that.

– They were told to use their Hundred, so it may take time to prepare the stage.

– That’s why they are after the news.

The music program is interrupted, and the news program starts to stream.

– Ah! Gudenburg!

At the same time that the hometown appears on the screen of the monitor, Emilia raised her voice.

Fireworks launched at the moment of the end of the year and images of the people who are delighted with the New Year in front of the royal palace are displayed.

– You, really didn’t have to go back to your country?

– Otou-sama told me that I have to try my best towards the tournament now. His physical condition is stable now, and thus I saw his face in the news.

Emilia smiled when she saw the figure on the terrace of the royal palace and looked at the king’s hand waving for the people.

– Nevertheless, you should call him. I think that he will surely be pleased.

– Yup, I know.

– Which reminds me, Touka, have you contacted your foster parents and Shishō?

– Of course. I’ve called Yui-san a while ago.

– I see.

Because of Touka’s serious character, then it means that such a place seems to be reliable.

At the end of the news, that moment came at last.

– He, hey… It’s Karen’s turn. Will she do it well, I wonder?

Hayato was already feeling uneasy.

– It’s been a while since she started singing, is she going to be all right stepping on the experiences as it is?

– …how to say it, I think that Hayato is probably more nervous.

– Is, is that so?

– That looks to me.

Emilia shows a facial expression like being amazed.

Hayato looked at Karen projected on the monitor.

At the moment she left Little Garden [It seems that hundreds of millions of people watch the program at the same time… Uuu～, I feel nervou～s] Karen seems to be dependable, even though she said that.

Together with Sakura she is doing a light talk with the host of the program. It cannot be compared with the time of the school festival. It seems that she is determined to be a pro with this.

– Look, it’s as you said.

– R- right…

The palpitations of Hayato’s heart still can’t be settled.

And finally, the moment to sing has come. Seems like Sakura is going to sing first. On the pitch dark stage, the figure of Kirishima Sakura wrapped in a pink costume is displayed.

[Now, there is little left to this year, everyone! Let’s enjoy a little more of this New Year’s Eve in the remaining hour!]

When Sakura called out the audience seating, the intro of the song flowed out, and the stage was gorgeously colored. Due to her singing voice, the atmosphere in the audience seats changes instantly.

– As expected of the so called Oriental Wizard, huh…

– Certainly as expected, isn’t it? I don’t understand the songs that well but I can see that it’s amazing.

– Yup.

Both Emilia and Touka were interested.

The stage of Kirishima Sakura has not a single imperfection, it was flawless.

She manipulated her field type Hundred <<Spinning Fairy Tale>> Fairy Fairy Tale and sang while switching costumes and stages one after another. Naturally during that, great cheers wrap her up.

That’s why Hayato was worried about Karen who is the next one.

(Really that Karen, is she okay, I wonder?)

Hayato had heard that Karen singing is her debut song.

However, the play has started――

Christmas Day.

A girl in pajamas is lying in a dirty bed in a small room.

It’s Karen.

Her dream is to become something like the singer she admires.

What she wishes for are lovely costumes and a microphone.

She wants a piano to make songs.

It doesn’t have to be an expensive piano.

It doesn’t matter if the keyboard is small.

But, she knows that she can’t have such things.

There is no Santa Claus.

She will not come to a poor house.

At midnight, she was singing to the silver world outside the window.

Then――

*SHAN* *SHAN*, the sound of the bell began to echo.

What appeared from the night sky where the snow flutter down is Santa Claus who was riding her reindeers.

It’s Sakura.

It looks like she is packed with cotton inside the costume.

The body was big and it could be seen on a white beard until her chin.

Rising the index finger towards the audience seats that were leaking out a laughter with a *Shhh* to calm them down, Sakura Santa turns her eyes once again to Karen. Sakura Santa went to Karen who is inside the room, and stopped the sleigh in front of the window.

– Your songs, were very wonderful. As my expression of gratitude, I will grant you your dream.

By the magic of Sakura who wore the appearance of Santa, the pajamas worn by Karen, the young lady, shows a transformation into a pretty costume of Idol style.

At the same time, her bed changed to a gorgeous stage. She runs up on the stage, while turning her lovely skirt.

Therefore, a melody flows out. It’s Karen’s debut song. Matching to that melody, Karen sings.

It’s a singing with a sense of stability that no longer seems to belong to a newcomer. Everyone in the audience seats are falling in love. That stage performance is also magnificent. As expected of the protégée of Kirishima Sakura.

Everyone thought that it was enough to call her <<Little Garden’s Little Witch>> Little Little Witch.

As soon as the song finished, the stage turned pitch dark again. The spotlight illuminates where Karen is standing on the bed.

The clothing was also back to the original pajamas.

It’s the end of a momentary dream.

Karen said, towards Sakura Santa outside the window.

– Santa Claus was really here. Thank you. I was very happy. But――

Karen shows a sad expression.

– What is it?

– I want to sing even more.

She knows that it is a selfish wish of hers.

Still, she couldn’t help but feel desire.

– Is that so? Your song surpassed my imagination by far, and it was wonderful. So let me help you.

Santa throws off her costume. What it came out from that is the singer that she admires

It’s Kirishima Sakura――

She reached for Karen and said.

– Sing with me this time.

When Karen picked up her hand and stood up, the shabby room seemed to change once again into a stage. The cocktail light on the ceiling glows and the intro of the song started to play.

Karen and Sakura sang the debut song as a band within the reverberating great cheers.

– It looked like a musical, it was awesome, isn’t it?

Emilia said at the moment the duo ended their song. When they look at the screen of the TV, it shows the clapping hands of the people in the audience seats, with all of them standing.

– Is that so? I’m glad…

With this, Karen’s turn should be over.

Hayato who breathed with a *Fuu*, said so leaning his back in the chair, completely exhausted.

– What’s that reaction!? Were you not listening to their song?

– I was so worried that Karen won’t be flustered, that the songs and their content didn’t come into my mind at all.

– Good grief… If that’s the case, then you should watch the recording later.

– Oh! You are right.

Sakura and Karen disappear from the stage while waving their hands. The climax of the show, was the apparition of the two of them. Then, a chorus of the official theme of the program with all of participants. And that, marked the end of the show.

– Thirty minutes to New Year…

Turning off the TV, Hayato muttered.

Seeing her, Touka is asleep lying down on the sofa.

He guessed that it might be due to the today’s training, so it can’t be helped.

– Put this on her.

– Gotcha.

Hayato puts the sheet that Emilia has presented to him to Touka. The room has become silent. Emilia is siting before his eyes.

(Damn it! It wasn’t a good idea to turn off the TV…)

Touka is asleep, so practically in the room there are just the two of them.

He guesses that there is also one reason for the program to start.

*DOKUN* *DOKUN* the reverberating sound from inside his chest, it’s bigger and faster than usual.

– Say, Hayato.

– Eh, wh- what is it…?

– What’s wrong, why are you flustered like that?

– Eh? Not at all, I’m not flustered. Forget that. What’s the matter?

– Are we not going to see the fireworks on the terrace soon? If so, I think we can see them well there.

– Oh, is that so…? Fireworks…?

He remembered being told. In the moment of the New Year, fireworks will be launched even from Gudenburg.

– And? Will we not go?

– No, let’s go.

Hayato stands up from the chair. It’s OK even if he sees Karen and Sakura’s turn again afterwards. There is only this moment that he can see the fireworks of New Year’s moment with his own eyes.

– What about Touka?

– She is sound asleep, so I don’t want to wake her up to put her on the bed. Let’s go, only us.

– O-okay…

The mobile terrace is wider than they imagined, it’s as extensive as the room of the dorm.

Following Emilia who appeared first on the terrace, Hayato also went out to the terrace. Little Garden is currently sailing to the northern hemisphere.

―― In other words, it’s winter now.

Nevertheless, Little Garden is surrounded by Tempered Glass and because it has its own air conditioning management system it’s cold compared to the summer, but not too much.

It is a bit chilly.

– That’s right, I’ll get something to drink. Which one do you want, warm or cold?

– I guess a warm one is fine, right?

Immediately after Hayato answered.

– Kisaragi Hayato! Moreover, if it isn’t Emilia Hermit no!

Hayato turns his eyes to the direction of the voice that he heard. He saw the figure of a girl wearing a red uniform on the terrace of a big house at a distance around 100 meters from this place.

Student Council President of Little Garden, Claire Harvey.

In the next following ten seconds, Hayato’s PDA rang. Of course it’s an incoming call from Claire…

[Both of you, what is the reason for being in a place like that by yourselves desuno?]

– Well, that… Emilia invited me to spend the New Year together…

[A few hours ago, Charlotte Dimandius was in the laboratory. Is she back at home now masuno?]

– Err, well…

Hayato decided to answer frankly, if he tells a lie, he thought that he will be exposed sooner or later.

– In a story I heard from Emilia, it seems she is having the New Year in the laboratory.

[That is correct desuno]

Claire, who heard the answer, laughed daringly with a *FUFUFU*.

[So in other words that means that there are just the two of you now desuwane?]

Of course Hayato realized that Claire’s voice was trembling slightly with anger.

– You see, that…. There’s Touka at home, but she is sleeping now…

[Get out from there now and come to my house]

Claire said to stop Hayato’s excuse.

– Huh?

[There is no problem if Emilia Hermit comes with you]

– Hayato, what is it with Prez?

Asks Emilia being next to him.

– To go with you to her house.

– …Eh?

[As I am saying, it is fine for you to come desuwa. This is an order from the President]

There is no need to discuss about what to do. There is no choice but to go.

At any rate, it’s the President’s order. Emilia should understand that as well. She admitted obediently to comply with Claire’s order. Anyhow, in this situation, Hayato being with those two, he won’t be able to do romantic things on New Year anyway.

That is obvious.

With Claire now their numbers are three and although their plans differ, it’s better to avoid an important event of passing a New Year together, if you think about it.

– You can sit there.

Hayato and Emilia.

The terrace of Claire’s residence visited by them had a sense of life with plenty of things placed, such as chairs and desks, compared to the terrace of Charlotte’s mansion.

As instructed by Claire, Hayato sits down on the Montmartre chair that is colored the same as the white round table and placed on the side of it.

– Emilia Hermit. Being at home, the dress you are wearing is pretty cute masuwane.

– Ehehe, you think so?

– … you are, really.

Claire placed tea utensils in front of Emilia who is laughing as if misleading.

Continues with Hayato at the front.

And finally putting in front of her, she makes black tea.

– Please have a drink.

Along with those words, Claire also sat on a chair. Hayato, in accordance with the recommendation, tasted the black tea in the cup that was poured in.

– It has a ginger-like taste.

– It is to warm your body masuwayo.

Certainly, as Claire says, the more he drinks, the more he feels like his body gets warm from within.

– It’s a little bitter for me. I’m going to put sugar in it.

Saying that, Emilia stood up trying to pick up the sugar.

– Ah…!

At the same time, Emilia muttered Damn it!

With a *KATAN*, the floor of the terrace made a noise under the table.

That thing had fallen from Emilia’s pocket.

If that wasn’t enough bad luck already, after that bounced once on the floor, it stopped moving at the feet of Claire.

– …what was that?

While sitting in the chair, Claire picks up the little box that rolled under her feet and brings it in front of her.

In an instant, her face got dyed in bright red.

– Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-what is this desuno!?

After Claire hits the box on the desk, she also strikes the desk with her hand.

*GACCHARI* the tea utensils made a noise.

– Emilia Hermit, explain this at once!

Emilia, with her face dyed in deep red, answers lowering her head.

– …Hayato, I must absolutely tell her…

– Wha, what are you…

Claire is upset.

Looking at that figure, she loosened her mouth, broadly grinning to the extent that it’s not noticed, and Emilia continued.

– So, I thought that I should be prepared in this way…

With those words, the aim of attack moves completely from Emilia to Hayato.

Hayato’s spine turned cold due to the sharp eyes pointing at him.

– KI-SA-RA-GI HA-YA-TO…

– No, please wait a moment. Hey, Emilia. Please stop this joke! The President is seriously going to do it!

– Hahaha. It was so amusing to tease her.

– …A joke you say? What do you mean, could you explain it to me masu?

– The thing is, Dr. Charlotte prepared this thing to make fun of me and Emilia.

Following Hayato, Emilia also explains.

– That’s right, it’s just as Hayato said. Charo prepared this joke to make fun of us. If anything, ask Charo. We are not lying.

– So it is like that desuno. Good grief, Dr. Charlotte, doing stupid games…

Saying that, Claire took the box and put it in the pocket of her jacket. Looking at that, Emilia shouted.

– Ah, what are you doing!?

– Confiscated desuwa.

– Eeeeeeh.

– There are things that you will regret desu. Students do not need to use such things, don’t you agree?

– In short, you are going to make use of the “use for princess’s first time”!?

– Do not say such a thing as if it was a joke too!

Claire hit the table with both hands this time.

– Anyway, this is confiscated―― I will not return it. This is the President’s… no, it’s an order as the Captain of Little Garden desuwa.

Claire declared so in that place.

Due to the change that occurred in the sky, the line of sight of Hayato and the others is directed to the sky.

– It seems like we are 10 minutes to finish this year.

Who said that? It is Emilia.

– Looks like it.

Hayato’s eyes answered, turning towards the series of numbers projected on the top of Little Garden.

[9:42]

The countdown to New Year has started.

– Hayato… how was this year for you?

Asks Emilia.

Thinking for a little, Hayato answers.

– …to be honest, there are so many things that I don’t know how to express it somehow. But, Karen’s body has gotten better, and I was able to see you again, so I think that it was really good to come to Little Garden.

– It was really good to come to Little Garden… huh? If you summarize your first year like that, then I am very happy desuwane.

– How was the past year for the Prez?

– …eh, to me desuno?

– Yup, these kind of things won’t be easily heard.

–  You, you are right desuwane…

A glance.

Claire points her eyes to Hayato.

In that moment, among the encounters with him, the incidents up to now have been called from her mind.

Her breast being rubbed in the duel at the arena.

Seen naked at the time of <<Operation: Bird in Cage>>.

The thing of being kissed to defeat the Dragonfly type.

Along with that, her face was blushing very fast.

– …Prez? What’s wrong?

– Eh? Ah… that…since you entered the school, it is not an exaggeration to say that it was really like a rollercoaster*. Since the establishment of Little Garden, there has never been so many fights one after another――

– Indeed. There were things like the incident with the terrorists and the Third Attack.

– Yeah…

Looking at Hayato’s understanding, Claire felt relieved. It is because he didn’t see what she was thinking.

Three minutes to leave behind this year.

Emilia mutters while watching the countdown.

– I hope that we don’t have a big incident or a Savage invasion next year.

– …however, at the beginning of the year there is the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>>. Many statements have already been issued from organizations opposing the advance of the humanity to the space like the opposing groups and the anti-Slayers organizations, etc. That is, according to the circumstances, tough measures may come out――

– In other words, terrorism or the like may rise?

– Correct, it is as you say desuwa.

Hayato answers with a meek expression.

The ability of the Slayers is not used for human conflict.

It is used to protect humans.

She is constantly saying that.

That is why the fight against the terrorist organizations should be avoided if possible. But the world will not allow it.

Not only Vitaly’s raid, but also the terrorist attacks by anti-Slayer groups also occurred during the Third Attack, moreover, Fritz and Latia were involved in that.

Hayato never met him directly, but the Slayer that Latia was yearning for, a Slayer of Warslan, died.

That’s something that certainly could have been happened to Hayato.

If he made a mistake, there is a possibility of encountering a terrorist, the chance of killing it with his hands, the probability of death of an important person, as well as the possibility of himself to die.

(In case that happens, can people kill me?)

I don’t know.

Even though my life have fallen into crisis. But those moments weren’t situations where my life could be something like snatched away.

…but.

In order to live.

To protect important people.

The time may come before long where I won’t be able to accomplish it.

At that time――

– It appears that the year has ended.

Fireworks are rising in the sky making sounds.

Hayato, Emilia and Claire stood up from their chairs, approaching the side of the fence installed surrounding the terrace to look at the fireworks.

– Hayato, Prez. Happy New Year.

– Happy New Year..

– Happy New Year to you too masuwa. I look forward to your success this year masuwa. I will be under your care masuwane.

– Yup, please treat me well.

– I look forward to working with you.

Starting with Emilia, Hayato and company exchanged New Year’s greetings with the fireworks at their back, and shook their hands.

– Now that the greetings are done, this marks the beginning of the New Year. Although we just looked back at the year that have just passed, would you like for you two tell your goals for this year at once?

– The goals for this year, you say…?

Hayato starts thinking if there’s anything.

– Is there anything wrong?

– Well…

The answer came out faster than he thought.

– Next year, both Emilia and President―― as well as the others, I hope to have an enjoyable New Year together with everyone.

– Hayato, you say good things. If that’s the case, then it’s the same for me.

Claire who heard the answers from both of them unintentionally smiled.

– In that case, I will do the same masuwa.

– Eh? The President won’t go for the victory at the <<World Martial Arts Tournament>>?

– That is something different masuwayo. Of course, I am aiming for the championship but――

Then, with their shoulders lined up side by side, they were staring at the fireworks of the New Year coloring the night sky.

ーー A HAPPY NEW YEAR ーー*

Three days passed since the beginning of the year.

Karen and Sakura came back to Little Garden.

Giving their greetings three days late, they eat osechi and ozoni that both of them have prepared*.

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