And then, just as I was planning to strip the boss of all his clothes, my wireless peeped, even though the timing sure was cruel.

Indra! Just what are you doin!?

Tsk. Sword, huh?

The number you have dialed is currently not in use.

What are you blatherin bout, you moron!? One of your classmates visited me cause they were worried bout you! Your in the middle of torturin, arent you!? Ryoku, is this the place!?

Tsk. Ryoku, you betrayed me?

Its all fine. Ive healed up everything. Besides, they said its a welcome party. It looks like you keep pushing hot irons on people at the welcome parties around here. Since I was taught so, I just tried it out myself. Ive been just affirming my friendship with everyone!

Youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu idiot!!!

I was told, just for the sake of it.

Haah.

I dropped my shoulders, feeling disappointed.

No choice. It looks like were going to break up the welcome party at this point. Its extremely saddening, dont you guys think so as well?

Everyone felt lonely as obvious from their crying.

Youre totally right. Im sad as well. But, it cant be helped. After all, SwordInstructor Sword is strong, so we cant go against him. Okay, lets go then, shall we?

When I opened the door while feeling dejected, I ran into Sword standing there dauntingly. And at once, I received an iron claw!!

Gyaa!

N-O-W L-I-S-T-E-N!

Look, they told me that they want to hold a welcome party for me! And they taught me what a welcome party was about! Its not my fault! Right, you guys?

Once I sought the agreement of the boys, who streamed out of the classroom while crying, they got startled, just to immediately nod while quivering.

Well, you guys got your just deserts. You can be happy that you didnt die after messin with Indra.

The boys became ghastly pale upon Swords murmur.

It had been decided that Id stay at the boys dormitory. Just for sleeping!

I exchanged the sheets and everything else with my own stuff, and cast sterilization, cleaning, and sweeping magic on the room. It looked like I was sharing my room with another boy, but since he was out to class when I was taught about welcoming parties, it should be safe. I think. Maybe?

I took a bath in Char and ate dinner, and when I returned to the room after receiving Swords sermon, my roommate was present.

You were safe, it seems, he told me with relief coloring his face.

Safe? In regards to?

Eh?

We stared at each other. Not romantically, however.

You werent called out by Viscount Yearner and his friends?

.I see, so this guy tattled on me to Sword, eh?

Yeah, they held a welcome party for me. I enjoyed it since they came up with some nifty stuff. SwordInstructor Sword stopped it, though.

Eh?

We stared at each other once more.

I love such elaborate welcome parties. You might have troubled Instructor Sword with it as you misunderstood something, but such things dont apply to me. You can inform him when another child gets invited to a welcome party. Ah, I wouldnt mind accepting the invitation in their stead, though, I said with a broad grin.

In response, he got all timid, A-Aahh, I see. Sorry. I did something unnecessary.

You intended to be helpful, right? So you dont really need to apologize to me. But, Id be grateful if you could stop relying on Instructor Sword when it comes to matters concerning me. That instructor is quite strict, so Ill suffer a fairly harsh punishment. I can endure his punishments easily, but anyone else would break if they were punished in the same way, you know?

Eh?

He, who initially interjected with Eh?, also ended the conversation with Eh?

On the next day nothing happened to me, although the boss boy had apparently filed a complaint about me. I hear he was told that there was no proof as he was completely unhurt on top of the other boys all saying that nothing happened.

How boring~

The usual procedure would be me ending up stuck in an inescapable situation after getting framed with false accusations!

Thats so dull. Hey, couldnt you have put in a bit more effort in your complaint? I couldnt even get my fill of joy out of this, you know? The standard for situations like this would be me getting caught in a dilemma after being falsely accused of a crime by you, wouldnt it?

Once I bickered with the boss, the boys with him all furiously shook their heads.

Nothing happened!!

They said

By the way, these guys have started to address me with Sir Indra, and would greet me with a knights bow whenever they ran into me. But honestly, I dont need any of that. Rather, Id prefer it if they were to underestimate me and pick a fight.

Those arent any false charges! Do you have any awareness of what you did!? The boss flared up at me.

What, compared to what you guys have done until now, my actions could very well be labeled as gentle stroking of your cheeks. I mean, youve never considered your actions towards commoners as wrong up until now, have you? I let you go while even patching you up properly, so I believe Ive been much gentler with you than you had been with your past victims, dont you think?

Once I told him so with a broad grin, he shuddered with fear written all over his face.

Dont be so afraid. Youre the only one whose mind didnt break. Ill admit that youve got some backbone. Hence, let me have a lot more fun, okay?

Give me a fucking break! Like hell Im going to come anywhere close to you! He screamed just like a little brat and ran away.

How boring~

Once I enjoyed myself a bit, I got scolded by Sword.

Hey? Cant you understand my feelings of wantin to quickly find out the intention n truth behind this case?

My temples were ground again.

I know, I know. But, its been just a few days so far, no? The Ryokus and I are properly searching. The map of the academy and its surroundings is completely done. There are several suspicious places, but there are no hints of shady ceremonies being performed at any of those.

Nothing. Absolutely and utterly nothing. So dull.

Thats why Ill pep up things from my side!

Well, it might be difficult for the other side to move about after weve come here. In the meantime, Ill take over the control of this academy as the strongest. Ill become the strongest of Suzuran! Ouch! 1

I received a fist the instant I declared my determination. Why!?

Im reeeally envious of your ability to amuse yourself so easily under any circumstances.

Sword acted envious while his face made it very clear that he didnt feel so in the slightest.

While stroking my own head, I asked him instead, Are you alright? Your side is a lot more worrisome than mine. Itd be fine for you to also let loose as you want, but if you act so obediently, itll only invite the nobles to take advantage of you. Dont allow the likes of nobles to push you around as they please. Youre much better than them, in every aspect.

He hugged and caressed me.

Im pretty sure itd have been lots of fun to be with you back when I was allowed into this academy as a student.

When he was allowed into this academy? Ah, he means what he mentioned beforeback when the royal prince pulled some strings, huh?

If you were a student, youd have competed with me for the seat of strongest!

When I told him so, he responded, Nah, I got no interest in somethin like that, with his Dont confuse me with you face.

What was that!?

Every man wishes to be the strongest, no!?

Dont make up rules as you please. Also, you seem to forget, but your a girl.

Baaah Even though its always Sword who forgets about me being a girl!