One more round!

My voice resounds loudly in my own dorm room.

One more, one more round! I was just about to win! I let my guard down in the early game. Theres no way I would lose

Alright, shut up. Leon. You may come in.

Oh, is it over?

Surfania disregards my complaints, and beckons Leon inside.

She probably discussed this with the maid earlier. It seems that Leon was waiting for her signal.

It is. Take this seventeen year old girl with the mind of a five-year-old with you. Its this fool were dealing with, so dont let her run away, ever.

Okay, okay.

Seeing that I couldnt take back my loss, I was about to turn around and run when Leon performs a neck hold from behind me.

She read my intentions. But theres no way Ill give up just from being restrained. I am a nimble lady.

Stop that, you worthless fool! Do you think Ill take this from you?! I am the daughter of the Noir house! Do you think its okay for a commoner such as you to touch me as you please?!

Huh

For someone with no backing like Leon, I can simply tear him to shreds with my authority.

But he doesnt seem to be afraid of my n.o.ble status. In fact, his tone is a happy one.

As you say, a commoner like me would be thrown in jail along with my family. I would probably be expelled from school. My parents would lose their jobs, and my entire family would be driven to their wits end. My future would be so dark.

Thats right. If you know that, then let me go. Ill be lenient and forgive you.

Yeah, yeah. Well? Do you have the intention to destroy my life, Christina?

Is that all you have to say?!

I scream at Leon, whos flaunting his own weakness.

When did he learn to use such despicable reasoning? I look at him with disbelief, and he simply shows his enjoyment through his smile.

Youre a good person, Christina. You wouldnt do anything like that. I know you wont.

Shut up! Do you have no pride?! Besides, Im the villainess, so doing that is a simple matter to me, you know?!

Yeah yeah. So whats up with being the villainess?

She probably made that up anyway. It was mostly as I expected.

You lost to Surfania after making a bet, right? So stay still. You probably got spurred on and agreed to the bet with your own conditions anyway.

I-I didnt I mean, I lost, but that was the first round, right?! Also, what do you mean, I got spurred on?!

Wow. Christina, you lost to Michelie AND Surfania in the span of one day.

Ill kill you Leon!

Im howling at Leon who jeered at me childishly.

I lost the debate to Michelie because of Mariwa, and I lost the board game to Surfania because of the early game. Having played with her so many times, almost all of the games were a sure win for me. I wont let this single defeat ruin me.

Just a little more, and I would have won!

You were always bad when it came to betting during an important time, Christina. And its so easy to emotionally manipulate you.

This is truly unsightly, flaunting the victories you had as a child. Thats exactly what a child would say.

You look like youre having fun, Surfania.

Oh, but of course.

Ignoring my complaints, Surfania opens the door and leads the way while humming almost happily.

We took three whole years, including our investigations and preparations. Thanks to that, I was able to see Chris behave in such an unsightly manner. Theres no way I cant enjoy this.

Wow. Youre beyond crooked.

Just let me go!

With Surfania leading the way, Leon is dragging me down the hallway while Im wildly thras.h.i.+ng about.

At this rate, Ill be brought before Mariwa. If I dont stop them now, Ill be in grave danger.

Dammit! Youre a guy, Leon. Dont come into the girls dormitory!

Youre telling me this now. Obviously I already have permission to be here.

Thats right. I even invite him to my room sometimes. Youre such a slow person.

Surfania! Youre being called a villainess because you do such stupid things like inviting a guy to your room!

Hey, stop being so chaste. Im just visiting as a friend.

Were going down the stairs from the third floor as Im desperately struggling in vain. Were almost at the exit. Once we leave the dormitory, Mariwa probably wont be too far away from us.

What have I done to Mariwa that I should apologize to her anyway? Nothing? Then I shouldnt have to apologize!

Then you should have no problem showing yourself in front of Miss Toinette. How great. You should stand proud.

Thats not the point!

Haha! This rowdiness reminds me of the time when we used to gather in the old church. It takes me back.

Yes. So lets go and meet Miss Toinette. Only then will our reunion be complete.

S-stop Let go!

Someone help me. Ill be sent to h.e.l.l at this rate. I didnt do anything wrong, I havent even saved Michelie yet, and Im about to be plunged to the depths of h.e.l.l. Someone help me before that happens.

Were still in the dormitory of the Academy. I have henchmen here. There should be no lack of talented people I can depend on for help.

I look around desperately trying to find someone I know.

L-Lady Christina?

I fall into despair upon seeing the only person I know.

What in the world is going on?

The one who approaches timidly as Im being dragged by the neck is Freesia.

Why is it Freesia out of all the people I know? I look around once again, but theres no one else.

Surfania mumbles as she looks at the girl with two locks of curled golden hair.

Oh my, isnt that Chris Number Two?

What do you mean, Chris Number Two?!

I shout in response to the unexpected remark.

I never expected anyone to think that Freesia and I were one and the same. I lost to Michelie at the debate, and lost to Surfania at the board game, but this was the most hurtful compared to everything else that happened today.

N-no way, Lady Christina Number Two

In contrast to my utter shock, Freesias face is turning red in embarra.s.sment.

Surfania sulks and frowns when she sees her reaction.

Thats strange. Im pleased at having seen the epitome of idiocy.

I for one feel really hurt.

I see. Thats great.

Surfania looks even more satisfied from hurting me. Leon chimes in from the side.

Lady Istar. I think you can tell just by looking, but these two are much friendlier than the rumors portray them to be. Were just having fun. So dont worry about it.

Huh? Um, is that true?

Freesia, dont be fooled by them. Theyre bad guys without a doubt. Dont ask or say anything, just call Rona or Catalina here.

O-okay. I underst

Hold on a minute.

Eep!

Surfania cuts her off coolly, causing the timid Freesia to tremble in shock.

Her looks are already cold, so she can intimidate people just by using her appearance.

If youre feeling unsafe that were dragging Chris away alone, then theres no need for you to call anyone.

Surfania looks like a flash of inspiration struck her. Insecurity is rising within me. Im definitely sure shes going to say something drastic.

H-hey, Surfania. What are you

You can just come along. Then it will be two on two, right?

Ah, that sounds good as well!

Surfania, will you please?!

Shes cornering me at every move. Freesia seems excited for some reason, shrieking in delight at Surfanias proposal.