Little Garden is floating on the Atlantic Ocean.
Therefore, it’s around 2 hours of distance in helicopter to the Asgard State in the western part of Liberia where the house of the Harvey family is located.
On the very same day Hayato, Liza and Claire had lunch.
And together with Chris who decided to join later, they took a transport helicopter of Little Garden and headed to the house of the Harvey family.
– Once the helicopter lands in the residence, I won’t be needed at all…
He was told that there’s a heliport in the garden of the house of the Harvey family.
If that’s the case, then they didn’t need a bodyguard.
– Our house is in the forest. It’s possible that there might be terrorists who are against the Lunaltia Project with anti-aircraft rockets ready to attack hidden somewhere, don’t you agree?
Liza said so, sitting in the front seat.
She was trying to bend herself forward from her seat when she said so.
– But if it’s against that, then surely Liza-san and the president can…
– That conversation isn’t to my taste, so why don’t we change the topic?
She suddenly changed the conversation.
It seems she dodged the subject.
– Then, what do you want to talk about?
He was suddenly troubled and rejected.
In the end, the thing he thought over to talk was something that popped into his head.
– That reminds me, about that thing of Yamato…
– Do you mean, the story about why I was over there?
– That’s right.
Somehow or other, she sympathized with him.
– When I heard that you were going to Yamato, I wanted to go too. For that reason, I followed you.
– Even so, kissing Kisaragi Karen, so you can transfer a part of your energy to her, your way of doing it was preposterous masuwa.
Sitting on the other side of the aisle, Claire said as if she was exasperated.
Both Claire and Hayato already know that since they heard it from Karen.
– Since she kissed what you call a mass of energy, then that pretty much doesn’t count, no?
Hayato remembered what Charlotte was saying, looking at the figure of Liza who was laughing with a *Fufu* while saying so.
『Although she looks like a child, Liza is craftier than you guys. Be warned』
She can’t be more correct.
– Err… umm, oh right!
In the story of the kiss, Hayato also remembered what he was trying to ask from before.
– … which reminds me, Karen said this. That during the Gardens Festa, she got her powers when she was kissed by Liza-san. Thanks to that, she was able to walk——. That being the case, I haven’t give my thanks to Liza-san properly——
– That’s correct…. At that time, I gave my power to Karen-chan as I gave it to you. Because I thought it was the best to protect Little Garden. But——
Liza continues speaking.
– Karen-chan became able to walk thanks to the treatment of Charlotte and the strength of her own heart. In the end, my power was nothing more than an impetus. Besides, since you and I are both Variant, Charlotte also guessed that she would also become a Slayer.
– Eh…?
– What is it?
– I comprehend that is thanks to the treatment of Dr. Charlotte, but that is “thanks to my power…”?
– By being in the same space, her resistance to the Variant Virus variated, and like you, the Variant Virus that mutated in your body, has also affected Kisaragi Karen. In your case, you have had many direct contacts, right?
– Di-direct contact, you say…?
– A kiss in the forehead, for example.
Slipping out an obscene smile, Liza continued.
– Kisaragi Karen wished for that to happen, and well, it was a favor towards you. But, that’s not all. That was also wanted by the Variant Virus that mutated due to the antibodies that are in your body. And the people who are closer to that type of Variant Virus are the ones who will be particularly affected. You are beyond the ordinary men, making you popular with women. With the Slayers, in particular. Have you heard something like that from Charlotte, I wonder?
– Well, a little…
Hayato smiles bitterly.
– … but, I’ll tell you something good.
– Something good? What would that be?
– You aren’t just popular. Since you came here, I have been watching you constantly, and that’s what I understood. Even I think that you are someone wonderful.
– Wh-whoa, Liza-san!?
Hayato is bewildered, as Liza sits on his knees and strokes his head.
At any rate, she’s very light.
As expected of a child.
– … Liza. Stop teasing Kisaragi Hayato.
– I’m sorry, I ended up angering Claire.
Liza shows a jesting-like expression to Claire who’s showing irritation.
The helicopter starts to descend.
And——.
Asgard district of the United States of Liberia.
It landed at the heliport in the residence of the Harvey family.
Early afternoon of the same day when Hayato headed towards Claire’s house.
– Puhaa!
Latia took out her face from the sea surface on the side of the deck of Little Garden, removed the helmet of the space suit and took a big deep breath.
– Oh! Latia. How was it?
It was Fritz who called out her while looking down at her from the top of the deck.
– Nothing interesting. I was pretty bored. I had to spend more than six hours in a simple, narrow room by myself. Since you finished earlier, you could have let me know.
– If I had told you, then this wouldn’t be an experiment, right?
– Hahaha, I agree with Fritz.
Charlotte approached them while laughing.
She also looked down at Latia from the deck and continued her words.
– This is also an experiment to see if you can spend your time in space. Let’s say that this is a mental check carried in a closed facility.
– Is that even a thing?
Finally, Latia, who was deceived with her training, seemed to understand what was imposed on her.
– You’ve got a pass. You were able to escape in time without being impatient. Congrats, Latia Saint-Émillion.
– Still, I was surprised when the alarm rang in the middle of it. The water suddenly came in, and I was told that this space suit that I’m wearing was more than heavy…
– Because we don’t know what’ll happen in the space, we had no choice but to create a state of emergency. Now, we will pull you up, so hold the cord strongly and please don’t move.
– Got it.
What was thrown into the water is a cord with a metal ring on the tip. By connecting it to the belt of the space suit, Latia is pulled up from underwater.
– Ah, the experiment of Latia is over? How was it?
Shuemei and Noah got closer as they were saying so.
– She passed. We are pulling her up right now.
When Charlotte replies, the machine starts to move and lifts Latia.
– Wow, it looks heavy.
Noah gave a loud voice, seeing Latia who’s being pulled up to the deck.
– Yeah, as you can see, the space suit is quite heavy. But, on the lunar surface, it won’t feel that heavy.
– But not that the space suit wasn’t necessary at Lunaltia Base?
That was the question of Shuemei.
She learned in class that due to the existence of oxygen supply system and gravity control system, the situation there is almost the same as the Earth.
– Exactly. It reacts with the Variant Virus by injecting microparticles containing oxygen into the blood. Furthermore, researches are progressing, making possible to move for up to an hour in outer space. We are also planning to encapsulate the microparticles to make them easier to use, and we plan to put it into practical use once Lunaltia Base is operational.
– Then, now, and just as Shuemei has said, it’s unnecessary to train with the space suit?
Latia, who ascended to the deck, said.
She’s now wiping her hair with the towel she received.
– What are you talking about? Although the atmosphere around Lunaltia Base will be stabilized to a certain extent, if you rely solely on that on a remote place, you will die once you run out of energy, and with this you won’t need to waste energy in regular work. It doesn’t mean that you can inject it in case of an emergency.
– In short, the space suit training is for regular activities outside the base?
– Pretty much.
Nodding, Charlotte continued.
– It’s not over yet, you have various trainings to do. You’ll continue doing training on VR machines and then you’ll train with 《Space Armor》Space Ride at a super altitude, actually.
It’s going to be entertaining to be able to get various kinds of data.
While showing an inappropriate smile, Charlotte continued.
– Please work hard and do your best efforts together with Hayato-kun and the Olfred brothers. That goes for Fritz-kun too.
The evening of the day when Hayato went to Claire’s house.
One aircraft landed in Little Garden.
Kirishima Sakura and her manager Souffle Clearrail were on board of it.
– It’s my first time in two weeks in Little Garden. I’m looking forward to seeing Hayato-kun.
Descending from the ramp connected from the transport aircraft to the runway, Sakura was smiling full of expectations, then got into the car that was waiting for her.
Sitting in the driver’s seat is Souffle, who got off from the transport aircraft first.
The destination they are heading to is the guesthouse where Karen and Touka live.
– ——eh!? Hayato-kun isn’t in Little Garden?
In the living room of the guesthouse, Sakura asked Karen about what Hayato is doing now, and raised a surprised voice.
– … that’s right.
Karen continued, inflating her cheeks in discontent.
– Nii-san is now in the Asgard state of Liberia.
– Why is he there? It’s because of work?
– He’s accompanying Claire-san to her house.
– Eh, what did you say!? Why is Hayato-kun accompanying that woman to the return of her home!!?
– He was designated by Liza-san.
– Liza-san you say? Her little sister…?
– Yes…
Nodding, Karen tells Sakura that Liza has been asleep in the basement of Little Garden for many years and that she heard from her older brother that Liza has awakened completely.
– ——ah, I’m sorry. This is a secret matter. Both Charlotte-san and Nii-san told me to not speak about this with no one.
– I know that much. It’s only the gist of it, but I understand their circumstances too. That “Liza”, the little sister of Claire, is also the one who’s going to the moon with us, right?
– … that’s correct. Charlotte-san said that this time of returning home is also a test for the operation of Little Garden after that.
– So that’s how it is.
Liza also has a role as the motive power of Little Garden.
When Liza goes to the moon and becomes the motive power of Lunaltia Base, the motive power of Little Garden won’t be enough.
… however, although its speed will drop, it was designed so that it’s possible to make it cruise after that; that’s what Sakura heard from Charlotte and Souffle.
In other words, that’s why this was called a test.
– Well, if they aren’t alone, then nothing will happen, so I think that we don’t have to worry about him.
– That might be true but…
– Is there something that you are worried about?
It seems she noticed that the expression of Karen was unwell.
Sakura asks Karen.
– In fortunetelling, Liza-san was trying to place together Nii-san with Claire-san.
– WHAT!?
Sakura stood up from the sofa and raised a loud voice.
– Is that true!?
– Sakura-san! This is just nothing but divination, so please calm down!
– But Karen-chan’s fortunetelling is very precise! I’ve got very anxious.
– Perhaps Karen said more than necessary…?
– Is there a companion other than Liza-san?
– I heard that Chris-san is accompanying them.
– Chris-kun, huh…. I don’t know him that well…. If he cares about Claire, then I feel that he might do something about them but…
– Can we get down to business, you two?
It was Souffle Clearrail who said so, forcing her way through between them.
After having poured black tea into the teacups placed in front of the girls.
And pouring black tea into her teacup, Souffle also sat down on the sofa.
There were reasons why Souffle is visiting Little Garden this time with Sakura.
Together with them, she’s planning the first moon’s surface live concert of mankind.
An official offer arrived the other day from the Lunaltia Base Founding Committee.
If they do a live concert in the moon, it will take more time to prepare the stage rather than the surface itself, and the amount of equipment that can be carried at once from the Earth to the moon will be limited.
Therefore, thinking that they should move forward as soon as possible, although the schedule hasn’t been decided yet, they decided to move.
– Sure. Then, let’s get down to business. Actually, I have an idea already. I was thinking about it while we were on the aircraft on our way here.
– If so, can you tell us about your idea?
– Yes, absolutely.
Answering full of herself, Sakura started to talk about her idea.
– Either way, I think that it’s good to continue with what we did at the 《World Martial Arts Tournament》
– In other words, are you talking about going to space with a rocket?
– Yup.
Sakura answers the question of Souffle.
– A story from there, when arriving at some random planet. I feel like encountering unknown life forms.
Sakura stood up from the chair with excitement, spreading her hands widely, and continued talking.
– I will land on that planet. There’s nothing there, but when I sing a song, unknown life forms appear in front of me, what do you think!?
– Unknown life form?
The one who asked next is Karen.
– Yeah, unknown life form——UMA*! And Karen-chan will play that role!
– Eh… Karen, an UMA…?
– What is it? Karen-chan doesn’t feel like doing the role of an UMA?
– It’s not that I don’t like it…
Karen’s facial expression became stern.
It’s because of what came to her mind, a jellyfish-like alien with a lot of limbs.
Karen tells that to Sakura.
Then, Sakura said while laughing.
– Don’t worry, whatever shape is fine. There’s no problem if your appearance is like a human being from the beginning. But, we can’t communicate in our language. However, by imitating my song, our voices will meet. Gradually, until they match——
Sakura approaches Karen who’s sitting on a chair and stretches her right hand.
– When I present my right hand, Karen will also present her right hand. Then we connect our hands, and we jump into the space. The we’ll be space walking while singing! And then, we end up understanding each other and become friends!
Sakura keeps talking about her production plan.
Regarding the contents, both Karen and Souffle had no objections.
– If the plan goes to that extent, then I will entrust everything to you.
– Sakura-san, when you will be able to do the song?
Karen asks.
– You are right…
Sakura sat down on the sofa and began to think, folding her arms.
– What I need is 1 song, 1 song that two people can sing. And a total of 2 songs…. No, if it’s a big stage, then I want to create a good song after all, I want a lot of time to think about it… well, I’ll manage it and hurry as much as I can!
– Sakura.
– What?
– I believe in you.
– Trust me! I’ve never broken my last deadline, isn’t it!?
Souffle took a big sigh, listening to Sakura’s reply.
– Is this your parents’ home?
The house of the parents of Emilia, which was the only place where the king of the country lives, was fairly luxurious, and it was said by Liza that their houses were similar somehow, but the truth is that they were incomparable.
As expected of the daughter of no other than Warslan Company, the enterprise representing the great country of Liberia. In the first place, it wasn’t normal when seeing that it has a heliport in the garden.
– Claire-sama, Liza-sama, this way please.
As they got off from the helicopter, the mercenaries of Warslan were waiting.
They look like guards protecting this residence.
Following their guidance, Hayato and the others start walking to the entrance of the residence.
And in the middle of that.
A past middle-aged man appeared from the bushes.
Claire saw his figure and stopped her feet, gasping in surprise.
Likewise, Chris stopped his feet.
– Otou-sama.
That voice belonged to Claire.
Following her, Liza said.
– It’s been a long time.
– … Claire… and also…
Bill was amazed, looking at Liza.
– You’ve awakened.
– Yes, I have awakened.
Answering, Liza lowered her head.
– It’s been a long time, Otou-sama. You are still retaining your youthful appearance.
– You haven’t change.
– I will grow up in no time. I am sure of it——. Were you going to mother?
Liza threw those words at him.
Then Claire, Liza and Hayato were taken aback, but Bill wasn’t agitated, he answered as if it was natural.
– Yeah. I go there once a week. And what are you doing here?
This time the question is from Bill. Liza answers.
– I wanted to come and see the house where I was born and raised for a long time. I thought if there was something that could have changed. And so, I brought them with me.
Liza turns her eyes in order: Claire, then Chris and finally Hayato.
Bill turns his eyes in the same way.
Then, stops at Hayato.
– Who’s he?
– Err, I’m a Slayer of Little Garden——
Although he was bewildered by that sudden thing in particular, Hayato was about to introduce himself.
However, Liza said, trying to abort that.
– He’s an important person of Claire.
*Suddenly bright*, the face of Claire is weltered in blood.
– He-Hey Liza! What are you talking about masuno!? Otou-sama——Liza designated him as our bodyguard and——
Bill never turned his eyes towards Claire who was desperately assembling those words.
He’s looking at Liza,
– I see.
He answers and looked again towards Hayato.
– U-umm…
Hayato swallowed saliva.
He’s very cautious about what he was going to say.
– Young man——
– Y-yes!
Without thinking, he replied with a loud voice.
Regarding that, Bill doesn’t move.
With a composed tone, he assembles his words.
– To lose a loved one is the same as death. You should at least engrave that in your heart.
And then, patting the shoulder of Hayato, Bill started walking.
His destination is not the entrance to the house.
It’s a tower-like building at the distance.
– … otou-sama…
Claire could only gaze at the back of her father who’s going away.
– As usual, he seems to be interested only in Okaa-sama.
– … Okaa-sama? If I’m not mistaken…
Hayato became at ease after listening to Liza’s muttering.
It was because he remembered the conversation he heard from Claire at the time of the large-scale Savage subjugation campaign at Mt. Kongur——《Operation: Bird In Cage》which was done under the leadership of the United Nations with a base camp spread out in the Qin Empire.
– Yes, she has died. Due to a new type of virus with the invasion of the Savages.
Liza said as if she had guessed the question of Hayato.
However, Hayato will understand that things aren’t like that.
– But, our father wants to see our mother again.
– …eh?
– It’s unfortunate. That person doesn’t love father in the same level father does towards her.
– Wa-wait a moment. “Wants to see her one more time”, what does…
– Otou-sama is doing research for the sake of that. It has the same meaning as what our mother was aiming at——
– To go beyond God, to defeat God.
That was what Chris said.
– … in effect.
Liza smiles at Chris, who was correct.
– ——and.
Liza said, looking towards the astonished people.
– Having a conversation like this while standing, why don’t we go inside the mansion? The maids are surely getting tired of waiting.
– Welcome home!
– We were waiting for you, Claire-sama, Liza-sama, Chris-sama!
– And——young master-sama!
– Everyone, here we go!
At the same time they entered the mansion
Following those voices, claps and crackers made sounds one after another.
– Umm…
While colorful strings are falling from overhead, Hayato points his line of sight towards the ones in front of him.
There were 4 girls wearing maid clothes.
Their ages are between 12 and 16 years old.
Everyone is smiling and has crackers in their hands.
– Young master? Do you mean, I…?
Hayato asked.
– That’s right, Kisaragi Hayato-sama.
A long black hair maid standing on the far right.
The tallest girl who raised her voice first said while showing a full smile on her face.
– I heard that Kisaragi Hayato-sama is the fiancée of Claire-sama.
Following her, the maid to her side was the one who raised her voice.
It’s the second girl who greeted them.
She’s the shortest of them all, and her hair is short.
– Fi-fiancée!?
– W-where did you get that desuno!?
Hayato and Claire.
The two of them expressed their astonishment all together.
Looking at them, Liza slipped out a smile.
– I told them in advance that you will bring your future husband with you.
Claire shouts, her face is deep red.
– What on earth are you thinking!?
Next to her, Chris is showing a flabbergasted expression on his face,
– No way, Claire-sama and Hayato-sama…. That the two of you have been making progress to that extent…
– … Chris, don’t believe what Liza says. Because she’s joking.
– Eh, she’s joking?
– That’s…!
It was a shortcut maid who gave that voice.
Next, all the maids gathered alongside the wall, dropping their shoulders with a depressed expression, they felt really depressed.
-The engagement of Claire-sama, for the awakening of Liza-sama——*
– We even prepared crackers, thinking that there were a lot of happy things…
Following the pigtails maid who was standing on the left, and looking at the short pigtails maid who muttered as if she was cowered and that was standing next to the previous mentioned maid, Claire goes after her, looking troubled.
– U-umm… you girls, why do you feel so depressed about that….?
– That’s right, Claire-sama!
The short pigtails maid approached her with a loud voice.
– Wha-what is it desuno!?
– Even if you aren’t engaged, what do you think of Kisaragi Hayato-san, Claire-sama?
– Huh!? Th-that’s…
Subsequently, the shortcut maid and the pigtails maid are also getting closer to Claire, urging her.
– That reaction!
– It’s not bad at all!
– Yo-you girls, what are you saying…
– If Claire-sama can’t answer, then let’s Kisaragi Hayato answer that, don’t you agree?
The one who said so is the long black hair maid.
– Eh, me!?
– Uh huh, uh huh! How does Hayato-sama feel about Claire-sama? If it results in mutual love, then engaging here——
The short pigtails girl urges him.
Then the long pigtails girl said.
– Before Claire-sama goes to the moon, let’s try to decide it here!
– Well, “decide”…
Hayato is confused about what to do.
It was Claire who gave him a helping hand there.
– You girls, stop what you are doing at once.
Claire continues, saying bluntly to the maids.
– Besides, you still have to give your greetings. Both Kisaragi Hayato and Liza are meeting you for the first time desuwayo.
– Oh, we haven’t done that!
Taken aback, the short pigtails girl bowed her head.
– Since we look at the pictures of Liza-san a lot of times and watched Kisaragi Hayato-san a lot of times on TV and the like, we didn’t feel at all that it was our first time. We are sorry!
– Too formal, but let’s do our greetings.
Following the sign of the long black hair girl, the maids line up side-by-side.
– I am Rita. I am currently working as the maid chief of this mansion.
The first greeting was from the long black hair maid.
She lifts the hem of her skirt and does a courteous bow.
Next, the long pigtails maid greeted them in the same way.
– I am Meg! Nice to meet you!
– I am Momo! It is a pleasure to meet you!
Then, the one who greeted them is the country style pigtails maid.
And the shortcut maid is the last one who greets them.
– I am Mia! I am the newest maid among us. I might be a little incompetent, but it is a pleasure to meet you!
– Everyone looks quite young.
Hayato revealed his honest impression.
The maids didn’t reply to that.
It was Chris.
– After Claire-sama decided to go to the moon, she hired them as maids to take charge of this mansion during her absence.
Continuing that, Rita said.
– We all lost our parents with the invasion of the Savages.
Chris further supplements.
– Actually, after knowing that Hayato-sama had a situation similar to theirs and was living in an institution, Claire-sama started activities to give a hand to people with similar circumstances.
– That’s right. Claire-sama picked us up and hired us as maids in this mansion.
– Besides, during daytime she let us go to school!
Momo said so.
Next, Meg and Mia said.
– Claire-sama says that it’s fine to leave if we find something we want to do…
– We will protect this house properly while Bill-sama, Judal-sama, Claire-sama and Liza-sama are out se we can repay their favor towards us!
– … president…
Hayato looked at Claire with respectful eyes.
– … n-no, I am not that great masenwayo.
Claire continued, turning her face away as she felt embarrassed.
– I’m only embodying Noblesse Oblige desu. Be-besides, the original maids were quite elderly, so we just wanted to let young people take care of this from now on desuwa.
– Ah, I remembered.
Clapping, Momo said.
– The preparation of the meal is done already.
– The four of us prepared it!
Following her, Mia said.
– Come now, let’s go to the dining room, everyone!
Going with Rita who said so, Hayato and the others moved to the dining room all together.
When they moved to the dining room and sit on the seats, meals were carried one after another.
– Please eat.
Hayato and the others received the words of Rita, the maid chief and,
– Thanks for the food.
Their voices gathered.
Dinner time has started.
– It’s delicious.
Liza was biting the flesh adhered to the bone that she grabbed with her hands.
She looked no more than a child.
When Claire saw her,
– Liza, eat with more delicacy please.
She spontaneously advised her.
And Liza refuted.
– It’s inevitable, you know? Because I didn’t eat properly since I was a child. Most of times I ate through a pill or a capsule, and I couldn’t have a meal in the basement of Little Garden. I don’t know how to use knives nor forks.
– Yes but, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to learn…
– … I know.
Liza shows a sullen expression.
She picks up a knife and fork, but it seems that she can’t handle them well.
– How troublesome…
Looking like she gave up, she threw them out.
– Wait. I will teach you…
Chris spoke from the side, looking at Claire who’s trying to bend herself forward.
– Now, now, Claire-sama. Since this is special, isn’t fine to let her be for today? Only her family is here.
– But…
– I think that it is as Chris-san says.
Meg, one of the maids, said that.
– Why don’t we let Liza-san eat as she likes? It doesn’t matter the way she eats, because we are happy that she’s deliciously eating what was given to her.
The other maids smile happily like Meg.
– if so, then I will let her be.
Liza grabs the meat once again and starts to bite it.
– … good grief…
While saying those words, Claire smiled happily looking at how Liza was filling her mouth with food.
– Nevertheless, this is really tasty.
– It is.
Hayato nodded, facing Liza.
The maids looked like they were nothing else but innocent children, but all the cooking taught by the senior maids before they left were both delicious and well prepared.
– Ah! Which reminds me, Bill-san is…
Suddenly, Hayato remembered Bill, the person he met at the entrance of the palace when he was mentioned.
The next moment, the dining hall falls completely silent.
– … Bill-sama never eats dinner here.
That was what Momo said.
Next, Meg said.
– Because Bill-sama secludes himself in a detached room, we carry cooking to his place.
– The cooking of today, I brought it there a while ago.
Saying that, Rita continues.
– Without a doubt, he should be eating in his room around this time.
– … is that so…
– Kisaragi Hayato, you don’t have to worry about our father.
It’s the first time in years that parent and child see their faces, it would be nice if they eat together——
Liza continues, in addition to Hayato who thought so.
– That person is no longer an ordinary human being. He has reached the same level of Charlotte and my mother.
Undoubtedly, he didn’t understand the meaning of the words until a while ago.
As a person, the height that can’t be reached if you don’t cast yourself away somewhere——.
Hayato knew that there were people who lived in such places.
Even Liza was one of them——.
——no.
Even for them, the Slayers, was probably the same.
*Pirorin*, the PDA of Chris made a sound when most of the dishes on the table became empty.
That seems to indicate that it’s an incoming email.
– Excuse me.
Chris took out the PDA from his pocket while saying that, then checks the email and whispers into Claire’s ear.
– … it’s a report from Liddy-sama. It’s about the documents of a matter that came from Headquarters, she wants the validation of Claire-sama as soon as possible.
– This means that this can’t be judged by Liddy alone at the present time desuwa. I understand. Tell her to send me those documents, please.
– Understood.
Claire, who heard the reply of Chris, turns her line of sight to Hayato and the girls.
– Because work has arrived, I will be heading to my room masu. Kisaragi Hayato, I will leave you under the care of Liza and the maids masuwa. Chris, let’s go masuwayo.
– Yes.
Claire leaves the room with Chris.
– I will also return to my room at once. The cleaning and bed making are finished, correct?
When Liza said so, Rita, the maid, replied.
– Yes, they are finished.
Continuing, Momo asks.
– Does Liza-sama know the location of the room?
– Yes, of course… and, I almost forgot. Before that, there was something that I had to tell you.
After she glanced at Hayato.
– Can you give me a minute?
Liza gathered the four maids and started talking with a low voice.
(I wonder, what are they talking about?)
Hayato inclines his head to the side.
He has a bad feeling about this.
– You girls… and as the email I sent in advance… yes, the arranged room of Kisaragi Hayato… yes, that’s fine… and the bath, if you want to do it, then fine by me. Yup, I entrust the rest to you…
It seems their conversation has ended.
Liza moves away from the maids.
– Ufufu.
Looking towards Hayato, Liza turns a daring smile.
Likewise, the maids also start to laugh with *Ufufufufu”
(What are they going to do?)
It’s truly uncanny.
The bad feeling is out of the question.
– Kisaragi Hayato.
– Ye-yes.
Hayato answers Liza, who called out to him.
– I told the maids to guide you to the bath and your room. Well then, from here I——ufufu…
Showing a smile while revealing her voice for a second time, Liza went out from the dining room.
– Well then, Hayato-sama.
After Meg, Mia said.
– We will do the guidance till the bath.
The place where he was led by the maids was like the dressing room of the dorm.
– Is this the bath?
– Yes, the bathroom is inside.
Meg opened the door of the bathhouse.
Hayato looks inside.
– It looks like a common public bathroom, isn’t it?
There’s nothing worthy of special mention of the bathroom itself.
It’s simpler than the bathhouse of the dorm of Little Garden.
That’s why Hayato asked.
– The president and the others also come here?
– No, this is the common bathing ground that we use every day. Claire-sama and the others have a proper bath in their rooms.
Momo answered.
– Ah, I see, that’s very…
– Well then, if you excuse us for a moment.
Meg quickly bows her head.
– Please have these with you!
Next, a face towel, a bath towel——
And nightclothes, all that was handed over from Mia to Hayato.
– Please feel at ease, nobody other than Hayato-sama will come in.
That’s what Rita said.
The maids go out from the dressing room.
– See you soon〜
Momo, the last one who went out, closes the door.
(I guess I’m going to enter…)
Hayato took off his clothes and moved to the bathhouse.
He opens the door and feels the warmth of the steam that blows out, picks up the bath chair and the bucket that were at the entrance and sits down on the inner part of the washbasin.
Then, when he was about to take a shower.
– … huh?
*Rattle*, he heard that the door of the bathhouse was opened.
(Moments ago, they said that no one would come——)
Hiding his nether region with the face towel in a hurry, Hayato looks back.
– … ah…
The four maids were there.
– Wh-why are you all here? What’s more, those clothes…?
Moreover, none of them is wearing the maid outfit of a while ago. There’s a lot of exposure of their skin. They are wearing some underwear-like maid clothes.
– The conclusion of the four of us speaking is that, we shall wash the back of our future master!
It was Momo who answered.
Next, Meg tells him.
– These clothes are special maid dresses for serving in the bath.
– At any rate, as expected of a Slayer-sama.
– Such a manly and robust back.
Rita and Mia came closer and began to touch the body of Hayato.
– Wa-wait, you two…!
– Ah, enough. Me too, me too!
The next one who approaches him is Momo.
Meg also draws near Hayato’s body.
– Ehehe, I’m fascinated.
– Eh, umm… can I ask one thing?
「「「「What is it?」」」」
Momo, Rita, Mia and Meg speak all together.
– Everyone, well…. Do you also do this to Bill-kaichou?
– Ah, no…
It was Mia who shook his head and replied.
– That person rarely appears before us.
Their expression looks very dispirited and regrettable…
Similarly, Meg said with a depressed expression.
– Because we couldn’t help it, we were looking forward to doing things like a maid do in this way…
– U-umm…
The four of them separated from Hayato, feeling completely depressed in the corner of the bathhouse.
In other words, the head of this house is a shut-in.
They finally were able to do something appropriate for a maid, because they expanded their chests in expectation*.
He feels bad for not taking that into consideration.
(… wait, this is what they were talking with Liza some time ago…!)
He had a bad feeling, but he didn’t expect to be something like this——.
(But, there’s nothing I can do…)
Such a chance was very improbable, so maybe it’s fine to try experiencing the feeling of being a goshujinsama*.
– I understand, Then I’ll be, under your care….
When Hayato said so, the facial expressions of the maids became bright.
– Well then, let’s rinse his back first.
One of the maids says so.
Momo took the shower head and twisted the faucet.
After she checked the regulation of the hot water with her own hands, she puts the shower on the back of Hayato.
– Hayato-sama, is the water temperature to your liking?
– I-it’s almost perfect.
– If so, then I will let it flow as it is.
Ten seconds pass with no change and the shower is stopped.
Then, Meg said.
– Very well, shall we start?
– Well then, I will do the right arm…
– Uwaaah!?
Rita grabs his right arm.
– Then I will take his left arm.
Next is Mia who grabbed his left arm as she declared so.
– If that’s the case, then I will take his left leg!
Momo touches his left leg while saying so.
– Oh, everyone is so unfair. Then I will have what it’s left untouched, his right leg…
Lastly, Meg touches his right leg….
– U-uwa…
Eventually, Hayato was surrounded by four maids who decided to rub with a sponge his limbs.
(Wh-what is this…)
Of course, He hasn’t thought of encountering such a situation in his life.
If Karen was looking at him, there’s no doubt she,
– How filthy!
Would said so.
– Can I ask something, Hayato-sama?
– Ye-yes! What is it?
All of a sudden, Mia started speaking in his ear.
Moreover, it was a long breath he had to deal with, so a part of his body reacts with a jump.
– Umm, Hayato-sama, is it true that you are not going out with Claire-sama?
That was the question released like nothing.
– Well, that’s what I said before…
Hayato answers.
– If so, then that rumored silver-haired…
– Emilia-san!
It was Meg who raised her voice after Mia.
– That’s right! Are you going out with Emilia-san!?
Then, Momo asks.
– Is that so? Then Hayato-sama is enjoying himself with Claire-sama!?
– No, that’s…. Emiilia is what you call a childhood friend, it’s not like I’m enjoying myself or anything like that with her, and in the first place, what relation has that with everyone——
「「「「It does」」」」
The voices of the maids gather.
– Err…
– Well, if Hayato-sama isn’t going out with anyone, then that means that we have a chance too? That’s how it looks to me. Don’t you think so, Momo?
The one who said so was Meg.
– Absolutely. Hayato-sama is wonderful. Looks tender. Oh, my breasts were touching him 
.
– Ah, sneaky Momo! Appealing to Hayato-sama like that! I’m going to tell Claire-sama. But, me too… so .
– If so, me too .
Following Meg, even Rita pushes her breasts, doing *Funyu*.
Looking at her, Mia shows impatience.
– Wa-wait! Even Meg-san and Rita-san! Then, me too! Ugh, I don’t have breasts! I’m going to embrace him for now! Ei!
(Pl-please, forgive me already…)
In this situation, a part of his body became hotter and bigger. Hayato became unable to move and the only thing he could do was to stay like that.
Hayato changed to his nightclothes and came out from the dressing room, held the uniform in his hands and walked in the corridor.
(I can’t believe that they decided to do that——)
He really doesn’t understand what life is.
(Then I wonder, if Judal-san also takes advantage of it and has his body washed like that in his room by Neveah-san?)
There are things he can imagine and things he can’t imagine——
– … so, it’s here…?
Hayato stood in front of the door of the room taught by the maids.
Even when looking around him, there are no other doors, so this is not a mistake, he thinks.
He thought so and put the key that he got in the keyhole and turned it, he could open the door.
– Eh…?
He didn’t understand what happened for a moment.
There was Claire, in the middle of putting on her panties in the room.
– Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-why Kisaragi Hayato is coming into m-my room desu!?
– Huh, this is the room of the president!?
– Th-that’s right desuwayo!
Claire rapidly raised her panties, took a towel near her, and hid her body.
– I-I’m sorry. I will leave immediately——
Hayato turned his back on Claire, laying his hand on the knob of the door.
There, a voice called out him.
– Wait.
Of course, it belongs to Claire.
– For the time being, turn your back to me and stay like that desu. After I change clothes, I will listen the reasons masuwa.
– Ah, yes…
When hearing the body of Claire that makes sounds from behind his back while moving, the sound of the rustling of the clothes makes his heart go crazy and then her voice, once again, calls out him.
– … you can turn around desuwayo.
Then, Hayato turns around.
– … ah…!
What meet his eyes is the appearance of Claire who has changed clothes to her sleepwear.
It looks like a dress rather than pajamas.
It’s a cute pink room wear.
Hayato’s heart goes *DOKI* *DOKI*, since he perfectly sees the line of the body that has a lot of exposure.
– Wh-what are you doing, watching steadily at me masuno!?
Claire hid her chest with her arms, looking at Hayato with an expression similar to disapproval.
– Ah, I’m sorry!
Hayato turns around again.
An amazed-like voice called out him.
– Kisaragi Hayato…
– W-what is it?
– If you are like this, the we won’t be able to talk, don’t you think? Turn towards me.
– B-but…
– If you don’t look at me with lewd eyes, then it’s fine desu.
– Un-understood!
– … good grief.
Claire folded her arms and took a breath as if she was exasperated.
In answer, Hayato turned around, but he couldn’t look directly at the figure of Claire.
He looks around the room.
It’s a lady-like luxurious room.
At any rate, it’s not just a room. It has a bath and a toilet.
And the bedroom is in the back.
Speaking of other things, there’s the interior design.
He wonders if she spent her time in this place as a child.
Although it’s extravagant, when looking at the present Claire, it looks as if it was more than a hobby for a little girl more than anything.
In front of the pink curtain, cute stuffed animals were lined up.
– Although I told you to not see me with lewd eyes, and certainly you aren’t, I didn’t say that it was fine to look around my room masenwayo.
– Ah, I’m sorry…. I was thinking that this is the room of the president…
– … oh, yes, it is desuwa.
Taken aback, Claire continued.
– Why did you come to my room… huh… the key! My key desuwa! I am sure I locked the door of the room! Despite this, why——
– The key was given to me by the maids. And told me about the location of this room…
– Oh, so that happened desuno.
Claire muttered with a fed-up expression and goes to the door which is the entrance of the room.
She opens the door and she stares at the four maids who were there.
– You girls, what do you think you are doing in such a place masuno?
– Err, well…. Cleaning the door…
Meg answers while being flustered.
– The four of you? Together? At this hour?
– Err, umm…
It’s Mia who answered while stepping back.
The other three people step backward as well.
– Are you the ones who created this situation desuno?
– N-no…
Momo answers, shaking her head.
– This is all Liza-sama’s suggestion…
– Momo! Saying that is…!
– Ha!
Rita called her attention, but it was too late.
– … now all makes sense desuno…
Claire, who has a cramp on her cheeks, yelled out loudly again with sharp eyes at the maids.
– Get away from here in this instant and return to your rooms. Otherwise——you are fired desuwayo!
– Hii————!
The maids, threatened by Claire, run away from the place, scattering in all directions.
– Good grief…
After she followed their figures with her eyes until they were out of sight, Claire sighed in a big way and came back into the room.
– So, it was Liza-san who set up this trap?
– That seems to be the case desuwane.
Claire went towards the window and closed the curtain completely.
– We won’t be seen by Lia with this.
– … so, president. What should I do?
He was guided to this room.
This is a mansion that does have vacant rooms, but he doesn’t know which room he should go.
– Oh, that’s right…
Claire puts a finger on her head and ponders.
It was at that moment when.
(Claire, can you hear me?)
A voice sounded in the head of Claire.
(… Liza!)
Out of nowhere, he noticed that Claire did a gesture, giving the impression that she reacted to something.
– … president, did something happen?
– N-no. It’s nothing masenwa. W-wait a moment please.
Claire answers with a flustered expression and disappeared into the back of the bedroom.
– Umm, yes…
The left behind Hayato was dumbfounded, he was only able to follow her with his eyes until she disappeared.
(Liza, what the heck are you planning desuno!?)
As she moved to the bedroom, Claire raised a protest voice in her head.
It’s a protest not only because she talked with her all of a sudden, but also in regard to the situation she created like this.
(You really know that there’s only a handful of hours to go to the moon. So, after Yamato, I made a chance)
(I told you, there’s no need for something like that…!)
(But, otherwise, you won’t move, right? Unlike at the time of Yamato, nobody will get in the way. So, whatever you do is fine…. Whatever you do, okay?)
(Whatever you do, you say, you…)
Ufufu, Liza leaked a chuckle.
(Well then, I will go to bed. So, feel relieved. I won’t talk to you in this way anymore, so I won’t be watching the love affair of you and Kisaragi Hayato)
(That’s the least you have to do desuwayo!)
(Well then, good night)
And then, she can no longer hear the voice of Liza.
(… w-what should I do desuno?)
She realizes that her beating is fast and intense.
She’s alone with the person she likes——.
This is a chance, it sure it is, and as Liza says, time is running out.
This may be the last time she can be alone with Kisaragi Hayato.
(… the long-awaited chance, desumonone…)
Clenching one her fists and grasping it tightly, Claire resolved herself.
What’s left now is, to make it reach that point.
– … ah, president…
He was surprised that the door was abruptly opened.
Looking at Claire who came back from the bedroom, Hayato was blinking in surprise.
– Err, are you okay? It looked like something happened all of a sudden…
– Ye-yes… But it was nothing masenwa. Well, umm, Kisaragi Hayato…
– … ye-yes?
– There’s something I have to talk about you after this.
– About me, after this?
– Yes, about you after this desu.
Nodding, Claire continued.
– Because of that situation, I am sure the maids won’t have your room ready, don’t you agree?
– Maybe, that is the case…
Hayato remembers about what Liza and the maids were talking about.
It was not just the bath, but also about this.
– If they prepare your room from now, it will take some time and you will get tired, isn’t it? And your body will also cool down masuwa. Th-therefore——
– … therefore?
The words of Claire stop, her head turns red.
On the contrary, she becomes embarrassed to say the words beyond this point and can’t meet his gaze.
Still——
Claire musters courage and assembled the words.
– It’s fine if you move and stay in this room, and…
– … huh?
For a moment, Hayato stared in wonder, he couldn’t understand what he was told.
But, he immediately understood——.
– No, no, please wait a moment. Certainly, there are two rooms, but still——err, are there two sets of futons?
– The-there is only one masenwayo…
– Then——
What she’s saying is that there’s no alternative than sleeping together in one bed.
Hayato noticed something there.
– Ah, there’s a sofa, therefore I——
– This is not the first time we sleep together to one another, hmm? So, there is no need to be reserved.
Saying that, Claire keeps going.
– Besides, the bed is big. I used to sleep well with Liza in the past. So, there’s no problem masenwa!
– I-is it really okay?
– I am telling you that it is okay desu! Or else Kisaragi Hayato, you don’t want to go to bed with me desuno…?
– No, but that’s!
– I’m telling you, I decided it desuwane! Come, masuwayo, Kisaragi Hayato——
In this way, Hayato was pushed by Claire, and both were moving to the bedroom.
– Come, enter.
Claire, who entered in the bed first, lifted the upper futon.
– … we-well then, if you excuse me…
Hayato goes up on the bed, doing as he was told.
Ten people can sleep easily from end to end on the bed.
Both Claire and Hayato decided to sleep in a form of back-to-back.
(I wonder if I will fall asleep with the president in this way…)
At the time of the《Operation: Bird in Cage》they fell asleep in the same tent——rather than under the same roof.
However, at that time they were in individual sleeping bags, and there were Emilia, Claudia and Erika outside.
But, today is different.
The door of the room is locked, so no one will come in.
One minute, two minutes, and time passes by.
However, he can’t sleep because his heart is going crazy.
– … Kisaragi, Hayato….
It was around 5 minutes after the lights in the room were turned off.
Hearing he was called out by Claire, Hayato asks back.
– … wh-what is it?
– If you stay so much at the edge, you will fall out of the bed masuwayo. Come over here, I don’t mind masenwa…
– ,,, eh?
– And the size of the bed cover has its limitations too desukara.
– U-understood.
Hayato approaches the center of the bed with his back, following what he was told.
– Hyaan!
The shriek of Claire leaked abruptly.
It’s the warmth of Claire that he felt at the same time on his back.
– I-I’m sorry!
Hayato turns around and apologizes in panic.
It seems that he got too close to her because he didn’t look behind.
– ——ah…!
Looking back, there was the face of Claire.
Claire turned around at the same time.
The distance between their faces was getting shorter, they were less than 10 centimeters of each other. Besides, towards the body of Hayato, two big swellings of Claire are about to touch him.
– U-umm…
The line of sight of Hayato goes naturally to her swellings.
They are a little out of shape* and looked like they will fall from the pajamas at any time.
She noticed the line of sight of Hayato.
– Wh-what are you looking at so fixedly masuno!?
Claire turned her back on him while hiding her chest with both arms.
– I-I’m sorry!
Being flustered, Hayato turns his back on her as well.
Still, the distance between their backs is less than 10 centimeters.
With such a distance, it’s likely that they will touch the other with no more than a slight movement.
(I’m feeling even more nervous, I’ll never be able to sleep…)
He thought that it may be mentally comfortable for her if they glued their backs together
Then, around 5 minutes passed.
– Kisaragi Hayato.
She calls his name again.
– … yes, president…?
Hayato replied and turned his back on her.
– You, were still awake, right…?
– Yes, I can’t get to sleep easily…
– … if so, let’s talk a little. Once I go to the moon, we won’t be able to talk much.
Claire slipped out a smile and turned her body towards Hayato.
– O-okay!
Answering, Hayato also turns his body towards Claire.
– … ah…
The face of Claire is right next to him.
It was a very beautiful and charming face, it seemed as if he was getting strange, looking fixedly at her. And of course, her breasts as well——
(… ah, her breasts are no good, her breasts are…)
She will get angry again.
(Aa, what do I do…?)
10 seconds, 20 seconds, the silence time is passing.
It was Claire who tore the curtain of silence and issued again.
– Say, Kisaragi Hayato…
– Wh-what is it, president?
– Err…. Come to think of it… about that thing…
– … that?
Looking at her, he raises her huffy eyebrows.
What happened? Hayato cocked his head in puzzlement.
– I think that it may be better to stop calling me president soon. The president of Little Garden will soon be Liddy——
– Certainly, that will happen.
But since he entered school, he has always been calling her like that.
That’s why he can’t think of another way of addressing her.
That’s why Hayato decided to ask Claire.
– If so, how should I call you…?
– Well, that’s…
– ?
In a twinkle, Claire’s face gets welter in blood.
– … Claire…
Claire mutters.
However, she couldn’t bear her own embarrassment.
– I-I knew it, let’s go with Claire-senpai…
– … Claire-senpai …?
– H-how is it?
– President is… No, if Claire-senpai is fine, then I don’t see the problem…
– … ah…!!
The moment he called her as Claire-senpai.
The blushing of her face increases even more.
That’s the same for Hayato.
– We-well, what if we change it? It can be former president, or honorary president…
He’s embarrassed to call out her renewed name.
So, Hayato tried to suggest another way of calling her, but Claire desperately objected.
– N-no… I think that Claire-senpai is fine. Yes, I have no doubt desuwa!
– I-is that so…? If that’s the case, then I will do so. And, umm…
– Wh-what is it desuno?
– I think that you were trying to talk about something earlier, but it wasn’t this conversation, right?
– Ah…!
With that question, Claire remembers.
The name was nothing more than the opening.
– That is…
Claire looks down.
The words are gradually rising to her throat, but she can’t say them.
The conversation seems to be about the ring.
At the closing party of the 《World Martial Arts Tournament》
And about what Hayato gave to Emilia.
She knows that it has the meaning of a birthday present.
However, she wanted to know if it meant more than that.
But asking that, it’s like confessing that at that time, she was near them, watching them.
Besides——.
By no means she wants to hear that answer.
(Yes, what I would like to ask is…)
The feelings of Kisaragi Hayato.
What he feels towards her.
(No, that’s not it masuwa)
She doesn’t want to hear his feelings.
The feelings of Kisaragi Hayato——she wants them.
– … Kisaragi, Hayato…
– Eh?
Hayato stared in wonder, looking at Claire who raised her face.
The eyes of Claire are dyed with golden color.
– Kisaragi Hayato, I——
Claire touches the shoulder of Hayato and kissed him, pushing down his body as he was.
– Nn, puhaa!
At the same time as their lips separated.
The appearance of Claire overlooking himself jumped into his eyes.
– I… about you…
Her eyes shine, and don’t change from that golden color, her breathing is rough too.
Of course, her cheeks were flushing.
The thing that crossed the mind of Hayato was what Liza said in the helicopter.
The women are attracted by the Variant Virus inside Hayato.
(Then perhaps this is, about that…?)
Impossible, that it ended up becoming in such a situation——.
Deciding to aim for Hayato’s lips, Claire brings her face closer.
– President, please calm down. The president of now is getting a little strange.
Hayato grabs the shoulders of Claire and said to stop her movement.
Claire replies.
– I don’t know what will happen in the moon masenwa…. So, I’m worried. But, if you are within me, then I can endure it. That’s what I think desu. Therefore——
– B-but… if this keeps going, what will happen…?
– Up to now, you mean? I was fine desu. So, everything is fine …. Even if I receive lots and lots from you, I’m sure I can stand it——so——
Claire, who said so, her eyes shone even more furiously.
And the moment he saw them.
The beats of the heart of Hayato accelerate.
The impulse as a male of the Variant that dominates his body.
The eyes of Hayato dyed in golden color.
– … president…
The hand of Claire touches his body.
Hayato didn’t oppose against that.
Their lips come into contact again.
At that moment, the inside of the head of Hayato became pure white.
The next morning——.
Claire woke up and remembered what she did, even if she didn’t want it.
It’s because she woke up in a form like hugging Kisaragi Hayato’s head with her chest.
– W-what did I really…
She herself wished for a kiss, though with impetus, and then they didn’t stop after that.
Her head is boiling just be remembering that, it seems to be so unbecoming of her.
(If I haven’t regained myself after the second kiss, then we surely…)
After kissing many, many times, over and over again.
The hand of Kisaragi Hayato touched her breast.
Then——.
Claire was taken aback and regained herself.
(… such a sneaky thing desuwa…)
(If I’m going to do it, then this is not the way, it must be through the proper way——)
Otherwise, I am not going to win against Emilia.
It was just a simple head start.
I am the Perfect Queen.
The fight should be fair and square.
Therefore——.
– It’s no good desuwa!
Shouting, Claire thrusted Hayato away.
With that, Hayato regained himself.
But——.
Claire put her hands on her chest.
She has Kisaragi Hayato inside her.
That makes her very happy.
And very satisfied.
Claire points her line of sight towards Hayato.
After Hayato regained himself, he apologized in an apologetic way a lot of times.
– It’s okay desuwa. Because I am the one at fault desukara.
Claire said so and embraced closely the head of Hayato.
And when they were still in that posture, Hayato immediately fell asleep.
Claire also fell asleep looking at his sleeping face.
– He really has a cute sleeping face desuwane.
Then, she slightly pricked his cheek.
And Claire lightly kissed the cheek of Hayato.
– …auu, what am I doing masuno…
She becomes ashamed of her own actions.
That would be impossible if Kisaragi Hayato wakes up.
(I wish this time could last forever desukeredo…)
It’s about time to get up.
Managing it poorly will make the maids come in and open the door without permission, and they may be seen in this state.
Regretting it that much, Claire raises her body and decided to change clothes.
Hayato doesn’t wake up yet.
First, there’s something she must say to Liza and the maids.
Claire changed clothes from her pajamas to the uniform of Little Garden and slapped her cheeks with a *Slap* *Slap*, tightened her expression and headed to the dining room.
– Oh my, Claire. I wonder, did you have a good night’s sleep last night?
One of the maids——
Liza, who was eating ham and eggs for breakfast while elegantly dinking black tea that Momo had prepared, noticed Claire who came to the dining room and turned her eyes.
– … ah…
Finally, Liza seems to have noticed that the stiffened facial expression of Claire is glaring at her.
– What, if I could sleep at ease desuno…?
– … a-ah? You sound a little ill humored. Did something happen? Don’t you think the same, Momo?
– Eh!? Why is that brought up to me now!?
Momo is confused.
Rita, Mia and Meg, the other three maids, were preparing breakfast in the kitchen, and were watching the situation with anxiety from the shadows.
– You know very well why I am displeasured, aren’t you!? You really went over the top!
When Claire strikes the table, the cup and the dish made a fierce sound.
– Of course, all of you are equally guilty desuwa!
Claire stares with severity at the maids.
With a small scream, the maids cowered with fear.
– Both Liza and the maids! The next time you do something unnecessary, I am NOT going to forgive you masenwayo!
– … however, Onee-sama.
Liza shows a broad smile.
– Wh-what is it desuno?
There, she probably noticed.
Liza whispered close in the ear of Claire.
– Don’t tell me you didn’t have a good time last night? I feel Kisaragi Hayato inside you a lot more than yesterday.
The face of Claire gets dyed deep red.
After all, Liza was one step higher than her.
– Feel Kisaragi Hayato inside…?
With that voice, Claire turns around.
At the entrance of the dining room, Chris showed a disturbed, deep red face.
It’s very unusual for him to show such appearance.
– Ch-chris. That’s not it. I was, and Kisaragi Hayato and a-all I feel is guilty…
– Feeling guilty? About what do you feel guilty, Claire-sama!?
– Because I feel guilty, I’m not going to say anything masuwa!
Claire said so and jumped out of the dining room to escape.
– I-I am going to wake up Kisaragi Hayato. You girls, prepare breakfast. Are we clear desuwane!?
– I appreciate the efforts of everyone for coming here in this way, now I am going to explain the progress of the construction of the Lunaltia Base, and the plan that comes after that.
There are members of Seleson composed of leaders and representatives from various countries and organizations gathered in the underground meeting place in the Kingdom of Geneva.
The people, aside from Judal, don’t show their faces.
They are sitting behind the written alphabet screens, arranged in order to surround Judal, forming a semicircle.
– … so, what’s the plan that comes after that?
– What is it, by the way?
The questions from the members of Selesons comes one after another.
Judal doesn’t answer them and continues his words.
– Before that, let’s talk about the construction of Lunaltia Base first.
– … putting on airs, huh?
Without reacting to such words, Judal continues the exposition.
– At the present time, the level of completion of Lunaltia Base is over 90%. Please look at the current state on the monitor behind me or on the monitor at hand.
On the monitor behind Judal, a single image showing the current situation of Lunaltia Base is displayed. The same image should be displayed on the monitors at hand of the Seleson members. Of course, it’s also displayed on the monitor at hand of Judal.
– As you can see, there are many buildings still under construction in the interior of the residential area, but the exterior of it is nearly complete. We have already finished the tests of the supply of oxygen and the control of gravity.
The images are switched one after another.
Among those, there were Slayers and construction workers without space suits.
– Other facilities are almost completed. The mass drivers for sending people and resources are working without problems on both the Earth and the moon and at the end of next month, Slayers belonging to Puritaria and Warslan will start settling on a large scale as planned. With that, I have a request to ask everyone.
– … and what would that request be?
– Don’t tell me that it’s about putting out more money and workers?
Again, the words came out from one of members of Seleson.
Ignoring that, Judal said.
– From here on we will be talking about the administration of Lunaltia Base——its sovereignty.
At that moment, tension ran among the members.
– In order to manage Lunaltia Base without being deceived by speculations and relationships on the ground of each country and organization, we will create a Lunaltia Cooperative System with each country and organization before the start of the formal base management. This is what I have been talking about from before.
Lunaltia Cooperative System.
It will consist of one representative of each country and organization.
There are conditions for being just a representative.
They must spend most of a year in Lunaltia Base.
– Here starts my request. And that is, we want one representative from each country and organization that decides and wants to participate in the Lunaltia Base Cooperative System soon. This is what the Lunaltia Base Promotion Development Committee wants to carry out with its members from now on. In the first round, they also want to decide the first president of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System. And——
With a short pause, Judal continued.
– I would like to announce that I, Judal Harvey, the representative of Lunaltia Base Promotion Development Committee, will run for the founder president.
Judal shows a broad smile.
Then, the meeting place shook.
– Don’t fool around! You neophyte of a single company! That is out of your league!
– What’s more, you believe that you can be the first one to leave behind your name, you bastard!?
– You don’t even have political experience!
Naturally, voices of objections are raised successively.
– … certainly, it’s true.
Judal responded frankly to those opinions.
– … however, the advance of mankind to the universe. And the establishment of Lunaltia Base, the establishment of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System is a dream of mine since I was very young. If that happens, I have enough resolution, even when thinking that I can lose everything. That is why I am investing a lot of my own funds as well. So, everyone, do you have that resolution?
– But, aren’t you going too far? Leave the first presidency to the leaders or someone who has experience equivalent to it, and even after that——. At any rate, you are still green.
– I agree with that opinion. The fact that the representative of Warslan with strong military power becomes the representative of the moon can also make the movements of the universe advancement opposition factions active.
– That’s right. The moon fights independent of the Earth. It can’t be helped if it seems to be like that.
Judal also understand that those opinions are reasonable.
However, he can’t back down.
Judal started talking about the reasons.
– Unfortunately, the matter needs to be hurried. Because, I don’t know whether my life will last for two years or more——
Again, the assembly hall shook in commotion.
– Is that true?
A surprised voice was released from the other side of the partitioning screen of『F』.
– Yes.
Nodding, Judal continued.
– There is also a medical certificate written by the doctor, and this was also communicated beforehand to Serivia Notre Dame Paulo III, the Pope of Puritaria who is cooperating with us in the Lunaltia Project. On top of that, I received the words from her where there is no problem that I, Judal Harvey, can become the founder president.
– Is that true, Serivia Notre Dame Paulo III?
The words came out from the『A』screen who is the chairman.
– It’s true.
Together with the words heard from the partitioning screen『G』.
What appeared from beyond that is Serivia Notre Dame Paulo III, the Pope of the 《Holy Church》Puritaria, whose face was hidden with an apron and was wearing the usual saifuku*.
*TN: vestments worn by priests and attendants. And yeah, apron on her head, no mistakes here.
– I was told about that three months ago by Judal-sama.I have also verified the doctor’s medical certificate.
– It is as Pope-sama says. I do not have time. That is why I am impatient. However, I would like to carry forward the matters as amicable as possible. I would like everyone to understand that.
That sounded like if it was a threat.
So, in order to alleviate that.
Serivia said.
– … Juda-san, let’s end this here.
– I am sorry, Pope-sama. Then, a few words to end——
Judal bowed his head towards Serivia and continued speaking.
– There is no falsehood in the things I am saying. I just want to fulfill my childhood’s dream. The things about Liberia and Warslan are trivial to me. The offerings don’t matter as well. And you can ascertain them with whatever means you use.
Saying that plainly, Judal closed his speech.
– I have finished what I had to say. The resolution should be taken in the next meeting. Based on the discussion of now, and for the members from the next meeting, it would be better to think about it and have persons who will participate in the congress of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System. Well then, it has been a pleasure to be with all of you in this opportunity.
Saying that again, Judal bowed his head.
Little Garden is floating on the Atlantic Ocean.
Therefore, it’s around 2 hours of distance in helicopter to the Asgard State in the western part of Liberia where the house of the Harvey family is located.
On the very same day Hayato, Liza and Claire had lunch.
And together with Chris who decided to join later, they took a transport helicopter of Little Garden and headed to the house of the Harvey family.
– Once the helicopter lands in the residence, I won’t be needed at all…
He was told that there’s a heliport in the garden of the house of the Harvey family.
If that’s the case, then they didn’t need a bodyguard.
– Our house is in the forest. It’s possible that there might be terrorists who are against the Lunaltia Project with anti-aircraft rockets ready to attack hidden somewhere, don’t you agree?
Liza said so, sitting in the front seat.
She was trying to bend herself forward from her seat when she said so.
– But if it’s against that, then surely Liza-san and the president can…
– That conversation isn’t to my taste, so why don’t we change the topic?
She suddenly changed the conversation.
It seems she dodged the subject.
– Then, what do you want to talk about?
He was suddenly troubled and rejected.
In the end, the thing he thought over to talk was something that popped into his head.
– That reminds me, about that thing of Yamato…
– Do you mean, the story about why I was over there?
– That’s right.
Somehow or other, she sympathized with him.
– When I heard that you were going to Yamato, I wanted to go too. For that reason, I followed you.
– Even so, kissing Kisaragi Karen, so you can transfer a part of your energy to her, your way of doing it was preposterous masuwa.
Sitting on the other side of the aisle, Claire said as if she was exasperated.
Both Claire and Hayato already know that since they heard it from Karen.
– Since she kissed what you call a mass of energy, then that pretty much doesn’t count, no?
Hayato remembered what Charlotte was saying, looking at the figure of Liza who was laughing with a *Fufu* while saying so.
『Although she looks like a child, Liza is craftier than you guys. Be warned』
She can’t be more correct.
– Err… umm, oh right!
In the story of the kiss, Hayato also remembered what he was trying to ask from before.
– … which reminds me, Karen said this. That during the Gardens Festa, she got her powers when she was kissed by Liza-san. Thanks to that, she was able to walk——. That being the case, I haven’t give my thanks to Liza-san properly——
– That’s correct…. At that time, I gave my power to Karen-chan as I gave it to you. Because I thought it was the best to protect Little Garden. But——
Liza continues speaking.
– Karen-chan became able to walk thanks to the treatment of Charlotte and the strength of her own heart. In the end, my power was nothing more than an impetus. Besides, since you and I are both Variant, Charlotte also guessed that she would also become a Slayer.
– Eh…?
– What is it?
– I comprehend that is thanks to the treatment of Dr. Charlotte, but that is “thanks to my power…”?
– By being in the same space, her resistance to the Variant Virus variated, and like you, the Variant Virus that mutated in your body, has also affected Kisaragi Karen. In your case, you have had many direct contacts, right?
– Di-direct contact, you say…?
– A kiss in the forehead, for example.
Slipping out an obscene smile, Liza continued.
– Kisaragi Karen wished for that to happen, and well, it was a favor towards you. But, that’s not all. That was also wanted by the Variant Virus that mutated due to the antibodies that are in your body. And the people who are closer to that type of Variant Virus are the ones who will be particularly affected. You are beyond the ordinary men, making you popular with women. With the Slayers, in particular. Have you heard something like that from Charlotte, I wonder?
– Well, a little…
Hayato smiles bitterly.
– … but, I’ll tell you something good.
– Something good? What would that be?
– You aren’t just popular. Since you came here, I have been watching you constantly, and that’s what I understood. Even I think that you are someone wonderful.
– Wh-whoa, Liza-san!?
Hayato is bewildered, as Liza sits on his knees and strokes his head.
At any rate, she’s very light.
As expected of a child.
– … Liza. Stop teasing Kisaragi Hayato.
– I’m sorry, I ended up angering Claire.
Liza shows a jesting-like expression to Claire who’s showing irritation.
The helicopter starts to descend.
And——.
Asgard district of the United States of Liberia.
It landed at the heliport in the residence of the Harvey family.
Early afternoon of the same day when Hayato headed towards Claire’s house.
– Puhaa!
Latia took out her face from the sea surface on the side of the deck of Little Garden, removed the helmet of the space suit and took a big deep breath.
– Oh! Latia. How was it?
It was Fritz who called out her while looking down at her from the top of the deck.
– Nothing interesting. I was pretty bored. I had to spend more than six hours in a simple, narrow room by myself. Since you finished earlier, you could have let me know.
– If I had told you, then this wouldn’t be an experiment, right?
– Hahaha, I agree with Fritz.
Charlotte approached them while laughing.
She also looked down at Latia from the deck and continued her words.
– This is also an experiment to see if you can spend your time in space. Let’s say that this is a mental check carried in a closed facility.
– Is that even a thing?
Finally, Latia, who was deceived with her training, seemed to understand what was imposed on her.
– You’ve got a pass. You were able to escape in time without being impatient. Congrats, Latia Saint-Émillion.
– Still, I was surprised when the alarm rang in the middle of it. The water suddenly came in, and I was told that this space suit that I’m wearing was more than heavy…
– Because we don’t know what’ll happen in the space, we had no choice but to create a state of emergency. Now, we will pull you up, so hold the cord strongly and please don’t move.
– Got it.
What was thrown into the water is a cord with a metal ring on the tip. By connecting it to the belt of the space suit, Latia is pulled up from underwater.
– Ah, the experiment of Latia is over? How was it?
Shuemei and Noah got closer as they were saying so.
– She passed. We are pulling her up right now.
When Charlotte replies, the machine starts to move and lifts Latia.
– Wow, it looks heavy.
Noah gave a loud voice, seeing Latia who’s being pulled up to the deck.
– Yeah, as you can see, the space suit is quite heavy. But, on the lunar surface, it won’t feel that heavy.
– But not that the space suit wasn’t necessary at Lunaltia Base?
That was the question of Shuemei.
She learned in class that due to the existence of oxygen supply system and gravity control system, the situation there is almost the same as the Earth.
– Exactly. It reacts with the Variant Virus by injecting microparticles containing oxygen into the blood. Furthermore, researches are progressing, making possible to move for up to an hour in outer space. We are also planning to encapsulate the microparticles to make them easier to use, and we plan to put it into practical use once Lunaltia Base is operational.
– Then, now, and just as Shuemei has said, it’s unnecessary to train with the space suit?
Latia, who ascended to the deck, said.
She’s now wiping her hair with the towel she received.
– What are you talking about? Although the atmosphere around Lunaltia Base will be stabilized to a certain extent, if you rely solely on that on a remote place, you will die once you run out of energy, and with this you won’t need to waste energy in regular work. It doesn’t mean that you can inject it in case of an emergency.
– In short, the space suit training is for regular activities outside the base?
– Pretty much.
Nodding, Charlotte continued.
– It’s not over yet, you have various trainings to do. You’ll continue doing training on VR machines and then you’ll train with 《Space Armor》Space Ride at a super altitude, actually.
It’s going to be entertaining to be able to get various kinds of data.
While showing an inappropriate smile, Charlotte continued.
– Please work hard and do your best efforts together with Hayato-kun and the Olfred brothers. That goes for Fritz-kun too.
The evening of the day when Hayato went to Claire’s house.
One aircraft landed in Little Garden.
Kirishima Sakura and her manager Souffle Clearrail were on board of it.
– It’s my first time in two weeks in Little Garden. I’m looking forward to seeing Hayato-kun.
Descending from the ramp connected from the transport aircraft to the runway, Sakura was smiling full of expectations, then got into the car that was waiting for her.
Sitting in the driver’s seat is Souffle, who got off from the transport aircraft first.
The destination they are heading to is the guesthouse where Karen and Touka live.
– ——eh!? Hayato-kun isn’t in Little Garden?
In the living room of the guesthouse, Sakura asked Karen about what Hayato is doing now, and raised a surprised voice.
– … that’s right.
Karen continued, inflating her cheeks in discontent.
– Nii-san is now in the Asgard state of Liberia.
– Why is he there? It’s because of work?
– He’s accompanying Claire-san to her house.
– Eh, what did you say!? Why is Hayato-kun accompanying that woman to the return of her home!!?
– He was designated by Liza-san.
– Liza-san you say? Her little sister…?
– Yes…
Nodding, Karen tells Sakura that Liza has been asleep in the basement of Little Garden for many years and that she heard from her older brother that Liza has awakened completely.
– ——ah, I’m sorry. This is a secret matter. Both Charlotte-san and Nii-san told me to not speak about this with no one.
– I know that much. It’s only the gist of it, but I understand their circumstances too. That “Liza”, the little sister of Claire, is also the one who’s going to the moon with us, right?
– … that’s correct. Charlotte-san said that this time of returning home is also a test for the operation of Little Garden after that.
– So that’s how it is.
Liza also has a role as the motive power of Little Garden.
When Liza goes to the moon and becomes the motive power of Lunaltia Base, the motive power of Little Garden won’t be enough.
… however, although its speed will drop, it was designed so that it’s possible to make it cruise after that; that’s what Sakura heard from Charlotte and Souffle.
In other words, that’s why this was called a test.
– Well, if they aren’t alone, then nothing will happen, so I think that we don’t have to worry about him.
– That might be true but…
– Is there something that you are worried about?
It seems she noticed that the expression of Karen was unwell.
Sakura asks Karen.
– In fortunetelling, Liza-san was trying to place together Nii-san with Claire-san.
– WHAT!?
Sakura stood up from the sofa and raised a loud voice.
– Is that true!?
– Sakura-san! This is just nothing but divination, so please calm down!
– But Karen-chan’s fortunetelling is very precise! I’ve got very anxious.
– Perhaps Karen said more than necessary…?
– Is there a companion other than Liza-san?
– I heard that Chris-san is accompanying them.
– Chris-kun, huh…. I don’t know him that well…. If he cares about Claire, then I feel that he might do something about them but…
– Can we get down to business, you two?
It was Souffle Clearrail who said so, forcing her way through between them.
After having poured black tea into the teacups placed in front of the girls.
And pouring black tea into her teacup, Souffle also sat down on the sofa.
There were reasons why Souffle is visiting Little Garden this time with Sakura.
Together with them, she’s planning the first moon’s surface live concert of mankind.
An official offer arrived the other day from the Lunaltia Base Founding Committee.
If they do a live concert in the moon, it will take more time to prepare the stage rather than the surface itself, and the amount of equipment that can be carried at once from the Earth to the moon will be limited.
Therefore, thinking that they should move forward as soon as possible, although the schedule hasn’t been decided yet, they decided to move.
– Sure. Then, let’s get down to business. Actually, I have an idea already. I was thinking about it while we were on the aircraft on our way here.
– If so, can you tell us about your idea?
– Yes, absolutely.
Answering full of herself, Sakura started to talk about her idea.
– Either way, I think that it’s good to continue with what we did at the 《World Martial Arts Tournament》
– In other words, are you talking about going to space with a rocket?
– Yup.
Sakura answers the question of Souffle.
– A story from there, when arriving at some random planet. I feel like encountering unknown life forms.
Sakura stood up from the chair with excitement, spreading her hands widely, and continued talking.
– I will land on that planet. There’s nothing there, but when I sing a song, unknown life forms appear in front of me, what do you think!?
– Unknown life form?
The one who asked next is Karen.
– Yeah, unknown life form——UMA*! And Karen-chan will play that role!
– Eh… Karen, an UMA…?
– What is it? Karen-chan doesn’t feel like doing the role of an UMA?
– It’s not that I don’t like it…
Karen’s facial expression became stern.
It’s because of what came to her mind, a jellyfish-like alien with a lot of limbs.
Karen tells that to Sakura.
Then, Sakura said while laughing.
– Don’t worry, whatever shape is fine. There’s no problem if your appearance is like a human being from the beginning. But, we can’t communicate in our language. However, by imitating my song, our voices will meet. Gradually, until they match——
Sakura approaches Karen who’s sitting on a chair and stretches her right hand.
– When I present my right hand, Karen will also present her right hand. Then we connect our hands, and we jump into the space. The we’ll be space walking while singing! And then, we end up understanding each other and become friends!
Sakura keeps talking about her production plan.
Regarding the contents, both Karen and Souffle had no objections.
– If the plan goes to that extent, then I will entrust everything to you.
– Sakura-san, when you will be able to do the song?
Karen asks.
– You are right…
Sakura sat down on the sofa and began to think, folding her arms.
– What I need is 1 song, 1 song that two people can sing. And a total of 2 songs…. No, if it’s a big stage, then I want to create a good song after all, I want a lot of time to think about it… well, I’ll manage it and hurry as much as I can!
– Sakura.
– What?
– I believe in you.
– Trust me! I’ve never broken my last deadline, isn’t it!?
Souffle took a big sigh, listening to Sakura’s reply.
– Is this your parents’ home?
The house of the parents of Emilia, which was the only place where the king of the country lives, was fairly luxurious, and it was said by Liza that their houses were similar somehow, but the truth is that they were incomparable.
As expected of the daughter of no other than Warslan Company, the enterprise representing the great country of Liberia. In the first place, it wasn’t normal when seeing that it has a heliport in the garden.
– Claire-sama, Liza-sama, this way please.
As they got off from the helicopter, the mercenaries of Warslan were waiting.
They look like guards protecting this residence.
Following their guidance, Hayato and the others start walking to the entrance of the residence.
And in the middle of that.
A past middle-aged man appeared from the bushes.
Claire saw his figure and stopped her feet, gasping in surprise.
Likewise, Chris stopped his feet.
– Otou-sama.
That voice belonged to Claire.
Following her, Liza said.
– It’s been a long time.
– … Claire… and also…
Bill was amazed, looking at Liza.
– You’ve awakened.
– Yes, I have awakened.
Answering, Liza lowered her head.
– It’s been a long time, Otou-sama. You are still retaining your youthful appearance.
– You haven’t change.
– I will grow up in no time. I am sure of it——. Were you going to mother?
Liza threw those words at him.
Then Claire, Liza and Hayato were taken aback, but Bill wasn’t agitated, he answered as if it was natural.
– Yeah. I go there once a week. And what are you doing here?
This time the question is from Bill. Liza answers.
– I wanted to come and see the house where I was born and raised for a long time. I thought if there was something that could have changed. And so, I brought them with me.
Liza turns her eyes in order: Claire, then Chris and finally Hayato.
Bill turns his eyes in the same way.
Then, stops at Hayato.
– Who’s he?
– Err, I’m a Slayer of Little Garden——
Although he was bewildered by that sudden thing in particular, Hayato was about to introduce himself.
However, Liza said, trying to abort that.
– He’s an important person of Claire.
*Suddenly bright*, the face of Claire is weltered in blood.
– He-Hey Liza! What are you talking about masuno!? Otou-sama——Liza designated him as our bodyguard and——
Bill never turned his eyes towards Claire who was desperately assembling those words.
He’s looking at Liza,
– I see.
He answers and looked again towards Hayato.
– U-umm…
Hayato swallowed saliva.
He’s very cautious about what he was going to say.
– Young man——
– Y-yes!
Without thinking, he replied with a loud voice.
Regarding that, Bill doesn’t move.
With a composed tone, he assembles his words.
– To lose a loved one is the same as death. You should at least engrave that in your heart.
And then, patting the shoulder of Hayato, Bill started walking.
His destination is not the entrance to the house.
It’s a tower-like building at the distance.
– … otou-sama…
Claire could only gaze at the back of her father who’s going away.
– As usual, he seems to be interested only in Okaa-sama.
– … Okaa-sama? If I’m not mistaken…
Hayato became at ease after listening to Liza’s muttering.
It was because he remembered the conversation he heard from Claire at the time of the large-scale Savage subjugation campaign at Mt. Kongur——《Operation: Bird In Cage》which was done under the leadership of the United Nations with a base camp spread out in the Qin Empire.
– Yes, she has died. Due to a new type of virus with the invasion of the Savages.
Liza said as if she had guessed the question of Hayato.
However, Hayato will understand that things aren’t like that.
– But, our father wants to see our mother again.
– …eh?
– It’s unfortunate. That person doesn’t love father in the same level father does towards her.
– Wa-wait a moment. “Wants to see her one more time”, what does…
– Otou-sama is doing research for the sake of that. It has the same meaning as what our mother was aiming at——
– To go beyond God, to defeat God.
That was what Chris said.
– … in effect.
Liza smiles at Chris, who was correct.
– ——and.
Liza said, looking towards the astonished people.
– Having a conversation like this while standing, why don’t we go inside the mansion? The maids are surely getting tired of waiting.
– Welcome home!
– We were waiting for you, Claire-sama, Liza-sama, Chris-sama!
– And——young master-sama!
– Everyone, here we go!
At the same time they entered the mansion
Following those voices, claps and crackers made sounds one after another.
– Umm…
While colorful strings are falling from overhead, Hayato points his line of sight towards the ones in front of him.
There were 4 girls wearing maid clothes.
Their ages are between 12 and 16 years old.
Everyone is smiling and has crackers in their hands.
– Young master? Do you mean, I…?
Hayato asked.
– That’s right, Kisaragi Hayato-sama.
A long black hair maid standing on the far right.
The tallest girl who raised her voice first said while showing a full smile on her face.
– I heard that Kisaragi Hayato-sama is the fiancée of Claire-sama.
Following her, the maid to her side was the one who raised her voice.
It’s the second girl who greeted them.
She’s the shortest of them all, and her hair is short.
– Fi-fiancée!?
– W-where did you get that desuno!?
Hayato and Claire.
The two of them expressed their astonishment all together.
Looking at them, Liza slipped out a smile.
– I told them in advance that you will bring your future husband with you.
Claire shouts, her face is deep red.
– What on earth are you thinking!?
Next to her, Chris is showing a flabbergasted expression on his face,
– No way, Claire-sama and Hayato-sama…. That the two of you have been making progress to that extent…
– … Chris, don’t believe what Liza says. Because she’s joking.
– Eh, she’s joking?
– That’s…!
It was a shortcut maid who gave that voice.
Next, all the maids gathered alongside the wall, dropping their shoulders with a depressed expression, they felt really depressed.
-The engagement of Claire-sama, for the awakening of Liza-sama——*
– We even prepared crackers, thinking that there were a lot of happy things…
Following the pigtails maid who was standing on the left, and looking at the short pigtails maid who muttered as if she was cowered and that was standing next to the previous mentioned maid, Claire goes after her, looking troubled.
– U-umm… you girls, why do you feel so depressed about that….?
– That’s right, Claire-sama!
The short pigtails maid approached her with a loud voice.
– Wha-what is it desuno!?
– Even if you aren’t engaged, what do you think of Kisaragi Hayato-san, Claire-sama?
– Huh!? Th-that’s…
Subsequently, the shortcut maid and the pigtails maid are also getting closer to Claire, urging her.
– That reaction!
– It’s not bad at all!
– Yo-you girls, what are you saying…
– If Claire-sama can’t answer, then let’s Kisaragi Hayato answer that, don’t you agree?
The one who said so is the long black hair maid.
– Eh, me!?
– Uh huh, uh huh! How does Hayato-sama feel about Claire-sama? If it results in mutual love, then engaging here——
The short pigtails girl urges him.
Then the long pigtails girl said.
– Before Claire-sama goes to the moon, let’s try to decide it here!
– Well, “decide”…
Hayato is confused about what to do.
It was Claire who gave him a helping hand there.
– You girls, stop what you are doing at once.
Claire continues, saying bluntly to the maids.
– Besides, you still have to give your greetings. Both Kisaragi Hayato and Liza are meeting you for the first time desuwayo.
– Oh, we haven’t done that!
Taken aback, the short pigtails girl bowed her head.
– Since we look at the pictures of Liza-san a lot of times and watched Kisaragi Hayato-san a lot of times on TV and the like, we didn’t feel at all that it was our first time. We are sorry!
– Too formal, but let’s do our greetings.
Following the sign of the long black hair girl, the maids line up side-by-side.
– I am Rita. I am currently working as the maid chief of this mansion.
The first greeting was from the long black hair maid.
She lifts the hem of her skirt and does a courteous bow.
Next, the long pigtails maid greeted them in the same way.
– I am Meg! Nice to meet you!
– I am Momo! It is a pleasure to meet you!
Then, the one who greeted them is the country style pigtails maid.
And the shortcut maid is the last one who greets them.
– I am Mia! I am the newest maid among us. I might be a little incompetent, but it is a pleasure to meet you!
– Everyone looks quite young.
Hayato revealed his honest impression.
The maids didn’t reply to that.
It was Chris.
– After Claire-sama decided to go to the moon, she hired them as maids to take charge of this mansion during her absence.
Continuing that, Rita said.
– We all lost our parents with the invasion of the Savages.
Chris further supplements.
– Actually, after knowing that Hayato-sama had a situation similar to theirs and was living in an institution, Claire-sama started activities to give a hand to people with similar circumstances.
– That’s right. Claire-sama picked us up and hired us as maids in this mansion.
– Besides, during daytime she let us go to school!
Momo said so.
Next, Meg and Mia said.
– Claire-sama says that it’s fine to leave if we find something we want to do…
– We will protect this house properly while Bill-sama, Judal-sama, Claire-sama and Liza-sama are out se we can repay their favor towards us!
– … president…
Hayato looked at Claire with respectful eyes.
– … n-no, I am not that great masenwayo.
Claire continued, turning her face away as she felt embarrassed.
– I’m only embodying Noblesse Oblige desu. Be-besides, the original maids were quite elderly, so we just wanted to let young people take care of this from now on desuwa.
– Ah, I remembered.
Clapping, Momo said.
– The preparation of the meal is done already.
– The four of us prepared it!
Following her, Mia said.
– Come now, let’s go to the dining room, everyone!
Going with Rita who said so, Hayato and the others moved to the dining room all together.
When they moved to the dining room and sit on the seats, meals were carried one after another.
– Please eat.
Hayato and the others received the words of Rita, the maid chief and,
– Thanks for the food.
Their voices gathered.
Dinner time has started.
– It’s delicious.
Liza was biting the flesh adhered to the bone that she grabbed with her hands.
She looked no more than a child.
When Claire saw her,
– Liza, eat with more delicacy please.
She spontaneously advised her.
And Liza refuted.
– It’s inevitable, you know? Because I didn’t eat properly since I was a child. Most of times I ate through a pill or a capsule, and I couldn’t have a meal in the basement of Little Garden. I don’t know how to use knives nor forks.
– Yes but, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to learn…
– … I know.
Liza shows a sullen expression.
She picks up a knife and fork, but it seems that she can’t handle them well.
– How troublesome…
Looking like she gave up, she threw them out.
– Wait. I will teach you…
Chris spoke from the side, looking at Claire who’s trying to bend herself forward.
– Now, now, Claire-sama. Since this is special, isn’t fine to let her be for today? Only her family is here.
– But…
– I think that it is as Chris-san says.
Meg, one of the maids, said that.
– Why don’t we let Liza-san eat as she likes? It doesn’t matter the way she eats, because we are happy that she’s deliciously eating what was given to her.
The other maids smile happily like Meg.
– if so, then I will let her be.
Liza grabs the meat once again and starts to bite it.
– … good grief…
While saying those words, Claire smiled happily looking at how Liza was filling her mouth with food.
– Nevertheless, this is really tasty.
– It is.
Hayato nodded, facing Liza.
The maids looked like they were nothing else but innocent children, but all the cooking taught by the senior maids before they left were both delicious and well prepared.
– Ah! Which reminds me, Bill-san is…
Suddenly, Hayato remembered Bill, the person he met at the entrance of the palace when he was mentioned.
The next moment, the dining hall falls completely silent.
– … Bill-sama never eats dinner here.
That was what Momo said.
Next, Meg said.
– Because Bill-sama secludes himself in a detached room, we carry cooking to his place.
– The cooking of today, I brought it there a while ago.
Saying that, Rita continues.
– Without a doubt, he should be eating in his room around this time.
– … is that so…
– Kisaragi Hayato, you don’t have to worry about our father.
It’s the first time in years that parent and child see their faces, it would be nice if they eat together——
Liza continues, in addition to Hayato who thought so.
– That person is no longer an ordinary human being. He has reached the same level of Charlotte and my mother.
Undoubtedly, he didn’t understand the meaning of the words until a while ago.
As a person, the height that can’t be reached if you don’t cast yourself away somewhere——.
Hayato knew that there were people who lived in such places.
Even Liza was one of them——.
——no.
Even for them, the Slayers, was probably the same.
*Pirorin*, the PDA of Chris made a sound when most of the dishes on the table became empty.
That seems to indicate that it’s an incoming email.
– Excuse me.
Chris took out the PDA from his pocket while saying that, then checks the email and whispers into Claire’s ear.
– … it’s a report from Liddy-sama. It’s about the documents of a matter that came from Headquarters, she wants the validation of Claire-sama as soon as possible.
– This means that this can’t be judged by Liddy alone at the present time desuwa. I understand. Tell her to send me those documents, please.
– Understood.
Claire, who heard the reply of Chris, turns her line of sight to Hayato and the girls.
– Because work has arrived, I will be heading to my room masu. Kisaragi Hayato, I will leave you under the care of Liza and the maids masuwa. Chris, let’s go masuwayo.
– Yes.
Claire leaves the room with Chris.
– I will also return to my room at once. The cleaning and bed making are finished, correct?
When Liza said so, Rita, the maid, replied.
– Yes, they are finished.
Continuing, Momo asks.
– Does Liza-sama know the location of the room?
– Yes, of course… and, I almost forgot. Before that, there was something that I had to tell you.
After she glanced at Hayato.
– Can you give me a minute?
Liza gathered the four maids and started talking with a low voice.
(I wonder, what are they talking about?)
Hayato inclines his head to the side.
He has a bad feeling about this.
– You girls… and as the email I sent in advance… yes, the arranged room of Kisaragi Hayato… yes, that’s fine… and the bath, if you want to do it, then fine by me. Yup, I entrust the rest to you…
It seems their conversation has ended.
Liza moves away from the maids.
– Ufufu.
Looking towards Hayato, Liza turns a daring smile.
Likewise, the maids also start to laugh with *Ufufufufu”
(What are they going to do?)
It’s truly uncanny.
The bad feeling is out of the question.
– Kisaragi Hayato.
– Ye-yes.
Hayato answers Liza, who called out to him.
– I told the maids to guide you to the bath and your room. Well then, from here I——ufufu…
Showing a smile while revealing her voice for a second time, Liza went out from the dining room.
– Well then, Hayato-sama.
After Meg, Mia said.
– We will do the guidance till the bath.
The place where he was led by the maids was like the dressing room of the dorm.
– Is this the bath?
– Yes, the bathroom is inside.
Meg opened the door of the bathhouse.
Hayato looks inside.
– It looks like a common public bathroom, isn’t it?
There’s nothing worthy of special mention of the bathroom itself.
It’s simpler than the bathhouse of the dorm of Little Garden.
That’s why Hayato asked.
– The president and the others also come here?
– No, this is the common bathing ground that we use every day. Claire-sama and the others have a proper bath in their rooms.
Momo answered.
– Ah, I see, that’s very…
– Well then, if you excuse us for a moment.
Meg quickly bows her head.
– Please have these with you!
Next, a face towel, a bath towel——
And nightclothes, all that was handed over from Mia to Hayato.
– Please feel at ease, nobody other than Hayato-sama will come in.
That’s what Rita said.
The maids go out from the dressing room.
– See you soon〜
Momo, the last one who went out, closes the door.
(I guess I’m going to enter…)
Hayato took off his clothes and moved to the bathhouse.
He opens the door and feels the warmth of the steam that blows out, picks up the bath chair and the bucket that were at the entrance and sits down on the inner part of the washbasin.
Then, when he was about to take a shower.
– … huh?
*Rattle*, he heard that the door of the bathhouse was opened.
(Moments ago, they said that no one would come——)
Hiding his nether region with the face towel in a hurry, Hayato looks back.
– … ah…
The four maids were there.
– Wh-why are you all here? What’s more, those clothes…?
Moreover, none of them is wearing the maid outfit of a while ago. There’s a lot of exposure of their skin. They are wearing some underwear-like maid clothes.
– The conclusion of the four of us speaking is that, we shall wash the back of our future master!
It was Momo who answered.
Next, Meg tells him.
– These clothes are special maid dresses for serving in the bath.
– At any rate, as expected of a Slayer-sama.
– Such a manly and robust back.
Rita and Mia came closer and began to touch the body of Hayato.
– Wa-wait, you two…!
– Ah, enough. Me too, me too!
The next one who approaches him is Momo.
Meg also draws near Hayato’s body.
– Ehehe, I’m fascinated.
– Eh, umm… can I ask one thing?
「「「「What is it?」」」」
Momo, Rita, Mia and Meg speak all together.
– Everyone, well…. Do you also do this to Bill-kaichou?
– Ah, no…
It was Mia who shook his head and replied.
– That person rarely appears before us.
Their expression looks very dispirited and regrettable…
Similarly, Meg said with a depressed expression.
– Because we couldn’t help it, we were looking forward to doing things like a maid do in this way…
– U-umm…
The four of them separated from Hayato, feeling completely depressed in the corner of the bathhouse.
In other words, the head of this house is a shut-in.
They finally were able to do something appropriate for a maid, because they expanded their chests in expectation*.
He feels bad for not taking that into consideration.
(… wait, this is what they were talking with Liza some time ago…!)
He had a bad feeling, but he didn’t expect to be something like this——.
(But, there’s nothing I can do…)
Such a chance was very improbable, so maybe it’s fine to try experiencing the feeling of being a goshujinsama*.
– I understand, Then I’ll be, under your care….
When Hayato said so, the facial expressions of the maids became bright.
– Well then, let’s rinse his back first.
One of the maids says so.
Momo took the shower head and twisted the faucet.
After she checked the regulation of the hot water with her own hands, she puts the shower on the back of Hayato.
– Hayato-sama, is the water temperature to your liking?
– I-it’s almost perfect.
– If so, then I will let it flow as it is.
Ten seconds pass with no change and the shower is stopped.
Then, Meg said.
– Very well, shall we start?
– Well then, I will do the right arm…
– Uwaaah!?
Rita grabs his right arm.
– Then I will take his left arm.
Next is Mia who grabbed his left arm as she declared so.
– If that’s the case, then I will take his left leg!
Momo touches his left leg while saying so.
– Oh, everyone is so unfair. Then I will have what it’s left untouched, his right leg…
Lastly, Meg touches his right leg….
– U-uwa…
Eventually, Hayato was surrounded by four maids who decided to rub with a sponge his limbs.
(Wh-what is this…)
Of course, He hasn’t thought of encountering such a situation in his life.
If Karen was looking at him, there’s no doubt she,
– How filthy!
Would said so.
– Can I ask something, Hayato-sama?
– Ye-yes! What is it?
All of a sudden, Mia started speaking in his ear.
Moreover, it was a long breath he had to deal with, so a part of his body reacts with a jump.
– Umm, Hayato-sama, is it true that you are not going out with Claire-sama?
That was the question released like nothing.
– Well, that’s what I said before…
Hayato answers.
– If so, then that rumored silver-haired…
– Emilia-san!
It was Meg who raised her voice after Mia.
– That’s right! Are you going out with Emilia-san!?
Then, Momo asks.
– Is that so? Then Hayato-sama is enjoying himself with Claire-sama!?
– No, that’s…. Emiilia is what you call a childhood friend, it’s not like I’m enjoying myself or anything like that with her, and in the first place, what relation has that with everyone——
「「「「It does」」」」
The voices of the maids gather.
– Err…
– Well, if Hayato-sama isn’t going out with anyone, then that means that we have a chance too? That’s how it looks to me. Don’t you think so, Momo?
The one who said so was Meg.
– Absolutely. Hayato-sama is wonderful. Looks tender. Oh, my breasts were touching him .
– Ah, sneaky Momo! Appealing to Hayato-sama like that! I’m going to tell Claire-sama. But, me too… so .
– If so, me too .
Following Meg, even Rita pushes her breasts, doing *Funyu*.
Looking at her, Mia shows impatience.
– Wa-wait! Even Meg-san and Rita-san! Then, me too! Ugh, I don’t have breasts! I’m going to embrace him for now! Ei!
(Pl-please, forgive me already…)
In this situation, a part of his body became hotter and bigger. Hayato became unable to move and the only thing he could do was to stay like that.
Hayato changed to his nightclothes and came out from the dressing room, held the uniform in his hands and walked in the corridor.
(I can’t believe that they decided to do that——)
He really doesn’t understand what life is.
(Then I wonder, if Judal-san also takes advantage of it and has his body washed like that in his room by Neveah-san?)
There are things he can imagine and things he can’t imagine——
– … so, it’s here…?
Hayato stood in front of the door of the room taught by the maids.
Even when looking around him, there are no other doors, so this is not a mistake, he thinks.
He thought so and put the key that he got in the keyhole and turned it, he could open the door.
– Eh…?
He didn’t understand what happened for a moment.
There was Claire, in the middle of putting on her panties in the room.
– Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-why Kisaragi Hayato is coming into m-my room desu!?
– Huh, this is the room of the president!?
– Th-that’s right desuwayo!
Claire rapidly raised her panties, took a towel near her, and hid her body.
– I-I’m sorry. I will leave immediately——
Hayato turned his back on Claire, laying his hand on the knob of the door.
There, a voice called out him.
– Wait.
Of course, it belongs to Claire.
– For the time being, turn your back to me and stay like that desu. After I change clothes, I will listen the reasons masuwa.
– Ah, yes…
When hearing the body of Claire that makes sounds from behind his back while moving, the sound of the rustling of the clothes makes his heart go crazy and then her voice, once again, calls out him.
– … you can turn around desuwayo.
Then, Hayato turns around.
– … ah…!
What meet his eyes is the appearance of Claire who has changed clothes to her sleepwear.
It looks like a dress rather than pajamas.
It’s a cute pink room wear.
Hayato’s heart goes *DOKI* *DOKI*, since he perfectly sees the line of the body that has a lot of exposure.
– Wh-what are you doing, watching steadily at me masuno!?
Claire hid her chest with her arms, looking at Hayato with an expression similar to disapproval.
– Ah, I’m sorry!
Hayato turns around again.
An amazed-like voice called out him.
– Kisaragi Hayato…
– W-what is it?
– If you are like this, the we won’t be able to talk, don’t you think? Turn towards me.
– B-but…
– If you don’t look at me with lewd eyes, then it’s fine desu.
– Un-understood!
– … good grief.
Claire folded her arms and took a breath as if she was exasperated.
In answer, Hayato turned around, but he couldn’t look directly at the figure of Claire.
He looks around the room.
It’s a lady-like luxurious room.
At any rate, it’s not just a room. It has a bath and a toilet.
And the bedroom is in the back.
Speaking of other things, there’s the interior design.
He wonders if she spent her time in this place as a child.
Although it’s extravagant, when looking at the present Claire, it looks as if it was more than a hobby for a little girl more than anything.
In front of the pink curtain, cute stuffed animals were lined up.
– Although I told you to not see me with lewd eyes, and certainly you aren’t, I didn’t say that it was fine to look around my room masenwayo.
– Ah, I’m sorry…. I was thinking that this is the room of the president…
– … oh, yes, it is desuwa.
Taken aback, Claire continued.
– Why did you come to my room… huh… the key! My key desuwa! I am sure I locked the door of the room! Despite this, why——
– The key was given to me by the maids. And told me about the location of this room…
– Oh, so that happened desuno.
Claire muttered with a fed-up expression and goes to the door which is the entrance of the room.
She opens the door and she stares at the four maids who were there.
– You girls, what do you think you are doing in such a place masuno?
– Err, well…. Cleaning the door…
Meg answers while being flustered.
– The four of you? Together? At this hour?
– Err, umm…
It’s Mia who answered while stepping back.
The other three people step backward as well.
– Are you the ones who created this situation desuno?
– N-no…
Momo answers, shaking her head.
– This is all Liza-sama’s suggestion…
– Momo! Saying that is…!
– Ha!
Rita called her attention, but it was too late.
– … now all makes sense desuno…
Claire, who has a cramp on her cheeks, yelled out loudly again with sharp eyes at the maids.
– Get away from here in this instant and return to your rooms. Otherwise——you are fired desuwayo!
– Hii————!
The maids, threatened by Claire, run away from the place, scattering in all directions.
– Good grief…
After she followed their figures with her eyes until they were out of sight, Claire sighed in a big way and came back into the room.
– So, it was Liza-san who set up this trap?
– That seems to be the case desuwane.
Claire went towards the window and closed the curtain completely.
– We won’t be seen by Lia with this.
– … so, president. What should I do?
He was guided to this room.
This is a mansion that does have vacant rooms, but he doesn’t know which room he should go.
– Oh, that’s right…
Claire puts a finger on her head and ponders.
It was at that moment when.
(Claire, can you hear me?)
A voice sounded in the head of Claire.
(… Liza!)
Out of nowhere, he noticed that Claire did a gesture, giving the impression that she reacted to something.
– … president, did something happen?
– N-no. It’s nothing masenwa. W-wait a moment please.
Claire answers with a flustered expression and disappeared into the back of the bedroom.
– Umm, yes…
The left behind Hayato was dumbfounded, he was only able to follow her with his eyes until she disappeared.
(Liza, what the heck are you planning desuno!?)
As she moved to the bedroom, Claire raised a protest voice in her head.
It’s a protest not only because she talked with her all of a sudden, but also in regard to the situation she created like this.
(You really know that there’s only a handful of hours to go to the moon. So, after Yamato, I made a chance)
(I told you, there’s no need for something like that…!)
(But, otherwise, you won’t move, right? Unlike at the time of Yamato, nobody will get in the way. So, whatever you do is fine…. Whatever you do, okay?)
(Whatever you do, you say, you…)
Ufufu, Liza leaked a chuckle.
(Well then, I will go to bed. So, feel relieved. I won’t talk to you in this way anymore, so I won’t be watching the love affair of you and Kisaragi Hayato)
(That’s the least you have to do desuwayo!)
(Well then, good night)
And then, she can no longer hear the voice of Liza.
(… w-what should I do desuno?)
She realizes that her beating is fast and intense.
She’s alone with the person she likes——.
This is a chance, it sure it is, and as Liza says, time is running out.
This may be the last time she can be alone with Kisaragi Hayato.
(… the long-awaited chance, desumonone…)
Clenching one her fists and grasping it tightly, Claire resolved herself.
What’s left now is, to make it reach that point.
– … ah, president…
He was surprised that the door was abruptly opened.
Looking at Claire who came back from the bedroom, Hayato was blinking in surprise.
– Err, are you okay? It looked like something happened all of a sudden…
– Ye-yes… But it was nothing masenwa. Well, umm, Kisaragi Hayato…
– … ye-yes?
– There’s something I have to talk about you after this.
– About me, after this?
– Yes, about you after this desu.
Nodding, Claire continued.
– Because of that situation, I am sure the maids won’t have your room ready, don’t you agree?
– Maybe, that is the case…
Hayato remembers about what Liza and the maids were talking about.
It was not just the bath, but also about this.
– If they prepare your room from now, it will take some time and you will get tired, isn’t it? And your body will also cool down masuwa. Th-therefore——
– … therefore?
The words of Claire stop, her head turns red.
On the contrary, she becomes embarrassed to say the words beyond this point and can’t meet his gaze.
Still——
Claire musters courage and assembled the words.
– It’s fine if you move and stay in this room, and…
– … huh?
For a moment, Hayato stared in wonder, he couldn’t understand what he was told.
But, he immediately understood——.
– No, no, please wait a moment. Certainly, there are two rooms, but still——err, are there two sets of futons?
– The-there is only one masenwayo…
– Then——
What she’s saying is that there’s no alternative than sleeping together in one bed.
Hayato noticed something there.
– Ah, there’s a sofa, therefore I——
– This is not the first time we sleep together to one another, hmm? So, there is no need to be reserved.
Saying that, Claire keeps going.
– Besides, the bed is big. I used to sleep well with Liza in the past. So, there’s no problem masenwa!
– I-is it really okay?
– I am telling you that it is okay desu! Or else Kisaragi Hayato, you don’t want to go to bed with me desuno…?
– No, but that’s!
– I’m telling you, I decided it desuwane! Come, masuwayo, Kisaragi Hayato——
In this way, Hayato was pushed by Claire, and both were moving to the bedroom.
– Come, enter.
Claire, who entered in the bed first, lifted the upper futon.
– … we-well then, if you excuse me…
Hayato goes up on the bed, doing as he was told.
Ten people can sleep easily from end to end on the bed.
Both Claire and Hayato decided to sleep in a form of back-to-back.
(I wonder if I will fall asleep with the president in this way…)
At the time of the《Operation: Bird in Cage》they fell asleep in the same tent——rather than under the same roof.
However, at that time they were in individual sleeping bags, and there were Emilia, Claudia and Erika outside.
But, today is different.
The door of the room is locked, so no one will come in.
One minute, two minutes, and time passes by.
However, he can’t sleep because his heart is going crazy.
– … Kisaragi, Hayato….
It was around 5 minutes after the lights in the room were turned off.
Hearing he was called out by Claire, Hayato asks back.
– … wh-what is it?
– If you stay so much at the edge, you will fall out of the bed masuwayo. Come over here, I don’t mind masenwa…
– ,,, eh?
– And the size of the bed cover has its limitations too desukara.
– U-understood.
Hayato approaches the center of the bed with his back, following what he was told.
– Hyaan!
The shriek of Claire leaked abruptly.
It’s the warmth of Claire that he felt at the same time on his back.
– I-I’m sorry!
Hayato turns around and apologizes in panic.
It seems that he got too close to her because he didn’t look behind.
– ——ah…!
Looking back, there was the face of Claire.
Claire turned around at the same time.
The distance between their faces was getting shorter, they were less than 10 centimeters of each other. Besides, towards the body of Hayato, two big swellings of Claire are about to touch him.
– U-umm…
The line of sight of Hayato goes naturally to her swellings.
They are a little out of shape* and looked like they will fall from the pajamas at any time.
She noticed the line of sight of Hayato.
– Wh-what are you looking at so fixedly masuno!?
Claire turned her back on him while hiding her chest with both arms.
– I-I’m sorry!
Being flustered, Hayato turns his back on her as well.
Still, the distance between their backs is less than 10 centimeters.
With such a distance, it’s likely that they will touch the other with no more than a slight movement.
(I’m feeling even more nervous, I’ll never be able to sleep…)
He thought that it may be mentally comfortable for her if they glued their backs together
Then, around 5 minutes passed.
– Kisaragi Hayato.
She calls his name again.
– … yes, president…?
Hayato replied and turned his back on her.
– You, were still awake, right…?
– Yes, I can’t get to sleep easily…
– … if so, let’s talk a little. Once I go to the moon, we won’t be able to talk much.
Claire slipped out a smile and turned her body towards Hayato.
– O-okay!
Answering, Hayato also turns his body towards Claire.
– … ah…
The face of Claire is right next to him.
It was a very beautiful and charming face, it seemed as if he was getting strange, looking fixedly at her. And of course, her breasts as well——
(… ah, her breasts are no good, her breasts are…)
She will get angry again.
(Aa, what do I do…?)
10 seconds, 20 seconds, the silence time is passing.
It was Claire who tore the curtain of silence and issued again.
– Say, Kisaragi Hayato…
– Wh-what is it, president?
– Err…. Come to think of it… about that thing…
– … that?
Looking at her, he raises her huffy eyebrows.
What happened? Hayato cocked his head in puzzlement.
– I think that it may be better to stop calling me president soon. The president of Little Garden will soon be Liddy——
– Certainly, that will happen.
But since he entered school, he has always been calling her like that.
That’s why he can’t think of another way of addressing her.
That’s why Hayato decided to ask Claire.
– If so, how should I call you…?
– Well, that’s…
– ?
In a twinkle, Claire’s face gets welter in blood.
– … Claire…
Claire mutters.
However, she couldn’t bear her own embarrassment.
– I-I knew it, let’s go with Claire-senpai…
– … Claire-senpai …?
– H-how is it?
– President is… No, if Claire-senpai is fine, then I don’t see the problem…
– … ah…!!
The moment he called her as Claire-senpai.
The blushing of her face increases even more.
That’s the same for Hayato.
– We-well, what if we change it? It can be former president, or honorary president…
He’s embarrassed to call out her renewed name.
So, Hayato tried to suggest another way of calling her, but Claire desperately objected.
– N-no… I think that Claire-senpai is fine. Yes, I have no doubt desuwa!
– I-is that so…? If that’s the case, then I will do so. And, umm…
– Wh-what is it desuno?
– I think that you were trying to talk about something earlier, but it wasn’t this conversation, right?
– Ah…!
With that question, Claire remembers.
The name was nothing more than the opening.
– That is…
Claire looks down.
The words are gradually rising to her throat, but she can’t say them.
The conversation seems to be about the ring.
At the closing party of the 《World Martial Arts Tournament》
And about what Hayato gave to Emilia.
She knows that it has the meaning of a birthday present.
However, she wanted to know if it meant more than that.
But asking that, it’s like confessing that at that time, she was near them, watching them.
Besides——.
By no means she wants to hear that answer.
(Yes, what I would like to ask is…)
The feelings of Kisaragi Hayato.
What he feels towards her.
(No, that’s not it masuwa)
She doesn’t want to hear his feelings.
The feelings of Kisaragi Hayato——she wants them.
– … Kisaragi, Hayato…
– Eh?
Hayato stared in wonder, looking at Claire who raised her face.
The eyes of Claire are dyed with golden color.
– Kisaragi Hayato, I——
Claire touches the shoulder of Hayato and kissed him, pushing down his body as he was.
– Nn, puhaa!
At the same time as their lips separated.
The appearance of Claire overlooking himself jumped into his eyes.
– I… about you…
Her eyes shine, and don’t change from that golden color, her breathing is rough too.
Of course, her cheeks were flushing.
The thing that crossed the mind of Hayato was what Liza said in the helicopter.
The women are attracted by the Variant Virus inside Hayato.
(Then perhaps this is, about that…?)
Impossible, that it ended up becoming in such a situation——.
Deciding to aim for Hayato’s lips, Claire brings her face closer.
– President, please calm down. The president of now is getting a little strange.
Hayato grabs the shoulders of Claire and said to stop her movement.
Claire replies.
– I don’t know what will happen in the moon masenwa…. So, I’m worried. But, if you are within me, then I can endure it. That’s what I think desu. Therefore——
– B-but… if this keeps going, what will happen…?
– Up to now, you mean? I was fine desu. So, everything is fine …. Even if I receive lots and lots from you, I’m sure I can stand it——so——
Claire, who said so, her eyes shone even more furiously.
And the moment he saw them.
The beats of the heart of Hayato accelerate.
The impulse as a male of the Variant that dominates his body.
The eyes of Hayato dyed in golden color.
– … president…
The hand of Claire touches his body.
Hayato didn’t oppose against that.
Their lips come into contact again.
At that moment, the inside of the head of Hayato became pure white.
The next morning——.
Claire woke up and remembered what she did, even if she didn’t want it.
It’s because she woke up in a form like hugging Kisaragi Hayato’s head with her chest.
– W-what did I really…
She herself wished for a kiss, though with impetus, and then they didn’t stop after that.
Her head is boiling just be remembering that, it seems to be so unbecoming of her.
(If I haven’t regained myself after the second kiss, then we surely…)
After kissing many, many times, over and over again.
The hand of Kisaragi Hayato touched her breast.
Then——.
Claire was taken aback and regained herself.
(… such a sneaky thing desuwa…)
(If I’m going to do it, then this is not the way, it must be through the proper way——)
Otherwise, I am not going to win against Emilia.
It was just a simple head start.
I am the Perfect Queen.
The fight should be fair and square.
Therefore——.
– It’s no good desuwa!
Shouting, Claire thrusted Hayato away.
With that, Hayato regained himself.
But——.
Claire put her hands on her chest.
She has Kisaragi Hayato inside her.
That makes her very happy.
And very satisfied.
Claire points her line of sight towards Hayato.
After Hayato regained himself, he apologized in an apologetic way a lot of times.
– It’s okay desuwa. Because I am the one at fault desukara.
Claire said so and embraced closely the head of Hayato.
And when they were still in that posture, Hayato immediately fell asleep.
Claire also fell asleep looking at his sleeping face.
– He really has a cute sleeping face desuwane.
Then, she slightly pricked his cheek.
And Claire lightly kissed the cheek of Hayato.
– …auu, what am I doing masuno…
She becomes ashamed of her own actions.
That would be impossible if Kisaragi Hayato wakes up.
(I wish this time could last forever desukeredo…)
It’s about time to get up.
Managing it poorly will make the maids come in and open the door without permission, and they may be seen in this state.
Regretting it that much, Claire raises her body and decided to change clothes.
Hayato doesn’t wake up yet.
First, there’s something she must say to Liza and the maids.
Claire changed clothes from her pajamas to the uniform of Little Garden and slapped her cheeks with a *Slap* *Slap*, tightened her expression and headed to the dining room.
– Oh my, Claire. I wonder, did you have a good night’s sleep last night?
One of the maids——
Liza, who was eating ham and eggs for breakfast while elegantly dinking black tea that Momo had prepared, noticed Claire who came to the dining room and turned her eyes.
– … ah…
Finally, Liza seems to have noticed that the stiffened facial expression of Claire is glaring at her.
– What, if I could sleep at ease desuno…?
– … a-ah? You sound a little ill humored. Did something happen? Don’t you think the same, Momo?
– Eh!? Why is that brought up to me now!?
Momo is confused.
Rita, Mia and Meg, the other three maids, were preparing breakfast in the kitchen, and were watching the situation with anxiety from the shadows.
– You know very well why I am displeasured, aren’t you!? You really went over the top!
When Claire strikes the table, the cup and the dish made a fierce sound.
– Of course, all of you are equally guilty desuwa!
Claire stares with severity at the maids.
With a small scream, the maids cowered with fear.
– Both Liza and the maids! The next time you do something unnecessary, I am NOT going to forgive you masenwayo!
– … however, Onee-sama.
Liza shows a broad smile.
– Wh-what is it desuno?
There, she probably noticed.
Liza whispered close in the ear of Claire.
– Don’t tell me you didn’t have a good time last night? I feel Kisaragi Hayato inside you a lot more than yesterday.
The face of Claire gets dyed deep red.
After all, Liza was one step higher than her.
– Feel Kisaragi Hayato inside…?
With that voice, Claire turns around.
At the entrance of the dining room, Chris showed a disturbed, deep red face.
It’s very unusual for him to show such appearance.
– Ch-chris. That’s not it. I was, and Kisaragi Hayato and a-all I feel is guilty…
– Feeling guilty? About what do you feel guilty, Claire-sama!?
– Because I feel guilty, I’m not going to say anything masuwa!
Claire said so and jumped out of the dining room to escape.
– I-I am going to wake up Kisaragi Hayato. You girls, prepare breakfast. Are we clear desuwane!?
– I appreciate the efforts of everyone for coming here in this way, now I am going to explain the progress of the construction of the Lunaltia Base, and the plan that comes after that.
There are members of Seleson composed of leaders and representatives from various countries and organizations gathered in the underground meeting place in the Kingdom of Geneva.
The people, aside from Judal, don’t show their faces.
They are sitting behind the written alphabet screens, arranged in order to surround Judal, forming a semicircle.
– … so, what’s the plan that comes after that?
– What is it, by the way?
The questions from the members of Selesons comes one after another.
Judal doesn’t answer them and continues his words.
– Before that, let’s talk about the construction of Lunaltia Base first.
– … putting on airs, huh?
Without reacting to such words, Judal continues the exposition.
– At the present time, the level of completion of Lunaltia Base is over 90%. Please look at the current state on the monitor behind me or on the monitor at hand.
On the monitor behind Judal, a single image showing the current situation of Lunaltia Base is displayed. The same image should be displayed on the monitors at hand of the Seleson members. Of course, it’s also displayed on the monitor at hand of Judal.
– As you can see, there are many buildings still under construction in the interior of the residential area, but the exterior of it is nearly complete. We have already finished the tests of the supply of oxygen and the control of gravity.
The images are switched one after another.
Among those, there were Slayers and construction workers without space suits.
– Other facilities are almost completed. The mass drivers for sending people and resources are working without problems on both the Earth and the moon and at the end of next month, Slayers belonging to Puritaria and Warslan will start settling on a large scale as planned. With that, I have a request to ask everyone.
– … and what would that request be?
– Don’t tell me that it’s about putting out more money and workers?
Again, the words came out from one of members of Seleson.
Ignoring that, Judal said.
– From here on we will be talking about the administration of Lunaltia Base——its sovereignty.
At that moment, tension ran among the members.
– In order to manage Lunaltia Base without being deceived by speculations and relationships on the ground of each country and organization, we will create a Lunaltia Cooperative System with each country and organization before the start of the formal base management. This is what I have been talking about from before.
Lunaltia Cooperative System.
It will consist of one representative of each country and organization.
There are conditions for being just a representative.
They must spend most of a year in Lunaltia Base.
– Here starts my request. And that is, we want one representative from each country and organization that decides and wants to participate in the Lunaltia Base Cooperative System soon. This is what the Lunaltia Base Promotion Development Committee wants to carry out with its members from now on. In the first round, they also want to decide the first president of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System. And——
With a short pause, Judal continued.
– I would like to announce that I, Judal Harvey, the representative of Lunaltia Base Promotion Development Committee, will run for the founder president.
Judal shows a broad smile.
Then, the meeting place shook.
– Don’t fool around! You neophyte of a single company! That is out of your league!
– What’s more, you believe that you can be the first one to leave behind your name, you bastard!?
– You don’t even have political experience!
Naturally, voices of objections are raised successively.
– … certainly, it’s true.
Judal responded frankly to those opinions.
– … however, the advance of mankind to the universe. And the establishment of Lunaltia Base, the establishment of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System is a dream of mine since I was very young. If that happens, I have enough resolution, even when thinking that I can lose everything. That is why I am investing a lot of my own funds as well. So, everyone, do you have that resolution?
– But, aren’t you going too far? Leave the first presidency to the leaders or someone who has experience equivalent to it, and even after that——. At any rate, you are still green.
– I agree with that opinion. The fact that the representative of Warslan with strong military power becomes the representative of the moon can also make the movements of the universe advancement opposition factions active.
– That’s right. The moon fights independent of the Earth. It can’t be helped if it seems to be like that.
Judal also understand that those opinions are reasonable.
However, he can’t back down.
Judal started talking about the reasons.
– Unfortunately, the matter needs to be hurried. Because, I don’t know whether my life will last for two years or more——
Again, the assembly hall shook in commotion.
– Is that true?
A surprised voice was released from the other side of the partitioning screen of『F』.
– Yes.
Nodding, Judal continued.
– There is also a medical certificate written by the doctor, and this was also communicated beforehand to Serivia Notre Dame Paulo III, the Pope of Puritaria who is cooperating with us in the Lunaltia Project. On top of that, I received the words from her where there is no problem that I, Judal Harvey, can become the founder president.
– Is that true, Serivia Notre Dame Paulo III?
The words came out from the『A』screen who is the chairman.
– It’s true.
Together with the words heard from the partitioning screen『G』.
What appeared from beyond that is Serivia Notre Dame Paulo III, the Pope of the 《Holy Church》Puritaria, whose face was hidden with an apron and was wearing the usual saifuku*.
*TN: vestments worn by priests and attendants. And yeah, apron on her head, no mistakes here.
– I was told about that three months ago by Judal-sama.I have also verified the doctor’s medical certificate.
– It is as Pope-sama says. I do not have time. That is why I am impatient. However, I would like to carry forward the matters as amicable as possible. I would like everyone to understand that.
That sounded like if it was a threat.
So, in order to alleviate that.
Serivia said.
– … Juda-san, let’s end this here.
– I am sorry, Pope-sama. Then, a few words to end——
Judal bowed his head towards Serivia and continued speaking.
– There is no falsehood in the things I am saying. I just want to fulfill my childhood’s dream. The things about Liberia and Warslan are trivial to me. The offerings don’t matter as well. And you can ascertain them with whatever means you use.
Saying that plainly, Judal closed his speech.
– I have finished what I had to say. The resolution should be taken in the next meeting. Based on the discussion of now, and for the members from the next meeting, it would be better to think about it and have persons who will participate in the congress of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System. Well then, it has been a pleasure to be with all of you in this opportunity.
Saying that again, Judal bowed his head.
