I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [59] [30 PS]
Finally released from the infirmary, Okita Souji seized the opportunity and invited Ayase Ayatsuji to go out with her.
But as they passed the front gates of Hagun Academy, they noticed something odd about the atmosphere.
"Well, isn't this surprising. I never thought someone as noble as Princess Stella would find interest in such plebeian forms of amusement as we common folk enjoy."
"I mentioned wanting to learn more about Japan, so my master, Ikki, invited me along."
One spoke with a charming venom, while the other radiated a sharp edge, and both were rare beauties within the academy.
The one who exuded that sharp edge was Stella, who was accompanied by Ikki Kurogane, who wore a slightly stiff smile. Both were dressed casually rather than in uniforms, especially Stella, who wore a pale yellow jacket over a white blouse and a pink belted skirt, with a small bag slung over her shoulder. She was every bit the picture of a young, energetic girl.
"Shouldn't the princess be learning something more suitable, like tact or common courtesy?"
"That's exactly why I came. Going out with a shameless sister who kisses her own brother in public is dangerous!"
Ah… so this is what they mean by a "catfight"?
How terrifying.
Ikki knew their squabbling was his fault, yet his instincts constantly warned him not to butt in. So, with no other choice, he maintained a polite, slightly awkward smile on the sidelines.
At that moment, he felt a tap on his shoulder from behind. He sensed no hostility and turned around, only to feel a finger poke his cheek.
"Gotcha!"
Retracting her hand, Okita Souji flashed a mischievous grin, clearly proud of her successful sneak attack.
A wave of surprised, puzzled, and wary looks quickly turned her way—except for Ikki, who was simply happy to see her.
"Souji! You're out already?"
Ikki had visited her several times in the infirmary, and they'd grown comfortable enough to call each other by name.
In fact, Ayase had once bumped into Ikki and Stella while visiting Okita herself, and they'd gotten to know each other. Though Ayase was generally shy, especially around unfamiliar men, Okita had acted as a buffer.
If Ayase hadn't wanted to maintain her senpai dignity in front of Okita, she might have run off the moment she saw Ikki.
But unlike Okita, Ikki seemed oddly familiar with the name "Ayatsuji," as he deeply admired Ayase's father.
Since Ikki had often been looked down upon, he'd taught himself swordsmanship by watching videos of other people's matches, finding the greatest help from footage of Kaito Ayatsuji, "the Last Samurai."
Only when she talked about her father would Ayase forget her timidity and converse like any ordinary person.
"I told you, I'm perfectly fine. They should've let me go ages ago, but they only approved my release yesterday…" Okita grumbled before glancing over at Ayase, who had come to stand beside her. "Since I've been bedridden for so long, I made plans with Senpai to get some fresh air and stretch my stiff limbs. So, what's with you guys?"
Okita's gaze passed over Ikki, landing on the other three people nearby.
"A group date? Ikki, are you seriously dating three people at once?"
"No! No way! Of the three, one is a guy and the other's my sister—why would I be dating them?!"
Ikki's face flushed as he quickly refuted her guess, to which Okita shot him a sly grin.
"Oh, so you're not denying the part about dating Stella?"
That one comment was enough to send both Ikki and Stella blushing bright red.
"I…!"
"You're wrong! I just… I just wanted to keep an eye on him and make sure he didn't end up in some twisted relationship with his sister!"
"Alright, alright, just kidding! No need to take it so seriously."
Okita patted Ikki and Stella on the shoulders, then walked past them to greet the other two.
After brief introductions, Okita learned that they were Ikki's sister, Shizuku Kurogane, and her roommate, Arisuin Nagi.
Looking at the man who insisted he had "the soul of a woman" and even hoped to be called "Alice," Okita tilted her head in slight confusion.
Arisuin seemed like he was about to clarify, but seeing Okita turn away and shrug it off, he decided against it.
Please—I've seen it all. As Chaldea's sole human Master, I've been around plenty of strange people.
I'm used to it, okay?
Having met so many eccentric Servants, she had learned a thing or two about dealing with unique personalities.
In short, go with the flow.
Not in a groveling way like Tohsaka Tokiomi, but rather a way of respecting and understanding their strong sense of self.
"Did you style Shizuku and yourself, Alice?"
"Mm-hmm! So, what do you think? Isn't Shizuku adorable? I really poured my heart into it—she's so cute in anything that I struggled to choose a final look."
"It's certainly cute! Though I don't know much about these things. My outfit choices are usually based on practicality and freedom of movement."
"That's just too tragic. We girls have to make the most of our youth—especially a pretty girl like you, Okita."
"'Pretty'? That's a bit much…"
"Oh, be more confident, Okita! Confidence is also part of a woman's charm. And I can assure you, of all the girls I've met, you're a rare beauty. I'd be honored to recommend some fashion options for you. I can't guarantee a complete transformation, but we can certainly bring out your best."
"Really? It wouldn't be a bother?"
"Not at all! In fact, I hope you agree—it would be an honor to help a lovely girl like you find her style."
Within minutes, Okita was chatting with Alice like they were old friends. It almost felt like they'd known each other far longer than anyone else here.
Strangely enough, Ayase and Shizuku—who were actually Okita's and Alice's roommates—now felt like outsiders, watching as the two became fast friends in mere moments.
They exchanged a look, finding mutual admiration in each other's eyes.
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