The day after I was officially accepted as a participant in the Great 5th Holy Festival, I had a full day off because it was the anniversary of the founding of Senba Academy.

　Although it was the anniversary of the school's founding, all of the school's facilities were open to the public.
　As a result, the training and exercise areas will be filled with many students today.

　It was seven in the morning.

　After eating a quick meal with Leah, I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and got ready for the morning.

　In the meantime, she was sitting in the chair at the dressing table, her long, beautiful blond hair tied up in her usual twin-tails with elegant burgundy ribbons.

　As I was changing from my nightgown to my uniform in the changing room, I heard Leah humming. She seemed to be in a good mood today.

　I glanced out the window and saw the warm sunlight shining down on the ground.

(......) It's a beautiful day. It's a perfect day for training.

　It's been a long time since I've been able to do some quiet practice without anyone disturbing me.

　Recently, I've been involved in a duel with Leah and a mock battle with the trio.

　So I've been feeling a little stressed because I haven't had much time to swing by myself.

(Hmmm, I think I'll just swing from morning till night today, huh?

　(Hmmm... I think I'll just swing from morning to night today...) Just as I was putting my sword in my waistband in a good mood, I realized that I forgot my water bottle in the refrigerator.

(Oops, watch out!

　I grabbed the water bottle I'd been chilling since last night for today.

"Hey, Allen. Are you free today?

　().

(...... Honestly, I'm very annoyed when people ask me questions like this.

　I'm not sure if I'm free or not, because it depends on what she's going to say after that.

　If possible, I'd like her to tell me what she wants to do first, and then ask me if I'm free.

(I don't know how to answer this: ......)

　Judging from her good mood, ...... I'm pretty sure this is an invitation to go somewhere. Whether it's a training ground or a shopping trip to the capital is unknown. .......

(......How should I respond?)

　As I was pondering this.

When I was puzzling over this, I asked her, "...... I'm sorry, have you been busy?

　(Pretense is certainly important.) She apologized to me with a sullen look.

(Pretending is certainly important, but ....... I'm sure you'll agree that it's important to spend time with your friends.

　If you have a sword, you can swing anywhere, anytime.

　But you can't always do things with Leah.

(In the first place, she's a princess, ...... and you never know when she'll return to her home country of Vesteria.

　After giving it a lot of thought, I said softly, trying to disabuse her of her fears.

I'm free. You've got a whole day free.

　When she heard my reply, she clapped her hands together.

"Yes!　Then let's go eat lamb sack together today!

"...... lamb sack?

　I've heard that name somewhere before. .......

Have you forgotten already?　You know, I told you before. It's a traditional dish of my home country, Vesteria!

　Ah, ...... reminds me.

　I think we were talking about it the other day.

There's a really good lamb sack place nearby, let's have lunch there!

"Yeah, sure.

　That's how we decided on our lunch schedule for today.

　After lunch, we would probably go shopping together.
　Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to practice today.

(But ...... is a good place to have such a day once in a while.

　I glanced sideways at Leah's face--she looked very happy.

　And so the two of us stayed in the room together until lunchtime.

About three hours later.

　About three hours later.

　It was twelve o'clock in the afternoon.

　We went into the city to eat lamb sack.

　We were both dressed in the uniform of Senba Academy.

　This is not to say that it is a hassle to change into casual clothes, but that students of the five academies are basically encouraged to go out in their uniforms.

　It is said that this is a way to show the world that you are a member of Go-Gakuin and that you are an honorable swordsman on a regular basis.

　As is expected of the Five Schools, which places great importance on tradition and formality, it is quite formal.

(Well, this is a "recommendation", not an "obligation.")

　So it was fine to wear plain clothes. .......

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that we're both wearing uniforms today, Allen.

　It was at Leah's insistence that we both go in uniform.

　She said, "There are only a few times in my life when I can wear the uniform and go out without hesitation.
　That may be true, I suppose.

　Then, as the two of us were walking along the main street.

It's a beautiful day at ......!

　Leah said with a smile, holding her right hand up to the sun.

It's a perfect day for a day out.

　It's a great day to go out," I said hurriedly, as a kind of "desire for training" overflowed for a moment.

　But

"......, didn't you just say 'training'?

　Not missing a beat, Leah stared straight into my eyes.

　I didn't run away from her, but stared straight back into her eyes.

It was my imagination. I don't think I'll be thinking about sword fighting until I'm out with Leah.



　This is not a lie.

　I really didn't think anything about 'swordsmanship' at all.

　I just thought of the action of 'swinging a sword' for a moment.

　Perhaps it's an after-effect of swinging a sword mindlessly for billions of years, but no matter where I am or what I'm doing, I can't help but think, "I should swing my sword.

　This may be a kind of illness. .......

　Then, for four or five seconds, we stare straight at each other.

　And then.

I'm sorry I doubted you.

　Her cheeks flushed red and she quickly looked away.

　I guess she believed me.

"Oh, don't worry about it. I don't care. Are you sure you're going the right way?

Yeah, yeah, I've been there so many times.

Well, that's good.

　Later, as the two of us were chatting and laughing as we made our way to a restaurant that served lamb sack.

"...... Oh!

　By chance, I bumped into Rose in her uniform.

"Allen, Leah, ......?

"Good morning, Ms. Rose. It's strange to see you here.

　I raised my right hand in greeting.

I raised my right hand in greeting, "...... why are you two together?

　I raised my right hand in greeting, " Why are you two together?" She looked at me and Leah alternately with a frown, as if she wasn't in a good mood today.

"Well, let's see. ....... I'm going to go eat a dish called ramusak with you.

"...... lamzak?

　Rose nodded her head.
　Apparently, she had never heard of it either.

Lamzak is a traditional dish from Leah's home country of Vesteria. --"Yes, why don't you come with us, Rose?

"What ......?

　Then, for a moment, Leah made a puzzled sound.

I'll go.

　Rose replied immediately, and immediately lined up next to me.

　And then.

...... this way. Follow me.

　For some reason, Leah became a little grumpy and started walking fast.

Then she led me to the right.

　After that, Leah led the way to the right and then to the left, and her feet stopped in front of a store.

Come on, we're here. This is my favorite store, Vesland.

　It was a brick building with a big chimney on top, giving it a retro look.

Oh, it's a nice store!

I like stores with this kind of appearance a lot.

Come on, let's go in.

　With Leah in a better mood, we walked into the store.

Welcome. Are you sure you want three people?

　A waitress wearing a white cook's hat responded immediately.

　Lia nodded her head on behalf of the three of us.

'All right, sir. This way, please.

　Luckily, there was an empty seat, and we were immediately ushered to a table for four.

　Leah sat to my right and Rose sat across from me.

　The waiter quickly set out the glasses of water for the three of us and said, "Your order is ready.

When you're ready to order, please feel free to ask.

　He bowed politely and went back to the kitchen.

　Then I looked around the restaurant.

　Since it was lunchtime, there were many customers with their families, and the place was pleasantly bustling.

(The staff is polite and the clientele is not bad. ....... (The staff is polite and the clientele is not bad. ......)

　As I was thinking about this.

As I was thinking about this, Leah happily looked at the menu and said, "Look, look, look, here's the lambsack!

　Leah happily pointed to a picture of lamb sack on the menu.

Leah happily pointed to a picture of lamb sack on the menu. "Oh, this sure looks good!

"Yeah, not bad.

　According to the picture, a lamb sack is a triangular pie crust, just barely the size of a bite, filled with beef stew.

　Pie crust and beef stew filled with beef - there's nothing to make it bad.
　This looks very promising.

They also have a variety of side dishes: ....... We've both never been here before, so we'll just have the lamb sack, right?

Yeah, that'll be fine.

No problem.

　After confirming that Rose and I had nodded our heads, Leah raised her right hand and called for the waiter.

"Excuse me!

　I'm sorry!" The waitress heard her voice and immediately came from the kitchen.

I'm sorry to keep you waiting. May I take your order?

"Yes, sir. I'd like to order a lamb sack platter.



"Yes, sir.

　The waitress bowed politely and walked quickly back to the kitchen.

You know, their 'lamb sack platter' is just huge!　You know, the lamb sack platter here is really huge!

"Wow, that's a lot for one person?

Yeah!　The first time I ordered it, I was really on the edge!

　The first time I ordered it, I was on the edge of my seat! ...... Did Leah eat it all by herself?　Did she eat it all by herself, or did she have a friend to share it with?

　To be honest, I was quite curious, but I didn't ask because I would find out soon enough.

　Then I waited for a while.

"Here you go, sir. Here's your lamb sack platter.

　The waiter put a big plate piled high with lamb sacks on the table.

"This is ......?

"Can you finish it, ......?

　There are more than 30 ramekins, each larger than your fist, at a glance.

　Even if you divide it into three equal parts, there are at least ten per head.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

　I'm not sure what to make of this.

　To be honest, I'm not sure I could eat ten of these.

I'm not sure I could eat ten of these.

　I'm not sure if I'd be able to do it, but I'm sure I could.

"Well, it's quite a lot, but ....... It sure looks good.

Yes, it smells very good. ...... quite a lot, though.

I know, right?　Come on, let's eat it while it's still warm!

　Then the three of us put our hands together in a polite manner.

"Itadakimasu!

　We all popped it into our mouths at once.

"Mmm. ...... Here it is!

This is good!　...... This is so good!

"Hmm ......!　...... delicious.

　The beef has a nice crunch and a sweet taste.
　The beef stew is hot, rich, and full of flavor.
　The crispy pastry that creates a nice texture.

　The lamb sack was as tasty as it looked, and certainly hearty.

It's very good!　It's a very popular dish in my country!

　Leah, who had been praised for her country's traditional cuisine, gobbled up one lamb sack after another with glee.

　Ten minutes later.

(....... So far, so good. ......?

　I was about to lose consciousness in the face of such a powerful enemy (ramshackle).

　My companion (Rose), who fought valiantly, was already killed .......

　In the meantime.

I'm not sure.　I miss it!

　I'm not sure what to make of this.

(...... Yeah, this is impossible.)

　There are things we can do and things we can't do.

(Let's leave everything else to her. ......)

　I honestly gave up on defeating Ramsak.

　This was not a desertion, but a strategic retreat.

　As I gulped down my water, my eyes met Rose's, who had just gotten up.

......

......

　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you have.

　To be honest, ...... it's a little uncomfortable.

　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

"Hey ......, why are you only talking to me in honorific?

"......, why is that?

　I realized it when she said it.

　I realized that I was the only one in Class A who used honorifics with Rose.

(...... I wonder why?)

　Is it because Rose is more mature?
　( Why?) Is it because Rose is more mature, or is it because we met at the Kenbu Matsuri, a rather unique event?

　I think it's probably both.

"Please don't use honorifics.

　It is true that if only one person in the class is called by honorific, he or she will feel alienated.

"...... Okay, Rose.

　I took her request in stride.

I prefer to be called by my name.

"Okay, ......, Rose.

"Yeah, sure. Allen.

　Rose looked me right in the eye and smiled.



　Just when my consciousness was about to be sucked into her beautiful red eyes.

Just as I was about to be sucked into her beautiful red eyes...

　Leah clapped her hands together.

　I looked over and saw that there was not a single ramshackle thing left.

　That's what I call a complete defeat.

"Seriously, ......?

　I didn't think I'd be able to eat that much by myself. .......

　While I was rolling my eyes like that.

"Come on!　Let's go to the next restaurant!

　For some reason, she was suddenly in a bad mood and walked quickly to the checkout.

"Oh, hey, wait a minute, Leah!

"...... d*mn, that was close.

.

　In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find it here.

　The girls, frolicking in a manner befitting their age, were just plain cute.

　And now we were at the most famous luxury jewelry store in the city.

"Wow, ...... is beautiful!　Hey, look, look, look, Allen!

　She then thrusts her finger with a diamond ring on it towards us.

I'm sure you'll like it. ...... It looks good on you, .......

　I complimented her with an awkward smile, being careful never to touch it.

"Hey Allen, look. This is also beautiful.

　This time, Rose, wearing a platinum necklace around her neck, came over to ask for my opinion.

"Oh, my God, it's beautiful!　It looks great on you, so don't drop it, okay?

　Yes, both of these items were for sale, and the shopkeeper was happy to offer them for her to try on.

　The shopkeeper must have known that Leah was a princess of a neighboring country and Rose was that bounty hunter.

　It was obvious at a glance that she was constantly recommending products to the two of them.

　I followed them slowly, paying attention to the products displayed around me.

(With Leah and Rose's financial resources, I'm sure it won't hurt or itch. ......)

　If I break even one of these, it's the end of the world.

　In the worst case, I might be expelled from the academy and get a job immediately.

　The most frightening thing of all is that there are no price tags attached to the products.

(I'm sure the price is eye-popping. ......)

　So, with my mind severely worn out, I called out to Leah and Rose from a safe zone where there were no products around.

I'm sorry. I'm a little tired, so I'm going to take a break on this bench!

　And then.

"Hey, are you okay?

What's wrong with you?

　What's going on?" They came running towards us, wearing expensive jewelry.

(Oh, give me a break, .......)

　My stomach can't take much more of this.

I'm fine!　I'm just a little dizzy!　I'm just a little dizzy, that's all! You two stay there, relax, calm down, and enjoy yourselves!

　I held my hands out in front of me and asked them to be still.

"Are you sure you're okay?

You don't have to worry about us at all, okay?

Oh, don't worry about it!　Just get some rest and you'll be fine in no time!

　They seemed to be convinced, so they spun on their heels and began to talk to each other.

"Hey, Rose, how many months do you want?　Is it the standard three months?

"Ideally, three. But I think the most important thing is the feeling. I don't mind if I don't get one.

Wow, ......, you seem surprisingly devoted.

Really?

　I don't know what they're talking about, but they seem to be getting along quite well.

I've been on my feet for several hours now.

　They've been standing and walking for several hours now, and yet they still look healthy.

　Even though the place was so out of place that I had to endure it mentally, I never thought I would be the first to fall.

(Maybe it's because I'm not used to shopping at ......?

　(Maybe it's because I'm not used to shopping...?) While I was thinking about this, and looking at the two of them in a daze, suddenly the store window shattered and the burglar alarm rang loudly.

What the hell?

　I hurriedly looked at the window and saw ten men wearing black masks, swords in hand, about to enter the store.

Don't move!　Everybody shut up and put your hands in the air!

　Jewel heist.

(d*mn, I never thought I'd run into one of these ......

　(d*mn, I never thought I'd run into a robber like this.) I gave Leah and Rose a look and decided to do as the robber said and keep my hands up for now.

　There are a lot of people here, not only us, but also the shopkeepers and customers who are not swordsmen.

　We had to avoid causing any confusion by moving inappropriately.

　After confirming that everyone in the store had obeyed his orders, the robber handed a large leather bag to one of the shopkeepers and pointed his sword at him at the same time.

"Hey, you!　Fill this bag with all the jewels you can find!　Now!



"Oh, no, not my life, .......

　The young shopkeeper, who had a slit in his neck, was so terrified that he fell back on the spot.

The young shopkeeper was so terrified that he sat up.

What the hell?

　The jewel robber slashed the back of the shopkeeper, who was unable to move.

　At that moment, our eyes change color.

(I was going to let him go if he was just going to steal the jewels quietly, but ......)

　If they're going to make a move, we're going to have to make a move.

　Rose and I drew our swords at the same time, and Leah manifested her soul armor.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

　A beautiful crimson sword and beautiful black and white flames flew through the air.

"What the hell is that?

　I'm not sure what to do.

The moment the robbers' attention shifted to us.

"Sakuraga Itto-ryu: Sakura Sen!

"Haou-ryu: Gougeki!

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

"I'm .........

I'm not sure what you're talking about,......, but I'm not sure what you're talking about,.......

"You're a monster. ......

　I've already killed nine of them.

　There's only one left.

What the hell are they doing ......, d*mn it!

　The last one grabbed some jewels scattered around the store and ran away at once.

Wait, wait, wait!

Wait!

　Just as Leah and Rose were about to chase after the robbers.

"Ugh. ......

　They were stopped in their tracks by the groaning of the shopkeeper who had been slashed in the back.

I'm not sure what to do.

It's a good thing we're not the only ones.

　The two men put their swords away in frustration.

They put their swords away in frustration, but it doesn't matter - I'm still in range.

　I was already swinging my sword.

　Punish the guilty, don't let them get away so easily. 　

"The first sword, the Flying Shadow!

　The slash that flew through the air in a straight line...

"What?

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

The next day.

　The next day.

　The next day, the morning paper reported, "Well done!　A student of Senbi Academy secured the robber! The morning paper carried an article with a photo on the front page.

　It was a wonderful picture of two beautiful girls, Leah and Rose, bravely holding their swords.

　And right behind them was a picture that read

"It's so small .......

　The picture shows me, holding my sword with caution, about the size of a pea.

　In addition, the article said that the two students of the Thousand Blade Academy were active, and my existence was completely ignored.

(But ...... is okay.)

　At the end of the article, it was written that the shopkeeper who was injured was not injured and was released from the hospital on the same day, so I was relieved.