Chapitre 10: Chapter 1.9
The development is so entirely in context that I can only apologize.
Apparently, ever since Persia left, I had been standing near the glass door—frozen like a statue—for more than thirty seconds. My reflection in the glass looked stiff and unnatural, my body caught mid-motion as if someone had pressed pause on reality. Outside, the afternoon sun painted long shadows on the perfectly manicured lawn, but inside, the air seemed thick with a tense silence.
It’s definitely not because of fear.
Persia’s words, echoing in my head, had made me hyper-aware of my every movement. She had warned me, explicitly, not to look directly at Kuroyuki.
The more I tried not to think about it, the harder it became. My body, normally responsive to my commands, felt glued to the spot. I could almost feel Kuroyuki’s presence looming behind me like a storm cloud gathering strength, even though I hadn’t dared glance in her direction.
…So awkward.
My phone's notification snapped me back to the present. Who could it be at this timing? I fished the device out of my pocket, its small screen glowing in the dim classroom light. My thumb hovered over the notification icon. With a small tap, the email application expanded into a 1920 × 1080 window, filling the display with its stark white interface.
‘From: The Principal of the Imperial Knights Academy.’
“…………”
I stared, dumbfounded for a moment when I saw the sender. My brows furrowed, and my pulse quickened.
…Speak of the devil.
I glanced at the sender’s name again, half-hoping I had misread it. But no, the sender was correct, and I could almost hear his irritating voice sneering in the background of my mind.
Was this guy stalking me? I’d rather delete the email, but knowing him, he’d probably just keep sending it until I opened it. True enough, it came three times in a row.
Fine, let’s see what you wrote, you smug bastard.
‘Dear special student number 2,’
…Great, another nickname. My fist tightened. As if I don’t have enough of those ridiculous nicknames, now this turd adds another one.
‘First and foremost, I`d like to congratulate you for finally enrolling in my academy. It seems you scored second in the enrollment exams— second.’
The word "second" was somehow underlined in bold, like it was meant to pierce my pride.
‘Haha, I laughed for quite a while.’
I could almost hear the grating sound of his laughter echoing in my head.
‘Is the confidence you boasted so proudly about nothing but a farce? If you'd like, you can open that attachment I sent you. It’s a recording of my laugh.’
Feeling irritated, I deleted the email with a swipe so fast it could’ve started a fire. My teeth clenched, and my temple pulsed.
YOU SHITTY OLD BASTARD!!! All you want is revenge for me not attending the welcome party, right!?
Before I could catch my breath, another notification popped up. The app had already moved on to the second email.
‘I’d assume you already deleted my email once at this point. Sheesh, youngsters these days can’t even bear a little sarcasm.
Oh well, if you're feeling slightly stressed out, here’s some good news to ease your tension. I’m sure you already have a good idea who arranged this, and yes, allow me to confirm— it was me who placed you in the same class as the Imperial Knights Academy’s number one flower, Kuroyuki Shiroha.’
And why did I did that?
Because it’s fun to watch you to be under her dominance, and most importantly…’
I could feel my blood boiling as I read the next line.
‘One boy, one girl. Inside a locked room. While living under the same roof.’
What does he think this is? Some kind of twisted social experiment?!
I deleted the email, again, quicker than before, my finger jabbing the screen with frustration.
…WHY? Why do I have to go through this…?
A third email popped up almost immediately.
My thumb hovered over the screen, ready to wipe the message away when my curiosity stopped me.
‘At this point I assumed you deleted my email again. You sure are VERY EASY to be predicted, aren’t cha?
My thumb hovered over the screen, ready to wipe the message away when my curiosity stopped me.
‘At any rate, I’m sure you’ve already experienced Kuroyuki Shiroha’s power. Yes, this also means even if you have the guts to assault her, you don’t have anything to overpower her— but on second thought, it’s not just you, I think no one in this academy could actually overpower this tyrant.
Anyways, here’s the thing I’d like to say about her— she’s quite the troublesome one so I leave her in your care.’
…It seems this is the most important thing he want to tell me.
‘If you were wondering why did I sent an email at this hour, it’s because I’m sure you were now standing at the edge of the classroom, with nothing to do but to struggle inside your mind, trying to strike up a conversation with the academy’s number one flower. But you were unable to do so because you were such a useless brat. That’s why I sent you an email because you clearly needed help.’
I gritted my teeth and deleted the third email just as quickly as the others, before my frustration caused me to throw my device across the room. Another email promptly took its place.
The fourth one.
‘You see, I’m a nice person, so I will give you a fair warning. This will be the last email. You should at least appreciate that I went through all the trouble to send you this email. ’
Yeah, right.
‘Remember, I'm a nice guy.’
…You don’t have to mention twice.
‘Here’s a present for you. If you check the other attachment (you should really play that recording first), you’ll find the 3D floor plans of the building you're currently standing in— the White Mansion. I suggest you start by checking the classroom.
Sincerely,
Principal’
I let out a long, frustrated sigh, trying to purge the sarcasm that was drilling into my skull.
…Maybe not. Perhaps I should pile up my anger and punch him with all I got the next time I see him.
With a sense of resignation, I opened the attachment.
A detailed 3D model of the White Mansion unfolded on the screen, its complex design highlighted in a sterile white-blue glow.
I zoomed into the first floor, watching the other layers disappear as I tapped through the rooms.
First floor: three main rooms.
The Special Student’s classroom;
Kuroyuki`s room;
And my room.
The entrance to our bedrooms were on opposite ends of the floor, yet connected by narrow corridors. Two exits led to the classroom from both of our rooms, and to my dismay, a connecting door joined our bedrooms directly.
At the bottom left corner of the floor plan, there’s a stairway for emergency exit.
…I guess that’s everything about the first floor.
When I selected the classroom, other areas were hidden, details about the classroom pops up.
Starting from the main entrance, one-third at the left area are the kitchen and dining area. Among the one-third, the kitchen area is twice the size of the dining area.
To be honest, I was quite surprised to see that we are allowed to cook. Furthermore, in an open kitchen.
As for the dining section, I was surprised there are two dining tables prepared.
One small square table for four, and a big rectangular table for twenty.
…Maybe we were free to invite friends to come over?
There are also some sofas and tea tables as well.
Looks like that’s about the important things about the first area.
Moving on to the centre area.
There are three doors, but I guess I will be skipping that.
The centre area consists of two luxury central unit office chairs that could move around the entire White Mansion, a three-dimensional projector, and a 16k smart television...!?
Teachers aside from Principal, Vice, and Luna Ainsworth are not allowed to enter the White Mansion, The others will be teaching us from their simulation classroom. They will be projected by a three-dimensional hologram, while seeing us through the cameras.
At the right area of the classroom, contains art and craft area at the upper right and meeting rooms at the bottom right.
In the art and craft area, you are free to show ease your boredom by creating traditional arts such as drawing, painting, ceramics, sculptures, et cetera, or modern arts such as digital drawing, printmaking, animator and so on.
…Seriously? I don’t think I will be needing that.
The purpose of meeting rooms were meant to isolate the conversation discussed in the meetings to prevent any news from spreading out.
There’s also a one-to-one connection straight to the Principal’s room without relying on any wireless devices.
…This is surprisingly cautious. This doesn’t seem like Principal.
When I scroll down the email, I saw a postscript.
‘Yeah, yeah. I know what you are thinking. Yes, you are right— it’s as if I had time to design this stupid mansion that burnt so much of my budget. The person who proposed this idea was none other than Kuroyuki Shiroha— from the structure till the interior systems. If you need the administration access and further details— ask her. Look, I gave you an opportunity to talk, so cherish it.’
Fine, I appreciate your help.
But nevertheless— I still hate you.
‘By the way, were you surprised when you knew that the student council president is the young mistress of the Silverlight family? As the matter of fact, I’m sure you were surprised why I allowed so many World Nobles into the academy. It’s simple, because we need money, and the World Nobles pays me mountains of them (even though we are rich).
Take note that she’s MERELY A STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT. Although I’m confident you won’t leak any secrets, but if you do— I CAN’T WAIT TO PULVERISE YOU.’
…Scary.
Wait, there’s more?
‘…Right, there are always exceptions. You are free to talk about classified secrets with me, obviously, there’s also my wife, that disgusting older sister of mine, my brother-in-law, Luna, Herman, Kuroyuki Shiroha, and lastly… on second thought, maybe I should arrange both of you to meet up some other time. She’s even more troublesome than Kuroyuki.
Though I hate to say this to you, good luck and enjoy your school-life here. We will meet soon, very soon.
Oh, and, I’m short of funds lately, would you be so kind to donate 50% of your assets to this poor soul?’
After finishing the last sentence, something inside my brain seems to have snapped.
What do you take me for? An Automated Teller Machine (ATM)!?
Just as I was about to delete the email, I noticed there was still something written below.
Hmm…? There’s a post-postscript below.
‘If I were to be correct, you should look behind.’
A chill ran down my spine after I read that line.
“…I see you are also having a hard time.”
“W-Wah—!!?”
My heart nearly leapt out of my chest as I whirled around. Kuroyuki, who had been silent and distant all this time, was now standing directly behind me, her presence even more overwhelming up close.
I immediately took a step back, instinctively putting distance between us. My back pressed firmly against the wall, my pulse racing as if I had been caught red-handed. I couldn’t help but feel cornered, almost trapped, just as the principal had predicted.
…Shit. I really stood at the edge of the classroom like he said.
“...Why are you keeping a distance? Were you that afraid?” Kuroyuki’s voice was calm, but her icy gaze bore into me.
“If you could stop pressuring me with that ‘Intimidation’ of yours, that would really help…” I muttered, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. My legs felt like they might give out at any moment from the sheer weight of her presence.
Kuroyuki’s eyes narrowed slightly, a scowl deepening on her face.
“…Not until your suspicion is completely erased.”
I sighed inwardly. This was going to be harder than I thought.
“So, what on earth happened?” I asked, genuinely curious. “Are those guys really here for you?”
Kuroyuki studied me carefully, her gaze sharp and calculating. After a tense pause, she spoke, her tone slightly softer.
“…It doesn’t seem you are lying.” She continued to watch me for any sign of deception. “…No matter, tell me when and how you arrived at this academy.”
I straightened up a little, trying to gather my thoughts.
“I just arrived today on an X-586 helicopter around 8 a.m.”
“…What do you have as proof?”
“…Principal, Herman, Luna, Persia, and… the shoes at the crater of the main entrance from the main school gates?” I gestured awkwardly at my bare feet, which had been a constant reminder of my chaotic arrival.
Kuroyuki’s eyes flickered down to my feet, and she murmured softly,
“…So this explains your barefoot.” She seemed to be piecing things together, her expression contemplative. “…Then why were you pursuing me all the way to the pink tree?”
“Because I got lost and was trying to find the Student Council,” I said, shrugging helplessly. “And you’re the only person I met up till that time.”
“…How?” Her tone was skeptical, and rightfully so.
I winced slightly, feeling the weight of my own stupidity.
“…B-Because I couldn’t use my device, strayed off the main path, and didn’t use the buggy service…?”
Kuroyuki’s brow furrowed, and she rubbed her temples, as if dealing with me was giving her a headache.
“…My goodness.” She uttered.
“I know this all sounds unconvincing— your breakfast with Persia, me getting lost— but that’s just how it is. The timing is too perfect. Maybe… it’s fate?”
“…Fate,” Kuroyuki murmured, her lips twitching slightly in what might have been amusement or irritation. She let out a soft sigh. “…It seems I have no choice but to believe you, given your evidence.”
“…Really, now?” I raised an eyebrow, still wary. “Then why are you still pressuring me with your ‘Intimidation’? It would be a great help if you stopped.”
“…This and that are two different matters.”
I blinked, trying to process her words. Two different matters? I racked my brain, and then it clicked.
“…Ah. My ‘trial’ as the special student.” I said, realization dawning on me as I smacked my fist into my palm. Kuroyuki had mentioned a trial earlier, but that had been for a ‘special student candidate,’ not an official special student.
Kuroyuki’s expression remained unreadable as she sat back down in her chair, her movements graceful and deliberate.
“…You have two choices,” she murmured, her voice steady but with an edge of finality.
I looked at her, waiting for the catch.
“…Either you shake my hand, or… leave.” She extended her hand toward me for a handshake, her fingers slender and poised.
“Well… isn’t the choice very obvious,” I answered, trying to keep my tone light, though the weight of her stare felt like it could crush me.
I took a step forward, but the moment I moved, Kuroyuki’s ‘Intimidation’ spiked— sharper and more oppressive than before. It hit me like a freight train, a surge of invisible pressure that nearly made me stagger.
“!?”
…How many times have I died? Five…?
My vision blurred, and in a flash, I saw myself die. Five deaths— no, maybe six— each more gruesome than the last flashed before my eyes. My heart raced, my body screaming for me to retreat, but I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to stand my ground.
I took another step, my legs shaking under the strain. It felt as though a spear had pierced my chest, but I kept moving forward, inch by inch.
Each step forward felt like an eternity of torment, but somehow, I made it.
…One more step.
Sudddenly, my mind filled with gruesome images— Kuroyuki ripping out my heart with her bare hands, but I pressed on.
“……………Ugh.”
I couldn’t help but let out a soft groan as I finally stood close enough. Every muscle in my body ached, and sweat clung to my skin. Kuroyuki’s hand remained extended, her expression still cold, yet curious.
However, instead of shaking her hand right away, I made a quick detour, walking past her and heading straight for my seat. I sat down, gathering what little composure I had left, and only then did I reach out and shake her hand.
“Nice to meet you, special student number one,” I said, offering her a firm handshake.
Kuroyuki blinked, her eyes widening ever so slightly at my unexpected move. She had clearly anticipated something different.
But after a moment, her lips curled into a small, satisfied smile.
“A wise choice,” Kuroyuki said, her voice carrying a faint trace of approval as she gestured toward the space in front of her.
A translucent screen appeared, which she manipulated deftly, moving two dots toward a vertical line.
“Wah—!?”
Abruptly, our chairs shifted, sliding smoothly across the floor until we stopped beside a window. Except… this classroom didn’t have any windows. Ah, I realized, it was an 8k smart television, realistic enough to deceive the eyes.
“…Hand.”
Kuroyuki retrieved something from her blazer pocket and held it out to me.
I accepted the small items, glancing at them.
“…A MSPD (Movable System Projection Device) and a school badge?”
“…That device contains the administrative system of the White Mansion and the badge is a one time pass authenticator code that refreshes every ten seconds.”
I hesitated, studying the badge with a frown.
“How severe would be the punishment if either item were to be lost or broken?”
“…You will have a replacement and a small fine.” Kuroyuki met my gaze levelly.
“And if someone steals my device and leaks the contents?”
“…You’ll spend the rest of your life in prison.”
“…Really?” I blinked, taken aback.
“…That shows how important it is.” she replied, dead serious.
“…I see.”
“………………”
Our conversation dwindled into silence, as though a veil had descended over the room, heavy and impenetrable. The quietness stretched, so I tried to keep things moving.
“…Erm, do you always have this sort of thing?” I asked, fumbling for something to talk about. “Confession, I mean.”
“…………………”
Kuroyuki’s response was swift and lethal— a glare that could have killed me on the spot.
“…Nevermind. Sorry for asking.” I stammered, retreating slightly.
“…Persia.”
Her voice was soft, yet the way she looked at her hand and clenched her fist gave me a sense of something darker simmering underneath. She squeezed her hand so tightly it looked like she might crush it.
…It was quite a terrifying scene. I feel so sorry to Persia.
“…What did she told you?” Kuroyuki demanded, her tone sharp.
“…I-I think it would be better if you ask her.” I said, forcing a weak smile and diverting my gaze.
Kuroyuki’s eyes narrowed.
“…Look at people when they are talking.” Her words cut through the air.
“Y-Yes…!” I quickly turned my gaze back to her, flustered.
“…What did Persia told you?” she asked again, her stare penetrating.
“…S-She……”
I stammered, my mind suddenly blank as I locked eyes with her.
Those eyes… They were mesmerizing, like something more beautiful than any sapphire gemstone.
“……How pretty……” I inadvertently murmured.
PAK!
A sharp sound shattered my trance. Kuroyuki had snapped her fingers, bringing me back to reality just in time to see an icicle spear hurtling toward me.
In the next second, I instinctively jumped off from my chair— avoided from getting swallowed into the icicle along with chair.
“H-Hey…!?” I yelped, barely managing to avoid it as I jumped out of my chair. “What is wrong with you— GRK…!!?”
But before I could finish, she was already charging at me, both hands gripping an ice blade aimed straight for my throat.
BAM!!!
“Ugh…!?”
I caught the blade just in time, but its force shoved me back against the wall. Her eyes held a terrifying intensity, one that told me she was far from in control.
“O-Oi…!? Kuroyuki!? What’s wrong with you…!?” I yelled, but she only pushed harder, as though she couldn’t hear me at all. Is she… having a panic attack?
Realizing there was no talking her down, I shifted my grip on the blade and, in one swift motion, wrapped my arms around her in a gentle but firm hug, enduring her frantic punches as she struggled.
“…Let go— let go of me…!!!” she screamed, but I held on, pressing close.
“DEEP BREATH!!!” I yelled, my voice echoing sharply in her ear.
“……………….!” Kuroyuki froze.
CLANG—!
Her hands trembling as her sword dropped to the ground with a sharp sound.
“…HUFF— HUFF— HUFF—”
She began to breathe heavily, her breaths coming in short gasps, and I held her silently, giving her time to regain her composure.
…………………………..………………
“…Release me.” Kuroyuki whispered, her voice soft and weak. She gave a small, almost hesitant tap on my back.
Obliging, I let go, though I kept my hands on her shoulders, studying her expression. Her gaze had softened, yet there was an undeniable exhaustion etched into her features. She turned away, refusing my silent offer to help her back to her seat and brushed me off with a slight push. She made her way to her chair on her own, sitting down in silence.
Watching her, I let out a quiet sigh at her stubbornness. I went to fetch her a glass of warm water and handed it to her gently. She looked mildly surprised, clearly not expecting the gesture.
Then, sensing she might need some time alone, I turned to leave. But as I faced the door, her hand reached out, gently grasping my wrist.
“…don’t… leave.” Her voice was almost a whisper, so soft that it was barely audible.
Her hand was icy to the touch, and I could feel a faint tremor running through it.
She was frightened but brave enough to ask me to stay. Just how much courage did it take for her to make that request?
“…Mnn.” I nodded, feeling the weight of her plea.
With a quiet nod, I sat back down in my seat, turning my attention to the administrative system on the device Kuroyuki had handed me. The interface was sleek and intuitive, filled with features I barely understood but resolved to learn.
…………………………..………………
“…I’m…… sorry…” Kuroyuki whispered, her voice so soft that I almost missed it.
Startled, I looked up from the device and turned to face her. She seemed to have struggled with those words for some time, her gaze distant and vulnerable.
“…It’s alright,” I said, offering a reassuring smile while holding up my hands. “See? I’m fine.”
“……………………” Her expression shifted, her eyes closing briefly as if wrestling with something deep within. A faint look of pain crossed her features, but she said nothing.
“You don’t have to force yourself, Kuroyuki,” I murmured, concern coloring my voice.
“…Nnn…” She shook her head lightly, signaling that she wasn’t forcing herself. “…I trust you.”
“…!” Her words caught me completely off guard. My heart skipped a beat. “I-I don’t understand. What do you mean?”
“…I’m willing to place my life in your hands,” she said plainly.
“Why…?” I asked, genuinely perplexed.
“…You… could look at me,” she answered. Her words were soft but resolute. “…That’s not something anyone could do.”
Her declaration left me momentarily speechless. I watched as she inhaled deeply, as if gathering her courage to say more.
“…Because I… was born with an ability to make people desire me,” Kuroyuki finally confessed.
“Desire?” I echoed, trying to understand.
“…Yes,” she said, pausing briefly before continuing. “…Have you ever wanted something so badly, so intensely, that you’d do anything to get it?”
“How badly are we talking?” I asked, sensing the gravity of her words.
She broke eye contact, her gaze shifting to the monitor as she sighed softly.
“…Badly enough that you’d kill yourself just to obtain it,” she said, her tone tinged with bitterness.
“…I see,” I murmured. “…That’s rather unfortunate.”
She turned to look at me, her sharp eyes searching mine.
“…Are you talking about them?” she asked.
“Indeed,” I replied. “…Because I know you’d hate pity.”
“…That’s true,” she said, letting out a small, unexpected laugh.
“Is isolating yourself really the only way?” I asked gently.
“…Masks, clothing, even altering my appearance—none of it works,” she said with a resigned sigh. “Avoiding others is the only way I’ve found.”
“But if I can withstand it, doesn’t that mean others might be able to as well?” I asked.
“…There are a few,” she admitted. “…But they’re rare. For most people, you can never predict how they’ll react.”
“…Then is there anything I should be wary of?” I asked, cautious not to push her too far. “…I don’t want to dredge up unpleasant memories.”
“…It’s okay now,” Kuroyuki said softly. “…Now that I trust you, nothing you do will destabilize me.”
“…Still,” I pressed, “what should I look out for? You said yourself—you can’t always predict what might happen.”
“…Don’t let too many people get too close to me,” she murmured. “…You’ll need to shield me from their gazes.”
“…Got it.”
“…And…” she hesitated briefly before continuing. “I want you to stop me if I lose control.”
“Ugh, no. Don’t ask me to do the impossible,” I said immediately, waving my hands in protest.
“…Eh?” She blinked, genuinely surprised by my refusal.
“Unlike you, I’m not that strong,” I admitted.
Kuroyuki sighed audibly, her irritation palpable.
“…That’s for me to decide,” she said firmly, her sharp tone leaving no room for argument.
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone