Chương 10: Volume 2 - Ch. 2 Everyday Life with a Tyrant and a Queen
The morning sunlight passes through the windows of the special building.
The light that passes through illuminates the floor, creating shadows.
Arranged in a regular pattern, the shadows enter and as they move away, they shrink.
This artistic arrangement creates a unique view, as if it were meant to be.
Splendid.
From an artistic perspective, this view is undoubtedly valuable.
It is a space without contradictions.
That's why it's boring.
The beauty of predictable harmony. You can find that anywhere.
To go further, I can create it myself.
But even if it's boring, I'll capture it in a photograph.
It's natural to capture the scene of an incident.
Unlike paintings or novels that allow imagination from visible things, photographs confirm the events that happen right in front of your eyes.
The faint dirt and dents on the walls remaining at the scene are also captured, without missing anything.
Altering it or adding anything is strictly forbidden.
Why do such a thing?
If you're perceptive, you already know.
It's because this place is the site of the violent incident caused by Ryuen Kakeru.
But in reality, I don't care about such things.
What interests me is the outcome of this incident.
How will Class D, who has been unilaterally victimized, achieve innocence? Will they abandon the students who have been victimized?
I wonder if the outcome will be different from what I currently anticipate. No, I hope it is different.
How can Class D lead this incident to an outcome of innocence and acquittal?
How can they handle this incident, tainted with violence and lies?
"...It's boring."
If someone manages to bring this incident to a favorable conclusion.
But it's probably just like this view, analyzable and──a predetermined harmonious ending.
***
"Let me explain the flow of the Kamakura period once again. This flow connects with the Muromachi period—"
It has been about three months since I started attending classes at this school. Compared to the beginning, the classes are gradually becoming more challenging, and I can see some students in Class C struggling to keep up.
For example, in English class, we started with reviewing junior high school material and basic foundations, but now we are gradually being taught more advanced English grammar.
In Japanese class, the texts we analyze in modern literature have become relatively difficult, making it harder to understand what the authors are trying to convey.
In addition, we have additional classes such as classical literature and Chinese classics, increasing the amount of preparation and review work.
However, that doesn't mean the quality of the classes has decreased. If anything, every class has improved.
Especially in the history class I'm currently taking, it's particularly noticeable. As history progresses, each unit becomes longer and more complex, but the teacher still manages to explain it clearly to the students.
If the students were to evaluate the classes, they would receive quite high ratings.
As I listen to the lecture, the chime signaling the end of class rings.
"Today's class ends here... Please review the handouts I distributed."
As the class ends, the teacher, carrying a clipboard and several colored pens that seem to be her favorites, is about to leave the classroom. However, when she notices a student approaching, she stops. It seems like the student has a question about today's class.
Observing the situation, I see that the student asking the question has a serious yet joyful expression. Chabashira-sensei, the history teacher, seems to be pleased with the interaction, as a faint smile escapes her otherwise poker face.
It can be said that Chabashira-sensei and the student have a good relationship.
However, I feel a slight sense of discomfort. Chabashira-sensei is the homeroom teacher of Class D. There are rumors about her being indifferent to her own class, and although I'm not interested in the truth behind the rumors, her personality, as I see it, doesn't match with them. It lacks consistency, and it sparks a bit of curiosity, albeit temporarily.
Even though there are ongoing incidents involving Class C and Class D, she continues to teach without mixing personal matters. She seems to have a clear boundary in that regard, and based on her strict demeanor during class, she appears to be someone who is demanding of herself and others.
The key observation is her handling of the questions just now. It can be inferred that she is a caring person from that interaction.
That's why it's hard to believe that she would make mistakes like miscommunication about the mid-term exam or spew venomous words toward the students of Class D, as if harassing them.
Could there be something going on with the teachers at this school? That's a speculation that comes to mind, but there is too little information to draw any conclusions. Well, it's a bit intriguing, so maybe I'll ask her a question under the guise of curiosity next time.
Sigh How boring.
As I contemplate without tidying up after class, Ibuki-san, with a voice that doesn't match a flower-like high school girl, turns toward me and leans her elbow on my desk.
"Can't you say 'boring' in a more sophisticated way instead of addressing me directly?"
"What's the matter? If I say 'boring' in your style, it means it's uninteresting. I don't want to be told that by someone who keeps saying how uninteresting things are."
"That doesn't justify turning towards me."
I stretch my back and loosen up my body, which was frozen while sitting.
Once I'm sufficiently relaxed, I tidy up the classroom and stand up from my chair, making sure not to forget to take out my mobile device from my school bag.
"Are you going somewhere to buy something?"
In this school, the equivalent of cash is private points. It's not paper bills or coins, but the invisible currency stored in mobile devices. Students have been familiarized with what it is during these past three months, so when someone has their mobile device in hand, it usually implies that they're going to buy something.
It's a truly innovative concept. It makes me feel like cashless transactions are becoming more prevalent.
"Yes, I forgot to make a lunchbox, so I'm going to the cafeteria."
"Wow, even you make mistakes like that. Surprising."
She's right. For me, forgetting such a routine event is a first.
Yesterday, after pondering a bit about romance, I fell asleep quite early. As a result, I ended up forgetting most of the routine events. When I woke up again, the clock's hands had made a full circle, so it must have been a good night's sleep.
That's why I had to deal with the events I forgot in the morning. However, making a lunchbox was impossible since I had run out of ingredients.
There are no shopping malls open in the morning, so I couldn't make a lunchbox. I vividly remember having to buy breakfast at the convenience store.
"Well, I'm only human, so I make mistakes too."
"Ugh, those words don't suit you."
Ignoring her inhumane remark, I start walking.
As a lone wolf, she has no problem eating alone.
I leave through the back door and head to the cafeteria.
Just then, Ryuen-kun and Yamada-kun come out from the front door.
When they notice me, the formidable duo starts walking towards me.
"It's rare to see you going to the cafeteria."
"You got that right. I forgot to make a lunchbox today."
"Haha, so even you make such mistakes. Surprising."
I heard that already.
I've been thinking this for a while, but Ryuen-kun and Ibuki-san surprisingly have some similarities. Ibuki-san, who dislikes Ryuen-kun, would never admit it, but if you search, you can find some common points between them. For example, their aggressive personalities and their preference for solitude.
That's why their thinking patterns overlap a bit.
In short, one of the reasons Ibuki-san harbors negative feelings toward Ryuen-kun is due to some sort of in-group bias. Her personality fits that description.
Without any particular reason, we continue walking together. By the way, Ishizaki-kun is currently in the midst of being isolated.
He is a central figure in the infamous incident. To avoid unnecessary trouble, Ryuen-kun keeps his distance from Ishizaki-kun.
Honestly, it seems pointless, but that's his policy. I have no intention of interfering.
While walking and pondering about these things, I notice something.
Since a while ago, people walking by have been giving way to us.
At the moment, Ryuen-kun and I are walking side by side, with Yamada-kun following behind as if guarding us. Walking in this formation, we attract looks from the surroundings as if we are something they don't want to see.
It's only natural to respond this way, and I feel it once again.
"Second boss, what would you like to be called?"
The usually quiet Yamada-kun surprisingly speaks up.
His English is easy to understand and fluent, but I'm slightly surprised by the polite expression he uses.
At the same time, I struggle a bit with his question, which comes unexpectedly.
We've been together for about two months, but we've never called each other by name. Moreover, he seems to consider me as an equal to Ryuen-kun, just like Ishizaki-kun. However, calling us both "boss" wouldn't distinguish between us.
"Whatever is easier for you to say."
Well, I don't really care about how I'm called, so I leave it up to him to decide what's convenient for him.
He crosses his arms, seemingly pondering for a moment. Surprisingly, it seems like he's genuinely thinking about it, and I regret a little for giving such a dismissive response.
"Heh, no need to think about it. You can just call me Kamukura."
Then Ryuen-kun interrupts with a side comment.
"You can understand English?"
"It's an inference based on his atmosphere and gestures."
"Hmm, don't you think you should consider it as a practical skill?"
"It's a waste of time."
As always, he seems uninterested in studying or anything else. I wonder how he will manage the upcoming final exams. Tricks like in the mid-term exams probably won't work for the finals, so his actual academic ability will be tested.
I'm a bit curious about what he will do, but well, he'll figure something out. There's no need to dwell on it too deeply.
After that, it was decided that I would address the big man as Albert. Since Yamada-kun felt the name "Yamada" was a bit uncomfortable, he suggested calling him Albert.
My affinity with Yamada Albert increased!
***
"Today's more crowded than usual,"
As I chat with Albert, we somehow arrive at the cafeteria. And it's not an exaggeration to say that it's a place that has become a mass of people, it's an objective fact.
Well, it's natural since not only first-year students but also second and third-year students use it.
"I'll go save our seats. Albert, I'll have the usual."
Albert nods silently, conveying his consent. I follow him and walk towards the ticket machine.
Soon, we arrive in front of the machine that issues the meal tickets.
It's not particularly difficult to use; you just press the switch with the dish you want to eat, then touch your mobile device to the payment area. And the meal ticket comes out.
This time, I decided to go for the slightly higher-priced dish called "Japanese Special." There's no particular reason, but if I had to say, I was drawn to the simple name "Special."
While waiting for the food to be prepared, I pass the time chatting with Albert. It seems he can speak Japanese, albeit brokenly.
And when the conversation with him comes to a pause, I start searching for Ryuen-kun.
It's troublesome to get lost in such a crowd. So it's better to check in advance where he is to arrive quickly.
Now, where is Ryuen-kun...?
He stands out. Despite not having any distinctive physical features, he stands out.
Because even in such a crowded place, there's one spot where there's no one, as if people are making way for someone. And there's one person walking there boldly.
He's still the same, with a satisfied smile on his face.
And he sits down at an empty seat just like that.
I was thinking he might take a seat from another class, but it seems my worries were unfounded.
I return my gaze to normal. Then, a more luxurious dish than what Albert ordered is placed in front of me.
It seems the food has just finished cooking. We quickly exchange our meal tickets for the food and move away from the exchange area.
It would be inconvenient to move slowly during lunchtime. Let's be efficient.
I confirm Albert, who is holding two trays, and guide him to the spot Ryuen-kun secured.
"Thank you for your trouble."
Ryuen-kun returns his gratitude with a nod. Then he sits down.
"Oh, it even comes with dessert."
Ryuen-kun says out of curiosity as he looks at my set meal. It seems his set meal doesn't come with dessert.
By the way, the dessert is a seasonal sweet rice cake out of season.
"Do you want it?"
"Nah, I'm not good with sweet stuff."
Not surprising... When I think back, he would often eat snacks in my room, and he preferred chips and spicy foods.
Anyway, I'm quite hungry, so let's dig in. It seems they've already started eating as well.
"And Kamukura, any progress with the information?"
Ryuen-kun, who has finished eating, asks me a question.
I haven't finished eating yet, so I wish he would stop.
It's a rare opportunity to eat someone else's food, so I don't want to be disturbed.
But since he's not someone who would understand if I said such things, I reluctantly answer.
"It hasn't changed since the last email I sent."
"Don't tell me you've been slacking off because you found it boring?"
"I wonder."
"Heh, you're an annoying guy. I'm always on edge, wondering when you'll betray me."
"Even if you were betrayed, you'd still enjoy it, wouldn't you?"
"Yeah, you're right."
And the conversation comes to a halt. Then he takes out his mobile phone from his pocket and starts fiddling with it.
It seems out of place to see him fiddling with his phone, but surprisingly, it suits him.
Well, that doesn't really matter. I finally reach the sakuramochi, the dessert that comes with the set meal.
These sakuramochi look quite delicious. It's surprising that they are homemade, not store-bought.
Even from someone like me who has talent as a patissier or chef, I can say that these sakuramochi are of good quality.
This looks promising.
I pick up the sakuramochi, intending to take the first bite. But just then, I hear a voice from behind.
"Excuse me, if you've finished eating, could you please give up your seat?"
Ryuen-kun and Albert react to the voice.
I don't particularly turn around.
I haven't finished eating yet. In fact, I haven't even started.
But judging by the volume of the voice, it's undoubtedly a girl who approached us. It takes courage to approach such a peculiar trio.
Thinking about that, I become slightly interested in the person who interrupted my meal.
So, I decided to turn around after all.
And there, three people, two girls and a boy, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2, were looking at us.
One is a tall girl with long purple hair, resembling a slender fashion model.
One is a blond-haired boy with a slicked-back hairstyle, who looks like a delinquent but also exudes a sense of intelligence.
And the last one is the girl who approached us, Sakayanagi-san. She uses a cane and has striking blue gem-like eyes, giving her an ethereal appearance.
"Heh, sorry. My companion is still eating, so I can't give up the seat."
"Hehe, I see. Then, how about we have a little chat until he finishes eating? Ryuen Kakeru-kun."
"Sure, I was actually free. Besides, I didn't have much information about you, so it's a good opportunity. Sakayanagi."
Sakayanagi-san, with her smile that captivates everything she sees but also evokes a hint of coldness, speaks.
She then shifts her gaze towards me. She briefly smiles when she sees me.
But she quickly returns her gaze to Ryuen-kun.
And she analyzes him.
It seems her eyes can analyze far beyond the surface and reflect views that ordinary people cannot see.
In other words, she also possesses super analytical abilities.
I'm slightly impressed to learn that there are others besides me and Enoshima Junko who possess such abilities.
But more importantly, there's sakuramochi.
"You really resemble me, don't you?"
"Save your nonsense for bedtime."
Although they call it a "chat," it's completely different from having a pleasant conversation with a close friend.
In the crowded and somewhat hot cafeteria, the temperature around Ryuen-kun and Sakayanagi-san seems to drop rapidly.
In the midst of such an exchange, the girl with purple hair, who acts as their entourage, sighs and waits with a bored expression.
In contrast to her, the blond-haired boy seems to find the situation quite amusing as he watches the two leaders.
"Are they your pawns?"
"Yes, they are very capable."
"I see. It seems you're an enemy I shouldn't underestimate."
"Do you not differentiate between good and bad people?"
"Unfortunately, I had a poor upbringing. I never learned words like 'differentiate.' Anyone who doesn't obey me is my enemy."
Even though they're both laughing, there's no sense of calmness.
These two aggressive and prideful individuals have no intention of backing down. And both of them seem to be enjoying this situation.
However, they may have forgotten that this is a cafeteria.
One is sitting while the other is standing, facing each other.
It goes without saying that this situation appears strange from an objective perspective.
The people around us are starting to notice the atmosphere of the situation.
If left unattended, things could become troublesome.
But this time, I don't have the luxury of mediating between them.
More importantly, there's the matter of the sakuramochi.
I finally decided to completely ignore them, who were in conflict.
"So you're the rumored tyrant. It's reassuring to see you exactly as described."
"You're the rumored haughty queen. I'm reassured too."
I pick up the sakuramochi, chew it well, savor the flavor, and swallow it.
Delicious.
I feel like I could eat as many as I want.
Even though anything unnecessary for talent should have been removed, I still feel this way. I wonder why.
"By the way, I expected you to use violence when you didn't like someone, regardless of their class. But it seems I was mistaken."
"Heh, if you want, I can show you right here, but even I don't have the hobby of hurting someone with physical limitations."
"It's not because of the surrounding gaze or surveillance cameras... It's because you're concerned about my body. Surprisingly, you have a gentle side. However, please don't worry about this body. I don't consider it a weakness."
...It was only removed; new things can still be added.
The sakuramochi was a new addition to my preferences, a category like that. If I think that way, it's possible to understand.
...It's a somewhat forced reasoning, isn't it?
"I like strong-willed women. And you're clever and combative. What do you say, Sakayanagi? Will you become mine...? That way, we can erase the future of you being defeated."
"Hehe, you're quite unique. But the answer is no. It was an enticing invitation, but I have to decline. Because... you haven't seen the future I'm envisioning."
But I remember, Hajime Hinata's favorite food is also sakuramochi. Although he and I are the same person and different people at the same time, it seems our tastes haven't changed.
"I see, I'll admit it. You and I are indeed similar."
"Oh, you're quite easygoing about admitting it."
"Yeah, you've got one up on me with your analytical abilities."
"Heh... that's unexpected."
"That's enough for now."
In other words, even though it has been remade, this body itself may have desired it. That could be the interpretation.
Or perhaps they didn't alter it because preferences related to food don't affect talent.
"Both of you should withdraw. If you refuse, I'll report this to the school."
That means if I were to eat sakuramochi, which is a food that Hijime Hinata dislikes, would I also develop a dislike for it?
That's somewhat interesting.
"Hey, we were just having a 'chat.' There's no need for you to butt in, is there?"
"I should be the one to handle this quickly, so I need to step in."
"Heh, indeed."
Let's try making both of them next time.
But I should consider how to handle it if I can't eat sakuramochi.
...I'll leave it to Ibuki-san. She was fond of sweets, I believe.
If Ibuki-san is not an option, I'll share it with Shiina-san.
No, it might be interesting to deliberately send it to Ryuen-kun.
If those ingredients aren't available here, even in this extravagantly large campus, it's unlikely they will be.
...If they're not available, it's fine. I can order them using points.
This time, the focus is more on the talent of a patissier, rather than a chef.
"That's enough for today... Ryuen, it's crowded, so go and take over quickly."
"I'll spare you this time. Let's go, Albert. Kamukura... you still haven't finished eating?"
I realize that it's finally over after being called out by name.
Considering my plans for the day off while eating, it's inevitable that I'm eating slowly.
I take the last bite and swallow it minimally.
While I'm in the process of swallowing, Albert quickly reacts to his words and gathers the trays and dishes for the three of us.
Indeed, he has good presence of mind.
"Kamukura, you should have been able to stop those two. Why didn't you?"
Once I finish chewing, the person who intervened to mediate, the student council president, speaks to me.
"Are you the kind of person who can't be satisfied without reasons for everything?"
Having confirmed that I don't have any belongings left behind, I also stand up.
When I look again at Ryuen-kun, he is already gone from this place, walking towards the direction he came from.
"Heh, just like you."
With only those words, he also turns his back to the direction where Tachibana-senpai was originally seated.
It seems like he's still chasing after that stubborn person. She must be having a hard time.
I also divert my gaze from Sakayanagi-san and her group, intending to leave.
But in the next moment, unexpected words come to me, surpassing my predictions.
"Oh... as expected, you're a true... genius."
Curious about the person who uttered those words, I turn around.
She is completely different from before.
There is no intimidating smile.
It's as if the front and back sides have been reversed.
Her expression remains a smile.
However, it's an enchanting smile, containing something resembling madness.
Her voice is different too.
The girl with flushed cheeks doesn't have the cold, arrogant tone she used to measure her opponent. Instead, she has a young and sweet voice, like that of a girl who has found something she desired.
Upon hearing her voice, her two entourages are astonished.
It's understandable. I was momentarily taken aback as well.
I've heard rumors about her, Sakayanagi Arisu.
One of the two major factions in Class A. She is the leader, known to have a highly combative and ruthless personality.
Seeing her interaction with Ryuen-kun earlier, I can confirm that the rumors are true.
That's why it's unimaginable for her to use such a flattering voice.
"...Sakayanagi, what's gotten into you all of a sudden?"
The girl with purple hair questions the sudden change.
Immediately, Sakayanagi-san puts on her icy mask once again. She smoothly returns to the smile she initially displayed, but her entourages remain surprised.
"...I apologize. I must have shown an unsightly appearance."
Was she addressing me or her entourages, or perhaps both?
While keeping her gaze fixed on me, she sits in the seat where we were originally seated.
Her super analytical ability is not a threat. Her coldness is not a threat.
But that smile she showed earlier, it was something close to animal instinct.
If she were to stand before me, driven by her instinctual desires, unleashing all her available power to surpass me... Sakayanagi Arisu would undoubtedly become an interesting existence.
For the first time in a while, my body feels slightly warm.
It seems that I need to reevaluate her assessment.
The presence of someone I found boring has now been etched into my memory in the clearest way possible.
***
"...Kamukura Izuru-kun."
The name of the long-haired boy who slowly left this place earlier and is still in my field of vision slips from my lips.
Since I was young, I have seen people with various "talents" by accompanying my father in his work.
People with gifted bodies and talents in specific sports.
People around my age, already entering the adult world and blossoming with talents in applied sciences.
Someone who didn't even go to school, inheriting skills from their parents and training their talent as a craftsman from a young age, a person somewhat out of touch with the times.
I have seen various types of "talents."
As a result, my analytical ability has been significantly honed.
To the extent that I can estimate a certain level of talent just by looking at a person.
That's why I understood.
The first time I saw him was a few days after entering school. I was judged as boring, but that didn't matter.
More different and overwhelming than any person I had seen before.
Enchanted by his unhidden aura of "talent."
I remember vividly the moment when a feeling similar to first love sent a shock throughout my body as if it were yesterday.
"Who is more amazing, him or 'him'?"
Just a small murmur.
I recall him, who grew up in that white space that negates my thoughts.
What is he doing now?
Is he still in that white space?
Or has he come out of that place and is attending school like us?
"I'm losing my appetite."
"...Ah, it's already lunchtime, isn't it?"
Kamuro-san, who is bringing food to her mouth, says so.
And she continues with a puzzled expression.
"Today, you're definitely different. What's wrong?"
"Oh, are you concerned about me?"
"...Concerning you was a waste."
She immediately makes a displeased face.
Seeing her like that, I can't help but feel entertained.
"But, Sakayanagi-san, as Kamuro said, there's something different about you today. Especially since you saw that long-haired guy. Do you have something on your mind?"
Hashimoto-kun asks, getting to the point.
I usually have confidence in my poker face, but today, it's no good.
I resign myself and give them the answer.
"...Could it be love?"
Among the emotions currently resonating in my heart, this is probably the closest one.
But in the end, it's just speculation.
I don't know if it's accurate.
But one thing I'm certain of is that the desire to compete with him is beginning to overflow within me.
To compete and win, to reflect my existence in those hollow eyes of his.
Is this truly something that can be called love?
"Hehehe, it seems like i won't be bored."
Both of them open their mouths in surprise upon hearing my answer.
As for Kamuro-san, she drops her chopsticks due to the shock.
"Both of you will let your food go cold."
With that, I finally start eating the slightly chilled meal.
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