Vol 5 Chapter 2 (1/2)

Crossing the ocean, crushi+ng the land, the blue monster advanced forward

Its gigantic body, towering into the clouds, almost seemed to intimidate the sky itself

It was called the blue dragon—”Blue” Hekatonkheir

Recovering noeven if its entire body was destroyed, Hekatonkheir was known as the ”Undead”

Now that everyone kno pointless it was to get in its way, even countries with combat ability would not wish to oppose it

After fighting long and hard, humans learned from experience The wisest way to deal with Hekatonkheir was to avoid its travel route and wait for it to leave

Hence, the blueany obstructions

Si

Hekatonkheir's direction was headed towards the green dragon in a faraway land—”Green” Yggdrasil

Certain people found its route of advance quite unusual

After all, despite leaving tracks all over the world, Hekatonkheir had never on, not even once

But even after so differently froht result

Thus, without anyone realizing what Hekatonkheir's objective was, thatsecond by second

Having decided what kind of shop ere going to open for the school festival, Brynhildr Class went to work on preparations

As representatives, Lisa and I stayed after school in the classroo

”—So the school festival will be held for two days”

I looked at the school festival schedule and spoke The school festival's dates were set on a Saturday and Sunday roughly a month from now

”Yes, so two days' worth of ingredients need to be prepared Further to Day 1 and Day 2 so that everyone gets a day of free time, how's that?”

Sitting opposite me across the desk, Lisa recorded our discussion while offering her ideas

”I think it's a good idea Everyone wants to check out what the other ho Then we need to scale the teahouse so that it can be operated smoothly by four people”

Brynhildr Class had eight students, just the right nuroup

”Yes, but Mitsuki-san will be busy with student council affairs I don't expect her to be able to say with us the whole time The executive committee members will have to assist on this front”

”Understood So it's best to divide groups after listening to everyone's opinions They'll surely want to be free if their parents are co on a certain day”

shi+no parents My father andtoo

I started feeling down as soon as this crossed my mind

In my current state, I could not even recall their voices If possible, I did not want to meet them

”Yes, let's do that”

But after hearing loomy, so I asked:

”Oh Are your parents unable to come, Lisa?”

”No, they will definitely coard as well”

Lisa sighed and answered For some reason, she did not seem happy at all

”Major sponsors Just as I thought, Lisa, your family is very rich”

I already knew that she frequented high society, but this wasthat her parents were ard

”Rich huh? Judging by your description, you do not know about the Highwalker Group”

Staring at me, Lisa looked totally exasperated

”Huh? Is it that famous?”

”It is a business congloht you were intentionally feigning ignorance all along”

”Haha Sorry, I simply didn't kno should I say this? My earlier life was too far removed from that kind of world”

Hearing me explain, she shook her head in disbelief

”I remember you said you were frohwalker Group's ties with NIFL are far ard, you know?”

”R-Really?”

Getting a feeling like I was cornered, I asked in return

”Under the Group, there are industries in military production The majority of weapons used by NIFL were manufactured in the Group's factories”

”—Then without knowing it, I've been enjoying your Group's care”

Although I could use transal and other firearas were all standard-issued supplies It felt quite strange to learn that those supplies were all manufactured by Lisa's family business

”So that is how it is But there's nothing glorious about being arms dealers”

Lisa remarked with a cos about the family business

”Life roup”

”Indeed, it is surely a hundred tiined”

Lisa shrugged and s

”You don't see Are you on bad terms with them?”

”No, we are on excellent terht now, due to certain reasons, I am reluctant to meet them That's all”

”I see, then it's similar to me”

I felt an inexplicable sense of camaraderie and accidentally blurted it out It was too late by the time I realized in alarm

”You don't want to meet your parents either?”

Lisa askedmanner

”Oh Uot reasons too”

”Would it be related to the matter of discussion that you mentioned yesterday?”

Lisa raised a sharp question, forcing me to break out in cold sweat

”Uh”

”Then I see you to the point of wishi+ng to avoid your parents, I a to hear you out Please don't be shy and tell me as much as you can”

Lisa leaned forward, bringing her face closer to ot to breathe for a moment

”—No, it's fine”

I was aled to shake my head and decline

”Hmph Do you mean to say that I cannot be relied on?”

”That's not it It's just that you have your own troubles, right? I can't burden you with my troubles when I clearly know that”

Lisa would definitely dedicate her full effort in trying to help me find solutions Precisely because of that, Iher own troubles right now

”You don't need to mind my affairs”

”—But I dome not to mind is impossible”

I stared into Lisa's eyes and answered

”What”

Lisa's face went red She looked very aard

”It's the same for you, Lisa If you have any troubles, feel free to discuss with me I'll do my best to help you”

”T-That is why I said don'tto do with you!”

”Maybe you're right, but don't tellI can do to help?”

Questioned by aze wander indecisively

”Well No, even if there was, your matter is more important at the moment”

”No, Lisa, your troubles are equally important to me”

Precisely because I saw Iris fall ill fro herself, I absolutely refused to compromise on this point

”How obstinate”

”The saoes for both of us”

We faced off for a while then Lisa sighed as though giving up

”—Fine, I shall compromise”

”Compromise?”

”Yes, I'll first have you help resolve my problem Then with that, you can discuss your probleht?”

Lisa stared at me idened eyes Confronted with her extraordinary pressure, I could only nod hesitantly

”Well, I guess that sounds about right But even though I said I'll help you Is what's troubling you so within my power to help?”

”Yes As much as I hate to ad that can be resolve simply with your assistance, despite my extreme reluctance, that's all”

For soer in her voice Her face also seemed a bit red

”—Understood Then please tell me what I need to do”

Preparing ed Lisa

”Ooh”

However, Lisa blushed, glared at le word

”Lisa?”

Hearing me call her name, Lisa's shoulder shook

”U-Uot that? Also, if you're unwilling, you are allowed to decline”

Wringing her hands several ti restlessly, Lisa issued a prior declaration first

”I don't plan on refusing no matter what you'll have me do, because it's your request, Lisa”

”Ooh”

Lisa's face went even redder Was her request so?

”Then I-I shall start?”

”Yes”

I nodded clearly and waited for Lisa to speak

After several deep breaths, Lisa said in a tre voice:

”M-Mononobe Yuu May I ask you to be my b-boyfriend?”

Part 3

During the lunch break the next day, Iris and I had bought bread and drinks at the snack shop and were having lunch at the benches on the roof Due to strong sunlight, very few students had lunch outdoors so the roof was empty

Naturally, I chose to eat at a deserted location so that I could explain to Iris about the favor Lisa was asking me to do

I summed up yesterday's conversation and nervously told Iris that Lisa had asked if I could be her boyfriend

In that instant, the melon bread in her hand dropped to the floor

”O-Oh~ So Lisa-chan confessed to you”

”No, it's not a confession—”

”Then Mononobe H-How did you answer?”

I frantically explained but Iris interruptedtone of voice

”—I haven't given my reply yet”

”Then what are you planning to do?”

Iris asked me immediately

”If possible, I want to accept her request”

I told Iris my intentions

Froree to Lisa's request no matter it was, just that because its nature came completely unexpected and I needed to discuss with Iris first, so I asked Lisa to give me one day to consider

”—Eh? Is that really okay when you clearly insisted on not hurting Mitsuki-chan? Although you forgot, Mononobe, you and Mitsuki-chan pro your childhood to marry each other in the future, you know?”

”It's okay As long as the whole story is explained to Mitsuki, she'll surely understand”

Hearing me say that, Iris showed a shocked look then slumped her shoulders dejectedly

”I see So you already like Lisa thatyour memories back will probably be happiest for you, Mononobe Ahahaha, I totally wasted my efforts”

With tears in the corners of her yes, Iris laughed feebly

”W-Wait, don't ju or confessions at all! I' as Lisa's boyfriend for just one day!”

”Eh? Just one day?”

Iris stared in surprise with her mouth open

”Lisa asked me to pretend to be her boyfriend when her parents visit for the school festival”

Like Iris, I al, but Lisa explained: ”Although I said boyfriend, it's actually just an act”

”Pretending to be a couple Why?”

Still stunned, Iris asked me

”She hasn't told me the reason If I refused, she probably wouldn't want me to pry too deeply into her proble is an act Just by doing that, I'll apparently resolve Lisa's troubles”

”I-I see now”

Iris remarked in relief

”But since we have to pretend to be a couple If that's not okay with you, I intend to refuse Then I'll just have to get the story out of Lisa somehow and find another solution”

”Mononobe”

Tears fell from Iris' eyes

”Woah! W-What's wrong?”

”You're so considerate of ht you didn't love me anymore, Mononobe”

”Nothing like that at all Sorry for giving you the wrong idea fros just now”

I placed my hand on her cheek and wiped her tears aith my thumb

”If you'll give ive you”

Looking at her melon bread that had fallen on the floor, Iris chuckled

”Got it”

Taking my hand off Iris' cheek, I tore ave her half

”Great—Now I forgive you”

Iris wiped her tears on her unifore bites of my yakisoba bread

Then after a while, she said quietly:

”If it's just one day Sure”

”You're not forcing yourself?”

The first to finish eatingup at the blue sky Then I looked at Iris

”Yeah, because Lisa-chan is in trouble, Mononobe, you must help her”

”Got it”

”I' on you, oh, but—”

After I nodded, Iris sht her face up close

”I-Iris?”

Just as I faltered, Iris touched ue then withdrew

”Your face doesn't look good with bits of seaweed stuck there”

Iris spoke with a blush Seeing her like that, I felt my face heat up too

”What I-In that case, you could've just told me”

”True, but I wanted to do it just now”

Iris scratched her face shyly then spoke somewhat hastily

”Next period is ho to discuss the school festival again?”

”Yeah First, we'll announce what Lisa and I were discussing after school yesterday, then we'll decide on the detailed n essential tasks here on”

Hearing me say that, Iris cocked her head in puzzlement

”assigning tasks huh If I get assigned to cooking, that ht?”

”Yeah, probably”

I nodded affirht need to ask Mitsuki to instruct the class on cooking

”If I cooked so, Mononobe, will you taste test it for me?”

”Of course”

”Really!? Then it's a promise, okay?”

Iris said happily, showing a smile even more lively than usual

Part 4

During homeroom that day, the japanese teahouse's refreshrilled fish, rice, reen tea, black tea and other choices were included

Although unifor pre-made ones, ould make them ourselves

Hence, in preparation for the upco practice and costu

As the executive co orders for the required cooking ingredients and fabric

”How many forms exactly does it take”

Seeing the thick pile of paperwork on the desk, I could not help but grumble

Every item purchased required detailed specifications and an explanation on its purpose Apart froencies, it required filling out several forms that were almost identical

It would be much easier if this could be done on the computer, but these docu and other iard apparently accepted only documents of this type

This wasthe procedures themselves

”If you have the tiht as well do the work Time is precious”

Sitting on the neighboring seat, Lisa orking silently and gave lare

”I know But noto finish before school closes”

”If you're not going to finish, please take it home and continue to work Ordered supplies need teeks to arrive, so the application needs to be made as early as possible”

”S-So it takes that long”

Since I had never applied for deliveries from the outside world before, I was quite surprised when Lisa told redients were less of an issue, but costuin until the fabric arrived

”—Understood, I'll get theht no matter what”

Now that I knew that any delays would add pressures to work tiish

I focused on filling in the forms and moved my pen rapidly

My efforts were rewarded at least By the tih the , less than half the paperwork remained

It was almost time for school to close If I took the rest back to fill in at the dorm, I should be able to finish within today

”Phew”

Finally seeing the finish line in sight, I breathed a sigh of relief

Next, there would be no tiht up the ”fake couple” matter

I glanced at Lisa to see what she was doing, but ended up aze

Lisa was also looking at me She frantically faced forward as a result

Clearly our work had reached the point where we could call it a day for now

”Say, Lisa, about yesterday's topic—”

I intended to give a reply to her request from yesterday, so I spoke to Lisa

”!? Y-Yes”

Lisa's body froze while she returned her gaze to my direction Fro for an opportuty to talk about yesterday's topic

”Lisa, I will accept your request”

”Y-You will?”

Lisa confirmed with me a bit nervously

”Yeah Just by pretending to be a couple for one day, your troubles will be resolved, right?”

”—Yes By doing this, I should be able to get through this occasion”

”Can you tell me the whole story?”

Before knohether I was going to accept or not, Lisa refused to tell reed to play the part of Lisa's boyfriend, I had to acquire a definite grasp on the situation

Lisa nodded lightly and spoke with a gloomy expression

”Actually, o that I had to hurry and choose a fiance”

”A fiance?”

”Yes, this is the destiny that co born as an heiress, no—More accurately, it was determined even before birth I heard that back when I was still in ements with me already”

”What That's abnormal, before you're born”

Hearing me exclaim in surprise, Lisa smiled wryly

”It is nothing rare in fa vast amounts of authority and wealth I believe ive their children a fair amount of freedom”

I recalled what she had said about not being on poor terms with her parents

”Then as long as you ask, Lisa, they should give you the freedoht?”

”—Of course I've asked already, andcandidates they've approved”

Lisa remarked sarcastically

”No, I don't think that's freedom at all”

”Perhaps, but my parents believe that such freedom is sufficient”

Lisa's voice shoeariness

Most likely, this was so she had discuss with her parents many times already

However, Lisa had not succeeded in expanding the freedoht now

”Then in that case, if I pretend to be your boyfriend How does that help?”

To be honest, I really did not think Lisa's parents would approve of me

”They can't possibly acknowledge you asyou to do this”

”What do you mean?”

I frowned, unable to understand Lisa's intent

”On this occasion, my parents will probably demand that I pick a fiance, because the candidates cannot keep waiting forever But so long as I tell them I have a boyfriend, my parents would probably back down on their oithout saying anything”

”Really? I think they ood! Break up with him!'”

I acted out my impression of an obstinate father, but Lisa smiled wryly

”My parents aren't the stupid and emotional type They know clearly that they cannot interfere forcibly while I am currently a D”

”Yeah Noas we're still in Midgard, they can't pull us apart”

”Indeed, they are very sentle, parents who are considerate for their child While I aames of youth”

Conveying resignation in her words, Lisa laughed

”You said while you're in Midgard Then what about afterwards?”

”—You have no need to be concerned hat co as I a a fiance, that is enough”

Lisa extended her hand towardsmy question

”Well then, Mononobe Yuu, this is the true story May I ask you to play the role of s will definitely not develop into actuallyme”

Soardless of the true story, I had already made my decision in my heart

”I understand I accept the request”

I nodded, reached out and held Lisa's hand

”Thank you, then this resolves my troubles Now it's your turn”

Holding my hand firmly, Lisa stared at me with a serious expression

Just as she said, it was my turn to discuss the matter of my memories, but—

The bell rang to urge all students to leave the school

”There's no ti story”

”No helping it”

Lisa sighed and released my hand reluctantly

We packed our things rapidly and left the classrooether

”I must hand in the application forms early tomorrow Please arrive earlier to school toot that?”

”Understood, I'll set my alarm clock half an hour earlier than usual”

”Oh ht? Shouldn't you say you'll ask Mitsuki-san to wake you up earlier?”

”Coet up on my own It's only when I oversleep that Mitsuki wakes me up”

While carrying this kind of conversation, alked along the deserted corridor

Our footsteps and voices sounded especially loud

After the conversation ended, we descended the stairs silently

”Mononobe Yuu—I have a question”

Along the way, Lisa broke the silence and asked in an especially cautious manner

”Question?”

”Yes, although you've accepted my request How exactly do you intend to play the part of my boyfriend?”

”Huh? Well, umm—”

I was at a loss for words My gaze wandered

Indeed, on further thought, I did not knohat to do

”How unreliable”

”W-Well, we just have to act lovey-dovey in front of theht?”

Lisa glared at ue answer

”What do you mean by lovey-dovey? You have to be more specific or else I won't understand”

”How should I put it? Like hugging and exchanging sords, so like that”

I rackedlovey-dovey

”Speaking of which When the actual occasion arrives, will you be able to do those things suddenly?”

Prompted by Lisa's question, I tried to run a simulation in my mind

'Lisa, you're so adorable'

'No, you're so handsome'

I with each other—I could not help but clutch my head

”I can't do it”

It ay too e it was already unbearable

Even if I kneas an act, I did not think I could do it

”I know, right? I can't do it either So it looks like—practicing ht be necessary”

”Practicing?”

”Yes, practicing to look like a convincing couple”

Lisa was originally a body's width away fro that, she came close and wrapped her arm around mine

Feeling my elbow touch Lisa's voluptuous bust, my heart pounded intensely

”H-Hey, your chest”

”I know Don't lose composure This sort of distance is very normal for a couple This is supposed to be even easier than a hug”

”But you're going red too, Lisa”

”T-That is due to the setting sun!”

However, Lisa's ar faintly I could feel that she was very nervous

If Lisa's parents were to see us as ere now, they would not think ere going out

”Pretending to be a couple is harder than I thought”

”I-Indeed, me aside, you are totally off”

Lisa's blushi+ng face looked down Nodding in agreement, she then continued in a hoarse voice:

”Umm The day after tomorrow is Saturday, a holiday Do you have any plans?”

”Huh? If there's no work related to the school festival, I should be free”

”Oh, don't worry on that front So long as the applications are handed in, there is nothing urgent at the moment”

Lisa seeh of relief while she spoke, but I did not understand what she was getting at

”Are we doing so the day after tomorrow?”

Hearing my question, Lisa spoke with a solemn expression:

”To ensure that we definitely look like a convincing couple when the ti! You will accompany me for the entire day after tomorroill also listen properly to your matter then”

Part 5

After staying up all night to get things done, I successfully handed in the application for day after that, I was at the seashore some distance away from Mitsuki's dorm

Sitting on a breakwater under the shade of coconut trees, I stared out blankly into the distant horizon

Although noon had not arrived yet, the sun was shi+ning fiercely Since it was a holiday, I left the house casually dressed in a short-sleeved shi+rt and pants Even so,

Today was designated by Lisa as a day of ”special training” Leaving the dorhtly early, I waited for her arrival

At the appointed ti

On this seaside road that traced out a gentle curve, Lisa appeared As soon as I saw her attire, my breath was taken away

Lisa earing a sunhat with a white sundress that exposed her shoulders

Currently, she exuded an air like a sheltered young lady on a summer vacation This dreamy sense of beauty was in stark contrast to her usual forceful i me to stare in mesmerization for a while

”—Thank you for waiting T-Then off we go”

Carrying a basket, Lisa spoke to me nervously

”O-Okay”

My answering voice also seemed quite stiff

As soon as I stood up, Lisa immediately took my arm in an inexperiencedwas thinner than last time, the softness of her bosom felt even more distinct than before

”S-So we have to walk arm in arm after all?”

”Of course, because today's objective is to grow accustomed to behavior as befits a couple By the way—before that, shouldn't you be saying so first?”

Red in the face, Lisa stared coldly at me

—Oh

Figuring out her deulped and spoke up:

”The dress suits you a lot You look very pretty in it”

”Ooh”

Hearing me say that, Lisa immediately blushed red to her ears and turned her head away

”—I-Indeed, that is correct Although it is very ordinary flattery, I shall give you a passing grade for that”

”No, it wasn't flattery I seriously think so, you know?”

”~~~~! Enough!”

Lisa spoke sharply then pulled my arm forcefully

”G-Go this way, I shall take you to my specially treasured location It is a place where virtually no student in the Academy knows of”

”A special secret place? I' forward to it”

I followed her directions and walked with her

I could not help but recall dancing at a ball in the Principality of Erlia when Lisa's soft bosom had made contact with me as well My heart pounded uncontrollably

Whenever I took a step, my elboould feel an extrenore that feeling and turned aze to the nearby scenery

The seaside walking path was laid with asphalt along the island's edge, tracing out gentle curves On the other side of the breakwater, a white beach and blue ocean stretched as far as the eye could see

—I remember I first met Iris somewhere around here

When I was thinking about this, Lisa pinched me in the arm

”W-What are you doing?”

”—Nothingabout so unless you pay proper attention to me”

Lisa glared atred

”You want me to pay attention to you But I won't be able to stay calm like that”

”Do you really understand? There is no need to stay cale in lovey-dovey behavior calmly?'

”No, I guess”