K1 The Diligent Noblewoman

"Master, wasn't that a bit too much today?"

"Not necessarily."

"Soo's attempt lacked true killing intent—trivial, really. And Shun didn't deliberately trigger the assessment, did he?"

"Katia-chan is still sheltered, you know. Even so, you should understand: in dangerous zones, a warning is sufficient. That's the ideal outcome."

"Even so…?"

"Especially with assessments—avoid using them recklessly. Others with the same ability can sense when it's been activated. Didn't you feel something odd the first time you met Potimas?"

"Yeah… that unpleasant sensation. So she was assessing me?"

"That's correct. In certain circumstances, merely activating it may be interpreted as hostile intent. Well, in truly dangerous zones, it's best to consider all non-allies as enemies. Though, in truth, it doesn't matter much."

"Does that mean you'd kill without question?"

"Exactly."

"Master—"

"That question would serve no purpose for either of us. Still, you, Catia, are perceptive enough that this answer might as well be complete."

"I see. So you've done that much, then."

"Indeed."

"Then why can't we meet the class members we've gathered so carefully?"

"Not possible."

"What's the reason?"

"Cannot be disclosed."

"Hey, teacher. Really, you protected twelve people? In a world this vast, how did you even find them? If I don’t understand that, I can’t help but doubt whether they’re even alive."

"Then, if you’re lying, you can swallow a thousand needles. The method is secret—but the numbers protected and found are not."

"Then what about the ones not found? Teacher, be honest. Of the six unlocated, how many are truly unlocated?"

"...Two. The other four have been confirmed dead."

"...I see."

"Sorry."

"It’s not your fault to apologize. May I ask the names of the ones who died?"

"Kotaro Hayashi, Wakaba-hime, Naoki Kogure, Ichinari Sakurazaki. Those four."

"...I see. Then I can accept that the search is nearly over."

"We'll continue searching for the remaining two, for now."

"Hey, why's an elf helping with this search? You seem to be explaining things to the elf, but can we really trust an elf?"

"I can only say to trust the teacher."

"Even with so many secrets?"

"That includes that as well."

"I can't just instinctively trust people like Shun does. I want to believe in the teacher, but as long as the teacher keeps hiding things, I can't fully trust the teacher from the heart."

"That's actually correct, I think. Shun is too straightforward."

"I agree. Sometimes I wonder if he'd be useless without me."

"Oh? Oh my, oh my? Is there still no sprout, but at least a seed? Then it would be interesting."

“Eh? What did you say? Teacher, why that creepy smile? You’re supposed to look like a beautiful little girl right now, so grinning like that is seriously gross.”

“Divine retribution.”

“Gah!?!”

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“Catherine.”

“What is it?”

“What’s your relationship with your elder brother?”

“What do you mean, friends? What’s so strange about that?”

“Liar. It’s not just friendship. That elf teacher, the holy maiden candidate, the next Sword Emperor—none of you are ordinary. What exactly are you?”

“Should I be the one to tell you that?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you really asking me… or are you asking Shun himself?”

“…That’s…”

“You should ask Shun directly. You won’t believe me even if I told you.”

“Yeah… maybe.”

I think I understand the emotion you’re holding right now. That’s precisely why you should direct it toward the person experiencing it.

…Got it. Sorry. And thank you.

You’re welcome.

I’m handing this over completely, but that’s fine, isn’t it? Besides, this is a sibling matter. Don’t drag me into it. Right. It’s nothing to do with me. Nothing at all. …Maybe I’ll say something to Shun tomorrow.

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"Oshima-kun, why are you standing so openly among the girls changing?"

"Ah? …Sorry. I’ve been living here so long I stopped noticing things like that. If Hasebe-san finds it troubling, I can just change at a different time, or somewhere else?"

"Ah, um, yeah."

"Wait—why are you so awkward about it?"

Ah, yeah. I didn’t expect such a calm reply. In situations like this, shouldn’t people usually panic and try to explain themselves more?

No—ever since I was reborn, I’ve lost all attraction to female bodies. It’s like my past obsession was a lie. I don’t feel anything now, seeing a woman’s form. That’s why I don’t feel guilt, or shame, or anything like that.

Huh. You never feel even a little embarrassed?

When you’re born a noble lady, you’re entirely dependent on maids—changing clothes, bathing, everything. The shame just flew away long ago.

S-sure. That sounds exhausting.

Yeah. So being freed from that life in the dormitory is a relief. In fact, I can’t even believe the other noble ladies complain about not having maids around.

Ah. I feel the same way.

"Ah, well? Should I change somewhere else after all?"

"Ah, um. Hearing about your situation with Oshima just now, I think it’ll be fine. We’ll have to get used to it eventually, so it’s okay like this."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. As a senior woman, it’s my duty to guide others. Leave it to me!"

"O-oh, please be gentle..."