Chirem Act 6-11.1
BGM: Punishing Grey Raven - Endless Path
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Act 6-11: Today, As a Memory
TL : Cnine
ED/PF :
R1: [1-3], R2[4-6]
Part 1
After that, I bought the swimsuits Bell and I had picked out, along with the full set Lillian and the others had chosen for Silvia. Ein and the rest found their own as well, and once everything was sorted, we headed through the admission gate at the back of the lobby.
After going through the gate, we split up—guys one way, girls the other—and headed to the changing rooms. They were packed, as expected, but we managed to snag a row of empty lockers in a corner and quickly changed into our new swimsuits.
「So… What’s the deal with you and Silvia?」
Thus, Ein asked as soon as I started changing. Ugh, he remembered to question me right away.
「I've told you right? When I'm in mission with the hero party---」
「Yeah, I heard. I’m asking about you and her though. No way she’d just tag along with some random bloke, even if she’s bored.」
「Hmm… Judging by how she acted earlier, it looks like there’s more going on between them.」
「Does that mean you’re seeing her?! That busty beauty?! She’s all normal with us during the day, and at night she’s full-on maid-and-master with you?! I can’t just ignore that, mate!!」
「Whoa, whoa! Calm down, dude!」
I put my hands up to stop the half-naked Ein and the others. Were they forgot that we were in public place?
「I swear, there’s nothing going on between Silvia and me! That reaction earlier was just how she is… A bit naive and clueless, you know? Totally natural, like she doesn’t even notice half the stuff around her.」
「Hmm… Yeah… She’s kinda unusual, I guess…」
「So there’s really nothing going on with Silvia, right?! You’re not sneaking off at night, enjoying that busty beauty to your heart’s content or anything like that?!」
「No way! Besides, our curfew is basically 6 PM!」
At the academy, students must be back inside the academy grounds by 6 p.m. If they miss it, the gates close, and they wouldn’t be able to return to their dorms.
However, curfew could be extended until 9 p.m. with a request. There was a limit on how often this could be done, so it was not something you could use frequently. Since today was a holiday, many students seem to had requested extensions. We did the same.
When I insisted on my point, Ferio suddenly looked like everything made sense, grinned, and clapped me on the shoulder.
「Ohh, right! So you really weren’t doing any master–servant roleplay with her! Thank god. If you’d answered differently, I might’ve had to ditch a battle-buddy today!」
… Was it that serious? And honestly, it’s not like you couldn’t do that kind of play in the daytime too, but… Yeah, better not say that out loud.
「Hehehehe… Anyway, I’m buzzing for it. Silvia and Bell, I wonder what sort of swimsuits they’ll show up in. Ahh, can’t wait to see.」
With a goofy grin, Ferio muttered while tugging off his trousers. Put together with everything he was doing, it was absolutely the sort of scene someone would report immediately.
「…Hmm? Actually, what about Elsie? She’s also pretty much your type, isn’t she?」
「Well, sure, I’m looking forward to seeing her. But I’m not about to make a move on a girl who’s already got someone.」
Putting on a pair of grey, knee-length swimming trunks, Ferio turned to face me, staring intently. Oh come on… by “someone,” does he mean…?
I tried to deny it on instinct, but something about it rang way too true, and I completely froze. That was when Rogue, who’d been next to me, slung an arm around my shoulder.
「Isn’t this the perfect chance? Honestly, mate, you should just make it clear already.」
「Huh? Make what clear…?」
「Oh, cut it out. I’m talking about you and Elsie. Everyone knows you two are into each other. We’re all dying over here waiting for you to actually get together.」
Wh—hey, tossing that at me out of nowhere was unfair… I mean, yeah, I get Elsie’s feelings, and she was a sweet, calm, proper, basically exactly the kind of girl I pictured as my ideal partner, but still…
「What, seriously dude?! The one Elsie likes are actually Rakuichi? No way! I actually kinda fancied her!」
While I was wrestling with all that, Ein alone was flapping about cluelessly, shaking his head like he couldn’t process anything. This guy really was dense. No wonder he couldn’t see Lillian’s feelings… Ah, right. So this was how Rogue and the others see the situation between me and Elsie.
However… Once Bell completes her exam, I’m meant to ascend to the heavens. Our separation was guaranteed. Starting a relationship while knowing that would be unfair on her, it would only make the eventual goodbye harsher. It was better for both of us to stay friends and part ways naturally.
「…Is there some reason you can’t take things any further?」
I must’ve looked pretty miserable, because Rogue let go of my arm and asked with an unusually serious expression.
「…If I know we’ll be forced to part in the end… And still push the relationship forward just because of a fleeting feeling… Won’t that only make things harder for both of us when the time comes?」
「…Hmm. I can understand your reasoning, to a point. It’s true that as soldiers our lives could end at any moment. But I don’t believe it’s right to cast aside the happiness in front of you just because you’re afraid of a future that may never come.」
「…Even if a final, unavoidable farewell is waiting?」
「Death comes for everyone. It is painful and sad, yes. But just as heavy are the love, trust, and happy memories the two of you build. With those, people can always rise again… That’s what it means to be human, is it not?」
「...」
Even if a certain farewell awaits us.
If we share enough memories before then… will Elsie be able to stand again? Would I be able to move forward?
「Damn it! Fine then, I’m definitely finding myself a cute girlfriend today! It’s a flirting festival! Let's go, folks!」
「Yeah! We’re not losing to Rakuichi!」
With only a drawstring pouch for his wallet and locker key, Ein shoved everything else into the locker and marched off toward the entrance, dragging Ferio along.
「Come on, let’s hurry up and get changed too.」
「... Yeah, you're right.」
Rogue and I shared a laugh, changed into our swim shorts in a flash, and sprinted after the pair.
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「Sorry to keep you waiting!」
After about ten minutes at the spa entrance, Lillian and the others appeared from the corridor where people were streaming out one after another.
The slender Lillian wore a blue bikini with vivid patterns. The top was decorated with ribbons and beads, surprisingly flashy for someone usually so well-behaved.