GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE story · Event stories
The School Days Ahead
63 scenes, 7,241 lines
1. The School Days Ahead
325 lines*Beep, beep, beep*
The alarm blares insistently, dragging me out of my sleep.
By now, I'm used to waking up somewhere other than the Commander's Room.
I reach over and turn off the alarm,
forcing myself upright in bed as every muscle protests.
Hot water runs from the showerhead,
washing away the last traces of sleep.
Then, I blow-dry my hair
until it's dry and manageable.
Finally, I take care of the most important thing.
A neatly folded set of spare clothes.
A tablet containing the students' data.
I slip into a crisp shirt and slacks, then top it off with a vest.
I glance at my reflection in the mirror.
... It still feels a bit awkward,
but at least I look like a student now.
The door slides open
and I step outside.
The clear blue sky stretches above the wide campus as I make my way across it.
I enter the M.M.R. Vocational School,
and my feet move on their own, carrying me toward the day ahead.
The rooftop.
The teachers' office.
Campus.
Clubroom.
I climb the stairs two at a time,
from the second floor to the third,
my breath quickening as I push myself.
At the top, a locked door blocks my way.
I fit my key into the lock and turn it;
the latch giving way with a slight resistance.
The door opens with a creak,
and the rooftop unfolds before me, wide and open.
A cool breeze brushes past, lifting my hair.
And there...
...
Waiting just for me,
is the one who will give a very special lesson: my teacher.
You've arrived.
Privaty stretches out her arms naturally,
and I step forward, wrapping her in an embrace and burying my face against her.
Haah...
Heh... that tickles!
I really look forward to your lessons every day.
Hey! It's not lesson time yet!
We agreed we'd do this after school.
It's just private lessons, you know!
I could use some tutoring,
Miss Privaty.
Privaty gives me a sharp shove.
Okay.
*Peck*
I lightly kiss her neck.
I'm certain today's lesson will be very rewarding.
I walk down the quiet hallway
and push open the teachers' office door.
Since it's early, the room is empty.
Fortunately, the teacher I most want to see is already at her desk.
...
As diligent as always.
Good morning, Miss Privaty.
I speak to Privaty,
but she doesn't respond at all.
...?
I approach her cautiously.
She has her earphones in and eyes glued to her tablet, completely absorbed.
She seems to be preparing for class.
I nudge her shoulder lightly...
...
Then I tap her arm again to get her attention.
I called out, but you didn't respond...
So are you, Miss Privaty.
Privaty reaches out and gently pats my head.
Yes, Miss Privaty.
We've decided to set aside our special feelings for each other,
but every now and then, they slip out anyway.
And if I can...
I hope that this time, they actually reach her.
... Oh, right!
I zone out so much while walking that I completely forget the most important thing.
I walk slowly,
taking my time as I make my way back onto campus.
Amid the spring breeze and fluttering petals, two familiar people wave at me.
Commander!
Arcana comes running and throws herself into my arms, while Amy...
snaps a photo of us.
Hi, Commander.
... Why are you taking a picture of that?
Arcana takes my hand.
Were you waiting for me?
Arcana made a huge fuss insisting we had to wait for you and go to class together.
Of course, we're going together. He's my boyfriend!
If we went in separately,
everyone would be like, "Uh... did they fight? Are they going to break up? Maybe I have a shot now?!"
And I bet some students would totally try to hit on you.
I don't think it'll come to that...
Funny enough, it's not completely impossible.
R-really?
No kidding, you can't underestimate a good opening.
We walk into the building,
chatting and greeting students as we pass.
Uggh... we have to go to class today?
Of course. By the way, we have them tomorrow too.
Hey, a little empathy wouldn't kill you!
Hehe.
I smile at the two of them bickering and open the door.
The students of Class P, now familiar faces, greet me warmly.
Do it during your break.
I'll be keeping an eye on you.
Aww man...
Together with Arcana and Amy,
the story of our youth starts anew.
I enter the building, my footsteps echoing in the empty hall.
Rather than heading to the classroom, I make my way to the clubroom.
The door slides open,
revealing the room inside...
... Arcana peers into a crystal ball.
How did you know I'd come?
Arcana comes closer, rising on her tiptoes.
...
Feeling a bit cheeky all of a sudden, I stand perfectly still.
Arcana struggles for a while, then pouts.
C'mon, why won't you do it for me?
Okay, okay.
I lean forward just slightly, and Arcana wraps her arms around my neck with that sly smile of hers.
Hehe.
After a moment, she lets go, only to snuggle back into my arms.
When did you get here?
What'd you make?
It's a secret.
Arcana smiles and steps back.
Oh right! There's a club meeting after school today!
And, um... Amy's in the Divination Club too, so...
It's fine, you can call her.
Hehe, thanks.
I take Arcana's hand as we walk to the classroom.
Just as I'm about to step inside, she taps me on the shoulder.
Commander.
Yeah?
Wanna spend some time together after the meeting?
Where to?
And so begins another chapter of our youth; just the two of us, Arcana and me.
A tablet containing the students' data.
The one thing that proves I'm a teacher.
I pick it up and slip into my crisp suit.
The door slides open
and I step outside.
From the dorm, the M.M.R Vocational School looks unexpectedly beautiful today.
It's a morning that feels brighter than usual.
My feet move on their own, carrying me toward the day ahead.
Privaty's room.
The teachers' office.
The library.
Stay here for a moment...
My room is on the top floor,
I step into the elevator
and ride down to the second floor,
the doors sliding open smoothly in front of me.
I get out, turn left,
and walk straight until I reach the third door on the right.
By now, this place feels almost as familiar as my own room.
*Knock, knock*
Lately, I've been heading to work with my dear colleague,
sharing the quiet routine of the morning together.
Because I want to see you as soon as possible.
You should relax a little, Privaty.
All right.
We hold hands and head to the elevator.
Want to grab a drink after work?
Sure.
There's this popular dessert that's been selling out everywhere,
but I managed to get my hands on some.
Oh, how'd you do that?
You just have to book right when they open, and I actually managed to do it today.
And at six in the morning too! Can you believe it?
So you woke up early because of me?
Yeah, but it's the dessert we're eating together.
Er...
*Ding*
The elevator stops on the first floor.
Our hands part.
What's so bad if a few rumors spread?
Likewise.
Privaty and I spend the day teaching the students diligently
as homeroom and assistant teachers.
After class, we retreat to our private space and get drunk together, just the two of us.
I walk down the quiet hallway
and push open the teachers' office door.
The other teachers are already there.
Good morning.
I nod and greet everyone, then place my bag on my desk.
My favorite drinking buddy, Privaty, isn't here yet.
A few moments later...
Tthe door slides open, and something heavy lands with a soft thud.
Good morning.
Privaty arrives a bit later than usual.
You're late.
Yeah, well...
She's acting like everything's fine, but she doesn't look well.
Looks like she overdid it with the drinking again yesterday...
I slide something her way.
What's this?
Something for the hangover.
Pretty sure I told you not to drink alone.
I wish she'd just call me in moments like this.
Then again... am I even supposed to hear something like that from a drinking buddy?
*Gulp, gulp*
Things tend to happen when people drink.
Drinking buddies end up as lovers, or something like that, right?
Come to think of it, that makes sense.
Huh? What are you talking about?
I just think we won't always be drinking buddies.
...??
Want to grab a drink after work?
Today?
I drank way too much yesterday, so I'm a little worn out...
...
Only if you prepare the snacks.
Sure thing!
As the assistant teacher of Class P,
I throw myself into teaching the students today.
I strive to become more than just Privaty's colleague or drinking buddy.
I enter the building and walk down the hall to the library.
The door creaks softly behind me as I step inside.
... The library is quiet, every corner still and undisturbed.
Somewhere nearby, the faint sound of a pen scratching on paper breaks the silence.
Arcana sits by the window, absorbed in her writing.
Oh, Mr. Commander!
Sensing my presence, Arcana looks my way.
Hey, what have you been up to?
Hi there!
Arcana flips open the notebook she's been writing in and holds it out for me to see.
So soon?
Still, it's better to get things done early so you don't suffer later.
... You sure you can handle it on your own?
... Right.
Arcana rises from her seat, smiling.
Come on, let's go.
We stroll down the corridor together for a while.
The short walk from the library to the teachers' office has become a part of my morning without me even realizing it.
We greet the students and teachers we pass along the way.
Today's the first meeting with the executive committee, right?
Yeah, after school.
I think so.
Hmm... Then I'll sort it out so it's easy to present.
... Thanks.
...
Arcana comes to a stop and turns to face me.
I stop in my tracks and wait for a moment.
Behind me, a door unlatches
and opens.
Why didn't you wake me up?!
But you were sleeping so soundly.
It's your fault, you know!
Arcana frowns, but still links her arm with mine.
Of course you do.
Ugh...
We walk out of the dorm, arms still linked.
I feel a few students staring, but I've grown used to it.
Oh, right, looks like you're out of shampoo.
Want to use mine?
Hehe, long hair really holds the scent for a long time, you know?
What if my hair starts smelling like you?
So?
Arcana whispers into my ear.
2. Supplementary Lessons Suspended
101 linesA few days after the festival is announced...
*Sigh*
Once classes are over for the day,
the door leading to the rooftop, which is typically locked, opens.
Ugh...! *Huff...!*
Every day after school,
Privaty and I meet on the rooftop for our supplementary lessons.
*Sigh* What do you mean?
I'm the teacher, and I'm supposed to be the one doing the teaching.
But lately, you've been acting more like the teacher.
That's because you've taught me so well.
I never taught you to do that!
I'm just studying ahead of the lesson.
Since I'll end up doing it all anyway.
What do you mean by that... ah...!
Miss Privaty, the rooftop is nice and all,
but shouldn't we consider changing locations soon?
Privaty pushes me away.
There's still some class time left.
Yes?
What's your daily routine been like lately?
Um... I wake up in the morning, go to school and attend lessons.
After classes, I do supplementary lessons with you.
Then I return to the dorm to do homework and review.
I kiss Privaty's hand.
Focusing mostly on our extra lessons, of course.
I think the others in class are handling all the preparations.
I kiss Privaty's wrist.
You all used to eat burgers together and go to karaoke, didn't you?
You guys don't hang out much these days?
I've been busy studying.
I kiss Privaty's arm.
That's right.
I kiss Privaty's neck.
...
For some reason, Privaty looks deep in thought.
Even so, today's supplementary lesson is both productive and enjoyable.
He's a commander, after all. Maybe something important came up.
Anyway, we didn't ask him about it.
It's too bad, since we have one less person for hide-and-seek.
But that's okay. I'm a third-year student now, after all.
Students in other clubs, or those who don't want to participate, aren't helping with the preparations,
since we can't force them.
It's less fun than I expected.
I thought we were preparing for it together, and it'd be a bit more lively.
No... this won't do.
I really am happy,
but this isn't the kind of school life I wanted to give him.
We can keep meeting after this mission ends,
but once the festival ends, so does our time at school.
I don't think one's youth shouldn't be limited to one experience.
I want to help him make all kinds of memories,
but I just want to be a small part of them.
...
As if making a big decision,
Privaty leaves the teachers' office with a resolute expression.
What? What did you say?
The festival is less than two weeks away.
That's probably why there have been more faculty meetings about it lately.
I have a lot more work to handle too.
It might be difficult for us to meet for awhile.
... Even for our supplementary lessons.
...!!
But this is the highlight of school for me!
That's not true, Commander.
There are many enjoyable things about school you haven't discovered yet.
There's no way anything that compares to being with you, Miss Privaty.
*Sigh*
S-still... we're both busy right now. It can't be helped.
However, once everything's over, I'll be sure to make up all the lessons we missed.
Until then, you'll have to be patient.
Understood?
I look at Privaty with a resent look, feeling hurt.
But her expression remains firm.
*Mwah*
...!
Privaty lightly kisses my lips.
Be patient, okay?
...
I'd barely managed to steel my resolve... What am I supposed to do after that kiss...?
I force down my feelings and reply.
Ugh... fine.
3. Untouchable
75 linesThe school bell rings.
All right, let's begin class.
Class commences as usual.
Privaty speaks enthusiactically in front of the blackboard.
The sight of her small lips moving as she talks is unbearably adorable.
...
The school bell rings.
Huh?
Class is over already?
Zwei, what are we submitting?
Miss Privaty gave us a question during class that required a written answer.
She gave us some time in class to write our answers, and told us we can submit it after.
She did...?
That's strange, why didn't I hear any of it?
Er...
I didn't complete it.
Yes.
... No, not really.
Your theory grades were the best in your class.
However, the homework you've been submitting lately has been full of strange answers.
And now you're spacing out through the whole lesson.
You say nothing's going on, but I'm not convinced.
Tell me more about your daily routine.
...
I spend the whole day thinking about you, Miss Privaty.
But it's true. I spent all of today looking at you, then class was over before I knew it.
...!
Privaty and I had bumped fists, vowing to make this festival a special one together.
But ever since I started feeling this special way toward her, it's become impossible to hide it.
If anything, it only keeps getting stronger.
Is it because she's no longer within my reach that I long for her more?
How are the festival preparations going, by the way?
Well... everyone in class seems to be working hard at it.
Yes, we did.
It's not like becoming a student again made me younger.
Yet for some reason, I feel a childish urge to complain.
But what am I supposed to do when all I think about is you?
I thought you liked me too, Miss Privaty.
...
Instead of blushing like I thought she would,
Privaty's expression turns serious.
If we're going to have a festival everyone can enjoy,
that naturally has to include you too, Commander.
With the way you're acting now, that wouldn't be possible.
I'm sorry, but for a while,
I don't think we should see each other.
What?! You can't decide just like that!
Putting aside my personal feelings for you,
your grades have plummeted, and I'm the reason for it.
I can't let that continue.
Besides, starting today I'll be busy with festival-related faculty meetings.
So it might be better if we don't see each other for a while.
I'm sure there are still many wonderful things about school life you haven't discovered yet.
I highly doubt so...
...
Privaty leaves the teachers' office.
Can she really be this firm now that she's a teacher?
Disappointment and gloom wash over me,
and with a heavy heart, I return to the dorm.
4. The Photography Club's Festival Meeting
136 linesAfter school, at the Ark cafe.
Hmm...
...
I take my eyes off the documents and exchange a glance with Amy.
Um...
How is she so good at this?
I know. I'm kind of surprised too.
I honestly didn't have high expectations for Arcana's materials,
but they outline several proposals for the photography club's festival booth,
along with the expected benefits and required resources.
Hehe.
Arcana strikes an extremely smug pose.
I may not look like it, but I am from the Best Seller Squad, after all.
I can process information and organize documents with my eyes closed.
Oh yeah, you're right...
My girlfriend.
... Huh?
My remark stuns Arcana, and I turn my attention back to the proposals.
Hmm... I guess an exhibition would be the safest option.
If we went with something like a hands-on activity or a lecture...
it'd be hard to pull it off, since there are only three of us.
If we do an exhibition, what would the theme be?
Hmm...
I've already decided on a theme!
Arcana, finally coming to her senses, pulls out the photos she had printed and lays them on the table.
Are those... photos of us?
There are a few landscape shots mixed in, but most of them are pictures of us.
Arcana pulls out another stack of papers.
At the very top, the word "Youth!" is written in large letters.
These are photos of youth!
You really went all out with this.
No wonder you haven't been eating lunch lately.
Here. Eat this.
I put a macaron into Arcana's mouth.
*Nom*
*Click*
Wow, your expression came out really weird.
Show me.
No! Don't!
Show it to me. As the club president, that's an order.
Ugh, I forgot about that!
Arcana grabs her head in frustration.
Hehe, it's out of focus, so I'll just delete it.
Arcana pops one into Amy's mouth and then into mine.
But, if you've got the theme all set,
surely you were planning on having an exhibition from the start?
I chew on my macaron while looking through a stack of materials about the exhibition theme, nearly as thick as the previous set of documents.
I was.
As Amy said, the other options aren't terribly practical.
Besides, things like this are usually decided internally first.
The other options are more of a formality.
... I see.
So, shall we settle on an exhibition centered around youth?
Rather than spending time debating what we should do, we should focus on how we're going to pull things off.
Hmm... Agreed.
Based on Arcana's materials, the exhibition seems like the best choice.
Right? I knew it!
Arcana excitedly opens the materials labeled "Youth!"
Still... I think we should reconsider the theme.
To be exact, we should rethink using our own photos.
Hmph.
Arcana puts down the materials again.
I think the theme itself is good,
but using our photos for it is a bit...
Exactly.
Won't visitors be like, "Who are these people?"
...
Arcana looks up at me with a pout.
... You really want to use our photos?
*Nod*
...
Hey, Amy.
*Click*
... You took a weird photo of me again, didn't you?
Not at all. You look great in it.
Cute, even.
Amy shows us the photo she just took.
Arcana is pouting as she looks up at me,
while I stare back at her with an awkward smile.
Mmm...
Want to compare it with some older photos?
Amy picks out a few photos from the table.
...
They're photos that share similar compositions, with Arcana and me sitting side by side.
However...
These latest photos definitely feel more natural.
There's less distance between you two.
Mm-hm.
As we grow closer emotionally, the distance between us would shrink too, of course.
Isn't that right, Commander?
Uh...
...
... Stop staring. You'll burn a hole in my face.
Then I'll fill it in for you.
...
If you keep that up, you'll make Amy uncomfortable.
Me?
... Are you not?
Eh, I've gotten used to it by now.
Amy chuckles and takes a sip of her coffee.
Don't worry about me. I'm kinda enjoying this.
You are?
Yeah. It's like watching a real-life rom-com unfold.
You see? She loves it.
...
Arcana smiles and rests her head on my shoulder.
Anyway, we're getting off topic.
Are we really going with “Youth” as the theme?
...
Fine, let's do it.
But let's use the time we have left to take more photos that fit that theme.
*Swoosh*
Arcana takes out a tarot deck.
It's been a hot minute since I did a tarot reading for you.
Amy, this is your first time, right?
I'm not really into this sort of thing...
I specialize in love readings though.
...
M-maybe a quick reading, then.
...
5. The Divination Club's Festival Meeting
119 linesThe door slides open.
Excuse me...
Oh, hey, Amy.
Amy cautiously opens the door and peeks in, her expression brightening upon seeing the interior.
Wow. This feels really legit.
Come to think of it, this is your first time here, isn't it?
Yes...
Sit here.
Oh, thanks.
... You never planned on having a meeting in the first place, did you?
... If you say so.
Haha...
Let's run it back.
Hehe... place your hand on this crystal ball, then...
... Dang it. You messed up my flow, Commander.
Arcana lightly smacks my shoulder.
Put your hand here, Amy.
Pfft... okay.
Amy places her hand on the crystal ball.
Arcana wraps Amy's hand with hers and closes her eyes.
Now. What do you see?
Uh...
... I don't see anything.
...
Amy looks at me awkwardly.
I mouth to her to play along.
Uh...
I-I see a classroom. Yeah.
A classroom... Then who's inside?
Uh... our classmates.
W-well...
...
So, in conclusion!
Your future both in this school, and in life generally,
are very promising indeed! Brilliant, even!
Yay! *Clap, clap*
...
I feel like I've seen this happen somewhere before...
Shh.
Arcana presses her finger to my lips.
Okay, now that we've properly set the mood...
Arcana pulls out a stack of papers titled "Divination Club Festival Booth Plan."
Let's start the meeting!
When did you prepare all this?
Arcana begins explaining the booth proposals she's come up with.
But...
...
...
What do you think? Pretty sweet, right? Doesn't it sound super fun?
Uh... it does...
... but to put it simply, aren't we just give tarot readings?
Hehe, precisely!
Um... I...
You're going to say that you need to help out at the maid cafe, right?
... Yeah. Sorry.
No, we're the ones who should be apologizing.
Yeah. We'll be busy running the club's booth, so we won't be able to help much with the maid cafe.
Still, Miss Privaty is leading things over there,
so preparations are going well.
More importantly...
Amy glances at us.
What?
Well...
You two are dating, aren't you?
...
...
... Was it obvious?
I sensed it when we were all eating together...
You two are awfully touchy-feely.
...
Wait, was it supposed to be a secret?
Not exactly...
but it's not something we want to go around advertising either.
Hmm... Amy.
Yes?
...
Yes. Quite a few.
H-how do you know that?
There's a reason Amy brought this up.
Plus, I had this feeling in my gut. Call it female intuition.
Arcana taps the desk.
Commander.
Yes?
You like me, right?
Yeah.
How much?
Uh...
After thinking for a moment, I spread my arms wide.
... This much?
Pfft.
Pffft. Haha.
I meant...
...
Well then, I don't think there's any need to worry.
Yeah, I agree.
...
It's my first time seeing him like this.
Mine too.
For the rest of the day, Arcana,
under the pretense of comforting me, continually showers me with affection.
6. A Field Trip to the Maid Cafe
189 lines*Clap*
A field trip? Seems kinda sudden.
We're not going up to the surface... are we?
No, it's nothing like that.
We need to really start preparing for the festival.
Since our class decided to open up a mini maid cafe,
we'll be learning about what's involved and doing some hands-on training.
We're going to a m-maid cafe...?!
I'll finally have the chance to show off my charms...!
We received special approval for this at the request of myself and Mr. Commander.
So you all need to stay focused.
Understood?
Yes, Miss Privaty!
We take the class and head to the maid cafe.
*Jingle*
Hello!
A professional maid must always be able to hear her master's voice.
It's a basic skill that we all must possess.
Wow...
Thank you for taking the time to help us. I'm sure you're busy.
No need to thank me. Training maids is part of my job!
Okay, first off,
I'll give a demonstration of how the pros do it.
Privaty, Master! Over here, please.
I casually sit down on the chair that's there,
and Privaty very naturally approaches me.
What do you recommend?
Personally, I'd recommend the omurice.
Okay, I'll have that.
Would you like a drink to go with it?
Hmm... I'll take a cream soda.
Very well. I'll get that for you right away.
Wow...
Are we supposed to be that curt, though?
I thought we'd have to be a bit softer and sweeter.
It all depends on the individual maid.
There are some who are gentle and sweet, like Ade,
and then there are others who are more aloof, like Privaty.
Different types of maids are popular with different customers.
Aha...
Privaty ♡ Commander.
*Splurt, splurt*
Of course!
Coochie woochie, boing!
Agreed...
Yeah...!
All right, let's get into it. First, greetings.
Clasp your hands right at your waist!
Then slowly bow at a 45-degree angle.
Like this...?
No jerky movements! It has to be a straight, smooth bow.
...
Wow, you're pretty good at this!
The students are doing their best, despite not being used to this sort of thing.
You hadn't done this in a while, but you still did great.
Was it awkward having to do that in front of the students?
Wh-what would be awkward about it?
I've never hidden the fact that I worked at a maid cafe.
If I were embarrassed about it, I wouldn't have organized an event like this in the first place.
A professional answer from a professional maid.
Don't tease me.
As time passes and everyone relaxes,
the students start to really enjoy themselves.
Coochie woochie, boinggg!
Become tastier! Naru Naru, wheeee!
The trip to the maid cafe ends up being a resounding success.
After school...
Sure.
We stop by a nearby convenience store to grab some beer, then head to Privaty's room.
*Thack! Fizz...*
The pop of the beer can echoes loudly.
Cheers!
Cheers.
*Gulp, gulp*
Ahhh...
So, what was that special dessert you mentioned?
Want something to eat? I brought some food.
Oh, this.
Privaty brings out some mini cakes decorated with cute cartoon characters.
These characters are really popular right now.
A lot of students have keychains of them on their bags.
Aww, that's cute.
Right? Especially this one.
No, I meant you're cute for being so into this.
Maybe.
I move slightly closer to Privaty.
Personally, I'm more interested in this snack right here.
J-just a second...!
*Peck*
Mmm... That's really sweet.
...
I thought by now we'd spent enough time together,
but it looks like we still have to rely on alcohol...
All right. If that's how it's gonna be,
I guess we need to drink some...
Suddenly, the door opens.
...
...
I'm still right next to Privaty when, without warning,
Ether barges in.
Pizza and chicken.
That's a bit much for two people, no?
You say that, but we always end up eating everything once we start drinking.
That's true.
Whew... I drank quite a bit yesterday, so I didn't think I'd be able to drink much today,
but it turns out I was wrong.
That's because drinking alone and drinking together are very different.
Yep.
That's quite the statement.
Admittedly, though,
alcohol does taste better when you're not drinking alone.
Right?
... What can I do to help us go from being drinking buddies to something more?
I don't think getting hammered together is the answer.
I glance sideways at Privaty.
Aren't you uncomfortable in that outfit? You can change if you want. We're in your room after all.
Oh... That's okay.
It'll take too long for me to shower and change.
I'm not going to drink that much anyway, so I'm fine like this.
That didn't work...
In that case, do you mind lending me something more comfy to wear?
What?
There's no way my clothes would fit you.
If you're uncomfortable, just go change. Your room's close enough.
Oh... Nah, never mind.
Nothing's working...
Why are you being so indifferent to me?
Weird? Ouch...
...
Here we go. It may not have been exactly how I planned, but the mood's getting a little better.
From here, we should...
Suddenly, the door opens.
G-gahhh!
... Ether?!
Before we have time to react,
Ether waltzes on in.
7. The Festival Executive Committee
125 linesLate in the evening after school...
Hmm...
I've been put in charge of the executive committee to ensure the festival is a success.
I had a feeling this might happen,
but I really have no idea where to start.
It's the first time M.M.R. Vocational School is hosting this sort of event.
On top of that, it'll be open to outsiders.
There are so many things to coordinate, so many decisions to make.
I should take a quick break before... hm?
*Tap, tap*
Someone gently taps my shoulder.
I turn around with a smile.
I reach back over my shoulder.
Hi there.
Arcana greets me with a stack of documents in her arms.
Hey.
Coming back from the library?
Yeah. It wasn't as fruitful as I'd hoped, though.
Arcana places the documents on my desk.
I tried to get as much as I could, but I don't think there's much more to find.
This is the final, summarized version with my own notes and suggestions added.
Bold letters at the top of the first page read, "This Is Our Youth! The First Ever M.M.R. Vocational School Festival!"
... Is that really what you think the name of the festival should be?
D-do you think it's bad?
It... could work.
Right?
Arcana pulls out a note from her pocket.
I thought about it for so long before deciding on that one.
I'm glad it sounds like I picked the right one, hehe.
... The note is filled with similar festival name ideas.
Anyway, it's just tentative for now. Read through the rest.
Sure. Let's see...
*Flip*
I go through the documents carefully.
She's listed out previous guidelines,
and added different proposals that would work in our current circumstances and realistic limitations.
Now we just have to submit this for approval, right?
Well, first the committee will need to finalize it.
Apart from Arcana and Amy, there are several other students on the executive committee.
This is good, though. I'll go through it and summarize some of the points,
and then let's hold a meeting after school tomorrow.
Thanks for this. You did really well.
... I'd appreciate some more compliments, please.
... This is immensely helpful. If it weren't for you, Arcana, we'd be in real trouble.
Don't forget to run your fingers through my hair.
I glance around furtively.
All the other teachers have gone home.
I softly stroke Arcana's hair,
being careful not to mess it up.
Arcana starts to speak after enjoying my caress for a few moments.
Yeah?
Who do we need to get approval from for this?
Uh...
Don't tell me it's Syuen.
... Wait.
Isn't the school officially part of Missilis?
If TV shows or movies are to be believed,
I'm pretty sure that'd make Syuen a director on the school board or something, right?
Y-yeah... I guess...
Doesn't that make things a little hard for us?
You know, with everything that's happened with her...
Nah, it should be okay.
It's not to the point where I'd be nervous asking for her approval or anything.
Hehe. Really?
Suddenly, the door opens.
You should probably be a little nervous.
Huh?
This festival is pretty important, after all.
Soft fingers tickle my hand.
*Tickle, tickle*
Hey, you.
Hi there.
Arcana plops down beside me.
Phew... I've been digging through the library's archives ever since class ended. I'm exhausted.
Yikes, that sounds rough.
I'm gonna need a little more than that.
I glance around furtively.
All the other teachers have gone home.
... Hehe.
I give Arcana a peck on the lips, and she beams as she pulls out a stack of documents.
Here, this is what I managed to put together.
It's all stuff I found in the library's archives.
Oh, so they actually had something?
Yeah. I figured I needed to catch up on my library duties,
and while I was at it, I grabbed all this.
The documents appear to be excerpts from past meeting minutes,
laying out different rules and requirements for holding festivals.
Thanks. You really did great.
I'll go over this tonight, and we can have a meeting tomorrow.
Okay!
By the way, I get why Amy joined,
but I noticed there were a lot of other students who joined, too.
The executive committee?
Yeah. I mean, I joined because of you,
but it doesn't really make sense to me why so many others would join as well.
I guess they could just be looking forward to the... wait a sec.
D-do you think they're after you?!
... I doubt that.
Th-that's right.
Arcana scoots right next to me and leans against me.
Arcana whispers in my ear.
... you'd rather we let it show a little? You know, on purpose.
That's probably not a good idea...
...
Arcana stands and looks out the window.
Oh, this is going to be fun.
The festival?
That too, I guess.
What I meant is that I'm officially allowed to spend time with you until the festival now.
... I'm really looking forward to it.
...
Hehe. Of course, I'll totally help with the festival preparations,
but for me, you'll still come first, Mr. Commander.
Suddenly, the door opens.
I'm afraid anything less than full dedication won't be sufficient.
Huh?
The festival is pretty important, after all.
8. Someone I Like
114 linesThe school bell rings.
Privaty really must be as busy as she says.
Some of her classes are either being handed over to other teachers or turned into self-study periods.
I barely get to see her, which is incredibly depressing.
Are these all the materials we're missing?
Wouldn't it be better to buy everything at once, though?
...
I hadn't noticed before, since I'm always so preoccupied with pursuing Privaty as soon as class ends,
but some of my classmates are diligently preparing for the festival.
Approach them.
Return to the dormitory.
A wave of guilt and remorse starts to wash over me.
I stand up from my seat and walk toward my classmates.
I... I was wondering if there's anything I can help with.
Wow, you're gonna help us?
Haven't you been busy lately?
We kept trying to invite you to hang out, but you were never around.
Uh, I just finished everything I was busy with.
Sorry you've had to take this all on yourselves.
We weren't overwhelmed or anything.
We did think it would be nice if everyone could band together, though.
I see...
So, you're going shopping now?
Yeah, we're short on decoration materials.
But we don't really know exactly what or how much we're missing.
Looking around the classroom, I can see that lace has been added here and there.
While I was distracted thinking about Privaty, they had been hard at work decorating the classroom.
Hmm, it does feel a bit plain for a maid cafe.
How about this?
When it comes to maid cafes, I happen to know quite a lot as a master.
It's a bit late, but I should help them decorate while I still can.
A shadow appears briefly in front of the classroom door and disappears, but no one notices.
Wh-what?
I figured it was work that was keeping you,
but it felt more like you were kind of spaced out.
You couldn't focus in class at all.
...
...
A sudden silence falls over the classroom.
It seems everyone's been curious about what's been going on with me.
Um...
Have you ever dated someone before?
!!
!!
!!
...!
Even Amy, who was standing slightly further away, starts edging closer hesitantly upon hearing my question.
W-well, we...
We're Nikkes, and students, s-so we don't really get many chances to date.
There are people we admire or feel fond of...
but I haven't dated anyone yet.
I'm a third-year at school now. Does that mean it's time I start dating someone?!
Who should I date?
D-dating...
I-I'm not sure if you can call it dating...
but there is someone I like.
Tell the truth.
Be vague and dodge the question.
Why does the prospect of telling them this suddenly make me so nervous?
I swallow nervously, then begin to speak.
... I-it's Miss Privaty.
We'd figured that's who it was. It was kind of obvious.
What? Really?
You're always staring at her like you're completely spellbound.
As soon as class ends, you leave with her straight away.
S-sorry...
But thank you for being honest with us.
I'm so excited right now! My dopamine levels are through the roof.
There's no way I can say her name out loud, that's too embarrassing.
Why does the prospect of telling them this make me so nervous?
There's... there's just someone.
What?!
It's Miss Privaty, right?
H-how did you know?!
Even when I kept poking you during class to give you candy, you wouldn't stop staring at her.
Whenever the bell rings and Miss Privaty leaves, you follow her immediately.
We'd have to be blind not to notice.
Oh...
I-it's not that I don't trust you, it's just... really embarrassing.
Wow, I've never seen you make that face before, Teacher.
Wh-what's wrong then?
If you brought this up, there must be something on your mind, right?
What are you worried about?
Everyone has ditched their festival preparations and is now standing in a circle around me.
It's been a while since I've gotten this much attention, and it only makes me more nervous.
At this point, even if I pitched in to help, I'd probably just get in the way.
I deliberately ignore my classmates who are working hard,
and trudge back to the dormitory.
9. A Moment of Youth
121 linesA few days later.
We roam around the school, busy preparing for the festival.
*Click*
Look.
Hmm... Something feels a little lacking.
Arcana and Amy peer into the camera, discussing something seriously.
I look around for a spot that might make for a good shot.
More precisely, I'm looking for a place that exudes youthful exuberance.
Hmm...
Since we started the photography club, we've been going around taking photos every day,
so there aren't many spots left in the school we haven't covered.
Ah, right!
Arcana, Amy.
Yeah?
Yes?
Why don't we try taking some in the classroom?
Yeah, we've always taken photos outside the school or in the courtyard.
??
Arcana presses a finger to my lips.
You were either about to say, "The classroom is the epicenter of youth, but you're always just fooling around there,"
or "For someone who thinks that, you sure hate being in the classroom."
...
The classroom is the epicenter of youth, but you're always just fooling around there.
For someone who thinks that, you sure hate being in the classroom.
Grrr!
Arcana lunges at me, but I'm easily able to fend her off.
Is the classroom even empty right now?
Wouldn't everyone be busy preparing for the festival?
I pat Arcana's back as she struggles.
Hehe.
She quickly loses the will to resist.
Ah, that's true.
Amy checks the time.
Preparation should be in full swing right now.
Then should we wait and take photos later?
No, let's just go.
Huh?
Arcana, still clinging to me, peeks up toward me.
Photos of our classmates hard at work setting up for the festival...
Wouldn't that have a really youthful vibe?
Well... I guess so.
What do you think, Amy?
... I agree.
Then it's unanimous! We're going to the classroom!
The classroom door slides open.
As we enter, a few students who have stayed behind to prepare for the festival glance our way.
Are the preparations going well?
It was a bit chaotic, and we were a bit lost...
but Miss Privaty helped out a lot, so everything's fine now.
What about you?
I heard the photography club is doing an exhibition.
Yeah, we're working pretty hard too.
Yep! In fact, we came to take some photos for the exhibition.
Huh? Of what?
*Click*
Of this.
Everyone's welcome to get their photo taken!
*Click, click*
Arcana starts taking photos of Ein and Rei posing.
I thought we wanted candid photos of them preparing...
I look around.
Since Privaty is leading things, the decorations and menu look familiar.
Is there anything we can help with?
Huh?
It feels weird to come here just to take photos.
If there's anything that you need help with, we can lend a hand.
Because you're a maid cafe expert?
I wouldn't go that far, but I do know a bit.
Oh, okay then.
Zwei holds out a recipe book.
Sure, I can show you.
Then I'll help with decorations and costumes.
Oh, wow. You know how to sew, Arcana?
I know the basics, yeah.
Then can you sew this part here?
Just follow the markings I made, and make sure it on the inside of the seam.
Sure thing.
I'll help too.
We've been helping out with our class's maid cafe preparations for awhile.
Thank you. You guys were a huge help.
Don't mention it. We had fun too.
Teacher! Let's go hang out!
Huh?
We're planning to go buy ingredients once we're done for the day.
Let's go have some fun while we're out!
What'd you have in mind?
Karaoke!
I'm in!
Hmm...
Amy, let's sing together, yeah?
... Okay, I'll go.
And so, we have an impromptu gathering with almost all of Class P attending.
Since Privaty couldn't come because she was busy with work, I ended up footing the entire bill...
You didn't say a word,
but I wrote the feelings in your heaaart.
I'll queue up the next songs.
Hey!
Queueing up five songs at once should be illegal!
P-plus, that was a song I wanted to sing with Commander!
First-come, first-served!
We can always come back again.
Hmph. Fine...
As Arcana would put it,
it was an incredibly youthful moment.
10. Arcana's Tarot Lecture
80 linesA few days later, after school in the divination club room.
Okay, let's begin the special training.
...
... Hang on, what kind of special training?
Special training in tarot, of course.
Arcana places a tarot deck and a thick book on the table.
Hold on...
Aren't you the one who'll be doing the readings?
Then what will you be doing in the meantime?
I mean, I'd be fine having you stand beside me holding my hand,
but I'm sure that'd get boring for you after a while.
...
Hehe. So, you need to learn tarot and do readings together with me.
For example, if a couple comes, we can each do a reading,
then they can pick whichever reading they like!
I don't think that's how it works...?
Come on, it's unique and fun!
I-it's certainly unique...
Totally!
Arcana flips the cards one by one.
First, I'll briefly explain the major cards.
First, The Fool. Also called The Jester.
It roughly represents beginnings or possibilities.
Its number is zero, so you can see how that connects, right?
The illustrations for tarot cards are also rife with symbolism,
but I don't think you need to know all that yet, so we can move on.
Next up...
I watch Arcana as she continues her explanation.
She looks really happy with that gentle smile on her face.
To be honest, none of what she says is actually sinking in.
Instead, I just watch her.
...
Arcana lifts her head.
Smiling softly, she rests her chin on her hand and looks at me.
What is it?
You look like you're enjoying yourself.
...
We skipped the explanation for card number ten earlier.
Arcana places down a familiar card.
... The Wheel of Fortune.
That's right. Also simply called Fate.
It represents change, turning points, the flow of things, and opportunities.
Just think of this card as carrying meanings with similar nuances to those I mentioned.
Tell me, what's the common thread between all those things?
I don't know, what?
The need to make a choice.
...
In moments of change, and even at turning points in life...
Arcana gently spins the card with her fingertips.
... whether you're riding along the winds of fate, or when an opportunity comes...
everything depends on the choice you make.
That's why I like this card.
Because I decide my own fate.
That does sound a lot like you.
Hehe.
Arcana shuffles the deck again and flips over a card.
... It's the Judgment card.
So, what does this Judgment card mean?
Uh...
You're here to learn, so of course I'm going to quiz you.
You weren't daydreaming after I gave you suuuch a thorough explanation, were you?
Erm...
...
Judgment... will come?
*Thunk*
Ow!
Arcana lightly flicks my forehead.
That's right, judgment will descend on bad students.
... Sorry.
Okay, I'll pay attention.
You promise?
I promise.
I pinky-swear with Arcana
and spend the entire day learning tarot card meanings.
11. Protect the Festival
152 linesYou were assigned an important mission,
and here I find you both having a nice little drink together, huh?
Mind you, I'm not here to scold you.
You're adults. These things happen.
You two look good.
...
...
Th-then...
... what brings you here?
Actually, before you answer that...
How did you get into my room?!
I've got a master key.
Of course, if I'd known you two were having a moment, I would've rang the doorbell.
Like I said, I didn't realize you were having a moment.
We weren't!
Really, though, why're you here?
Right.
I was planning to talk to the both of you,
so it actually works out nicely that you're here in the same room together.
Can we get past that part?
On the day of the festival, there will be Missilis representatives attending, in addition to the other visitors.
What? No one told us that.
Why do you think I'm here right now?
They'll be judging how flawlessly the festival is organized,
and how many visitors are in attendance.
... Meaning, it's a test?
What happens if it's not perfect,
or if fewer visitors show up than expected?
Well...
If I had to guess, I'd say there probably won't be any more events like this for students to enjoy.
Which is why we're counting on you two.
That's what I came to say.
...
...
Ether heads over to the door.
We watch her as she leaves.
Any buzz we had from the alcohol is long gone.
An extended silence follows.
Even if you had, she wouldn't have told us.
How much progress have we made with the festival, anyway?
At the very least, our class has to be perfect.
We've got to protect the M.M.R. Vocational School.
I nod.
With a now heavy sense of responsibility,
we clink our beer cans together.
To a successful festival.
To a successful festival.
The school bell rings.
Hmm...
Hmmm...
The next day, we enter the classroom and slowly look around.
Pink and white decorations have been put up around the room to make it look more like a maid cafe.
How far along are we with the decorations?
Not even halfway.
Why's that
We're out of money.
Still, we've been doing the best we can with our budget.
Rupee actually helped us, too!
I see.
Have you decided on the menu?
Where do you plan to buy the ingredients, and how much are you going to get?
We haven't decided yet.
We don't really know how many people to expect.
And since we don't have much money, I think we'll have to buy stuff on sale.
I see.
Hearing both of their reports, I decide to...
Give Ein some additional funding.
Give Zwei some additional funding.
Give them both some additional funding.
Yeah.
The food doesn't have to be amazing. It just has to be good enough.
Decorating the classroom, however, is a different story.
When people walk in, the first impression they'll have of the cafe will be determined by the decorations.
They'll either think it's well-decorated, elegant, and impressive,
or that it's sloppy, cheap, and empty-looking.
Ein.
Yeah?
Don't worry about the money. Buy what you need and decorate however you'd like.
Wait, really? You're serious?
Yeah. I'll cover the extra costs.
Woohoo! Thanks, Teach!
What about the food?
I think the students'll make it work. We should be fine on that front.
... All right. Understood.
Yeah.
Since Ein said Rupee is helping her, we can trust that they'll do a good job.
They'll be able to do a lot even with a little.
The food, however, is another matter entirely.
You need good ingredients, and someone who knows how to handle them.
I know better than most the impact great food can have.
Zwei.
Yes?
Don't worry about the money. Buy as many of the best ingredients as you can find.
Also, who'll be cooking?
Um... I am.
I'm not very confident, though...
It's okay. I know a great chef.
I'll ask her to help. You can learn from her.
A chef?
Who is it?
Her name's Crust.
C-Crust?!
From Crunchy Cooking Class?!
You know her?
Of course!
Wow...
What about the decorations?
Rupee's helping out there, so we should be fine on that front.
... All right. Understood.
Now's not the time for half measures.
We need to make this festival perfect.
If we're not getting enough support from the school,
I'll just use my own funds.
Ein, Zwei.
Yeah?
Yes?
I'll cover whatever our budget doesn't.
Buy as much as you need, and get the best materials and ingredients you can find.
You don't have to do all that...
Who'll be cooking?
Um... I am.
I'm still not very confident, though...
Have you heard of Crunchy Cooking Class?
Yes, why?
I'll introduce you to Crust, the host.
She can give you some lessons.
Wh-what?! THE Crust?!
What's going on here? This is insane!
Did the teachers make a bet or something?
Either way, it's a huge win for us!
Yeah, now we don't have to worry about anything.
It feels like this whole thing just got taken up a notch, though. It's kind of scary.
The students seem excited.
With this kind of positive atmosphere,
the festival is bound to be perfect.
12. Enjoying the Warmth of Reality
144 linesE-Ether?
... I've been working hard, just doing what I can.
Hmm...
*Rustle*
Ether flips through the documents.
I put that together using what I found in the library's archives.
I guess there's a reason you're in the Best Seller Squad, huh?
Well, it does look like you've been working hard.
It seems I don't have anything to worry about.
What would you have to worry about?
"Worry" might be overstating it...
Ether sets the stack of documents down.
On the day of the festival, there will be Missilis representatives attending, in addition to the other visitors.
They'll be judging how flawlessly the festival is organized,
and how many visitors are in attendance.
What?! We didn't hear anything about that before!
Why do you think I'm here right now?
... So we're being evaluated.
What happens if we don't meet their standards?
Well...
If I had to guess, I'd say there probably won't be any more events like this for students to enjoy.
...
...
Come on, there's no need to get so serious all of a sudden.
After hearing what you just told us, how could we not?!
Okay, yeah. You're free to react however you'd like.
But you know, this might just be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you two.
You should have some fun while you're at it.
...
Anyway, that was all I wanted to say. I'll be seeing you.
Ether opens the door and leaves.
...
Arcana stands there quietly.
... Arcana?
Yes?
You okay?
You seem a little down.
Oh.
I was just thinking about what we should do for the festival.
... Oh, and I'm not saying that to deflect or anything.
That's really what I was thinking about.
Okay.
I didn't expect anyone high-ranking to come and observe us.
Syuen must be pretty interested in all this.
Well...
I don't know about Syuen, but Missilis is definitely paying attention.
Are you worried?
No.
Arcana neatens up the stack of documents.
... That's right. Let's show them what we've got.
All right!
The next day...
After school, we hold a meeting with the executive committee,
which runs late into the night.
After everything finally wraps up...
I hear someone hurrying over.
Hmm?
Here, have some coffee, Mr. Commander.
Oh, thanks.
I rub my eyes, looking away from the monitor.
Do you still have a lot to do?
I'm almost done.
The basic structure's there. It just needs a little polishing.
I take a sip of the coffee Arcana brought.
You should go rest.
How do you expect me to, when you're working so hard?
Granted, there's nothing I can really do at the moment with what you're working on,
but I can at least be here and support you.
Thanks, Arcana. I wouldn't have gotten this far without you.
Arcana gazes at me silently.
What is it?
... Want to take a time-out?
...
Time...
Before I can even finish, Arcana jumps into my arms.
Hyah!
What are you doing?!
Recharging you.
Isn't that my job?
I've developed a new method for two-way charging. The first of its kind in the Ark!
...
I gently stroke Arcana's hair as she clings tightly to me.
She purrs like a cat and burrows deeper into my arms.
You're not tired?
Very.
Hyah!
Arcana hugs me even tighter.
... More charging?
Then I'll do the same.
I pull Arcana into my arms more tightly.
Hehe!
After staying like that for a while, Arcana looks up at me.
I think I kinda like this.
What?
Holding each other so tight that it almost hurts a little.
...
You were just about to say, "I didn't know you were into that sort of thing," weren't you?
H-how did you know?!
It's written all over your face.
Arcana pretends to pout for a second,
then breaks into a soft smile and nestles back into my arms.
There really isn't much time left now, huh?
The festival's coming up, and then... we go back to our normal lives.
... Yeah.
We've done pretty good at respecting the boundaries between teacher and student,
but we never really did figure out how to do so while still creating exciting, romantic moments.
... I'm sorry.
Oh, I wasn't blaming you.
Besides, we still have our time-outs, right?
As long as we have these, then no matter when or where we are,
we can stop being student and teacher and go back to being commander and Nikke,
allowing us to be as lovey-dovey as we want.
... Are you sure that's how it works?
Hehe.
Arcana slowly pulls away.
Me too.
Arcana bends forward and gives me a small kiss.
...
Thanks for the energy boost.
Hehe.
As I continue working and up until we leave,
a pleasant silence fills the library.
13. Plunged Into a Cold Dream
111 linesI'm afraid anything less than full dedication won't be sufficient.
This festival is pretty important, after all.
E-Ether?
...
Hm...
Ether glances back and forth between Arcana and me.
You seem to be enjoying yourselves.
Arcana takes a step forward.
Hehe. Is it that obvious?
Actually, I was just joking, but apparently I hit the mark?
...
Anyway, that's not why I'm here.
On the day of the festival, there will be Missilis representatives attending, in addition to the other visitors.
They'll be judging how flawlessly the festival is organized,
and how many visitors are in attendance.
What...?
It seems some important people have taken a real interest in all this.
They won't say it outright, but I will. You're being evaluated.
...
What happens if we don't meet their standards?
Well...
If I had to guess, I'd say there probably won't be any more events like this for students to enjoy.
...
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that. Do your best out there, okay?
Ether turns and heads to the door,
leaving the teachers' office without another word.
...
Agh... I'm not very good at dealing with her.
Me neither.
I let out a quiet sigh without realizing it.
What's wrong? Are you worried?
Not exactly worried...
My eyes drift back to the monitor.
... but I am feeling a bit more pressure.
The students' future is on the line here.
Then we'll just have to do everything we can. I'll help you.
... Yeah. Thanks.
Arcana tugs gently at my hand.
I glance at the monitor one last time, then shut the computer down.
... Sure. I'm exhausted.
Did you have dinner?
Not yet.
Hehe, I figured as much. I cooked up your favorite meal before coming here.
All you have to do when you get back is sit down and eat.
What'd you make?
Guess!
Arcana and I hold hands as we head back to the dormitory.
Once there, I have a hot meal, and then fall asleep with Arcana in my arms.
I'm able to forget about the festival, if only for a little while.
The next day...
After school, we hold a meeting with the executive committee,
which runs late into the night.
After everything finally wraps up...
I hear someone hurrying over.
Mr. Commander, say ahh.
Arcana lies with her head in my lap and feeds me a tangerine.
Still, I need to make some final decisions and then get it all organized,
since we still need to get it approved.
Ah, so that's why you said I couldn't help.
Arcana sits up and peers at the monitor.
... Yikes. Just looking at it gives me a headache.
That's why I'm looking at it—so you don't have to.
Arcana moves behind me and starts massaging my shoulders.
Oof.
Guess my shoulders are a bit stiff.
Staring at a monitor all day will do that to you.
I let my body relax as Arcana works her magic,
massaging my neck, shoulders, and upper back. It feels like my whole body is slowly melting.
... You shouldn't try to take on so much by yourself.
Hm?
...
Yeah...
I take my hands off the keyboard and stretch.
Arcana hugs me from behind.
Let's take a short break. Okay?
... Sure.
What?
There's one really important thing we still need to decide.
What's that?
Just a second.
Arcana hurries into the bedroom.
A moment later...
Which one should I wear tonight?
...
She holds up two sets of lingerie, both fluttery and lined with lace, and neither of which looks like it'd cover any more than it needs to.
Well?
...
The left one.
Ahem...
I'll go shower first.
All right.
Listening to the sound of running water from the bathroom,
I draw the curtains in the bedroom.
14. Even 2D Will Do
30 linesSince then, I still barely get to see Privaty,
and I can't help being drawn to her more and more.
The door slides open.
I'm back.
I missed you today, just like always, Privaty.
...
I'll just wash up real quick, so hang on a sec.
*Swooshhh*
I take a shower
and head to bed.
Privaty's already tucked under the blanket.
Let me just lift the blanket for a sec.
I carefully lift the blanket.
Privaty lies motionless on the bed.
I caught a glimpse of you at school today,
and you looked really pretty.
...
Sleep well and sweet dreams.
*Peck*
It's yet another day of Privaty not answering me.
I stroke the drawing of her on my big pillow,
and we fall asleep together.
...
A few weeks later...
The festival's here, and the school is packed with people.
I spend the whole time holed up in my room with my Privaty pillow, just the two of us.
Luckily, the festival goes off without a hitch,
but my irresponsible streak earns me Privaty's ire,
and we don't see each other again for the rest of the mission.
Bad Ending No. 7: Even 2D Will Do
15. Heart-Fluttering Festival Preparations
125 lines...
...
...
...
Everyone looks at me with expectant eyes.
I suppose you can call it a concern...
but Miss Privaty is so busy that I hardly get to see her.
I guess I feel a bit hurt.
It feels like I'm the only one pining after her.
If she's busy, then it can't really be helped.
It's not as if she's said she hates you or wants to break up.
I'm sure Miss Privaty is having a hard time right now too.
Still, it doesn't lessen the hurt.
Besides, it's not as if teachers are the only ones who are busy. We students are busy too.
Attending classes, eating snacks, taking naps, preparing for the festival...
We're pretty busy, you know!
...
Opinions clearly differ among the group.
Just as the discussion is starting to heat up...
I have something to say.
Amy steps forward.
We should try to empathize with Miss Privaty.
Honestly, she is a teacher, and we are her students.
I'm sure she was terribly worried.
Lately, Commander...
even I could tell you aren't interested in anything except Miss Privaty.
Oh...
Come to think of it, Privaty did mention there were many things here at school I hadn't experienced yet.
Is this her way of showing consideration?
When you think about it that way, you're pretty oblivious, Teacher.
If I were a teacher dating a student, I'd have all sorts of things to worry about.
You think so?
I'm sure Miss Privaty wants to be all lovey-dovey with you too,
and this is the perfect time to try something heart-fluttering.
What do you mean by "heart-fluttering"?
You know, something like...
That day, we don't get any festival prep done at all.
Instead, we spend the whole time talking about romance right up until the dorm curfew.
The school bell rings.
Privaty walks around the classroom while conducting the lesson.
I write something on a small piece of paper,
fold it neatly, and when Privaty passes by my side...
Place it in her hand.
Put it in her pocket.
I discreetly place it into Privaty's hand.
...!
Privaty is clearly flustered,
but quickly composes herself and resumes walking around the classroom.
After making a full round, she returns to my desk.
*Tap*
...!
She leans against my desk, then makes a little heart with her fingers.
Then, she continues the lesson with a calm expression,
but her ears turn red.
That's when I realize the "heart-fluttering" little plan my classmates and I came up with is a success.
I try to discreetly slip the paper into Privaty's pocket...
Ah...!
... but there's barely any space in her pocket,
and it ends up looking like I'm groping her instead.
S-sorry... I dropped my paper.
Only then does Privaty notice the scrap of paper on the floor.
"♥"
Privaty puts the paper into her pocket.
It may not have been a perfect success,
but I realize the "heart-fluttering" little plan my classmates and I came up with worked.
... I've still got a chance.
*Thump, thump*
Letting my feelings get the better of me, I listen to the lesson while feeling a flutter of excitement I'd almost forgotten.
After school, we proceed with the festival preparations, under my direction as a maid cafe regular.
Should I attach the ribbon here?
Just a little more to the left.
Like this?
Yeah, that works!
Ugh.
Pfft!
Come on, guys! You're breaking the immersion!
Ein, you should say "Welcome back," not just "Welcome."
Oh, right.
Um...
Is this omurice good enough?
Amy, who was initially skeptical about participating in the festival,
gradually started pitching in after our passionate chat about romance.
Now she plays an indispensable role as the one in charge of cooking.
It's perfect.
Thank goodness.
How's the ketchup art coming along, trainee maids? Did you get in a lot of practice?
Yeah, I'm getting the hang of it.
Just as I thought, Ein, you're really good with your hands.
Er... does this look okay?
A little clumsy, but that's what makes it cute.
Ta-da! Look, I drew Naru with ketchup!
...
For two whole weeks, we throw ourselves entirely into the preparations.
Finally, the day of the festival arrives.
This is the first time the M.M.R. Vocational School has been open to the public.
I think a whole bunch of people will show up.
I hope it goes well.
Me too.
Hehe, anyway, you must be really happy, Teacher.
Once the festival starts, Miss Privaty won't be as busy.
... I hope so?
You guys are the best, seriously.
That's what friends are for!
We leave the brightly decorated classroom while chatting fervently.
I hope the festival is something the students can enjoy together with outsiders...
And Privaty as well.
16. Skipping Class Together
299 linesThe festival's finally tomorrow!
Yeah. It's been crazy busy.
During break time, I sit facing Arcana as we talk.
...
*Sigh* I wish this could last forever.
Arcana leans over the desk and gives a long stretch.
Didn't you just say tomorrow is the festival?
We've already finished all the preparations anyway.
...
Come on, pleaaase?
Hmm...
...
Arcana, who had been clinging to me, pulls away.
And then...
Our time at school is almost over...
There aren't many chances left for us to make memories together.
So, even if it's just a little while more...
I want more... more time with you... *Sob*
Isn't it about time you switched up your act?
Why? It's still effective.
...
I stand up and grab my bag.
Didn't we say we'd go back to sing karaoke again last time?
Let's head to the Ark first.
Oh. You remembered?
Of course.
Dinner too?
Yeah. And coffee.
I was only kidding. I'll buy dinner.
Oh, come on. Isn't your wallet pretty tight too?
It's okay to let someone treat you once in a while.
You think I'm that hard up?
Forget I said anything!
...
Arcana and I proceed to skip school,
starting with karaoke, then hitting up cafes and restaurants popular on social media, a sticker photo booth, and more...
Hold on, something about this seems familiar.
Right? This is exactly what we did on the day we first met.
I'm not as adventurous as you might think.
I usually just do the same things.
Still, it's my first time doing this with you as a student.
Fair enough.
Arcana grabs my hand and pulls me along.
Is there somewhere you want to go?
Yeah, it's just ahead.
I follow Arcana,
and end up at a small playground near a residential area.
Hmm...
I sit on the swing next to Arcana, letting myself swing back and forth.
You look kind of confused.
Yeah, a little...
But why a playground of all places?
Um... How do I explain it?
You see it a lot in comics and TV shows, you know.
And it kinda makes you feel like a kid again,
which, I guess, makes you more honest?
I think I get what you mean...
Hehe.
Arcana slowly swings back and forth.
You seemed to be struggling with some of those high notes.
Hey, for a regular person, I did a good job!
Besides, you weren't exactly blowing the roof off the place, either.
Hey, for a commander, I did a good job.
Well, I admit my heart was definitely doing somersaults.
What, are you just trying to make me look like the bad guy now?
Hahaha.
For a while, the creaking of the swings is all I hear in the playground.
Even so, the silence doesn't bother me.
Somehow... having Arcana at my side just feels right.
So, did you have fun today?
That's not happening.
What about after the festival?
...
Hehe.
Arcana looks at me.
Hey.
Yeah?
I really like you.
... Yeah, me too.
Arcana narrows her eyes.
What's with that weird pause?
I can almost hear you thinking, "Hm... This is awkward, but I guess I should say it back."
Since when did you get into doing impressions?
Hehe.
Arcana looks up at the sky once more.
Honestly, though, that's something I like about you.
It's like... you always choose your words carefully, even when it's just a single-word response.
I can tell you try to say things that uplift others and make them feel good.
I feel the same way about you.
Hmm...
I find myself going over everything, from when I first met Arcana until now.
First off, you have such a way with words.
...
I love how responsible you are with your work...
Uh-huh.
And the way you express your gratitude.
Hehe.
And...
Seeing Arcana so eager makes me want to play a little trick on her.
Honestly, you're gorgeous, and you have an amazing figure.
Hehe, really now?
Uh...
Hm? What's wrong?
Oh, it's nothing. I just thought you'd pout and say something like, "What was that supposed to mean?!"
Why would I be upset?
There's nothing better than the person you like telling you you're pretty.
...
Did you catch that? I just taught you a secret trick.
If I ever get sulky or angry,
all you have to do is tell me I'm pretty, and I'll forgive you in a heartbeat.
I could see you getting a little sulky, sure,
but I just can't picture you actually getting angry.
I can get mad too, you know? Like...
if you were flirting with another girl right in front of me,
I'd really get upset!
... Just imagining it makes me so mad!
...
Of course, I can't stop you, but just don't let me find out.
Otherwise, you're toast. Both of you.
What'll you do if she's stronger?
You're not exactly a fighter.
...
You're really pretty.
Did it work?
No! I'm still mad, and I plan to stay that way!
You're really, insanely pretty.
... Hmph.
Hehe.
Don't laugh!
...
I mean, I don't want you crying either...
Ugh, let's just go already.
Aw, okay... It's always the one who's more invested that gets the short end of the stick, huh?
I guess I'll just go along with it.
Even though she says it grumpily, she still slips her arm around mine.
What do you like so much about me anyway, Arcana?
Hmm...
Arcana thinks it over for a moment.
If I start now, we'd still be at it long after the festival ends.
I'll tell you later in the Forbidden Library...
If that's okay with you, of course.
...
Without a word, I pull Arcana closer.
...
Hehe, this feels good.
In that case, want to check out my tarot shop?
We haven't actually been there, have we?
Weren't you kicked out?
The place became vacant again, so I moved back in.
Makes you wonder why they kicked me out in the first place.
Arcana grabs her bag.
Let's see... ah!
Arcana subtly glances around at the other students.
W-we should try to leave quietly.
... Y-yeah.
We sneak out of the school and after a while, arrive in front of Arcana's tarot shop.
Hehehe. Welcome to my kingdom... wait, no!
Since this is the main base of operations, welcome to my empire!
...
The shop isn't very big.
The sign says...
"Whispers of Fate?"
Yeah. I named it myself.
*Creak*
Arcana opens the door and goes in.
*Jingle*
Bet it's cleaner than you expected.
I didn't say anything.
Did that hit a nerve?
N-no!
Arcana goes inside.
Soon she brings out some coffee and lemon tea.
*Clink*
Want some snacks? I've got a bunch of different things.
Just so you know, they're all really expensive.
Really?
Right...
Arcana sets out various snacks.
All right then!
Coffee, lemon tea, and various snacks line the table, along with a tarot deck.
But...
Aren't the seats reversed?
The coffee is placed at the tarot reader's seat.
I am...?
... Okay.
I hold the tarot deck, shuffle the cards,
and spread them out in one smooth motion...
Whoops.
Arcana gently straightens the cards that didn't spread properly.
... Thanks.
Hehe.
Then...
Is there anything worrying you right now?
Not really, no.
...
Th-then, is there anything on your mind at all?
Or would you like to know more about your future?
Nope. I'm pretty happy right now.
... Hang on. I can't continue if you keep answering like that.
You'll be surprised how many customers are like this.
Then what should I do?
Watch.
Arcana smiles gently and reshuffles the cards.
Arcana looks into my eyes and flips the cards one by one.
The pain you carry.
*Flip*
Your worries.
*Flip*
And...
*Flip*
... Your future.
Arcana points to the three flipped cards.
...
...
... Is that it?
Far from it.
I just threw something out there. Now you have to make up an explanation based on the cards.
Go on.
Now you want me to take over??
I can't come up with anything right now, so yeah.
What the..
*Rattle, rattle*
?!
?!
Huh?
I think it's closed.
Jeez, is this place ever open? Did they shut down?
Maybe... I was really looking forward to a reading too.
Let's go get it done somewhere else.
There are plenty of other fortune-telling shops.
But this place is supposed to be really accurate.
It even predicted that you and I would end up going out.
So that's where you got the idea to come on that strong?
Hey, I was right in the end, wasn't I?
Soon after, the voices of the two customers fades off into the distance.
G-good thing I locked the door.
Y-yeah.
Anyway, you heard that, didn't you?
Heard what?
How accurate I am.
I'm pretty sure I know exactly who those two were.
Ninety-nine percent of the people who come to me for a reading end up becoming regulars.
...
Arcana glances at the three cards lying face up on the table,
then reshuffles the deck.
I knew you were giving me a hard time on purpose.
Yeah, things get awkward when they act like that.
So for a while... no...
just for a short moment, we practice tarot.
The rest of the time, we just lounge side by side on the long sofa and chat.
*Jingle*
Oh, right. I nearly forgot.
Arcana goes back into the shop,
then comes out holding some paper and a pen.
What are you doing?
I'm writing a notice about our booth at the festival.
I'd feel bad if customers came all the way here for nothing, like those two earlier.
Plus, some promotion never hurts, right?
Speaking of, I should post it on my socials too.
Arcana sticks a sheet of paper on the door that reads: Whispers of Fate booth at the M.M.R. Vocational School Festival. See you there!
You think that'll really work?
Of course. Everyone who sees this will come.
The shop's been closed for a while now because of school.
Okay, all done.
Hehe. I didn't expect this, but I'm glad we came.
We head back to the dorm, chatting about what's in store for tomorrow's festival.
17. The Perfect Decorations
66 linesA few days later...
Wow...
Ooooh!
From the wallpaper to the curtains, the lace tablecloths on the desks...
Everything has been meticulously decorated to perfection.
I personally checked everything before buying them, even the fabrics.
Also, I thought some brighter lighting would help, so I ordered additional lights.
I stayed up all night... doing the finishing touches... *Yaaawn*
*Clatter*
Here, have a taste.
At first glance, it's a fairly ordinary-looking plate of omurice.
I take a bite.
*Chew, chew*
Hmm...
Oh...
...
I'm sorry. We thought it would be fine. It's our fault.
Zwei, I want you to get only the best ingredients. I'll cover the costs.
R-really?
Yeah, of course.
I'll get a professional chef to teach Amy, as well.
Her name's Crust.
Crust...?!
You mean from Crunchy Cooking Class? That Crust?
Yep!
Wow...
...
Zwei and Amy look equal parts stunned and worried,
but once everyone sees the maid cafe done to perfection,
I'm sure they'll love it.
Kind of like it looks better than it tastes, huh?
It could be the ingredients. Let's try buying them elsewhere.
*Thud*
I suppose we won't know until we have a taste.
Anyway, I'm pretty tired.
It feels like I've been to just about every grocery store in the area.
Well, it wasn't for nothing. At least we know the quality's there now.
That's true, but...
I'm starting to wonder whether a school festival is supposed to be this intense.
Amy said she hasn't slept for days because she's been cooking nonstop.
*Sigh...*
Here, the omurice is ready.
This might be the one!
I hope so...!
...
It's kinda funny, huh?
It feels like we're competing in some contest, haha...
Anyway, I'll go get the teachers!
Okay.
...
18. The Perfect Omurice
57 linesA few days later...
Thank you for waiting. Here is your omurice!
*Clatter*
I bought the freshest and most expensive ingredients I could find.
And I trained under Miss Crust for several days.
The egg is so fluffy. It's like a cloud...
And the smell of the sauce is enough to make your mouth water.
The presentation is perfect.
Now, time to give it a taste.
We both take a bite.
*Chew, chew*
...!
...!
A heavenly taste fills my mouth.
The flavor is incredibly refined, far beyond what you'd expect from a maid cafe.
Phew... Thank goodness.
Thank you.
The only thing is...
Privaty and I look around the classroom.
Compared to the heavenly omurice, the decorations feel underwhelming.
At first, it really felt like this would all be enough,
but now that we've got amazing food to serve, the space should really be at that level, too.
To do justice to the quality of this omurice, I think we should splurge more on the decorations.
But...
If you're worried about the cost, Ein, Mr. Commander and I will take care of it.
You just focus on getting the decorations to the same level of quality as this omurice.
It's fine. We want this to be perfect.
Something feels just a bit off.
Maybe a bit more flashy, but still understated? Simple, but not too plain?
Wow, you finished everything?
I think this is the prettiest it's ever been.
Yeah, I agree.
You could rent this place out for photo shoots.
Well, I hope the teachers feel the same way.
With how much money they spent, we could've hired a professional interior designer.
Is this really what we're supposed to be doing?
Putting all this time, energy, and money into a school festival...?
...
...
Everyone's exhausted,
but once they see how perfect the festival is, it'll all be worth it.
I'm sure everyone's going to have a great time.
19. The Perfect Maid Cafe
48 linesI open the door to the classroom...
... and am greeted by an interior more lavish than most high-end restaurants.
*Step, step*
I walk over and sit at a table covered with a silk lace tablecloth.
*Clatter*
My omurice arrives, perfectly plated and fragrant.
I lift my spoon carefully,
and take a bite.
The fluffy texture of the egg and the refreshing flavor of the sauce linger in my mouth.
It's perfect.
As I gaze ruefully at the now-empty plate,
a maid approaches and clears it with impeccable, nimble gestures.
No, it should be, "We look forward to seeing you again."
You must speak formally, not casually.
But Cocoa doesn't speak super formally.
Our cafe isn't the same as the one we visited before.
We're aiming for something more refined, more... perfect.
Next time, we should probably ask Ade to teach them.
Yeah, that's a good idea.
What...?
I had more fun greeting customers casually with a "Hey, Master!"
Now, it's just...
starting to feel like homework.
It makes me not want to do it.
Rei, where is this coming from...?
We look at the others standing behind us.
...
...
...
Have they always looked like this as we've been working on the festival...?
... Maybe we should call it a day.
Y-yeah.
Me!
Privaty and I watch as the group pours out of the classroom.
Yeah. Once they see the customers enjoying themselves, they'll feel the same as we do.
... Do you want to go grab a drink?
Yeah, that sounds good.
20. Final Tasks
148 linesA few days later...
Preparations for the festival are proceeding smoothly.
Hi, Mr. Commander.
Hello!
Hey, you two.
Here. I updated the booth tracker.
This version includes the clubs that hadn't signed up yet last time.
Ah, thanks.
I take the document and skim through it.
That's a lot...
It's not just the faculty.
The students are really putting their hearts into this too.
Yeah, especially since this might be both the first and last festival this school ever puts on.
Yeah...
How are things on your end, Mr. Commander?
I'm just about done.
I just need to send this form out to nearby residents so we can get permission for the fireworks...
I click the completed email.
... And that's everything.
Nice!
Congrats! I know you've been working really hard.
Same goes to the both of you. Thanks for all your hard work.
Pass a message along to the other committee members, too.
I know we still have the actual festival ahead of us, but let them know that I'm proud of them as well.
Hehe. Will do.
That's true... Everything we've been doing has just been the preparations.
The most important part is coming up. I wonder if we can really pull it off...
Of course we can. We've worked really hard.
We prepared everything we could, and even have back-up plans in case anything goes wrong.
At this point, if something bad happens,
all we can really do is sit back and accept that it's fate.
F-fate...?
I wouldn't take her too seriously if I were you, Amy.
We continue to chat, enjoying a rare moment of levity.
Of course, as Amy said, the most important part is still to come...
...
What's wrong?
I feel anxious all of a sudden.
What if we missed something?
What if there's some huge flaw none of us noticed?
Wh-what if it ends up ruining the festival...?!
What happened to that stuff you were saying about fate earlier?
But isn't the true meaning of life to set aside fate and carve out your own path...?!
...
I begin tidying up with a smile on my face.
Amy stares at me.
You seem pretty used to this, Mr. Commander.
Used to what?
I'm Arcana's roommate, and we're pretty close now.
But I still don't really know what to say when she gets like this sometimes.
You, on the other hand...
...
Like I was saying...
Wow! Yeah, it really does look like a heart, doesn't it?
Right?
... Never mind.
I think I'll be going now.
Yeah, we need to be careful.
For sure.
I guess doubling the time I spend on my hair and makeup every morning was a dead giveaway.
She must've figured out I have a boyfriend.
Y-you've been doing that?
Yep.
Plus, I plastered my wall with photos of you,
and I sleep listening to recordings of your voice every night.
I guess it'd be weirder if she didn't know.
What?!
...
Mr. Commander.
Arcana tilts her head slightly and looks up at me.
Yeah?
Do you notice anything different about me?
...
My heart drops.
You must've noticed, right...?
H-hold on a sec. Just give me a moment.
Really...?
I examine Arcana's face carefully.
Wait, this might be a trap. She might be deliberately showing me her face to keep me off the scent.
I look at her accessories, smell her perfume...
I have to check everything, including things that can't be seen...
...
Nope. I have no idea.
At this point, I'll have to bluff my way out of this.
Arcana.
Mm-hmm.
...
Have you ever heard about the Ship of Theseus?
It's a little complicated, but it can be summed up with a question:
if all the components of an object are replaced over time,
can it still be considered the same object?
All I'm trying to say is, someone can look the exact same at first glance,
but their hair has grown a little longer, or their skin is a little wrinklier, or they might have a new scar...
There's always something different.
...
...
...
Sorry...
No...
Oh, come on...!
...
Hehe.
Arcana reaches out and brushes off my collar.
You should get some rest now, Mr. Commander.
I thought so too,
but I'm not sure if I'm ready to just yet.
What?
Let's go around and greet people near the school!
... Huh?
Festivals may be fun for the participants,
but for nearby residents who aren't interested, they're just a loud disturbance.
That's why you had to send out those emails, right?
Right.
Exactly. So let's visit nearby shop owners and residents,
and tell them we'll do all we can to make this as painless as possible, and that it'll only be for three days.
Then we smile at them nicely and make a good impression.
That's actually a great idea.
I stand up and put on my jacket.
We've worked so hard up until now that it'd be weird to choose now to take a break.
Let's do whatever else we can to make this all go off well.
...
Arcana holds out her hand.
... Are you calling a time-out?
... Okay.
We hold hands and leave the school.
For the next several days before the festival begins,
we go around the neighborhood, meeting and greeting the locals.
21. The Final Detour
143 linesThe day before the festival begins...
We're still not completely finished with our preparations.
Mr. Commander.
Yeah?
I lift my head and rub my tired, dry eyes.
Look at this.
Arcana shows me her phone.
Another festival?
On the screen is information about a festival at another school.
Yeah. I saw it while scrolling earlier.
Since our own festival is tomorrow, what if we go check this other one out for reference?
Right now?
Yeah.
Don't you think it'd be helpful?
That school's been holding festivals for years, so they must know what they're doing.
If we're lucky, we might even get to talk to the organizers!
Also...
You just want to go to a festival, don't you?
Hehe. Yeah.
During our own festival, we'll be too busy running things to enjoy much of anything.
What do you say? Pleaaase?
Hmm...
I stand up and put on my jacket.
All right. I could use a break too.
There's still work left to do, but at this point I've hit a wall and haven't been making any progress anyway.
A break? We're not going there to have fun. We're going for work!
Hmm... Should we really go? It'll probably be pretty tiring.
Arcana takes my hand.
No, I'm not physically tired. I'm just a bit mentally drained.
I gently run my hands through Arcana's hair.
Let's go. A change of scenery will do me good.
?
As we walk through the lively festival grounds, Arcana grins from ear to ear.
Having fun?
It's fun, but more than that...
Arcana turns her head slightly and looks up at me.
Going on a date outside the school while in my uniform feels kind of special.
I think this is the first time I've ever done this.
What do you mean? We've gone out plenty.
Oh, but those were just errands.
Arcana saunters ahead, holding my hand.
How do you think we look?
Huh?
To other people, I mean.
Like a couple, probably.
Oh, so you think they'd probably figure I'm wearing an old uniform?
Arcana strikes an odd pose.
... That I'm not even a real student, but that I graduated long ago,
and you're the kind of bad boyfriend who makes your girlfriend dress up?
And while I may not exactly be thrilled about it, I'm at least happy that the outfit still looks cute,
and I love how my boyfriend reacts when I wear it.
Of course, I still have to act like I'm not that in to it, for the sake of my pride.
... That's oddly specific.
Hehehe!
Hey there!
Are you from a different school?
And you...
The girl looks at me,
then looks down at our joined hands.
Uh...?
She seems very confused.
Did you, uh...
put on an old uniform for this?
...
Pfft!
N-no...? Then that means...!
No, no. You had it right.
Since we were coming to a school festival, I thought I'd see if this still fit, while at the same time granting a wish for my boyfriend.
We're both adults.
Wow...
...
It was a close call, but the girl seems to have bought our story.
Here, let me give you this.
Ooh, is this a map?
Yeah, it's marked with numbers that show the locations of all the booths.
If you collect stamps from all the booths you get a prize, so be sure to check out everything.
Enjoy your time together!
Thank you!
After the student leaves, Arcana looks at me.
Without this map, we'd be wandering all day.
No kidding. It's too late to make one for this year, but I'll make a note of it in case there's a next time.
Arcana studies the map.
Oooh, they have a photo exhibition.
Are you interested in photography?
We should go, then.
... Even though it won't help with our festival?
You just seem like you really want to see it.
Starting with the photo exhibition, we slowly make our way through the festival.
We go through the haunted house, play some shooting games,
check out some performances, get our picture taken...
Just like Arcana said, we wouldn't have had time for this during our own festival.
At some point, I forget the original reason for our coming here,
and simply start enjoying the festival with Arcana.
Later that evening, on our way back to the dormitory...
Arcana and I are holding hands as we walk, when she suddenly stops.
... Mr. Commander.
Yeah?
Before we head back, should we grab a drink?
...
I look at Arcana.
She's in her student uniform.
You want to go dressed like that?
Hehe. Wait just a second.
I brought some normal clothes.
There won't be a problem if I change, right?
You planned this from the start, didn't you?
Hehe.
Arcana smiles, sticking out her tongue slightly.
...
Going straight back now would indeed feel a bit anticlimactic.
But the festival kicks off tomorrow...
It's late. Let's just head back.
Sure. Let's grab a drink on the way.
Tch...
...
How about we grab something from a convenience store and head back to our rooms?
An... average amount, I guess?
What about you?
I can drink a lot!
After we arrive back at the dorms.
Hehehe... Mrrr. Commander...
...
Arcana drinks half a can of beer,
and then passes out, completely drunk.
Woohoo!
Don't overdo it, though.
The festival starts tomorrow. We have to get up early.
Hand in hand, we head toward a nearby bar.
22. M.M.R Maid Cafe Opens!
143 lines*Pop, pop*
Hello, would you like some refreshments?
We'll be putting on a performance in the auditorium at 2 o'clock, please drop by if you're interested.
The day of the festival has arrived.
The school gates, usually tightly closed, are wide open.
Oh jeez, why am I getting so nervous about this...
At some point, I start to feel nervous too.
On one hand, I hope the maid cafe we prepared does well.
And on the other...
I'm excited thinking about all the time I'll get to spend with Privaty now that she's no longer busy.
Hello, Miss Privaty.
It does.
I see you've decided to dress up as a butler?
That's right.
Privaty stares intently at me in my hastily-prepared tuxedo.
It's also been a while since you wore that outfit, Miss Privaty.
...
Are you done being busy now?
Yes, well...
Getting ready for the festival was what kept me busy, so it's pretty much over now.
That's good.
Then, we—
M-Master has returned!
Welcome back, Master!
Wow, they really did a good job with this place.
Welcome back, Miss!
Everyone is so cute...!
H-here's the menu, Master.
Is the Class P Fluffy Omurice in the recommendations any good?
Okay then, I'll have one of those.
Very well, then! Just a moment.
Wow, quite a few customers are coming...
Let's focus on our work first. We can talk later.
More customers rush in than we expected.
Um... is that man over there a butler?
Then, could I have him take my order?
Rei looks at me.
Respond with ease.
Leave Rei to tend to the customer.
Did you call for me, Miss?
I'd be more than happy to take your order.
Eeek!
...
Surprisingly, even my awkward butler act is in high.
Excuse me, miss?
May we take a photo together?
Woohoo!
...
Privaty, the only one wearing a maid outfit, is indeed the most popular.
Phew... good work, everyone...
I made so much omurice, my wrists feel like noodles...
*Sigh*
The first day of the festival, which felt like a war, comes to an end.
The next day.
Aaaah...
Apparently word about our maid cafe has been spreading.
They say the food is great, and that there's a handsome butler and a pretty tsundere maid.
...
I was so tired yesterday that I didn't get to have a proper talk with Privaty.
Are we really going to spend the whole festival just working...?
Let's do this!
...
You seem to be in a good mood.
Oh, is it that obvious?
It's just that everyone worked so hard, and it feels like their efforts are being recognized.
And, um...
The handsome butler and the pretty tsundere maid everyone's talking about,
that's clearly the two of us.
I like us being paired together like that.
...!
Let's give it our all today, Mr. Handsome Butler.
... Try not to be too pretty out there, tsundere maid.
I'm tired, and with Rei here, I don't have to be responsible for handling customers.
I gesture to Rei to handle it herself.
Y-you're so cute!
Of course that'll be fine, haha...
As I'm relaxing and looking around, Privaty catches my eye.
Excuse me, miss?
May we take a photo together?
Huh? A photo?
...
I'm sorry, but she's not a big fan of having her photo taken.
...?
Oh, I see...
I understand. Thank you for the meal.
The man holding the camera hesitantly leaves the classroom.
I just thought you might be uncomfortable with it...
I'm fine with taking photos with the masters.
You've been resting instead of taking orders for a while now...
Don't worry about me and just take a break.
... It seems I overstepped.
Phew... good work, everyone...
I made so much omurice, my wrists feel like noodles...
*Sigh*
The first day of the festival, which felt like a war, comes to an end.
The next day.
I think so too.
Hmm.
Hey there, handsome Master, pretty Miss!
Care to stop by our maid cafe for some delicious omurice?
Oh, a maid cafe?
Ah, this must be the place everyone's talking about.
They did a good job decorating it, but I hear the service isn't so great.
Yeah, I saw a lot of negative reviews online.
Especially about the butler and the one wearing the maid outfit.
...
I didn't think it was bad enough for word to spread...
*Sigh*
I'm sorry, everyone.
It seems we've gotten you some bad publicity.
We'll do our best to turn it around, so let's make sure things go well for anyone who comes in.
Yes, Miss Privaty.
We bend over backwards for the customers who stop by,
but with our morale already worn down, the bright energy from yesterday just isn't there.
23. An Unexpected Outcome
120 lines*Pop, pop*
Hello, would you like some refreshments?
We'll be putting on a performance in the auditorium at 2 o'clock, please drop by if you're interested.
The day of the festival has arrived.
The school gates, usually tightly closed, are wide open.
And I...
Commander, I'm so nervous...
You are?
Aren't you?
We did everything we could to prepare.
Still...
What if hardly anyone shows up?
Even worse, what if lots of people come and they're all disappointed?
What if people all say, "What is this?" or "How is this supposed to be youth?"
I take Arcana's hand.
Heh, was it that obvious that I wanted to hold your hand?
I figured as much.
You're not usually the type to get this nervous.
That's a bit different... don't you think?
It's similar enough.
Feeling less nervous now?
Yeah, thanks to you.
And besides,
even if not many people show up,
and even if the reactions aren't great, that's okay.
Arcana turns to me and smiles brightly.
The important thing is that the three of us all worked reaaally hard on it.
And that's what being young is all about.
Absolutely. That's a really nice way of putting it.
I read it in a book a few days ago.
...
Commander! Arcana!
Hey, Amy.
You overslept, didn't you.
Yeah... I was so nervous that I ended up falling asleep late...
Hehe. It's fine.
Even if not many people show up,
and even if the reactions aren't great, the important thing is that we all worked reaaally hard on it.
And that's what being young is all about!
Those lines sounds familiar...
L-let's get going.
I follow Arcana as she strides ahead.
Wow, there're so many fun-looking booths!
I wish we had some time to look around.
I can watch the booth while you two explore a bit.
R-really? Are you okay with that?
Of course. If you miss this chance, you'll regret it forever.
Amy...!
Arcana throws herself into Amy's arms.
No! We worked really hard on this!
There'll be so many customers coming that we won't even be able to step away!
One hour later.
...
...
...
So, do you want to go take a look around?
...
...
At this point, it feels like even I could go take a look around myself too...
Ever since we opened the booth,
not a single visitor has come.
D-did we not do a good enough job promoting it?
We did everything we could...
Let's wait a little longer...
Time passes, and customers trickle in few and far between.
Arcana greets them energetically,
Amy gives detailed explanations,
and I ask them to spread the word to others, but...
The school bell rings.
It's already lunchtime...
Yeah...
Yeah...
The door slides open.
!!
Hi, Captain! ♥
H-hello, Commander.
Hey, you two!
How'd you know about this?
I got invited as a stewardess at the career experience center,
and I heard a rumor that you were here! ★
I-it was pretty hard finding you... hehe.
I ran into S-Sora, and so came looking for you together...
Was it really that hard to find us?
I can give you some background explanation if you like!
I-I want to see them too!
Arcana shows the photos to Sora and Vesti.
Right!
Thanks for coming.
Did you get to look around the festival? Our class is running a maid cafe, so stop by if you can.
A maid cafe?
Yes.
I don't think I saw one...
Arcana and Amy look at each other.
I heard Privaty took the lead in opening a maid cafe...
...
A little later, Vesti and Sora say goodbye and leave.
This doesn't make sense.
How does a maid cafe get overlooked?
Huh?
I mean, it's a maid cafe!
...
Um...
What is it, Arcana?
Oh! Ah, right.
Since it's our first exhibition, we're bound to hit a few snags.
I say we just focus on our own booth for now.
And so, our first day of the festival ends.
... With a grand total of 17 visitors.
24. M.M.R Whispers of Fate Booth
75 lines*Pop, pop*
Hello, would you like some refreshments?
We'll be putting on a performance in the auditorium at 2 o'clock, please drop by if you're interested.
The day of the festival has arrived.
The school gates, usually tightly closed, are wide open.
And I...
Commander, I'm so nervous...
You are?
Aren't you?
We did everything we could to prepare.
Still...
What if hardly anyone shows up?
Even worse, what if lots of people come and they're all disappointed?
What if people all say, "What is this?" or "How is this considered tarot?"
I take Arcana's hand.
Heh, was it that obvious that I wanted to hold your hand?
I figured as much.
You're not usually the type to get this nervous.
That's a bit different... don't you think?
It's similar enough.
Feeling less nervous now?
Yeah, thanks to you.
And besides,
even if not many people show up,
and even if the reactions aren't great, that's okay.
Arcana turns to me and smiles brightly.
The important thing is that the two of us all worked reaaally hard on it.
And that's what being young is all about.
Absolutely. That's a really nice way of putting it.
I read it in a book a few days ago.
...
Come on, let's go!
Arcana strides ahead.
Wow, there're so many fun-looking booths!
I wish we had some time to look around.
Why don't we take turns going for a quick look around?
Then that defeats the entire purpose!
Joking around with Arcana, we head toward the divination club.
Huh?
On the way to the divination club,
I see a line of people at the end of the hallway.
What's going on?
Isn't that where our club meets?
It certainly looks like it...
... No way!
Arcana speaks to the person at the very back of the line.
Excuse me, are you waiting for a tarot reading?
Oh, yes!
Hold on, are you...?
Wh-why are there so many people here? We haven't even opened yet.
But that doesn't explain...
No, it's just...
The way you usually are... and the fact that you got kicked out for not paying your rent...
Arcana takes my hand.
Everything worked out, didn't it?
... Yeah. I'll do my best too.
Arcana pushes to the front of the line and opens the door to the club room.
Thanks for waiting so long!
The Whispers of Fate booth at the M.M.R Vocational School branch
is now officially open!
25. The Perfect Festival
84 lines*Bang, bang! Crackle!*
Hi there! Would you like some refreshments?
We'll be putting on a performance in the gym at two o'clock, if you're interested.
The day of the festival has arrived.
The school gates, usually tightly closed, are now wide open.
Can we really do this...?
You look worried. That's not like you, Ein.
I could say the same thing to you.
Really?! Ugh, you'd think I could hide it better, being this old and all...!
Even the teachers feel like they're on edge.
You know, I heard a rumor that, depending on how the festival goes, it might affect our grades.
They went down to get us some customers.
... Anyway, let's just do what we can.
If this really affects grades...
then it's not going to be very fun for us regardless.
Cute students have become maids and will offer the finest service this side of the Ark!
Be sure to stop by!
Ooh, a maid cafe?
Er... you don't have to thank me so much...
I promise you won't be disappointed. Thank you.
Since it's our first festival, everyone has worked incredibly hard.
We appreciate your support.
Y-yeah, okay...
Are we allowed to take photos...?
Of course!
We've prepared the perfect spot for photos.
Would you like to know our recommendations for poses?
No, that's okay. I'm going to be the one taking the photos.
Anyway, thanks. I'll check out the cafe later if I have time.
Yeah... We're coming on too strong.
There are a lot more visitors than I expected, and lots of booths, too.
Hahaha!
No, that's not the recipe!
Hehehe!
A lot of the students seem genuinely happy as well.
It's strange.
I feel like I'm missing something.
Did our class look that happy too...?
I space out for a moment...
*Wham!*
Oof!
... when suddenly, someone slams into me.
Mr. Commander, are you okay?!
Ow...
Jackal...? What're you doing here?
Oh, it looks good on you.
Have you tried some of the food?
Yeah! There's tons of good grub here!
That's why I've been running around! 'Cause I'm so excited, hehehe!
I see.
...?
The festival only just started,
so how could Jackal have had that much to eat...?
I'm starting to get a bad feeling...
Gaaaaaaaaah!
Who ate all the ingredients?!
What the...?!
The booth supports are completely broken!
It's going to collapse!
Noooo! Someone ate all the snack boxes!
...!
...!
Without saying a word to each other,
Privaty and I both sprint towards the classroom.
26. The Executive Committee's Festival
50 lines*Bang, bang!*
Hi there! Would you like some refreshments?
We'll be putting on a performance in the gym at two o'clock, if you're interested.
At last, the day of the festival has arrived.
Arcana and I are walking around the school to observe.
Hmm... there don't seem to be any major issues so far.
Arcana checks the executive committee's group chat on her phone.
That's a relief. Let's hope it stays that way.
Keep in mind this is just the first day. We've got two more days after this.
... We're going to get through it okay, right?
Of course we will. You and I have put a lot of work into this.
... We just need to do what we can.
Sounds good.
Improvising isn't exactly your forte, though.
That's why I'll be counting on you!
Huh...?!
As we're talking,
someone very familiar approaches us wearing a very familiar maid outfit.
Hi there, Mr. Commander. Arcana.
Hi.
Whoa! Miss Privaty?
Why are you so surprised...? Oh, right.
This must be your first time seeing me like this since you've been so busy with the committee.
I kinda feel like I've seen you like this before, though. Then again, maybe not...
I'm sorry I couldn't help more as the assistant homeroom teacher.
It's okay. Ether told me everything,
about how there are people coming to evaluate the festival.
... Yeah.
There's no one to blame for that.
I left all the general festival preparations to the executive committee, while I focused on Class P. We did what we could.
Thanks... So, is the maid cafe ready?
I'll be sure to stop by later.
Arcana had been looking at her phone this whole time when she suddenly taps my shoulder.
I think we spoke too soon, Mr. Commander.
What, did something happen?
I pull out my phone and check the group chat.
Just as Arcana said, there's nothing catastrophic,
but reports of different issues are coming in.
Let's go help out.
I'll see you later, Privaty.
All right. Good luck.
Together with Arcana, I hurry back into the school building.
27. All Things in Moderation
53 linesArcana and I are drinking at the nearby bar...
Hehe... I'm feelin'... dizzzzy...
...
... At least, we were,
up until 30 minutes ago.
Huh...
Arcana stares at me with a blank look on her face.
Hehe, you're such a good teacherrr...
Did she say teacher?
What? No way...
...
Arcana, you can't be calling me that here...
Whaaaaat? Why not...? *Hic*
You're my teacher, aren't ya? Teacherrr.
Wait, do you hate me now...?
After I gave you my heart, my body...
I gave you everything...
I can't believe it... That's disgusting.
I can't believe it... I'm jealous.
What?!
Er, nothing. That didn't come out right. Haha...
A-Arcana. I'm not your teacher, remember?
You're a Nikke, and I'm your commander.
Nooo! I want you to be my teacherrr!
If I'm a Nikky and you're my comm... commanderrr, we'll spend even less time togetherrr... *Hic*
...
Ohhh, so he's a commander.
Guess I misheard earlier.
What, so he's doing some weird roleplay with a Nikke under his command?
That makes him even more of a creep...
Jealous...
...
...
Stay with meee... Hug meee...
Seeing her like this after a single cocktail, and a non-alcoholic one at that,
I realize we should have never come here in the first place.
Can I have the bill?
... You gonna be paying for that as well?
What do you mean? We only had these two...
...?!
*Glug, glug, glug*
I turn my head, and can't believe my eyes...
Arcana is chugging an expensive bottle of liquor straight from the bottle!
Arcanaaaa!
In the brief moment I had turned away, Arcana managed to drain the entire bottle.
Unsurprisingly, she immediately proceeds to pass out.
Arcana, come on. Wake up...
*Snore*
For the next day, and the day after that,
Arcana is so hungover that she can't even stand properly.
I have to work the festival alone, overwhelmed by the deluge of work.
As a result, no festival is ever held again at the M.M.R. Vocational School.
Bad Ending No. 10: All Things in Moderation
28. Butler and Maid Couple
113 linesHello, I'm back again today!
Welcome back, Miss.
Let me hang your coat for you.
Eeek!
Um, would it be all right to take another photo today?
I'm not entirely sure why you want my photo so badly, Master...
b-but I'll try to pose differently from yesterday.
Gaah!
Without a doubt, the reactions to me and Privaty are the most intense.
And now...
Don't those two look nice together?
A stoic handsome butler and a tsundere maid...!
Wow!
You really know your stuff!
People even start shipping us as a couple.
Excuse me,
instead of taking a photo with me, could I take a photo of the two of you?
Why not? Let's take one together.
I place my hand on Privaty's shoulder.
Is this okay?
Perfect! That's great!
Can you scoot in just a tiny bit?
What? We're already close enou—
I slide my hand down from Privaty's shoulder and wrap it around her waist.
As the Master wishes.
H-hey! Y-you're way too close...!
Forget stoic, this is on a whole different level.
Staying in character the entire time? That's honestly insane.
Are they professional cosplayers...?
*Click, click*
Oh wow, thank you so much! This feels like a dream come true.
Here, let me give you one as a keepsake.
The man's hands tremble as he passes me the polaroid.
Oh, thank you!
In the photo, Privaty is clearly blushing with embarrassment.
You look great, Miss Privaty.
Wh-what are you saying...? You look way better than me, Commander!
You're cute when you blush.
That's not cute at all! But look at you, striking all those cool poses...!
Ah...! I'm on my way!
Privaty slips the photo into her pocket and walks off.
Uh...
There's only one copy... she should have given it to me.
I feel like I'm gonna die.
I never want to see another plate of omurice again.
*Huff, huff*
You all did great out there.
Well, we did have it rough,
but you and Teacher had it the hardest, Miss Privaty.
How did you keep serving without breaking character once?
It was so cool!
I'm glad it came off that way.
But you came off a bit sleazy, Teacher.
What do you mean? Everyone liked it.
That's only because you're handsome.
By the way, the omurice Amy made was really good.
You got to try it? When?
I took a few bites of what our customers left.
I would have made you a plate if you'd told me...
But leftovers are okay?
That's because they don't want the food anymore.
You okay, Miss Privaty?
Oh, sorry.
It's just so nice seeing everyone getting along.
Tomorrow is the last day of the festival, right?
Just push through one more day.
Ah, about that...
we're all out of ingredients.
All of it? Even the ingredients meant for tomorrow?
Yup.
Wow... I guess it really did sell well.
No, it's fine.
Huh? What do you mean?
You weren't planning on making us work for the entire festival, were you, Miss Privaty?
Tomorrow is the last day, so we should have one day to walk around and have some fun.
It's okay!
Tomorrow we'll close up shop and all go out and have fun!
We'll go as one big group, teachers included!
Ein winks at me.
So this is what she meant by having my back.
I don't know how they plan on helping me, but right now the thought alone is just cute, and I'm grateful.
You'll come too, right??
Miss Privaty.
Yes?
Let's go together.
I stare straight at Privaty,
then mouth a few words that only she can see.
"I'll be sad."
Privaty's face turns bright red.
Seeing that, I'm absolutely certain.
The final day of the festival that we'll be sharing together, will be a happy one.
29. Late Recovery
61 linesOhhh...!
I saw some reviews saying she was pretty standoffish, but this...
They've got it all wrong.
She has a perfect grasp of her character.
Here's your order, Miss.
If you need anything, do let me know.
Thank you!
He's so handsome and nice!
Not at all like what I read online.
...
Hello! Anybody home?
... He's so cool.
Privaty and I serve the customers with all we have.
Thanks to that, customers starts pouring in again in the afternoon.
By the time closing approaches, a long line has already formed.
What is going on? Why's it so busy?
Um...
I asked one of the Masters earlier, and apparently word's spreading again.
Everyone's saying the chemistry between the butler and the maid is off the charts.
I don't know whether to be happy or sad.
Four more omurice, please!
*Pant* Heard!
Ein, could you show these Masters to their table?
I can't even catch my breath... okay, I'm on my way!
Whew.
When we opened, I thought we were doomed.
But thanks to you two pushing through, that final stretch was super successful.
The initial bad publicity was because of us, so it's only right that we take responsibility.
Great work, everyone.
That was tough, I'm not gonna lie.
I never want to see another plate of omurice again.
Oh...
...
What? Why are you all looking at me like that?
Teacher, can we go check out the festival tomorrow?
Tomorrow is the last day, and we haven't had a chance to take a look around yet.
Running the cafe together like this is nice and all,
but we also want to see how the other booths are decorated.
Ah...! You're right.
I'm sorry. That was short-sighted of me.
You've all worked hard these past two days, let's enjoy the festival tomorrow.
Ein winks at me as she shouts.
So this is what she meant by having my back.
Y-yeah... the more the merrier for sure!
Let's all go together.
I look at Privaty with an earnest expression.
Hmm...
Well, if the cafe won't be operating, I won't have much else to do.
I suppose I can enjoy the festival together with everyone.
Yaaay!
We all promise to enjoy the final day of the festival together.
30. Flag Crusher
105 linesThe morning of the second day of the festival.
We decide to stop by Class P's maid cafe first.
It just opened for business...
This doesn't make any sense...
... but we find it completely empty.
I think our promotional campaign was a bit lacking.
Also, since this is the first festival, all the other classes and clubs are giving their all too.
S-still...
This is a maid cafe!
About the same, to be honest. We only had 17 people stop by yesterday.
*Sigh*
While I'm talking with Privaty, Arcana and Amy are whispering about something.
Arcana? Amy?
*Click*
Without saying a word, Amy raises the camera and takes a picture of Privaty.
Just a sec.
Amy develops the polaroid on the spot,
and Arcana quickly sticks it to a flyer she's put together.
In no time at all, an aesthetically pleasing flyer is completed.
All right, next!
*Click, click*
I don't really know either...
Let's do some advertisment! Better late than never.
Don't tell me...
Oooh, can I try on the outfit?
Of course. The more models, the better.
...
...
...
...??
I feel everyone's eyes slowly focusing on me.
Right... I'm the only guy in the room.
... I'll wait in the hallway.
The door slides open.
Why does it feel like I'm always getting kicked out...
The door slides open again.
Then were you planning to stay inside?
Arcana follows me out and leans against the wall beside me.
Aren't you changing?
There wasn't anything for me to wear. Plus, I'm the photographer.
Arcana tilts her head slightly to look up at me.
Why? You want to see me in a maid outfit?
Of course.
Of course.
Of course.
Pfft. Really?
This may not be the best time...
but I'm sure we'll have another chance later.
It's a bit of an open secret that you've got a thing for maids, after all.
...
Wait, or was it bunny girls that you were into?
What kind of rumours are people spreading about me?
Wha...
Well, I could wear both for you...
...
You're driving me up the wall...
Hehe.
By the way, are you okay?
We haven't even opened the photography club booth for the day yet.
Do you remember what I said I wanted most of all?
Uh...
A crisis happening during the festival!
Something where everyone had to band together to overcome it.
Isn't that the epitome of youth?
... I guess?
Exactly!
Arcana, we're ready to go.
Okay.
I start to follow Arcana back into the classroom, but stop short.
Wait.
What?
I've got a bad feeling about this.
??
...
If I go back in there right now, there'll probably be a student who hasn't finished changing yet.
Then we'll make eye contact, and she'll let out a scream.
...
The school security will come running and drag me away.
And just like that, my youthful days will come to an terrible end.
I didn't know you had such a vivid imagination.
It's called being cautious.
Pfft. Because you're a veteran commander?
Arcana takes my hand.
Nothing's gonna happen. We've come too far to get a bad ending now.
She then gently tugs me forward.
31. Concern for Arcana
157 linesOn the first day of the festival, the divination club booth is absolutely packed.
As for the second day...
...
We still have to go up one more floor, right?
Yeah.
Wow...
Customers are lined up all the way down the stairs to the lower floor.
Let's just get to the booth.
Unsurprisingly, the snaking line was for our divination club booth.
We eventually make our way to the front to open it.
Um, excuse me,
but I'd rather have this handsome man do my fortune.
What?
What?
We can choose, can't we?
Well, yes, but...
I exchange glances with Arcana.
Okay. I'll do the reading.
I spread out the tarot cards.
First, is there anything that is concerning you?
I'm in love with someone who doesn't love me.
The customer give me a coy smile.
...
We haven't known each other for long.
I don't know his age, or even his name.
But I can feel that we're meant to be.
The woman places her hand over mine.
...
I-I see.
Pull your hand away.
Stay still.
...
...
I want to know if things could work out between him and me.
Would that be okay?
Oh, um...
C-could you draw three cards, first?
You can pick them for me.
...
I glance at Arcana.
...
She doesn't look happy, but she nods.
*Flip*
The Lovers reversed.
*Flip*
The Hanged Man.
*Flip*
The Devil.
...
...
For some reason, Arcana seems to be in a better mood.
I should start by saying tarot interpretations can vary wildly depending on the reader's mindset.
So no matter what interpretation we reach, don't get too hung up on it.
It's okay. I want to hear your interpretation.
...
Uh... very well.
First, the Lovers card reversed is...
... Tsk. I'm never doing tarot again!
Pleasure doing business with you!
...
Hehe. That was a wonderful reading, Commander.
To sum it up, you were basically "putting on a one-man show," right?
I tried to phrase it as gently as possible...
Arcana smiles brightly and pats my shoulder.
Yeah. I'm ready.
Very soon,
we start to realize why there are so many customers.
I want him to do mine!
...
...
Um, sorry, but could I have mine done by him?
...
...
I want the guy to do it!
...
...
Have a nice day...
...
...
Can I say something?
Go ahead.
Let's not open the booth tomorrow.
Huh?
...
Okay.
Good boy.
When we return to the dorm together that day, Arcana returns to her usual self...
...
... No. No matter how you look at it, that is not her usual self at all.
...
Hehe...
I want to know if things could work out between him and me.
Would that be okay?
Oh, um...
C-could you draw three cards, first?
You can pick them for me.
...
I glance at Arcana.
...
She seems to be lost in thought.
... I'll just proceed for now.
*Flip*
The Lovers reversed.
*Flip*
The Devil.
*Flip*
The Tower.
...
...
Arcana's eyes narrow.
I should start by saying tarot interpretations can vary wildly depending on the reader's mindset.
So no matter what interpretation we reach, don't get too hung up on it.
It's okay. I want to hear your interpretation.
...
Uh... very well.
First, the Lovers card reversed is...
It kind of feels right, but also kind of doesn't...
Pleasure doing business with you!
...
Hehe. That was a wonderful reading, Commander.
To sum things up, "One wrong choice can cause the entire situation to spiral out of control." Isn't that right?
I tried to phrase it as gently as possible...
Arcana smiles brightly and pats my shoulder.
... For some reason, that smile feels a little scary...
Yeah. I'm ready.
Very soon,
we start to realize why there are so many customers.
I want him to do mine!
...
...
Um, sorry, but could I have mine done by him?
...
...
I want the guy to do it!
...
...
Have a nice day...
...
...
Can I say something?
Go ahead.
Let's not open the booth tomorrow.
Huh?
...
Okay.
Good boy.
When we return to the dorm together that day, Arcana returns to her usual self...
...
... No. No matter how you look at it, that is not her usual self at all.
32. The Ruined Maid Cafe
166 linesPrivaty slides the door open.
Everyone...!
As soon as she does...
we see the curtains that had once decorated the walls so beautifully now tattered into ribbons,
with a lot of half-eaten food left on the desks.
A customer came in,
and before we could take her to her table, she started going crazy!
She tore the classroom apart.
While everyone went into the hall so we could clean up, all the food ingredients disappeared too.
The dishes we prepared are completely ruined.
Everyone looks devastated.
I knew it...
We're not meant to be doing these sorts of events.
To be honest, there's a part of me that's kinda relieved...
It's a weird feeling.
Well, since there's nothing for us to sell,
does anyone wanna go get parfaits?
They're talking as though they're sick of the festival,
or as though none of this was ever important to them...
They're ready to go back to their normal, everyday lives.
...
The group all seems excited as they pack their things.
They're happy to be leaving this classroom.
Watching them, I...
Say nothing.
Stop them.
There's nothing I can do.
No more words that I can say.
The way they looked as they were preparing for this festival is a far cry from the laughter we hear outside the classroom.
Somewhere along the way, things went horribly wrong.
But when...?
I recall something Rei said...
This isn't very fun though.
I had more fun greeting customers casually with a "Hey, Master!"
Now, it's just...
starting to feel like homework.
It makes me not want to do it.
I'm not saying I won't do it.
I'm just telling you how I feel.
Right...
She told us, but we didn't listen.
...
Privaty's eyes look as though she's about to break down. She must be thinking the same thing as me.
... Mr. Commander.
I think we might've gone about this the wrong way.
To me, a festival should be fun.
I was hoping it would really take root here and become a part of the school's culture.
I didn't want it to be canceled forever just because of some random evaluation that we don't even know the criteria for.
But...
what's the point of continuing to hold a festival that isn't fun for students in the moment?
That doesn't sound like a very "perfect" festival...
There was nothing perfect about the looks on their faces...!
Calm Privaty down.
Share the blame.
I pull her into a hug,
and slowly pat her back.
Calm down. We can still turn this around.
The students did their best. We just need to do the same.
Do you really think we can do that...?
We're the teachers.
Of course we can.
...
Okay.
... I wasn't going to say this because I didn't want it to go to your head,
but I'm really glad that you're here with me.
If I were alone, I think I would've collapsed under the guilt.
I doubt that. You would've found a way, even if you were alone.
... Maybe.
Privaty and I clean up the wrecked classroom.
We put away the decorations and rearrange it in a low-key, cozy way using things we were able to buy for cheap.
... Three forty in the morning.
I figured you would be...
so I brought a couple beers!
I pull out two cans from the fridge where the ingredients were stored.
*Thack! Fizz...*
Want me to try making omurice with the ingredients we bought earlier?
I recall the omurice we had at the maid cafe, and the one Amy made.
I do my best to recreate it.
She takes a bite.
Sorry...
No, it actually goes great with a cold beer.
I'm starting to understand how impressive Amy really is.
I know. To think she recreated that flavor in just a few days.
She must've worked incredibly hard.
...
...
Think you can do just a little bit more today?
Yeah, let's do it!
She's right. It's all our fault.
At this point, getting a good evaluation is out of the question.
The students wouldn't want to do this again, anyway.
Yeah, we really messed this up.
You really think so...?
I doubt there'll even be a festival next year.
All they'll remember is how bad this one was.
I doubt they'd appreciate that.
Then we can at least clean this up ourselves...!
All of this? Just the two of us?
...
It's okay, Privaty.
What's done is done.
Let's head back.
I support Privaty as she barely has the strength to walk, and we go back to my room.
It doesn't feel right to send everyone home like this.
H-hey, everyone, wait a second!
The group stops and looks back at us.
Their eyes are empty and disengaged.
After demanding perfection this whole time, what could I possibly say to them now...?
If we all clean up together, it won't take that long...
*Sigh...*
Yeah, that's true.
But that would mean we'd have to do this again tomorrow,
and we don't want that.
You all worked so hard on this, though...
Then why did you push us so hard?
Why did you make it sound like everything had to be absolutely flawless?
Privaty and I have no answer to that.
What answer could we possibly give to a group of students who just wanted to have a fun festival?
... We're sorry.
No, it's okay... It's not like you were trying to make things hard for us on purpose.
We're just really tired.
Can we go now?
Yeah. You did well today.
The group, who had been watching our reactions,
begin filing out of the classroom one by one.
For today,
maybe it's best to just let them rest and take their minds off things.
Should we head back too...?
Yeah.
Privaty and I decide that we'll give them a proper apology tomorrow.
Leaving the wrecked classroom as it is, we return to the dorms.
33. An Unexpected Return to the Day Job
84 linesOh, Mr. Commander.
I find Amy in the teachers' office.
I heard something happened.
Yeah, we're keeping things mostly under control for now,
but it doesn't look like it's getting any better.
Thanks for your help.
I'll assume command from here.
What, are you reverting to your real job now?
It's the first day. We need to make sure things stay on track.
That way, the other two days will go more smoothly.
Hehe, well I certainly feel reassured.
And so my real work begins in earnest.
Reports are gathered through the group chat to assess the situation, then personnel are dispatched accordingly.
If a critical situation arises during battle... I mean, during the festival,
the personnel on site will determine whether they are in over their heads. If they are, they will withdraw immediately and report in.
...
What is it?
Still can't believe it, huh?
I give out a chuckle as I scroll through the group chat, then my finger stops.
Or rather, it freezes.
"We've spotted a suspicious individual named Jackal near the front gate."
Jackal...?
A chill runs down my spine.
No matter how I look at it, I can only imagine this ending in disaster.
This is a code red. We need to get her current location.
I'll try contacting her as well.
H-hold on...
While Amy calls the student who submitted the report,
I dial Jackal's number.
*Ring, ring*
... Dang.
As expected, she doesn't pick up.
We don't know where she is.
Apparently she said she was heading to Class P, since she knows a lot of people there.
The moment Amy finishes speaking,
I bolt out the door.
Once I reach the courtyard, finding Jackal turns out to be surprisingly easy...
since every single food stall along a certain route is sold out.
I finally spot her in the distance.
Jaaackaaalll!
*Huff... huff...* H-hi...
What're you in such a rush for?
Wait, did you come to give me something good to eat?
There's so much good food here!
Where... are you heading?
The class with the people I see at the Outpost sometimes!
They said they've got tons of good food! Hehe!
... You can't go there.
Huh? Why not?
Oh! You want me to wait for Viper?
She said she couldn't come! Hehe!
She told me to come by myself, and even bought me clothes!
Err, that's not what I meant...
Why'd you come all this way? You didn't have to.
H-here... This is for you, Jackal.
Arcana hands a ticket to Jackal.
It reads, "Unlimited Maid Cafe Meal Pass (10 minutes only!)"
I already contacted the maid cafe, so they'll be ready for you.
Ooooh! What's this? I can eat as much as I want?!
Yes. There is a ten-minute time limit, though.
That's fine! I'm pretty sure I can eat everything in ten minutes.
Hehe. That's impressive.
I'm gonna head over there now! That's okay, right?
Enjoy your food!
Bye! You too, Commander! See you later! Hehe!
Jackal dashes off.
Phew... That almost went terribly wrong.
I let the maid cafe know she'd be coming, so they should be okay.
Thanks. You might've just saved the day.
Don't mention it.
I got chills the moment I heard "Jackal" and "maid cafe," and not the good kind.
It's only the first day, and I feel like we've already averted a major disaster.
Hehe. Seriously.
We narrowly avoided the destruction of every food stall on the first day of the festival.
Let's head back. I doubt anything worse than this is going to happen.
Don't jinx it!
Contrary to Arcana's worries,
the first day of the festival thankfully ends without any further incidents.
34. Exploring the Festival Together
161 lines*Pop, pop*
Hello! Have a refreshment!
Come check out our no-holds-barred haunted house!
There are so many people... maybe because it's the last day?
It feels like everyone is working harder to attract customers.
So, where should we start?
Hmm, it would be nice to get some snacks or drinks.
Why don't we stop by the booth in front first?
Sure, sounds good.
We walk toward a cute booth set up near the main gate.
Welcome!
Oh my, familiar faces.
Naga, Tia. You two are participating in the festival too?
Oh, what is it?
Ta-da!
An extra-large couples' drink.
Two cups that are stuck together, so you have to drink while staying very close.
For the price of one drink, you get double the drink and double the flavor!
We'll show you how it works.
Naga and Tia press their faces tightly together.
*Slurrrp*
They put the straws in their mouths and drink together.
What do you think?
That's so cool!
What a sweet deal!
Zwei, you and I can share one.
Rei and Amy can have another,
and then Teacher and Miss Privaty can drink one together!
Huh? No, I'll just—
Come on, Naga and Tia worked so hard preparing this!
And it's a steal. You get double the drink for the same price!
How can you say no to that?
Huh?
O-oh, right! No way I can resist that!
Soon after.
Here you go.
It's kinda heavy...
That's why I said we should stick with regular cups.
...
If you're thirsty, you can drink first.
I am thirsty, so I take one of the straws and sip.
*Slurrrp*
...!
...
At the same time, Privaty also puts the straw beside mine into her mouth.
We're quite close,
so much that our cheeks almost touch.
I can feel her breathing through her nose.
... I thought you were suggesting we drink separately.
...
Feeling a deep gratitude towards Ein,
I continue drinking the beverage along with Privaty.
I-I'm scared...
I looked it up.
This haunted house is supposed to be the highlight of the festival.
Look, the line is super long!
It sounds fun.
...
Are you scared too, Miss Privaty?
The six of us line up in front of the haunted house.
The scale is enormous, taking up the entire of the gym.
Everyone must enter in groups of two or three,
so please decide your groups in advance.
Since there are people who are scared, wouldn't three people be better?
But isn't it more fun when there are fewer people in a group?
I don't mind either way.
Then you decide, Teacher.
What should we do?
Let's go in two at a time.
Let's go in three at a time.
I knew it! You know how to have a good time, Teacher.
Then I-I'll go with Ein.
You're surprisingly such a scaredy-cat, Zwei.
I'll go with Rei.
Okay.
Do you not like that?
I never said that.
After waiting about 10 minutes.
I'm going in!
... Eep.
Ein and Zwei go in.
See you later!
I'm gonna keep my eyes closed, so you'll have to guide me...
Rei and Amy go in.
...
...
I feel nervous all of a sudden.
Next group.
Please go inside.
Following the student's instructions,
we venture past the dark curtain.
I'm honestly more scared than I let on.
So how should we split up?
I-I want to go with Ein.
Me too!
Huh? Why?
Because you seem like the least scared.
Amy nods vigorously.
I'm not scared, so you two can rest easy.
That sounds reassuring.
*Poke, poke*
Teacher...
Huh? What is it?
Weren't you supposed to say you'd go in as a pair and then go in with Ms. Privaty?
Well, some of the group seemed pretty scared, so I just...
*Sigh* Even when I try to push you in the right direction, you go off course.
Still, Rei has surprisingly little presence, so do your best.
Got it?
Okay...
After waiting about 10 minutes.
Let's go!
*Sigh*
...
Ein, Zwei, and Amy go in first.
...
...
Now that we're actually going in, I feel kind of nervous.
R-really?
I'm totally fine...
By the way, you surprise me, Rei.
I didn't know you were so brave.
Next group.
Please go inside.
...!
Okay!
Rei leads the way, and we all go through the dark curtain.
35. Collaboration Begins
112 lines... Thankfully, a bad ending does not come to pass.
Instead, after putting up the flyers we made...
Welcome back, Master.
Please follow me to your seat.
At long last, the maid cafe is operating as it should.
Now, this is what I call a maid cafe.
You're really into maid cafes, aren't you?
As Arcana says, Class P looks overwhelmed by the influx of customers.
That's probably best. It's already lunchtime.
Leaving the now-lively maid cafe behind, we return to the photography club booth.
...
...
...
As before, the booth remains deserted.
We might as well have left it open.
Yeah...
*Sigh*
Arcana collapses onto the desk.
Why doesn't anyone care? About our youth...
Weren't you just saying earlier that overcoming adversity was the epitome of youth or something?
That's different...
Arcana looks around at the displayed photos.
The door slides open.
Um...
Is this the photography club exhibition?
Arcana leaps to her feet.
Wow, these photos are amazing!
They all center on the theme of youth.
The door slides open.
Is this the place...?
Hello. Are you here to see the exhibition?
Oh, yes.
Could I get a photo for proof and a stamp too, please?
What?
?
The sound of running footsteps approaches.
Teacher!
Ein?
There's a super long wait to get into the maid cafe,
so people are coming here while they wait for their names to be called.
What else was it again... oh, right!
Ein presses a stamp into my hand.
If they get a stamp confirming that they came here, along with a photo for proof, they get some cool perks!
H-huh?
With the sound of running footsteps,
Ein scurries off down the hallway.
Wh-what in the world...
...
I look at Arcana and Amy.
They're surprised, but their faces brighten.
You heard that, right?
Arcana picks up the camera that was lying on the desk.
Now our work really begins.
The three of us somehow manage to tend to the never-ending stream of visitors.
We explain the exhibition photos, take proof shots and stamp everyone's cards.
Before we know it, closing time has arrived.
So, how many people were there?
I stopped counting after 100.
I see...
Yeah...
...
Hehe.
Hehe.
Haha...
Ugh.
Arcana, who had been sprawled over the desk, stands up and stretches.
And then...
What are you doing?
Arcana...?
She starts taking down the displayed photos and packing them into a box.
A youthful maid cafe?
Yeah!
You know how we worked as a team today?
I say we officially combine our booths and do it properly!
Arcana sets down the box full of photos.
Photos of us, promotional photos we took before,
and the new photos we took today, we'll display all of them!
... I-it does?
Instead of having two separate booths like we did today, if we merge them...
we could try out a bunch of different ideas too.
Our concepts even match perfectly.
Exactly!
But...
Do you think we'll be able to get permission to merge our booths?
It'd be one thing if we did it before the festival started, but doing so now may be complicated.
Hmm...
I look at Privaty.
I'm sure Miss Privaty will find a way to make it work.
...?!
Right! That's what a great teacher does!
H-hold on...
Hurry and ask, Miss Privaty!
Pleeeaaaaase?
... We'd really appreciate it, Miss Privaty.
Pretty please with a cherry on top!
...
*Sigh* Fine.
I'll get permission, but my reputation's on the line here.
In return, you need to deliver the best results.
36. A Small Sense of Possessiveness
61 linesOn the last day of the festival,
Arcana and I close up our booth as promised and wander through the festival together, but...
Hello! Come get a sweet drink... oh!
...?
Excuse me! Over here!
Thanks for the drink.
...
You're not scared of ghosts, are you?
Of course not! ... Wait.
... The people in haunted houses aren't even real ghosts to begin with.
Right?! That would be kinda scary if they were!
Then again, as long as I stick close to you...
Sorry, we've had a few too many accidents with pairs,
so now only groups of three or more are allowed.
We feel a presence nearby.
??
Women who had been waiting quietly move over and settle near us.
...
Uh...
We decide to give up on the haunted house, but similar situations keep happening everywhere we go.
Sorry about this, Arcana.
You've got nothing to apologize for, Commander.
Such is the burden of having a super handsome boyfriend.
... Having said that, yesterday and today have been kind of strange.
This feels really like a prank...
...
What is it?
I turn around to where Arcana is looking.
Amy and the other Class P students are laughing together as they enjoy the festival.
Oh... hmm...
...
... Arcana.
Yes?
Want to go somewhere we can be alone?
Hmm... What about our club room?
We can lock the door. We weren't planning on opening the booth today anyway.
Arcana points at the shaved ice stand with a long line.
Can you buy me one?
You don't want to wait together?
What is it?
It's a secret.
...
Let me know when you're done.
Arcana stands up on her toes and whispers.
I just need to change clothes.
37. The Fall of the Popular Guy
89 linesOn the last day of the festival,
Arcana and I close up our booth as promised and wander through the festival together, but...
Hello! Come get a sweet drink... oh!
...?
Excuse me! Over here!
...
... Yeah? What's up?
Oh, i-it's nothing big or anything, haha...
The female student looks around as if to make sure no one's watching,
then slips a small cookie into my hand together with a drink.
Here, this is for you!
Oh... Um, thanks?
Somewhat puzzled, I take the cookie and drink.
Sure looks delicious, doesn't it?
Wanna split this?
Nah, I'm good. You have it.
...??
Sure, let's go.
I can't quite put my finger on it... but Arcana's reaction seems strange.
Hehe, this'll be fun!
... Maybe it's just my imagination.
You're not scared of ghosts, are you?
Of course not! ... Wait.
... The people in haunted houses aren't even real ghosts to begin with.
Right?! That would be kinda scary if they were!
Then again, as long as I stick close to you...
Sorry, we've had a few too many accidents with pairs,
so now only groups of three or more are allowed.
We feel a presence nearby.
??
Women who had been waiting quietly move over and settle near us.
I'm all alone, so mind if I tag along?
I've been dying to see the haunted house.
Uh...
...
Another presence draws close.
Hey there.
Are you out enjoying the festival with your little sister?
...
Aren't you just the sweetest!
But isn't it a bit boring?
Mind if I tag along too?
Hmm, I don't...
Hehe, sounds good!
I was kinda bummed we might not get into the haunted house!
Come on, let's go...
... my sweet brother.
...
In the end, we're wandering through the haunted house with two complete strangers.
Honestly, none of it registers.
Because the scariest thing of all is right beside me...
Arcana, wait—
That's it?
How was that for you?
Excuse me, just a sec...
Wasn't that fun?
...
Hey, don't leave me behind! I got so scared my legs gave out.
Can you walk me home?
Uh... Sorry, I'm kind of busy right now.
Arca—
Ah, there you are!
I-I've... been looking all over for you!
The same girl from before hands me an envelope.
Um, I really hope you'll read this!
*Snap*
... I think I just heard
something I wasn't supposed to.
W-wait, Arcana!
Perfect timing. Let's grab a drink.
I live just up ahead.
This must be what they call love at first sight!
L-let go of me!
Arcana!
With that, Arcana walks off. Not to the dorms,
but straight to the library.
She apologizes later for being overly sensitive,
and somehow we manage to make up. Even so, I don't see her again until well after the festival.
Bad Ending No. 8: The Fall of the Popular Guy
38. Rapid Recovery
84 linesThe door to the classroom slides open.
Shh!
Ein, I told you to keep it down.
Look around you.
Ein scans the classroom.
The interior she had spent days decorating so elaborately,
had been utterly wrecked by one particularly troublesome customer, but now...
Wasn't this place a total disaster yesterday?
Hold on...
These aren't the decorations I bought, and I don't recognize this fabric either.
Me too.
Should we check the fridge?
The fridge?
Yeah, all the ingredients were stolen yester...
...?!
The ingredients are all here!
Actually, there's even more than we had before.
No way...
The teachers must've stayed up all night fixing everything.
I came early to help clean, but it was already done.
So I guess all that stuff about it affecting grades was just a rumor?
Looks like it.
...
Is there a blanket anywhere?
We should cover them with something. They're gonna freeze like this.
Welco... Master...
Tastier... boing...
Three more omurice...
Ugh... My whole body hurts...
We wake up to the sound of hustle and bustle around us.
I brush aside the penguin-pattern blanket covering us and part the makeshift dressing-room curtain.
...
See you la... I mean, come again, Master!
I'm not the best at the delicious spell,
but you'll be amazed at what I can draw with just a bottle of ketchup.
Everyone seems at ease, not stiff or overly rehearsed.
They look much more relaxed and lively than yesterday.
I didn't make it here yesterday because I heard someone caused a bunch of trouble,
but I really like how everything turned out! It's cute.
I almost wasn't going to come because the people outside were kinda pushy,
but the food's good, and the decorations are adorable.
The students are smiling, and the customers are too.
Yeah, you're right...
...
So what if there isn't another festival next year?
As long as we all have fun today, that's enough for me.
Yeah. You're right.
They look pretty busy. Should we at least help with the dishes?
Sure.
Just as we get up to help...
Welcome back, Master.
...
...
Can we hurry up and get a table?
Certainly.
... Those two seem kinda rude.
They look really stiff, huh? And they sound arrogant.
Wait...!
I bet they're the Missilis representatives Ether mentioned!
...!
We nervously start watching the two closely.
39. Belated Cleanup
77 linesI wake up early, before my alarm.
I can't stop thinking about the classroom and how we left it in disarray yesterday.
*Whirrr*
Huh...?
Morning, Privaty.
It's still dawn. Where are you going?
To the school. I keep thinking about the classroom.
How about you?
Yeah.
We meet in front of the elevator and head to the school at a brisk pace.
Despite it being early in the morning, we see the lights are already on in the classroom.
Is someone already in there...?
We open the door...
Eeek!
Mr. Commander, Miss Privaty...
What are you all doing here so early?
All the students are gathered inside the classroom.
...
The whole time we were hanging out yesterday, none of us could stop thinking about the classroom.
We decided to buy whatever supplies we could and start fixing it up.
Wait, you've been doing this since last night?
We got permission from our dorm supervisor.
Still, it's dangerous for students to...!
I stop Privaty.
...?
Normally, I'm positive they would've asked either Privaty or me for permission,
but they probably didn't want to.
I'm guessing they were worried that we'd put too much pressure on them,
which is the last thing they want for the festival.
...
How far have you gotten?
All right, leave that to us. You all take a break.
No.
But all the stuff we bought was super cheap...
And for the ingredients, we just grabbed whatever we could from the store.
Honestly...
We did stay up all night, but doing everything our way was the most fun we've had yet.
*Yawn...*
Any stress they'd been experiencing seems to melt away as the students slump into their chairs.
The sun rises. It's the second day of the festival.
Master! Have a seat here.
Having barely slept the previous night, everyone looks exhausted and keeps making frequent mistakes,
but they look far more relaxed than they were yesterday.
I didn't make it here yesterday because I heard someone caused a bunch of trouble,
but I like how everything turned out. It's pretty good.
I almost wasn't going to come because the people outside were kinda pushy,
but the students are really cute, if a little inexperienced. I'm glad I came.
Looks like things have settled down. That's a relief.
They look pretty busy. Should we at least help with the dishes?
Sure.
Just as we get up to help...
Welcome back, Master.
...
...
Can we hurry up and get a table?
Certainly.
... Those two seem kinda rude.
They look really stiff, huh? And they sound arrogant.
Wait...!
I bet they're the Missilis representatives Ether mentioned!
...!
We nervously start watching the two closely.
40. My Own Personal Privaty
37 linesThe next day, and the day after that,
the festival continues, but Privaty and I stay shut inside the room.
...
Want to eat something?
Yeah, sure...
The lights in the room are off.
Privaty has lost all will and motivation.
She goes along with everything I suggest, and agrees with everything I say.
Anything in particular you want to eat?
Do you not want to go see the students?
Privaty lies on the floor and stares blankly out the window.
Privaty...
...
Do you wanna have a drink?
Yeah, sure.
Privaty.
Yes?
Can I kiss you?
Go ahead.
Privaty.
Yes?
I'm really gonna do it.
Okay.
Inside the darkened room,
Privaty's eyes are completely devoid of focus.
She lies motionless on the ground, moving only when I tell her to,
doing only what I ask.
Privaty and I do little more than the bare minimum to survive,
waiting for the festival—and the mission—to come to end,
never leaving the room until it does.
Bad Ending No.9: My Own Personal Privaty
41. Toward the Finale
106 linesThe final day of the festival...
The second day luckily went off without a hitch thanks to the effort we put in on day one, but we've still got one more day to go.
What happened with the power outage at the churros booth?
The technician came earlier, so it should be fixed by now.
I'll double-check.
Just a moment.
... Hello? Yes, I was on another call...
What?!
Okay, understood. I'll head over right away.
Where to this time?
The main gate.
They say there's a suspicious person wandering around.
I'll go.
...
The classroom being used as the executive committee's headquarters feels exactly like a command center.
The students who on the ground at the festival are probably dealing with similar chaos...
Mr. Commander, they're saying we're short on people near the track field.
Okay, give me a minute.
I look at the monitor and start trying to think of what to do.
... Unless the committee students suddenly learn how to clone themselves, there's no real solution.
I'll go. I'll keep an eye on my phone, so message me right away if anything happens.
If it's really urgent, call me immediately.
Yeah, okay. Thanks.
I'll go with you.
Arcana comes over when she sees me stand up.
You sure?
As long as I have my tablet, I can work from anywhere.
And who knows what else might come up over there...
... All right.
After leaving the classroom,
we're so busy dealing with issues that we can't even make it back on time for lunch.
I'm exhausted...
Me too...
It's only long after lunchtime's ended that we get a break.
If it's this hectic now, imagine what it would've been like if we hadn't prepared so thoroughly.
It's just one thing after another...
Ugh. I don't even want to think about it.
Arcana sits up after having been slumped over her desk for a minute.
Still...
She looks out over the courtyard, where the festival is in full swing.
It feels pretty rewarding, huh?
Knowing that other people are so happy because of our hard work...
...
I also gaze down at the courtyard.
Visitors, students, teachers...
Everyone seems to be smiling and having a good time.
... Let's hang in there just a bit longer.
I place my hand over the back of Arcana's.
Arcana pulls out a lunchbox from her bag.
... we should eat to get our energy back.
You made lunch?
I figured we wouldn't have time to eat properly, so I made something simple.
She opens it to reveal some tasty-looking sushi.
Thanks.
To be honest, I've been wanting to take care of you like this.
Hm...
Now that I think about it, maybe stuff like this would've been fine for you to do.
Right? If I'd just given it to you before we got to school, no one would've known who it came from anyway.
Arcana takes a bite of the sushi.
I'll go ahead and make lunch for you again later.
Later?
Today's the last day.
Oh, I don't mean at school. I mean when you're no longer Mr. Commander.
...
Would you rather I not?
No, I'll be looking forward to it.
Good.
After finishing the comfortable meal,
Arcana stands up.
All right, back to work.
We've still got a ways to go!
Yeah... I really didn't expect this many things to come up.
As you said, it's just one thing after another.
All we can do is try to keep things under control.
Yeah, we just have to get through tonight.
Arcana pulls out a lunchbox from her bag.
First things first. Let's eat.
That sounds good. I really might starve...
Guess what I made for us today?
Sushi.
What? How'd you know?
You packed it right in front of me this morning.
Hehe, fair. Here you go.
Arcana hands me a piece of sushi.
Technically, yes...
Hmm...
I check the group chat while chewing.
Nothing urgent has come in,
just photos and chatter about the festival booths.
Yeah, you're probably right.
Oh?
I wasn't that interested at first,
but once I found out you like maids, I looked into it, and it seems pretty fun. The outfits are cute too.
Y-yeah...
You want to hear me do the delicious spell?
...
Hehe.
We finish our meal and head for Class P's maid cafe.
42. Haunted House for Two
145 linesAs we step beyond the curtain, nothing is visible.
...
*Brrrrr-ing*
Emergency! Emergency!
A zombie outbreak has occurred!
All citizens, please evacuate immediately.
So this is the concept they're going for.
Zombies can't see, but they are extremely sensitive to sound.
In order to escape, you must make your way to the exit without being caught by the zombie.
If you make noise or scream and get caught by a zombie,
you'll be turned into one of them.
Best of luck making it out safe.
*Creeeak*
The door opens.
A dark alleyway appears before my eyes. It's as if they've constructed an entire movie set.
Wow, Missilis really spared no expense with this.
...
Um, Miss Privaty?
Privaty tightly grabs my shirt with her small hands.
How cute.
Did you get scared the moment you walked in?
Grrr... grrrr...
Okay.
We move forward with light, stealthy steps to avoid making any sound.
*Rustle*
...!!
*Crunch*
There is plastic on the floor.
It seems obstacles were deliberately set up to create noise.
This is bad...
*Step, step*
From afar, a zombie robot walks toward us with a bizarre gait.
A strange liquid dribbles from its mouth.
No wonder it feels so real, they used a robot instead of an actor...
I grab Privaty's wrist and carefully move away from where we made the sound.
Grrr...
The zombie robot lumbers toward the sound, one slow step at a time.
Nngh...!
Privaty squirms and is about to scream in terror, but I tighten my grip on her wrist with one hand...
Shhh!
... And clamp my other hand over her mouth.
Mmph!
*Thump, thump*
...
*Step, step*
Grrrrrr...
The zombie robot glances around. Seeing that no one is there,
it slowly turns and walks away.
...
...
*Tap, tap*
Privaty lightly taps my hand with the hand I'm holding.
Oh...
I carefully release my hands.
*Sigh*
At least give me a warning before doing something like that.
I nearly had a heart attack... and it wasn't from being scared.
Sorry, my hand moved without thinking.
Holding hands tightly, we move even more slowly and carefully than before.
Grrr!
Eek!
Every time the zombie robot makes a sound, Privaty lets out a cute noise and presses against me.
Honestly, since we were told not to make any noise, I didn't expect a situation like this.
But things are working in my favor.
If you're scared, you can cling to me.
Despite her words, Privaty presses her body even closer to me.
I-I'm not scared at all, so don't get the wrong idea.
You saying that just makes me want to think the opposite.
Whether it's out of fear or excitement,
my heart is beating fast.
Hmm.
It's definitely out of excitement.
The door slides open.
Phew...
Whew...
After overcoming all kinds of malicious obstacles and enduring jump scares,
we succeed in escaping.
Congratulations!
Your time was 25 minutes and 39 seconds.
Please take this gift.
We get a gift?
Yes, we give them out based on how long you take to escape.
We receive a small box.
*Rattle, rattle*
It's light. A keychain, maybe?
I'm surprised by how legit that was.
It wasn't that scary.
Wow! How long did it take you to escape?
15 minutes!
You didn't just smash through all the zombies, did you?
There is a wire about 30cm up ahead. Probably a trap.
Two zombies three meters to the right.
There is plastic on the floor. Best to avoid that.
Very impressive.
Zwei is trembling all over.
Oh...
So, Rei and Amy, what was it like for you?
...
...
... We failed.
What?
How'd that happen?
As soon as we went in, Rei screamed...
and we got caught right away.
Oh...
Yeah, it was good that we could come out quickly.
I'm glad that we got first place!
I enjoyed it too, in more ways than one.
With satisfied smiles,
we set off to find the next attraction.
43. Haunted House for Three
111 lines...
*Brrrrr-ing*
Emergency! Emergency!
A zombie outbreak has occurred!
All citizens, please evacuate immediately.
...!
So this is the concept they're going for.
Zombies can't see, but they are extremely sensitive to sound.
In order to escape, you must make your way to the exit without being caught by the zombie.
If you make noise or scream and get caught by a zombie,
you'll be turned into one of them.
Best of luck making it out safe.
*Creeeak*
The door opens.
A dark alleyway appears before my eyes. It's as if they've constructed an entire movie set.
Wow, Missilis really spared no expense with this.
*Thump*
Mmph?!
Rei, you're being the loudest of us all right now.
*Gulp*
Are you okay? Is it too scary?
Hrrrnghh...
D-don't cry!
*Sniff*
I barely manage to calm down Rei, who's on the verge of tears,
and we finally take our first step forward.
Grrr... grrrr...
Oh jeez... oh gosh...
We move forward with light, stealthy steps to avoid making any sound.
*Rustle*
Eeeeep!
*Crunch!*
There is plastic on the floor.
It seems obstacles were deliberately set up to create noise.
*Step, step*
From afar, a zombie robot walks toward us with a bizarre gait.
A strange liquid dribbles from its mouth.
No wonder it feels so real, they used a robot instead of an actor...
R-Rei!
You mustn't shout!
Waaaaaaaaah!
Gaaaah!
Eeeeeeeeeee!
Unfortunately, you failed to escape and became zombies.
Please exit this way.
Thank you...
*Gasp, gasp*
We're outside now. It's okay.
Thanks to Rei, we're kicked out of the haunted house in less than five minutes after starting.
That was so scary!
After comforting Rei and waiting about ten minutes.
Ein, Zwei, and Amy, who entered before us, come out of the door.
Congratulations!
Your total time is 15 minutes and 20 seconds.
That's the best record so far!
Uh... yeah...
Please take this gift.
It is given based on how long you took to escape.
Thank you!
Ohhh...
You guys are already out here?
Didn't you go in after us?
That's too bad. You didn't get the full experience!
You all came out faster than expected.
You didn't just smash your way through everything, did you?
Uh...
Let's move slowly...
...
Zwei?
There is a wire about 30cm up ahead. Probably a trap.
Two zombies three meters to the right.
There is plastic on the floor. Best to avoid that.
...!
Very impressive.
Zwei is trembling all over.
What do you mean?
With Miss Privaty, I mean.
She's freaking out, saying how it's all so scary,
and you saying, "Don't worry, you're safe in my arms."
Stuff like that.
Not at all... we didn't even have time for it.
*Sigh*
It was a bit disappointing, but it wasn't a bad experience by any means.
Anyway, we take a look at the booths too?
Okay.
Things turned out different from what we expected,
but we set off to find the next attraction.
44. Grand Opening! Youth Maid Cafe!
89 linesOn the final day of the festival,
the Youth Maid Cafe finally opens.
Welcome back, Master!
While you wait, please take a look at the photos.
We will also take a commemorative photo for you once you're done.
In addition to the existing maid cafe menu, there were all kinds of photo shoots,
and even events to pick the best photo.
The maid cafe is now filled with even more things to see and enjoy.
...
...
Th-there are way too many people!
What?!
We might run out of ingredients...
I'll help out in any way I can.
Who did you hear that from?
...
You said there's a shortage of ingredients, right?
Arcana is covering the photo side of things,
so if you write down what you need, I can go buy it.
Thanks! Here you go.
Okay.
Even as the crisis hits in real time,
we resolve it quickly, thanks to everyone working together.
Hehe.
Now this is youth.
Teacher! The dishes are piling up!
O-on it!
Two omurice, one pasta, and two coffees for table four!
Teacher. You need to clear tables three, five, and six.
... Got it.
Commander! Can you give team 124 their stamps?
I-I'm on my way!
For now, I guess I should just focus on the job.
After the rush hour, it's finally break time.
I wasn't the only one busy, but I'm been allowed a short break.
I see Arcana approaching Amy, who is organizing the ingredients she bought earlier.
Um... Amy?
Yes?
Um... I'm sorry.
...
What are you apologizing for?
I...
I don't want to participate.
Sorry?
Isn't this supposed to be a place where Nikkes are supposed to train and prove themselves?
I didn't come here to make a spectacle of myself.
When we agreed to merge the booths, I didn't think it would go this far.
... I was wondering what you were suddenly talking about.
Did you forget what you said to me after that?
...
Well... I guess that's true.
Amy looks around the classroom.
Everyone is at their assigned post, performing their assigned duties.
What we are doing now is not just maid cafe work.
It's cooperation between friends.
To put it in your words, it's the epitome of youth.
... Hehe. Thank you.
You're welcome.
... More importantly.
Amy takes a stamp out of Arcana's pocket.
Here. Go have fun.
Huh?
I told you to hang out with Commander when you got the chance, didn't I?
Commander. You heard that, right?
Oh, yeah.
Go on.
If you wait any longer, there won't be anything left to see.
No, thank you.
Now go on. Hurry.
Amy pushes Arcana back.
I hold out my hand to Arcana as she comes up beside me.
Shall we go?
...
Arcana gingerly takes my hand.
Yeah, let's go.
45. Handmade Wedding Ceremony
137 linesAfter waiting about twenty minutes, I buy shaved ice and arrive in front of the club room, but...
I never got a message from Arcana. Is it okay to go in?
After hesitating for a while, I'm about to open the door when a message arrives.
*Vrrr*
...
I'm coming in.
*Slide*
Arcana?
... Yes?
Can I turn on the lights?
... Y-yeah.
*Click*
...
...
...
C-come on, say something!
Well, you see...
...
...
Uh... What was going through your head to actually wear a wedding dress?
... This is a wedding dress, right?
... Yes.
... That looks like a veil,
and you're holding a bouquet or something...?
Arcana glances toward one side of the desk,
where a very familiar outfit rests...
Is that a bunny girl outfit...?
Yeah...
Other girls have been all over you the past few days, and, well, it was kind of getting to me.
So I thought if I did something like this,
you wouldn't be thinking about anyone else...
Arcana picks up the bunny girl outfit.
... Seriously, this thing is ridiculously small.
I kinda bought it on a whim... and it was way too small...
...
S-so I went with this instead...
... And you went with a wedding dress?
I-I didn't really have a choice!
I was gonna tell you to wait a bit while I looked for something else.
But if I took too long, we'd miss the fireworks, so...
I just grabbed whatever I could find in the clubroom.
...
Arcana can't meet my gaze and looks at the floor.
... I've never seen you so fidgety.
...
Did the other girls
bother you today?
Yeah, yesterday and the day before too.
?
Honestly...
I've always thought of myself as this super cool, effortlessly chic woman
and wouldn't care about things like that. But maybe I'm not as unbothered as I thought.
I see.
... But turns out it didn't go the way I expected.
I get way too worked up whenever another girl even talks to you.
Was it yesterday? I nearly lost it when that customer grabbed your hand.
You seemed kind of down.
Uh... right.
... Anyway, that's just how I am.
I don't know... I guess I just...
...
Ugh, I always act on impulse,
and it never turns out well.
So this is the second time?
... What?
That went really well, didn't it? Just like when you first gave me your card.
I'm really happy right now.
You're pretty.
Keep going.
You look amazing in this.
Let's get married.
Okay!
*Thunk*
?
Arcana places a sheet of paper
titled "Marriage Registration Form" on the desk.
...
Didn't you say we should get married?
I'm in a wedding dress right now, and your school uniform basically counts as formal wear.
Arcana points to the signature line.
All you have to do is sign here.
...
The dejected look she had just a second ago is gone.
Right now, she's beaming at me.
You weren't acting that whole time, were you?
What do you think?
...
Hehe.
Arcana picks up the marriage registration form and folds it in half.
Well, even if it's just a joke, hearing you say you want to marry me is more than enough.
Hoho, I'm totally back to my usual self now.
Something about this feels... weird.
Really?
Arcana raises a hand.
I, Arcana, take you, Commander, to be my husband.
To have and to hold from this day forward,
for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health,
to love and to cherish, till death do us part.
... There, feel better now?
...
Arcana comes over and hugs me.
If you ever cheat on me, you'll be in serious trouble. Got it?
I won't cheat...
...
Go wait outside for a sec. I'll be out once I've changed.
... Okay.
*The door slides close*
A little later, Arcana comes out with a new change of clothes.
From the small shopping bag in her hand, bunny ears peek out slightly.
Are you disappointed?
...
Hehe, I'll show you some other time.
Really?
Sure, if I feel like it.
...
Arcana grabs my hand and starts walking.
Okay.
My gaze subconsciously drifts toward the shopping bag.
...
I'm not disappointed... Not at all...
46. Picky Customers
194 lines...
Is this all there is to order?
There's barely anything to choose from.
Even for a maid cafe, you should have more main dishes than just omurice...
I said "main dishes."
You do know what a main dish is, don't you?
Grrr...!
...
It's okay... I'm a senior... and a maid... I can handle this...
Phew...
So, will you be ordering or not?
You seem quite confident in your omurice.
We'll take two.
Really?
...
I know we shouldn't judge people by appearances,
but... they do seem extremely picky.
I'll serve them.
Really? Are you sure?
All right, I'm counting on you!
*Clatter*
Here are your two omurices.
I heard you do a little spell for the customers to make it tastier.
Could you do that for us?
Oh, right...
Uh, I'm really sorry, but the way I make it tastier is with ketchup art, not the delicious spell.
You can think of it as... ketchup magic.
Let me show y—
No.
If you're a real maid, you should be able to do both.
That's the "delicious spell"?
I'm pretty sure it made the food worse.
Oh...
Privaty and I stop Ein,
and we both step forward.
This maid is terrible at her job.
Oh, is that so? Well, I'm sorry you see it that way!
From where I'm standing, she's doing a fine job!
What...?
You two are worse than the maids!
Also, shouldn't you be addressing us as "Master" and all that?
Oh, unfortunately you don't really seem worthy of that title.
Sorry, but I don't think our cafe is a good fit for the two of you. Would you mind leaving?
Wh-what did you say?!
We're paying customers! We deserve—
Privaty slams her hand on the table.
Let me make something clear.
You two seem to be under the false impression that this is a real business.
This is a school festival, something the students have put their hearts and souls into preparing.
Are you sure this is really how you want to treat the students here?
I don't care whether or not you're affiliated with Missilis,
you don't get to stick your noses up at our students as they enjoy their festival!
Missilis affiliates...?
What are you talking about?
We just like to visit different maid cafes.
It doesn't matter.
Whoever you are, we don't serve people like you. Now, leave while we're asking you nicely.
...
L-let's get out of here.
... Yeah.
The two ill-mannered customers awkwardly leave the classroom.
Peace returns to the cafe, and soon it's bustling and lively once again.
Good work, everyone.
Wow, we sold out in just one day!
I mean, the teachers miscalculated a bit, which meant we were short on ingredients, but still!
Yeah?
Thanks a lot for what you both did earlier.
I was this close to letting loose on those two customers.
It was really hard just standing there.
Same here! If I wasn't so old and mature, I couldn't have held my tongue!
No need to thank us... We're your teachers. That sort of thing is what we're here for.
I wasn't about to let anyone speak to our students like that.
Um, can I ask something?
You mentioned Missilis affiliates earlier.
What was that about?
Oh...
Privaty looks at me for direction.
I give her an affirming nod.
I wanted to keep this quiet if possible, but since you asked...
Put simply,
We were told that some Missilis representatives were coming to judge the festival.
They were going to be looking at how flawlessly it was organized,
and how many visitors were in attendance.
If it didn't meet their standards,
they might cancel future festivals altogether.
At least, that's what we were told.
Oh...!
Is that why you were so hard on us?
Yeah.
We hoped the festival would become a lasting tradition at the school,
since we thought the students would enjoy that.
Instead, all we did was ruin it.
I'm sorry. We only wanted you all to have fun.
What are you talking about?
We had lots of fun.
...!
Yeah! Apart from those two irritating customers, today was a blast!
All the customers looked really happy too.
They called me cute!
They said my omurice was delicious!
I know I said before that I wasn't sure if I could enjoy the festival,
but today was incredible.
Thank you both.
...
...
... Does that mean, though, that this might've been the last festival we ever do?
It's... a possibility.
Well,
if it's our last festival,
that means it's your last festival, too.
Since we sold out and closed early, you two should go and enjoy it!
What? But...
We'll take care of the cleanup. Get out there.
Wait, isn't there one day left?
We can look around tomorrow...
*Sigh* Can you really not take the hint...?
Tomorrow, we're planning on looking around as one big group,
students and teachers together.
That means today is the only day you two get to enjoy alone.
Think of this as us... giving you two some space.
Ah... adult romance!
So go on.
...
I take Privaty's hand.
I meet Privaty's gaze.
I whisper so only Privaty can hear.
If they're this insistent, let's go along with it.
Wow...
Ah! Adult romance!
As the students swoon,
Privaty and I leave the classroom hand in hand.
...?
I look at Privaty, who looks like a deer in headlights.
I whisper so only she can hear.
If we don't leave now, they'll never let up.
...
All right.
Thank you for being so considerate, everyone.
We'll head out to enjoy the festival together.
If you need anything, you can call us anytime.
I'm not sure...
I guess it wasn't an adult romance after all.
Listening to what the students are saying to each other as we leave,
I feel a small stab in my chest.
They could've at least tried to whisper...
47. Future Plans
105 linesHaving wrapped things up, we're on our way back to the classroom, when suddenly...
Huh?
Arcana approaches a little girl standing off to the side whose eyes are welling with tears.
I can't find my mom.
Arcana crouches down in front of the girl, lowering herself to her eye level.
Really? Did you come here with her?
M-my dad was supposed to come too,
but he said it was too loud...
I see. So you came with just your mom?
Yeah, b-but then she disappeared...
The girl struggles to hold back her tears.
The little girl nods.
What's your name?
... Kelly.
Okay, Kelly.
Arcana turns her head and looks up at me.
Kelly grips Arcana's clothes tightly.
Do you like me better than him?
She nods.
Hehe. There you have it.
I'll make the call.
She nods.
While I make the call, Arcana lifts Kelly up.
A little while later...
She fell asleep fast.
Is she heavy?
Arcana gently strokes Kelly's back.
The fact that she's so cute makes it easier.
...
What should we name her?
Huh...?
She said her name was Kelly.
No, not her.
...?
...
Oh...!
Given your history with coming up with names, that worries me.
If you'd had your way, our festival would've had a weird name.
I still say that one should've made it.
Even as she speaks, Arcana can't take her eyes off Kelly.
You really like kids, huh?
Yeah.
I mean, it's not like I get all, "Aww, look who's so cutesy-wootsy!" around babies or anything,
but...
Arcana looks at me.
... seeing kids does make me imagine things.
What things?
The future.
...
...
Wait, you want more?
Huh... Okay.
I was planning to keep working, but I can stay at home.
I'll make breakfast, watch the kids, do the housework...
Make sure a warm dinner's on the table when my hubby gets home.
How far into the future are you imagining...?
Hahaha.
A while later, the PA system announces there's a lost child,
and before long, Kelly's mother comes running over.
Kelly!
Mom!
Kelly wakes up and slips out of Arcana's arms, running straight into the woman's embrace.
Thank you so much! I've been searching everywhere.
Don't mention it.
We should get going.
Thank you again.
Bye!
Bye!
She didn't say goodbye to me...
Hehe. Feeling left out?
You've got to make sure you're extra nice to your daughters.
They say even a small misstep can strain a father's relationship with his daughter when she's going through puberty.
...
*Bzzz, bzzz*
My phone vibrates.
...
Hopefully it's nothing serious.
When I answer, Amy's frantic voice comes through.
Mr. Commander! We've got a big problem!
Y-you need to...!
It's okay, Amy. Just calm down and tell me what happened.
R-right. It's just that...
...
I think we might have to cancel the fireworks...
What...?
...?!
48. Maid in Arcana
116 linesWelcome back, Master.
As I step into the cafe, several students greet me.
Oh, Teacher!
Hey. I just came to take a look.
How's it going?
Our cafe's insanely popular!
The only reason it's settled down a bit now is that we're about to take a break.
You're about to go on break?
Dang...
C-could I at least have an omurice...? Wait, no.
Could I get a coffee, or maybe a piece of cake?
Like I said, the cafe's been a big hit.
Ein points to the display case.
Only a few cookies remain.
We ran out of ingredients, so everyone went out to buy some more.
I see...
I'll just have to try and come back later.
You really think you'll have the time? You're super busy.
That's true, but...
...
Arcana glances at me, then walks over to Ein.
??
She leans in and starts whispering something.
What are you talking about?
Yeah, sure.
Hehe. Thanks.
...?
We step out of the maid cafe and slide the door shut behind us.
What'd you tell her?
Do you wanna know?
C'mon, just tell me.
What...?
Oh, I don't mean for the rest of the day.
We were going to spend some time at the maid cafe, right? But that didn't work out.
So instead, let's skip school for a little while.
Hmm... Yeah, I guess we could do that.
You're not coming with me?
I have something to get ready.
I arrive at the room first and sink deep into the sofa.
The fatigue hits all at once, and sleep starts to pull me under.
Just as I'm debating whether to close my eyes for a bit, I hear the door open.
Is that you, Arcana?
...?!
Welcome home, Mas...
Oh, wait. I'm the one who came in.
But it'd be weird to say, "I'm back"... Hm...
Wh-what's going on...?
...
Hehe. Did you just fall for me all over again?
Definitely.
Yeah.
... Hehe. Good thing I borrowed it then.
From Ein, I presume?
Yeah, she said they had a few extras.
Now do the delicious spell.
Fortunately, they had one in my size, and...
Wait, what...?!
Aren't we skipping a few steps?
I'm pretty sure there's supposed to be more back and forth before we get to that...!
Oh, come on.
Arcana focuses as she brings her hands together in front of her.
...
Do you want me to be honest?
N-no. It'll probably hurt my feelings.
... Okay.
Look, I didn't have time to practice, okay?
It's the feeling behind it that's important.
The feeling behind it?
Yeah, it has to be filled with genuine affection for the master.
...
... Why are you giving me that look?
*Sigh* You're lucky you're cute and charming...
...
Yeah, but it was kinda... different.
How so?
Hm...
I'm not sure how to explain it.
Your way?
Yeah. Actions speak louder than words, right?
Arcana kneels in front of me as I sit on the sofa.
...
...
C-could you not stare at me like that?
Normally it's fine, but right now... this is hard enough as it is.
I'm trying to do something I'm not used to together with something I've never done, all at the same time...
Got it. Heh...
Don't laugh.
I stand up to take off my jacket, then remember my phone in my pocket.
Just a second.
Let me check real quick if anything urgent has come up.
Make it quick! I'm gonna tickle you until you finish, hehe.
I wrap my arm around Arcana as she hugs me and tickles my side, and check my phone at the same time.
Huh...?
There are over 30 missed calls from Amy.
49. Festival Finale
281 linesSure.
Me? Hmm...
There is a place I've been dying to go to.
The shooting range.
The career experience booth.
The shooting range?
Wouldn't us going there be a bit disruptive?
After all, we're all qualified marksmen here.
That's exactly why I want to go.
Isn't it super cool that this school is has a shooting range booth?
Now that you mention it, it is pretty intriguing.
All right, let's go.
We enter the shooting range set up inside a large shipping container.
Vesti?
Huh? Commander?
What are you doing here?
Ah... I-I am working here.
Vesti? From Absolute?
Th-that's right...
You see that big ball at the end over there?
If you break the ball within five shots using this launcher, you win.
I-it's fine. It's just a toy gun.
A toy gun...
*Sliiide*
I-it's awfully heavy.
Hehe, that's because it's made for Nikkes.
A toy gun... made for Nikkes?
All right, here goes nothing.
*Bang*
*Boom*
Ooof! The recoil...
As an enormous explosion rings out, Privaty clings to me.
Just a moment, Vesti!
That explosion is way too big for that to be a toy weapon!
What if civilians end up being injured?
Th-that won't happen.
This cargo container was specially built to contain the explosions.
They said we could blow up as many things as we wanted.
Indeed, aside from the loud sound, there doesn't seem to be any visible damage anywhere.
Is that so...?
Uh... yeah...
A shooting range can be both thrilling and a stress reliever.
They said I was the perfect one for the job, so they invited me out here.
Would you like to give it a try, Privaty?
... I'll keep watching for now.
*Bang, bang*
*Crash* *Boom*
The launcher isn't easy to use, that's all.
The more you learn about it, the more fascinating it gets.
I see...
Was it really necessary to make it this realistic?
Um... Miss Privaty.
Yes?
How long are you planning to stay in this position?
Privaty is holding onto me tightly as she watches Zwei fire away.
Actually, rather than holding onto me,
it's more than her entire body is wrapped around me, my head included.
It feels nice, but it's also a bit awkward.
Ahem!
Privaty hurriedly pulls away.
S-sure thing!
*Pop, pop*
*Crash* *Boom*
Here, a gift.
What's this?
It's an explosion-shaped plush toy, hehe.
... Th-thanks.
That was seriously impressive, Miss Privaty.
Totally!
Breaking the ball in two shots was cool,
but the way you clung to Teacher and guarded him was the ultimate.
When I graduate, I'll become a commander and protect someone with my whole body too.
I don't think that will work, you're too small for that.
...!
No way! I don't even have to see that to know how boring it is.
Honestly... I'm kind of curious.
I think it'd be fun too.
You're a third-year now, Ein. It's about time you show an interest in this sort of thing.
Ugh...
We enter a huge building specially prepared for the job experience area.
Why did they make it so big?
Sora?
That's right! My name's Sora! ★
What are you doing here?
I was invited as a flight attendant for the career experience booth.
Is anyone interested in flying through the sky?
I'm interested, but how often do people actually fly?
Sora guides us,
to a huge life-sized model airplane.
Follow me, grab onto the airplane window, and hang outside.
*Whoooosh*
Gaaaaaah...!
Hngh!
Whoa...!
A tremendous gust of wind suddenly blows,
and Privaty pulls me into her arms.
Hold onto me!
I wrap my arms around Privaty's waist.
Ugh!
If you can hold out for three minutes, there's a special gift in it for you! ♥
So just hang in there!
...
Hmm? No response?
Did you fly away?
*Whoosh*
The wind dies down.
Whoa... I-I feel dizzy.
Are you okay?
What does this have to do with practical job experience, Sora?
It's about how to respond when an accident happens during a flight! ♡
You must withstand the wind until you're able to land safely ★
That's a bit of a stretch...
I assure you, once you experience it, this will prove helpful in many ways! ☆
So don't stick too close to the Captain,
and you try it for yourself, Privaty!
Privaty is still holding onto me.
And I'm holding onto her waist.
Privaty hurriedly pulls away.
I'm rooting for you! ★
*Whoooosh*
Urgh... the wind... it's too strong...!
You feeling better now, Rei?
Yeah, everything was spinning for a while, but I'm okay now.
Hrrrngh!
Privaty ultimately succeeds in lasting for three minutes,
and receives the gift Sora mentioned.
The wind really cleared my head.
That was pretty nice.
But surely you don't do events like this for ordinary civilians?
Your hair is a bit messy now, Miss Privaty.
I tidy up Privaty's disheveled hair.
Oooh...
By the time we're done enjoying the flurry of events and head outside,
the sun has already set.
I can't believe it's already this late,
and today is the last day of the festival.
...
...
The school is still packed with people,
and everyone is smiling, without exception.
Amy.
Yes?
What'd you think?
The festival, you mean?
Yeah, you were feeling pretty pressured in a lot of ways
...
Amy looks around at us.
It was unbelievably fun.
So much so I wish that time would stop.
I can't believe we have to return to everyday life.
But since I've learned how to enjoy it, I think I'll be able to handle it better than I expected.
Amy is smiling, just like everyone else.
Glad to hear it.
Yup!
Thank you, truly.
...
We should head back to the classroom and clean up.
We need to take down all the decorations and put the desks back.
What?
Come on, it's way too obvious!
You two are head over heels for each other.
I've even been trying to steer things in the right direction.
Anyway, don't worry about the classroom. We'll handle it.
I'm an upperclassman now, I'll keep an eye on things.
...
Huh? Why are you giving me this...?
I don't really know why I was given this either... But I feel like you will need it more right now.
Ein hands me the small box.
I take the box,
and open it slightly.
Isn't this...!
Good luck!
Ein winks.
Oh!
The rest of the students walks away,
and only Privaty and I remain.
...
This place is too crowded.
It would be nice to be somewhere alone.
The rooftop.
The teachers' office.
Yeah, that place is the best.
Why don't we go up to the rooftop?
I hold out my hand to Privaty,
and she takes it without hesitation.
Most of the school has been decorated, so there probably isn't anywhere we can really go.
But the teachers' office should be unaffected.
Privaty would feel more at ease there as well...
Why don't we go to the teacher's office?
I want to talk with you alone.
I lead the way toward the teachers' office.
Privaty follows behind me with a slightly dazed expression.
50. The Only Thing I Wish for
51 linesArcana and I come out to check out the festival.
But...
Dang... Everything's either sold out or has a crazy long line.
Twenty minutes just to buy one churro?
Arcana feeds me a chocolate-flavored churro while we walk.
Tell me about it...
Oh, right.
*Rustle*
Arcana pulls out a small piece of paper from her pocket.
What's that?
Arcana looks between her notes and our surroundings, then points to one side.
Arcana and I rush over, but...
"Sorry, but we're closed for the day."
Aw man...
...
Oh well. Nothing we can do about that.
Arcana crosses off an item on the list, which reads, "Go to the haunted house with Commander and cling to him while pretending to be scared."
"Sharing snacks." Hmm... we already ate churros, so that kind of counts.
*Scribble, scribble*
Arcana crosses off items on the list one by one.
Are you sure you're okay crossing everything off like that?
*Scribble scribble scribble scribble*
Arcana keeps crossing things off.
And then...
Ah!
She shows me the list, which now only contains my name.
This should work.
...
You're the only thing left on my list!
If I lose you, that'd be a big problem, so I'll just have to hold on tight.
Arcana tightly interlocks her fingers with mine.
At that moment, the school PA system turns on.
Attention, we have a brief announcement.
The final event of this festival, a fireworks display, will begin shortly.
Those who are interested may gather at the athletic field.
Thank you for your attention.
What's that?
...
After hearing the announcement, people start heading toward the athletic field.
Let's go.
Okay.
51. Fireworks for Two
36 linesArcana and I walk out into the courtyard.
We look around a few more places, but nothing is particularly memorable.
After all...
What are you thinking about?
Wh-what?!
... Stop teasing me.
Hehe.
At that moment, the school PA system turns on.
Attention, we have a brief announcement.
The final event of this festival, a fireworks display, will begin shortly.
Those who are interested may gather at the athletic field.
Thank you for your attention.
Oh. Looks like the fireworks are about to begin.
After hearing the announcement, people start heading toward the athletic field.
Should we find a spot too?
Huh?
Arcana grabs my hand and stops.
Is something wrong?
Instead of the athletic field, want to watch it from somewhere else?
Where would that be?
You know, a place where we can be alone.
... Like the club room?
Yeah.
But... we were just there.
Er...
That's only because that whole bunny girl thing was a bit last-minute.
So the timing kind of got messed up.
...
You see? I told you I mess things up when I rush.
You didn't mess anything up. Let's go.
Are you really okay with that?
You probably won't be able to see the fireworks that well from the club room.
But you'll be there.
... Okay.
52. The Two Teachers' Festival
104 linesWe push through the crowd and start to really enjoy the festival.
Here you are!
One jumbo-sized couple's drink.
To drink it, you just have to press your faces up against each other.
If we drink at the same time, our faces are bound to touch.
If it's a bit too much for you, Privaty...
...
Privaty stares at me, the straw already between her lips.
Aren't you going to drink?
I am... I just... didn't expect this.
I figured you wouldn't be into it.
Well, if it's meant for couples,
and if we have to press our faces together to drink,
we might as well give it a try once.
Haha... Fair enough.
We press our cheeks together as we drink.
Hello there! You two look like a great couple!
We've got some fun activities specifically for couples. Are you interested?
For c-couples...?!
Oh, but you don't have to be a couple!
Just think of it as a mini game for two.
You get a prize just for participating!
That last balloon popping game was a trap.
...
Picture this.
It's a balloon popping game,
where you have to hug each other and pop ten balloons within the time limit.
The tighter you squeeze each other, the more the balloons get crushed.
Unfortunately, I got crushed as well.
And then there was Privaty's chest...
...
I was having a hard time maintaining my composure, so I had to give up.
Sure.
We sit on a bench away from where most people walk.
The sun has set, but the school is still bright thanks to all the lights.
The courtyard is packed with people.
Ooh, those look good.
Let's get some kebabs here and then keep looking around.
Tomorrow's gonna be so fun! I can't wait!
Off in the distance, we see the students from Class P.
They seem to have finished cleaning up and are now out to buy snacks.
I look at each of them.
They're all smiling.
The students who are selling food,
the visitors walking around... Everyone is smiling.
...
...
You know...
We may have expected a few more visitors,
and the girls may have been a little clumsy,
but as long as everyone's having fun, wouldn't you say the festival's a success?
Totally. It's not something you can just grade like a test.
If you ask me, this is the best festival ever.
I see.
What about you, Privaty? What do you think?
Well...
We made a lot of mistakes, and I still feel bad for the students.
In many ways, it was kind of a mess.
But in the end, they've got smiles on their faces,
and you're here with me.
It really is the best festival ever.
Privaty looks at me and smiles.
Sitting on a bench in this quiet corner, tucked away from the crowd,
Privaty glows beneath the lights.
I...
Kiss her.
Suggest having a drink.
I rest my hand against her cheek,
and lean in slowly.
So what? Our class already knows.
By tomorrow, the whole school will know.
...
Would you rather we go up to your room?
There's something I want to say to Privaty, but the words just won't come out.
Suddenly, I start craving a drink.
Maybe a little liquid courage will help me express myself.
... I guess I'm still just a coward.
Want to grab a drink?
A drink?
Hmm...
Yeah, that would be good. We've seen most of the festival already.
We still have to spend the day with the students tomorrow, though, so let's not go overboard.
Yeah, sounds good.
53. Fireworks Fiasco
138 linesI hurry back to the classroom and meet up with Amy.
What happened?
We got a complaint from a local resident.
I tried everything to calm him down, but nothing worked.
What's the complaint about?
He doesn't want us to light the fireworks.
What is the school saying?
I asked them,
and they said the decision's up to the committee.
...
I exchange a look with Arcana.
...
I'll talk to him. Do you have his number?
I say we just go through with it.
Yeah, I'll send it to you.
And, um...
Yes?
I have his address too.
His address?
When he called earlier to complain,
he gave his address and said to come find him if we had any issues.
... Okay.
What are you going to do?
We'll head over there and call him on the way.
It's always better to talk things out face-to-face.
Okay. Let's go, then.
I sent you his info.
I check the address in Amy's message.
It's in a nearby residential area, the same place we visited a few days ago to introduce ourselves.
I'll let you know as soon as it's resolved.
...
But... what if he refuses to agree?
We'll find a way to convince him.
That's right.
Arcana and I hurry out of the school,
and make our way to the resident who called to complain.
*Sigh...*
After speaking to the man on the phone, I slip my phone back into my pocket with resignation.
... Yeah. Let's keep going, though.
His house is right up ahead.
We turn into an alley and stop in front of the house that matches the address.
*Ding-dong*
A moment after I ring the bell,
a large man steps out.
What is it?
Hello. We're from the M.M.R. Vocational School. We're part of the executive committee for the festival.
Ah, you must be the guy I just spoke to on the phone.
You here to pick a fight?
No, not at all.
I wanted to ask if you could withdraw your objection to the fireworks.
I already told you. No.
Is there something about it that bothers you,
or something you'd like us specifically to do? The school will do what it can to accommodate you.
Are you deaf? How many times do I have to repeat myself?!
The man's already intimidating expression hardens even more.
Then, from behind the door, a familiar face peeks out.
Hi!
Huh? Kelly?
What...?
Kelly, you know her?
Yeah!
When I got lost at school earlier, she helped me find Mom!
Kelly trots over and hugs Arcana.
... Huh?
What's going on, Honey?
Oh, uh... Nothing.
Get inside. It's cold out here.
Nothing, you say? Not with that voice.
Hello! It's nice seeing you again.
Oh, hi!
What brings you here?
Uh, well.
Arcana gives a brief explanation.
Honey...
Ahem...
It's just... with you being pregnant and all...
I didn't think those loud noises would be good for you.
Kelly and I already went to the festival by ourselves, which was plenty loud.
I even ended up getting separated from Kelly because you didn't come with us.
...
As kind as you are with me,
I'd really appreciate it if you were even half that kind to others.
...
Okay, fine.
We're really sorry, you two.
You can proceed with the fireworks as scheduled.
We'll all watch from home, my husband included.
Hehe...! Thanks!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Y-you want us to just go ahead with it...?
Yeah...
If it causes any trouble, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
...
Don't worry. I'll take responsibility for anything that happens.
That's not really what I'm worried about...
Okay... I'll let the school know we're proceeding as planned.
Amy leaves.
Do you think we'll get in trouble later?
... Probably.
The man was angry enough to call the school once already.
...
Anyway, let's get going.
We still need to get the fireworks ready.
Okay...
As we walk, Arcana gently tugs at my shirt.
You know...
if I hadn't asked you to skip school with me...
do you think we could've found a way to stop it...?
...
I turn and draw Arcana into my arms.
Come on, you know that's not how it works.
Still...
Arcana nestles against my chest.
... It's not your fault, Arcana.
All too naturally, I tell her what she wants to hear.
... Hehe.
Only then does she give a satisfied giggle and let go of my clothes.
Let's go.
We still need to finish the final preparations. Also...
I grabbed the key to the rooftop earlier.
Let's watch the fireworks from there.
Whoa, we get our own special view?
I did good, huh?
You did amazing.
I gently stroke her hair.
Arcana takes my hand and presses it to her cheek,
as if she's trying to borrow some of my warmth.
... Arcana.
Yeah?
...
Are you okay?
...
Okay. Let's go.
54. A School Life Well Lived
147 lines*Step, step*
We climb the stairs slowly.
*Creeeak*
The heavy door swings open,
and the wide rooftop that's now strangely familiar spreads out before us.
Phew...
As the sun dips below the horizon, the air's getting a little chilly.
...
...
Once the festival's over, we'll return to our usual routines.
So, Commander, how was your time here at school?
It was...
I can hardly remember my school days.
But now, they're filled with new, precious memories.
Woooow!
Whoaaa!
Then I'll play the tambourine!
Hanging out with my classmates, grabbing some good food, and going to karaoke.
Um...
Is this much omurice okay?
How's the ketchup art coming along, trainee maids? Hope you've been getting in plenty of practice!
Yeah, I'm getting the hang of it.
As expected, Ein, you're really good with your hands.
Er... does this look okay?
A little clumsy, but that's what makes it so cute.
Ta-da! Look, I drew Naru with ketchup!
Getting ready for the festival.
Really now? How long did it take you to escape?
15 minutes!
We didn't make it...
The zombies got us...
and we died...
It was so much scarier than I thought...
Soooo scary!
Waaah...! *Sob!*
As soon as we went in, Rei screamed...
and we got caught right away.
Enjoying the festival together.
It was great.
I don't think school could ever get any better than this.
...
And through it all, the best part was having you by my side.
You always came to watch, didn't you?
Y-you knew?
Of course.
Those supplementary lessons really got me used to your scent.
M-my scent?
What shampoo and body wash do you use? And what perfume do you usually wear—
W-wait...!
I take Privaty's hand again.
This is what you had in mind, isn't it?
You've given me such wonderful memories of my time here.
...
Yeah,
this is a school life like no other,
something that never existed before.
I-I mean... it would have been nice if it were just me,
but I didn't want that.
A-and... well, I'm the teacher and you're the student.
I was worried some silly rumors might start spreading.
You're the one who made the first move.
Wow, you know things like that?
Hmph, I'm surrounded by love-struck students every day. Of course, I know about it.
Love...
So, what happens to us when this mission's over?
...
Privaty lowers her head and says nothing.
Considering her personality, it's already impressive that we've made it this far.
I shouldn't push for more...
I...
...!
I mean,
it doesn't matter whether we're a student and a teacher,
a master and a maid,
or a commander and a Nikke.
I just...
love you, Commander!
...
*Thump, thump*
Privaty's never been good at hiding her feelings. She'd yell "No!" at me, but her face always gave her away.
She used to run the moment I even poked her.
But now, she's standing right in front of me, her whole face bright red.
Sure, we made plenty of memories back then...
But this time,
I want you to have memories of only me!
...
...
*Thud*
I get down on one knee.
...?!
I open the box Ein gave me.
Inside is a small, delicate ring made of beads.
I'm still a student, so this is all I can do for now.
Just give me a little time,
and I'll put together something proper for you.
I carefully slide the ring onto Privaty's ring finger.
A... r-ring?
*Peck*
I press my lips to the ring.
Y-you've really... grown up, haven't you?
I've been an adult for a while now.
Holding Privaty's hand tightly, I stand up.
Ahem, may I have your attention, please?
We'd like to thank everyone for joining us at the M.M.R. Vocational School's very first festival.
And now... let the fireworks begin!
A whoosh,
a bang, a dazzling burst!
Fireworks streak across the darkening sky,
painting it with bursts of color.
Ah...!
Privaty's gaze is momentarily stolen by the fireworks.
Please don't give that look to anyone but me.
Wh-what...?
Can I kiss you?
...!
...
This is as good a time as any to make up for the lessons we skipped.
I'll teach you a thing or two.
Privaty kisses me first.
Mmnh...
She's nowhere near skilled enough to be teaching anyone.
But for now, I'm the student.
So I guess we'll start from the basics and take it slow.
I love you, Miss Privaty.
*Bang!* *Crackle!*
And just like that, my school life is finally complete,
every moment unforgettable!
2x2 Love: Privaty - Real Ending (1)
55. An Empty School Life
73 linesA chill hangs over the darkened teachers' office.
It's awfully dark. Shall I turn on the lights?
No, they said there'd be fireworks, so we should keep them off.
...
... Why were you avoiding me during the festival preparations?
Some room?
Yeah,
days like these won't come around again...
So I didn't want them to revolve entirely around me.
That's why I gave you room.
I'd say it went rather well, don't you think?
...
I remember those days clearly...
Hanging out with classmates after school,
preparing for the festival,
enjoying it together,
and through it all, Privaty was there...
or was she really...?
That's strange.
It's nice, but it feels empty somehow.
Empty?
Yeah...
I've made loads of great memories,
but it still feels... kind of empty.
I see.
... Even so, I'd say it turned out better than one might expect.
School life isn't something you can shape exactly as you wish, after all.
And, of course, memories grow with time.
I'm sure that when you look back on these days, you'll feel they were truly rewarding.
What about you, Miss Privaty?
And you're okay with that?
What I'm suggesting is that we cross the line together.
However, Privaty's warning us not to cross the line.
...
...
So, what happens when the mission ends and we go back to normal life?
...
I want things to change.
But now, it feels like there's no time or way to do it.
Ahem, may I have your attention, please?
We'd like to thank everyone for joining us at the M.M.R. Vocational School's very first festival.
And now... let the fireworks begin!
A whoosh,
a bang, a dazzling burst!
Fireworks streak across the darkening sky,
painting it with bursts of color.
Ah...!
Privaty watches the fireworks, her eyes sparkling.
I wish she were looking at me like that,
but our eyes never meet.
...
...
We watch the fireworks burst in every color from the teachers' office.
Until the firework display ends,
we don't exchange a single glance.
And just like that, the M.M.R. Vocational School's very first festival comes to an end.
2x2 Love: Privaty - Normal Ending (3)
56. A Youthful Promise
199 lines*Whoooosh!*
*Bang!* *Crackle!*
Ah...
We part lips, and Arcana leans into me.
I wrap my arms around her and look up to watch the fireworks.
Yeah, me too.
Hehe.
And that concludes the M.M.R. Vocational School's very first festival.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us.
The PA system crackles to life, and the guests start trickling out of the school.
It's over...
Arcana's hand that I've been holding all this time tightens slightly.
Commander, there's one last place I want to drop by...
Let's go.
You're not even gonna ask where?
Yeah.
Why not?
Because I'll go anywhere with you.
Nah, that's a hard nope from me.
*Sigh*
I'll save you, so we don't have to go to the netherworld together.
Heh, so saving me once isn't enough, huh?
I walk with Arcana, talking about nothing in particular.
She doesn't say where we're going,
yet our footsteps carry us to the same destination.
The door slid open with a rattling clatter.
As I thought, we've got the place to ourselves.
I guess everyone's resting now.
...
Arcana moves silently through the dark classroom,
her fingertips trailing softly over the desks.
Ahhh... so it's really over.
It was hectic, but...
Arcana clasps her hands behind her back and turns toward me.
It was fun, right?
Yeah, totally.
... I feel the same.
Arcana stands with her back to the window, arms spread wide.
I slowly step closer and cup her face...
*Clatter!*
?!
?!
A clatter echoes, and a shadowy figure appears near the podium...
Kyaaaaaaa!
Yaaahhh!
Ahhhhhh!
W-well...
After the festival ended, I came back to the classroom to take one last look.
Then you two walked in, and... I didn't want to spoil the mood, so I stayed quiet...
D-don't laugh!
Hehe.
Not you too, Commander!
Wow... we're really living our youth to the fullest, huh?
Tell me about it.
... Hey Amy, close your eyes for just a sec, will you?
Just a sec?
Hehe.
*Sigh* Fine,
I'll head off first... See you tomorrow...
The door slid open with a rattling clatter,
just as our lips are about to meet...
Huh? What are you guys doing in here?
*Cough, cough!*
Arcana starts coughing violently and falls onto the desk.
...
Ah, there you are.
Hehe, I guessed you'd be here.
Looking past Ein, Zwei, and Rei, I see...
So, everyone's here after all.
Privaty and the rest of Class P enter the classroom one by one.
Wh-what's going on?
We've still got a little time before curfew.
C'mon, who's up for an after-party?
But we're all out of food.
Heh, we can just buy some real quick!
I've got some snacks back at the dorm.
All right, Amy, let's go together.
Roles are assigned in an instant, and the party starts coming together.
My eyes meet Arcana's.
...
Let's push the desks together.
... Okay!
Ahh, I'm stuffed!
That was delicious...
Did we actually finish all that?
Feels like it could've fed an entire day's worth of customers.
We're young and in our prime, after all!
...
As a group?
Yep yep, a group photo of Class P!
Now that I think about it, we've never taken a group photo.
You got it!
Everyone pushes the desks to the back of the classroom,
and a few students start doodling on the blackboard.
I'll take the picture, so Privaty, why don't you go stand over there?
The other students take their places next to Privaty, who's standing there a little awkwardly.
Okay, I'll take it.
*Click, click*
Even as I keep taking photos, my eyes keep finding Arcana.
She's laughing and chatting with the students beside her, her face turned slightly away.
One more!
Right before I press the shutter,
she brushes her hair back and smiles at me.
*Click, click*
Okay, last one!
And then...
Wait a sec!
Huh?
My name is Arcana from Class P at the M.M.R. Vocational School,
and I've got something to tell you, Commander!
Ooh, are you about to tell him you feel? In front of everyone?!
Yeah! Now's my only shot!
...
Here I go.
Arcana takes a deep breath.
Now that I have your attention...
You've always been someone I can lean on,
you always treat me like I'm special,
and I know that you love me, Commander!
... Arcana suddenly dialed up the theatrics.
It's our unspoken rule to indicate that she's just in character.
But right now...
You make...
everything I do feel meaningful.
You risk your life for us,
and...
you've given me back half of my world...!
I really, really...
... really, really love you!
... Wow!
...
Ahhhhhhh!
Ask her out! Ask her out!
Guys, we're already dating...
...
...
I look into Arcana's eyes.
The certainty there is even stronger than when we stood under the cherry blossoms not long ago.
Her confidence in her feelings, as well as in mine, is unmistakable.
I can't find the right words to respond...
So instead...
...!
I open my arms toward her.
She dashes across the classroom,
closing the short distance between us in an instant. Her eyes stay locked on mine,
carrying more emotion than words could ever hold.
...
Her aquamarine hair trails behind her like petals caught in the wind.
I'm never letting go...!
... And finally, Arcana's in my arms.
The scent of spring teases my nose...
*Click*
And so, our brilliant youth has come to an end.
A time that felt both fleeting and endless.
During that time, we loved, we fought...
Wait, scratch that. We didn't fight at all.
Anyway!
*Scratch, scratch*
Aw, what a shame...
I lost count of how many times I wished this dream could last forever.
But...
Dreams don't last forever...
Memories, though? Those can stay with us for a lifetime.
Yeah... even memories as dream-like as this one.
*Beep*
Oh, a message from Amy.
It's a photo Amy snapped on her phone in a hurry.
All the time we spent honing our technique has gone to waste.
It's just an ordinary photo with no finesse or flair.
...
But in that photo,
Commander and I...
No,
all of our youth is captured in it.
2x2 Love: Arcana - Real Ending (1)
57. A Promise That Cannot Be Kept
70 linesThe door slid open with a rattling clatter.
As we enter the clubroom...
*Whoooosh!*
*Bang!* *Crackle!*
The firework display is almost over.
Here, take this.
Arcana hands me something that looks like a small stick.
What's this?
... You sure it's okay to light these indoors?
Aren't there fire codes or something?
A short while later...
The sparklers hiss and sparkle
as we sit side by side, watching them burn.
In the distance, the festival hums on, a faint echo of laughter and music.
... Hey.
Yeah?
... Guess so.
How was it?
I lift my head and meet Arcana's gaze.
In the blue of her eyes,
I see red light flickering.
I had a really great time,
and that's thanks to you, Arcana.
...
Arcana leans into me.
Is there anything you wish had been different?
You barely got to hang out with your other friends.
Arcana's gaze snaps to the window.
I see Class P streaming out of the school, with Privaty at the front.
... Looks like they're going to some kind of after-party.
Want to go with them?
Hm...
*Whoosh*
... No, I'd rather stay here with you.
Arcana draws the curtain shut and leans against my shoulder again.
Not sure...
...
Do you mind if I still pretend like we're in school together,
rather than you being my commander?
...
So that's what's bothering you...
Arcana glances at the window, where the curtains are drawn.
I'm not really sure how to say this...
Spending time just the two of us, even being a couple, makes me so incredibly happy.
But there are other things I wanted to do,
and now, I guess I'll never get the chance.
No... we'll get another chance someday.
I'll figure out a way... somehow.
Yeah, I promise.
I hook my pinky with Arcana's.
We've done this so many times,
but this time... it's not like the others.
You better keep your promise, okay?
... I have a feeling I won't be able to keep this promise.
2x2 Love: Arcana - Normal Ending (3)
58. Without Getting Drunk
79 linesI open the door and step into Privaty's room.
An awkward tension settles in.
W-want to have a beer?
S-sure...
We sit in the living room, staring at the beers.
*Thack! Fizz...*
I open the can and bring it up to my lips.
Hmm?
It's just...
Now that I think about it,
whenever we are alone like this, we always... uh...
get drunk.
We get drunk, and then... things happen.
That's true.
You never know what might happen when a man and woman get drunk together, right?
...
I set the beer down.
Okay. Tell me.
...
I've been really happy getting to work with you as a teacher.
You've helped me in so many ways,
and I'm glad we've grown so close.
B-but...
I don't want things to happen between us just because we're drunk.
Privaty.
Those things should be able to happen any time, even when we're sober.
That's...
That's the kind of relationship I want us to have!
And what would you call that kind of relationship?
You already know the answer to that...
I need you to say it.
A couple, huh?
In that case, I think there's one more thing you need to say while sober.
I love you, Privaty.
Sorry, what was that? I couldn't hear you.
Unable to hold back, I kiss Privaty.
Whoa...! H-hold on a sec.
How are you so strong...?!
I-I mean...! Before we go any further, let's at least wash up first.
We're a mess from sleeping in the classroom last night.
Tch...
All right. You go first.
Okay. Thank you.
Privaty takes her pajamas and heads into the bathroom.
*Squeak, squeak*
*Fsshhh*
I hear the sound of the shower through the door.
I try to empty my mind and scroll on my phone, when...
*Creak*
The shower door opens slightly.
Done already?
No, I need your help...
My hairpin got tangled, and I can't get it out...
Could you come in for a second and take a look?
...
Yeah, sure.
I step into the shower to remove the pin caught in Privaty's hair.
We no longer need alcohol. We've reached the point where now, even sober, anything could happen between us.
I'm excited to see where this takes us moving forward.
2x2 Love: Privaty - Real Ending (2)
59. Drinking Buddies Until the End
71 linesPrivaty and I go into my room.
As always, we drink...
and drink... and drink.
I'm not even close.
Would you mind drinking a bit more with me?
*Thack! Fizz...*
*Gulp, gulp*
Mmm...
Privaty.
Can I hold your hand?
I lace my fingers with Privaty's.
Your hands are small.
Yours are just big.
Privaty.
Yes?
Why do we need alcohol to get close to each other?
I don't know.
Maybe we're both just cowards who can't be honest with each other...
That's probably it, right?
I can be honest.
You're already drunk. You think I can take anything you say seriously?
Besides, it's fine.
I think this is just right for us.
Even if we cross the line,
we can blame it on the alcohol! So it's fine.
And you're happy with that?
Of course.
Wanting someone's heart is just asking for too much.
So I'll take what I can get.
You feel the same way too, don't you, Commander?
*Sigh*
It doesn't feel great hearing you say that.
An inebriated Privaty inches closer to me.
I don't want our relationship to end here.
Privaty undoes my shirt button by button.
Mm... ngh...
Her hands keep slipping. She must be pretty drunk.
I had hoped we would progress to something more than just drinking buddies,
but I guess this is as far as we're going to get.
In which case...
there's no need to hold back anymore.
Let's head over to the bed.
...
Privaty?
Zzz...
After climbing on top of me to unbutton my shirt,
she has now fallen fast asleep.
...
*Sigh*
Empty beer bottles line the floor,
while Privaty lies asleep on top of me.
Just when I was about to stop holding back...
*Sigh*
I lay Privaty down and pull a blanket over her.
We had fun together,
but I'm feeling lonely here as the festival comes to an end.
2x2 Love: Privaty - Normal Ending (4)
60. From Now On and Forever
113 linesAfter getting permission, we're about to head straight back to the school,
but Kelly clings to Arcana so tightly that I can't bring myself to pry her off, so we end up spending more time there than expected.
Oh no... Look at what time it is.
It's okay. It's not like we could've just left Kelly when she was begging you to stay.
Yeah, I let her know as soon as we got permission.
She said she'll handle the rest, so we don't have to worry about it.
That's a relief.
Arcana looks up at the night sky.
We're not going to make it in time, are we?
Probably not.
Then let's just take it slow.
Arcana starts walking slower and grabs my hand.
... Sure. It'll be over by the time we get there anyway.
Hand in hand, we walk slowly through the residential alley.
So this is really the end of our time at school.
It feels like just yesterday I was putting on my uniform and walking in for the first time.
Are you sad it's coming to an end?
Yeah?
I've been thinking about it, and...
ever since we got to this school, all we've done is work nonstop, huh...?
Yeah... In the beginning, we were getting used to the assignment,
and just when we got into the swing of things, the festival came and took over...
Haha... It's no wonder the time flew by.
... I'm sorry.
Huh? Why're you apologizing?
We didn't really get to do anything together.
I think back on everything.
Every day after school, we were stuck working overtime.
I was so worried about what others would think that I wasn't really able to give you much attention.
...
Without a word, Arcana leads me into a small park in the middle of the neighborhood.
She leans against a handrail and speaks softly.
... Still, at least we were together.
Huh?
Arcana looks up at the sky.
When I look back, I don't think of it as us working late together every day.
I think of it as us being together every day.
And the way you made sure we never crossed the line... it made me fall for you all over again.
...
Besides, we've got more memories together than you might think.
Like that time we were locked in the storage room, or when I visited you while you were sick and let you rest on my lap.
... Yeah.
And even now, look at us. We're watching the fireworks not in the middle of the festival,
but in a random park.
It's pretty nice, right? Even romantic, if you think about it.
Still... doesn't it feel like it could've been better?
Mmm... If that's how you feel,
then we'll just have to do our best...
to make sure we don't get interrupted...
when we go out again later.
Later?
Yeah. Later.
Arcana stands up.
I've changed my mind.
Even after we go back to being Commander and Nikke, I want us to keep seeing each other.
I can't let this end here.
...
There are still so many things I want us to do, things I've always wanted to do.
I want to join a photography club with you and go to meetups together.
Also, I've always wanted to pack your lunch for you, so from now on, you're going to be having the Arcana Special every day at lunchtime!
And...
Arcana starts listing off all the things she wants to do.
... And last but not least,
I want to be someone who can be there for you.
Not just that one time I visited you when you were sick,
but always and forever.
...
Without a word, I hold out my pinky.
Arcana narrows her eyes and smiles.
So? Last I checked, there's no limit on pinky swears.
Tch.
Arcana takes a step toward me.
Our pinkies intertwine.
... Okay. Promise.
In that moment...
*Bang, bang! Crackle!*
Fireworks bloom across the sky.
Out of sheer luck, we're able to see them clearly from here.
However...
It's a promise, then!
To continue working together,
and to try lots and lots of new things together, things we've never done before.
I'm not paying any attention to the fireworks.
Something far more dazzling and lovely is standing in front of me,
looking right back at me.
I have a feeling things are going to get pretty busy moving forward.
When have we ever not been busy?
I thought your work doesn't keep you that busy.
It's just kind of... different, and hard.
Hey, we may have down time between busy seasons,
but if you average it out, I'm still pretty busy!
And... well...
Arcana's face shines with a bright smile.
Getting busier doesn't sound all that bad,
seeing how, when things get hard,
I'll have someone by my side to give me strength.
...
I heard something once that I believe more and more every day...
Everyone needs someone who'll support them, someone they can lean on.
For me, that person is...
Arcana.
Yes?
...
I, uh... I really...
2x2 Love: Arcana - Real Ending (2)
61. Only This Moment
63 linesAfter getting everything ready for the fireworks, we head up to the rooftop.
*Creeeak*
Wow. There's no one here. It's perfect.
Arcana runs a short lap around the empty rooftop, then comes back and stands next to me.
What do you think? Nice, isn't it?
I love it.
I whisper words of praise, and my touch follows naturally.
I know what Arcana needs right now.
They should be starting in a minute.
We sit side by side on the rooftop and look up at the sky.
...
...
A brief silence settles in.
Faint sounds drift up from below.
The sound of the visitors, and...
No shoving, please!
We kindly ask for your cooperation!
...
...
Yeah, I enjoyed it too.
There's something weighing on our minds, but neither of us brings it up.
Because if we did, this fragile illusion we've been clinging to would shatter.
Can I ask you something?
Sure.
When we go back to how things were, what do you think will happen?
Or rather...
Can we even go back to how things were?
...
Honestly, I don't think I can.
Waking up in the morning without you beside me,
eating alone in the Forbidden Library,
getting my memories erased, then returning to an empty room...
I don't think I'll be able to handle it.
...
What about you? How do you feel?
I...
Arcana turns away from reality once more.
Arcana dives back into the comfort of the fantasy,
and I... indulge her, jumping right in along with her.
Mm...
I press my lips to Arcana's.
All the problems are right in front of us,
and yet they seem to melt away, like snow under the sun.
I knew this would happen.
When I indulge Arcana and let myself be enveloped by her sweet scent,
I can step away from the reality pressing in on me.
Buried in her warmth, I can rest, even if only for a moment.
*Bang, bang! Crackle!*
Keep going...
The beautiful night sky is replete with fireworks, but I don't so much as glance at it.
None of it has ever really mattered.
As my short time at this school comes to a close...
You're all I need.
And you're all I need.
... there's only one thing I'm walking away with.
2x2 Love: Arcana - Normal Ending (4)
62. The Best Parts of Youth
133 lines*Whoooosh*
A warm breeze rolls in.
The festival has ended,
and so has our mission.
Everyone,
today's my last day as your homeroom teacher.
I really enjoyed our time together, and I'm glad I got to celebrate the festival with all of you.
It's really thanks to you that I'm leaving this place with so many wonderful memories.
I hope our paths cross again some day.
The now former teacher Privaty says her farewell.
Can you believe it? Today's my last day here too.
Every day has been so happy, it's honestly felt like a dream.
Of course, my favorite thing about my time here has been meeting all of you.
Let's not be strangers. Keep in touch, okay?
The now former student Arcana says her farewell.
I also say my goodbyes to everyone with a touch of melancholy.
I hope we can be in the same class again next time.
Let's hang out together again!
Thank you for helping me see that school can be so enjoyable.
Yeah, I had a lot of fun with all of you, too.
With that, I finish classes as usual.
Then I return to the dorm and pack up my things.
I have so many good memories here...
I pack the last of my things and step out of the room.
The school stretches out before me in shadow as I head for the gate.
And there,
I find someone waiting for me.
Arcana?
Privaty?
Oh, there you are.
What are you doing here?
I've been waiting for you.
This will be the last time we stand in front of these gates in our school uniforms.
Planning to say goodbye?
Yeah, it's a farewell of sorts,
but mostly, it's just to take it all in.
Spring, school, youth... and us.
... Yeah.
*Whoooosh*
The wind blows.
Arcana's aquamarine hair dances in its currents.
You're beautiful.
Really?
Yeah, really.
Hehehe!
I waited here just so I could hear you say something like that.
Want to walk back together?
Sure.
Hand in hand, we step out through the school gates.
You're late.
What are you doing here?
I see.
Of course.
We've been here together plenty of times.
True.
But I doubt I'll ever feel like this again.
...
I'm glad we could be at the heart of it all together.
And, speaking of hearts, once we return to everyday life...
will I still have a place in yours?
I hold out my hand to Privaty.
Of course. Unless you'd rather someone else have it?
... Don't be ridiculous!
Privaty takes my hand.
I'm going to plop myself down and protect my spot.
Is that so?
Just you wait and see. No one's gonna make me budge. I've got strong thighs!
Trust me, I know.
Hahaha!
The sense of belonging I felt at school,
and all the emotions that come with it...
They're things I'll remember for the rest of my life.
Wow... It's been a while since I've been in here.
Back in my own room, not the dorm.
It's familiar, but somehow empty.
Was it always this cold and bare...?
*Knock, knock*
Someone's at the door.
Privaty...?
Arcana...?
Nervously, I say the name of the one I want to see most, as if it could soothe this hollow ache.
...
She doesn't say a word.
It's been a while since we've seen each other outside school, so maybe she's feeling shy.
Guess I'll just open the door myself.
*Whirr*
Hey, good to see... you.
Likewise.
...
...
... Why didn't you answer?
No, it's okay...
What's up?
The mission's over, so I'm here to finalize things.
As she says so,
Ether holds out her tablet.
I've compiled your report, the festival visitor stats, and revenue into charts.
We'll submit this to the higher-ups, and that'll be the end of it.
So... was the mission a success?
Yeah.
The festival survey's done too.
Both the students and the visitors had nothing but good things to say.
I mean, with Missilis backing it, it was bound to be bigger and better than a normal school festival.
Still, I think it really came to life because the students were genuinely enjoying themselves.
It kind of reminded everyone they're just ordinary students.
Good work, No. 7.
I'm glad it all worked out.
...
Thanks for giving me this mission.
I really got to enjoy the best parts of youth.
And just like that, my mission is over.
My dreamlike days at school have come to an end.
But spring isn't over yet.
A warm breeze drifts in through the open window.
2x2 Love: The End
63. The Long-Awaited Moment
140 linesSome time has passed since I got back from school.
As if by habit, I slip back into my daily routine.
After completing my duties as a commander for the day, I start writing my report.
...
But my hand keeps pausing.
It's late, and my mind can't seem to focus.
It's probably time to hit the hay...
I lie down on my bed.
As I close my eyes,
a familiar touch I've missed brushes against my cheek.
I whisper her name...
Arcana.
Privaty.
Yes, this gentle touch can only be Arcana's.
And I am...
A student.
A teacher.
The way she looked at me with so much love.
The way her voice whispered sweet confessions in the spring breeze.
The way her soft lips slowly met mine.
And...
And right now, I'm one hundred percent certain.
So that means today's our first day together, right?
Those fearless eyes that seemed ready to devour me.
One moment spoiled and sweet, the next reckless and daring.
Yet, I can't help wanting to protect her.
And...
...
P-Privaty...?
I can't believe it.
After everything we've done together,
the one you really like is Arcana, isn't it?
I-it's not like that!
A-Arcana? You're here too?!
Yes, this warm touch can only be Privaty's.
And I am...
A student.
A teacher.
The way her eyes glared, but not in anger.
The way she would lean closer while pretending nothing was happening.
The way those one-on-one lessons lingered in my memory.
And...
I-I've never had a drink alone with a man in his room before...!
And you said it yourself, didn't you? You never know what might happen when a man and woman get drunk together.
Those cheeks of hers that would get red whenever we drank.
The sweet things she would say that she could never say sober.
The conversations that only two adults could have.
And...
...
A-Arcana?
Wow, I'm really disappointed in you.
We were so perfect together...
and now you've got something even better with Privaty? Hmph!
I-it's not like that!
P-Privaty? You're here too?!
Seeing the two of them together, I try to move...
but my body won't budge. It's as if I'm frozen in place.
You know, Privaty,
I'm not usually one to brag about stuff like this,
but we were really sweet together!
I even let him rest his head on my lap.
His hair kept tickling my knees the whole time.
Oh, is that so?
Well, the Commander and I had our own private lessons up on the rooftop,
and we made quite a bit of progress, if I may say so myself.
As for exactly what we covered, I'll leave that to your imagination.
Lessons, huh? Sounds boring.
We didn't need anything like that to make progress. It just came naturally!
Gross. I can't stand the smell of alcohol.
Youth that's flowery and fresh doesn't need that nonsense.
...
...
Come on... Stop fighting.
Fine. I'll stop, all right?
... Huh? Just like that?
Yeah. After all, Privaty and I came here for the same goal.
The same goal...?
And what is that...?
Rawr!
Privaty and Arcana slowly climb onto the bed.
W-wait a sec...!
W-wait, don't come any closer!
In that case, I get the right one.
Wh-what're you doing with my hands...?
There's a lot you can do with your hands, you know.
You taught us that yourself.
Privaty and Arcana each grab one of my arms and lie down beside me.
Wait... No, I can't move...!
Oh my, I was thinking the exact same thing.
W-wait...!
Mmmph!
Aghhh!
I wake up soaked in sweat.
I look around frantically.
Th-the bed looks fine...
I peek under the blanket, just to be safe.
This side looks fine too...
The room is quiet, as if nothing had happened.
Phew... it was just a dream.
Relief washes over me as I lean my hands on the bed and let out a deep sigh.
Then, my hands sweep across the sheets...
...?
Why's it so warm...?
The space on either side of me feels unusually warm,
as if someone had been lying there.
It was a dream... right?
A spring breeze drifts in through the open window of the Commander's Room,
gentle and sweet.
...
Wanting to savor it a little longer,
I lie back down on the bed once more and close my eyes.
2x2 Love: Hidden Ending