Even Though the Gender Ratio Has Changed, My Attempts at Flirting With Women Are Unsuccessful - Chapter 25: The Dark Heroine’s Specialty Magic

Chapter 25: The Dark Heroine’s Specialty Magic

“Well then, that’s it for the morning classes. Make sure to study hard in the afternoon too.”

After Ms. Louise said that, the bell rang.

It was lunchtime on the fifth day of school life.

I was supposed to be getting used to the class atmosphere, and my nerves should have been easing up a bit… or so I thought.

“After lunch, everyone gather at the training grounds right away!”

“Since it’s a paired exam, teamwork’s probably important too, right?”

“We should start planning our strategy now, shouldn’t we?”

“I absolutely don’t want to get expelled from a place like this!”

Looking around the class, instead of feeling relaxed, the tension was only growing. It was like that during lessons and breaks too.

Well, the word “expulsion” had been thrown around. It’s only natural everyone’s on edge.

Even after school, many students stayed behind at the class’s dedicated training grounds, silently honing their skills.

I thought about staying to train with them, but Sheffy firmly stopped me.

“No way, absolutely not. If Ark-sama were there, everyone would lose focus… No, their focus and minds would be all over the place. It’s because you, Ark-sama, would definitely show your unguarded side.”

She said it with such a serious expression that I had no choice but to back down.

Is it because I ranked high in the entrance exam that my presence would distract them? Something like that, maybe.

But unguarded? I wouldn’t just slack off during training…

I’m not letting my guard down either.

After school, I keep up with strength training and magic enhancement practice with Tiana.

But at school… I mean, I want to have some fun, you know!

“So, Ark-sama, what about lunch today?”

“The cafeteria, obviously!”

Once you know a place that great, you’ve gotta go. Plus, I haven’t had nearly enough of their food yet.

“I figured you’d say that, Ark-sama.”

“Yeah, we’ve been hitting the cafeteria every day lately. So, Sheffy, you coming with me today too?”

“Yes. I’ll stay by your side, Ark-sama.”

Right, Sheffy’s my attendant at school. She probably has to follow me wherever I go…

“But you know, it’s okay to take a break from me sometimes and go wherever you want.”

I said it because I thought sticking by my side all the time must be exhausting.

“No, absolutely not. Please don’t ever say that again.”

“Huh?”

Sheffy shut me down flat. I wasn’t expecting that, and a dumb sound slipped out of my mouth.

Sheffy’s so dedicated, or maybe it’s her loyalty… Well, it’s not a bad thing.

Still, I’m the villain here. I don’t want to drag Sheffy into dangerous situations. But if it comes to that, I’ll protect her properly.

“Anyway, Ark-sama, why don’t we ask the other two for their opinions about lunch?”

“Yeah, sounds good… Wait, two?”

Not just waiting for Tiana? I tilted my head in confusion.

“Hey, Ark, Sheffy, sorry to keep you waiting.”

Tiana’s voice came from behind, and I turned around.

And then… I understood what Sheffy meant. Today felt a little different.

“Is it okay if Crora joins us for lunch from now on?”

“Tiana-chan… I feel bad joining you guys…”

Standing nervously next to Tiana, looking around warily, was a girl with long black hair down to her waist and bangs that often hid her eyes—Crora.

“It’s not ‘whatever.’ Besides, I brought up the pair thing, so it’d be awkward for you to stay alone in the classroom, right?”

“N-No, it’s not like that! I was surprised back then, but I was happy you invited me, Tiana-chan… And both of them were so kind to me too…”

Hmm, looks like Tiana and Crora get along well.

They’ve both been at this academy since elementary school, so maybe they had some connection before.

“So, Ark, Sheffy, is it okay if Crora joins us?”

“If you’re cool with it, Tiana, then of course it’s fine.”

“I don’t mind either.”

Sheffy and I nodded.

Plus… Crora’s got that dark heroine vibe. She might end up tied to my doom flags later on.

How do I keep her from falling into darkness? Simple. Stay close, face her head-on, and cheer her up!

“Crora, would you eat with us?”

“Uh, um, y-yes…”

When I spoke softly, Crora nodded gently.

Yesterday, I thought she might have a negative personality, but it seems like she’ll be fine if we approach her properly.

“So, Ark’s saying he wants to go to the cafeteria again?”

“He is indeed.”

“Yeah, figures. Ark’s not like most guys.”

Tiana and Sheffy nodded at each other mysteriously. They’re pretty close too.

“The cafeteria food’s awesome, but… isn’t it, like, the only option?”

We don’t bring bentos, and it’d feel bad to go back to the mansion and have the maids cook for us now.

When I said that, Tiana and Sheffy gave me an “I see…” look.

Then, Crora hesitantly raised her hand.

“Um, if it’s okay… there’s a place I go to regularly…”

“Huh?”

“Oh, s-sorry! I-It’s probably a bad idea… a place I go to regularly…”

I shook my head at Crora, who quickly shrank back.

“It’s not a bad idea. Can you hear me out for a sec?”

When I said that, Crora calmed down.

“I’m curious about your regular spot, but I’m worried about making it back in time for the lunch break. That’s why I said ‘huh’ earlier… Sorry for making you misunderstand.”

“N-No! I’m the one who misunderstood… I’m sorry!”

It’s possible to go home or eat out during lunch break, but obviously, you have to make it back to school on time.

If Crora’s regular place is near the academy, that’d be great, but…

“Then it’s fine if Crora’s with us. She’s good at that kind of magic.”

“Magic? Good at?”

I muttered, looking at Crora, who nodded repeatedly.

“I-I can’t do it in the classroom, but if we change locations, I can use it…”

“Oh, nice.”

So we moved to an empty classroom.

I was in the mood for the cafeteria, but now I was curious about Crora’s magic.

“Okay, Crora, go for it.”

“Y-Yes… 《Warp》.”

Prompted by Tiana, Crora cast her spell.

My vision warped for a moment…

“Huh… W-Woah!?”

When I opened my eyes, we were standing in front of a café-like building.

We were definitely in an empty classroom before, but now we were outside, right in front of a shop…

“Could it be… Crora’s specialty magic is…”

“Y-Yes… I’m good at spatial magic, like teleportation. Well, ‘good’ is the only thing I can do… Other magic is completely beyond me… My big sister’s amazing with both swordsmanship and magic, but all I can do is this…”

Crora’s voice grew quieter, sinking.

The pressure of her family name, comparisons with her sister—she’s probably dealing with a lot.

But to me… I think one thing.

Hold up… That’s crazy strong, isn’t it?

◇ Brief Character Introduction ◇

Crora Piston

Her black hair reaches her waist, with long bangs that often hide her eyes, and she has a negative disposition. She appears plain at first glance, but in truth…

The second daughter of the Piston family, one of the four great noble houses. She’s poor at combat magic and swordsmanship but excels at spatial magic like 《Warp》. Her older sister is Press Piston, the second-year student council president.