From the shadows of the mortal world... your gaze has awakened something.
Do you dare to keep reading the scriptures of this forbidden novel?
Then listen well, curious soul.
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With a simple offering of $1, you will help me summon sacred illustrations:
authentic portraits of the beings that inhabit this story.
But every pact deserves a reward:
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[Make your offering here]
https://ko-fi.com/gremory0zero
-----------
—Who are you, Javier?—.
Leaning against the metal mesh, Javier crosses his arms and looks at the serious Ryuto, who is waiting for his answer.
—Let me see… I'm sorry, but I can't tell you, or maybe I could, but it's both complicated and simple. Who are you, Ryuto, the one who controls the finances or just a student?—
Looking into his eyes, Ryuto adjusts his glasses.
—The one in front of you is Ryuto Miyake, treasurer of the Ryuto family, and you still haven't answered my question.
—I'm Javier Valderrama, a dreamer who wants to have a harem, a carrier, let's say, mmm, not yet, I don't have anything, but in the future it may not be like that—.
—You're still acting childish, Javier. You think the radiant family will let you go easily after what happened.
—I don't care. I live my life the way I want. The rules you set are for you, not mine, and as long as you don't get in my way, I'll respect those rules. It's easy to understand my policy, don't you think?
Finishing with an innocent smile, Ryuto pointed at him with his finger and with the same hand pointed at the city.
—You ignorant moron! Besides messing with the radiant family, you carry a Celestial crystal around with you. You think no one would notice the crystal's essence.
—Hahaha, it's just a game of mine, nothing more. Besides, Ryuto, if you're a normal human who was able to catch it, I wonder how long it would take an expert to find it.
—You think this is a game? Open your eyes! Unless you have backup that can withstand the chase of the eight fish, you won't come out unscathed, and it's not a threat.
Furious at the realization of Javier's simple-mindedness, which made him even more unpredictable, Ryuto saw only one person who didn't matter in his life.
—I already said it, the rules are yours, not mine, I don't care, mother, if they kill each other, or destroy half the world, as long as it doesn't affect me, I won't waste a single energy on it—.
—Ha, I really want to kill you here, but this is your work: one to attract the Ryuto's bag to the table, plus a virgin Celestil crystal mine will please the elders, tell me your conditions—.
—Ehehehe—.
Javier, having fun like a child, suddenly pulled out a table carved from wood, with animals and flowers, along with two chairs. Taking his seat, he signaled Ryuto to sit down.
—Dimensional ring, I see you have some strange things with you—.
—There is nothing stranger here than my very existence—.
—Stop beating around the bush and speak clearly.
—Very well, I will give 30% of what I extracted from my mine to your Ryuto clan, but with conditions.
Stunned by Javier's sudden generous offer, Ryuto adjusts his glasses and taps the table with his finger.
—How many Celestil crystals a week?—.
This time Javier was the one who was surprised by such casual information, causing him to instantly change certain plans in his mind.
- Plan one: Attract the frog. {Done}
- Plan two: Negotiation that benefits the frog. {On hold and upgradable}
—Before we talk about how much, let's talk about my conditions—.
—I can't do much if you don't give me the information I want.
"Stop complicating things. My job is simple. Dungeon information and everything that entails, books that tell me the details, the various medicinal plants, market prices for what's left of plants and pills. Extinct and exotic animals that are registered. Also, information on objects left behind from before the loss of arcane energy from the earth. I also want passes to the auctions taking place in the next five months and any others in the future."
Proud of his demands, he puffed out his chest. Ryuto's mouth fell open, not because he was impressed, but because he was watching a fool who was proud of something that would embarrass even the most novice in finance.
—... Your stupidity and wastefulness astonish me so much that I would give you a bow—.
—Don't praise me so much that you'll make me blush.
Irritated beyond belief by Javier's playful attitude and his squandering of treasures, he couldn't stand it anymore, and slammed his fists on the wooden table.
—Are you stupid or something? You know what you can get with that percentage you're giving? You can find those trinkets in shops in Kyoto!
—I'm not interested in your senses of luxury, for you who think it's unnecessary, for others it's much more valuable, now we have a deal—.
—Ahh, you stubborn idiot, show me the merchandise.
Surrendering to Javier's impenetrable mental strength, he felt a slight headache from that attitude.
No matter how Ryuto felt, Javier placed his hand on the table and a chest 60 cm deep and 100 cm wide appeared, causing the table to rattle.
—All this is my source's earnings—.
—Very little, seriously, you think the Ryuto clan accepts a small treasure…—.
Not even being able to finish speaking, his mouth feeling dry, as if he hadn't drunk anything in days. His eyes ached at the brilliance, but he refused to close them, his breathing uncontrolled, as if he had been bewitched by the beauty of a beautiful woman. Ryuto, in all his time as treasurer of the ancient Ryuto clan, had seen pass through his hands; treasures, pills, furs, magical energy weapons, luxuries that any small clan could dream of. The ancient Ryuto clan was proud of its wealth that could only be matched by clans that dominated; China, England, the United States, Korea, Germany, Egypt, Greece, and Russia.
These clans were named after Minerula: an ancient Persian god, said to guard the world's treasures. Ryuto, who threw away all dignity as an administrator, gulped his dry mouth like the first time he took up his position.
Looking closely at Ryuto's face, Javier, who had not expected anything like this, appeared calm as he waited for the answer.
For his part, Ryuto, who knew in his head that he had fallen into a trap, didn't care. He touched the Celestil crystals that overflowed from the chest, confirming that it was real.
-I'm silent, but it's better to tempt more-.
For a merchant in modern and ancient times, he knows that showing too much was more harmful than beneficial in some cases. Merchants are like ants who will go where their instinct shows them profit; those who seek more profit are flies who will buzz until they are satisfied or die.
Javier, regardless of the consequences, left a new chest the same size as the previous one on the floor.
—Cr-Celestial crystals and, glub Sapphire crystals—.
"I like your reaction, but it's strange. Your family coffers must be filled with Celestil crystals and Sapphires. They're an ancient clan for a reason… let's finish here, the bell's almost ready to ring."
Just like a monkey with diamonds in its hands. It's shiny, but nothing more. Javier, who was unfamiliar with the world and how it worked, acted solely on instinct. He didn't know that the Ryuto clan was one of the superpowers in wealth. His move was simple: find allies, as he had read in the light novels before. This would trigger the first event that changed Japan and the rest of the world.
-----
{12:35 AM}
[Valderrama Mansion]
At the same time Javier and Ryuto sat at the table in the mansion's lounge, Yami was watching television alone after lunch.
—Yami onee-chan, what are you watching?—.
—Shio, after watching TV you start doing your homework!—.
-Yessss!-.
Picking up the dishes with Asahi who was helping, unlike Yami who wasn't doing much less than Javier being present, Shio who sat next to Yami watching television, where a man and a woman were kissing in the park at night.
—? Yami onee-chan for those people, they join their mouths—.
—It's called a kiss—.
—Ah that's a kiss.... !! Yami onee-chan speakers!—.
Shio was surprised to hear Yami's melodious voice, which no one had heard except for her grunts and babbles. She winked at him and made a gesture of silence with her finger, touching her swollen crimson lips.
—It's a secret, don't tell anyone—.
—Secret, mmm count on Shio. But, Yami onee-chan, you have a nice voice. Why are you only grunting?—.
—I couldn't speak, but now I can, all thanks to the incident at the mall.
—O-oh, I don't know what you mean, but I understand Yami onee-chan—.
—Ehehe, don't tell me, Yami onee-chan, call me Yami-mama—.
—Uh, bu-but my mommy is my mommy, I can't call you Yami-mama—.
—You didn't call me just now, Yami-mama—.
—Ah, mmmmm…—.
—Come on, don't cry, you'll look ugly if you cry—.
-Yeah…-.
—You've already memorized what I teach you, Javier.
—Y-yes, I already memorized it, and I combined letters the way you taught me—.
Enjoying hugging when he shows an adorable appearance with his fists closed, Yami smiles and asks.
—What do you think of Javier?—.
—Javier-kun?... mmm, Javier-kun has a huge house, he feeds Shio three times a day, I have new clothes, Mommy's bottle is being repaired, I found my Onii-chan and the three of us are happy, he's also teaching him how to write and read, oh and Javier-kun is very confident.
—Are you sure? How is that?—
—Mmmm, I don't know, but when I was in that huge place and the bad people came, who took Rinka onee-chan and Saka nee-chan, Javier-kun rescued them and took me in his arms, it felt like being in mommy's arms when there was a storm—.
—Eeh, mmm, I see… Ehehe, Shio never met her dad, right?—.
—When I ask Mom or Onii-chan, they don't want to tell me anything, but I know that person is bad, since Mom and Onii-chan make faces when I mention it—.
—...Do you want a father?—.
—I don't know, honestly, I never thought about a daddy... but it must feel really good to have one.
—That's right, and what if you ask Javier, who becomes your daddy?
—Huh?... but Javier-kun, he's not my daddy—.
—No, it isn't. But a father is someone who protects, feeds, teaches, and most importantly, makes you very happy.
—Shio, what are you doing?—
—¡!...—.
Arriving unexpectedly, Asahi looks at Shio who is startled and Yami by her side watching television.
—O-Onii-chan you're done helping mommy—.
—That's right, he went to the bathroom and he's coming back, what are you watching?—.
[A melodrama]
Yami replied with her notebook, becoming mute again.
Soon Yuuna returned, the four sat on the couch watching the melodrama, not noticing that Shio was thoughtful about Yami's words.
--------
{1:28 PM}
[Sakakino Institute]
Pin, Pin, Pin, Pan, Pin!!!
As the recess bell rings, Javier removes the two chests, causing Ryuto to panic.
—W-wait—.
"We'll talk when we leave. Calm your thoughts until then. You still need to speak with the elder in charge of the clan. Talk to him and we'll meet for business tonight or some other day if you want."
Finally removing the table and chairs, he passed by Ryuto who could barely keep his cool, Javier stopped by opening the tin door.
—Ryuto, let's continue being friends who have nothing to do with this world, and one more thing... don't forget it, I'd better tell you if the negotiations with your clan go well, although I hope they go well, my friend.
----------
Ryuto, who heard the door close, discarded the words Javier had told him, taking out of his wallet a small transparent wireless earphone with runes on its body.
—... Clan Chief—.
—What do you want, Ryuto? I'm busy?—.
The voice of a strong-willed man resounded in his ear, Ryuto's face turned sullen, but his voice became servile.
—I want to tell you about a business that came into my hands—.
—Business? If it's finance in your field, we'll talk later. I shouldn't hear about small business, just take care of it.
Showing no emotion, just cold, Ryuto, already accustomed, spoke in a flat tone, showing no emotion.
—A new Celestil and Sapphire crystal mine—.
—...—.
Hearing a knock through the earpiece, Ryuto waited for the reply.
—Well done son, tell me where the vein is, what conditions were there to give us the vein!—.
[Double-sided]
Letting that thought run through his mind, Ryuto continues talking meekly to his supposed father.
—He set very easy conditions to meet, very simple in fact: if our clan accepts, they will give us 30% of what is earned each week.
—30%, he's not going to give it to us—.
Changing his tone of voice again to one of disgust, Ryuto, who had expected it, spoke.
—That's only 30%, the deal hasn't been closed, since he wants to talk to the head of the Ryuto clan, not a treasurer.
—...Bring it to the main house—.
—I'll call to have the transport ready…—.
Cutting the call, Ryuto let out a deep sigh before making other calls and heading to the classroom.
-----------
Going back in time when Javier was already ending the meeting, Setsuna, who had barely heard that conversation, was still able to hear some information.
-He wants a harem, he's involved in shady business, and Ryuto is from a gangster family... he's the worst.
With that thought and mixed feelings she left there when she heard the footsteps coming towards her.
Having not heard Javier's last words, Setsuna, with a pale, emotionless face, walked slowly to the classroom.
—Setsuna, what a coincidence to find you here, you know, I thought you were in the classroom.
Javier, who ran down the hallway, seeing the small figure, gently hugged Setsuna from behind, feeling the warmth escaping from the girl's small body.
—Fu, you smell very nice, Kiyoura, what shampoo do you use? Did you know that using a menthol shampoo makes your body feel really cool when you feel the wind?
—You can stay away from me—.
Setsuna said in a flat voice, demonstrating a wall too thick for Javier himself to be intimidated.
—Hey, Kiyoura, what's up with you today? Ever since I sat next to you, you've built a strong wall around yourself. You scare me.
Taking several steps back, Javier looked at Setsuna as if she were an ancient monster.
Setsuna turned to look at him without changing her expression, her small cold lips parted.
—Please don't hug me again, and don't call me without honorifics either.
—...W-wait a minute for what happens to you—.
—Nothing that should interest you and I don't want you to get close to Sekai either, she's a good girl to get involved with you—.
—...—.
Defeated, he falls to his knees under Setsuna's icy gaze.
Setsuna, who saw him like that, her gaze did not change, she just stared at him.
—One more thing, so that Sekai isn't left alone with you, I'll be on the lookout, so she doesn't get suspicious—.
—Kiyoura-san, what did you hear?—.
Thinking about that possibility, Setsuna's pupils trembled for a moment before she calmed down and stood firmly in front of Javier on her knees.
—All I know is that you're a scoundrel with a horrible desire for women and a danger to ordinary people. If you have nothing else to say, I'll go to my class, and let this be the last time you call me without honorifics. From now on, I'm Kiyoura-san to you.
Seeing Javier on his knees with his eyes on the floor for the last time, Setsuna left, leaving him alone.
Setsuna's small footsteps can no longer be heard, Javier, with a sad look, sits in a corner thoughtfully.
"What am I doing wrong?! First Sayaka, now Setsuna. The first one already knew about her phobia and fear, but with Setsuna it's different. I thought about continuing to cultivate affection for me. Since this morning everything has been going wrong, plus that icy stare is bad for my health. Now I have to check what she heard in my conversation with Ryuto."
Taking his phone out of his pocket, the screen began to change to a crouching Setsuna.
(He wants a harem, he's involved in shady business, and Ryuto is from a gangster family... it's the worst)
—Seriously, from the entire conversation that's all I hear, damn it, seriously, that women are a mass of nonsense who are scary when they get angry.
Already without spirit, he stops and hears quick footsteps coming down the stairs.
—Will it be Ryuto?—.
No matter who approached, I looked at the stairs and the hallway.
—I don't want to go back to the classroom, the library, the roof, or the infirmary.
With the three destinations in mind, Javier headed towards the roof, coming from where he came.
—Mm, a girl?—.
Catching her eye the dark purple hair on the platform of the stairs she was about to crash into, the surprised young woman tried to jump back, failing.
—Kyaaa—.
—Are you okay?—.
Reacting, Javier takes the hand of the girl who tripped. Without the girl falling, Javier clearly sees who she is: Kotonoha Katsura, one of the main heroines of School Days.
—Th-thank you, sorry, can you let go of my hand?—
—Oh, sorry.
Quickly letting go of Kotonoha's hand, Javier looked at the floor, which had several poster tubes.
—My apologies, I didn't notice someone coming, I'm so sorry.
Bowing several times to Kotonoha, Javier sees her, but instead of accepting the apology, he bends down and begins to pick up the posters.
—Don't worry, it was my fault too, not realizing. Here, here are the signs, do you want help?
—No, don't worry, thank you very much for helping me collect the posters, thank you.
Bowing one last time, Kotonoha runs off, heading down the last flight of stairs. Javier, watching her long, dark purple hair disappear around the corner, sighed in defeat.
—Ahhh, I don't understand what's happening to me anymore, I should have helped carry the signs to her, I would have had a chance to meet her... ahh, I seriously don't know what's happening to me with girls these days—.
Scratching the back of his neck at his own carelessness, he continued his way to the roof where he fell asleep until the bell rang to dismiss the class.
—Wow, that was a nice dream, now that the club won't be demolished, but my relationship with Setsuna isn't all that great—.
Washing his face before entering the classroom, Javier noticed several students still present: Setsuna, Sekai, Manami, and Hikari. Makoto and Ryuto were also present, along with a few other students.
Noticing the group of girls, Setsuna still had a cold stare. Hikari was more than usual, and Manami gave her a shove in the back.
—Javier, I want to talk to you about something, do you have time? —
Nervous, evident in her voice, Javier stopped near the podium.
—Sure, if you want it right here, I have no problem.—
Arriving in front of Javier, he took a deep breath, reaffirming his will.
—Listen, I don't want to go to the point of going to some teacher, so starting tomorrow I want you to stop greeting me like you've been doing up until now.
A little surprised Javier, since anyone would think he was going to say something more serious, Hikari almost jumps when someone gently strokes her hair.
—No more nice phrases, just a simple greeting, but you didn't have to come with such a serious face, I'm not that scary—.
Passing by Hikari who didn't say anything even though her hair was touched, he took his suitcase next to the seat and looked for a moment at Setsuna and Sekai in it.
—Sekai, Kiyoura-san, I'll wait for you in the club room. I'm going ahead.—
-... Alright-.
—See you tomorrow, Nanami, and mark my words: the best way to capture a guy is to leave him no room to think, but don't pester him, just relax and notice what he likes.
—And I've already told you that I'm not interested in anyone—.
-Hahaha!-.
Leaving the classroom with a laugh, Manami approached Sekai and Setsuna.
—Hey, don't you think he's acting strange?—.
—Besides, he didn't come after he left for recess, you know something, Setsuna; you and Ryuto-kun are the last ones to enter, plus you're friends.—
Hikari, who also saw Javier's change in attitude, all looked at Setsuna, who was silent.
—Setsuna, do you know something right?—.
Sekai, who hadn't spoken since Javier came in, looked closely at Setsuna, who wasn't blinking even though she was looking at her.
—Not really—.
—But he even calls you by your last name, and not by your first name. Although I was surprised by how close you two became on a date, now he calls you by honorific. That's weird, isn't it, girls?
—What Sekai says is true and if you don't know something, there's only Ryuto-kun left—.
—Hikari, speaking of being weird, why didn't you take your hand away? I thought you hated having your hair rubbed.
—Well, even though it can be annoying, I sensed he was sad about something. That's the only reason I'm leaving him, and nothing else!—
Somewhat flustered as she explained, she resumed her strong personality at last, causing Manami to laugh at her.
—Hehe, if you say so, it must be true. Ryuto-kun, do you know why Javier is acting a little weird?!—.
Ryuto, who was called while talking to Makoto, shook his head.
—I don't know, I didn't see him during break time, something must have happened or he got a call from a relative.
Setsuna, frowning at the neglected Ryuto, stood up, attracting the girls' attention.
—Is something wrong, Setsuna?—.
—Nothing, I'll go ahead to the club, I'll be waiting for you—.
—Oh, wait, I'll go with you, see you tomorrow, girls.
—Goodbye until tomorrow—.
-See you tomorrow-.
The four of them saying goodbye, Setsuna advances first before Sekai catches up.
Arriving at the club, they enter and see Javier sitting by the window eating his bento.
—What are you doing, Javier?—
—You can't see it, I'm eating—.
—No, I already know that, what I'm asking is: why are you eating now?—.
Sekai, who didn't understand anything, left her backpack on a desk as she approached Javier.
Wiping his mouth with a napkin, Javier looks at her.
—I didn't eat during recess and I'm already hungry. Do you want some? It's Mr. Octopus.
—...I'll take this—.
Taking Mr. Octopus out of Javier's bento box with his fingers, he looked at Setsuna who had sat down to continue reading the book.
—Excuse me if I interrupt you, Kiyoura-san, do you want some?—.
—...—.
Turning the page without paying attention to Javier.
—Hmm? What's wrong with you guys? You're acting weird. Tell me, Javier, what happened during the break?
"It hasn't happened, seriously, believe me, Sekai."
—I don't believe you, what was that about Kiyoura-san? It sounds so monotonous and stiff when it comes out of your mouth.
—Hahaha, seriously, I'll try to get used to it over time. If you want another octopus mister, take it, there's plenty.
—I'll take one then and this one for Setsuna—.
Taking the two octopus gentlemen, he ate one immediately and took the other to Setsuna who continued reading silently.
—Open your mouth, Setsuna—.
—I don't want it, eat it if you want—.
—Hey, but it tastes good, say ahhhh—.
—I don't want it!—.
—Ahh—.
Mr. Octopus fell to the floor after being slapped by Setsuna, everyone watched Mr. Octopus fall to the ground.
—What's wrong, Setsuna, I just wanted to give you some, you didn't have to throw it away!—.
-I'm sorry-.
Setsuna, who knew what had happened with her anger, apologized, but Sekai could no longer stand the awkward atmosphere surrounding Javier and Setsuna.
-AND...-.
—...—.
Touching his shoulder and shaking his head, Javier said.
—Sekai, Kiyoura-san won't feel well today, that's why she's acting like this, I'm sure this will be over by tomorrow—.
-But-.
—Ma, ma, there's nothing to worry about, look, Mr. Octopus is fine, fu... and he's still good—.
—Because you ate it, it's dirty—.
—Just a little dust, nothing more—.
Having eaten Mr. Octopus, Setsuna stared at him. Noticing Javier's gaze, she turned her gaze back to the book.
Sliding door!
—Sorry I'm late, uu, what's with this atmosphere?—.
—Sensei, here is the flash drive with the information we gathered about the telescopes.
Taking the flash drive that Javier gave him, Professor Tenma with his laptop checks and looks at Setsuna.
—So, student Kiyoura, give me a brief explanation about the birth of the telescope.
—Early in 1608, in the Netherlands, inventor Hans Lippershey created a possible blueprint for building a telescope, but it wasn't until 1909 that Galileo Galilei made the first lens that would become the telescope, a simple tube with two lenses at each end. Before the first lens was created, astrologers, like those in ancient Greece and the Mayans, would observe celestial bodies.
Sitting down after presenting, Setsuna, Professor Tenma looked at Sekai.
—Student Saionji, what telescope did Isaac Newton build?—.
—Metal mirrors in Latin are called 'speculum metal' with a mixture of copper and tin was called (Newtonian reflector), had a diameter of 33 mm, reflects light with 60% before 1860, had to be re-polished causing much inconvenience, for astronomers was not the only problem, humidity and the environment having to clean it thoroughly and rebuild it.
As early as 1856 and 1857, mirror manufacture was improved when Karl Au-august von… Stein... heil and Leon Fo... Foucault introduced an ultra-thin layer of silver on the front surface of the mirror block, giving a 90% improvement in the light they receive and being much less sensitive to light loss.
—Well done, although you missed several details, you did well, student Saionji—.
Sitting tired Sekai, Javier waited for Professor Tenma's question.
—Finally, student Javier, tell me about the new technologies that have been introduced in the last 20 years.
—Professor Tenma, that's very broad, anything more specific?—.
—Right, right, so tell me who created the Astradis telescope and what was discovered, as well as its characteristics?—.
—The inventor was Legar Astradis, ten years ago, and it was the first telescope to use reactive atoms embedded in the lenses and a central core in the telescope body. Ten have been built to date; one is near the uninhabited Hawaiian Islands, another is on the Japanese coast near Sapporo, another is in the Philippines, and others like Germany, Russia, China, England, South Korea, Spain, and Egypt, which have no coasts or uninhabited islands, were built in the middle of nowhere.
In addition to their small production capacity of one per year, each country has a high level of security with scientists and trained personnel. And the reason they're guarded is by the first civilization in our neighboring Milky Way, called Wylda. Nothing more has been told to the public yet, that's all.
—Mmm, very well, student Valderrama, I see that you did some research, with this I can say that the astronomy club is back in session.
—Ohhh—.
—WE DID IT!—.
Sekai, proud of having achieved it, jumps for joy, hugging Javier for a few seconds before going to Setsuna, hugging her.
—Don't get too excited, you've researched history, but you haven't researched anything about the stars, their constellations, and planets.
Tenma did not wait to lecture the three happy boys, his smile of pride in his students could not be hidden.
—Ehehehe, sensei Tenma, don't be too rigid, I invited you to eat something as our club advisor—.
—Let's celebrate, Javier—.
—Out loud, Sekai, you can ask for whatever you want, it's from me.—
—Uagh, what shall I order, ah, where shall we go?—
—How about a pastry shop?—.
—You're the best! But it will cost you dearly.
Already savoring what he would eat, with Sekai being the most enthusiastic, Professor Tenma rejected the offer.
—Sorry, but I won't go, enjoy it, also, here, this is the key to the roof, don't give it to anyone and especially not for misuse, you understand—.
—Trust my sensei Tenma, it's nothing bad—.
—It's because I trust my students that I'm giving it to you, don't make me regret it.
—Nothing to worry about.
Giving him a military salute, Professor Tenma lets out a smile as he says goodbye, mentioning a faculty meeting.
—Excuse me if I can ask you something?—.
—How can I help you?—
Setsuna stands up to talk to Professor Tenma, and looks for a moment at the keys to the rooftop.
—Those are the only keys there are—.
—There are also copies, like the janitor's, a spare, and the one I give to Javier. Why do you ask?
-Curiosity-.
With nothing else to do at the club, Professor Tenma left, leaving the three of them alone. Javier, who wanted to say something, was literally pierced by the coldest look he'd received during the break. He couldn't converse with Setsuna, so he proposed something.
—Sekai, tell me you're free during Golden Week?—.
—Uh, well, I'm free, why?—.
—It's for club purposes, since we're new to this and it seems Sensei Tenma won't be asking us questions about astrology for the last time, so I thought why don't we meet at some observatory now that we're on holiday. We can also ask the school for permission to come and see the stars at night, what are you saying? Kiyoura-san will also come, after all, we are a group.—
Sekai, enthusiastic about the idea, Setsuna's gaze made Javier break out in a cold sweat, not knowing how to treat her.
Planning their holiday outing, Javier took a book out of his backpack and started reading. Setsuna started reading too. Sekai, bored, began to pester Setsuna by interrupting her reading.
--------
After a couple of hours, the last bell rang, marking the end of the clubs.
—Javier, if you haven't decided which place we're going to, I have one in mind, what do you think?
—I have no problem, but let me tell my cousin that she should have left her club by now.
—Why don't you invite her too, the more the better?—.
-Alright?-.
—Of course, you pay anyway, ehehe—.
—...—.
Shaking their heads at Sekai's nerve, the three left the club.
-I wonder what all that noise is, I've been hearing it most of the afternoon-.
Hearing the loud banging sound on the other side of the wall, Javier ignored it and they left.
Javier, who still couldn't establish a conversation with Setsuna after what happened during the break, much less a glance, asked Sekai, who was walking a few steps ahead.
—Sekai, how long have you and Kiyoura-san known each other?—.
—What's the point of this sudden question?... Well, we've been together since Kindergarten, I consider her my real younger sister, since I'm the oldest.
—Major, Sekai is always careless, childish and easily carried away by the situation—.
—...—.
Blushing with pursed lips, she looked reproachfully at Setsuna, which seemed to have no effect.
—Ehehehehehe—.
—What are you laughing at!?—.
—That explanation fits you perfectly, hahaha—.
—Hey, stop laughing, look what you did, Setsuna?—.
—...—.
—Oh, you're laughing badly too!—.
Having a pleasant time, the three of them walked to the exit together, changing their shoes. Sayaka's presence was noticeable.
—Me. How did it go at the kendo club? Was practice good?
—... More or less... And who are your friends?—.
Sayaka had her eyes on Sekai and Setsuna who were behind Javier.
—You've met them before, but let me introduce you again. This girl here, with an ahoge in her hair, is named Sekai Saionji.
—Hey, if you have something to say about my hair, say it. Besides, it's my strong suit, having this choke that gives me more presence.
Clearly, putting his hands on his waist.
—But you already have it, Sekai—.
-Hmm?-.
—Kiyoura Setsuna-san, Sekai's childhood friend and the president of my class, sits next to me.
-Good afternoon-.
—Mm, good afternoon, Saionji-san, Kiyoura-san, I'm Okino Sayaka, Javier's cousin, nice to meet you. By the way, we've already met before at the entrance and in the classroom.
—Y-yes—.
Sayaka, who naturally gave off an Ojo-sama atmosphere, Sekai felt self-conscious, getting nervous. Setsuna, who was angry with Javier for what she heard, looked at Sayaka with a feeling of unease.
—Too big... Okino-san, we're thinking of going to a bakery to celebrate the opening of the Astronomy Club... Do you want to go?—.
Without any encouragement in the invitation, Sayaka, smiling in the most natural way, looked at Setsuna who did not want her at the celebration.
"Etto, what exactly is going on? Someone explain to me why these two are staring at each other. Sayaka is sure to decline the invitation, since we're not on good terms."
Relaxing Javier forgot something very important, when there are feelings involved everything is chaos.
—Thanks for the invitation, I really wanted to eat something sweet.
—Seriously, there are some good 'high calorie' desserts that you're sure to like.
—I'll be happy to try it, since my metabolism is strong, not letting me gain weight.
"It's clear all the fat will go elsewhere. Akimiya Okino, even though she's Javier's cousin, there's something besides those tits that bothers me."
"Why is it that I find this elementary school girl's presence annoying? I wasn't going to go, but it's better to find out why she bothers me."
Eating with her eyes while smiling on the surface, Sekai scared, approaches Javier, who had his mouth open, because of what happened.
—J-Javier, why don't you call your other cousin? I'm sure the more the better!
—...Why not, I'll call her!—.
Sweating uncomfortably at the actions of the two girls who should have been upset with him, now trying to go eat together when it was obvious they weren't getting along. Javier, moving away from Sekai who pinched his waist, walked toward the exit.
—Hi, Javier Onii-chan, have you come to see me yet? Sorry, but I just finished practice and I'm changing.
—No, it's not that. I'm going with my club to a nearby bakery and I wanted to know if you want to go or if I can send you the vehicle.
—Oh, I thought it was a lie to get closer to your classmates, but it seems you're serious about your decision.
—Hey, who do you take me for… Oh, are you coming or not?
—But I don't have much money—.
—I'll pay the whole bill—.
—I love you, Javier Onii-chan, for inviting me! I'll be waiting for you at the exit.
Hanging up on Javier for being just as brazen as Sekai in that regard. He approached the girls in an unpleasant atmosphere.
—He said if he's coming, then we'll go before it gets any later.
Nodding to everyone, they walked toward the school gates. However, three black vehicles appeared out of nowhere, catching the attention of the kids who had just left the clubs.
—Javier, excuse the rudeness, but the previous matter is already settled and ready for discussion.
Getting out of one of the black vehicles, Ryuto, accompanied by eight men in suits.
They click their tongues, and he turns to see Sayaka who was nervous and not just her, but everyone who was leaving at that moment.
—Sasa-chan, I'm sorry, but you'll have to go home with Rinka-chan. Yami should be waiting at the door when you arrive, and don't bother waiting up for me. I don't think I'll be home until dawn.—
Turning his gaze away from Sayaka, his gaze falls on Sekai, who is intimidated by the eight men in suits and sunglasses, and even Ryuto, who is completely different. Setsuna, with her cold gaze, her hands tightly gripping her skirt, showing how worried she was, but that she didn't want to show it.
—Sorry, Sekai, Kiyoura-san, but we'll have another time, for the club celebration, see you tomorrow.—
—...—.
Setsuna was trying to say something, but nothing came out. Javier got into the vehicle, Ryuto got out, and all the men got in and left.
As the three vehicles disappear from view, another vehicle stops in front of Sakakino Academy, which Sayaka recognizes.
—Apologies for the sudden incident with my cousin, it seems he has to take care of family business matters.
—Business!—.
Taking Setsuna by surprise, Sayaka continued with her explanation.
—Yes, I can't give many details, but my cousin Javier is going into business with the Ryuto family, but I didn't think it would be so soon, that's why all this happened so suddenly, see you tomorrow, Saionji-san, kiyoura-san—.
—Yes, see you tomorrow—.
Not being able to do more than say goodbye with a brief explanation, which seemed to solve many explanations for one and very little for the other.