After just one afternoon of patrol, I had gained a deep understanding of Fubuki's lazy personality.
Whenever we came across something suspicious, Kirino would always charge forward recklessly, while Fubuki would stay behind pretending not to notice, or excuse herself by saying that with Kirino there, it was enough. Her attitude was the very picture of reluctant negligence.
Yet when an actual crime occurred, she would grumble about how troublesome it was, but still pull herself together quickly, working with Kirino to properly fulfill the duties of the Public Safety Bureau.
At least when she wasn't being lazy, she was far more reliable than Kirino… though it was honestly hard to imagine how anyone could be less reliable than Kirino.
Her enthusiasm was commendable, but Kirino made far too many blunders on the job. If not for sheer luck, there might have been several serious incidents already.
Dropping the handcuff key within arm's reach of the suspect—was that really intentional?
If the suspect hadn't worn that smug, all-knowing look and declared that they would never fall for such a cheap trap, thus adding "resisting arrest" to their charges, they might actually have escaped.
In any case, the patrol went reasonably well. I saw plenty of amusing scenes, which at least made the day feel worthwhile.
After having dinner with the two girls from the Public Safety Bureau, we deliberately took a detour through some quiet streets I normally wouldn't visit, buying a few everyday items that I hoped I'd never have to use but kept on hand just in case. Then, I returned to Schale.
I had just sat down at my desk, still debating whether to play one of those commission-evaluation games or to take a shower first, when my phone chimed with a Momotalk notification.
Serina: Sensei, good evening!
Serina: You've worked hard today, it's time to take a nice rest! (≧◡≦)ノ
Serina: Since your injuries haven't fully healed yet, please remember to change your bandages after bathing.
Serina: If there's anything inconvenient for you or if you have any other needs, please don't hesitate to tell me!
Serina: No matter when or where, I'll come to your side, Sensei! (^▽^)
So, she's the type to use emoticons in chat.
I was just about to type a polite thank-you and gently decline her offer when I suddenly realized something.
That message had arrived right as I returned to Schale, while I was still deciding between getting back to work and taking a shower…
It had to be… just a coincidence… right?
Remembering how Serina had fallen for me at first sight yet could so easily act as though nothing had happened afterward, a chill crept down my spine.
Serina: [Image]
Serina: Ehehe~ I just finished volunteering at the hospital, so I still look like this∼
I opened the image. The moment I confirmed it was a selfie of Serina, I held down to save it, then began to admire it slowly...
Her delicate and lovely face wore a shy yet healing smile that could melt the heart. Her graceful, slender neck led down to sharply defined collarbones.
The pure white of her uniform made her already fair skin gleam with a soft luster, a healthy hint of pink glowing beneath, smooth and flawless to the point where even zooming in wouldn't reveal a single pore.
Then it hit me. Serina was simply a pure, angelic girl, kind and gentle. If she'd fallen for me at first sight, it could only be because I was too charming. Her calmness afterward merely showed her composure and innocence. That message must have been pure coincidence. There was no reason for me to be paranoid.
With that settled, I quickly began typing my reply.
Me: Thanks. Can I see your legs too?
Serina: What?
Me: Sorry, I accidentally tapped the wrong thing.
Me: I meant, thank you for your concern.
Me: My recovery's going pretty well, so I don't want to trouble you.
Me: If I ever really need help, I'll be sure to reach out.
Serina: [Image]
Serina: Geez, don't show this to anyone else, okay? (/ω＼)
I froze, drew in a sharp breath, opened and saved the photo immediately, then created a locked album named "Study Materials," moving this and the previous picture into it.
But that wasn't enough.
"Arona! Add ten more layers of encryption!"
A displeased girl's voice came from the Schale console's speaker. "Sensei, honestly… you're really making me do this for your private indulgence?"
I smiled faintly and gave an offer she couldn't refuse.
"Double dessert portion tonight."
Her tone instantly turned cheerful and excited. "Sensei, you really do know your Arona well! Leave it all to me~ the supreme administrator of Schale, Super Arona!"
After thanking Serina again, I realized I had discovered a new world.
"You there? I miss you. Let me see your recent photo."
Copying that line, I switched to another chat window and pasted it.
It's not like I was sending it at random. I chose only those girls I had already won over, the ones who were sweet, obedient, and docile toward me.
Wakamo, Yukino, and Shiroko.
Aside from Yukino, who was still at SRT Special Academy under strict military management and hadn't replied yet, the other two responded quickly and generously. My collection expanded, rapidly! Exponentially! Gloriously!
Tasting success, I turned my sights toward others who might not be so easy to convince.
Let's start with my beloved cow-like student~
Kanna: Sensei, it's been a while. This is Ogata Kanna from Valkyrie Police Academy. May I ask what this is about?
Me: You there? I miss you. Let me see your recent photo.
Kanna: ?
Huh?
I switched back to the main screen in confusion, only to find that even though I'd temporarily set contacts to sort alphabetically, Momotalk had cleverly placed new friend chats at the very top.
Ha… thank you so much for that.
Kanna: …
Kanna: This…
Kanna: This is unquestionably workplace harassment!
Kanna: I've already saved the evidence.
Kanna: I advise you to turn yourself in at the Public Security Bureau immediately.
Kanna: Do not think you can evade justice.
Me: Wait! This is a misunderstanding!
Me: I meant to send that to someone else! It was just a misclick, please believe me, Kanna!
Kanna: …Who were you intending to send it to?
Kanna: Chief Shiranui?
Why bring up something so ominous at this hour? However, Kanna (Kaname/Leaf渚) and Kaya (Hanaya/Flower耶), if they are mixed up like that, it actually seems quite reasonable."
Me: Someone else.
Me: Anyway.
Me: About last time, thanks for your help.
Kanna: What are you talking about? I don't understand.
Kanna: Apologies, I have Public Security business to attend to, so if you'll excuse me.
Moments later, I received an anonymous email. It contained only a time and place.
So cautious, Kanna.