What surprised me and warmed my heart, was that from Ayane's reactions, it seemed this was her first time reading the book.
I still remembered how delighted she had been when I first gave her [Guns, Charm, and Zeal].
Could it be that Ayane had waited all this time, holding herself back from reading it, just because she wanted to keep our promise to read it together?
That was far too adorable.
I was overjoyed. Rather than saying I was reading with the girl, it would be more accurate to say I was using the act of reading as an excuse to admire the girl completely absorbed in her book.
The best-seller itself was enjoyable, but nowhere near as captivating as Ayane.
She read slowly and carefully. While watching her, I skimmed through the book and grasped the gist of it.
This quiet, leisurely moment felt long and peaceful, as if untouched by outside troubles, stretching on like eternity.
Until the loud ring of a phone shattered it.
I frowned slightly and took out my phone. The screen showed an unfamiliar number.
I gave Ayane an apologetic look. "Sorry, let me take this."
Ayane shook her head. "It's all right, I'll wait for you."
I stood and walked quickly into the hallway, answering the call and taking the lead.
"Hello? This is the Sensei from Schale. May I ask who's speaking?"
But instead of a direct response, what I heard were faint chaotic voices,
"Ah, it's actually ringing! Wh-what do we do!?"
"Deep breaths, President! Inhale, exhale!"
"O-okay. Inhale… exhale…"
The corner of my mouth twitched. Listening to this little drama between the caller and her companion made me feel both amused and helpless, and whatever irritation I felt about being interrupted faded significantly.
But thinking again… were they doing this on purpose? Maybe they sensed the subtle displeasure in my tone and switched strategies on the spot?
Surely no one would get this nervous just from dialing a phone…
But this was Kivotos. And judging by the voice, they were students. Hard to judge.
"Uh, hello! I'm…"
The voice on the other end suddenly changed, as if she were trying to sound professional. "Is this the phone number of the Sensei from Schale?"
Did I not already introduce myself… completely ignored, huh…
Feeling oddly exhausted, I steadied myself and repeated calmly, "Yes, this is the Sensei from Schale. And you are?"
"Great! Ah, um… okay…"
The unfamiliar girl seemed to finally suppress her excitement. "Please allow me to introduce myself… Nice to meet you, Sensei from Schale! My name is Shizuko!"
"All right, got it. Shizuko, right."
I leaned back against the wall and said coolly, "So, how did you get my number? Are you a stalker?"
"…Eh?"
I smirked, certain I had hit the mark and caught her off guard.
Well, it was understandable. A transcendent, unmatched gentleman like myself attracting the admiration of some inexperienced students was only natural. Being treated like an idol wasn't surprising.
I could understand Shizuko's feelings. But as a Sensei, I had the responsibility to guide her so that her admiration wouldn't spiral into blind obsession.
Maybe I should ask for a selfie just to check whether she was my type. If she was, maintaining ordinary contact wouldn't be unthinkable…
"Huh!? What are you talking about! Shizuko is not a stalker!"
Oh? Not after all? No matter. Hearing the flustered indignation in her voice instantly put me in a better mood.
"Ahem. Let's start over."
Realizing she slipped, Shizuko switched back to her performance voice. "Actually, Shizuko is the president of the Festival Operations Department of Hyakkiyako Alliance Academy! And! At the same time, she's also the poster girl of Momoyo Hall!"
Hyakkiyako Alliance Academy. Festival Operations Department.
These words immediately made me think of the large festival soon to be held at Hyakkiyako, one I had already heard rumors about.
And Shizuko's next words confirmed it.
"A-and, the reason I'm calling is… we'd like to invite you to the Spring Festival we're holding at Hyakkiyako Alliance Academy, also known as the Cherry Blossom Festival."
Shizuko paused. "And your number was obtained through official channels! So Shizuko is definitely not a suspicious person!"
"Yes yes, I understand."
I answered perfunctorily, then asked casually, "So why invite me? Our organizations haven't had any contact before. Or do you have a commission for Schale?"
Silence fell on the other end. It seemed my straightforward attitude threw her off. After some fumbling, she finally said:
"Uh, well… there is something, though it's nothing serious… something I wanted to consult Sensei about…"
Her voice got softer and softer until she coughed, trying to hide her embarrassment. "But mostly, we simply wanted to invite you since you've been so active all across Kivotos recently… your reputation has really soared…"
Active? Really? I had rejected the majority of commissions. Yet somehow, my fame kept spreading.
Continuing on, Shizuko's tone suddenly turned mysterious. "Also, at this Cherry Blossom Festival, we're planning an original innovation!"
I knew it was just her sales pitch, but she had my attention. "Innovation? Care to give me a hint?"
"Hehehe∼ If I say it now, it won't be a surprise! So please look forward to it∼" Shizuko said, clearly pleased with herself. "If possible, please visit our festival when you have time!"
"All right. Since you're so earnest, I'll make time to stop by."
Even without this call, I had planned to attend.
"Wonderful! Ahem, please be sure to visit Momoyo Hall once you're there. I'll take very good care of you! Goodbye!"
Just as I thought she was about to hang up, she suddenly remembered something. "And one more thing! Shizuko is definitely not a stalker! Please make sure you remember that!"
…Repeating it like that only makes it more suspicious.
"Got it, I remember."
Shizuko, who claimed she wasn't a stalker.
"Good good∼ Then I won't disturb you anymore! Have a wonderful day!"
And with that, the call finally ended.