The Hinotsuchi Cultural Festival is a major event held over three days at Chroma Music Academy.

Originally, it was a sort of government-led propaganda to show that Explorers were harmless and beneficial to humans.

But as time passed, it transformed into a flashy festival run by the students.

Now, it’s practically five days long, including the pre- and post-festival events.

With just two days left until the pre-festival, Chroma Music Academy is even noisier than when we came last time.

As soon as we arrived, we checked into a slightly upscale hotel in the tourist district and went to drop off our luggage in our rooms.

It’s not something we would’ve even imagined before, but now that we have an S-Rank at our school, there’s no problem.

“Mizuhi-senpai, thanks to you, we don’t have to worry about lodging during the Cultural Festival!”

“Yeah. Even during this season, the hotel is flexible because of the board’s support. Even a place this pricey is no problem.”

“Whoaaa! The bed is super huge!”

Hikari-chan dove onto the bed.

Then she dropped her backpack and declared, “I want this spot!”

You can have whatever spot you like. ^^

I’ll even sleep on the floor, honestly. ^^

“Pick wherever you want. Kei, you choose a spot too.”

“Thank you.”

Mizuhi-senpai’s eyes, though saying that, were clearly locked on the bed by the window.

In moments like this, being the cool and perceptive mysterious beauty is the way to go.

“Then I’ll take the one by the door.”

“Hmm, I see.”

Look, look! She seems kinda happy! So cute!

『So cuteee＾＾』
『But don’t forget—he shows no mercy to enemies. That guy comes straight to kill, no playing around.』

This is the first time I’ve heard such a perspective.

“Now then, we have an hour until we meet up with the investigation team dispatched by Chroma. You’re free until then.”

“Wait, really!?”

“Yeah. That was the plan from the beginning, even back when it was just a part-time gig.”

As Mizuhi-senpai said, it had started out as a part-time job.

We aren’t participating in the Hinotsuchi Cultural Festival as part of the academy.

We’re simply staff helping with the event.

Still, we’re at that age where we want to have a little fun.

To fund that fun, some of us came ahead as school representatives to help with pre-event stage setup and other side jobs.

Originally, Mizuhi-senpai, Toa-chan, and Hikari-chan were selected for that job.

By the way, that selection was determined through a very serious game of rock-paper-scissors.

But that was until this morning.

Now we’re also part of the 『Beat the Fake Sorciera Squad』, so our responsibilities are kind of heavy.

“Then let’s go have some fun!”

Hikari-chan clutched her wallet, eyes sparkling.

But Mizuhi-senpai shook her head apologetically.

“Sorry, I’ll pass. …Actually, I haven’t been able to get proper sleep these past few days. The more requests I complete, the more rewards I earn, so I went a little too hard. Let me rest a bit.”

“I see… Got it!”

Recently, Mizuhi-senpai’s been constantly out on missions from the board.

Thanks to that, Fectom General Academy’s finances have been rapidly improving, but I really wish she’d take it easy.

Honestly, isn’t it time for her to officially join the board as Sorciera?

A fake’s shown up anyway—might as well boost her presence here.

I mean, I want to join the S-Rank summons too!

I want in on those ultimate character meetings!

『That’s not the kind of event you go to with that kind of excitement.』

Angel-kun, you’re way too serious. Lighten up.

“Come on, Kei, let’s go!”

“Sure, let’s.”

Going out with this energetic girl isn’t a bad idea at all.

I’ll kill the fake when I find them, but I also need to keep my heart relaxed.

『It’s a HikaxSor duo＾＾』

Just so you know, you don’t need this much relaxation, okay?

The Starreader’s Staff automatically ships any two living beings it sees, it’s a matchmaking monster.

『So… Hikari and Loli-ciera, huh.』

What do you mean “so”?

“I really want to try that Golgotha Hill Crepe!”

Toa-chan mentioned wanting to eat that too.

But the shop got frozen over and she never got the chance.

『Wasn’t that crepe really big?』
『Her tiny body might not finish it. My Lord, go for a smaller crepe.』
『And don’t spill it, okay?＾＾』

What is with you guys?

■

The main street just outside the hotel was even more packed than before.

One day, I want to do a proper mysterious-girl move in a place like this.

You know, like conveying important info concisely and vanishing into the crowd.

That kind of thing.

So cool.

Also, I wanna do the thing where you disappear after a train passes!

“Look! That spot’s super crowded! Which means something super fun is happening!”

Hikari-chan dragged me by the hand straight into the crowd.

With her behavior and appearance, it’s wild to think she’s a year above me.

Seriously, she’s best girl material.

Also, her hand is soft.

『Objection, Your Honor!』

I’m a girl too, so it’s fine.＾＾

『……? Then shouldn’t you be dressing like one?』
『That’s… not quite right.』

Yeah yeah, I’m doing the whole crossdressing beautiful girl (TS) thing right now.

So dressing like a male student is the correct choice.

『????????』

That’s just how mysterious beauties roll.

Angel-kun’s gonna have to get used to it.

Besides, if I were dressed as a girl and playing with Hikari-chan and Mizuhi-senpai saw it, she’d be so confused.

That’s why I’m enjoying this outing as the crossdressing beauty Sorciera.

『You live a complicated life.』

It’s not that bad.

Thanks to Hikari-chan, I’m constantly getting emotional healing.

She changes expressions so fast and is always cheerful—she’s a joy to watch.

Today’s totally going to be a good day!

And tonight, I’ll kill the fake.

『What’s up with your emotional balance?』

“Kei, hold my hand so we don’t get separated! Getting lost would be scary!”

“Okay.”

I held Hikari-chan’s hand and pushed forward through the crowd.

That alone makes me feel like I’m at max happiness.

『Magic power is surging…!』
『Why is your magic power increasing from this??????』

While floating on this happy vibe as Hikari-chan leads me, I wonder where we’re even headed.

We’re diving into the crowd, that’s for sure.

Is it a beautiful girl’s sweets shop?

Or a popular beautiful girl performer?

『So the beautiful girl part is guaranteed, huh.』

Of course.

To gather this many people, it must be someone of equal beauty.

Surely it’s a renowned beauty.

I dove into the center of the crowd with Hikari-chan.

And then—

“—Huh? …Well well, you came straight to me, huh?”

The moment I heard that voice, I immediately wanted to turn back.

I haven’t seen anything yet, so it’s still safe.

There exists both the possibility that she’s here and that she isn’t.

I choose to believe in the latter and get out of here.

No need for thoughts or words.

There’s no way I’m staying in a place like this! I’m going back to the hotel!

『Ah, that reaction means…』

Just as the Starreader’s Staff muttered in realization, Hikari-chan called out to the person who had caused the crowd.

“Oh, Rokuhara Enforcer! Long time no see!”

Possibility confirmed.

I slowly turned back.

There stood Rokuhara-san, giving Eina an iron claw.

“You’re with the vigilantes… Long time no see. And—”

The moment Rokuhara-san saw me, he grinned with absolute joy.

“Kei, I’ve missed you sooooo much…!”

Oh no, it’s the Raid Boss!