Chapter 5: A Conclusion

The dance competition’s first round of the main event concluded without a hitch—and now, it’s the semifinals.

The conductor passionately waves the baton. The orchestra responds flawlessly, meeting every demand.

The performance, pushed to the very limits of the instruments’ capabilities, transcends earthly bounds, its celestial tones deeply infiltrating the hearts of every spectator.

The piece is Sylphid Symphony, Number Five.

Accompanying it is the Sylph Waltz, Number Five—

“…Hmph.”

“Sensei…”

Glenn and Rumia—

“Yes, that’s it, Re=L. Keep it up.”

“…Mm.”

Sistine and Re=L—

Tonight, all the dance couples vying for the [Robe de la Fae] give it their all, each pair expressing their unique world through dance, pouring everything into captivating the audience.

Some dance with passion and nobility.

Others with elegance and intricate beauty.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaah—!

The audience erupts, utterly enthralled by the jewel-like worlds unfolding before them.

“President Rize! It’s an incredible turnout this year, isn’t it?”

The organizers, watching the venue, beam with excitement at the evening’s success, their cheeks flushed.

“Yes, this is my third year, but… I’ve never seen such a lively event.”

Rize nods happily.

“Even the veteran professors say they’ve never witnessed such enthusiasm in over a decade!”

“This is all thanks to your leadership, President Rize!”

“Of course! With Rize-senpai in charge, everything’s bound to go perfectly!”

The student council members shower Rize with unrestrained praise, but…

“…Huh? President?”

“……”

The council members notice that, despite her apparent joy, Rize seems slightly bewildered… as if lost in thought, quietly holding back.

“Is something wrong, President? Is there anything bothering you?”

“…No. I’m just a bit tired… I shouldn’t let it show.”

With a small chuckle, Rize turns to face the student council.

“Surely, the success of this ball is not just due to the student council or the organizing committee, but because every student at the academy came together as one. Now, the night’s festivities aren’t over yet. Everyone, stay sharp and keep up the effort until the end.”

““““Yes!””””

Meanwhile.

While the couples dance with a single-minded focus and the venue and its people reach feverish heights led by the conductor and orchestra, one person watches with cold detachment—

(…Yes. The three outside have been eliminated, it seems…)

In a corner of the venue, Zayd uses telepathic magic to converse with someone.

“So… that’s unfortunate…”

A stern male voice echoes in Zayd’s mind…

“…But it’s as planned.”

(Yes, indeed.)

Zayd responds to the man’s voice with a chilling smirk.

“The Imperial Court Mage Corps… and Eve Ignite… they’re dancing perfectly in the palm of our hand.”

(Though we made those three draw the short straw…)

“No matter. It’s a necessary expense.”

The man’s voice carries the weight of certainty in their plan’s success.

(Then, what about me…?)

“Yes. Proceed to the designated point as planned. That will settle everything.”

The man’s instructions come calmly, methodically.

“…Yes, everything.”

(Understood… Glory to the Wisdom of the Heavens…)

He chants silently in his heart.

Unnoticed, Zayd quietly slips away from the bustling venue.

The moment he exits through the doorway.

Oooooooooooooh—!

The venue roars louder than ever, as the semifinal results are announced.

Leaving the venue—Eve’s domain—Zayd walks through the corridors of the student union building.

Climbing the stairs, he arrives at the lodging floor prepared for distinguished guests.

Naturally, with everyone gathered at the venue, this floor is deserted. Moreover, a certain individual has already cast warding and perception-altering magic across the area.

Thanks to this cursed effect, Zayd’s movements here will never be detected.

(Eve Ignite must have been monitoring me with magical sight the whole time… but now, she’s probably panicking, having suddenly lost track of me… Heh heh heh…)

Clack, clack, clack…

Zayd’s footsteps echo as he walks down the corridor… until he stops in front of a particular room.

Opening the door normally reveals an ordinary room, but by inscribing a specific key rune on the doorknob and then opening it… an infinite, pitch-black world stretches beyond.

This world, a Neverwhere constructed in the shadow dimension of an ordinary room, is an otherworldly realm.

A separate dimension, cut off from this world.

As Zayd steps into this realm, a middle-aged man stands waiting.

Though the world is utterly black, the man’s figure is vividly visible, as if floating in midair.

He’s a robust man. Despite a middle-aged paunch, he exudes no slovenliness—only commanding presence.

This man is the one who guided Zayd into the heavily guarded academy.

“…Hmph. You’re here.”

“Yes, as instructed. Shall we begin…?”

Zayd approaches the man, exuding camaraderie…

At that very moment.

“You’ve finally shown your true colors!”

Suddenly, a crack splits the void, shattering like glass—a figure descends gracefully from a white hole in the emptiness, landing elegantly at the room’s center.

The completely unexpected, ambush-like entrance freezes the men in place.

“Wha—!?”

“Y-You’re—!?”

The figure who descended, wreathed in crimson flames, is none other than—

“Eve!? Eve Ignite!?”

Eve, head of the Imperial Court Mage Corps’ Special Missions Annex, Executive Officer Number 1,《The Magician》.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance. Let’s get to know each other, Zayd the《Demon’s Right Hand》. And you… the true mastermind behind the princess’s assassination plot, Professor Laurence Tartaros!”

Illuminated by the red glow of Eve’s flames, the man’s face is revealed—

Laurence, a magic professor at the academy and advisor to the orchestra club.

His plump face is dyed with shock at Eve’s unforeseen arrival.

“Hmph… Bowing to Her Majesty in public while conspiring with the organization in secret… You traitor. You deserve a thousand deaths, Professor.”

“W-Why!? How did you know!? How did you find this place—!?”

“Why? Because Zayd over there was kind enough to lead me right to you.”

“Wha—!?”

“Well… the spellwork was cleverly constructed and disguised… but perception manipulation, warding, and dimensional isolation of this level? With a hint, it’s breakable!”

“T-To think you saw through my spells…!? Impossible…!?”

“Haha… Contacting the mastermind so carelessly was your mistake, Zayd! Or what? Did you think that by pressuring me from the outside with those three obvious decoy mages, you could exploit a gap in my defenses? Too naive!”

Eve flashes a triumphant grin.

“You… damned imperial dog…! Zayd!”

“…Hah!”

At Laurence’s command, Zayd kicks off the floor, lunging at Eve.

He reaches out with the《Demon’s Right Hand》toward her—

“Heh. If you want to kill me from that distance—”

In that instant, flames swirl around the sneering Eve, coiling into bands—

“—you’ll need to be at least as fast as Re=L—”

The fiery bands instantly wrap around Zayd’s body, binding him tightly, sealing his mouth to prevent any incantations.

“—or rather, you’re ridiculously slow. Like an amateur.”

“ —!?!?!?”

Completely immobilized, Zayd lets out a muffled, wordless scream.

Black Magic [Flame Bind]. A torturous spell that restrains and neutralizes the enemy without causing physical harm or burns, leaving only searing pain.

“~—!? —! ——n!?”

Zayd writhes on the floor like a caterpillar, screaming silently.

“W-What…!?”

Laurence stumbles back, trembling in fear.

“Don’t worry. I won’t kill you. I have plenty of questions for you both.”

Eve’s face twists with sadistic pleasure as she points her left hand at Laurence.

“…But I will neutralize you. You’ll probably wish you were dead from the pain.”

Eve activates a delayed pre-chanted spell. Countless bands of Black Magic [Flame Bind] appear behind her, writhing like snakes seeking prey.

“H-Hiii—!?”

Overwhelmed by Eve, Laurence backs away, forgetting to cast any spells…

And then…

“GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH—!?”

A blood-curdling scream echoes through the otherworldly realm.

—After everything was over.

“…Pathetic, Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom.”

In that same room, Eve beams with a satisfied smile at her victory.

“Ha… Honestly, it was anticlimactic… To think the empire has been toyed with by such sloppy, careless people all this time… Unbelievable… The world’s gone mad.”

On the floor before her, Zayd and Laurence lie bound tightly in chains. The unconscious pair is restrained by chains imbued with sealing curses, preventing any magic activation while connected.

“In the end, the true nature of the《Demon’s Right Hand》’s assassination technique remains a mystery… but I can make them talk later.”

The perception manipulation, warding, and dimensional isolation in this floor have been dispelled. The room is just a room again. Zayd and Laurence are under White Magic [Sleep Sound], their bodies and minds plunged into deep slumber. It’s a flawless, perfect victory.

All that’s left is to protect these two from the organization’s silencing attempts until they’re handed over to the imperial army. With her secret spells fully utilized, it’s a simple task.

“Heh… Hehehe… I did it… I really did it…”

Unable to contain her joy, Eve’s face lights up.

After all, she’s captured two core members of the Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom’s Second Order, the《Adeptus Order》—alive and unharmed. This is an unprecedented triumph, one that will go down in imperial military history.

As expected of the Ignite Duchy! The name of the empire’s magical martial pillar remains untarnished!

She can already hear the praise from those around her.

“And with this, Glenn will surely… Heh, no, I can’t get careless yet.”

Refocusing, Eve presses a gem to her ear, activating communication magic.

“…Hello, can you hear me? This is Eve《The Magician》. I’ve just—”

Through the gem-shaped communication device, she relays information to Glenn, Albert, and the others, issuing calm instructions.

……

“…And that’s that.”

A short while later, Eve finishes her task and surveys the room again.

Now she’s left with some idle time until the next phase begins.

“Now… what to do…?”

At that moment, Eve notices something.

Music has been faintly playing in the room the entire time.

Turning toward the source, she sees a phonograph with a record spinning.

“…Oh? This song is…?”

It feels oddly familiar.

“What’s this? Sylphid Symphony… A recording of the exact same score the orchestra is playing downstairs.”

The song’s elegance and folksy charm are pleasantly soothing. Unlike the standard Sylphid Symphony, the subtle arrangement adds a nice touch.

“Well… While I search this room for any other clues about the enemy organization… a bit of music appreciation doesn’t sound bad.”

Muttering to herself, Eve begins cautiously rummaging through the room, which Zayd and his group used as a base, with Sylphid Symphony as background music.

“Hmm… No traces of mana… No magical traps, it seems… Still, I’ll stay cautious. You can never be too careful…”

—Rewinding time a bit.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH—!

At that moment, the ball’s venue erupts in ecstatic cheers and thunderous applause.

The semifinals, split into two competitive groups, have just concluded.

At the center of the venue’s attention and acclaim are—

“We did it, Sensei!”

“…Phew… Made it this far, huh…”

Rumia, her cheeks flushed with genuine joy, and Glenn, looking slightly exhausted.

And—

“Looks like we’ll settle this in the finals, Sensei!”

“Mm.”

Sistine, burning with determination, and Re=L, as sleepy and expressionless as ever.

Glenn & Rumia, Sistine & Re=L. These two pairs, having topped their respective groups, will now face off in the final round.

“I know you’ve worked hard to aim for the [Robe de la Fae], Rumia… but now that we’ve come this far, I won’t hold back. I’m going all out to win!”

“Yeah, I know, Sistie. I’m not going easy either. Wearing the [Robe de la Fae] and dancing with a wonderful gentleman has been my dream since I was a kid!”

“A w-wonderful gentleman, huh…?”

“You’d better come at me with everything, Sistie. Otherwise… hehe, I might just steal Sensei away. You know, the man and woman who win the [Robe de la Fae]…?”

Rumia’s mischievous yet bold grin flusters Sistine.

“Ugh… I-I don’t get why Sensei’s name comes up, but fine! If you’re that confident, let’s fight fair and square! No grudges, no matter who wins!”

“Yup! Of course!”

With the final showdown looming, Rumia and Sistine exchange fiery sparks.

“Man, those two are full of energy…”

“Mm. They’re good friends.”

Glenn scratches his head wearily, while Re=L nods blandly in agreement.

“The final round will commence in thirty minutes after a brief intermission. Ladies and gentlemen, who will claim this year’s [Robe de la Fae]? Please stay and witness the outcome.”

Even as the magical amplified announcement echoes, the storm of praise for Glenn and the others’ stunning performances and the lingering excitement show no signs of subsiding.

The orchestra’s conductor waves the baton to sustain the energy, and the musicians strum their instruments, resuming a grand performance.

Drawn by the music, people flood the temporarily opened central stage, indulging in dance once more…

Amidst this.

“You killed it, Sensei! Sistine!”

“Hmph… I must commend your splendid performance.”

Led by Kash and Wendy, students from Glenn’s class swarm around them.

“Please win, Sistine! If you don’t, I’ll never financially ruin Sensei!”

“Oi, Kash. Meet me in the courtyard later…”

“Sensei! You must win at all costs! The humiliation of Sistine outshining me and wearing the [Robe de la Fae]—!”

“…Wendy, I can hear you. Also, I’m literally right next to you?”

The students buzz with excitement, their enthusiasm infectious.

“Amazing! Sistine and Re=L! I wish I could dance like that.”

“Good luck in the finals, Rumia. If you and Sensei win, I’ll feel proud even though you beat me in the first round♪.”

Cecil and Teresa offer heartfelt encouragement to Glenn and the others.

“…God, this class really loves making a racket… It’s ridiculous.”

“Says the guy who’s stuck around until now instead of leaving.”

Gibul mutters sarcastically, while Kash teases him with a grin…

“…So cool…”

Lynn gazes at Rumia and Glenn from a distance…

“Hey, hey! Who do you think will win the finals!? Whose [Robe de la Fae] look do you wanna see!?”

“I’m totally rooting for Rumia-chan to win!”

“Oh man, I’d kill to see Rumia in her [Robe de la Fae] getup!”

“Nah, nah! I’m team Sistine all the way! She’s always nagging, so I never noticed before, but… doesn’t Sistine actually have, like, crazy high-level charm!?”

“Heck yeah, I’d totally love to see Sistine rockin’ that [Robe de la Fae] look too!”

“W-Well, I… I wanna see Re=L’s [Robe de la Fae] outfit…”

“Ooh, that’s a solid pick too! But, like, is that even allowed by the rules!?”

Meanwhile, led by Rodd and Kai, the boys in Glenn’s class were getting hyped up, debating who’d win the finals and whose [Robe de la Fae] look they were dying to see.

“Hey, hey, Re=L! After the competition’s over, um… would you dance with me?”

“Whoa, Annette, that’s so not fair!”

“Yeah, exactly! No cutting in line like that!”

“Ha… Re=L… you’re so dazzling tonight… like a real prince…”

“Oh… I’m practically melting…”

“?!?!?!?!?!”

On the other hand, surrounded by the girls in the class, Re=L was unusually wide-eyed, looking totally flustered.

“…♪”

And ever since the ball began, Rumia had been beaming with a cheerful smile the whole time…

Glenn watched his students with a wry grin.

(…Geez, I feel kinda bad for Albert and the others fighting out there, but… this ain’t half bad either…)

Honestly, it was fun. Mixing in with the students and making a ruckus was just plain enjoyable.

Oops, no, no, gotta stay sharp. I’m still on a mission here.

Just as Glenn steeled himself to refocus… that’s when it happened.

Through the communicator in his ear, Eve delivered an unbelievable report—

—.

(—What!? It’s over!? You caught Zayd and the mastermind behind him!?)

‘I’m telling you, that’s what happened. Don’t make me repeat myself.’

It was over. The enemy’s conspiracy… the plan to assassinate Rumia had been completely crushed.

Without a single hitch, somehow, in the blink of an eye.

The ending was so anticlimactic that Glenn didn’t feel relieved—he was just plain stunned.

‘I told you, didn’t I? Follow my orders, and there’d be no risks.’

(Y-Yeah…)

‘We’re moving to clean-up now. Good work, Glenn. Your role’s done. Now… why don’t you go give one of your cute little students a [Robe de la Fae] or something?’

Eve’s snarky tone grated, but Glenn couldn’t muster a retort and stayed silent.

‘…Well then, have a good night, Glenn.’

With that, Eve cut the communication one-sidedly.

(…Is it… really over…?)

In truth, Eve had captured the mastermind. And apparently, the battle against the rogue mages waiting outside had ended in a near-total victory for Albert and the others.

If this wasn’t “over,” then what could possibly be?

(…R-Right… it’s over, huh… Man, was I just overthinking it? Eve’s a pain, but she’s damn good at her job… and with Albert, the old man, and Christoph on the case… guess I was being a bit too paranoid…)

Glenn glanced at the students around him, who were buzzing with excitement, and let out a relieved sigh.

He exhaled… it was over safely. There were no threats left.

Surely, the enemy this time just wasn’t as big a deal as he’d thought.

He tried to convince himself of that. He told himself over and over.

But—

—Surely, the [Robe de la Fae] will become her beautiful shroud of death—

Eleanor’s words… they stuck in his chest like a fishbone lodged in his throat, refusing to go away.

—Meanwhile, at that moment. On the rooftop of the academy’s assembly hall, wrapped in the night air.

“…Got it. Understood. …But… …Alright. We’ll handle it as such.”

Albert, receiving Eve’s report through communication magic, responded calmly.

“…What’d Eve-chan say?”

Bernard immediately pounced on Albert, who had just ended the call.

“Eve says she’s captured Zayd and the mastermind.”

“Hoh? …Hmph, as expected, huh?”

“So far… it’s all gone according to Albert-san and Bernard-san’s predictions.”

Neither Bernard nor Christoph seemed particularly surprised, just nodding along.

“It’s not some grand prediction. It’s like a game of chess.”

“We systematically crushed the enemy’s forces and plans. Naturally, it’d end up like this.”

“…The existence of a mastermind pulling Zayd’s strings from behind… just as you two foresaw, they were really there… Eve-san kept that info from us…”

Christoph muttered, sounding faintly disappointed.

“Well, they had to be there. It’d be weird if there wasn’t one. With that kind of enemy force, no matter how you slice it, they were one move short. Anyone with a cool tactical eye wouldn’t have made a move in that situation.”

“We’ll deal with questioning Eve’s true intentions later.”

Albert, with cold calculation, shifted his focus to what they needed to do next.

“We’re to stay outside and prepare for any new enemies who might come to silence the captured ones.”

“…Hm? All three of us? Wouldn’t it be safer to send one of us to Eve-chan’s side?”

“‘I don’t need your help,’ ‘Guard the outside’—that’s all she’s insisting on.”

“Ugh, that Eve-chan, she’s really hogging all the glory, huh!? Wants to claim she did it all herself until she hands them over to the imperial army!”

“…What do we do, Albert-san, Bernard-san?”

“No choice. Among us, Eve, as a Centurion, holds the highest rank. Unless an emergency clause applies, a superior’s orders are absolute. That’s how the military works.”

“Rank, huh… Yeah, that’s how it is. What a pain in the neck…”

Bernard grumbled, scratching his head and sighing.

“It’s your own fault for being such a headache, you know? Refusing promotions, breaking military rules, handing off your achievements to others, just to cling to your measly Decurion rank…”

Christoph shot Bernard an exasperated, half-lidded glare.

“C-C’mon, if I became a Millurion or a Grandurion or some officer, I wouldn’t get to be out in the field or on the front lines! Even being a Centurion looks like a hassle, judging by Eve-chan!”

“Honestly… you’re hopeless…”

Bernard fumbled his excuses, while Christoph sighed, shoulders slumping in disbelief.

Ignoring their bickering, Albert gazed up at the sky.

In his heart flickered a precious memory… the sight of Glenn’s students joyfully playing around on that southern island.

(…I just hope this all ends without incident…)

The moon in the night sky, as expected, offered no answer to Albert’s silent wish.

—And then.

The moment arrived at last.

In that instant, the lively venue fell silent, as if doused with water.

Amid the breathless anticipation of the crowd, two pairs stepped onto the central stage.

Glenn and Rumia.

Sistine and Re=L.

The dance competition of the social ball. The final round.

The woman from the winning pair would be deemed this year’s finest lady—

And she would have the honor of donning the traditional [Robe de la Fae].

“Sensei… thank you.”

Rumia, standing gracefully before Glenn, gave him a bright smile.

“Thanks to you… tonight’s social ball has been so much fun.”

“…Huh?”

Glenn blinked, caught off guard. Rumia’s expression was serene, almost ethereal in its clarity.

“Win or lose… I won’t have any regrets. Tonight… it’ll surely be a treasure I’ll cherish for the rest of my life…”

“Rumia… what’s up?”

Why, at this moment, would she say something like that? Glenn tried to gauge her intentions, but he was clueless about the subtleties of a woman’s heart.

“Tonight… I’m going to give it my all, with everything I’ve got.”

“…? You’re always giving your all, aren’t you? No matter what you do.”

“Hehe, tonight’s just a little extra special. …Yes, just for tonight…”

Still, Glenn didn’t get it. He had no clue what Rumia was trying to say.

“Sensei… please. Just for this moment, let’s give it everything we’ve got, together… and show the audience, the judges… everything we have, without holding back.”

Her expression was pleading, yet tinged with a faint sadness.

Glenn could only nod in response.

“…Got it. Alright, I feel bad for White Cat, but… tonight, I’m rooting for you, Rumia. I’ll make damn sure you get to wear that [Robe de la Fae]…”

At Glenn’s words,

Rumia smiled, truly delighted, blooming like a flower.

And so, as the crowd watched with bated breath,

The conductor of the orchestra passionately raised his baton—

The final performance of the dance competition began, with a calm and measured tempo.

Sylphid Symphony No. 6. The accompanying dance was the Sylph Waltz, No. 6.

Glenn and Rumia bowed to each other.

Sistine and Re=L bowed as well.

They gently took their partners’ hands… and began to dance softly.

Sylphid No. 6 started with a gentle prelude, gradually building into a dramatic crescendo in the latter half.

Glenn and his partner danced with slow, flowing movements at first—

But as the music’s tempo rose, their steps grew bolder, more vibrant, more passionate.

Glenn and Rumia.

Sistine and Re=L.

They danced, and danced, and kept on dancing.

Sighs of awe escaped the captivated audience, unable to look away—

Escorted by Glenn, led by his hand, Rumia danced with pure focus—

(Just a little longer… please, let me be selfish just a little longer, Sistie…)

Rumia’s thoughts drifted.

(Because… I don’t know how many more memories like this I’ll get to make…)

That’s why, just for tonight, she wouldn’t back down. She couldn’t back down.

Just for tonight, she’d beat Sistine. She wanted to beat her.

Normally, she’d have stepped aside without a fight, letting Sistine take the lead…

(It’s a challenge, Sistie… Competing with you for real like this is so rare, but… it’s a challenge…)

Of course, if she fought fair and square and lost to Sistine, that’d be fine.

It’d be a memory in itself… a precious, irreplaceable one.

Losing was okay. But giving up the [Robe de la Fae] without a fight? That she couldn’t do.

For Rumia—who always took a step back, avoided competition, and put Sistine first; who, ever since joining the Fibel family, had been the perfect, understanding “good girl”—this was her first true act of self-assertion.

Rumia closed her eyes, recalling a cherished memory—a social ball she’d seen as a young child.

She’d never forget it. The girl who, after a fierce struggle, won the [Robe de la Fae]… she’d been so proud, so overjoyed, that she danced the finale with tears in her eyes.

Surely, her mother, Alicia, and all the past wearers of the [Robe de la Fae] had felt the same. Their hearts must have swelled with pride.

Because they’d fought honorably—expressed everything through their dance—and won.

Just wearing the [Robe de la Fae] wasn’t enough.

What meaning was there in an empty, hollow medal?

(But I—)

She wanted to be proud, just like her mother and the others.

It was that beautiful, proud image that made her yearn for the [Robe de la Fae]—

That’s why, that day, she’d found her so breathtakingly beautiful, her soul utterly captivated—

And so—

(Please, come at me with everything you’ve got, Sistie… Beating the real you and winning the Robe de la Fae—that’s what’ll make it meaningful…)

With unyielding resolve and unwavering determination,

Rumia spun gracefully under Glenn’s raised arm, executing a vivid turn—

Stepping elegantly, carving sharp chassés in time with the rhythm—

Dancing in sync with Re=L, Sistine let her thoughts wander.

As she danced, her eyes unconsciously followed Rumia’s expression.

(Rumia… you’re really dancing with everything you’ve got… to beat me… with all your strength…)

Reflecting on the days she’d spent with Rumia,

Sistine realized Rumia had never gone all-out in front of her.

Whenever they both wanted the same thing, Rumia would subtly, quietly step back… and let Sistine have it.

If there was ever a chance to compete, Rumia would withdraw, avoiding the contest altogether.

Rumia always, naturally, put Sistine first.

There were plenty of reasons why, Sistine figured.

Maybe it was the hesitance of a former princess, disowned and living as a guest in the Fibel household. Or perhaps it was guilt over how, when Rumia first joined the family, she’d lashed out at Sistine in her turmoil. In the end, Sistine forgave her, welcoming Rumia as family—a debt of gratitude Rumia likely felt.

Whatever the case, Rumia always propped Sistine up, yielded to her, and smiled contentedly alongside her… that’s the kind of girl she was.

(If I pointed that out, you’d probably say, “That’s not true, Sistie, you’re imagining things!” wouldn’t you…?)

But Sistine wasn’t blind to it.

(Because… you and I, we’re family…)

But this time, just a tiny bit… their dynamic had shifted.

(Rumia… you’re serious…)

The [Robe de la Fae], the coveted traditional garb every girl at the academy dreamed of.

This time, both Rumia and Sistine wanted it.

Truth be told, Sistine wasn’t that invested, but Rumia passionately desired the [Robe de la Fae]. And so, they ended up competing for the same prize—a first for them.

Such a thing had never happened before.

The old Rumia would’ve quietly stepped aside for Sistine.

But this time… was different.

In short, this time, she was truly, wholeheartedly serious.

(And yet, I got in your way out of some petty jealousy I don’t even understand… It all started because of Sensei, sure, but Rumia, you were serious. Meanwhile, I didn’t even care that much about the Robe de la Fae—I just thought it’d be nice to wear it, that’s all.)

Now, looking back, Sistine felt genuinely sorry for obstructing Rumia’s earnest desire with such half-hearted resolve.

Thinking about it, she’d always been spoiled by Rumia, throwing tantrums and acting selfishly since they were kids.

(I’m sorry, Rumia. I’m so, so sorry. I got in the way of your serious feelings… I’m really sorry…)

But even so,

She couldn’t hold back now. There was no turning back.

(Those eyes of Rumia’s… that seriousness… she really wants to beat me. She wants to win the Robe de la Fae by beating me… I’m sure she wouldn’t want me to throw the match. That wouldn’t mean anything to her, would it…?)

Besides, throwing the match would be utterly disrespectful—to Rumia, to Re=L who’d gone along with her, and to everyone who’d participated in this dance competition.

(…That’s why I’ll give it my all. I’ll pour every ounce of my skill, my soul, into this final dance. I absolutely won’t hold back…)

So, at the very least,

Sistine wished with all her heart. She prayed.

To her irreplaceable best friend—

(…Do your best. Don’t lose, Rumia. We’re rivals right now, but… I’m rooting for you from the bottom of my heart…!)

Praying fiercely in her heart,

Sistine sharpened her focus even further, losing herself in the dance with Re=L—

They danced. They danced.

As everyone watched with bated breath,

They danced—sometimes passionately, sometimes fiercely, sometimes gracefully.

Lightly, fluidly, moving in time with the music, they danced on—

—.

—And then.

From a storm of excitement, the mood shifted.

The music ended, leaving behind a lingering silence, like a forest in slumber—

And in perfect harmony, Glenn and Rumia, Sistine and Re=L, struck their elegant final poses—

When Glenn and the others finished their performance, the venue was enveloped in a silence as if doused with water.

But… someone clapped once, then again, as if suddenly remembering, and it soon swelled into a roaring torrent—

Waaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh—!

The most fervent, ecstatic cheers of the night dominated the entire ballroom.

“W-Which one!? Who won!?”

“H-How could anyone tell!?”

“Both couples gave truly splendid performances…”

Glenn’s classmates shouted with fervor, caught up in the excitement.

“At this point… I just want both of them to win…”

“Hmph. There’ll be a winner… clear and cruel. That’s how competitions work.”

“…Gibul, for all your talk, you stuck around till the end, huh…”

Meanwhile, on the other side.

“Ha… ha… ha…”

“…Ha… ha…”

Having poured everything they had into this one dance, Rumia and Sistine caught their ragged breaths, swallowing hard as they watched the judges’ seats.

The judges all wore stern expressions, engaged in heated discussions… and then.

Finally, amidst the unending cheers, the judges began to raise their scoreboards.

The result was—

“…Ah.”

By a narrow margin.

Truly, an incredibly narrow margin.

So close that if even one judge had been different, the outcome might have changed… by such a slim margin.

Rumia and Glenn’s pair—had claimed victory.

Uoooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh—!

At this conclusion, the cheers rose another octave.

“…I… won…? Really…?”

Rumia stood dazed, her expression as if she were seeing her victory in a dream.

“…Congratulations, Rumia.”

Sistine, somehow radiant, flashed a bright smile.

“S-Sistie…?”

“…I lost fair and square. I was completely serious, giving it my all. I joined this competition out of stubborn pride, but… that performance just now, I put everything into it to beat you. I can say with certainty it was the best dance of my life.”

Sistine’s expression was clear, as if she had no regrets or lingering attachments.

“If I lost after that, there’s no helping it!”

“Mm. I don’t really get it, but… I lost somehow. Rumia’s amazing.”

Re=L, as usual, wore her half-lidded, disinterested gaze, but she stared at Rumia as if quietly celebrating her.

“Hehe, it’s not over yet, Rumia. Next is the grand finale of this ball, the finale dance. I’m looking forward to seeing you in your [Robe de la Fae] outfit…”

“Mm. Looking forward to it. By the way, what’s this robe de thing? A snack? Is it tasty?”

“Sistie… Re=L…”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Rumia’s eyes welled up with tears…

“…Yeah, yeah! Thank you so much! I had… so much fun!”

“Kyaa!? W-Wait, we’re in public!?”

“Mm. Rumia, that tickles.”

She lovingly pulled Sistine and Re=L into a warm embrace.

“I don’t really get it, but… youth, huh…”

Glenn muttered with a deadpan tone.

The peaceful sight of the three girls, the cheerful music filling the venue, began to ease the tension that had lingered in Glenn’s heart. He hadn’t fully processed that the mission was over, but the sense of accomplishment and freedom slowly lifted his spirits.

And so…

“By the way, White Cat-chaaaan? You were all smug, all like, ‘I won’t let anyone take the Robe de la Fae!’, and now look at this result. So, so, how’s it feel? Huh? How’s it feel?”

“Wha—!?”

True to form, Glenn wasted no time teasing Sistine.

“What’s with all this desperate talk trying to make it sound all nice and heartwarming, huh? You’re not fooling me, no way! I can’t forget even if I wanted to—that smug look on your face… pfft!”

“Y-Y-You…!”

“Gyahahaha! So frustrating, huh!? Sooo frustrating!? Bwahahahaha!”

“You blockhead—!”

Before he knew it.

Without Glenn even realizing.

The faint unease that had been pricking at his heart had completely dissipated.