Chapter 2: The Ojou-samas

…Some time had passed since the peculiar incident of Glenn’s feminization.

It was decided that Re=L, Rumia, and Sistine would embark on a short-term study abroad at St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy.

Glenn, too, was to be dispatched as a temporary female instructor to St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy.

“Well, leave the rest to me.”

With Glenn absent, Celica would temporarily take over as the homeroom instructor for his class…

And so, Glenn and the others promptly set out from Fejite, home of the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy.

The Argo Highway connected the northern Iteria region of the empire with the southern Yorkshire region, where Fejite was located. Glenn and his group traveled northward, switching stagecoaches at designated stops called “stages” along the highway.

“Man, lately we’ve been leaving Fejite a lot, huh…”

Inside the carriage, Glenn muttered to no one in particular, gazing out at the scenery beyond the window.

The carriage’s interior had seats arranged to face each other. Glenn sat by the window, while Re=L sat diagonally across from him, perched delicately with her knees drawn up.

“Yawn… So sleepy… I wanna be a shut-in…”

Muttering such things while yawning, Glenn’s appearance was as slovenly as ever: a shirt, trousers, a loosely worn cravat, and an instructor’s robe casually slung over both shoulders. His hair, grown long due to the feminization, was haphazardly tied into a ponytail with a random string, but his outfit itself was no different from the usual Glenn.

The epitome of a slob girl—that was exactly what Glenn embodied now.

“Hehe, why don’t you try wearing women’s clothes or putting on some makeup, Sensei? It’s such a waste when you’re so pretty!”

Rumia teased with those words, but Glenn wasn’t about to budge on this matter.

(If I step over that line, I feel like I’ll never come back…)

In contrast to Glenn’s usual demeanor, Re=L wasn’t wearing the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy uniform. Instead, she donned an elegant dress resembling a nun’s habit, paired with a beret—the uniform of St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy.

Sistine and Rumia, enjoying the sunlight and breeze on the second-tier seats atop the carriage’s roof, were already dressed in the same uniform. The unfamiliar attire highlighted a different kind of charm in the girls, distinct from their usual selves.

“Still, wearing another school’s uniform like this feels kind of refreshing.”

“Hehe, it looks great on you, Sistie.”

“You too, Rumia. If the boys in our class saw you now, they’d surely—”

While lively conversation filled the second-tier seats on the carriage’s roof…

“…”

“…”

The interior of the carriage was strikingly quiet.

Neither Glenn nor Re=L were the type to actively initiate conversation with others.

Besides, the two of them, in a way, were as close as siblings. A little silence wasn’t enough to make things awkward between them.

Yawn… So bored… Maybe I’ll read a book…

Just as Glenn, restless with nothing to do, began rummaging through his travel bag…

“…Sorry, Glenn…”

Re=L suddenly murmured under her breath.

“…Huh?”

Caught off guard, Glenn blinked and fixed his gaze on Re=L.

Re=L, hugging her knees and looking down, avoided meeting Glenn’s eyes.

“…Re=L?”

Her usual sleepy, emotionless expression made it hard to tell, but to Glenn, Re=L seemed… downcast.

Come to think of it, she’d been like this ever since the day her study abroad was decided.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“…You said earlier… you wanted to be a shut-in.”

“…Huh? Well, yeah, I said that… So what?”

“So… sorry, Glenn. It’s my fault… you had to go out.”

“…!”

Glenn couldn’t help but feel a pang of frustration at his own obliviousness. He hadn’t even considered that Re=L might be agonizing over something like this.

He’d always thought Re=L was a super laid-back girl, utterly uninterested in the circumstances or situations around her. At least, that’s how she definitely used to be.

Back when they fought together, even hearing about a fallen comrade didn’t faze her. She’d show no emotion, no interest, and move on to the next mission with cold indifference—a doll-like demeanor.

Though he knew Re=L had been gradually changing through her time at the academy with Rumia and the others, Glenn might have still been clinging to the shadow of that doll-like girl from back then.

“Rumia and Sistine… they’re probably mad too…”

“I see… So that’s it.”

Re=L must have been carrying a sense of guilt in her own way. She might not fully grasp the details, but she felt responsible for dragging Glenn and the others into this short-term study abroad.

“I’m… not very smart… but since then… I’ve been thinking a lot. I knew… I can’t keep going like this. I have to stop relying on others… I swore to Illushia and Sion-niisan, who live in my memories… But…”

In a faint, faltering voice, Re=L poured out her heart.

“But… study abroad? Back then… it was so sudden… I got confused… scared… Would I be alone again? So…”

“…I see.”

“But… because of me… Glenn, Rumia, Sistine… you’re all inconvenienced. If this keeps up… everyone will hate me… and I’ll be alone again… But study abroad? I don’t… want to be alone… Glenn… what should I do…?”

Re=L’s face, on the verge of tears, was pressed tightly between her knees.

Once, Re=L had never questioned her own solitude. But now—

Glenn couldn’t help but soften at his little sister figure’s growth, reaching out to pat her head.

“Idiot. No way.”

“Glenn…?”

Re=L looked up at Glenn with surprise as he ruffled her hair.

“There’s no way me, Rumia, or White Cat would ever truly hate you. We’re just worried about you. That’s why we came along.”

“…Worried…?”

“Oh? That look on your face—feeling bad about making us worry, huh? Man, to think Re=L would grow this much! Your big brother (stand-in) is moved!”

Glenn chuckled, his cheeks unable to hide his grin.

“…I don’t want to make you worry… But… what should I do…?”

“Haha. If you really feel that way… how about this? At the academy, try making one or two friends without relying on Rumia and the others. That’ll put them at ease.”

“…Friends…? Can… I do that…?”

“You can.”

“…Okay.”

Re=L stared at Glenn.

Her face remained as expressionless as ever… but somehow, it felt like she was smiling.

Continuing their journey with overnight stops at lodging stations, they reached the morning of the fourth day since leaving Fejite.

The group arrived at Orlando, the imperial capital of the Alzano Empire.

Fejite was a fairly developed metropolis, but the grandeur of Orlando surpassed it. The great clock tower, the Sunshine Arch of Triumph, Saint Vardia Cathedral, Santa Rose Boulevard, Feldrad Palace, the Imperial Museum, the Royal Park, Alzano Imperial University… The capital, wrapped in morning mist, was majestic and beautiful.

Glenn and the others promptly hired a handsome cab to head to Reitzel Cross Railway Station on the north side of the capital, purchasing four train tickets.

From platform five of Reitzel Cross Railway Station, a direct train to St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy in the Lilitania lake district, northwest of the capital, operated.

Railways… In the southern Yorkshire region where Fejite was located, they were still a distant prospect. But in the northern Iteria region, where Orlando stood, steam-powered trains were already somewhat established, connecting major cities.

“Let’s see… This is platform five… The train departs at eleven… It’s ten-fifty now, so… perfect!”

Leading the group with boundless energy, Sistine stepped onto the platform.

Instantly, a rugged whistle tickled their ears, and the smells of smoke, iron, oil, and a faint whiff of coal stung their noses. Yet the platform was vibrant, like a garden bursting with beautiful flowers.

Why? Because platform five was crowded with girls in St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy uniforms, chattering lively and elegantly in groups.

“Surprised? Those girls are students from our study-abroad destination, St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy.”

Sistine, noticing Rumia’s awe, began explaining with a hint of pride.

“Basically, St. Lily is a fully residential academy. They had a mid-term short break recently, so these students probably went back to their family homes. Now, with the break ending tomorrow, they’re heading back to the academy on this train—”

Just then.

Cutting through Sistine’s explanation, a loud whistle blared—

With a powerful engine roar, a steam locomotive slowly pulled into the platform, towing over ten cars along the tracks.

The heavy, imposing form crafted from black iron. The majestic sight of smoke billowing from its chimney.

Sistine and Rumia, overwhelmed by the locomotive’s presence, stared wide-eyed with awe and emotion.

“It’s… amazing… That something like this iron mass can move across the ground without magic…”

“Yeah, it’s the crystallization of human ingenuity for those who can’t rely on magic… To think people can achieve this without it… Incredible…”

Meanwhile…

“Ugh, so loud! And smoky! Who’s the idiot who invented this nuisance? Disturbing the neighborhood… Damn it…”

Glenn, trudging behind Sistine and the others while dragging his suitcase, showed no trace of awe or refinement.

“Ugh… Every time I go on a trip with Sensei, it’s always ruined…”

Sistine could only sigh in exasperation.

“Whatever! Time to board! Don’t forget anything!”

Glenn stepped onto the boarding ramp, heading toward the passenger car’s entrance…

…when he suddenly noticed. He realized.

“…By the way, where’s Re=L?”

““Huh?””

At the same moment, somewhere within Reitzel Cross Railway Station.

“…”

Re=L stood alone, holding her travel suitcase, isolated in the crowd.

She gazed at the bustling flow of people as if it were someone else’s affair.

In her daze, Re=L reassessed her situation.

(No matter how I look at it, I’m alone. Glenn, Rumia, Sistine… they’re not here.)

Re=L knew the perfect word for this situation. Yes, this was…

(Lost. Glenn, Rumia, and Sistine are lost.)

What a predicament. How did it come to this?

While moving with Glenn and the others, she had merely stopped to stare at a strawberry tart stall in the station. No matter how much she thought, she couldn’t pinpoint the cause.

(…I need to find the lost Glenn, Rumia, and Sistine quickly…)

But where had they gone?

Being alone in such a massive crowd… for some reason, it was starting to make her anxious.

Before, being alone never bothered her at all…

(…Whatever. I’ll just look around. If I search the entire station, there’s no problem.)

Glenn had repeatedly told her to stay put if she got lost, but that wasn’t an issue. After all, Glenn and the others were the ones who were lost.

Just as Re=L was about to head off in a completely random direction, far from platform five where Glenn and the others were…

She suddenly sensed someone approaching from behind—

“Um, excuse me…”

That someone—a young girl—spoke to Re=L while removing her glasses—

“—!?”

It happened in an instant.

Like a spring snapping, Re=L spun around, simultaneously forging a greatsword at blinding speed, thrusting its sharp edge toward the neck of the figure approaching from behind.

It was too fast for anyone to notice, too swift to stop—a fleeting, masterful move.

The sleepy, dazed lost girl from half a moment ago was gone. In her place stood Re=L, fully in combat mode, glaring at the figure behind her as if they were an irreconcilable enemy—

“Eek!?”

The girl who had approached Re=L was startled.

Shocked by Re=L’s sudden aggression and the greatsword at her throat, she hurriedly put her glasses back on, standing rigid with her back straightened.

“…?”

Then…

Re=L’s fierce expression softened back into her usual sleepy, disinterested look…

“…My mistake.”

Dissolving the forged greatsword into scattering particles of light, she turned away from the girl.

Ignoring the stunned atmosphere around her, Re=L began to walk off.

To her back—

“…Um, wait, please!”

The bespectacled girl, despite the violent encounter, called out to Re=L again.

“Uh, you… that’s not the way to platform five! You need to head there soon, or the train will leave!”

At those words, Re=L turned around.

“…? You know the train I’m taking?”

“…Huh? Well, no, but… your uniform… it’s from our academy, right? So, wouldn’t you be heading to platform five like us…?”

“I don’t know. Forgot.”

Re=L studied the girl closely.

The girl was petite and delicate, clad in the St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy uniform. Her soft, wavy flaxen hair was cut to a semi-short length, and she wore glasses. She looked like someone who’d be at home clutching a thick book in both hands.

Her long bangs and plain glasses hid her face from prying eyes, but it was clear at a glance that her features were strikingly beautiful and well-proportioned.

Like most students at St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy, she likely hailed from a prestigious family. Though her appearance was understated, the elegance and refinement she exuded were unmistakable.

“Um… I’m Elsa.”

The girl named Elsa gave Re=L a polite bow.

“The train’s about to leave, and I noticed you were heading in the wrong direction, so I got worried… Was I meddling?”

“…Not really.”

Re=L’s response was curt, showing little interest in Elsa.

“I need to find Glenn, Rumia, and Sistine.”

“You have companions? …Oh, could it be, you’re lost…?”

Elsa asked with a mischievous smile, but…

“No. They’re the ones who are lost.”

With an odd, commanding presence, Re=L declared this expressionlessly.

“…I-I see… Well, let’s just go with that…”

Elsa could only offer a vague smile.

“By the way, are this ‘Glenn-san and the others’… also connected to St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy?”

“Yeah… We’re all heading to St. Lily… uh… there.”

“Then, since time’s running out, why not head to platform five? I’m sure they’re there.”

“…That makes sense. But… where’s platform five?”

“Haha, don’t worry. I’ll guide you.”

Elsa laughed brightly.

Re=L stared at Elsa’s face for a moment, as if puzzled…

“Hehe, let’s go!”

Smiling warmly, Elsa took Re=L’s hand and began leading her forward.

Re=L gazed at the hand holding hers.

“Jeez, Re=L! Where did you go!? You had us worried sick!”

“…Good, you made it in time.”

Guided by Elsa to platform five, Re=L was spotted immediately by Sistine and Rumia, who rushed over, breathing sighs of relief.

“…Um, and you are…?”

Sistine turned to the unfamiliar girl who had brought Re=L.

“I’m Elsa. As you can see, I’m a student at St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy. Um… Re=L-san? She seemed lost, so I brought her here.”

“I see… Thank you, Elsa-san.”

Sistine smiled at Elsa’s polite demeanor.

“I’m Sistine. This is Rumia.”

“Nice to meet you, Elsa-san.”

“We’re… exchange students from the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy, and…”

“Hehe, how about we save the introductions for later and board the train first?”

As if affirming Elsa’s words, the bell signaling the train’s departure rang out, followed by the whistle.

“Oh, you’re right! It’s already time! Elsa-san’s got a point!”

Sistine and the others hurriedly stepped onto the ramp, boarding the train.

Finally, the station staff closed the passenger car’s door.

“Phew… That was cutting it close…”

Sistine quietly wiped the cold sweat from her forehead.

“I’m glad everyone made it onto the train, Sistie.”

“Yeah, for a moment there, I wasn’t sure how it’d turn out…”

Then, Sistine noticed Re=L looking around restlessly.

“What’s wrong, Re=L?”

“…Where’s Glenn?”

“Sensei? He went to look for you earlier… Wait, oh no.”

Just as Sistine and Rumia turned pale, realizing…

“UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO—!”

A roar echoed from the distance.

Looking out through the closed door’s window…

Glenn was sprinting toward the train with a desperate, frenzied expression.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I knew it’d come to this! Damn it all—!”

“Sensei—!? Hurry, hurry up!”

“Re=L’s back! Please, quick!”

But Sistine and Rumia’s words fell on deaf ears.

Before Glenn’s eyes… the train let out a merciless rumble and slowly began to move…

Glenn’s figure gradually drifted backward…

“Ehhh—!? No way… You’re kidding, right!?”

“S-Sensei—!?”

“Damn it all—!? 《I shall unleash・the hidden power within》—!”

Glenn shouted the incantation for White Magic [Physical Boost], releasing all his mana.

For just a moment, he pushed his physical abilities beyond their limits—supercharging into overdrive.

“Make・it・in・tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime—!”

Bam! Glenn leaped high into the air toward the moving train—

“Phew… somehow made it…”

In the end, Glenn had pulled off a spectacularly dynamic boarding by smashing through the train’s window glass.

“But this public property damage… ugh, another written apology and pay cut, huh… damn it…”

All he could do was sob pitifully.

“Hmph. It’s Glenn’s fault for getting lost.”

“It’s your fault, you idiot—!?”

Grind, grind, grind, grind, grind—!

“…That really hurts.”

And so, with that out of the way,

Glenn and the others began walking through the train, looking for a place to settle down.

As the saying goes, “Even a chance meeting is preordained by fate”… and so, Elsa ended up joining them.

They headed toward the front of the train, moving through the carriages.

“Man… sounds like our Re=L caused you quite a bit of trouble, huh.”

As they walked, Glenn, Elsa, and the others chatted, introducing themselves and sharing bits about their lives, getting along quite well.

“Thanks, Elsa.”

“Oh, no, no, we help each other in times of need. Um… Renn-sensei, was it? For Re=L-san to travel so far to study abroad just to avoid flunking out and getting expelled… that’s quite something…”

“Pretty much her own fault, though.”

Elsa called Glenn “Renn.” Glenn’s public alias as a woman was “Renn Gladars,” a name he’d come up with in one second flat. Needless to say, the moment he suggested it, everyone present had collectively roasted him for it.

“Huh? …But, Re=L-san, earlier she was calling you ‘Glenn’…”

“Eh!? Oh, that’s just a nickname, don’t worry about it! (You moron!)”

Grind, grind, grind…

“…Ouch.”

Exchanging such lighthearted banter, Glenn and the others wandered through the train.

The train carriages were primarily compartment-style—one carriage divided into several private rooms, with the rooms lined up on the left side facing the train’s direction and a corridor on the right. Nearly every room was fully occupied, leaving no space for the five of them, including Elsa, to sit together.

As expected, standing for the next few hours until they reached their destination would be rough.

Searching for seats, Glenn and the others moved further toward the front carriages…

Then,

“Whoa…!? What the—!?”

They suddenly transitioned from the compartment-style carriages to an open salon-style carriage, where the entire carriage was one spacious area.

What was particularly noteworthy was that, typically, open salon carriages had seats arranged on both sides of a central aisle…

“Seats only on the left side of the carriage? That’s a first… talk about bourgeois…”

As Glenn marveled, the right side of the carriage was completely empty, making the interior feel incredibly spacious. The open right side was furnished with café tables and decor, turning it into a sort of social lounge for the refined young ladies passing through.

“As expected of a train for ojou-samas… ain’t no one else using a carriage this extravagantly.”

Whistling in awe, Glenn curiously looked around.

The carriage was spacious, and fortunately, there seemed to be plenty of open seats.

Why everyone was crammed into those stuffy compartment carriages when a carriage like this existed was beyond comprehension.

“Whatever! Alright, you lot! Let’s grab a spot somewhere over there!”

Glenn, brimming with excitement, urged the group forward…

“Um… Glenn… er, I mean, Renn-sensei…”

Elsa hesitantly spoke up, looking apologetic.

“This carriage… well… we can’t use it… I’m sorry…”

“…Huh? What’s that supposed to mean…?”

At Elsa’s odd comment, Glenn let out a dumbfounded sound… and that’s when it happened.

“Hold it right there, you people!”

“Hm?”

A group of girls suddenly surrounded Glenn and the others.

All of them were impeccably dressed in the uniforms of St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy, exuding the stiff, haughty aura typical of highborn ladies.

At the head of the group stood a strikingly elegant girl radiating an especially noble ojou-sama aura. Her luxurious blonde hair was styled in vertical rolls, and she wore a dazzling rapier—clearly a high-end piece—at her slender waist.

This conspicuous vertical-roll ojou-sama, leading her entourage of female students, gracefully approached Glenn and the others.

“What’s… this about?”

“Unfamiliar faces, aren’t they? You don’t seem to be from the Black Lily Society either.”

The vertical-roll ojou-sama scanned Glenn and the others appraisingly.

“There’s a certain… rustic air about your demeanor that hardly befits our academy… but I’ll overlook that for now.”

She flicked her hair dramatically.

The faint, fragrant scent of her perfume was so refined that even the uncouth Glenn could tell it was expensive with a single whiff.

“More importantly, you lot… it looked like you were about to take those seats… Are you aware that this car belongs to us, the White Lily Society?”

“…Sorry? White Lily?”

Glenn couldn’t help but let out a bewildered sound.

“Wait… isn’t this carriage for free-seating? Or was it reserved…?”

Glenn checked his ticket to confirm the free-seating carriages. There was no mistake.

“Hmm… yeah, we’re definitely not in the wrong here.”

“…‘Ore’? You speak like a man… how vulgar.”

[T/N: Ore (俺) is a rough, assertive first-person pronoun primarily used by men]

A faint look of disgust crossed the vertical-roll ojou-sama’s face as she continued,

“Regardless, whether it’s free or reserved seating is irrelevant.”

She puffed out her chest, declaring imperiously,

“This carriage is ours. I won’t permit you to simply waltz in and claim it. Leave this carriage at once. Rules are to be followed.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold up! Who’s the one breaking the rules here!?”

Understandably shocked, Glenn shot back.

“No matter how fancy this train is for ojou-samas, it’s still a public service, right!? If we bought tickets, anyone should be able to sit in free seats!”

“Sigh… there are always those who disregard tradition and discipline, trying to impose their own crude, base rules…”

“Who’s imposing their own rules!? Cut it out, you—!”

As the vertical-roll ojou-sama sighed in exasperation, Glenn retorted with perfectly reasonable indignation.

“You! I don’t know who you are, but how dare you speak to Francine-sama that way!?”

“Please step back, Francine-sama! We’ll teach these insolent fools a lesson!”

The surrounding girls began to close in on Glenn’s group, ready to restrain them. Their expressions were so intense, it was as if they’d throw their lives away for this Francine girl.

“W-What’s… this…?”

Overwhelmed by the girls’ bizarre, indescribable aura, Glenn faltered…

“Hah! Same old lame crap, huh, White Lily Society!?”

Just then, another group of girls appeared.

Unlike the prim and proper vertical-roll ojou-sama’s group, these girls had a… different vibe. Their uniforms were slightly disheveled, adorned with trendy accessories, their hair dyed, exuding a kind of… flashy, almost delinquent charm.

The leader of this new group was a strikingly handsome girl with long black hair reaching her waist and sharp, almond-shaped eyes. With studded gloves on both hands resting on her hips, she smirked mockingly, glaring at the vertical-roll ojou-sama’s group.

“Colette! What are you Black Lily Society girls doing here!? This carriage is ours—!”

“Hah! Don’t care, Francine! Your made-up rules mean nothing to us!”

Francine, the vertical-roll ojou-sama, and Colette, the black-haired delinquent ojou-sama, locked eyes with the ferocity of sworn enemies, sparks practically flying between them.

“Don’t be so stingy over some seats, Francine.”

“Your upbringing shows, Colette. You and your Black Lily Society are a disgrace to our academy, always disregarding its traditions and discipline!”

“What traditions and discipline!? Priority seating? That’s ridiculous!”

“Seating traditions were established by our predecessors to prevent unnecessary conflicts between factions at gatherings! To insult them is to insult our forebears—!”

“Pfft, what a joke! Fighting over seats every single time? I’m done with that! We sit wherever we want, whenever we want! No one tells us what to do, and we don’t take complaints—free seats or reserved!”

“No, that’s definitely not okay!?”

Glenn couldn’t help but interject with honest exasperation.

But his objection went ignored as Francine’s group and Colette’s group descended into a heated argument, the atmosphere growing dangerously volatile.

“God, what’s with these people…?”

Glenn could only watch the chaos unfold, utterly dumbfounded.

And then,

“Um… both of you… could you maybe call it quits for today…?”

Elsa quietly stepped between Francine and Colette, who looked ready to pounce on each other.

“Hey—!?”

Glenn froze in shock.

The idea that Elsa—the quiet girl who seemed like she’d be tucked away in a library corner with a book—would fearlessly insert herself between two such fiery personalities was unthinkable.

“What did you say!?”

“Huh!? Got something to say, huh!?”

As expected, Francine and Colette immediately turned their glares on Elsa.

Their intensity and ferocity would make any ordinary teenage girl shrink back in fear, no doubt…

“Francine-san… these people are students and a temporary instructor from Alzano Imperial Magic Academy… They’re probably exhausted from their long journey, so could you maybe let them use these seats…? I’m fine, of course…”

But surprisingly, Elsa didn’t back down. She looked straight at them, continuing calmly.

“And Colette-san… could you maybe avoid fighting today…? It’s bothersome for the exchange students…”

Though her tone was polite, it wasn’t timid.

She might look delicate, but perhaps this girl had a surprisingly strong core.

However—

“Shut up! Don’t act like you’re above it all, you fence-sitter!”

“This is our problem! Stay out of it, outsider!”

Elsa’s words fell on deaf ears as Francine and Colette, consumed by their anger, brushed her off.

Thud! Simultaneously, they shoved Elsa out of the way.

“…!?”

Elsa stumbled backward from the push.

Unfortunately, in the process, her heel accidentally caught on someone’s toes.

Her body tilted, losing balance as she fell backward…

“Ah…!? S-Sorry—!”

“Crap, we went too far—!”

Francine and Colette hurriedly reached out to her, but it was too late.

“Hey! What are you—!”

Even Glenn, raising his voice, was too far to catch her in time.

Elsa’s head plummeted toward the armrest of a seat…

The moment it would have collided—

“Kyaa!?”

Someone caught Elsa firmly from behind.

…It was Re=L. Likely, no one except Glenn and his group noticed her near-instantaneous movement.

“…You okay? Um… Elsa, right?”

“Oh… yeah… I’m fine…”

“Good. …That’s all.”

As if she’d lost all interest in Elsa, Re=L let go and returned to her usual spot—behind Sistine and Rumia, almost hiding.

Elsa blinked, watching Re=L’s aloof back with a surprised expression.

Meanwhile…

“Phew…”

“Hah…”

Francine let out a relieved breath, and Colette wiped the cold sweat from her brow.

Soon, as if to cover up the awkwardness of nearly injuring Elsa, they resumed.

“Anyway, Colette! If you continue to insult our academy’s discipline and traditions, I won’t forgive you! Right here, right now, I, Francine, will personally judge you!”

Francine drew her rapier with her right hand, raising her left to begin chanting a spell…

“Oh? You wanna go, huh? Fine… let’s settle this right here…!”

Colette, in response, raised her studded-gloved fists in a boxing stance, ready to charge…

“We’ll protect you, Francine-sama!”

“Colette-neesan! We’ve got your back!”

The surrounding entourages also shifted into combat stances…

The air grew thick with tension, teetering on the edge of a brawl.

“Goddamn, these people… Now what do we do…?”

As Glenn clutched his aching head, the situation reverting to square one,

“Hey there.”

A flat, almost bored voice addressed them.

Unnoticed until now, a girl stood beside Glenn. She had long gray hair tied in a braid and an expressionless face—a strikingly beautiful girl, also dressed in the St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy uniform.

“Uh… hey…?”

“No, I’m Ginny, reluctantly serving as that vertical-roll Francine ojou-sama’s maid. Nice to meet you.”

Ginny delivered an utterly monotone, lifeless greeting devoid of any inflection.

She was a different kind of oddball compared to Re=L.

“Um… you’re the exchange students and temporary instructor, right?”

“Y-Yeah… that’s us…?”

“Sorry about this. Must be quite a shock for newcomers.”

Ginny shrugged (still expressionless) as if exasperated.

“Sigh… our school’s sheltered idiot ojou-sama and wannabe fashion delinquent have caused you quite the trouble. See, the thing is… the White Lily Society (lol) and Black Lily Society (lol) are always bickering over stupid stuff like this. It’s our school’s ‘tradition’—faction wars (rofl), or so they think, drunk on their little power struggles.”

“Uh… huh…?”

“…Funny, right? In the end, they’re just kids playing ruler in a tiny, sheltered community protected by adults… pfft, peak adolescence.”

Despite her biting sarcasm, Ginny’s words carried no emotion whatsoever.

“Anyway… we’re about to have a scuffle with the Black Lily folks, so if you don’t want to get caught up in it, head to the rear carriages. Those are faction-free zones.”

“Oh, really…? Thanks…”

As Glenn nodded, still bewildered, Ginny gave a small nod. Then,

“Ginny! What are you doing!? Get over here and back me up as usual!”

The moment Francine’s shrill voice called out to her,

“Right away, my lady!”

Ginny transformed in an instant, darting to Francine’s side.

“Leave the vanguard to me, my lady! This unworthy Ginny will ensure those vile ruffians don’t lay a single finger on you!”

Exuding the fierce aura of a battle maiden, Ginny stood protectively by Francine’s side.

“As expected of the daughter of the butler family that has served my house for generations—my dearest friend! I’m honored to have you in my service!”

“Your words are too kind.”

“Hah! Here you are, Ginny! Francine’s loyal dog—! Today, I’ll crush you—!”

Colette, as if waiting for this moment, raised her fists and charged.

Her eyes, gleaming with the thrill of battle, cut through the air like black streaks—

“Back off, Colette, you lowlife! I am Francine-sama’s shield and sword! As long as I stand, your wicked fangs will never reach her!”

Ginny nimbly met her charge—

The sound of air splitting and a sharp impact rang out.

Ginny parried Colette’s ferocious punch with a sheathed dagger.

“Guh…!?”

“Tch—!”

The air trembled with their explosive clash.

Both displayed impressive skill for students, clearly well-trained. They wielded White Magic [Physical Boost] with considerable finesse, enhancing their physical abilities.

And with that clash as the spark,

The entourages from both sides raised their left hands, beginning to chant spells in unison—

“Tch, retreat—!?”

“Eek!” “Kyaaa—!?” “W-Woah…!” “…?”

Glenn hurriedly hoisted Elsa onto his back, tucked Sistine and Rumia under each arm, and grabbed Re=L by the back of her collar, dangling her as he bolted from the scene like a startled rabbit.

The explosive sounds of offensive spells, the girls’ screams, and their angry shouts rained down on his back as he fled…

(What the—!? This is totally different from the carefree, flirty girls’ academy I imagined! Why!?)

Glenn couldn’t help but feel a gnawing unease about what lay ahead.

Having barely escaped the chaotic clash between the ojou-sama factions, Glenn and his group were in a sorry state.

Following Ginny’s advice, they trudged toward the rear cars, endlessly searching for seats.

Finally, they secured a private compartment, settled down, and let out a collective sigh of relief.

The journey from the imperial capital to St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy would take a few hours.

Having departed the capital before noon, they were scheduled to arrive at St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy around evening.

At first, Sistine and Rumia had been lively, chatting with Elsa, but the fatigue from their long trip from Fejite was catching up with them.

And then there was the train’s gentle, soothing sway, practically inviting sleep.

Gradually, Sistine and Rumia grew quieter…

“Suu… suu…”

“…Nnn… n…”

Before long, without anyone noticing, the two had drifted off to sleep.

“Gugaa… gugaa… gugaa…”

Glenn, snoring loudly, had also promptly passed out…

“…”

“…”

In the private compartment, only Re=L and Elsa remained awake.

Elsa was quietly engrossed in a thick book, the soft rustle of turning pages occasionally echoing in the room.

Re=L sat across from her, staring intently at Elsa’s figure.

Glancing out the window, the train was currently crossing a vast plain.

In the distance, forests, lakes, and hills came into view, their untouched natural beauty grand and breathtaking.

The sky was a deep blue, and the ridgelines of mountains near the horizon slowly drifted backward.

The rhythmic clack-clack of the train’s swaying filled the space between the two girls.

No conversation passed between them.

After some time—how long, it was hard to say—

“…By the way… Re=L-san.”

Elsa suddenly spoke, as if recalling something.

“Earlier… thank you so much. For helping me.”

“…Hm? What’re you talking about?”

Caught off guard by the sudden words, Re=L tilted her head in curiosity.

“You know… back when Francine-san and the others were arguing… I got pushed, and you caught me, Re=L-san. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit I only just remembered… and realized I hadn’t thanked you yet.”

Elsa closed her book and smiled at Re=L.

“…It’s nothing. No problem. You helped me too, Elsa.”

Re=L nodded matter-of-factly.

“You helped me look for Glenn and the others when they got lost.”

“…Glenn? Aha, so it’s Renn-sensei and the others who are the lost ones, huh?”

“I don’t really get it, but… I think you’re probably a good person, Elsa. So, no problem.”

Re=L said this in her usual flat tone.

At that, Elsa let out a soft, amused chuckle.

“…What’s wrong, Elsa?”

“Oh, nothing… I just… I’m relieved, that’s all.”

“…?”

Re=L tilted her head again, puzzled, and Elsa continued.

“To be honest… I’m sorry, but I was worried you might dislike me, Re=L-san.”

“Dislike? Me? You? …Why?”

Re=L blinked, utterly baffled by the notion.

“Well, you did come at me with a sword the moment we met… and whenever I tried talking to you, you seemed so curt, like you weren’t interested… I started wondering if I was bothering you, and I let my imagination run wild.”

“…Oh… um… sorry…”

Re=L gave a tiny, almost imperceptible bow, so slight it was barely noticeable.

“…I’m… not like Sistine or Rumia… I, uh… don’t really know what to talk about…”

“Yes, it seems I was just overthinking things… so I’m glad.”

“…Yeah. I don’t dislike you, Elsa.”

Silence settled between them once more.

But this silence wasn’t heavy or awkward—it was strangely comfortable, almost pleasant.

“Hehe… we might actually get along pretty well, don’t you think?”

“…Really? I don’t quite get it, but…”

“Yes… I just have a feeling about it.”

Elsa smiled warmly at Re=L.

Re=L, looking faintly tickled, averted her gaze with a small hmph.

Time flew by swiftly…

Soon, the train carrying Glenn and his group passed through forests, climbed over mountain passes, and skirted lakes, arriving at St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy.

St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy was a private, all-girls boarding school located in the lake district of Lilitania.

Surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes, its isolated location, coupled with its strict no-boys-allowed policy, made it a natural sanctuary where upper-class families could safely send their daughters without worrying about unsavory influences—a perfect haven for young ladies preparing for marriage.

For Glenn and his group, this was unfamiliar territory, a brand-new place.

Starting tomorrow, their days at St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy would begin—