♢♢♢

　I made a contract with Mai and Mei, and then re-summoned them.

　Since I passed them magical power for long-term manifestation through the magic circle during the summoning, there shouldn’t be any problems for a while. Perhaps because I transferred a large amount of magical power at once, both of their spirit bodies had grown a little. Well, they both seemed happy about it, so I guess it’s fine. I had Mai and Mei take on human forms to head to class, and their appearances had grown a bit too. Mainly the size of Mei’s chest. Mai’s height had increased slightly, but her chest hadn’t grown. I was a little concerned about the resentful way Mai was looking at Mei’s chest.

　After that, I headed to the classroom, but—

　The afternoon classes were cancelled. It seems that when Tina reported the incident in the forest, an emergency meeting of the teachers was called. And I was summoned by the headmaster.

　──＊＊＊──

　”So you’re Haruto. I’ve heard about you from my grandson. Thank you for being good friends with Luke.”

　When I was led into the headmaster’s office by Tina, a kind-looking old man with white hair and a white beard offered me a handshake.

　This man is Luke’s grandfather and the head of this magic academy, the Sage Luano=Vel=Ifrus.

　”Not at all, Luke has been very good to me, actually.”

　I shook hands with Headmaster Luano.

　”Hmm, the magical power you contain isn’t that much—or rather, is it about level 1?”

　It seems he’s noticed the amount of my magical power.

　Well, it can’t be helped. The man before me is a genuine Sage, after all.

　”Pardon me. I heard you defeated a swarm of Mahrnomes and a Majin, so I was a little curious.”

　”Even if you are the headmaster, I will not permit you to pry into Haruto-sama’s affairs without permission, you know?”

　Tina got angry for me.

　”Tina-sensei, it’s alright. It’ll probably come out eventually anyway.”

　It’s about time I confessed about the curse to Tina, too. I felt I could speak about me being a Sage and about the curse to Headmaster Luano, who, like me, is a Sage and the head of this academy.

　”I’m thinking of telling you my story, but I’d appreciate it if you could keep what you hear here to yourselves.”

　”I promise not to breathe a word of what I hear to anyone. But this is the Ifrus Magic Academy, a place that acknowledges diversity. If you do not wish to speak, you don’t have to force yourself, you know?”

　The headmaster told me it was fine to keep my identity hidden. At this academy, there are students from the beastkin, dragonoid, and even spirit races. Among them, there are naturally some who entered while concealing their identities. For example, Youko, who is a demon. The headmaster says he accepts such individuals as well.

　To give anyone with the will to learn magic an opportunity to do so—that seems to be the headmaster’s conviction.

　Sage Luano possesses enough power to deal with it, should any student of this academy seem to stray from the path. When we shook hands, he probed my magical power, but in truth, I had also sensed the headmaster’s.

　It was the largest and most refined amount of magical power I had ever felt. I bet that even if Youko had tried to take over this academy, she would have failed. Luke said Tina was stronger, but if it were a battle of only magic, the headmaster would probably win. That’s how powerful Headmaster Luano’s magical power was.

　It was precisely because he was that kind of headmaster that I felt inclined to talk about the curse.

　”Status Open.”

　I opened my status board and showed it to Tina and Headmaster Luano.

　Name: Haruto=V=Silvarei

　Race: Human

　Divine Protection: None 〘Fixed〙

　Occupation: Sage (Level 1) 〘Fixed〙

　HP: 30/30 〘Fixed〙

　MP: 10/10 〘Fixed〙

　Physical Attack: 10 〘Fixed〙

　Magical Attack: 10 〘Fixed〙

　Defense: 10 〘Fixed〙

　Agility: 10 〘Fixed〙

　Dexterity: 10 〘Fixed〙

　Skills: None 〘Fixed〙

　State: Cursed (Status Fixed) 〘Fixed〙

　”Level 1!? Haruto-sama, what is the meaning of this?”

　”A curse of fixed status… I’ve never seen a curse like this before either.”

　The two of them were staring intently at my status board.

　”I am a reincarnator from another world.”

　”I see… So because you are a reincarnator, your occupation is Sage.”

　The headmaster knew that the occupations of heroes from other worlds were fixed at the third job class.

　”Yes. And the reason I’m level 1 is because of the Evil God. When I was reincarnated, the Evil God placed a curse on me and I became like this.”

　”The Evil God… The source of all evil who creates Demon Lords and spreads fear and despair throughout the world. So he really did exist.”

　”Tina, you believe what I’m saying?”

　”I believe in you, Haruto-sama. Besides, I’m looking at your status right here.”

　I was happy that Tina believed me. The words “Evil God” aren’t written anywhere on the status board, so when it comes to the curse being placed by the Evil God, she has no choice but to trust my words.

　”But why would the Evil God place a curse of fixed status on you?”

　”I couldn’t get the details. He just said he didn’t want me to be successful in this world…”

　”I think defeating a swarm of monsters and a Majin all by yourself is quite the success, though.”

　”I think so too.”

　”I’m thinking it might have been the Evil God’s mistake.”

　”The Evil God’s mistake?”

　”What do you mean by that?”

　”First, please look at this. Fire Lance!”

　While keeping the status board visible to them, I made a spear of flame appear in my hand.

　”Th-this is!”

　”His magical power isn’t decreasing at all!?”

　”That’s right. No matter how much magic I use, my magical power never decreases.”

　”Is this the effect of the curse (status fixed)?”

　”Yes. At first, I also thought my maximum status values were fixed. But it seems this curse fixes the status itself. I believe the Evil God might have mistaken it for a curse that fixes the maximum status values.”

　”I-I see… But, wait a minute. I understand that your magical power is infinite, but what about the magical attack power needed to defeat the Mahrnomes? Your magical attack power should also be fixed at 10.”

　”I’m firing a massive number of spells with a cost of 10 magical power or less. Then I increase the power by combining the magic.”

　”Is something like that possible?”

　”And it has that much power…”

　What Tina was referring to was probably the time I destroyed the wall of the training grounds.

　”When I broke the training grounds, I fired a spell that combined fifty thousand Fire Lances.”

　”F-fifty thousand!?”

　”Y-you did well to divert such a spell. Tina-sensei, I thank you again.”

　”No, even if you asked me to do it again, it would be absolutely impossible.”

　The reason Tina was able to block my magic was because of a hero’s magic tool from another world.

　”In any case, I now understand very well that you are no ordinary person, Haruto. Well, if you say you’re a reincarnator, I suppose it’s not surprising… Just please, try not to go on a rampage.”

　”I’ll be careful.”

　After that, the headmaster promised to provide as much support as possible for my life at the academy.

　Though it seemed less for my sake, and more to not expose the academy to danger.

　──＊＊＊──

　”Haruto-sama, what in the world is the meaning of this?”

　Tina is angry.

　It doesn’t show on her face, but the overflowing magical power embodied her rage.

　”N-no, it’s not what you think! These guys just barged in on their own!”

　After the meeting with the headmaster, I came back to the mansion and took a bath. Alone, of course.

　The morning was spent in a practical exercise in the Steel Forest, so although I didn’t move much, the dirt bothered me and I wanted to wash up early. I washed my body and was relaxing in the bathtub.

　Then, Youko came in—completely naked.

　While I was still surprised, Mai and Mei created a summoning circle on their own and appeared. Apparently, they sensed that I was in imminent danger. The place they appeared in was the bathroom, and though I was soaking in the tub, I was naked, so the two of them blushed.

　However, they immediately started taking off their clothes. When I asked what they were doing, they insisted on taking a bath with me since they were here. What do they mean, “since they’re here”? I mean, I for one am happy to be in the bath with three beautiful girls, but—

　I found myself in the worst possible situation.

　The bathroom door slid open with a clatter, and Tina poked her head in. The bathroom, where I was supposed to be bathing alone, was noisy, so she apparently came to check on me, worried something might have happened. What Tina saw was me, in the bath, surrounded by Youko, Mai, and Mei. It’s no wonder Tina is angry.

　”It’s not what you think!”

　Right, this isn’t me cheating or anything.

　”What isn’t? To think you’d bring in not only Youko-san, but Mai-san and Mei-san at some point as well.”

　Tina asks with a smile. That smile is terrifying. Youko, Mai, and Mei are overwhelmed by the atmosphere and magical power overflowing from Tina. Then they moved closer, as if to use me as a shield.

　Ohh, this is… nice!

　The three girls’ smooth skin and soft parts touch my body. A smile inadvertently crept onto my face. In proportion, Tina’s magical power grew even more menacing.

　Th-this is seriously bad.

　The chairs and buckets in the bathroom are trembling from Tina’s magical power. I needed to think of a solution, and fast.

　”Tina, you want to join us?”

　I spontaneously invited Tina.

　”Eh?”

　Tina froze, letting out a small voice.

　And the ears peeking out from her short hair turned red at an incredible speed.

　”I-I’m fine! Please, everyone, take your time!!”

　Tina left, closing the door with a loud bang. Sleeping together in the same bed is okay, but taking a bath together was still too much for her, huh?

　The other day, when I was sleeping with Youko and called for Tina, I remembered how she had vigorously jumped into the bed.

　”Master is a playboy, you know.”

　Youko looked at me with cold eyes.

　”Why’s that?”

　”I may still be a child as a nine-tailed fox, but I pride myself on having a body that catches men’s eyes. Mai and Mei are quite the lookers, too. To be so calm while surrounded by the three of us, and then to even invite Tina-dono, what else would you call it but a playboy?”

　No, of course it’s bad, you know?

　All three of them are super cute.

　If I get in the bath with such beautiful girls, of course I’m going to have a reaction, right?

　But I have mastered the art of perfectly controlling my own body with magical power. I can even control my physiological phenomena to some extent. From the moment a naked Youko came in, my Haruto has been under full control by my magical power.

　”I’m not a playboy. I’m a gentleman. I only invited Tina because I wanted us all to enjoy a bath together.”

　—That’s a lie.

　Tina’s aura was so scary, the words of invitation just slipped out.

　”W-well, I’m getting out now. You three take your time.”

　I quickly got out of the bath.

　”…Is even my charm still not enough, I wonder.”

　”I wonder if Haruto-sama prefers someone with a chest like Tina-sensei’s.”

　”Mei, please stop, that’s just sad, you know?”

　I could hear the voices of Youko and the others from behind me.

　Don’t worry, you’re all dangerously charming.

　──＊＊＊──

　I look for Tina to try and explain what happened earlier.

　Tina was in the kitchen. She was single-mindedly peeling potatoes. Behind her, a huge pile of peeled potatoes was stacked up.

　”Even though you have me, to take a bath with Youko-san and the girls from class… I mean, I’m an old hag, and they’re young and have beautiful skin, but…”

　She doesn’t seem to have noticed I’m here.

　Tina is sulking.

　”I’m still young for an elf, and my chest won’t lose to them either!”

　Tina says as she holds her own chest.

　That pose is a little erotic.

　”And yet, Haruto-sama won’t take a bath with me… no, he did invite me just now, didn’t he. I should have just gotten in. I really am a stubborn person, aren’t I.”

　Tina stopped her hands and looked down.

　”Well then, how about we go to a hot spring together sometime?”

　”Haruto-sama!?”

　Tina was extremely surprised when I called out to her.

　”S-since when were you here?”

　”Just a little while ago. I don’t think you’re an old hag, Tina. I think you’re an incredibly charming woman.”

　”You heard everything, didn’t you!!”

　”Ahaha, sorry about that. By the way, what do you think about the hot spring? Just the two of us, want to go to a hot spring a little far away?”

　”Just the two of us?”

　”Yeah, just the two of us.”

　For a moment, Tina was lost in thought.

　”I want to go.”

　It was a voice so faint it might have vanished, but Tina definitely said she wanted to go.

　”Alright, then let’s go the next time we have a day off from class! It’s been a while since we’ve taken a trip, hasn’t it.”

　”Yes, I look forward to it.”

　At the word “trip,” a smile returned to Tina’s face. From there, Tina went back to her usual self.

　”What should we do with these?”

　The large pile of potatoes Tina had been peeling was left behind.

　”Looks like we’re on a potato diet for the time being.”

　Even if I am a noble, I didn’t want to waste food.

　”Well, with five of us eating, it’ll be gone in no time.”

　”Five people? D-don’t tell me, Haruto-sama.”

　I told Tina that I had formed a contract with Mai and Mei. And that I’d be letting the two of them live in the spare rooms of this mansion.

　As expected, Tina started sulking again.

　After that, by promising that the hot spring trip would absolutely be just the two of us, I somehow managed to get Tina back in a good mood.

　──＊＊＊──

　Good morning, this is Tina.

　Today is the day of the hot spring trip I promised Haruto-sama I’d go on with him. I’ve been so excited since this morning, no, actually since around noon yesterday, I can’t stop. Yesterday, whenever I had a spare moment, I spent the whole day gazing at Haruto-sama.

　To say “yesterday”—is a bit misleading, isn’t it.

　I am always watching you, Haruto-sama.

　But that aside, the day of the trip is finally here. I changed into my clothes for going out, feeling cheerful and excited.

　Now, let’s go wake up Haruto-sama!

　To enjoy this day to the fullest, I slept apart from Haruto-sama for the first time in a while last night. It was lonely. But because of that, I became even more excited for today’s trip.

　By the way, yesterday, under Haruto-sama’s orders, Youko-san, Mai-san, and Mei-san also slept in their own rooms.

　”Haruto-sama, excuse me.”

　I entered the room to wake Haruto-sama up.

　Oh?

　Haruto-sama is not in the bed. Has he already woken up and gone to the living room?

　—Hmm, what’s this?

　There was a letter on the bedside table.

　To Tina,

　Since this is a special date,

　let’s meet up before we go.

　Come to the fountain plaza in the central street at eight.

　From Haruto

　My heart skipped a beat.

　A date… yes, today’s trip is a date.

　Meeting up for a date. One of the things I’ve always wanted to do will come true today. It seems Haruto-sama knows the way to make me happy.

　I checked the clock; it was seven-twenty.

　I’m already dressed, and it only takes ten minutes to get to the central street from this mansion. I’ll make it with plenty of time to spare, but I can’t keep Haruto-sama waiting. More than anything, I want to see Haruto-sama as soon as possible. I asked Youko-san and the others to take care of the mansion, and I headed for the central street.

　──＊＊＊──

　”Haruto-sama, sorry to have kept you waiting.”

　”Morning, Tina.”

　Haruto-sama was in his casual clothes. The black vest he’s wearing looks amazing on him. He’s so cool.

　”It’s been a while since I’ve seen you in your casual clothes, Tina. You look cute in them too.”

　”Th-thank you very much!”

　He said I look cute in my casual clothes.

　I can’t stop my cheeks from smiling.

　”Well then, shall we go?”

　Saying that, Haruto-sama took my hand. It’s what you call the lovers’ grip. He then led me as we walked.

　And so we came to the main street where carriages and magical vehicles pass by. Just walking this far while holding hands with Haruto-sama has my heart pounding more intensely than ever before.

　Will I be able to last the whole day like this?

　Led by Haruto-sama, I approached a luxurious magical vehicle parked on the main street.

　Could it be that this is how we’re traveling today? It was an elegant magical vehicle, with incredibly beautiful decorations that weren’t too flashy. It seems we really are traveling in this car.

　Haruto-sama opened the door and escorted me inside.

　A gentleman! Haruto-sama is a true gentleman!!

　—Oh, my apologies.

　I got a little carried away.

　I am Tina=Haribell. A magic swordswoman who once guided the Hero-sama and defeated the Demon Lord together with him. How can I get so flustered over something like this?

　Be cool, I must be cool!

　I boarded the magical vehicle. Guided by Haruto-sama, I sit down next to him.

　”How’s the ride? I prepared the best magical vehicle in town for today. It’s my first date with you, after all, Tina.”

　Haruto-sama said with a bright smile.

　Haruto-samaaa!!

　Eh, what is with that smile!? It’s too wonderful. You prepared the best magical vehicle at the academy for today’s date? I would have gladly ridden in even the most rickety carriage if it was with you, Haruto-sama. But I’m truly happy that you were so considerate because it’s a date.

　You’re trying to win me over, aren’t you.

　Rest assured.

　My body and soul are already yours, Haruto-sama.

　After that, I talked a lot with Haruto-sama.

　About the academy, about my past adventures with the former Hero-sama and his companions. Haruto-sama seems to be interested in adventuring. Since Haruto-sama is the son of a Count, he’ll be set for life without needing to go on adventures. I suppose people who are reincarnated do tend to yearn for adventures in another world. Just like that person…

　Oh dear, I mustn’t.

　For now, let’s just enjoy my date with Haruto-sama.

　──＊＊＊──

　After a while, we arrived at a small village.

　The hot spring is located a short walk into the forest from here, a place known only to a select few. By the way, monsters of around level 80 appear in this forest, so the villagers don’t go near it. However, for Haruto-sama and me, level 80 monsters are no match for us, no matter how many of them there are in a swarm, so we head towards the hot spring without a care.

　The magical vehicle can’t go into the forest, so it’s on standby in this village. Haruto-sama was talking to the driver of the magical vehicle about something. Is he telling him what time to return?

　At last, we’re heading to the hot spring. I was lightly stretching my body, thinking we might have to fight monsters, but—

　”It’s a date, you know? I wouldn’t make you fight, Tina.”

　Saying that, Haruto-sama began to release his magical power.

　”Fire Lance!”

　A Flame Knight appeared before us. As always, its magical power is incredible. And its movements are so smooth. Just how many formulas has he incorporated into it? I probably couldn’t even beat it myself. Since the Flame Knight is on our side, it’s incredibly reassuring.

　”I hunted the monsters yesterday, but there might be some I missed, so this guy is for insurance.”

　He says it so casually, but adventurers below B-rank aren’t even allowed into this forest, you know? And he says he’s hunted down most of the monsters in such a forest. I can’t say anything but “as expected.”

　But, this means we can head to the hot spring without being attacked by monsters. I’m just glad that my casual clothes, which Haruto-sama complimented, won’t get dirty.

　”Tina, let’s go.”

　”Yes!”

　I took the hand Haruto-sama offered me, and the two of us started walking.

　After walking for about thirty minutes, we arrived at our destination, the hot spring.

　No monsters appeared along the way. Of course, there was no one at the hot spring either.

　”There’s no one here, and it’s unlikely anyone will come later, but just in case.”

　Haruto-sama deployed a giant magic circle.

　”Haruto-sama, what is this?”

　”It’s a perception-inhibiting barrier magic. From outside this, no one can tell there’s a hot spring here, and they can’t see us either. So we can get in without any worries.”

　I know about barrier magic. I heard that in the past, ten high-ranking mages barely managed to succeed at it. And he did it all by himself.

　As expected, Haruto-sama is on a different level.

　I can’t help but think he doesn’t have to go that far, but—

　”I don’t want anyone else to see your body, Tina.”

　Haruto-sama murmured.

　It seems Haruto-sama has a possessive side too. For some reason, that made me happy.

　Well, the time finally came to get into the hot spring, but it was actually my first time being seen naked by Haruto-sama.

　Since I’ve taken care of him since he was a baby, I’m used to seeing Haruto-sama’s body. Though I haven’t had many opportunities to see it recently. In any case, it’s the first time for me to be seen naked.

　W-will it be alright? I always take meticulous care of my body, and besides, even if I’m a half, I’m an elf, so my skin should be beautiful.

　”I brought a swimsuit just in case… want to wear it?”

　As I was dawdling, Haruto-sama offered me a bag. It probably has a swimsuit inside. If I wear a swimsuit, the embarrassment will go away, but Haruto-sama has taken a bath with Youko-san and the others. If I’m the only one who’s only ever been in the bath with Haruto-sama wearing a swimsuit, it feels like I’ve lost somehow.

　Therefore—

　”No, it’s alright. I’ll wear the swimsuit you bought for me next time, okay?”

　I said as I accepted the bag from Haruto-sama. Fufufu, I’ve received a present.

　Haruto-sama began to take off his clothes.

　”Tina, it’s a bit embarrassing to be stared at so intensely.”

　”Ah! I-I’m sorry.”

　I was captivated by Haruto-sama’s toned body, a result of his diligent training.

　I place my hands on the buttons of my own clothes. What is this, my heart is pounding so fast.

　I heard the sound of splashing, and when I looked over, Haruto-sama had just gotten into the hot water. He’s facing away from me. He’s probably being considerate so that I won’t feel embarrassed. I quickly took off my clothes, splashed some water on myself, and got into the hot spring.

　—Aah~ it’s so warm.

　I wonder if magical power gushing from the earth is mixed in with the hot water? I feel my own magical power being replenished.

　It’s a good hot spring.

　I approached Haruto-sama from behind.

　”This feels nice, doesn’t it. I’m glad we could come.”

　”Yeah, I’m happy you’re enjoying it, Tina.”

　Haruto-sama won’t look at me. It seems he’s still concerned about my embarrassment from earlier. But since we’re in the hot spring together, I want to be closer to him.

　”Ei~!”

　I steeled my resolve and hugged Haruto-sama from behind.

　”Tina!? Th-they’re pressing against me!”

　”I’m pressing them against you.”

　I can feel my own face turning bright red. It’s incredibly embarrassing.

　But, hugging Haruto-sama somehow calms me down.

　”Haruto-sama, won’t you please look this way?”

　I asked after moving away a little.

　”…Is it okay?”

　”Yes. I want you to look, Haruto-sama.”

　Haruto-sama slowly turned around.

　Our eyes meet.

　Then, Haruto-sama’s gaze drifts downward—

　S-so, what do you think?

　”You’re beautiful.”

　He complimented me. My face is burning up.

　”Ah, sorry. I stared too much.”

　Saying that, Haruto-sama quickly looked away.

　”You can touch me, you know? I am yours, Haruto-sama, after all.”

　I mustered my courage. Haruto-sama looks at me again.

　”Can I touch you anywhere?”

　”…Yes.”

　Haruto-sama brings his face closer.

　He kissed me.

　”I tried touching Tina’s lips with my own. That’s our second kiss, isn’t it.”

　I had been mentally preparing myself for him to touch my chest or my body, but to be kissed…

　Doing that so suddenly is unfair.

　I touch my lips with my finger, remembering the sensation of Haruto-sama’s lips from just now.

　…I want more.

　”Haruto-sama.”

　”Tina.”

　I was all lovey-dovey with Haruto-sama. Even though we were protected by the barrier, we were still outdoors.

　It was very, very thrilling.

　It felt so good.

　──＊＊＊──

　We got out of the hot spring and got dressed. I’m too embarrassed to look at Haruto-sama’s face.

　”Well then, shall we head back?”

　”Yes.”

　Haruto-sama held my hand on the way back as well. I thought we were going to walk back, but Haruto-sama is forming some kind of magic circle.

　”Um, what is this?”

　”It’s a magic circle to transfer us to the village. If we walk back, we’ll get all sweaty after just having been in the hot spring, right?”

　Did I hear that correctly? A transfer magic circle?

　Transfer is a type of skill that allows you to instantly travel to any place you’ve been before; it’s rightly called a cheat skill. I’ve heard that on rare occasions, a Hero-sama with this skill appears. However, Haruto-sama is a Sage. There are no records of a Sage ever using transfer magic.

　”C-can you really use transfer?”

　”Yeah, I learned it recently. I can move to a place where I’ve set up an exit magic circle beforehand by going through an interstitial space. It’s like summoning myself, I guess?”

　It seems Haruto-sama has managed to replicate transfer not as a skill, but as magic.

　”Alright, it’s ready. Let’s go home!”

　Led by Haruto-sama’s hand, I stepped into the magic circle. The moment I thought we had passed through the circle, we were on the outskirts of the village, on the path leading to the forest we were just in. It seems we really did transfer.

　”Are you hungry? I was thinking we could have lunch.”

　As I stood there dumbfounded, Haruto-sama suggested we get something to eat. This is a rural village, but apparently it’s famous for having some pretty delicious food.

　Are we going home after we eat? I feel a little reluctant to leave. I want to be alone with Haruto-sama for longer.

　Oh? Come to think of it, I don’t see the magical vehicle we came in.

　”I sent the magical vehicle back.”

　Haruto-sama said, noticing that I was looking for it.

　”Are we going to transfer back to the mansion too?”

　”No, if it’s alright with you, Tina, I was thinking we could stay here for the night. If you’d rather sleep in your own bed at the mansion, or if you don’t like it here, we can go back with my transfer.”

　I’ve adventured with the Hero-sama and his companions before, so I’m fine with camping out.

　Even if it’s a rural village with only cheap inns and rickety beds, I don’t mind at all. More than that, I’m just happy that I can be alone with Haruto-sama until tomorrow.

　”I’ll stay!”

　An instant decision. Ehehe.

　I can have Haruto-sama all to myself tonight, too.

　Even though it’s still only noon, I’ve already started to imagine what it will be like sleeping with Haruto-sama tonight.