Chapter 20

My body feels heavy.

It’s not that I’m feeling unwell; it’s physically heavy.

When I woke up, there were two beautiful girls in my arms.

One was a slender girl with silver hair.

The other was a well-built girl with golden hair, fox ears, and a tail.

Both were in their underwear, which made me excited. I decided to grope their chests.

Kuuna’s chest felt soft and bouncy, while Anne’s chest was a bit firmer but felt soft when I stroked it.

“Mmmn”

“Mmm”

Both of them twisted their faces. It was getting dangerous, so I got up and left the bed.

My memories slowly came back.

Ah, right. After making a big fuss at the tavern yesterday, I came back to the dorm and, feeling like we were at an inn, we all slept in one bed.

Thinking about changing, I stood up and noticed the floor was wet.

“Ah, right, I did that yesterday.”

Before going to bed, Kuuna said it was hot and started taking off her clothes, and Anne followed suit, and so did I.

After that, Kuuna complained about the smell of sweat and alcohol, and for some reason, we all found it funny and laughed while making a fuss. Then, we decided to take a bath and fetched water from the well, which Kuuna turned into hot water with her magic, and we all poured it over our heads.

After that, Kuuna efficiently dried our hair and underwear.

“...Alcohol is scary.”

It was a celebration for passing the special student exam. I had completely let my guard down. I might have taken advantage of them in my drunken state. While it would have been nice, I didn’t want to ruin the trust built during the party.

The bell rang twice.

I remember from yesterday’s explanation that two rings mean it’s time to wake up, and three rings mean it’s time for breakfast.

There’s about an hour between the bells. But considering getting dressed and other things, I should probably get up soon.

“Kuuna, Anne, wake up.”

I shook the two who were still sleeping in my bed.

They still wouldn’t wake up.

Even pinching their cheeks didn’t work.

“Alright, if you don’t wake up, I’ll kiss you.”

“Mmm, I slept well. Good morning, Soji-kun.”

Kuuna sat up and greeted me cheerfully.

Her fox ears perked up, and her tail wagged.

By chance, her tail tickled Anne’s nose.

“Huh, kushun. Oh, good morning. Kuuna. Soji.”

Anne also woke up.

“My head hurts.”

She held her head, clearly suffering from a hangover.

“Kuuna, did you do that on purpose?”

“What do you mean?”

Kuuna tilted her head with a puzzled look. ...Right. Kuuna can’t pull off such a sophisticated tease. She’s a naturally innocent girl who teases people without even realizing it.

“Never mind.”

“Still, Soji, why are you and Kuuna so calm? I remember both of you were quite drunk yesterday.”

“Oh, that. When you recognize alcohol as a poison, the protection kicks in.”

“It’s common knowledge among drinkers. That’s why we can enjoy alcohol without worry.”

The protection unconsciously heals injuries but only treats poisons and drugs when recognized as such.

“I’ll try it.”

Anne groaned and experimented with various methods.

After about three minutes, she got the hang of it, and blue particles started emanating from her body.

“Phew, I feel much better. I’ve never had such a fun drinking experience before, and I didn’t know it could lead to a hangover.”

As expected of a lady.

I wish I could give the other one a dose of her own medicine.

“What’s that look for, like you’re pitying a poor person!”

“Nothing. More importantly, get dressed and go back to your rooms.”

Our rooms are in a separate building from the general dormitory.

It’s a special dormitory for special students. Our rooms are lined up, with mine in the middle of Kuuna’s and Anne’s. Special students get their own rooms, which seems to be a privilege. Other dormitory students share rooms with three people, and the rooms are the same size.

“Oops, I fell asleep with Soji-kun out of habit.”

“...I was also too hasty. Sleeping together in the dorm could lead to expulsion.”

Both of them held their heads.

But that’s an unnecessary worry.

“You don’t need to worry. This dorm doesn’t care about such things.”

“Eh? Why not?”

“Well, this is a knight school, but the focus is on performance in the underground labyrinth.”

“What does that have to do with it?”

“In the underground labyrinth, to reduce the burden, men and women don’t separate tents. It’s difficult if you resist being together. Plus, it’s a long expedition, so sexual needs are a significant issue.”

“Soji-kun, you’re being too roundabout.”

Kuuna puffed her cheeks and complained.

“This school encourages relationships. Without entertainment and with constant tension in the underground labyrinth, it’s normal for people to develop mental health issues. It’s healthier for lovers to dive in and have sex regularly. That’s why the dorms aren’t segregated, and no one cares if you do it in the dorm.”

My straightforward explanation made both of them blush.

“So, Soji-kun, that’s indecent.”

“It’s not right to do such things before marriage.”

They didn’t seem to agree with my words.

“In my case, I’d be happy if we became lovers and could do such things, but even alone, I can manage. You two should also think about it. Long-term stays in the labyrinth are dangerous.”

The mental strain of exploring the labyrinth is something only those who have experienced it can understand.

It’s more terrifying than being killed by monsters.

“Most of the time, people like Kuuna who say they’re different end up giving in to stress. Without proper contraception, it can lead to serious problems. Even among men, it’s common for them to realize they’re gay after a while.”

This is the dark side of the underground labyrinth.

The more extreme the situation, the more people act on their desires.

“Soji-kun, I understand.”

“Do you, Kuuna?”

“When we go into the labyrinth, I’ll be on full alert against Soji-kun.”

Kuuna smiled and kept her distance, blushing and covering her chest with her hands, realizing she was in her underwear.

“Really, you’re making a big fuss over the most harmless guy. I had two drunk, half-naked beautiful girls in the same bed and didn’t touch them!”

“Soji, I would have given you credit if you hadn’t said that.”

“You’ve ruined everything.”

With those words, they both returned to their rooms.

I sighed and put on the uniform provided in the closet.

The special student uniform has a small emblem on the collar, which made me feel a bit proud.

◇

After breakfast, we headed to the large hall for the opening ceremony.

“The breakfast was delicious.”

“Yes, it was so good I almost ate too much.”

“It’s called a buffet. You can take as much as you like. It’s a luxury. I’m glad I became a special student.”

After changing into our uniforms, we met at the dormitory cafeteria.

There were only eight of us, including us.

The special student dormitory has only nine people, three per grade, and one of the second-year students, whom I defeated, is not here.

As a result, I was ignored and received hostile glares.

However, one second-year student with a brown bob cut and a small, cute figure waved at us cheerfully.

Honestly, it felt odd. Her smooth flow of magic and her center of gravity were both better than the second-year student I defeated, and it was hard to believe she was a first-year. ...I understand that no matter how strong you are, you can’t advance in rank without earning magic stones...

“They’re preparing lunch for us too.”

We each held a bento box wrapped in a furoshiki.

The leftovers from the buffet were packed for us.

It was more than enough, and there’s a cafeteria in the school, but it’s paid, so this service is very helpful.

Especially for Kuuna and Anne, who owe me money, it will help them save.

“You both look great in your uniforms.”

The knight school uniform is neat and has a skirt, but they wear something like spats underneath.

The material is resistant to slashes and magic.

It would be strange for the skirt to be without spats, considering the physical activities involved.

“Soji-kun, you’re just being lecherous, right? You’re going to get me pregnant while I’m flattered by your compliments.”

“Don’t be ridiculous!”

“It’s a joke. Fufu, it’s nice to admire the cute Kuuna-chan.”

Kuuna spun around on the spot.

Her fox ears and tail were fully out.

There’s no need to hide them anymore since they were exposed during the semifinals.

Also, she has her own reasons. The knight school is state-run. Getting involved with her for profit would be like declaring war on the state. So, she can act as a fire fox without worry.

“Come on, Anne, let’s do it too.”

“It’s embarrassing. Look, we’re drawing attention.”

Kuuna and Anne are both top-notch beauties.

Kuuna is a fire fox, and Anne has a notorious parent.

...And I’m famous as a first-year who defeated a second-year hope, so we naturally draw attention when we’re together.

“Ugh, I didn’t expect this much attention.”

Kuuna’s fox ears drooped.

“It’s fine. What’s there to be embarrassed about after fighting in such revealing clothes?”

“H-Hey, that’s something people are trying to forget.”

Kuuna blushed and trembled.

“My princess, Kuuna-sama. Your loyal servant has arrived.”

While enjoying the banter with Kuuna, the fourth-place student from the entrance exam approached.

“Oh, the fourth-place student. Are you here for revenge?”

The moment Kuuna said “fourth-place student,” the fourth-place student’s face twisted.

Kuuna, at least remember the name of someone you fought in the semifinals. I think it was Rina.

“No, my princess. I have come to pledge my loyalty. That beautiful crimson flame, the golden hair and tail shimmering in the fire, and the cute fox ears that add an accent to your beauty. I am enchanted by you. Please make me your servant. I will always stand by your side, be your sword, and your shield.”

His teeth gleamed.

Surprising. Most people would have been traumatized by what happened to her.

Kuuna nodded and then spoke.

“Very well, I command you, my loyal servant. Do not speak to me. Do not involve yourself with me. Stay out of my sight if possible. I dislike you.”

A clear rejection.

In response, the fourth-place student, now called Ryl, became wide-legged and clutched his crotch, breathing heavily.

“K-Kuuna-sama, if I break your command, what will happen to me?”

“I’ll kick you.”

“...Kuuna-sama, please forgive me. Such words... I can’t bear it, Ryl can’t bear it!!”

Ryl lunged at Kuuna. His name is Ryl... I was one letter off. Close.

Kuuna kicked him silently.

Her toe hit his jaw precisely. As usual, she showed no mercy.

Without his protection, Ryl, who was still recovering, lost consciousness and rolled his eyes.

Strangely, he looked very happy.

Kuuna glanced at him, seemingly wanting to erase his existence, and smiled at me.

“By the way, Soji-kun, you’re giving the new student speech, right?”

“Right, I should go soon.”

“I’ll watch you from the student seats. I want to see you being cool.”

“I’m looking forward to it too.”

They put pressure on me.

The new student speech alternates between the noble and general special student categories each year. Last year, it was a noble student, and this year, it’s a general student.

“What are you going to say?”

“I’m thinking about sharing my goals.”

With that, I left them and headed to the designated spot.

◇