CH 2

Kirishima Sakura / Bodyguard / Karen’s Fortune Telling

– Uwaa, what’s happening!?

Waking up with a violent vertical shake.

Hayato rapidly jumped up to his feet from the bed due to the earthquake.

However, he noticed that there was another bed besides the one he was sleeping, and recognized the place where he was.

(Oh right, unlike Yamato, there aren’t earthquakes in Little Garden…)

Anyway, this dorm is on the academy city ship floating on the sea.

Then it might be a storm―― but that wasn’t the case.

Outside the window there’s a deep blue sky, and in the first place everything except the airport section of Little Garden is sealed with transparent glass.

No matter how much it rains, or how much the wind blows, they won’t affect the family area nor the military area, and on that subject, even if the ocean is quite rough, it is designed so that the shaking will hardly be transmitted, or that’s what he heard.

(Then, what in the world was that tremor?)

For now Hayato, who was in his undershirt and underpants, quickly wore some trousers and came out to the corridor with PDA in hand.

Right there he came across with Emile who came out from the opposing room.

Unlike the casual appearance of Hayato, she was already wearing the uniform of the martial arts department, wearing her ponytails that had a perfect shape.

– Morning, Hayato. What a terrible tremor!

Like Hayato, she wondered about the tremor and went out of the room.

Even though she seemed to be in a hurry, Emile greeted him showing a smile.

– What on earth could that be?

When Hayato threw the question, *Rattle* *Rattle*, the ground shook more violently than before.

– Uwaah!?

– Waah!?

Hayato and Emile screamed in unison.

*Gogogogo*… and, although the sounds similar to rumbles in the ground and the short and repeated tremors continued, they gradually became weak and eventually stopped.

– I’m pretty sure it’s because we docked.

– Does it mean that we arrived at the shore of the Zwei Islands?

They heard that that was scheduled at 9:00 in the morning. But it’s just past 8:00, the docking happened 1 hour faster.

– Maybe, I guess.

After a short time, from the speakers installed in the dormitory, *Ding dong* *Ding dong*, the sound of a chime echoed.

Following that, they heard the voice of Erika Candle, the Vice-president with glasses.

『Simultaneous communication in the ship, simultaneous communication in the ship. Good morning to all the residents of Little Garden. From here, there is information from the Student Council of Little Garden. Right now, the ship has docked at the Eastland――the east island in the Zwei Islands』

– See? It’s just like I said.

Emile smiled with proud.

Then Erika, through the speaker, informed that after an hour of inspection they will do the opening, and they would be able to come and go freely for four days between the Zwei Islands and Little Garden.

– Which reminds me, from what time do you have to work today, Hayato?

At the same time the simultaneous communication broadcast ended, Emile asked.

The work is, of course, to be the bodyguard of <<Princess Sorceress of the Land of the Rising Sun>> Oriental Wizard Kirishima Sakura.

Naturally it was confidential for who Hayato was going to work, but it’s obvious for Emile to know about it since she’s also a member of Selections.

– In the conversation of yesterday, I heard that it’s from noon but…. Depending on the weather, they will summon me to let me know the moment it’s official.

– If that’s the case, would you like to go sightseeing Zwei Islands until then?

– What?

– There’s no problem if we go back by noon, right? If so, then I guess we can go for a bit. Fisherman’s Wharf on the west side of Zwei Islands where Little Garden is docking is quite attractive and looks fun, it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to reach there.

What Emile wants to say is that they will be able to enjoy themselves, and that it would take them around an hour to travel back and forth from Little Garden.

– I really really want to go there, you know.

In case there was a summoning from the President, it will be problematic if he doesn’t move to that place on time.

In yesterday’s conversation, Kirishima Sakura, after getting down at the Eastlandairport――at the east side of the Zwei Islands, she will be heading to Little Garden with the Student Council members.

In any case, if they go to Fisherman’s Wharf, then just in case, it may be better to contact the President and get her permission――thinking about it, the PDA made an electronic sound.

– It’s from the Student Council room….

Moreover, it’s not a mail but a call request.

– Don’t tell me, they are summoning you already?

While Emile was showing an anxious expression, Hayato touched the call button displayed on the screen of the PDA.

– Yes, it’s Kisaragi Hayato.

『Good morning, this is Erika Candle. Although timely, the schedule was brought quite forward. The client arrived in just one hour and a little』

Erika’s tone contains the nuance that she was troubled regarding the schedule that went amiss.

『As you were told yesterday, originally Claire-sama and I were scheduled to meet her, but at this time we have talks with the Governor of the Zwei Islands and people of western cuisine. Therefore, since you are a member of Selections, you will head there as an envoy, so please join with the client without us. I will arrange for a hired car to meet you in the dormitory in 30 minutes so please follow the instructions of the envoy who is on board there』

– Ah, yes, I understand.

『Well then, we will leave it to you』

He was unilaterally informed of the matter and the call was terminated.

– Don’t tell me you have to go already?

Emile asked with a gloomy look.

– Yeah, it seems that I have to leave from here in 30 minutes.

– I see…

When she heard those words, Emile dropped her shoulders, and muttered mixed with a sigh.

– It’s regrettable, I thought that I could flirt magnificently with my precious Hayato outside Little Garden…

***

After finishing his breakfast rapidly and finished changing clothes, he went out to the entrance and right there a black painted hired car arrived.

The front door opened, and who came out from the front passenger seat is Liddy Steinberg, one of the Vice-presidents of the Student Council.

– Liddy-san, is your health alright?

Hayato asked while being surprised.

It was the first time since he saw her injured in the previous resistance.

– It is still impossible for me to come out in a battle, but I was discharged from the hospital one week earlier since I was judged that there was no problem to do my daily duties. I was told by Claire-sama that I still need medical treatment, but since I can do as much as picking you up, I offered myself to do it. Anyway, I have business to do in Eastland.

While saying that, Liddy opened the rear door.

– Seeming that your preparations are ready, get in.

Hayato got into the car as he was told.

Next, once Liddy got into the front passenger seat the car started to move.

– We are heading to the airport of Little garden.

– Eh, according to yesterday, she was going to land on the eastern island of Zwei Islands――on the airport at Eastland….

– Because she’s arriving earlier than planned, it seems that she wants to look around Little Garden.

After 5 minutes or so, Hayato arrived at the airport.

– I forgot, I am handing this to you.

He got out the car and on his way towards the waiting room, Liddy took out a handgun from her breast pocket and presented it to Hayato.

A tranquilizer gun against man and Slayers――<<N Tranquilizer>>.

– … yes.

– Take it and keep it with you; anything may happen during your duty.

Hayato nodded, received the gun and put it in a holster on the inside of the uniform’s jacket.

Although there was a gun in his breast pocket, he wasn’t used to it, but he wasn’t bewildered.

He heard in advance that a gun was going to be handed over to him, to use it only as a personal protection of Kirishima Sakura, so every day after school for the past few days he had been training in guns.

The moment when a crisis has approached the escort target person, he would take out the gun by reflex, mark his objective and pull the trigger.

It goes without saying that he would have a hard time since he never shot a gun up to now, but with a training of near 3 hours every day for a week, he has reached the point where he can hit a target with the bullets.

Of course, in the end this is a tranquilizer gun, it doesn’t have killing ability, but it was mentioned that it also has the function to neutralize an E barrier of an opposing Slayer and it’s also possible to destroy the energy balance of the body.

… but, it’s no more than a hasty preparation after all.

Naturally, deployment of Hundred is also permitted in case of emergency.

In the end, the <<N Tranquilizer>> is an insurance, but the escort target person is a worldwide famous Idol.

In case of something, he must keep everything in order.

– One more thing, this is a <Probe> Sonar.

What was presented next is a small radio-like device.

– I think you heard it but, aside from the hotel room, and if there is a request from the client, this is used to investigate whether eavesdropping devices, cameras, etc. are set up. We, the bodyguards, do not know where our enemies are and who are they targeting. Never lose your focus.

– Of course.

With a firm answer, and putting the sonar in the pocket, the PDA in another pocket sounded with a ringtone.

– Who is it…?

Hayato took out the PDA and checked the screen.

It’s a mail from Karen.

『Please get me a sign of Karen-san. During this morning, I told Nii-san’s fortune for today and <<Caution with Water>> came out, so please be careful.

Karen 』

(Don’t arbitrarily tell people’s fortune…)

And, without thinking, Hayato complained in his mind.

(Moreover, caution with water you say…)

Is she going to end up drowning or something?

Although he didn’t understand a little about it, the fortune-telling of Karen was really off the mark, so Hayato tried to not worry too much and put the PDA back in his pocket.

After a while, a man in the air traffic control room came there and told them that Kirishima Sakura will arrive in about 5 minutes.

He followed the instruction and came out to the deck with Liddy.

When going out of the roof that covers Little Garden, the aroma of sea water became strong as a matter of course, and he could hear *Zaza*… *Zaza*… the roar of the waves and he could hear the chirping of the sea birds flying in the sky.

The rotating sound of propellers mixed in there.

When he looked at the sky, he could clearly grasp the figure of a helicopter with his very eyes. Hovering over the heads of Hayato and Liddy, the helicopter descended slowly on the deck――and the landing was completed.

The rotation of the propellers and the engine stopped, the hatch was opened.

Using the ramp as a foothold, a girl came down while her heels where doing *Click* *Click* sounds.

*TN: Sfx for a metallic clinking sound.

While holding down a white hat on her head, she saw the sky and muttered while blocking the sun with her right hand.

– So, this is Little Garden.

This girl is the subject of protection of Kisaragi Hayato――the worldwide popular Idol, native of the Yamato Empire, Oriental Wizard Kirishima Sakura.

Big and round eyes, a dress with bright colors leaving her shoulders visible, and hot pants revealing slender and toned thighs. Her long hair is the same as her name, and its gathered by two barrettes made in the shape of a cherry blossom.

Besides that, her features are lovely and at the same time, she looks just like a doll.

On the other hand, there’s a woman in a suit, she was wearing smart and thin glasses and was coming down the ramp behind Sakura with a calm appearance.

Hayato had already heard from Claire about that person that had a large suitcase in her hands, he knew her because of the picture that was shown to him. She’s Souffle Clearrail, the president of Sakura Management, the company that produces Kirishima Sakura and concurrently holds as her manager, as a matter of course.

– Nice to meet you, Kirishima Sakura-sama. Welcome to <<Academy City Ship>> Little Garden.

Approaching Sakura who descended from the ramp, Liddy presented her right hand.

– Nice to meet you, you are?

Shaking hands, Sakura asked.

– I am the Vice-president of Little Garden, Liddy Steinberg.

– …Vice-president, you say?

– In terms of an ordinary ship, please think of me as the Vice-captain. We Little Garden look forward to working with you.

– I’m indebted to you, so it is I who should say such words. And, this person is――

The line of sight of Sakura is directed to Hayato.

– You are Kisaragi Hayato, right? From today onwards, you are my bodyguard, I’ll be under your care.

Sakura who came in front of him gave a smile and presented her right hand.

– Umm, well… nice to meet you.

He grasped tightly her hand, and like her body, it was very small.

– Then Kisaragi-san. Would you please show me Little Garden?

– … eh, me?

– You are my guardian from today, isn’t it? Aren’t you obliged to escort me?

– Umm….

Hayato is suddenly bewildered…

It’s been over a month after coming to Little Garden――it’s not like he knows very well this ship to the point where he can guide people from outside.

Turning his eyes towards Liddy to seek help, she cut into the conversation because he was in panic.

– That will have to wait, Sakura-sama. From here to Central there is a short distance and since the schedule waits for us, we have prepared a car. I will immediately call it, so wait a brief moment please.

Saying that, Liddy contacted them with the PDA, and the hired car came right away.

It’s the same car that Hayato used to get here from the dormitory and the driver is the same.

He guessed that he was waiting for them nearby.

– Please, get in.

Liddy opened the rear door of the hired car.

– Sakura asked an unreasonable thing this time, I am sorry for troubling you.

Saying that, Souffle Clearrail who put on the suitcase in the trunk first, got into the back seat.

– It was nothing unreasonable or anything of the sort. Little Garden is not a private facility except for some areas, and I think that it is good to let the VIP to view our activities as well so――

– Your words are of truly great help. Sakura, get in.

– Yes, as you say.

Replying, Sakura got into the car.

Next, Hayato also got into the hired car.

Although there is only one row of seats, the width of the car is wide, there is nothing like the shoulders of the three people touching each other.

Finally, when Liddy got into the front passenger’s seat, the car started to move gently.

Sakura was looking at the scenery of Little Garden while singing a song which she was humming from the beginning, and after a short time, she asked Hayato.

– Kisaragi-san, have you heard my songs?

– Well, how to say it, to be honest I’m not that into music…

He was told by Karen that he should listen to music if it’s true that he is going to be her bodyguard, but since he was very occupied training as a bodyguard, he couldn’t listen to music at all.

– That means, you never heard them before. That’s too bad…

Sakura turned her eyes to the outside through the window again, and pouted her lips like saying Oh my, so disappointing.

(Hmm, I guess that sudden impression was bad…)

In this case, as he was told by Karen, he should have listened her songs properly, but now he regretted it.

Around 5 minutes after leaving the airport, the car arrived at Central.

– To say that it’s the busiest district in Little Garden, when there aren’t a lot of pedestrians out there.

As she got out the car, Sakura muttered.

– It is still early in the morning and the stores have just opened, and the majority of the residents of Little Garden are heading towards the Zwei Islands today.

Liddy explained briefly.

According to her, the road from the side of Little Garden to the Zwei Islands is already open, but she has heard that the opposite road isn’t ready yet.

They are anticipating that it will be crowded with tourists that will come from the Zwei Islands side in a few more hours.

– If they realized that Sakura-sama came for sightseeing when there were lots of people, that would turn into a big fuss so, this much was just right.

Then Hayato and the others began to walk through the main street of Central, it’s connected like a track-and-field track, it has an elliptical shape.

– Since it’s called the Mega-float of Warslan Company which is pushing its way in leading edge technology, I imagined it more like a futuristic city, but it’s like a commercial district that can be found in any country.

Sakura mutters a little disappointed.

– It is common for us to be told something like that.

Answering, Liddy continued.

– It is possible to have a city that makes use of high technology, but to not bewilder the new residents and students that came to this ship, we aimed for a calm and relaxing city where everyone had immediate familiarity with it, that’s why it looks like this.

In other words, it seems that this is the result of having studied and used as a reference a great number of cities.

– Of course, food, entertainment, etc. from various countries were gathered.

About what she said, certainly it does feel like that.

Although he came to Central a few times and he still wasn’t familiar with the place, he didn’t feel out of place as if he came to a foreign country.

He felt that he would get tired of being in a city that makes free use of technology, so this much may be good.

After a while, Sakura raised her voice, 「Ah」and turned her eyes to a certain point.

– My promotional video is being played there.

Music devices and tablet terminals are being sold there, and in the publicity at the storefront of the multimedia shop, on the advertisement monitors, a cute appearance of Kirishima Sakura that looked just like a fairy that comes out in fairy tales was being displayed.

Four-beat drum dance music that sink deep till the bottom of the body. It was cute and lovely, and the melody of up-tempo that was sending out was surging forward to the body similar to a wave――still, Hayato was overwhelmed by the powerful singing voice that he couldn’t imagine would come out of that little body.

– This is my song, how is it?

Hayato, who finally regained himself with those words, realized Sakura’s appearance who was looking up to him with hopeful eyes.

– Somehow, it’s amazing…

Those are the only words that came out. Anyway, that video also used the latest CG technology, he couldn’t take his eyes from it.

However, Sakura seemed to be satisfied with Hayato’s answer, and while showing a smile looking very happy,

– Thank you. Yeah, amazing, *giggle*…

At any rate, Hayato thinks that she seemed to be in a good mood so all was fine.

In this condition, he’s going to be able to fulfill his duties perfectly.

They advanced a little further and could see the hired car.

Hayato and the others got in the car.

They went around the main street.

– Sakura, are you satisfied with Central already? If you don’t move to the hotel soon, you won’t have time later.

– Yes, it’s enough. As I was in the airplane yesterday, and since I got in it I couldn’t take a bath, and I have to change my clothes…

– Actually, I hate to tell you this but, you don’t have much time until the next schedule. You have time for changing clothes, but the time to take a bath is――

– I wonder about it. The next schedule is about listening to the conversation with the governor before noon but…

Sakura frowned the inner corner of her eyebrows looking a little displeased.

– The time of the meeting and luncheon meeting with the governor of the Zwei Island hasn’t changed, I would like to have a meeting with the President who planned to meet us at the airport before that…

According to Liddy, Claire is at the Governor General Office and is waiting for the arrival of Sakura and the others to greet them and discuss in advance the security system of the live.

– I am sorry, I thought that both of you were comfortable, I did something impertinent.

Liddy apologized, she felt regretful and bowed her head.

– That being the case it can’t be helped. Have some patience and just change clothes.

– But, if it’s to talk about greetings and security, I think Souffle alone is enough. I’ll go in time to meet with the Governor General before the time of the luncheon meeting, so shouldn’t I leave it to you until then, or it’s impossible?

– I don’t mind but…. Liddy-san, is that okay with you?

– Yes, if Souffle-san alone can come, there is no problem. The greeting with our President will be managed again afterwards.

– Hooray

Saying that in a small voice, the happy Sakura took Hayato’s hand.

– Okay then, Kisaragi-san. Let’s go to the hotel, just the two of us.

Although they had 2 destinations, the four people decided to ride the hired car.

The hotel that Kirishima Sakura is lodging is located at the west side where Little Garden is docking, while the members of the Student Council are waiting in the Governor General Office at the east side of the island, Eastland.

They are on their way to the hotel.

Hayato and the rest crossed the checkpoint as they were in the car and in about 10 minutes they reached the hotel in the tremendous commercial district.

Sakura got out from the hired car following Hayato who got out first from it and verified the surroundings. Liddy and Souffle remained inside.

– Another car should arrive in about 20 minutes. Please come to the Governor General Office as soon as preparations are completed.

– Understood.

Hayato took Sakura’s suitcase out of the hired car’s trunk. It was Souffle who told him to bring it to the room.

– Well then, I’ll leave it to you.

When Liddy closed the window, the hired car immediately started to move and disappeared from the front of Hayato and Sakura.

There, a pair of men appeared, one of them is an old man who had white hair and a white beard and wore a dark blue suit, the other is a young man who also wears the same dark blue suit.

– Welcome back, Kirishima Sakura-sama. Following your last visit, thank you very much for using our hotel again.

It was the old man who greeted them lowering his head.

Looking at the name plate attached to his chest, he seems to be the manager of this hotel.

– Thank you for your courtesy. However, I don’t have much time so I’d be happy if you guide me the room at once.

When Sakura said so, the other young man replied.

– Yes, that is what Souffle-sama told us. I will copy the key data to the PDA at the lobby counter at once, so please come this way.

– Yes, I understand.

Sakura moved to the lobby counter with an experienced look, took out the PDA from her pocket and presented it to the young man.

There, Hayato heard that not only for entering the room but also for the elevator to the suite room on the top floor where Sakura is lodging the key data is necessary.

Unless you touch the sensor in the elevator with it, it seems that it won’t stop at the floor where the VIP room is, so Hayato also decided to have a copy of the key data in the PDA.

– Well then, this way please.

The elevator which the young man led and got on, arrived at the top floor in a matter of seconds.

– Well then, I am sorry for my impoliteness… and, my late introduction. My name is Roy Martin. I have to return to the lobby, if there is something you need, please let us know.

Leaving behind Roy who left his words with them, the door of the elevator closed.

Turning around, they were 5 steps away from the door.

– Shall we enter?

When Sakura held over the PDA to the sensor to the side of the door, the lock was released.

– ……

– ……

Sakura didn’t move, she was standing in front of the room.

– Why don’t you enter?

– Kisaragi-san, you are my bodyguard, aren’t you? I think that there’s something that you have to do…

Showered with cold words out of the blue, Hayato suddenly realized.

– Right, I have to enter the room first and check if it’s safe.

Sakura continued as if she was exasperated towards Hayato who said so.

Somehow, she feels that he changed his behavior a bit up to now.

– … are you really Kisaragi Hayato, the genius Slayer who saved us and the Zwei Islands from the Savage?

She looked at him with suspicious eyes, as if she was staring with scornful eyes at him.

– Umm, regardless of whether I’m a genius or not, I’m sure that I’m Kisaragi Hayato… it’s just that I’m not used to this kind of work so… I’m sorry.

Hayato put a hand on the door knob.

He doesn’t know a thing about being a bodyguard. The work contents and knowledge were taught from lecturers dispatched from Warslan’s HQ before last week, but because he was overwhelmed by this luxurious hotel and its treatment, he lost his focus.

(I can’t get myself together properly)

Saying that to himself, Hayato handled the door knob.

– Then if you excuse me, Ohime-sama.

Being formal, Hayato said that.

Sakura has her eyes half-closed, she was showing an uninterested expression.

– Drop that.

– …eh?

– It’s fine if you call me Sakura. So, I guess it’s fine if I call you Hayato too?

– Is… is that so? That’s comfortable to me too. If you say that you are okay with it, then I’ll do so…

When Hayato said so, Sakura made a big sigh.

– … I’m amazed. I told you it’s fine to call me by my name but, since I’m the client, you suddenly said you* to me, isn’t it? I thought that like that, we could get closer to each other.

*TN: He referred to her as “omae”

Her way of speaking had small thorns in it.

– Ah… my bad…, no, I am sorry. And, I beg your pardon, I guess?

Because he was told to act in a comfortable way, in the end, he acted as he always does. He thinks that it’s a bad habit of his.

– Hayato is a bit clumsy, isn’t it? I think that’s a little cute, if I say so.

– Cute you say――

He was embarrassed just because he never thought that an Idol would say such a thing to him.

– Anyway, when we are alone, just call me Sakura. But, when we are with other people, address me properly. Are we clear?

– Understood.

– Then please say my name.

– Eh?

– Why aren’t you saying my name?

– Umm, Sakura…

– Well then, Hayato. Please do your work ♪.

Sakura said with happiness.

Hayato opened the door and stepped into a luxurious and spacious room.

As the role of the guardian, he checks all the rooms in case someone is hiding or if there’s anything suspicious――of course, even in the bath of the toilet.

Of course, with the small sonar that was passed with the gun, he also investigated whether hidden cameras, listening devices and so on weren’t installed.

– Nothing out of the ordinary. It seems it’s okay.

Returning to the entrance, he reported to Sakura.

– Thanks.

Saying so, Sakura pushed Hayato aside and stepped inside the room.

When Hayato closed the door, it automatically sounded with a clink, it was locked.

The door, as a matter of course, is self-locking.

– Now, finally….

Sakura, who first entered the shoe room, looked backwards, and smiled with a puff.

– We are finally alone, Kisaragi Hayato!

Because of the difference, she was having a looking down on people appearance, and her attitude until now was of a lady, but she feels like a Queen-sama now.

( Err, umm… what, what is this situation?)

Hayato was puzzled with the sudden change, so Sakura opened her mouth.

– The truth is, I was interested in you when I watched the video of the previous resistance. You are this guy, right?

While showing a complacent smile, Sakura pushed out the PDA that she took out of her pocket.

Like she said, the figure of an armed Hayato was there.

– What is, this…?

To the surprised Hayato, Sakura continued.

– It was removed from the Cybernet. Looking at this, I got interested in you. And I asked Souffle to do a lot of investigations.

As a result, Sakura got to know that the armed man displayed in the video was Kisaragi Hayato.

– Knowing that Little Garden would visit the Zwei Islands, I decided beforehand to hold a charity live. And of course, to nominate you, Kisaragi Hayato, as my personal guard.

Sakura put the PDA in her pocket and smiled in mischief, and this time she holds down Hayato’s cheeks with both hands.

– What do you think of me, Hayato? Do you think am I cute?

– Well, that’s…

She’s cute, right?

Certainly, when looking at her, it’s a fact that you surely can’t deny it.

– Then, why don’t you go out with me? I’d like to go out with you with the premise of marriage.

– Huh…?

What is this girl saying out of nowhere?

– Thinking about our age… besides, neither I nor Sakura are old enough to get married.

– That’s something of the past, with our ages it’s legal to get married in the current Yamato, and due to the global population decrease phenomenon caused by the raids of the Savage, it’s recommended in every country, for the future of mankind, to have a lot of children with an early marriage. Besides, even more if those are children of Slayers.

He was surprised by the suddenly outrageous remark, but it’s just as the girl said.

It’s frequent for a child of a Slayer to inherit their characteristics. At the same time they are born, they receive an aptitude examination test as a Slayer, if they have the attributes, the countries covers almost all the raising costs.

– The worldwide popular diva――Oriental Wizard Kirishima Sakura and the young superior Slayer Kisaragi Hayato who showed the highest reaction value of all time of Little Garden――I think that it can be interpreted that we are a good match.

– Well, about that I――

– Don’t be humble. You are very attractive.

– Being told, something like that…

What should I do, in this situation?

He never thought of having such a situation just after the two of them got alone in the hotel room.

– Hayato isn’t happy because he got near me? Or maybe, you have a lover?

– Eh…

At the same time she said that, the face of Emilia passed through Hayato’s mind.

– …you have one?

Her tone is heavy and strong.

She’s glaring at him with sharp eyes.

– No, it’s not like that, it’s just that I don’t know much about Sakura, and I think that it would be weird going out like this. There’s an order in this kind of things.

– What? That’s boring. The fun is always in the sudden.

Saying that, Sakura pouted her lips.

(Hmm, what’s the deal with her…?)

First of all, what’s this fun that the girl in front of his eyes know about?

At any rate, even Hayato himself doesn’t know that well yet.

And suddenly, he came up with something.

(Should I try it for a bit?)

Hayato resolved himself and approached Sakura, pushing her body against the wall, he stared at her eyes and said.

– Are you really okay with me?

He tried to say it a little cooler.

He’s absolutely inexperienced regarding how to deal with women, so he tried to escape from this situation by deliberately pushing it.

– Ye, yes…. I said so, isn’t it?

Sakura replied, she was in a puzzled state, surprised that suddenly Hayato became proactive.

So far, it’s as calculated.

– Then, can I kiss you?

Holding with his hand the cheek of Sakura, Hayato brought his face closer.

– Wai-, wait a moment, that sort of thing, I still need to prepare my heart…!

Sakura panicked.

That reaction is what Hayato wanted….

– It-, it seems that I don’t have much time, so this is as far as your teasing can go. I’m going to take a bath!

He felt relieved, seeing Sakura who said so and started running towards the bathroom.

(Anyway, she’s a childish person, huh)

For some reason or other, he thought so.

(But, her live songs and gestures are very mature…)

He recalled her gestures and her charming singing voice in the promotional video he watched in Little Garden.

And Karen said that 「The songs and lyrics are composed by Kirishima Sakura-san」, he remembered that they were quite adult-like song lyrics.

(Hmm, I really don’t understand girls…)*

*TN: And you’ll never do, my friend :c

In any case, he’s glad that he could get through the situation.

Hayato moved to the living room, and sit on a soft sofa that was placed there.

The thing that he’s thinking about is the video showed by Sakura earlier.

(Does Emile know about that video?)

Not only himself, but Emile was also displayed, though it was for a brief moment.

Although they don’t know that she’s a woman, he’s a little worried, so when he returns to the dorm, he’s going to ask Emile about it.

– Hmm…?

Suddenly, a song of Sakura came over there.

As echoes are applied, then the voice echoed, she’s probably singing in the bathroom.

(As expected of a professional singer…)

Her singing voice was somewhat comfortable, as it turns out that Hayato doesn’t understand about music, but he found it very fascinating.

Somehow, when listening that singing voice, he felt that his mind calmed down.

He kept his back on the sofa, continuing to listen to the song, but then the singing voice of Sakura suddenly stopped.

(Something happened?)

As he was wondering that, this time he heard a voice from the bathroom instead of a song.

– Hayato, can you bring me the PDA? I hit upon a good melody and phrase, so I want to record them. It should be on the shelf in front of the entrance door, probably.

– Got it, I’ll check it.

The impression just now is that, she doesn’t seem to be flustered as she was a little while ago.

Hayato first moved to the entrance and decided to check on the side shelf.

Certainly, the PDA of Sakura was placed there, then he took it and head to the washroom that is connected with the bathroom.

(Ah, err…)

At the same time he opened the door, Hayato smiled bitterly.

What is spread in front of him is a wide washbasin were three people are able to brush their teeth at the same time. Of course, the washroom itself is quite large, but that’s not the reason of his bitter smile.

He already saw this place when he checked the room, so it wasn’t a surprise for him. The cause is that the clothes she took off are scattered all over the floor.

(Good grief, even though there are a lot of shelves…)

Hayato grabbed her clothes while sighing…

(This is typical of a child…)

When Hayato was at the institution, he recalled that he had to tidy up the clothes that the children took off and scattered like this.

(Hmm…?)

At the moment he tried to put the clothes he picked up on the shelf all at once, something like a piece of cloth fell to the floor.

Those were, panties….

At that moment, recalling the interaction with Sakura when he approached his face, now his face has suddenly become bright and hot.

(Wha, why am I getting flustered…?)

By the way, the underwear is also childish.

At any rate, the design of a bear is printed on it.

So, don’t think anything unnecessary.

There’s no need to make your heart throb like crazy.

And, he picked it up while telling himself that, and the door of the bathroom opened a little.

– Hey, not yet? Bring it quickly――wha…

The face that came in sight dyed red in an instant.

– Tha-, that…!

Sakura points out, of course, to the panties in Hayato’s hands.

– Wh-, why… my, pan-, panties are…

– That, si-, since Sakura took off the clothes and were scattered, I tidied them up so…

– Don’t worry about that and hand it over fast! And get out of here!

That wasn’t the panties, of course, but the PDA that Hayato had in his hand.

With that in mind, Hayato presented the PDA at once.

Sakura stretched her hand and tried to grab it, but at that moment she lost the balance of her body.

Her feet slid on the floor of the wet bathroom.

– Kyaa!?

Extending her hand, Sakura screamed in panic, but her body was already about to fall to the back.

In this state, she was unable to grab it with her arm to support her body.

*DON*, the floor made a violent sound.

– Are you okay!?

Hayato opened the door of the bath with a high speed.

What is in front of his eyes is Sakura’s figure, who has her buttocks on the floor of the bathroom, and her crotch opened like the M letter….

Not to mention the bulge of her chest, she wasn’t hiding the important place of every woman.

– Ouch, it hurts…

Muttering that, Hayato’s eyes were pinned to the body of Sakura, who has tears in her eyes.

(She has more breast than what I thought… and that chick toy, why is that…?)

Hayato’s heartbeats accelerated more than what he thought, well, it was a pretty feminine body.

– Er-, err… this…

– …!!

They finally recognized this situation clearly.

Sakura had her whole face dyed in pink and jumped to her feet in panic, then she sat down and basked on the floor.

She was pulling in her eyebrows; her body was shaking.

– Umm, this…

Hayato decided to hand out the PDA for the time being.

Sakura grabbed it quickly,

– Th-, thanks! Also, the bear is special, okay!? It’s not that I like it or something!!

Hurried, she stood up and closed the door of the bathroom with a *Slam*.

(Haa, she completely hates me now…)

Sitting on the sofa in the living room again, Hayato sighed profoundly.

To be honest, he was feeling down.

It was because he ended up thinking What should I do if I’m removed from my duty as the bodyguard because of now?

That would mean he has failed his first duty since he joined Selections….

(If I apologize, will she forgive me?)

However, he doesn’t know to what he must apologize for.

Was it because he was trying to tidy up her panties, or was it because he saw her naked…?

He isn’t hearing the humming from the bathroom anymore.

Even though he brought her precious PDA to her, it seems that all that was in vain.

Without coming up with something, only time passed.

Before long, the sound of the hair dryer was heard from the washroom.

After a while, Sakura who finished changing clothes came to the living room.

Unlike a while ago, Sakura was wearing a dress that had a great number of frills.

So far, she was a lovely fairy tale girl, but she seems more like a pure lady of a good family now.

Except the place where she is holding a big stuffed bear in her hands.

Surely it was in that big suitcase.

After putting it on the sofa to take care of it, Sakura turned around in front of Hayato.

– Say, Hayato…. How about these clothes?

She lifted the hem of the skirt and took a pose.

– Eh, well that’s… I think you are cute. Wasn’t suiting Sakura the one with which you came until here?

– What are you saying?

– Umm, until we came here, it had the perfect image of Kirishima Sakura who was feigning innocence, or something like that…*

*TN: a tricky as hell sentence. ”ええと、ここにくるまでの、猫かぶりたKirishima Sakuraのイメージとぴったりっていうか…”. I’m sure I translated it horribly.

– …that answer has 50 points. No, 40 points.

– 40 points, huh…

It was a failing mark.

He’s not good at all in this kind of things.

– Only the part where you told me that I’m cute is the one giving points. And also, there’s the thing about the bath.

– Eh, ah… well. I’m really sorry…

– That answer has 15 points.

– … then how do I get a passing score?

– If you are a man, think it by yourself.

– I’m not good in that sort of things.

– … forget it. It’s almost time, so let’s move.

She smiled happily and walked towards the entrance.

Anyway, he was relieved that she wasn’t so upset.

If that’s the case, it is unlikely for him to be fired.

When he came down to the lobby with the readied Sakura, Roy approached them and told them that the summoned car was arriving.

He led the way through the rotary front door of the hotel.

Hayato and Sakura get in the rear seat of the hired car that stopped there.

Away from the central part of the city where the hotel was located, and crossing the bridge that connects the Westland and Eastland, the after-effects of the raid of the Savage came into view, buildings were destroyed, the road was covered in sediments and so on.

Nonetheless, not all the districts were destroyed. It seems that the Old Town where the Government General Office is, was one of the few fortunate to be safe.

Judging from the appearance of the magnificent building made of stone that came out among them, Hayato and Sakura were next to the building of the Governor General Office, they arrived at the Governor General’s official residence.

– We were waiting for you, Sakura-sama.

When they got out the hired car, a man in a suit with two men in military uniform got closer and thanked Sakura deeply.

Hearing his self-introduction, he seemed to be a high official of the Zwei Islands.

– The Governor General is waiting here.

They were guided by that man to a luxurious drawing room that was inside of the official residence.

There, a man who wore traditional costumes handed down by the old inhabitants of the island and Souffle Clearrail were engaged in a conversation.

– Oh! Thank you for visiting the Zwei Islands once again, Sakura-dono.

He probably noticed that Hayato and Sakura came to the room.

The Governor, who ended the conversation with Souffle, approached Sakura and thanked her politely while stretching his hands.

– Greetings, my name is Kareniki Karaniopu, my duty, the one in which I am in charge of governing Zwei Islands as the Governor General, was given by the François Government. Thank you very much for giving me a lot of donations through the François Government, and I am truly grateful that you can make a sympathy concert.

Taking the hand of Sakura, they did a strong handshake, and the Governor General lowered his head many times while their hands were going up and down.

On the other hand, Sakura was different from herself when they were just the two of them, she was dealing with him as if she was an Ojou-sama.

(She really looks like a different person…)

As he thought so, the eyes of the Governor General were directed at Hayato.

– Oh, you really are…

– I (Ore)… no, I (Watashi) am Kisaragi Hayato, a member of the special unit of Little Garden――Selections, and the bodyguard of Sakura-sama while she is staying in the Zwey Islands.

*TN: Ore is a masculine way to refer yourself, and changed to watashi that is a formal way to do it (mostly used by women in everyday life but still used by adult men in working environments and the like)

– Wow, you are the rumored Kisaragi Hayato-dono!

After Sakura, the Governor General grasped his hand.

– I heard from the captain-dono with whom I met earlier, that you were an active role in the previous resistance. Thank you, thank you very much.

– Eh, no… yes.

He felt somewhat embarrassed when he received a direct gratitude like this.

But, he was glad.

Then Hayato and Sakura moved to the reception hall and decided to have lunch with the Governor General. He headed there being told that a small lunch meeting was prepared, but honestly, it was more than he imagined.

The reception hall is like a party hall, there are several tables, and there are many people sitting there, regardless of their gender.

It looked like an all-you-can-eat buffet style, with hors d’oeuvre* lined side by side along the walls, with many chefs standing there.

*TN: Appetizers.

There seem to be various kinds of drinks.

Nonetheless, even when the lunch meeting began, neither Sakura nor Hayato could set their hands on the cookery.

High officials of the Zwei Islands and influential people, even families came to greet Sakura one by one, so they were very busy occupied with those interactions.

Naturally, Hayato was closely standing next to Sakura to protect her.

Sakura was riding a helicopter overnight last night, she hasn’t had a decent meal for a long time.

With that much, she was getting tired and was becoming very hungry.

Still, without doing an unpleasant face, Sakura accepted the signs and greetings.

As expected of a professional, she was really amazing, Hayato was impressed, looking at her figure.

Ultimately, it was after near an hour since the lunch meeting began that Sakura could relax and sit on a chair….

– That was arduous… are you tired?

Hayato picked up the cookery and put it on the table where Sakura is sitting.

He feels somewhat like a butler.

He’s able to do something like this because there were many SP* and police officials of the Zwei Islands inside the meeting place, so he found that it was safe in there.

*TN: There’s no reading for SP in the raw. Maybe Special Police?

That’s why Hayato doesn’t have to worry about that much.

– I’m fine, it’s always like this.

Listening to those words, he realized again that she’s a professional.

And he’s aware that there’s still some way to go before being a skillful Slayer….

(I must work harder…)

He thought so, and noticed that there was no drink in front of Sakura.

– Would you like something to drink?

– Water is fine. But not a carbonated water though.

– Got it.

Hayato said to himself: For the time being, I have to do what I can do now.

– Thanks for your hard work, Sakura-sama. Have you planned something to do after this?

Briefly after Hayato and Sakura finished eating and the lunch meeting was about to end, the Governor General approached Sakura.

– There shouldn’t be anything in particular…. Right, Souffle?

– Yes, there is nothing for now. I have a certain preparatory meeting with the support members of the live at night, but Sakura will be unoccupied from her work until the rehearsal tomorrow evening. The meeting with the President-san of Little Garden may be set tomorrow at any time.

– Then, shall I show you the tourist spots of Zwei Islands with Souffle-san until the evening of Today?

– Well, I guess…. But, I have been to most of those places already…

Sakura seems to not be very enthusiastic.

– Oh right. Leaving that aside, I wonder if you can show me the live venue? I might want to see early what is going on there.

– I understand. Of course, there is no problem.

The Governor General immediately accepted Sakura’s proposal, and ordered the man who was nearby.

– Prepare the car and guide Sakura-sama to the venue. At once.

Hayato, Sakura and Souffle, those three people parted with the Governor General and the others and as it was arranged they moved to the live venue.

It seems that the distance is around 15 minutes by car.

(Surely this place…)

Hayato, after advancing for 10 minutes, noticed that the scenery when looking outside the window was the same when he fought against the Trenta Savage during the previous resistance.

Although they have cleaned up the debris of the buildings that collapsed by the raid of the Savage and cleared the streets, it’s definitely that place.

After a short time, the hired car stopped. It looks like they have arrived at the live venue. Hayato got out the car and looked around.

What stood out were the many people who are desperately in the middle of setting up the stage, and speaking of other things, there are several prefabricated ones, and electric poles and electric wires for supplying electricity are there.

– It appears that it’s almost completed.

Souffle said that the set of stages, although outdoors, are as close as possible to the state of the original stadium, thanks to the cooperation of the staff from the event company, dispatched by her.

From tomorrow, under the direction of Souffle and Sakura, the setting of detailed lightning, stage equipment, sound, etc. will be done.

– At any rate, it’s a good venue. A lot of visitors are likely to come in, it will be such a good feeling, to fly around with all my heart.

(… fly around?)

Hayato didn’t understand the meaning of the words of Sakura who whispered while looking at the wide vast plain.

– There’s a considerable distance to the back, however only on the scale of 100.000 people, I wonder if that’s enough? It seems the audience space goes until it hits the cord that is drawn towards the back and if you look closely at it, you can slightly see the cord.

– Probably, I think I can go but…

– What on earth are you talking about?

Hayato threw the question because he didn’t understand the meaning of their conversation.

– Come to think of it, Hayato doesn’t know about my life style, right?

He already answered that he doesn’t know her songs so he was thinking that it wasn’t necessary to hide that now.

That’s why Hayato nodded.

– Then I’ll show you something good. Souffle, do you know if my clothes have already arrived at the dressing room?

– Yes…. Wait, don’t tell me that you have the intention to try them on?

– Yes, I trust in this person. I want to go and try them as fast as possible… or it’s impossible?

– … saying such a thing, when you just really want to show Kisaragi-san your stage outfit, isn’t it?

Souffle said sort of amazed, and Sakura laughed *tee-hee” to mislead her.

– Well, maybe. I truly think that it’s a good opportunity to try them now, so let’s go to the dressing room.

– Everything is fine inside of it.

Hayato who moved to the dressing room with Sakura entered first to the room and confirmed that it was safe.

Unlike at the time of the hotel, he was satisfied that he could his work properly this time before he was told to do it.

– Well then, Hayato you wait here.

Saying that, Sakura went into the dressing room with Souffle.

– Eh…?

About half an hour passed and when he saw Sakura coming out of the dressing room, Hayato had his eyes rounded in surprise.

– Thank you for wai…wait, what is with that face?

– I was thinking about the costume, I was wondering if you would wear the same one that I watched at Central.

Even so, Sakura was wearing something like tights that covered her whole body.

After all, when looking with detail at her, she looked very young and her chest is also… he remembered the figure of hers, when she was completely naked in the hotel bathroom, such a thing was on his mind.

– …maybe Hayato noticed it?

– No, I wasn’t looking your chest!

– …chest you say, what are you saying…?

– Eh, it wasn’t that?

– I knew it, Hayato is stupid.

Sakura muttered, exasperated.

– For the time being, let’s go to the stage.

Following Sakura who started walking and doing big sighs and Souffle who was going with her, they reached the wing of the stage.

– Hayato, look carefully. I’ll show you that this stage is my battlefield.

Sakura started running to the center of the stage with a trot, there she raised her fist high in the sky.

What’s inside of it is a reddish-brown ore….

– That’s a…

No matter how you see it, it looked like a Hundred.

――maybe Hayato noticed it?

He was thinking over the words of Sakura earlier and understood what she was trying to say.

(I see, those clothes look exactly like a Variable Suit…)

Sakura grasped the ore with five fingers, breathed in and out and shouted.

– <Diva, descend> HUNDRED ON!

Shouting, the ore shines in emerald green and wrapped up her body.

Then the shape of the outfit changed instantly to what it looks like a costume of a <small fairy> elf living in a forest, those who appear in fairy tales, the same as the promotional video he saw at the center.

On her back are four pinned feathers as well.

– Hayato, this is my Hundred――<<Spinning Tale of a Fairy>> Fairy Fairy Tale.

With that said, Sakura kicked up the stage and flew to the sky.

– Awesome…

He couldn’t see strings or anything of the sort, and of course it couldn’t be CG.

She is genuinely flying in the sky using sense energy.

From the four feathers on the back, the appearance of the gorgeous emerald green appears, but like the vapor trail, it draws a beautiful trace in the sky.

(To think, she was indeed a Slayer…)

Dumbfounded, Hayato was chasing the figure of Sakura with his eyes.

– It seems that you are quite surprised.

In response to the voice raised on the back of his body, Hayato looked back.

– … Charlotte-san, why are you here?

– Hi! It’s the first time that I meet you without Emile.

She’s the Main Technologist of Little Garden, Charlotte Dimandius, and she is with Mei Mei, her assistant that looked like a cat ears maid.

– It’s been a long time Hayato-sama,

– Ye, yeah… it’s been a while.

Hayato returned the greeting, although he faltered to the tension of the tall Mei Mei as usual.

– … then, to answer your question. The reason why I came here is to see the stage where the Variable Stone is being used. If so, then I can say that you came together with them.

Charlotte, who was looking at Sakura, continued talking to Souffle.

– It’s been a while, Souffle Clearrail. She’s been growing safely since that time, so I’m very happy for that.

– Charlotte Dimandius. You came, huh.

Souffle noticed the existence of Charlotte as she was getting closer to where Hayato and her were.

– What kind of relationship have the two of you?

– She’s an old colleague. And, a benefactor.

It was Souffle who answered.

– Sakura was involved in an incident a few years ago and wandered around the boundaries of life and death, it was Charlotte who helped me at that time.

– She got that rings in her hands that clicked her tongue when listening to those words.

All the weapons of the three people are of course――Hundred.

– It’s fine if we do it now, isn’t it? The Slayers of Little Garden are small fries, don’t yathink? We can windswept 5, 6 people in that place. It’s easy.

The eyes of the girl with the rings were directed to the Slayers who were defending the live location.

– What are you saying, huh? If we steal now, the live will be cancelled, you know.

– What’s the problem with that? Are ya a fan of Kirishima Sakura or something?

– I’m not interested in her nor her songs. But, the inhabitants of this island are looking forward to the live. Then, it’ll be good to snatch away the Variable Stone. When we came to see what kind of situation was, we even encountered a harvest.

The man pierced the corpse of the Savage under his feet with one blade of the weapon he was holding.

*Whoosh*, the scattering fluorescent color of liquid adhered to his face, it shines eerily with the moonlight illuminating.

– Fine. I guess I can endure it with this guy.

– That’s how it is.

He nodded in regard to the girl with two rings and replied while looking at the Savage’s corpse with his mouth looking like a crescent moon.

– Because at any rate we, we are the allies of the human beings.