Kikou Shoujo wa Kizutsukanai:Volume 8 Prologue

Prologue - Guilty Self-Awareness #1

"By this very day, Yaya's toleration has worn out."

With eyes resembling hollow caves, Yaya murmured as though uttering a curse:

"Despite clearly having such a great wife in Yaya, to think Raishin would keep womanising, repeatedly replacing playthings one after another...!"

"Don't use such a weird description! This is magic training, got that!?"

Raishin hastily denied but his concentration was interrupted, causing the wooden puppet to fall flat with a smack.

The current location was inside the Walpurgis Royal Academy of Machinart, in a corner of a field training site.

Ten-odd plain and unadorned wooden puppets lay strewn on the ground around Raishin.

"You're playing with them, one after another, no matter how you look at it!"

"That's wrong! I'm just swapping to a new puppet whenever the one I'm using breaks!"

"Abandoning them after using them is so cold-blooded! Besides, Raishin's doll should clearly be Yaya!"

"Don't be ridiculous. If you're going to put it that way, I've also used Komurasaki and Irori before--"

Crap, that slipped out of my mouth!

Raishin could not help but glance fearfully at Yaya's face. Unexpectedly, Yaya did not anger from his words:

"Nee-sama and Komurasaki are fine. Yaya already resolved herself to accept this from the beginning already. A sister sandwich is still within Yaya's expectations..."

"...On the other hand, your behavior has totally exceeded mine."

"What Yaya cannot forgive is Raishin making moves on these temptresses of unknown origins...!" Rumble rumble rumble.

"Wooden puppets don't have gender in the first place!"

"Stop whispering over there! You two idiots!"

Accompanied by the sound of a massive explosion, a great amount of dirt and soil flew up.

Raishin and Yaya were blown midair together with the soil. Somersaulting like cats, they landed respectively on their own.

At the same time, a woman stood before them.

Wearing a dress that was rich with the sense of national attire, she was a beautiful swordswoman who exuded intense magic energy from all over her body.

This was Wiseman Griselda, a professor at the academy as well as Raishin's master.

Griselda's face twitched while she pointed her sword at Raishin. The sword glowed with silver-white brilliance.

"How audacious of you... To think you'd dare engage in such a lewd conversation during my class...!"

"It's not lewd, okay!? Besides, the only student in class is me alone!"

Raishin glanced around helplessly. On this vast field of dirt, no other students were in sight. The only ones present were Raishin, Yaya and Griselda.

"I can't believe there were still fifty students attending yesterday..."

"I can't stand it. Students nowadays are so lacking in perseverance. They'll die if they were sent to the battlefield tomorrow!"

"Don't go recklessly sending students to the battlefield, okay!? Your spartan education is too much!"

Griselda was conducting "simulated combat" using wooden puppets in class.

The puppets were not installed with Eve's Hearts. In other words, they did not have their own "will." Even among the Academy's students, few were able to move a wooden puppet easily, let alone engage an opponent of Griselda's calibre in combat training that was equivalent to the real thing. It was absolutely crazy.

Precisely because of that, by merely the second lesson, the only remaining student was Raishin alone.

"Those bookworms are all saying that it's impossible to earn credit in this kind of course."

"That's a huge misconception. I intend to give every participant an A and train them up substantially."

"...Are you for real?"

"If I come across students who are unable to clear the task, I will instruct them until they finish. Even if it means sacrificing sleeping time!"

"Stop that! That's totally why all the enrolled students fled!"

"Shut up! How much longer are you going to rest!?"

The sharp sword swung down again, causing another explosion of dust and dirt, sending Raishin and the wooden puppets flying.

Steadying his stance in midair, Raishin exerted magic energy towards a new puppet.

Griselda also sent magic energy into a puppet to engage in battle.

The two wooden puppets clashed with each other. Nevertheless, even though both sides were using identical puppets, there was still a massive gap in power.

Raishin's puppet was instantly broken and sent flying.

"Damn it... Another round!"

"Of course. Bring it on!"

Yaya sulked from beginning to end while watching the endless simulated combat from the sidelines.

Utterly exhausted, Raishin trained nonstop and even forgot to eat lunch.

While Raishin was enduring Griselda's harsh training...

"What on earth is that guy doing!? I can't believe him! How could he be so wilful!?"

A blonde beauty--Charl--walked furiously into the central cafeteria.

On her shoulder, a small dragon spoke in a low voice:

"Calm down, Charl. I know you're very disappointed that you won't be able to eat lunch with Raishin."

"O-O-Of course not! It's not like I'm feeling disappointed or anything... After all, we never made an appointment beforehand, or deliberately waited for each other, it just so happens that we always eat together every time."

"In that case, why are you angry at him?"

"I-I just, umm... Right, I am simply emphasising the importance of meals. If he's so serious on vengeance, then he should manage his health properly so that he is in peak condition at all times."

"...Oh dear, though putting it this way, you do have a point."

Due to Raishin's absence today, Charl was apparently going to have to eat lunch by herself for once, something that had not happened for a very long time. Eating alone in this vast cafeteria, Charl could not calm down her mood despite the fact that she had always accepted the same situation as natural before meeting Raishin.

Using a tray to carry pasta and a serving of chicken, Charl sat down on an empty seat.

Just as she felt inexplicably low on appetite and sighed...

"E-Excuse me!"

Suddenly, an old-fashioned greeting was heard beside her.

Charl looked up to find an oriental girl standing before her.

For an instant, she almost thought Yaya had arrived, due to the girl having black hair and a similar height. Like Yaya, she was dressed in a kimono although hers was in the vivid color of cherry blossoms, matched with a purple hakama.

The girl cowered like a small animal and pointed lightly towards the seat opposite to Charl:

"E-Excuse me, is that seat taken...?"

"No, it isn't. Please have a seat."

This girl was apparently at a loss, trying to find a seat. Such awkwardness.

"You're one of the Rounds. 'Dark Princess' Hinowa, isn't that right?"

"Oh my, what an honor. So you actually recognize me. Uh, if I'm not mistaken, you are 'T.Rex'--Oh no! I'm really sorry!"

"'T.Rex' is fine. My name is Charlotte Belew."

"Thank you for your self-introduction. I've heard so much about you."

"In any case, all you've heard are bad rumors, right?"

"Uh, no... It's not like that...!"

The girl was sent into a panic by the piercing remark. Her innocent reaction looked quite adorable.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Charlotte."

The girl pulled the chair back and politely took a deep bow towards Charl, presenting her head as though it were an offering.

Such polite behavior greatly pleased Charl.

"Looks like it's probably your first time having lunch at the cafeteria?"

"Yes... I've always been having my meals at the cottage..."

The girl bowed her head shyly. The so-called "cottage" referred to the principal's secondary residences on campus that were specially provided as dormitories for students with prestigious backgrounds. This included high-class treatment and even had their own exclusive chefs for catering.

"However, I am moving to the girls' dormitories starting this school term... There's so many things I don't know how to do, it's very troubling."

"It must be tough for you. It's the Griffin Dorm, right? You're welcome to ask me about things any time you want."

"Oh my, that's so kind of you...!"

The girl acted as though she had encountered a goddess of mercy in hell, her eyes beginning to moisten. What an exaggerated response.

"Umm! In that case... If it pleases you, c-could you be my friend?"

The way the girl looked, gazing upwards uneasily, instantly pierced Charl's heart.

(How could there be such a cute girl!? I never knew that this kind of girl existed amongst the Japanese!?)

Compared to Yaya's arrogance, the difference was as great as between heaven and earth. That said, the reason why Yaya treated Charl with such condescension was due to regarding her as a love rival.

Charl could not help as a smile spread all over her face while she tightly clutched the hands of the Yamato Nadeshiko before her eyes:

"Certainly! Let's be friends!"

The sun descended in the west and slowly sank below the Academy's outer walls.

"...Damn it! I'm no match at all!"

Drenched in sweat, Raishin lay down on the training field.

"It turns out... I'm still only at this level!"

"Don't be so pessimistic. Today's training is very meaningful."

Griselda leaned against her sword while wiping sweat off herself. Her blouse clung tightly to her chest, providing tantalizing glimpses at her supple bosom.

Raishin hastily turned his gaze away but found Yaya exuding a dark demonic aura before his eyes. Hence, he turned his gaze back again.

"What meaning? By the way, what does this training actually train?"

"You'll understand soon enough. Also, have some confidence in yourself. In terms of instantaneous output, you're even stronger than me."

"...Are you serious? But when the puppets clash, I'm clearly losing in power?"

"You didn't use your 'secret art'--the Akabane Formation, right?"

"How could I possibly use it continuously? I'd run out of strength in an instant."

"I thought so. In terms of overall magic energy, we are on completely different levels. And this so-called magic energy is raised the more you train. In other words, capability is determined by time. How many years ago was it when you started learning magic?"

"From the time when I started learning seriously, three years, I guess."

"I started sixteen years ago, so naturally, you can't possibly catch up so easily. Furthermore, every generation of the Weston family has produced magi. In terms of inborn talent, I definitely won't lose to you."

Raishin clenched his fist tightly and muttered while gnashing his teeth:

"That guy was born in the same family as me... And he started learning seventeen years ago."

Presumably worried about Raishin's depressed attitude, Griselda suddenly spoke up:

"Why don't you wield a sword?"

"...What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me. My eyes can see very clearly... Don't you remember? During summer, you easily blocked Epsilon's sword with a mere mop."

Grisela frowned with a slightly pained expression but continued to speak in a calm voice:

"Also, whenever you dodged my sword, you saw through my swing correctly and even predicted my next move. These are definitely not the senses of an amateur. You must have trained previously in the sword and rather than using broadswords or claymores with brute force, it would be more like sabres or estocs that assassins like to use..."

"...I did learn the katana."

"The katana, the Far East's unusual sword, isn't that right? Small enough to be wielded in one hand, but capable of exerting power rivaling twohanders, with sharpness reportedly able to slice through armour."

Back when Raishin ran away from the Akabane family, he had taken refuge at a swordsmanship training hall.

Furthermore, what he learned from his father was also chiefly swordsmanship. Unarmed techniques were only secondary, meant only as survival skills to handle situations when the sword was lost.

"Judging from the way you look, you should be quite skilled with swords, right? Why don't you use them?"

"...I am no longer a swordsman but a puppeteer."

"These are not mutually exclusive, right? Especially in actual combat."

The best example was right before his eyes. Griselda was also a first-rate swordswoman.

Raishin stubbornly refused to answer. On the other hand, Yaya looked at Raishin with a sad expression.

Although intrigued, Griselda did not pursue the matter any further.

"...In any case, today's training ends here. Go prepare yourself for the Night Party."

Saying that, she turned around and left the training grounds. Next, her assistant from the History Department began to clear up the wooden puppets. Raishin stood up and tried to say to Yaya as cheerfully as possible:

"I'm definitely exhausted. Let's go."

"Yes. Raishin, you're like this every time, forcing yourself too far."

"No, I'm still not working hard enough."

"Oh dear, it turns out you're still training? What fervor~ Color me impressed!"

Suddenly, Raishin heard a beautiful voice that was quite familiar to him.

Charl was standing at the forest's entrance, smiling radiantly.

She seemed to be in quite a good mood, almost to a frightening degree...

"...What's up, Charl? You're in quite a good mood."

"Hoho~ I came all the way out here just to introduce a friend to you."

"Friend?"

"Indeed! Frey called me her friend already, but this time, I've made a new friend on my own. Don't ever call me a loner again!"

"No one ever said that, I think. By the way, are you sure you weren't conned?"

"Why would it be a con!? You're mocking me with that sort of thinking!"

Charl angered for an instant but immediately went back to her good mood and smiled.

"She's a very cute girl. Can you guess who she is?"

"How would I know...? Amongst the Academy's students, I only know the top rankers in the Night Party."

"Allow me to offer you a hint: she was born in the same country as you."

"The same country as me?"

Presumably due to extreme joy, Charl's cheeks were slightly reddened. Conversely, Raishin could feel himself turning pale. No way...

"Seriously, you're so slow at guessing. Whatever, have a good look for yourself!"

Charl turned behind her and waved to someone.

"I hereby present! Hinowa!"

In sync with Charl's voice, a girl emerged from the shadows of the trees. Originally awkward with a shy expression, she instantly froze as soon as she saw Raishin.

Raishin reacted the same way and could not tear his gaze away from her. They simply stared awkwardly at each other.

"...Uh? What's with the mood here?"

Charl turned towards Yaya but Yaya shook her head in bafflement as well.

--Indeed, neither of them knew.

Although Raishin had already resolved himself, knowing this day would come eventually if he enrolled at the Academy.

But he later heard that she had returned to Japan. Never did he expect to encounter her again in this manner...

"Y-Yo, Hinowa, it's been quite a while..."

The girl turned around forcefully and fled.

"Ah, hey! Wait up! Hinowa! Hold on!"

Raishin forced his exhausted body to chase after her. However, before he could even run ten metres, a muscular arm suddenly flew out from the shadows in the forest and punched him in the face.

Even Raishin, despite reflexes that rivalled wild beasts, could not escape this sudden punch.

"...Ouch. Who the heck!? What's with this sudden ambush!?"

Halfway through protesting, Raishin shut up and stopped.

Two students were standing before his eyes.

One of them was strongly built and muscular. One could not help but associate him with one of those guardian statues at Buddhist temples.

The other student, slender as a girl, was smiling with a troubled expression.

"Subaru... and Mutsura!"

"It's been awhile, Raishin."

The more slender of the two--Mutsura--waved and greeted Raishin.

The more strongly built student--Subaru--glared at Raishin as though he had murdered his family.

"Subaru! You asshole! Why did you suddenly punch me!?"

"I was gonna ask you the same thing, moron! Dontcha know why I hafta beat yo' ass!?"

Raishin was instantly rendered speechless by Subaru's angry roar.

"Ask yourself, whatchu do to milady! Bastard!"

Subaru spat hard, turned and ran in the direction Hinowa escaped.

"Let's go, Mutsura! The sight of this bastard makes me mad!"

Saying that, Subaru left with giant strides. On the other hand, Mutsura approached Raishin and whispered in his ear:

"Forgive Subaru, Raishin. The jealousy is eating away at him right now."

"Whatchu still doin'!? Mutsura!"

"Coming coming! Bye, Raishin. See you soon."

Yaya and Charl could not help but watch dumbfounded as the two students left.

"...What, what on earth is this? Who are those two?"

"They're Hinowa's bodyguards."

"Bodyguards? In other words, the reason why you were punched is--No way, you jerk... You even made a move on my dear little Hinowa!"

"That's wrong! How did you jump to that conclusion!?"

"Don't make excuses with me. I know you very well. You must have used some kind of sugar-coated words to steal her heart, then you threw her away like trash after you've thoroughly toyed with her, didn't you?"

"You know nothing at all, okay!? When have I ever done that and to whom!?"

"You did it to Yaya! Sniff sob sob!"

"I never did, okay!? Don't fabricate the past!"

"Indeed, you must have toyed with Hinowa until she was hurt all over then discarded her without a thought! Otherwise... How could a girl make such a sad face..."

Raishin was instantly speechless while pressing his hand against his cheek where he was punched.

Indeed, Hinowa made a look as though she were about to cry just now. Perhaps just as Charl had said, Hinowa's heart was thoroughly hurt--In actual fact, Raishin really did intend to abandon Hinowa.

Charl took Raishin's silence as a yes, instantly turning expressionless:

"Unforgivable... You public enemy of women... Prepare to attack, Sigmund...!"

"H-Hold it right there, okay? Sigmund, could you stop that as well?"

"Miss Charlotte, please don't do anything weird to Raishin."

Yaya immediately spoke to help out--No way, that's impossible.

"Yaya will teach Raishin a lesson properly~"

Raishin could not help but sigh deeply in his heart.

Olga's "engagement commotion" had finally subsided after much trouble...

Who could have thought that, lying in wait for him, was apparently a real "engagement commotion" this time?