Chapter 502 - Departure
Even without any particular plans, three days fly by in an instant when you're moving between two worlds.
In the virtual world, I passed the time with training and adjustments, while in the real world, I studied as much as possible to reduce the pathetic display I was bound to put on for my upcoming 'private tutor.'
I aimed for a reasonably good high school without overexerting myself, so this was only the second time in my life I'd consciously buckled down… but my focus just couldn't match the level I had when I was pouring my heart and soul into aiming for Arcadia.
Looking back now, I realize that my part-timer self back then must have been a little crazy. In the real world, I crammed various things into a brain that's only slightly better at memorizing than the average person's.
It's at times like these that I truly realize just how absurd the 'memory' gift my other self possesses is. For humans, the ability to 'remember' is the foundation of 'growth potential' and, it's no exaggeration to say, a factor connected to every other ability.
If it existed as a 'Skill,' it would be described in one word: 'broken.'
No wonder people say my movements are incomprehensible or that I'm crazy. To at least avoid being thought of as someone who rests on the laurels of an advantage others don't have, I'll continue to strive in combat and be worthy of my name, the 'Acrobat'—
—And with that, I'll cut off these completely trivial thoughts meant to calm my nerves and turn my attention to the reality currently unfolding.
Now then, allow me to introduce the members gathered in the confined space that is this car.
"Man, it's been a while since I've driven this long. I'm getting fired up."
First up, the man who offered to be our chauffeur, Yotsuya's Assistant Representative, Chitose Kazuharu.
As it turns out, our 'trip' is to the outskirts of Niigata Prefecture. It's a surprisingly reasonable destination… I was worried we'd be hit with a plan that had us literally flying overseas, so I was honestly relieved.
So, because the distance from Tokyo to Niigata is so exquisitely ambiguous—
"…Hearing someone say they're 'getting fired up' while holding a steering wheel is kind of scary."
"Relax. I'm driving three young ladies. I'll be making the safest drive of my life."
As he said, he volunteered to transport the 'three young ladies,' who would undoubtedly attract attention, to our destination without incident. Whether we took a bus, train, or plane, it was a given that they would stand out spectacularly.
—And with that, the remaining three members are automatically revealed.
"…………"
Following me, the second member, sitting in the passenger seat, is the third member.
In the rightmost seat of the three-row seating, directly behind the driver's seat, is the Sword Queen, Iris, also known as Alicia White, sleeping soundly.
Just like Goldow, who gave us time off, she must have been busy with various things as the leader of her faction. When we met this morning, she seemed unusually tired.
It's possible she pushed herself to secure this time off. I should try to be considerate of her during the trip as much as I can.
And now, the fourth member.
"……………………"
Next to Ashe, sandwiched in the middle, is Miss Lilianier Vrubel, the Aquamarine Fairy, frozen with an indescribable expression.
In the real world, her hair, which she usually wears down, is gathered up in a soft, fluffy style, and her vibrant summer one-piece is the very picture of loveliness, but… come on, that face. It's so stiff.
I understand she's nervous being surrounded by a princess and a beautiful girl she's just met, but not even a student right before their entrance exams would have such a grim expression. The trip is expected to take just under four hours, but I'm worried she might burn out before we even arrive.
Perhaps I should try to support her during a break on the way.
And finally, the fifth member.
"…………………………!"
Gone is the tension from her meeting with Ashe and Nia just a few dozen minutes ago.
We're still in the city, not even out of Tokyo yet. Though there's hardly an interesting view, my partner, Miss Sora Yotsuya, continues to gaze out the window with sparkling eyes.
A thin blouse, a summer jacket, and a slightly classical midi skirt—she looks like a textbook 'young lady.' Nia's fashion sense is similar, but Sora's… how do I put it? You can tell at a glance that hers is the 'real deal.'
It's not that Nia doesn't look like a young lady—well, in terms of demeanor, Nia has zero young lady-like qualities, to be honest—but no one would look at her and think she was an ordinary person. There's an undeniable elegance that emanates from her.
I haven't asked for details, so this is just a guess, but the heiress of the White family, who seems to be on par with Sora, is dressed in a simple shirt and pants, which makes Sora stand out even more.
…Although, the fact that the 'princess' radiates a brilliance that is in no way inferior to the other two, even in such a plain, unadorned, simple outfit, is a testament to her, as expected.
In any case, my overall assessment.
"—There's no doubt that at this very moment, this rearview mirror is reflecting the most 'glamorous sight' in the world…"
"Hah… No doubt about it. It's an honor."
Though my whisper probably didn't reach the back of the spacious car, the driver next to me caught it and chuckled.
As for my cute partner, who seems to be in exceptionally high spirits at the moment… I'll have to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn't get too carried away and wear herself out.
Well, whatever happens—
"It looks like it's going to be a pleasantly fun (and chaotic) trip."
"Nothing wrong with that. Go on and enjoy your youth to the fullest."
For the next week, there won't be a single dull moment, no matter how you slice it.
And so, Nia-chan starts pretending to be asleep.