024: Well, This Sort of Thing Isn't Half Bad Once in a While

"What’s the matter, Weiss?! You’re at the top of the class with only this much? You’ve clearly been rotting in a lukewarm environment!"

"Gah—[Original Magic: Unnatural Wall]!"

I leaped into the air, deploying the spell I’d finally mastered thanks to Carta’s help. Ignoring the laws of gravity, I kicked off the invisible surfaces, circling around Teacher Milk. Even for her, dealing with slashes coming from every conceivable angle should have been a—

"Your skill hasn’t caught up to your theatrics."

"Wh—?!"

But Teacher Milk didn't hesitate. She closed the distance instantly with Shunpo. Before I could even swing, she thrust her blade in a Gatotsu—aiming straight for my forehead without a hint of mercy.

I managed to dodge by a hair’s breadth, but my posture was shot. The wall collapsed beneath me, and she followed up with a brutal, full-force kick. I was slammed into the dirt, and she didn't even give me time to breathe before the next strike landed. She was absolutely ruthless.

"It seems I can still continue to be your master for a while longer. Weiss, you're strong. But you need to increase your own unique weapons."

As my consciousness faded, for some reason, I found myself smiling.

I woke up to a wonderful scent. A woman’s scent.

I opened my eyes to find myself on pure white silk sheets, a woman sleeping beside me with the face of an angel. She was breathing softly, smelling sweet, and looking entirely too defenseless with her skin exposed like that.

So this is the Ice Princess, Cynthia...

When I brushed my finger against her cheek, she let out a soft, sleepy mumble. At Nobless Academy, I’d never seen her open her heart to anyone besides me and Lilith. Her beauty was easily the best in the school—which was probably why so many guys tried to hit on her the moment they thought they saw an opening, even knowing she was my fiancée. Or maybe they saw how coldly I treated her and assumed they actually had a winning chance?

I really do trust her from the bottom of my heart, though.

"...Good morning, Weiss."

"Yeah. Morning."

Cynthia opened her eyes slowly, her voice clear and ethereal.

I’d been back at the mansion for a few days now. It was only a temporary visit, though. Vacation time was a reward granted only to those who had achieved high marks during the Presentation Ceremony and the Tag Tournament. The D-class students were all still stuck at the Academy. It was one of the perks of being C-class or higher.

That said, I hadn't come back just to slack off. I needed to check on the status of House Fanscent’s business ventures. I’d sparred with Teacher Milk before getting down to work, but I’d been soundly defeated. I might have fared better if we’d used a ruleset that allowed for more magic, but unless I reached a point where I could overwhelm Teacher Milk with pure swordsmanship... I’d never stand a chance against Eva Avery.

Plus, Allen was getting stronger by the day. I was definitely feeling a sense of impatience.

"You're making that scary face again."

"...I was just thinking."

"Then—for now, don't think about anything at all."

As she spoke, Cynthia slowly leaned in. Our lips met, our tongues entwined, and my mind went completely blank.

I realized something in that moment: men are incredibly simple creatures.

After washing off the sweat in the bath, I stepped out to find Lilith waiting with a fresh set of clothes. Thanks to my Presence Detection, I knew she’d been hovering nearby since the morning. I mean, I knew she understood that Cynthia was my fiancée, but still...

"Please don't mind me. I am connected to Lord Weiss at the level of the soul, after all."

"R-Right..."

That sounded like an incredibly 'heavy' sentiment, but I decided it was better for my sanity not to dwell on it. She also added, "I'm ready for meat-beating whenever you wish," as a parting shot. Yeah, definitely not thinking about that.

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen Zebis around."

"He said he was going to see an old disciple. He looked happier than usual."

"A disciple? He had one of those?"

"Apparently. He didn't say who it was, though."

"Hmph," I grunted.

I knew he was a former Knight Commander, but I’d never heard of a side story like that. Then again, it wasn't unusual for this world to have hidden lore that the original game never bothered to write down. Still, for some reason, it nagged at me.

Wait—

"What are you staring at?"

"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about how delicious it looks."

I hadn't put my clothes on yet. Lilith’s gaze was fixed firmly on my lower abdomen. For the record, the 'original' Weiss was... well, gifted. I don't think I need to explain what she meant by "it." You can probably guess.

"May I... take a bite?"

"...If you get Cynthia’s permission."

"Yes, sir!"

Why is she always so high-energy?

After that, I spent the afternoon pouring over business documents. Since I’d left things alone for a few months, I found plenty of rough patches that needed smoothing out. It was clear I’d have to stay in touch more often. I also received a message from my father. Apparently, word had reached him that I was leading the pack among the underclassmen, and he was bursting with pride. He’d even sent flowers. Honestly, if he's that happy, he could just come visit in person.

Once I finished my errands, I spent time on my daily magic training, my mind wandering again. Teacher Milk had told me to 'increase my weapons.' I’d been chewing on that advice all day, but the answer eluded me. I already had the four basic elements, plus Light and Dark, and the swordsmanship Milk had hammered into me. Was I supposed to find something even beyond that?

I just don't get it.

Before I knew it, night had fallen. Zebis still wasn't back, and I felt strangely lonely. When I returned to my room, however, I found Cynthia and... Lilith. Both of them were wearing clothes so sheer they were practically transparent. Every smooth curve of their waists and their toned-yet-feminine figures were on full display.

"............"

"Good work today, Weiss."

"I thought you were supposed to head home today?" I asked, looking at Cynthia.

"It is my duty as your fiancée to soothe your fatigue."

"...And why is Lilith here?"

"I received permission, sir!"

"Wait, what?"

"Lilith-san is an important partner to us," Cynthia explained. "Whatever makes Weiss happy makes me happy. Besides, I'm quite fond of Lilith-san myself."

I gave a blunt "Hmph" in response, but my heart was thumping against my ribs. I’d meant the "permission" thing as a joke, but it turned out Cynthia really did love me that much. People are usually selfish by nature; I knew I’d hate it if another man touched her. But the reverse...

"Weiss, you don't have to think about a single thing... okay?"

The two of them took my arms and guided me toward the bed. Two different scents, so similar yet distinct, enveloped me. As soon as I lay down, Cynthia leaned over me. Her sweet fragrance, her soft lips, and the wet tip of her tongue enticed me. At the same time, Lilith moved below me, whispering a polite, "Excuse me."

The philosophy of Nobless Academy was the "carrot and the stick." Right now, I felt like I was getting way too much candy.

But in that moment, I suddenly remembered that.

I had one, didn't I? A weapon.

"Weiss, no thinking allowed."

Well... I guess this sort of thing isn't half bad once in a while.