After school.
Since Amelia's training was on a rare hiatus today, I dropped by the Environmental Research Club. I was the one who had founded the Amelia Cheer Squad in the first place, so regardless of how busy I might be, I felt it only right to participate properly in our activities.
While we were technically operating as the Environmental Research Club, we weren't in our usual clubroom. That one was primarily for the boys; there was actually a separate room for the girls right next door.
It had sat unused since there were no female members, but it was currently functioning as the headquarters for the Amelia Cheer Squad.
"Elisa. You're early."
"Yeah... I ended up coming a little ahead of schedule."
When I stepped inside, I found Elisa alone, diligently sewing the happi coats for the cheer squad. Apparently, she was quite skilled at needlework and had taken the initiative to handle it. I truly couldn't thank her enough.
Since everyone had different tests in the afternoon, I had expected our arrival times to be staggered... but even taking that into account, I noted how early Elisa had arrived.
"Elisa. How was the test?"
"Um... I think I did well, maybe?"
"I see. Well, since it's you, I wasn't particularly worried... the real concern is Clarice. It seems she tried to tackle everything by cramming the night before."
"Yeah... I really wanted to tell her she shouldn't do that, but I suppose it couldn't be helped."
"Well, I just hope she reflects on it after this."
"I hope so too."
Elisa gave a gentle smile.
In a complete turnaround from when we first met, Elisa had begun to talk much more and smile frequently. For my part, nothing made me happier than seeing my friend enjoying her life at this academy.
"There... I think this should do it."
"Are they finished?"
"Yeah. They're almost all done. The Club President and the other members... even Evi-kun and Clarice-chan helped out. And even though you've been so busy, Ray-kun, you still made the effort to come here."
"No, I was the one who proposed this idea... I'm sorry for leaving so much of the burden on you, Elisa."
I lowered my head in a bow.
Between my duties on the Management Committee, training with Amelia, and my undercover investigation—not to mention the time needed to study for exams—I had ended up taking Elisa up on her offer to handle the preparations. I must have placed a heavy weight on her shoulders. I offered my apology with that in mind, but Elisa waved her hands frantically to dismiss it.
"No! It's totally fine. You know, I was always all alone... I used to watch the Magics Chevalier by myself every year... and I thought this year would be the same. But then I met you, Ray-kun, and everyone else... and I decided I wanted to try doing things myself. Besides, if it's for Amelia-chan's sake, I'm happy to do it! I can't make Amelia-chan stronger like you can, Ray-kun... so I thought I'd support her in this way instead."
"...Ugh, Elisaaa..."
"W-What's wrong!!?"
I clutched the corners of my eyes, wiping away the overflowing tears.
How could this be? Elisa had joined this activity with such pure sentiments?
More than feeling apologetic... I was genuinely moved.
To think such a pure-hearted soul existed in this world.
Elisa was truly an angel. No, she was an Archangel.
My Master looks like an angel, but on the inside, she is a gorilla.
On the other hand, Elisa’s appearance, her heart, and every facet of her being felt like an angel personified. No, I didn't just think it. Elisa was an angel.
Archangel Elisa. The title suited her perfectly.
Come, let us worship her. Let us bask in the sheer preciousness of Archangel Elisa...!
As I savored her holiness, I spoke.
"Elisa. Instead of an apology, let me give you my thanks. Thank you. And let us give Amelia our absolute maximum support!!"
"...Yeah!"
There wasn't a trace of shadow left on Elisa's face.
◇
"Alright... everyone's here."
Once again, the group assembled at the headquarters.
The members present were the Club President, the other club members, Evi, Elisa, Clarice, and myself.
Once everyone was seated in the chairs surrounding the long table in the center, the Club President spoke.
"We have our activities with the Amelia Cheer Squad this year... but I'm also going to have the first-years perform the traditional 'that' as well."
"What is 'that,' Club President?"
I asked. We had been called together for an important matter... but what could it be?
"You're aware that various stalls are set up during the Magics Chevalier, right?"
"Yes. So I've heard."
"We put out a grilled corn stall every year. My family's estate deals in agriculture... so we sell corn there during the summer. Naturally, my family members will be coming as well. We will essentially be there to support them."
"I see... So that's how it is."
Selling grilled corn...
The Magics Chevalier was one of the largest events in the Kingdom. It was only natural for there to be stalls, but if we were going to sell something, I wanted to achieve the best results possible.
"Will you do it?"
"Of course."
When I agreed, Evi, Clarice, and Elisa followed suit.
"You bet!"
"W-Well... I guess I could help out if I have to!"
"I... I'll do it...! Ah, but will the match times be okay...? If they overlap, my cheering for Amelia-chan would..."
"It's fine. Our work will primarily be before the matches. I've already secured permission from my family for you to watch the matches while they're ongoing. I have no intention of restricting you that much. Furthermore, I plan to pay you a proper wage."
And so, it was decided we would also be working at a stall... but selling at a booth, huh...
Hmm...
"Club President."
"What is it, Ray?"
"Regarding the grilled corn, how about we sell them coated in that sauce?"
When I made the suggestion, the room began to buzz.
"Wh-!?"
"I see! With that sauce!"
"Ah! It will surely become the Devil's Corn!"
"Ray, are you a genius after all!?"
The Club President also let out a sharp smirk.
"I was just about to suggest that myself."
"Then let's have a tasting session immediately."
Saying that, I fetched the Ainsworth-style secret sauce that was kept in our original clubroom. Everyone then headed outside, where we coated the corn the Club President had provided with the sauce, and each of us used magic to roast and eat them.
Since I am not adept at using magic, I had Elisa roast mine for me.
"Here, Ray-kun... go ahead."
"Thank you, Elisa."
And then, as I bit into the corn with the sauce charred to perfection...
"...Wha!!?"
Wh-What...?
My mind momentarily went blank... and when I came to, the corn that had been in my hand was completely gone. Only the cob remained. However, the distinct deliciousness was still dancing across my palate.
No, "delicious" doesn't even begin to cover it... this is truly the Devil's Corn!!
It seemed the same was true for the others.
"O-Oh, this is amazing! Just what is in this!!?"
"Y-Yeah... it's incredibly tasty!"
The girls, who were tasting the sauce for the first time, were also full of praise. Once everyone had polished off their corn, the Club President approached me.
"Ray. We'll build the corn sales around this sauce... but is mass production possible?"
"Let's see... I'll check with the supplier. But I'm sure it'll be fine, so let's proceed with this plan."
"...Good. Understood."
Our strategy for the grilled corn was set. However, I still had one card left to play.
"Club President. I have a further proposal..."
"What? Speak your mind."
"What about the sales girls?"
"Usually we just handle it ourselves, but..."
"We have two cute girls right here... no, on the day of the event, there will surely be three."
"Don't tell me... are you going that far?"
"Yes. If we're going to do it, we should do it thoroughly... right?"
"Hmph. As expected of our club's ace."
Sales girls are vital. I heard this from my Master once—if you're going to sell something, having women present improves the atmosphere... That was why I felt I should give it my all.
Besides, I should demonstrate that my crossdressing doesn't just shine in a school uniform, but gains even more radiance in other outfits. It looks like I can do it without reservation this time.
Fuhaha!
"Ray, are you serious... You're bringing that out... You're really for real..."
"D-Don't tell me, Ray. Are you going to appear in that form?"
"Ray-kun... are you going to... unleash that appearance...?"
All three of them stared at me with eyes as if they were looking at a monster.
"Of course. Now then, will Elisa and Clarice be okay with it too?"
"Well... even if I'm told to grill corn... I don't really know how..."
"Ah! Actually... um... I have a few costumes..."
"What!? Is that true!?"
"Y-Yeah! I love clothes, and I make them myself or buy commercial ones for reference... so I actually have quite a few..."
"Do you have anything flashy?"
"I do... but... um, it might be embarrassing, you know?"
"I have already discarded such things as shame. If that's the case, let's go with those."
"Y-Yeah...!"
"Wait!? Am I going to wear something embarrassing too...!? Hey, what about my opinion...!?"
And so, our Magics Chevalier looked like it was going to be an exceptionally grand time.
Management Committee work, the Amelia Cheer Squad, selling corn, and the duties of a sales girl.
Furthermore, my crossdressing still has two stages remaining. And each time I crossdress, this beauty increases. In other words... you understand what this means, don't you? I will become the ultimate Cross-dressing Warrior...!
There is much to do, but let us enjoy ourselves to the fullest!
Fuhaha!