"Ray-san. Forgive me, did I keep you waiting long?"
"No. I only just arrived myself."
"Hehe..."
Rebecca-senpai chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand.
She had a large tote bag slung over her shoulder and was dressed in a simple, snow-white sundress. There were no frills, embroidery, or unnecessary decorations—just plain, pure white.
The fact that it looked so breathtaking on her was a testament to just how beautiful Rebecca-senpai truly was.
Furthermore, she had her hair styled in low pigtails today.
She looked a little more youthful than usual, but that only served to highlight her natural charm.
"Um, I was just thinking that this feels a bit like a date..."
"I suppose so. Now that you mention it, you're right. I’m honored."
"...I-I see. That’s a bit embarrassing, ahaha."
Then, as always, I complimented her appearance. This was a habit Master had drilled into me; she told me to always show women such consideration.
"Your hairstyle and outfit suit you very well."
"Ah... um, do they? I tried to dress somewhat appropriately since I'll be selling... do I look alright?"
"Yes. You look lovely."
"..."
"Is something the matter?"
"No. It’s nothing. Well then, let's go!"
"Yes!"
After meeting in front of the fountain in the Central District, we headed straight toward our destination.
According to her, these kinds of sales events had been held for about three years now, and Rebecca-senpai had participated in every single one. Incidentally, this was her first time being on the selling side.
The place we arrived at was an unremarkable building. There was a restaurant on the first floor and a general store on the second. However, it seemed there was a separate entrance...
When we reached the back of the building, we found a door. Upon opening it, we saw a staircase leading down to a basement, much like the hidden passage in the Gardening Club room.
"Shall we go?"
"Yes."
We descended the stairs and opened the door to the basement. It was a dimly lit area where a reception desk had been set up.
Almost everyone inside was female, and there were many adult women among them. I didn't see anyone who looked like a student at the moment.
"Here is the ticket."
"Yes. Received."
Rebecca-senpai handed over a slip of paper. This event was apparently strictly by reservation; whether you were a buyer or a seller, you couldn't enter without a ticket.
The receptionist took the ticket from Rebecca-senpai, but I found the woman strangely familiar... or rather, I began to wonder if she wasn't exactly who I thought she was.
"Um, could you be Carla-san?"
"Eh?"
"I knew it. You have a slightly different atmosphere about you today, but I think it suits you very well."
"...Ray-sama. May I have a moment of your time?"
"Yes. Certainly."
Prompted by Carla-san, I was led to a corner of the room. I told Rebecca-senpai, "Please wait just a moment."
"Ray-sama. Why are you here? This is not the kind of place a man should be!"
"But there seem to be other men here as well."
"Those people are exceptions!"
"I see... is that so? So, Carla-san, why are you here?"
"Ugh..."
The usually expressionless and emotionless Carla-san was incredibly animated today. I got the distinct feeling she was flustered.
"Actually... I am the organizer of this sales event."
"Oh! Which means you are also a lover of the arts, Carla-san!"
"Hm? I feel there is a discrepancy in our understanding... Do you know what kind of books are sold here?"
"Rebecca-senpai's work is a manga. One that depicts romance between men."
"Exactly! This is that kind of place! So please, leave quickly! And please, I beg of you, keep this a secret from my master..."
Her eyes bored into mine. Carla-san's expression was one of pure desperation. But of course, I intended to show understanding toward anyone's hobbies.
"I understand. I will absolutely not say a word to Master. I'm sure you have your reasons, Carla-san."
"That... would be a great help."
"However, I will still be participating in this sales event."
"Why?! Because this is, well... a place where people who enjoy romance between men congregate!"
"Hmm... I see, so that's how it is."
"That's how it is... so please, forget about today—"
"No. I have already decided to help Rebecca-senpai. Besides, I would never hold anyone's interests in contempt. So, will you let me stay?"
"Ugh... uugh... I-I understand... But please, keep this strictly confidential, alright?"
"Understood."
The conversation ended there, and I returned to Rebecca-senpai's side.
Still, that was the first time I had ever spoken so much with Carla-san. I felt like I had gained something by seeing that side of her.
"Ray-san. Was that an acquaintance of yours?"
"Yes. My apologies for keeping you waiting."
"No, not at all. Shall we go, then?"
"Yes."
As we went further in, we entered a spacious hall. Several long tables were set up, and other women were already placing their books on them, preparing for the start.
"Wait, is that a man?"
"A guy? Why is he here?"
"That’s rare... but he is quite handsome..."
"Is he one of 'those' people?"
"Ehh, really? That’s kind of a nice thought... hehehe..."
Hmm. It seemed my presence as a man was a rarity, causing quite a stir, but I didn't let it bother me. I had only one duty today.
"Our spot is here. Let's get ready."
"Yes. I'll help."
Once we reached our designated area, we slid the provided chairs back and began arranging the books while standing.
Rebecca-senpai took thin books out of her tote bag and stacked them neatly. One copy was labeled "Sample," which we propped up prominently using a support board.
Preparation was finished in about five minutes.
"Senpai."
"Yes? What is it?"
"About how many copies do we have?"
"Since it’s my first time... I had twenty copies printed."
"Twenty copies! And the price?"
"Five hundred Aldo per book."
"I see. That's good to know."
"But I'm worried about whether they'll sell at all..."
"Rebecca-senpai."
I looked at her as she stood beside me. She seemed to have shrunk into herself, her shoulders drooping as she trembled slightly.
It was a feeling I couldn't truly share. I had never dreamed of creating something, let alone trying to sell it.
However, I could clearly see her anxiety.
That was why, just like before, the best thing I could do now was to gently wrap my hands around hers and offer her encouragement.
"I won't say it's a guarantee. However, I was moved by your book, Senpai. I'm sure it will resonate with others as well. I believe in your work."
"Ray-san. Um... th-thank you. For always encouraging me."
"No. For something like this, anytime."
Finally, the doors opened, and Senpai's first battle began.
"One copy, please."
"Thank you very much! Ray-san!"
"That will be five hundred Aldo. Thank you, I have it right here. Here is your book."
Thank you very much!
We both bowed our heads in unison.
It seemed Rebecca-senpai's worries had been entirely for naught; half of the books were sold within the first hour. Among the women who browsed the sample copy, some passed, but far more chose to buy.
"Senpai, sales are going great."
"Y-yes... I can hardly believe it... but I'm so happy!"
"Let's keep this momentum until the end!"
"Yes!"
As we waited with bated breath, the next customer arrived. However, it was an unexpected face, and I let out a small cry of surprise.
"Elisa! Isn't that Elisa?! What a coincidence!"
"Eh... R-Ray-kun... eh?"
Elisa stood there, frozen.
She had completely locked up; I wondered if she was alright.
Then, Elisa seemed to snap back to reality. She leaned toward me and whispered urgently.
"W-why are you here?!"
"I was asked the same thing, but I'm here to help my senpai."
"Senpai?"
Elisa glanced at Rebecca-senpai sitting next to me and hurriedly bowed.
"Ah! Rebecca-senpai! It's been a long time!"
"Elisa-san, it has been a while."
"C-could it be that you're the author, Senpai?"
"Yes. Ray-san is helping me out for a few reasons."
"...Ray-kun, do you actually understand what kind of place this is?"
"Yes. He is an understanding person."
"I-I see..."
Elisa turned back to me, her face flushed with embarrassment.
"Ray-kun... keep this a secret from everyone, okay?"
"Yeah. Of course."
"Then, um... I'll take... one copy, please."
"Thanks for your business!"
Afterward, Elisa bowed her head repeatedly and scurried away from our booth.
"I could smell a kindred spirit on Elisa-san... as I thought, my intuition was correct."
"What! You can tell something like that?!"
"Yes. I can generally recognize those of my own kind."
"A-as expected of you, Senpai... I admire that."
"Fufun. You should."
Senpai spoke boastfully, puffing out her chest with a rare sense of pride.
I was happy to see this new side of Rebecca-senpai.
At first glance, she seemed like a perfect person who could do anything, but in reality, she had a charmingly playful side. Just learning that made coming here today worthwhile.
After that, noble daughters and ladies came by, exchanged greetings, and purchased the books. It was quite educational to learn that high society also frequented such events.
By the time the event officially ended, every single book had been sold.
"Phew... I was so nervous, but I'm so glad. I can't believe I sold out!"
"It was all your talent, Senpai. After all, that book truly was wonderful."
We began our walk home together. The sun was already beginning to set, painting the sky in twilight hues. I decided to walk Senpai all the way back to her estate. Although the Arnold Kingdom had a low crime rate, it wasn't zero. I wanted to make sure she arrived safely.
"...I'm happy you'd say that. But really, it was heartening to have you there, Ray-san. I was planning to come alone, and I was so anxious... I didn't have any friends I could invite... I was embarrassed at first, but I'm glad I let you in on my secret."
"I am humbled that you would say so."
As we shared our thoughts on the day, we eventually arrived at the gates of her mansion. They say time flies when you're having fun, and today felt like it had vanished in an instant.
Rebecca-senpai opened the gate and gave a respectful, formal bow to say goodbye.
"Ray-san. I look forward to seeing you again when the new semester begins."
"Yes. I also look forward to seeing you again from the bottom of my heart. If there's ever anything else I can help with, please don't hesitate to call on me."
"No. Actually... this was the first and last time... Thank you for the wonderful memories. I was truly happy to be with you today, Ray-san."
Senpai was smiling. But there was an unmistakable air of melancholy clinging to her. As the sunset glow washed over her, a sudden gust of wind blew. Holding down her fluttering hair, she looked down sadly.
I couldn't see her face, but I saw the dark spots blossoming on the ground. She was crying. There was no doubt; drip, drip, drip, the tears fell to the earth.
"What do you mean by—"
That?
As if to cut me off before I could finish the question, Senpai turned and ran toward the mansion.
"Ray-san. See you... in the new semester..."
"Yes..."
Something was wrong. Senpai wiped away her tears and disappeared inside. At that moment, I thought I heard her whisper something else. But it was so faint that it might have just been my imagination.
I probably should have stopped her. I should have reached out. However, the aura surrounding her seemed to reject everything... as if warning me not to touch her, she vanished beyond the heavy doors.
In the end, I didn't know what to say.
And so, my summer vacation ended on a hollow, unsettling note.
When the Academy reopened after the break, a certain rumor was spreading like wildfire.
"Hey, Ray! Listen to this!"
Since the holiday had only just ended, there were still few students in the classroom. Evi had mentioned he’d be arriving a bit late.
Amelia caught me as I reached my desk, pressing in close.
"What's wrong, Amelia? Did something happen?"
"Word is that Rebecca-senpai got engaged!"
"Engaged...?"
A new daily life was beginning.
At the same time, we did not yet know—that this was the opening act of a great upheaval.