The day's classes had come to an end.
After school, Ariane marched out triumphantly from the gates of Diom Magic Academy, heading toward Arnold Magic Academy all by herself.
Looking back, it felt as though Ray's visit while cross-dressing had happened only yesterday. This time, Ariane intended to enter through the front gate. After all, there was no rule stating that students from other academies were forbidden from entering.
It wasn't unusual for students from different schools to visit one another for club-related exchanges or to share secret trysts with their significant others. That said, arriving during the height of Cultural Festival preparations was a somewhat curious choice of timing.
"La-la-laaa~"
Ariane walked with a spring in her step.
While her primary goal was to invite Ray, she was also curious to see what kind of attraction Amelia and the others were putting together. More than anything, this was her first time visiting a different academy, and she was looking forward to it immensely.
"Now then. I've arrived."
Before long, Ariane reached the main gates of Arnold Magic Academy. After completing the visitor registration procedures at the reception, she puffed out her chest and stepped onto the campus.
She moved without a trace of hesitation, as if she had been a student here for years. However, a sudden sight brought her to a dead stop.
"Eh...? What is that?"
Looking ahead, she saw a large group of male students working in front of the school building. That in itself wasn't a strange sight, but what shocked her was the object leaning against the wall.
It was a massive signboard, likely left out to dry. On it, the words "Welcome to the Maid Cafe!" were painted in bold, vibrant letters. Below the text was an illustration of a girl in a maid outfit.
The girl was unmistakably Amelia.
What on earth were Amelia and her classmates planning for this festival?
Just as the thought crossed her mind, Ariane spotted Ray. She rushed over to him and spoke up immediately.
"Ray! What is the meaning of this?!"
"Hm? Ariane? What brings you here?"
"...Reconnaissance!"
Aware of the other students around them, Ariane offered the first excuse she could think of. Ray let out a light, soft chuckle.
"I see. The same as I did, then. Still, you're impressive, Ariane. Coming right through the front gate so boldly."
"Hehe. The eldest daughter of House Algren always favors a direct approach!"
After the conversation strayed for a moment, Ariane pressed him again.
"But really, what is this signboard?!"
"It's for the Maid Cafe. We finished this one yesterday, and we're planning to make a few more today."
"So you're actually going through with Amelia's plan... Even so, I feel like the scale of this is a bit extraordinary."
"Amelia's leading the charge, and we're following her lead. This was her idea from the start, after all."
"I see. So Amelia did this..."
Hearing that, Ariane felt a warmth in her chest.
She understood that Amelia, who had spent so long in isolation, was finally enjoying the Cultural Festival from the bottom of her heart. Ariane suspected it was only possible because he was by her side.
"Ray. You really are a mysterious person."
"What do you mean?"
"No, it's nothing. Anyway, where is Amelia?"
"I believe she's in the classroom."
"I see. Thank you."
Since they were in a public spot, Ariane decided to part ways with Ray for the moment. As she turned to leave, she leaned in and whispered into his ear.
"I have something to discuss with you later. Just the two of us."
"...I understand. Meet me by the back gate later, then."
"Very well."
Sensing the situation, Ray immediately designated a meeting spot. With that settled, Ariane made her way toward Amelia.
"Wow... this is quite something..."
Ariane navigated her way through the school building. Since the basic layout was similar to most magic academies, she didn't get lost. As she walked, she observed the decorations being prepared in various rooms.
While the sight of students collaborating was universal, Arnold Magic Academy had a distinctly flashy atmosphere that set it apart.
Finally, she reached the classroom. Ariane knocked once and then swung the door open with gusto.
"Amelia! I've come to visit!"
Ariane declared her arrival with a proud puff of her chest, her voice brimming with excitement.
"Eh? Ariane?"
Amelia stood there with a stunned expression. She wasn't in her school uniform, however.
She was dressed in a maid outfit—and an unusual one at that. The skirt was daringly short and covered in an abundance of frills. It looked less like a servant's uniform and more like a costume designed for someone eager to take center stage.
"...Amelia. What are you wearing?"
"A maid outfit! Isn't it super cute?!"
"Well... yes, it is lovely, but..."
"Right? Hehe!"
Amelia pitter-pattered over and twirled in front of Ariane. As she spun, the short skirt flared up, offering a brief glimpse of her underwear.
"Wait! You're exposing yourself!"
"Oops. It really is a bit risky when it's this short, isn't it?"
"Honestly... You really have made something scandalous."
"Hmph! The whole class worked hard on these!"
Watching Amelia boast in her maid outfit felt a bit strange, but Ariane could only offer a gentle smile.
"I see. You look like you're having a wonderful time, Amelia."
"I am!"
Since the Magics Chevalier, Amelia had changed significantly. Seeing her like this was enough to satisfy Ariane—though she hadn't forgotten her mission to invite Ray.
However, while she was basking in that warm sentiment, Amelia made an outrageous suggestion.
"I know! Ariane, you should try one on too! A fitting! You need a fitting!"
"...Eh?"
In an instant, the girls of the class swarmed around Ariane.
"Whoa... so cute!"
"It's Miss Algren of the Three Great Noble Families! Her bust really is huge!"
"And look at this waist!"
"The curves are incredible!"
"And her legs! Ahh... why are the Three Great Noble Families all so beautiful?"
The girls voiced their admiration while patting and poking at Ariane's body. Normally, no one would dare touch the eldest daughter of House Algren so familiarly.
Perhaps their perception of the elite had shifted after Amelia's recent antics, or perhaps they had simply awakened to a love of "cute things" just like Amelia had. Regardless of the reason, Ariane was completely trapped.
In the corner of her eye, she spotted a single female student slumped over a desk. It was Elisa, still in her maid outfit, looking utterly defeated and drained of life.
She had been toyed with by Amelia and the others earlier and was currently out of commission. One might call it karma; having sacrificed Clarice to save herself one too many times, Elisa was finally receiving her due.
That said, since Clarice's own revenge was slated for the actual festival, Elisa's ordeal was far from over.
"Now then, Ariane. Let's get you all dressed up, shall we?"
"N-Noooooooooooooooo!"
Amelia would later recount that Ariane's appearance in the maid outfit was simply too radiant for words.
"Ariane. You're here."
"Yes..."
"What's wrong? You look exhausted."
"It's nothing..."
"Are you sure?"
"...Yes. Anyway, Amelia... she's certainly changed."
"Ah, I see. Did she force you into a maid outfit too?"
"Yes..."
"Amelia has been running a bit wild during the festival preparations. I should have warned you."
"No, it's fine. She seemed so happy."
"I see. You were worried about her, weren't you? Thank you for coming all this way to see her. I'm sure it meant a lot to her."
"I suppose so. Even if she was a bit... overwhelming."
Talking with Ray always made Ariane feel at ease. Although, that might have been because Amelia's energy had been so indescribably intense just moments before.
"So, you said you had something to discuss?"
"Yes. The timing is flexible, but would you be willing to visit our estate? My father says he wishes to meet you."
"...The Head of House Algren?"
"Yes."
"What does he want?"
"He says he's interested in your muscles, Ray."
"My muscles?"
"Yes."
"...I see."
Because both were incredibly straightforward, no hidden agendas were suspected. While Ray was more conscious of the Three Great Noble Families than he used to be, he trusted Ariane Algren as a person far more than he cared about her family's status.
Similarly, Ariane took her father's request at face value and held deep trust in Ray. Though their acquaintance was still relatively brief, she was undeniably fond of Ray's honest, blunt nature.
In truth, Ray White and the members of House Algren shared a fundamental sincerity that made them highly compatible. It was a certain sense of sympathy.
"Understood. I'm busy with the festival right now, but I'll make time to visit soon. I'll get in touch with you when I'm ready, Ariane."
"Thank you. I appreciate you accepting the invitation."
"I wouldn't turn down a friend's request."
"Hehe... you really are a mysterious person."
The two parted ways, and Ariane began her journey back to her dormitory.
Looking thoroughly satisfied and wearing a wide smile, Ariane even added a little skip to her step as she walked. There was no doubt that her student life would be a brilliant one, all thanks to her meeting with Ray.