"Welcome!☆"
After I finished serving Maria, my acquaintances began to arrive in a steady stream.
Since I predicted that the crowds would only grow larger on the second day once the rumors spread, I had specifically asked everyone I knew to try and visit on the first day.
"Oh. So you’re really doing this."
"Yaho, yaho~☆ Everyone’s working so hard!☆"
"So this is Ray’s classroom... How deeply moving."
"..."
The group entering my field of vision consisted of four people: Abby-san, Carol, and Master. Behind the wheelchair stood Carla-san. I immediately approached them.
"A table for four, I presume?"
I offered them a bright smile, prompting Abby-san to grin mischievously.
"...You look like you're having the time of your life, Ray."
I responded in a whisper, dropping back into my natural male voice.
"...Yes. I am truly grateful to have been given this opportunity."
"No, think nothing of it. In truth, it seems even Lydia was looking forward to this."
As I showed the four of them to their seats, Master began looking around restlessly. Was she searching for something?
"What’s wrong, Lydia-chan?☆ You're scanning the room like a hawk!☆"
"No, I was just wondering where Ray was. He was the one who insisted we come at this time... Honestly."
"But Ray-chan is right there!☆"
"Huh? Don't be... ridi... culous?"
"...C-Could it be? Is that... Ray-sama?"
Since I had already shown this form to Abby-san and Carol, they were fully aware of my identity. Master and Carla-san, however, were left wearing completely blank expressions.
Granted, the image I projected now was the polar opposite of my appearance during the Magics Chevalier. At the tournament, I had gone for a flashy, over-the-top "gal" aesthetic; today, I was the picture of pure, wholesome elegance. My hair color was different, and even the direction of my makeup had changed.
It was only natural they didn't recognize me at first glance. Still, my height hadn't changed, so I’d expected them to catch on eventually...
"Yes. Master, Carla-san, it's been a while."
I continued the conversation in my female persona's voice, and the realization finally dawned on them.
"I-Impossible! Ray... are you telling me you’ve evolved even further!?"
"Heh. My forms are limitless. Today, I’ve adopted the pure aesthetic."
"I... I see. No, I knew you were a genius, but to think you’d demonstrate that talent so unreservedly in this field as well... I mean, seriously, where exactly are you headed with your life?"
"Master, I have only one destination: making this Cultural Festival a success for everyone. That is all. Now then, may I take your order?☆"
When I spoke up with cheerful energy, Master could only manage a dazed "A-Ah..." as she struggled to process the shock.
"Four 'Moe Moe Omurice Sets,' then! Please wait just a moment!"
All four of them had selected the "Moe Moe Omurice Set."
I wouldn't falter. Handling four in a row was child's play for a professional.
"Thank you for waiting!☆"
I returned with four sets balanced on my left and right trays and set them on the table.
Then, with a single "Ahem" to clear my throat, I drew my signature move.
"Become delicious! Moe moe, kyun~☆"
I raised my right leg high and gracefully, then poured my heart into each omurice with my hands shaped like a heart. Carol and Abby-san were quick to offer their praise.
"Wow~☆ That was so cute!☆ As expected of Lily-chan!"
"Indeed. The omurice looks even more appetizing now."
As for Master and Carla-san...
"A-Ah... Wh-Where did my Ray go?"
"Pure-style cross-dressing...? Hmm... I’ve got it! I just had a flash of inspiration!"
While Master was in a daze, it seemed Carla-san had been struck by a new project idea.
The four of them finished their meal and prepared to leave the classroom. As they did, I caught Master's attention. My voice remained female to avoid drawing suspicion from the other customers.
"Master."
"...What is it?"
She looked strangely fatigued, though she had probably just pulled another all-nighter.
"How did you find our class?"
"...It's good to see you’re all enjoying yourselves."
"Yes. Truly, I’m glad I came to this Academy."
"Hmph. I see. Ray... you have three days. Give it your all."
"I will."
With a casual wave of her hand, Master walked away. I watched her retreating back with a swell of quiet happiness.
I was glad I could show her. I wanted her to see that I was doing well in this class—that I was moving forward alongside precious friends.
That was the sight I had wanted to share with her more than anything.
"Oh! So this is Big Brother’s classroom!"
"A table for two, please! We'd like to be shown to our seats!"
The next acquaintances to arrive were... surprisingly, my beloved younger sister, Stella.
And the person with her... was that a friend? My father and mother were both working today, and Stella had said she was coming alone...
Looking closely at the person in the oversized glasses, I realized I recognized them.
"Welcome! Right this way, please!"
As I approached, the recognition became a certainty. There was no mistaking it: this was Princess Olivia.
I had no idea when or how she had befriended Stella, but they seemed remarkably close. And when our eyes met, the bold, fearless smirk she gave me was definitely not my imagination.
"Um..."
As I guided them to a table, Stella asked me somewhat hesitantly.
"Is Big Brother... I mean, Ray White, around?"
"...Stella. It’s me."
I felt no embarrassment about showing my cross-dressed form to my sister. I was a professional.
However, Princess Olivia’s presence next to her was a major concern. Still, since there was no helping it, I candidly revealed my identity to Stella.
"B-Big Brother!?"
"Yes... Ahem. Well, as you can see, circumstances being what they are."
When I switched to my female voice mid-sentence, Stella gasped and covered her mouth in shock.
"Was Big Brother actually a Big Sister all along?"
"Just for today... that is correct. I am your Big Sister. Please call me Lily-oneechan."
"Lily-oneechan!?"
"Yes."
"Yay! Big Brother became a Big Sister! I’m the luckiest girl ever!☆"
"Yes, quite."
Stella was practically bouncing in her seat. As expected of my dear sister, her adaptability was second to none.
"Hmm. Ray, you're quite close with your little sister, aren't you? It's a bit unexpected, I must say..."
Princess Olivia peered up at me with half-lidded, knowing eyes.
I really needed to ask how she ended up with Stella. But with the crowds growing, I didn't have the luxury of time for idle chatter.
"Now then, your order, please!"
I took their order and performed my signature move with the same dedication as always.
As she got up to leave, Princess Olivia leaned in and whispered, "This counts as one favor you owe me, okay?"
Breaking into a cold sweat, I watched the two of them depart.
The next person to arrive was someone truly unexpected.
"Table for one, sir?"
"...What in the world are you doing, Ice Sword?"
The visitor was none other than Lucas Forst.
Known to the world as the Absolute Blade Sorcerer.
With his long hair tied in a single ponytail and his androgynous features, he looked exactly as he had during that summer. That he could see through my disguise in an instant was a testament to his keen insight.
While I was baffled as to why he had come to this Academy and my specific classroom, I maintained a professional composure.
"...I am currently serving as a maid for the Cultural Festival."
"...I see."
I showed him to a seat, and he ordered the "Moe Moe Omurice Set."
I did not hesitate. I was a professional, a specialist. No matter who the customer was, I would perform my duties with everything I had.
"Become delicious! Moe moe, kyun~☆"
As I struck the pose and gave the chant, Lucas simply stared at the spectacle with an intense, serious expression.
"I see... I understand. Yes, I think this is good. Quite so."
He finished the omurice in no time at all and made a swift, dignified exit.
Just what had he come here for?
"Ah! It’s Lily-neechan!!"
Suddenly, Lady Tiana came running and threw her arms around my waist. It had been a while, but she looked as energetic as ever, which was a relief.
"Tiana, behave. I’ve told you time and again to mind your manners..."
Following behind her was Ariane, whom I had just met recently. She looked weary as she gently pulled Lady Tiana away from me.
Today, the two of them were sporting matching ponytails. Their lustrous, Platinum Rank hair was tied back in identical styles; Ariane had undoubtedly done Tiana’s hair for her.
"...Hehe. Tiana-chan, you certainly seem well."
"Yup! I’m super well!"
"Then let me show you to your seats."
"Thank you, Lily-neechan!"
She was adorable. Her overwhelming cuteness struck a chord in my heart, but I had to stay focused on the job.
I sat Ariane and Lady Tiana at a table, and they naturally ordered the "Moe Moe Omurice Set."
"Become delicious! Moe moe, kyun~☆"
I performed my signature move. Lady Tiana began to cheer with pure delight.
"Yay! Moe moe kyun!"
She even imitated me, forming a heart shape over her omurice with her tiny hands. Seeing her so happy made all the effort worthwhile.
"Ah... um. Ra—I mean, Lily, just where exactly is your life heading...?"
Ariane looked up at me with a suspicious, bewildered gaze, but I gave her a resolute answer.
"I am a professional."
"A... professional?"
"And a specialist."
"I... see..."
"Then, please enjoy your meal!☆"
Though Ariane still looked deeply confused, she and Lady Tiana began to enjoy their omurice together.
So it went... meeting all sorts of acquaintances throughout the day. And then, at the very end of the shift, they arrived.
"Wow... it's really busy in here."
"Ah! Is that Ray?"
"Whoa! She's incredibly beautiful!"
"No, I’d say she barely holds a candle to Rebecca-sama. Truly."
Standing there were Rebecca-senpai and Dina-senpai. It appeared these two would be my final customers for the first day.