Just like yesterday, I spent my time in the persona of Lily, attending to the crowds.
"Welcome~☆"
Perhaps word of Lily had spread, as the turnout was nearly double that of yesterday. Naturally, almost every order was for the Moe Moe Omurice Set.
This meant that for the next hour, I would have to continuously perform that signature pose and chant—my metaphorical secret weapon.
A few of my classmates had voiced their concerns, wondering if it might be too much for me to handle, but their worries were misplaced. As a professional, I could manage an hour of service with ease.
True to her word, Maria was the first customer again today. After I finished attending to her, Carla-san arrived a short while later.
"Welcome~☆ Will you be dining alone today?"
"Yes," Carla-san replied with her usual bluntness. Just before she sat down, she discreetly slipped me a piece of paper, ensuring it stayed hidden from the surrounding eyes.
"What would you like to orderrr~☆?"
"The same as yesterday."
"Understood!"
On my way to the kitchen, I stole a quick glance at the note. It was written in a military code I had used during my time as a soldier. Deciphering it instantly, I understood why she had come here alone.
After delivering the Moe Moe Omurice Set and performing the usual routine for her, I leaned in and whispered under my breath.
"...Understood. I'm counting on you."
Then, back in character: "We hope to see you again soon~☆"
I maintained my composure and continued serving the other customers as Lily.
In truth, however, my mind was racing. The information on that slip of paper was significant.
'I have obtained information on Evan Bernstein. Please come to Abby Garnet’s residence at 19:00 today.'
Carla-san had managed to track him down in just one week. Judging by the tone of the message and her aura, there was no longer any doubt—there was definitely something going on with that man.
Despite my inner turmoil, I didn't let my performance waver for a second as I carried out my duties as Lily.
◇
"Just go already!"
"Yeah, yeah! We can handle things here!"
"But..."
Once the peak hours had passed, a discussion—though not quite an argument—broke out among Amelia and the others in the classroom.
The afternoon schedule featured the Physique Contest, where Evi would be competing, followed by the Miss Contest.
The shifts had been adjusted specifically for this. Albert, Elisa, Clarice, and I were all set to go and cheer him on. Amelia, however, had insisted she couldn't leave the classroom unattended. Now, her classmates were practically pushing her out the door.
The girls were speaking with a strange, fervent energy, clearly looking out for Amelia’s interests.
"If you let this chance slip, someone might snatch him away, you know?"
"...Eh!?"
"Exactly. You have to keep a close eye on him!"
"Y-you're right...! I have to keep watch!"
"That's the spirit!"
I wasn't entirely sure what they were talking about, but it seemed Amelia would be joining us after all. I didn't quite grasp the meaning behind being "snatched away" or needing to "keep watch," but it was clearly a matter of great importance to her.
Once Amelia changed back into her school uniform, the four of us headed to Clarice’s classroom. We found her standing there as usual, her beautiful golden twin-tails fluttering.
"Ah...!"
Recognizing us, Clarice’s face lit up with a smile as she hurried over.
"Geez! You’re late! Wait... huh? I thought Amelia couldn't make it?" she asked, looking puzzled.
"Ahaha... well, a lot happened. I managed to get away."
"I see! Well, that’s good... I mean, it’s not like I’m relieved or happy that we’re all together or anything, okay? I just thought it wouldn't feel right without Amelia here," Clarice added, her twin-tails bouncing up and down busily as she made her excuses.
I often wondered how those twin-tails moved like that. It was undoubtedly some magical factor, but still...
"Are you not happy, Clarice?"
"...Eh!?"
"I’m glad Amelia could join us."
"W-well, I mean... it’s not like I’m not happy... Ugh! Ray, just be quiet!"
"..."
She could be so unreasonable. It hadn't been very long since we last spoke, but Clarice was clearly operating at her usual capacity.
The four of us set off together. The three girls were chatting excitedly among themselves, while I discussed the upcoming competition with Albert.
"So, is the Club President the favorite to win?"
"Likely so. As you said, Albert, the President has the highest probability of taking the title."
"Still, Evi has been training relentlessly."
"Yeah. He’s put an incredible amount of work into this. It might be a closer match than people think."
Evi’s dedication to this contest was truly impressive. Even while handling his responsibilities during the Cultural Festival, he hadn't missed a single day of training. He had strictly managed his diet for this moment, and he was undoubtedly waiting in peak condition.
"Are you two not interested in the Miss Contest at all?" Clarice interrupted, sliding between Albert and me. Her twin-tails swayed as she looked back and forth at us.
"To be honest... I’m more interested in the physiques."
"Same as Ray. Most of our seniors from the Environmental Research Club are competing, and I heard muscle-bound representatives from other clubs are gathering as well. It should be quite a show."
"Definitely."
When Albert and I gave our answers, Clarice let out a long, theatrical sigh.
"This is why muscle-brains are so hopeless... actually, now that I think about it, all three of you are muscle-brains..."
"Are you looking forward to the Miss Contest then, Clarice?"
"Eh? No, not really," she replied nonchalantly, her expression composed.
Albert and I both had the same thought: Then why did you even ask?
"Well... if anything, I'm looking forward to the muscles too. Especially since our seniors are in it."
"I see..."
"But I heard this year’s Miss Contest is going to be incredible for a lot of reasons!"
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know the details, but that’s what everyone was saying."
"Hoh..."
I had almost no information regarding the Miss Contest. I didn't know who was competing or who the frontrunners were.
If someone like Rebecca-senpai or Amelia were entering, I might have been more interested, but both of them had declined. While I didn't know every student at the Academy, I found it hard to imagine anyone surpassing those two in terms of beauty.
Rebecca-senpai, in particular, was on a level that transcended mere looks.
As for Amelia, she had been acting a bit strange lately, so I tended to see her more as a friend than a "beauty." But Rebecca-senpai remained as radiant as ever. I was certain that if she entered, her victory would be guaranteed.
Finally, we reached the auditorium. The interior was already packed with people. We navigated through the bustle and found a few empty seats.
It seemed Rebecca-senpai, Dina-senpai, and the other Gardening Club Seniors were managing the event. I had felt bad about them taking on so much extra work, so I hadn't pushed to be involved in the operations.
"Oh... it’s finally starting."
The house lights dimmed, leaving only the stage illuminated by spotlights. Rebecca-senpai emerged from the wings and gave the audience a graceful bow.
"We will now begin our annual contests."
With those words, the highlight of the Cultural Festival finally got underway.