Chapter 9 - The Rowdy Medical Room

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Part 1

After that, Ikki went with Stella to her room to pick out a dress.

Then they returned to the Bay Dome. Stella went towards the Medical Room where Sara was waiting, while Ikki went to the meeting place after contacting Arisuin along the way.

The waiting place was at the third entrance of the Bay Dome.

Once Ikki arrived, Arisuin, who was at the bench in front of the fountain, waved his hand.

Ikki. Here, here.

Ikki jogged towards them after being guided by the voice.

Sitting next to Arisuin was Shizuka, who looked like a high-quality doll.

Sorry for calling you out all of a sudden, Alice. Oh, Shizuku also came.

Wherever Onii-sama goes; be it into a fire or a bath, Shizuku will join regardless.

Stop that.

Fufufu. Its a joke. As expected, going into a fire would be troubling.

What I am troubled about is not that......But is it alright? Shizuku has another match today. I think that its best to preserve your stamina.

More importantly, it was about the third round battle at night.

The one who would be competing for the victor in D-Block against Shizuku was the one who had already won two consecutive matches without fighting, a member of the Akatsuki Academy, Bad Luck Amane Shinomiya.

An eerie contender who possessed Nameless Glory, a bottomless causal interference ability that could bend all causal effects to his wishes.

Since he was her brother, it was natural for him to be worried about her.

However, Shizuku returned that worry with an elegant smile.

Its alright, Onii-sama. Shizuku has a grand secret plan.

Now that you mention it, you seem to have said that before. I have not heard of the details though.

Yeah. As it concerns the outcome, the details cannot be revealed to Onii-sama after all. But its alright to not worry about me......Or rather, doesnt Onii-sama also have a match? Even though your opponent is that Akatsukis exhibitionist, you want us to go to the department store with her. What exactly happened?

Ahh, thats......

Ikki explained the sequence of events to the doubtful Shizuku.

About how Stella had torn her apron.

And how Sara still intended to wear that apron to the match.

And how it was decided that Stella would bring her to the department store after half-threatening her.

Certainly......Stella-san can be unexpectedly attentive.

Shizuku commented with an impressed feeling after grasping the situation.

Though he felt that some parts were unnecessary, Ikki nodded without touching on that part.

Honestly speaking, it really helped me. If she had fought in that attire......it wouldve been hard for me to fight.

He did not intend for that to disrupt his concentration......

No such intention, but............he had no confidence.

Even Ikki was a young man, so it was a physiological phenomenon that could not be helped.

I see. So thats the reason you called me.

Un. Alice is well versed in that, right? Thats why I hope that you can teach Sara-san the joy of dressing up, or at least wearing a minimum amount of clothes.

His skill in makeup and coordinating clothes could clearly be understood from seeing Shizuku.

If she saw her own figure after he seriously coordinated her clothes, Sara might also get interested.

And then once she was interested, she might not show up topless before others anymore.

That was what Stella considered.

Ikki also agreed on that point.

He believed that the fundamental feeling of shame was non-existent in Sara.

She wore an apron to avoid the paint, it could count as having a minimal amount of clothing to cover herself with, but she would probably go out without even wearing an apron if she was not drawing.

He could not understand the reason as to why she was like that.

She was that much of a genius. It would not be strange if one or two wires in her head were connected differently from normal people.

Or rather, she did not understand the concept of wearing clothes as it was shameful to be naked in the first place.

Then, what they could do was......only to rouse her interest.

They could only make her like the act of dressing herself up.

In consideration of Arisuins feelings, Ikki asked him apologetically.

Arisuin, on the other hand, showed a refreshing smile and positively replied.

Sure. Its true that I was once part of Akatsuki Academy and their comrade, but I have not met with them directly.

The only ones Arisuin had met directly were Puppeteer Reisen Hiraga and One Armed Swordsman Wallenstein who originally came here as a teacher of Akatsuki Academy.

Hence, he said that it would not be awkward.

Also......That girl only became like this due to her negligence of health and tardiness, but shes like a gem in the rough. I also have the motivation.

It really helps if you say that.

......Even so, Im astonished. That exhibishionist is still aiming for Onii-sama. I will do another drop kick on her stomach when she arrives.

I-Its not a good idea to do that to someone who is having a match today......!

While getting cold sweat at his sisters disturbing words, the three of them chattered as they waited for Stella and Sara to arrive.

However, those two had still not arrived even after they had waited for a while.

Ikki looked at the time on his student datapad.

It was already five minutes past the meeting time.

(Speaking of which, they are really slow......)

He acknowledged that the preparation for girls was slow, but in Saras case, it was just putting on clothes.

More or less considering that she also had her preferences, they even prepared four sets......

(Could it be that she had already awakened to dressing up and took her time to pick out the clothes, or something like that?)

If that was so, then it would help save the talk, but......

Meanwhile, as Ikki was thinking about that...

Ah. Stella-chan and Sara have come.

Arisuin stood up after seeing those two coming out of the third entrance of the Dorm.

Ikki and Shizuku also stood up and welcomed them.

However......as they shortened the distance, Ikki felt something wrong.

Somehow, Stella was not energetic.

K-Kept you waiting............

Nor was her voice full or spirit.

Her back was also hunched, she seemed to be really tired.

......S-Stella, you seem somewhat worn out? What happened?

As he asked if something happened...

T-Thats......

Stella glanced at Sara who was brought along.

Saras attire was just a jersey.

Just hearing that did not seem to suggest any sex appeal.

However, the impression of her cleavage peeking out from the zipper opened up at her chest betrayed that.

Although this attire should not have anything to do with sex appeal, wearing it sloppily only added to that sensation.

They could see that the passersby also took glances at Saras cleavage.

Its not good for a girl to be wearing such a shameful attire. Youre not Fuko-chan, so close up the zipper properly.

Arisuin complained about her appearance and zipped up the jersey up to her neck.

However, the instant he let go...

*Jijijijiji......*

The zipper returned to its original position after opening up with that noise.

O-Oh my......

The chest area is too tight to be closed up. Other dresses had their buttons pop out, so nothing worked out.

Ugu!

Stella leaked out a groan as if Saras words were brass knuckles that punched her stomach.

Ikki also understood her reason for feeling down from that appearance.

I s-somehow understand the reason why Stella is like that......

......I t-tasted a humiliation that I have never experienced before............

Thats probably true.

Girls with chests as big as Stella were not common.

Even in Hagun Academy......probably only Kanata Totokubara could match her.

My condolences.

Honestly speaking, I may feel depressed for a while......

Stella, who became groggy from an unprecedented psychological impact, had her waist bent like a granny, trembling all over, and raised her face in agony.

And then......she suddenly stopped moving.

Stella stared straight at Shizuku, who was in front of her......

Now then! Since everyone has gathered, lets hurry up and leave for the department store!

Her back suddenly straightened up, as she announced with vigor.

Stella-san, where did you look just now to recover yourself?

Now, we dont have much time because the match is at night! Lets make haste!

Stella-san, please answer honestly. Since I will kill you.

Part 2

It took a twenty-minute-long bus trip from the Bay Dome to reach a certain large downtown street.

Three large shopping malls whose names everybody knew faced one another; it was a fierce battle zone in the middle of commercial metropolis Osaka.

Ikkis group reached the JR station which overlooked those three shopping malls and alighted the bus at the rotary.

........................

The expressions on the five of them were all worn out after the ride.

Even though they didnt walk here.

That reason was...

Kurogane-san! I am definitely going to Hagun next year! Please remember me!

Thank you very much for your signature, Stella Onee-sama! I will treasure it for the rest of my life!

Shizuku-chan! Please look over here again! With those despising eyes!

Everyone, I will be cheering for you! Please do your best!

The windows of the bus were all fully open and a group of middle school students stretched out their bodies and waved their hands.

Dear passengers, please do not lean your faces outside of the windows!

Ignoring the drivers pitiful warning, those girls continued to wave their hands at Ikkis group with their eyes glittering in admiration.

Thats right: the five of them shared a bus with some middle school students that were moving in a group for some club activities or such, and were asked for signatures and handshakes, receiving a one-sided admiration from those students as they were swarmed upon them.

Even their friendly smiles as they saw off the bus were cramping up.

This is......I have underestimated it.

As Ikki murmured with a sigh, Stella nodded as she fixed up her disheveled hair with her fingers acting as a comb.

U-usually, theyre not so persistent......today is really above the norm.

Im sick of people......Im feeling sick......

Are you alright?

Sara rubbed Shizukus back, who had a poor complexion.

If it was the usual Shizuku, she would have put up a strong front to people other than Ikki and Arisuin, but...

Mu, thank you very much......Uu.

Shizuku, who had originally already disliked crowds, was further showered with praise and admiration, causing her to be too fatigued to be able to put up a front.

Well, they used to hold back for privacy reasons, but now everyone is in a festive mood......Not to mention, there are four out of the best eight in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival gathered here. This development shouldve been expected.

All of them nodded to Arisuins words.

However, that regret was a little too late

*Dodododo.*

A sudden rumbling noise resounded in the fives ears.

As they raised their heads to see what was happening...

Eh?

Oi over here, over here! They are in front of the bus stop!

Kya! Ikki-kun in person! Just like the information on Tweeter mentioned!

Quick, lets share this with everyone!

Stella-sama! Please shake hands with me!

It was literally a Human Wave that was rushing towards Ikkis group from the shopping mall, where they were heading to, towards the bus stop where they had alighted.

Someone, or possibly everyone on the bus that they rode......had probably leaked Ikkis groups location onto the Internet.

Information society is scary

Now is not the time to look afar to escape from reality, Alice! If we dont do something, someone will get injured!

C-Certainly, with such a number of people, if someone fell down, it will be terrible.

However, Onii-sama, what should we do to calm them......

Breasts! Imperial princesss breasts! With such a number of people, we can do it!

Must try to touch them in this commotion!

Aim for the s-sswitch at the center! Center switch! (TL note: Yeah, you perverts. Its the nipple of course.)

Shizuku-sama! Please use your adorable little feet to step on me!

Lets kill them, for the time being.

C-Calm down, you two! I understand your feelings, but you will be expelled at once if you do that!

As Ikki was calming down the rising killing intent of the two, he made a suggestion at the same time.

Anyway, lets escape! If we were caught by that number of people, let alone buying clothes, it wouldnt be strange if we couldnt make it back by the time the match begins!

However...

That may be a little too late.

When they turned behind after hearing Saras voice, people sprang out from the station behind them with mobile phones in their hands, wanting to get a closer look at the best eight in the whole country.

In other words, they were surrounded on both sides.

Well, if its like this, it doesnt seem possible to escape.

It cant be helped.

Yeah. At first, I didnt want to resort to violence, but it cant be helped.

The expression of you two is not it cant be helped though, but rather, its filled with killing intent!?

(What to do? At this rate, it will really turn into a bloodbath......)

However, Ikki did not have any alternatives.

As far as he could see, with the tension over there, they would not listen to him properly.

What should he do?

Just as he was in a dilemma...

......In short, it will be fine as long as those people cannot see.

As Sara told him, she took out her device Brush of Demiurge and palette.

What are...

You doing?, before Ikki could ask her, Sara had already finished her business with a god-like hand speed.

As she mixed the paint on her palette to grey color...

Color of Magic Stone Grey of the roadside.

She then painted it onto the back of her hand.

In that instant, Ikkis group who were at that place felt that they could no longer focus onto Sara.

The Color of Magic Noble Art that controlled the concept associated with colors.

One of those was that stone grey.

Those who were painted that color would make themselves difficult to be noticed, just like a stone at a roadside.

It was to the point of being unable to sense the existence itself by anyone except those like Ikkis group, who were knights that routinely trained their concentration.

......They did not receive an explanation about that technique from Sara, but they all felt it themselves, and understood the effect of her Noble Art. At the same time, they also knew how to handle the current situation.

I see. It would be fine to use magic and make myself invisible. I never thought of this since I have never used it this way.

......If there is another way, then it cant be helped.

As they murmured somewhat disappointedly, Stella and Shizuku closed their eyes...

Flame Veil.

Blue Fantasy.

Along with the chants, Stella using heat, while Shizuku using water, they each deployed a membrane to bend the light.

They made their figures unseeable only to the crowd.

It was an application for those two who both had excellent magic power control.

As expected, these three are skillful. Then I will use my ability to make Ikkis shadow thinner.

Arisuin deployed his Device, Darkness Hermit, as he said so.

His ability was to control the concept of shadow.

If he used that power, it would literally make the shadow thinner, possible to obtain temporary stealth against people.

Originally, they were not allowed to use their ability in public areas, but at this rate they were bound to cause a major incident.

Ikki also did not point that out as he understood it. However...

No, its fine.

Ikki declined Arisuins assist.

Oh? But Ikkis magic is unable to do it, right?

Well, that would be the case if its about magic, but its more than enough to handle normal citizens with just my body control.

As he answered such, Ikki turned his focus to the gazes of the human wave pushing towards them.

Then he read the gaps of blind spots, thinner than a string, from all those paying attention to him, and strolled in there.

Ancient Stepping, Trackless Step he used it against the opponent that was the crowd, with their gazes filling almost every corner.

Not a single person noticed Ikki who was travelling against the human wave.

His vision that could pinpoint the blind spot of that many people's gazes, and the body control technique that did not make a single millimeter margin of error, caused Arisuin to be astounded.

Oh my. Your stealth makes even an assassin lose face. Im really amazed by you, Ikki.

Leaking out a voice of admiration at Ikki Kuroganes bottomless technique, Arisuin followed after those four.

Once Darkness Hermit permeated into his own shadow......that shadow immediately thinned out.

At that moment, the figure of those five people, who had gained the attention of every person gathered there, disappeared.

H-Huh!? Not there!? Disappeared!?

Hey wait a minute! What do you mean!? Ikki-kun is not there!

Thats strange. They were there just a moment ago, huh?

The confused crowd made a commotion as the five people suddenly disappeared like smoke.

With their targets lost, the passion that had nowhere to go soon dispersed after stalling in place for a while.

There would probably be nobody who would get injured anymore.

Seeing that, Ikkis group passed through the crowd of hundreds of people right from the center, and entered the shopping mall.

Part 3

After the five of them entered the nearest shopping mall, they took the escalator to the sixth floor where female clothes were sold.

Coincidentally, it was the Summer Lady Fashion Exhibition, so some partitions of the whole floor were temporarily removed.

Heeh. Theres quite a variety of stores.

They also seem to be displaying limited overseas brands during this Exhibition period.

Shizuku had supplemented Stellas impression after looking at the flyer that was given out at the entrance of the floor.

The human traffic during the Seven Star Sword-Art Festival had increased to an amount incomparable to the usual times.

When would they make a showdown if not then?

In another sense, it was obvious that the shops on the whole floor would give it their all during such an event.

If there is such a variety of clothes, you are sure to find one you like! Now, lets hurry up and go browse around!

However, Sara simply showed an unmotivated expression to Stellas instruction.

And she randomly grabbed a nearby piece of clothing.

......Then this will be fine.

Eh? You have already decided? Huh, this is a negligee! Its what you wear for sleeping!

Its fine if I can wear it.

There is a big problem! This is pretty much see-through! The image wont be shown if you wear this with your proportions! Dont just randomly pick, choose properly!

......Muu, then this.

What? Now its not even clothes anymore! This is a belt! Just a belt!

It can cover my breasts if I wrap it around myself.

Wouldnt that just make you look like someone who has a unique sexual fetish!? Make sure to choose clothes, only clothes!

I got it. I will choose properly after looking............Ive made my choice.

In the end, its an apron!? Are you somehow cursed to only wear aprons naked!?

Its quick to wear, quick to take off, and feels cooling too. Its the best choice from a logical perspective.

......I wonder if that is what it feels like after marrying a husband who has no interest in food......

Next to Stella, who was holding her head, Arisuin mumbled Youre right as he held his chin with his hand.

This is even more severe than I had expected it to be.

Her reason for wear clothes was at a somewhat obligatory level.

It would be a truly difficult challenge to make her interested in fashion.

However......

Are you able to do it somehow?

Well, leave it to me.

Arisuin believed that there was no way that there wouldnt be a method.

If there was no reason to wear them, he just had to give her one.

Hey, Lily. Why are you not interested in fashion?

......Theres no reason for me to decorate myself. Since I dont really have anyone to dress up for.

However, you want to make Ikki your nude model and draw him, right?

So?

Then, isnt that a reason?

?

As Sara tilted her head in confusion, Arisuin got closer to her ear and whispered with an evil expression.

Make yourself pretty and become cute......you just need to make Ikki fall for you.

Wha, A-Alice!?

W-WWW-What are you saying!?

Hearing bits of Alices disturbing words, Ikki and Stella changed their expressions.

The friend who knew about their relationship was trying to create a discord between them.

That was probably an obvious reaction.

However, Sara also knew about their relationship.

......Thats impossible. Another One already has Crimson Princess as his lover. Its not possible for him to fall for me.

She showed disapproval to Arisuins suggestion. However...

Ufufu. Thats not true, you know? Man is a creature that says I will only love you for my whole life but will easily have an affair. Lily is a famous painter, so you should know, right? Even Zeus was like that, so it isnt certain that Ikki, who is just a human, wont have an affair. Not to mention, this country also has a nonsensical saying that Affairs are the proof of a husbands worth.

............Really?

Yeah. You just need to work hard and make yourself pretty, then snatch Ikki away, see? Wont you be able to draw him all you want if that happens?

..................

Arisuin looked like the Serpent that was tempting Eve, gradually guiding her into the taboo.

Stella could not keep quiet about that anymore, and interrupted the two.

A-Alice! Dont teach her strange things! And Sara, dont make that maybe I will try working hard a little face! Ikki is my boyfriend, got it!? S-Seduction is immoral, its absolutely not allowed!

However, Arisuin only showed a provocative smile towards Stella who had interrupted him.

Oh my, oh my~? Isnt this opinion really unlike Stella-chan?

W-What do you mean?

Do you think that you have won after becoming a couple? I thought that Stella-chan would say something like I will continue to capture Ikkis heart with my charm, so try snatching him away if you can.

Guh......!

Stella slightly wavered after Arisuins provocation.

Shizuku, who was observing her until then, slid in and hugged Ikkis arm like a tangling ivy, and dealt another blow to Stella.

Well well, theres nothing as unbearable to watch as a woman who has turned prudent. A female should chase after a more charming male. And a male should chase after a more charming female. Even though this is a philosophy similar to the survival of the fittest in the law of nature, saying things like morality, clinging onto concepts that humanity has arbitrarily made on its own, you are a pretty boring woman......Onii-sama, women will fall into depravity like that. Its better that you abandon her now. This woman will become someone who will not do housework, just watch TV drama while lazily lying around when her husband is working hard, and shell waste all the savings on stocks and investments. Of course, Shizuku will not become someone like that.

Grr............!

G-Geez, Alice and Shizuku, dont bully Stella so much.

Ikki also joined in as he couldnt bear to watch it anymore.

In the end, if Ikki had no such intention, there wouldnt be any affair in the first place.

And Ikki was confident that such a thing would be impossible.

Thats only a matter of course. How would he be unsatisfied with such a wonderful girl beside him, a girl that he was unworthy of?

Hence, Ikki said those thoughts out loud...

Stella, you dont need to take them seriously. My feelings will absolutely

Wait, Ikki.

Mugu!?

However, those words were physically blocked by Stellas hand.

Sealing Ikkis words, Stella spoke.

......Just like those two said, I was wrong.

S-Stella?

I understand what Ikki was going to say just now, but Ikki saying those words himself and me forcing you are two entirely different matters.

Stella cautioned herself in her heart.

Did it mean that she had won if she became his lover?

It was absolutely like that.

......She felt that she had become too dependent on their relationship after it was revealed recently.

(In the first place, I dont have the qualification to suppress the girls gathered around Ikki.)

Of course.

Ikki Kurogane was a man loved by none other than Stella Vermillion.

He was that charming of a man.

In a sense, it was only obvious that those who knew about his story and received his gentleness would come to like him.

......In addition, if she kept making a fuss with I am her lover, thats why! to every single person that got close to him, it would not be elegant at all. It was not charming.

(If I relax just because of our promise, I will be finished as a woman......!)

It was the heart, and not the promise, that bound the lovers.

To keep on loving him, and keep being loved by him.

Only by working hard like that, could she honestly accept Ikkis words !

Fine! Sara Bloodlily! Do as you like if you feel like it! I wont stop you! But I wont let you steal him! Ikkis heart only belongs to me, Stella Vermillion!

As she thrusted her finger high in the air to make her declaration of war, Stella immediately left the group and walked towards the exhibition by herself, not wanting to waste a single moment.

She was probably thinking about how not to lose to Sara who had Arisuin to coordinate for her.

Since its a rare chance for me as well,then, Onii-sama, see you later.

After Stella, Shizuku also walked away by herself.

Seeing off those two, cheerful giggles spilled out from the mastermind, Arisuin.

Ufufu. Ikki sure is being loved.

Before his gaze as he said that, was Ikki who was fuming in anger.

......A~li~ce.

Aww, dont show such a scary expression. Youre ruining your cute face.

How can I not get angry? You purposely provoked Stella since you know that she hates losing.

It cant be helped. This was the only reason I could think of for Lily. And I mean every single thing that I told them as well. Ikki also doesnt want to chain Stella-chan down with just some promise, right?

............Well, thats also true.

After hearing his explanation, Ikki couldnt make a rebuttal either.

He also didnt want to chain Stella down with a promise.

Then I will bring Lily around, but do you want to come along as well?

......No, Shizuku also seems to have gone before I know it. Since I also have something I want to buy, I will be going there.

I see. Then in two hours, lets meet up back here. I will also mail everyone.

Part 4

As the shops were having a showdown, it could be seen that the contents of the exhibitions were very diverse.

From casual wear to formal dresses, there were even native outfits as well.

Three floors of the department store were used to display lady wear from classic to modern, Eastern to Western.

The main goods were displayed using mannequins that attracted attention, pushing for the summers trends and brands.

A mild milky-colored one-piece.

A refreshing striped flared skirt.

Even just seeing those brought about a joyous mood.

However...

......Its cute, but...

It was not something like that.

Stella thought that it was weak.

Not to mention that her opponent had Arisuin.

Shizuku appeared to be three times cuter the last time he seriously coordinated for her.

As Sara didn't even bother coordinating herself, she might have an even greater potential.

The mainstream ones she held in her hands......putting it in a negative way, they were ordinary choices. She was slightly worried.

............However, going too far into the unorthodox path would also be dangerous......

Oh?

At that moment, the melancholic Stella was attracted to a corner of the exhibition.

What she saw in that section was Chill! Yukata Summer Exhibition! (You may try them on) written on a pamphlet.

It was a corner specially for handling yukata.

This may be good!

It was a mainstream one, yet highly unexpected choice.

It was also a proper choice for the season, and she did not have to worry about clashing with Sara, since she was going to wear clothes with ease of movement in mind as she was going to use it for her match.

In addition, as Stella did not have a single set of kimono, it wasnt a bad chance to buy one.

Stella made up her mind and walked towards the corner.

And after browsing through the merchandises that asserted beauty, she eventually picked one out.

It was a yukata with a red and white base which matched with her hair color.

She released Flame Veil as she took it into her hands.

Then she walked towards the shop attendant.

Excuse me. I want to try this on.

Welcome. You want to try it on, right? Then this way......!?

In an instant, the middle-aged woman attending her froze her expression.

Because she realized who the person talking to her was after seeing her face.

Y-YYY-You are, could it be that you are Vermillions Princess Stella? W-Why have you come here!?

Like I said......Umm, I want to try this on.

A-Ahh! Thats right! Thats what you said! Our shop has that service! I forgot about it as I was too surprised! T-Then please, wait a moment! I will prepare tea and some tea cakes! Saitou-san! Please go and buy some top-grade tea cakes and tea! The most expensive ones!

No, you dont have to do that! Theres no need for that, please let me try this on!

Stella stopped the middle-aged woman who was trying to take out her wallet from her pocket to let her colleague nearby buy tea and tea cake in a hurry.

I came with my friends today, so I cant stay for long. But I appreciate the thought.

S-Sorry for my impoliteness. We have no experience in receiving state guests, s-so I got a little overexcited......ahaha.

Im just a student now. Please, do not mind.