Chapter 47: Two in One

"Cheers!"

Clink—a light, clear sound echoed through the private room of the karaoke box.

Present here are me, the faction members, Mikoto, Kamijou, Index, Stiyl, Kanzaki—and for some reason, Kazakiri.

Well, I know her true identity, but just for formality's sake, I decided to ask Kamijou, since he’s probably the one who brought her. I mean, the girl looks seriously out of place.

"Um… who might this be?"

"Hm? Oh, this is Kazakiri. We just met today, but she got along with Index, and she said she wanted to meet Reicia too."

"I see… that makes sense."

Ah, so that’s how it connects. For Index, Kazakiri is her first personally-made friend—the kind she formed a bond with using her own strength, without Kamijou’s help. Considering her personality, it’s only natural she’d want her new friend to get along with her other friends too.

《…This is supposed to be a party celebrating Shiren’s return, and she invited someone we don’t even know? That white nun has no sense of decorum.》

《Come on. It’s not like she’s a total stranger to us. …Besides, we kinda need Kazakiri to slowly come to terms with the fact that she’s an AIM Angel.》

Or so I was thinking when—

"Uh… sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude or anything…"

Right on cue, Kazakiri spoke up. From the way she said it, it’s clear she was feeling awkward. Makes sense—it’s a room full of strangers. They’re all good people, but that doesn’t make it easier.

"No worries. I hear you’re a friend of Index’s? Then that makes you practically a friend of mine as well. I’m Reicia=Blackguard. A pleasure, Miss Kazakiri."

That smile must’ve been just what she needed.

Kazakiri, who had been visibly nervous, finally relaxed. Still a bit stiff, but with much more warmth in her tone, she replied—

"...Nice to meet you. Um… I’m Kazakiri Hyouka… something like… a human… maybe…?"

……What??

I found myself dumbfounded.

According to Kazakiri, the whole "realizing she’s a monster" arc is already over. Apparently, she’s already explained her background to Mikoto and Shirai too.

Index chimed in partway and said they’re deliberately avoiding explaining things to Stiyl and Kanzaki. If the magic side got wind of the full details, they’d consider it blasphemy or something, so better to keep it vague.

…Yeah, I’m pretty sure both of them already figured it out. They just chose to ignore it because she’s Index’s friend. Tossed aside their beliefs and turned a blind eye. I glanced their way and saw them both desperately looking away.

When I gently asked how she realized she wasn’t human, she told me that even without the whole Ellis attack, a minor accident—like scraping her knee—exposed something strange (namely that she was hollow), and around that time, Komoe-sensei figured out what she really was and explained it to her over the phone. …Was that how it went? Crap, I don’t remember volume six that well anymore.

"I see… Kamijou’s circle is becoming a real collection of oddballs, huh."

When I said that, Kazakiri gave me a strained smile.

We’ve got a gluttonous sister, a gloomy girl who attracts vampires, a tsundere electric princess, a clone girl, a noble with a split personality, and now a man-made angel. The variety’s almost impressive.

"So… from what I hear, your existence is a bit unstable. Are you really okay? I mean, we just became friends and all."

"…Yeah, it’s okay. I’m kind of unstable in some ways… but I’m not going to disappear or anything…"

When I brought it up, Kazakiri smiled to reassure the worried-looking Index. She really is acting like a big sister now.

Then—

"—Pardon the interruption. Switching back now. This is Reicia speaking. Miss Kazakiri? From what I’ve heard, saying ‘it’s okay because I haven’t disappeared’ sounds a bit too reserved, don’t you think?"

Ah—Reicia-chan is fired up.

"…B-But… that’s really all I can say…"

《She’s right, Reicia-chan. I think after this, Kazakiri was only able to manifest as a 3D projection for a while. She eventually managed to come out freely, but for now…》

《Then that wishy-washy resolution of Shiren’s needs to be fixed!》

Ugh… got yelled at.

And since there’s a precedent, I can’t really argue back.

"—You need to create a way to stay in touch!"

Wham! That was firm.

Reicia-chan said something completely obvious—but still, it hit hard. Yeah, even if she only appears now and then, if there’s a way to contact her, they could meet and hang out again. Simple.

"Index is free 24/7 anyway! Don’t hesitate to reach out to her!"

"Hey, Reicia! That’s kind of rude! I do have busy days, you know—like when I’m watching Kanamin!"

"Otaku anime or friends—which do you value more!?!?!?"

…Ugh. Reicia-chan really doesn’t hold back when it comes to otaku hobbies…

But hey, she instantly recognized that Kanamin was from an otaku anime. She’s been doing her homework. That’s progress. Good trend, good trend.

"…You’re right! Reicia’s absolutely right!!"

Ah, and there goes Index. Completely shut down. Not that watching anime together would be a bad thing…

"B-But… how are we supposed to contact each other…? I don’t have any ID, so I can’t get a phone, and… she’s not good with phones either…"

"There are public phones, aren’t there!? I’ll teach you how to use them!"

"…But I don’t have money…"

"Do you know who I am!? I’ll just rent out some random coin locker and stuff it full of cash! Use it as you like! Problem solved, right!?"

…Whoa. Reicia-chan is amazing. She just made it so that Kazakiri and Index can keep hanging out, no problem.

It might be an extravagant waste of money, but I once told her, "Don’t be stingy with money when it’s something important to you." From Reicia-chan’s perspective, this is money well spent. And honestly, I think it is too—a good kind of splurge.

"If we make her learn some idol-like tricks, she could trend on social media. Then Index would notice her right away…"

"…I don’t really get it, but that sounds really scary…"

"……………Well, I suppose that’s about the limit of what’s reasonable. Anyway—no matter what state you’re in, don’t hold back, don’t give up, and go after what you want with everything you’ve got!"

And with that, Reicia-chan finally lowered her metaphorical sword.

She looked thoroughly satisfied. And Index and Kazakiri were absolutely beaming. In the grand scheme of history, it might’ve been a minor event, but to them, it brought dramatic and wonderful change.

…Reicia-chan, you’ve grown so much. The old me probably would’ve been so happy just seeing this that I’d be ready to pass on peacefully.

But now, as someone older and (hopefully) wiser, I realize—I’ve still got a lot of growing to do too.

I wonder… have I changed a little, myself?

"—Hey, woman."

I had been drinking while watching Yumetsuki-san and Rinka-san from a distance, the two of them singing arm-in-arm as they escaped from Kazakiri and Index, who had started getting all lovey-dovey. That’s when Stiyl called out to me.

Just as I turned around to respond, Reicia-chan spoke up first.

"I must say, my name isn’t 'woman.' Or is this some masochistic kink where you’re hoping to be canceled for a lack of political correctness?"

"...Not you. I meant the other personality."

"Yes, yes, you called? ...Reicia-chan, please don’t butt in."

《But still...》

Let’s just ignore Reicia-chan pouting like that. You’ll never get anywhere with people like her if you keep reacting to every little thing they say. The key is to focus on the substance.

"...Hmph. Reicia-chan, was it? Seems like you’re the subordinate one in your little hierarchy. Not surprising, considering you’re the sub-personality."

《Why you...! If you're looking for a fight, I'll give you one!》

《Reicia-chan, calm down, calm down.》

These two really don’t get along...

"Anyway, you went out of your way to call me, so I assume you have something to discuss? What is it? …Ah, come to think of it, I didn’t expect you to help out during that incident, Stiyl-san. It really saved us. And Kanzaki-san, too..."

"No, I was just settling a debt. Besides, the one who actually formulated the spell was that girl. So from my perspective, I don’t consider the debt fully paid just yet."

I tried prompting Kanzaki, who had been watching Stiyl and me from a slight distance. She replied in her usual tone. Honestly, if you left her alone, she’d probably spend her entire life trying to repay that debt. I mean, I already feel like she’s more than made up for it...

《...Well, sure, if someone cries their eyes out in front of you like that, the guilt-induced weight of the debt kinda doubles.》

《Cried? ...Wait, what are you talking about?》

Crap, I seriously don’t remember that. Did I cry somewhere? Was that some kind of euphemism? ...Anyway, I’ll shelve that for now.

As I was thinking that, Stiyl made a sour face and said,

"Honestly... Kanzaki’s too soft. As far as I’m concerned, we’re even. And another thing. I did not come all the way from Britain to this Far Eastern country just to help you. I’m here to talk about this letter!"

Bam! Stiyl shoved an envelope at me.

...Oh, right. That letter. I’d written something like a will, asking him to go easy on the personality that would return after I was gone. I think I sent a similar one to Kanzaki too.

"What the hell...! What is this ridiculous nonsense!?"

"Eh... Well, I mean, during that whole incident, I did hurt your pride, Stiyl-san… So this was both an apology and a way to ensure that the tangled mess of relationships I caused wouldn’t be passed on to Reicia-chan..."

"Exactly!!"

Wham! Stiyl pointed a finger straight at me.

U-uhh... That part?

"Why is it that...! You understand me that well... You even tried to smooth things over between us... And yet, you still can't fathom the idea that the positive impression might outweigh the negative!?"

"Eh... Eh...?"

"I’m saying you’re underestimating yourself too much! Do you really think everything you’ve done amounts to nothing but a huge negative!?"

Uh... so basically—

"Of course, I’ll never forgive you for putting her through unnecessary suffering. If you ever dare to take pride in that, I’ll burn you alive on the spot! But don’t get it twisted. I’m not so narrow-minded that I can’t acknowledge goodwill when I see it!"

...That’s a very roundabout way of putting it, but—

"...So, what you’re saying is, you don’t think badly of me?"

"—Hmph. If that’s what you want to believe, then believe it. I don’t care."

With just that, Stiyl turned and walked off in a huff.

"Heh. He’s not very honest, but... that’s his way of showing gratitude. Please try to understand."

"Oh, I already do."

"I still don’t like him, though."

"Reicia-chan..."

Yeah... Reicia-chan and Stiyl really don’t mix.

"...Looks like you finally got a moment to breathe, Shiren-san."

As I watched Kanzaki walk away, Misaka entered from the opposite direction.

"Oh, Misaka-san. ...It seems like you've been enjoying yourself."

I’d worried for a split second that Misaka might not have any friends here—but clearly, that was pointless. Turns out, she’s more than capable of holding her own socially. She was casually getting along with the rest of the group and having fun. That's great—makes me happy as a host that everyone’s enjoying themselves...

...Wait a second? Now that I think about it, I’m supposed to be the guest this time, right?

"Yeah, I guess. ...But, I mean, even I can’t match the interdimensional weirdness of your social circle."

"I’d say you’re pretty extraordinary yourself, Misaka-san..."

"Misaka?"

"Ah, uh—"

Crap... I accidentally called her by name. I’m so used to calling her that in my head...

"A-ah, no, you don’t have to change it! That’s totally fine. Misaka-san is good. Reicia, after all, started calling me just 'Misaka' ages ago."

"—And what of it? Is there some problem? If anything, the fact I was using honorifics until now was the real oddity."

Don’t start competing over weird stuff...

"—My apologies. Then, I’ll call you Misaka-san from now on."

"Y-yeah!"

I smiled at her, and she smiled right back.

...If I knew it would make her this happy, maybe I should’ve done it sooner.

"...Thanks, you know."

While I was feeling a hint of regret, Misaka suddenly said that.

She was talking to me—yeah. About the help during the Silent Party incident, I guess. Things escalated so fast, and I disappeared right after she fell asleep, so we never got the chance to talk about it.

"The stuff with the Academic Assembly too, and... that experiment."

"...You mean that incident? As far as that goes, I got involved entirely of my own volition."

"Even so. ...Because you dragged me in while throwing yourself into it, I had the chance to fight. You gave me the right to fight—and that saved me more than you realize."

...

"If, during that whole mess, I’d just sat there crying and left everything to him... I would’ve spent the rest of my life blaming myself for being powerless. But I got to save those kids with my own hands. Because of that... I was able to forgive myself, even if just a little."

She smiled as she said that—not all of it, of course, she added.

It’s far too heavy a burden for a fourteen-year-old girl to carry. ...But I guess Misaka will carry it all the same.

"Then one day, you’ll need to be able to forgive yourself completely."

Then, at the very least, I want to support her—until she can.

I think Reicia-chan feels the same.

"...You say some pretty cruel things, you know."

"There are many ways to carry a burden. But if you choose a way that’s too harsh, it may do nothing for the dead... and even less for the living."

What matters is now—and the future.

Lately, I’ve come to believe that.

Maybe that’s irresponsible in some ways—but still.

"...Ugh, seriously. Talking to you, Shiren-san, makes it feel like we’re not even the same age. It’s kinda awkward."

"I, for one, enjoy talking with you, Misaka-san. It feels like talking to a little sister—"

"Grrrrr... You're getting way too close for someone who’s just 'Misaka'!"

"...And then suddenly it turns into this. Seriously, you’re hard to deal with."

...W-well, I’ll probably get used to it eventually. Probably.

Right after that, Misaka was pulled back into the crowd by her faction members.

...She really is well-liked. She’s already at the center of the GMDW group. If this were a different faction, someone might’ve been like, "Why are you charming our members?" or whatever... but I don’t need to worry about that. We’re all tied together by a bond stronger than anything.

And then—

"How’s it going? Having fun?"

"Shiren-san, Reicia-san, as the stars of today’s party, you’ve both been totally swarmed, huh?"

As I sipped my tea (with Reicia-chan complaining, “This is cheap stuff!”), Yumetsuki-san and Rinka-san showed up just as Misaka left.

"Yes, thanks to all of you. By the way—who came up with this whole event?"

"Huh? The spiky-headed one, of course. Decorations were done with Seme-san’s help, looks like."

"We were on crafting duty for the decorations, you know! Like those paper chains and stuff!"

Rinka-san pointed toward the ceiling as she spoke.

Ah, so that’s why they didn’t let me into the usual room. And of course, it was Kamijou who suggested it. Never would’ve pegged him as the type to plan something like this. I always thought he was the tactless type, but... maybe I should reconsider that part of him a little.

"I see, so that's how it was..."

"...Shiren-san. Look, I’m just saying this for your own good, but I really think you need to reconsider your taste in men."

"Huh? ...Wait! Please, wait, that’s a huge misunderstanding!"

I frantically waved my hands.

No no no no... It’s not like that with Kamijou. He’s just a friend… Yeah. …But now that I think about it, if the only guy I hang out with (well, there’s also Stiyl) is Kamijou, and we’re seen together a lot, I guess people might start assuming things. I mean, from my perspective, he’s just a normal guy friend...

"A misunderstanding, is it?"

"Yes, completely. Totally and absolutely—wait, why are you all making those faces? Especially you, Index-san, why are you just staring like that...?"

Fortunately, Kamijou was too busy getting chewed out by Misaka to hear any of this, but Index, Stiyl, and Kanzaki were all giving me this look like, “Is this guy for real?” What the hell is that about...?

《Reicia-chan, help me. I think I’ve lost all sense of human emotion...》

《From an outsider’s point of view, aren’t you just, like... way too flirty?》

《Ehhhhh...》

Wait, seriously? That’s how it comes across? Really? ...And judging from the reactions, at least Index definitely thought so. Damn, that was close. I nearly moved forward with a completely catastrophic misunderstanding hanging in the air.

"Kamijou-san is nothing more than a very dear friend. Just like Misaka-san and Index-san. There's nothing deeper going on, I assure you."

"...Is that so? Well, I won’t press the issue further or anything."

"And for the record, while I don’t believe in ranking friendships, Yumetsuki-san, Rinka-san, and the rest of the faction members—are special to me."

I said that as Yumetsuki-san backed off, returning the sentiment with a little counter of my own.

Honestly, I think both Reicia-chan and I feel that way. Kamijou, Misaka, and Index are friends, and of course they’re important. But the GMDW girls are friends and comrades. It’s not even about whose value is greater—it’s like there's another axis altogether that defines the bond we share.

"Shiren-san… I mean, um, that is—your name..."

"Hm? Oh, feel free. Reicia-chan doesn’t speak all formally either, and using surnames forever makes things feel distant."

"—Then I shall call you Yumetsuki, Rinka, as well."

...Reicia-chan, you really don’t have to compete on everything.

"Hehe, I’m so happy, Reicia-san, Shiren-san!"

"...It kind of feels like I’ve got a little sister and big sister both poking at me at the same time, and it’s a bit overwhelming..."

Misaka said something similar, now that I think about it. Well, considering life experience, I guess it can’t be helped.

Still, they didn’t seem annoyed, so I felt relieved.

"Hehehe! Vice Presidents! I just queued up a song! Come on now, Sireishia-san, come with us!"

"Roger that! Let’s go, both of you!"

"Wa!? P-please, hold on just a moment...!"

Yumetsuki-san dragged me away, and at last, I was pulled into the circle of the faction members.

...Also, Sireishia, seriously? I mean, it does have a nice ring to it, I guess.

...Well, whatever.

"…………Phew."

After that… I must’ve been singing for about thirty minutes or so? I got tired eventually, so I stepped out of the room to cool off a bit.

Singing too much at karaoke kind of makes your whole body feel hot, doesn’t it?

《You were enjoying yourself quite a bit, weren’t you?》

Reicia-chan teased me with a laugh. …Look who’s talking. She jumped in a few times herself, singing all enthusiastically.

…But, well.

《Yeah, I really felt like a kid again. I wonder when the last time I had this much fun was.》

Even in my previous life, I might never have had this much fun. Since ending up in this body, I feel like my emotions have gotten way more intense… Is that just the body affecting me, or is it simply because I’ve had more going on?

《…………Speaking of which.》

As I let my thoughts drift, Reicia-chan suddenly spoke in a serious tone. Naturally, my real face tensed up to match.

《Earlier, you were switching up how you addressed yourself quite a bit, weren’t you?》

"Ah. …Yeah, I kind of slipped up about half the time. But I also just wanted to call myself that way. Now that I’ve been officially given the okay to live as Shiren in this body… I guess you could say it’s a fresh start?"

《…Hmm.》

Reicia nodded with interest and then said,

《In that case, isn’t it unnecessary for you to continue mimicking my speech patterns?》

"Hmm. You’re not wrong."

"That’s true, but honestly, I’ve gotten kind of used to the whole ojou-sama tone. 'Watakushi', 'desu wa', 'de shite yo'. Haven’t I gotten pretty good at it?"

《I think so. At least to the point that no one would notice. But… if mimicking me is stopping you from expressing yourself, then…》

"Hahaha."

I couldn’t help but laugh at Reicia-chan’s concern.

"No way. You’re worrying too much. I think I’ve been doing whatever I wanted with Reicia-chan’s body, haven’t I? I only copied your tone because changing that too would’ve been too suspicious. It’s not like I’m holding myself back or anything…"

《But Shiren, you’ve never considered romance while using my body, have you?》

"Eh?"

I mean… obviously, right? Like Stiyl said, I’m the sub-personality. So Reicia-chan, as the main one, should have priority there.

I’ve never even thought about that kind of stuff anyway… I used to think that maybe I would eventually, but now that Reicia-chan’s awake, there’s just no time for it anymore.

《That’s exactly it! I bet you’re pulling the whole "I’m just the extra" routine again and needlessly holding back, but we are one and the same! Being a sub or whatever—those are just distractions! And as for whatever that idiot Stiyl said, he is an idiot, so don’t take him seriously!》

…Pretty harsh toward Stiyl, huh?

"…Okay, so I get that I can fall in love, but I don’t have anyone I like right now, you know?"

《That, I understand. But from now on, you’ll be living as a woman, so things might change, don’t you think?》

"That might be true, but… shouldn’t we wait until something actually changes? Besides, if it’s someone you fall for, Reicia-chan, I’ll accept them regardless of gender."

《That’s exactly the problem.》

Reicia-chan looked as if she’d hit the jackpot and declared:

《I’m just an ordinary girl. I’m not interested in girl-on-girl romance or anything like that. My romantic preference is strictly men.》

"Yeah, I get that."

《But you, Shiren, were originally an ordinary guy. Your romantic preference is girls, and guys aren’t your type.》

"…True. If it’s someone Reicia-chan liked, I wouldn’t mind either way, but still."

《And so, considering all this—including the fact that we’re dual personalities—I think there’s only one person we know who could smoothly handle a relationship with us, don’t you agree?》

"Oh?"

I unintentionally let out a curious noise. Who’s that supposed to be? A saintly cross-dressing boy…? Kanou-kun doesn’t show up until a bit later, right? Or is it Thor? I don’t think we’d get along that well, though.

《It’s Kamijou Touma.》

"Eh? That’s where you’re going with this?"

I replied before I could stop myself. …Huh, Kamijou? Why? I don’t think cross-dressing would suit him… but then again, maybe he’s lean enough that it wouldn’t be too bad? Hmm… Still seems kinda sketchy.

《But isn’t it true? I think he’s a pretty decent guy, and he seems like someone who’d be fine with dual personalities. And Shiren, I’m pretty sure you’ll fall for him eventually too.》

"Wait!! Wait a second! My feelings are already penciled into your plan!? Also, you thought he was 'pretty decent'!? That’s the first I’ve heard of this! That womanizing bastard is trying to drag you into his web too…!?"

《Ehh…? That’s what you’re hung up on…?》

"That’s definitely the more important part to me!!"

《Please calm down. I’m not about to start fawning over him like Misaka or Index. I just mean that, as a life partner, he’s objectively a pretty attractive choice.》

"…That’s surprisingly dry of you."

《Well, given the kind of life I’ve had, it’s only natural.》

Reicia-chan struck a subtly proud pose and continued:

《And as you know, Kamijou is in very high demand.》

"Yeah, he’s got like ten thousand rivals…"

《Those childish girls are out of the running.》

"That’s awful… The Sisters are totally serious about it too."

《Back to the point. Because of that high demand, if we just leave things alone, in less than a year he’ll be locked into a route and married off. We don’t have time to be sitting around.》

"U-uh-huh…"

《I refuse to let our story end with some half-hearted, 'Oh, I guess I did like him after all…' moment that ends in tears after everything’s over!!》

"Y-yes ma’am!"

She said it with so much confidence that I’m starting to believe it might really turn out that way…

But all this stuff Reicia-chan’s saying… it’s all for my sake. …I mean, it’s romance. I feel like she should be free to do whatever she wants…

…No, maybe this is what she wants to do.

But still… People joke about it or suspect it now and then, but I’ve never once thought of Kamijou that way. (Obviously.)

…Well, maybe I briefly thought about it during one of those lucky perv moments? But it’s not like I actually liked him or anything…

《…………Well, it’s fine. Our story is just beginning. We said that just yesterday, didn’t we?》

Reicia-chan still seemed like she had more to say, but she let it go for now.

Hmm…

…But yeah, for the long life ahead, I really do need to start thinking about those kinds of things.

"Let’s take a group photo or something!"

The party had hit its peak.

Just as we were starting to wrap things up, Kamijou suddenly suggested it. Well, he was the one who started this whole thing—figures he’s good at taking the lead. Kamijou’s basically a normie, right? Even though he seems like he’d be into nerdy hobbies too.

"Ph-ph-photo! Is it safe? Won’t it steal our souls?"

"Index, that’s just a superstition."

Index froze up, and Kanzaki gently corrected her, while Stiyl watched the scene with a soft smile.

"A photo… huh… Hmmm…"

Next to them, Misaka seemed to be drifting off into romantic daydreams just from ending up next to Kamijou.

"Shiren-san, Reicia-san! You two are the stars of the show, so get over here to the center!"

"We’ll make sure the outer ring is secure!"

Yumezuki-san and Rinka-san each took one of my arms and dragged me to the center of the group.

Ah—Kamijou’s being swept away by the crowd…! And now Misaka and Index are fighting over who gets to stand next to him… Stiyl’s face looks terrifying! Kamijou’s probably dying five or six times over just from the glare in his eyes!

…Wait, why am I staring at Kamijou? Just because Reicia-chan was saying all that stuff earlier doesn’t mean I need to start tracking his movements with my eyes!

《Ohhh? Shiren~? Ohhhhhh~?》

…No, this is Reicia-chan’s fault. She’s the one who keeps following him with her eyes. I almost got tricked into seeing him as the opposite sex. That was close… If Reicia-chan wasn’t so obvious, I might’ve actually fallen for it.

《…………Tch》

《Did you just click your tongue!? …Seriously, Reicia-chan.》

I wonder… are things like that going to change from here on out?

…………It’s obvious, isn’t it?

Of course they’ll change.

Reicia-chan will change. And so will everyone around us.

There’s no such thing as someone who never changes. That’s just how it is.

Our story—the story of us picking ourselves back up—is already over.

But compared to the road we still have to walk, that story was really just a long prologue.

"Everyone ready?"

Kamijou pointed the remote toward the digital camera he’d set on the table.

Hearing his voice, I glanced around.

At everyone who had gathered around us—around me, around us.

After this, I know for a fact there are harsh events waiting.

Life-threatening ones, even.

Sure, maybe we could avoid them if we just didn’t get involved—but I can’t do that. And Reicia-chan wouldn’t be able to just sit back and watch, either.

Still, I’m not too worried.

We’ll mess up. We’ll face setbacks. Maybe even despair.

And I don’t think Reicia-chan and I will always get along, either. We’ll argue—of course we will.

But it’s okay.

At the moment the shutter clicked, our voices overlapped perfectly:

"Say cheese!"

—Because we are—

Final Chapter – A Certain Villainess of Revival
Last Episode: Two as One – Best_Partner.

After the party, in our room. On the bed.

《…………Oh, right, Shiren. We should go greet Father and Mother sometime soon. Oh, and while we’re at it, break off the engagement.》

《Gr-greet them…!? Wait, break off the engagement!? Since when was that a thing!? First I’ve heard of it!》

《Well, it was just a political marriage for appearances, so it didn’t seem important enough to write in the diary… But if we’re aiming for a happily-ever-after with Kamijou, I figured it might get in the way.》

《Wait, what!? Political marriage!? I never even thought about what kind of environment turned you into this, Reicia-chan, but now you’re telling me there’s some hidden final boss behind the scenes…!?》

《Oh, so you’re not denying the part about aiming for a happily-ever-after with Kamijou, I see.》

《Ah—th-that part toooooo!!》

The End