Re:Zero EX: "School Re:Zero! 1st Period! (Vainglory IF)"

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This is an April Fools' project. It is an "IF" setting where Re:Zero has been transplanted into a modern school setting. Although it is a modern setting, character names, hair colors, and so on are accepted as they are without any sense of incongruity. Since it follows many of the tropes of bishoujo games (gal-ge), it might be a bit much for some. However, no one becomes unhappy.

Based on the above, please read only if you have a sense of humor, can forgive the characters being happy, and still wish to read.

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—The beginning always shows its face as an extension of everyday life.

Waking up was always abrupt, something that arrived with an impact.

"Hey! It's already morning, so get up-no yo!"

"Gueh!?"

There was an impact on my stomach, and I was dragged out of sleep all at once. No, in this case, rather than being dragged out, it might be more accurate to say I was forcibly thrust out.

The air was squeezed out of my lungs, and I opened my eyes while groaning in pain. And there, right in front of me, was a familiar, cute face.

"...Good morning, my unworthy little sister."

"Good morning-kashira, my unworthy big brother. It's already late, so if you don't get up quickly, you'll be late-kashira. If that happens, Papa and Mama will scold you too-no yo."

Whether she noticed my grumpy voice or not, the girl on top of my stomach said this while rolling around.

She was a young girl with pale cream-colored hair styled in vertical rolls and doll-like features. My personal opinion was that she was truly lovely if kept as a decoration without speaking, but my evaluation was also that she became even lovelier when moving and talking while radiating charm.

"To tell the truth, even the neighbors say we don't look alike at all—this is my sister, Natsuki Beatrice."

"Who are you explaining that to-kashira? Nii-cha... Subaru is really weird-no yo."

"If you were going to go that far, you might as well have finished saying it. Lately, you haven't been calling me 'Nii-cha,' and your big brother is lonely."

"I-If you have time to say stupid things, get up-kashira! If you don't hurry, you'll cause trouble for those sisters again-no yo!"

"That would be bad. Well then, shall I get changed? Beako, help me undress."

"Do it yourself-kashira!"

A pillow was thrown at me, and while I was grimacing, Beatrice left the room. Even with that heartwarming interaction with her brother, she reacted like that; perhaps she's in a rebellious phase. Lately, she hasn't even taken baths with me anymore, and above all, the way she addresses me has changed.

I feel like an environment where she calls her brother by his name without honorifics isn't great, but my parents are both practitioners of laissez-faire... or rather, they're just easygoing, so they exhibit great tolerance in that regard. As her older brother, maybe I really should be the one to step up and say something firm.

"And so, saying that, I quickly finished changing and headed to the living room."

After changing into my uniform and grabbing my empty bag, I headed downstairs. The faint smell of toasted bread wafted through the air, and I could tell that breakfast was already prepared on the dining table.

"Mornin'!"

"Aye-aye, mornin', mornin'."

When I opened the door and entered the dining area, a middle-aged man greeted me with a full smile. When I gave him a curt response, the middle-aged man pouted his lips with a dissatisfied look.

"Hey now, that's a pretty cold response, my son. Why don't you learn a bit from my daughter's honesty and kindness?"

"What, did Beako go along with your 'mornin''? She's too kind."

"B-Because, if I don't do it, Papa makes such a sad face-no yo. If there was family discord because of Betty, it would be too pitiful to watch-kashira."

Despite being an elementary schooler, my sister is facing some quite difficult problems. Well, Beako's classmate Petra-chan also knows some rather precocious words, so maybe that's the standard for elementary schoolers these days. Seriously, Japan's acceleration is unstoppable.

"So, what's this morning's menu?"

"Isn't it obvious? Mayonnaise toast, mayonnaise soup, salad to be eaten with mayonnaise, and fish simmered in mayonnaise."

As I sat in the chair while cracking my neck, Mom arrived carrying the toast. As indicated by her "isn't it obvious" comment, our family's menu is mostly fixed. Even if it's divided between Japanese and Western styles, the main component is generally the same—namely, mayonnaise.

"Get your own 'My Mayonnaise' from the fridge. Also, if there's not enough mayonnaise, add it yourself."

"Got it. But thinking about it again, this is a pretty insane conversation. A household where 'My Mayonnaise' comes out as a matter of course must be in the minority."

"...Betty thought this was normal, so when Petra laughed at me a lot before, it became a huge trauma-no yo."

While sympathizing with my sister's dark expression, I brought out the mayonnaise for the whole family from the refrigerator. Since our whole family is a bunch of mayonnaise-loving mayonnaise-maniacs, everyone has their own "My Mayonnaise." I say all this, but I like mayonnaise too. Beako also has her own strong opinions when it comes to mayonnaise.

With this kind of usual interaction, the morning of the Natsuki household begins. A family of four: Father, Mother, myself, and my sister. While troubled by the rebellious phase of a sister who is quite a bit younger, a moderately peaceful and happy every day can be called our daily life.

"—Mm."

Mayonnaise toast, which is just toast with mayonnaise spread on it. While I was enjoying that, the doorbell rang. Glancing at the clock, it was exactly the time we usually leave the house.

"Oops, looks like I took it a bit slow today."

I quickly shoved the rest of the toast into my mouth and washed it down with mayonnaise soup. As I stood up with my bag, Beatrice, who had finished eating, put on her backpack at the same time.

"...What are you staring at-kashira?"

"No, you look good in a backpack no matter when I see you. You're the Best Backpack-er."

"S-Such praise won't get you anything-no yo!"

I patted the head of the blushing Beatrice and headed to the entrance with her. In the background, Dad and Mom were flirting or something, so I whispered my "I'm leaving" and made a quick departure.

Then, when I put on my shoes and stepped outside—

"——Good morning, Subaru-kun."

The one who greeted me was a girl with neck-length blue hair swaying—my childhood friend, Rem. Rem greeted me today as well with a flower-like smile and a bouncy voice. Her navy blue blazer and short skirt were vivid, and it felt fresh every time I ran into her.

In fact, even though we're childhood friends, living a life where she comes to pick me up every morning makes me worried that someone might stab me eventually. Well, if you ask if I'd stop because of that worry, I wouldn't really stop.

"Staring at Rem's face like that, did something happen?"

"Nah, it's nothing. Good morning."

"Yes, good morning."

I couldn't say I was absentmindedly captivated, so when I made a vague excuse, Rem didn't mind. Since long ago, she's been a childhood friend who doesn't pry deeply into complicated things. That's very helpful.

"Beatrice-chan, good morning to you too."

"Good morning-no yo. ...Every single day, thank you for your hard work for Subaru's sake-kashira. The younger of the sisters is truly a curious one-no yo."

"In that case, wouldn't that make Beatrice-chan a curious one too?"

"Why would Betty be a curious one-kashira!"

Leaving me aside, Beako was being thoroughly teased by Rem. To Beatrice, my childhood friend Rem is naturally an older-sister figure from the neighborhood she's known for a long time. Rem dotes on her almost like a substitute sister, but Beako, perhaps being at that age, has a hard time admitting it honestly. Seriously, what a troublesome age.

"Speaking of sisters, isn't your sister with you today?"

"If you mean Nee-sama, she's at Roswaal-san's place this morning. It seems he'll be away from home starting this afternoon for a research trip, so she's taking over the house cleaning during that time."

"She's as devoted as ever... knowing Ram, it's complicated."

The Ram mentioned is Rem's twin sister. Unlike the kind and considerate Rem, Ram is strict and her range of consideration is narrow. They look identical, but in terms of personality, you could say they are the difference between soft and hard.

Lately, that Ram seems to be head over heels for some famous novelist she happened to meet. She's been making aggressive approaches, and from what I just heard, it sounds like she's even been given a spare key. Hearing such vivid stories about a female classmate—and one I know well at that—is somehow painful. Rem doesn't seem to mind or doesn't realize it, as she just tilted her head with a blank face, so I try not to delve into that topic.

"Look, how long are you going to dawdle in front of the house? Let's go to school quickly-kashira."

"Oh, right, right. Well then, shall we head out?"

"Yes, let's proceed."

With my bag over my shoulder, the three of us started walking side by side. It was a three-person line with Beatrice in the middle and me walking on the road side. On days when Ram isn't there, walking to school in this formation feels natural.

"By the way, according to the morning horoscope, Subaru-kun is the luckiest today."

"Seriously? I see, so something good might happen. We don't watch TV in the morning at my house."

"It said there would be a very good encounter. The first girl you meet today will be your fated partner."

"The first person Subaru met today should have been Betty-no yo."

"I made a mistake. It was the third girl he met today who was the fated partner."

"Was the horoscope really that specific!?"

The third one... who would that be? I wonder if I can put Mom into the "girl" category. If I can, then Rem would be the third, but in the first place, even though it sounds like an "encounter," does an old acquaintance count? Actually, I feel like putting my sister and Mom into the "girl" category is a bit questionable.

"Oh, we've met at just the right time."

"Oh, good morning, Echidna-san."

While I was walking and tilting my head, the person who called out to us was a woman I knew. A beauty with pale skin, white hair, and dressed in black like mourning clothes. She lives in a mansion along the school route, part of a family that seems to have some circumstances, living with just sisters. She's the eldest... no, was she the third daughter? It's Echidna-san, the college student.

"What do you mean by 'just the right time'? Did something happen?"

"Rather than something happening, it's more accurate to say someone disappeared. As you know, my self-indulgent older sister has gone missing. I'm looking around to see if she's collapsed somewhere after going out for a walk. Did you happen to see her on the way?"

"You mean Sekhmet-san, right? Rem hasn't seen her. Subaru-kun hasn't either, right?"

"I haven't seen her today. Last time, she went to take out the trash and ended up sleeping at the garbage collection point, didn't she? The guy on the collection truck said it was a sight for sore eyes..."

Sekhmet-san, the eldest daughter of Echidna-san's family, is a beauty but famous for being a bit of a slacker. Since she has a habit of wandering around in what's practically underwear, she's a welcome presence for a boy my age, but rather than a sexy older sister, she feels more like a disappointing beauty who needs help, which is a waste.

"Well, putting that aside..."

"Hm, what is it? Staring at me like that, is something wrong?"

I put my hand to my chin and stared at Echidna-san. She's a beauty. By the way, if I use the method of not counting Mom, this Echidna-san would be the third girl I've seen today. Is this the fated encounter?

"I get shy when a boy stares at me so much. I am a woman, after all... and I haven't really dressed up today. I only came out to look for my sister."

"That's right, you mustn't, Subaru-kun. Echidna-san will be troubled. Rem thinks you should calm down more and think about who the third person really was. It's Rem."

"Your desires are leaking out-kashira. But you should stay away from this woman, Subaru-no yo."

"What on earth is with that strong attitude from you two?"

Echidna-san was probably joking too, but my childhood friend and sister pulling on both my arms were so serious it was a bit scary. Horoscope results probably don't have much credibility, but girls really do love that kind of thing.

"Echidna! As I thought, Nee-san wasn't at the garbage collection point!"

And there, a new participant appeared. Running up with incredible momentum was a girl with a lolita-like face and violently swaying breasts. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty was the second daughter of the same sisters as Echidna-san—

"Minerva-san, 'sup."

"Mu! Oh, it's Rem, Beatrice, and Natsuki. What's up, in a place like this?"

Stopping with enough force to gouge the ground, Minerva-san's face brightened instantly. Another beauty. Without thinking, I took Minerva-san's hand and—

"Excluding Mom and my sister, Minerva-san is the third... In other words, my fated partner is you, Minerva-san!"

"Fueh!?"

When I squeezed her soft, slender hand, Minerva-san looked back and forth between my face and our joined hands. As she looked back and forth, her face rapidly turned red. It became bright red. Her mouth began to tremble,

"B-But I'm just a stay-at-home daughter!"

"It's okay, I'll support you."

"A-And I'm clumsy!"

"It's okay, I can love even that way of living."

"B-But I have to fight for world peace!"

"It's okay, you are my world."

"~~~!!"

With her face as red as a boiled octopus, Minerva-san began to stomp her feet. Oh no, she's really cute. I might have teased her a bit too much. It's scary that I feel like I could actually make her my wife if I kept pushing, but despite being this cute, has no one ever properly wooed her until this age?

"Nee-san, calm down. It's just Natsuki-kun's usual mischief."

"...Eh, is that so?"

"To confirm that it's just mischief would be too much of a jerk move as a man, so it's true... Ow, ow, ow, Rem-san, your heel is digging into my toes, it's digging in."

Rem stepped on my foot with a smile, and I had no choice but to raise the white flag. Seeing that, Minerva-san put her hand on her large chest and let out a deep sigh.

"T-That's right. Ah, you startled me! I was so surprised I felt like my chest might have shrunk a bit."

"That's a loss for humanity!"

"Shut up! You idiot!"

Minerva-san poked me as I trembled in shock, but even though I was hit with considerable force, for some reason it felt good. Mysterious.

"Anyway, we haven't seen her-kashira. This conversation is over-no yo."

"Oh, I've been disliked. It seems you're quite displeased about having your brother taken away."

"It's not like that-kashira! Jeez, that's why I hate this-no yo!"

Whether she hated losing precious morning time or not, Beako puffed out her cheeks in displeasure. That said, as Beako said, there didn't seem to be anything in particular we could do to help Echidna-san and the others. It was almost time for school to start, so we should probably take our leave.

"Sorry we couldn't be of much help."

"No, young people should prioritize their studies. It's our family's problem to begin with."

"That sounds like an old person's opinion-kashira."

"It's a comment from the superior perspective of a college student, a status with plenty of time to spare."

"I'm a stay-at-home daughter, so I have plenty of time too!"

"Nee-san doesn't help much with the housework, though."

"Then you're the same as Rem's Nee-sama."

"I wonder if those are on the same level?"

It didn't quite sit right, but I made a promise to tell them if we saw Sekhmet-san on the way, and then we parted from the two. Watching Minerva-san run off and Echidna-san walk slowly, I felt they were sisters with completely different personalities. Well, they're both beauties, though.

"Subaru-kun, Subaru-kun."

"Yes, yes, what is it, Rem-san?"

"About the morning horoscope, I think the fated partner was actually a girl whose name starts with 'Re' and ends with 'm' and has two syllables."

"Was the horoscope really that specific!?"

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"Ah, Beatrice-chaaan!"

"Petra-kashira."

After parting with Echidna-san and the others, we were walking leisurely when we reached a fork in the school path. This is where I part ways with Beako, who is heading to the elementary school. Waiting at the fork was a girl with reddish-brown hair and cute, round eyes. It was Petra-chan, Beako's friend and classmate.

"Subaru-onii-san, Rem-onee-san, good morning."

She bowed her head to both Rem and me, showing she's a polite girl. In terms of cuteness, our Beako doesn't lose, but in terms of charm, Petra-chan takes the prize. Well, Beako is also cute once you get close and see her true self.

"Mu, do you have something you want to say-kashira? You should try saying it-no yo."

"Your big brother is the only one who properly understands your good points."

"What do you mean 'only one'-kashira! They aren't hidden at all! They're overflowing-kashira!"

She appealed to me while shaking her vertical rolls, so I patted her head and comforted her, saying, "I know, I know." However, she somehow got even angrier, so girls that age are truly difficult.

"It's okay, Subaru-onii-san. I also know lots of Beatrice-chan's good points."

"I see, Petra-chan is reliable. Take good care of Beako at school too."

"Yes, leave it to me! ...Um, Onii-san, how about my good points? Do you understand them?"

"Of course. Petra-chan is considerate, polite, thoughtful, you're Beako's friend, and above all, you're a beautiful girl with a bright future."

"E-Ehehe."

Petra-chan naturally offered her head, and I naturally ended up patting it. In this day and age, patting the head of someone else's child is apparently not a very good thing, but Petra-chan had a 'power' that made me do it naturally. I feel like I'm made to pat her head every time we meet. If this is calculated, it's amazing. Well, there's no way, right?

"Muu—" "Buu-kashira."

"So, why are you two sulking?"

"It's nothing at all." "It's nothing to worry about-no yo."

The two of them turned their faces away from me, and I was at a loss. When a girl says it's nothing or not to worry, I think there's definitely something and I should worry, but this time I have no idea.

"Petra-chan, do you know?"

"I'm a child, so I don't know."

I guess that's true. Just as I was convinced, Petra-chan escaped from my palm. Then Petra-chan took the hand of the sulking Beatrice and bowed to Rem and me.

"Well, we're off now. Typhon-chan is on day duty, so if we don't get there early, the classroom will be a mess."

"What kind of situation is it where the person on duty makes the classroom a mess!?"

"That's Typhon's specialty-kashira. —Jeez, I'm going-no yo!"

Led by Petra-chan, Beatrice said that as if she had no choice. Rem and I waved as we watched the two elementary schoolers run off.

"Well then, shall we head to school too?"

"Subaru-kun, do you properly understand Rem's good points?"

"You're cute."

"...If you think you can always get away with that, you're sorely mistaken."

However, since the grumpiness had vanished from her voice, it seemed I was forgiven. I really think I should worry more seriously, but since I've been forgiven this way for a long time, it's also true that I'm taking advantage of it.

"Aaan' yet again, Boss is spoilin' Rem rotten, huh?"

"Ahn, Garf-Garf, really. I told you we should just watch over them."

Those voices were heard just before I started walking, pulling the downcast Rem along. When I looked back, two small shadows were leaning out from a utility pole in the middle of the fork. One was a boy in a school uniform, and the other was a girl in a sailor suit.

Both were familiar faces—or rather, very close acquaintances.

"Garfiel and Daphne. What are you middle schoolers doing?"

"It don't matter where we are or what we're doin', it's our business, ain't it? Boss, as usual, you're too much of a lady-killer. Right, Daphne?"

"Garf-Garf was just waiting here to ambush Ram-Ram like always. Daphne didn't want to be dragged into looking for Met-Met, so she was playing with Garf-Garf."

"Hey, Daphne!?"

The boy who had a composed face, Garfiel, was immediately sold out by the girl, Daphne. Garfiel's smirking face turned to panic, and now it was my turn to have a composed face.

"Heh, ho, hmm. Or rather, you're the one who does this every time. I'll say the same thing back to you, but haven't you given up yet? Ram is head over heels for that novelist, you know?"

"I-It's my business! Besides, if I become a novelist too, we'll be on the same stage."

"I want to appreciate the purity of determining your future for the woman you love, but..."

Garfiel was enthusiastic, but Subaru hesitated whether to tell him the cruel truth. He was worried if Garfiel could even write a novel with his brain, and besides, Ram isn't the type to choose someone based on their profession anyway.

"Well, I don't think Garf-Garf can write a novel with his head, and besides, it's not like Ram-Ram likes the profession of novelist anyway."

"Thanks for saying everything I found hard to say so bluntly."

Subaru felt down as his plan to be considerate was completely crushed, but he felt better compared to Garfiel, who had collapsed to his knees. However, Garfiel is a man of grit. Even if his heart was about to break, he tried to stand up with an indomitable fighting spirit.

"Garfiel, you okay? The wound is shallow."

"Heh, thanks, Boss. But I ain't gonna lose. ...By the way, Ram isn't with you today."

"If you mean Nee-sama, she's at Roswaal-san's place this morning. She went to get a spare key because she was entrusted with managing the house while he's away."

"Guh-ha!"

"G-Garfiel—!!"

Rem's innocent words pierced through, and Garfiel collapsed. It was tough even for Subaru with a friend filter, but the sound of 'spare key' through Garfiel's 'crush filter' dealt too much damage. No words of comfort came to mind anymore.

"Including the pathetic parts, that's just how Garf-Garf is. Ah, Subarun and the others can go ahead. Daphne will take care of the rest."

Smiling with an oddly sultry look for a middle schooler, Daphne grabbed both of the collapsed Garfiel's legs. She started dragging him along, so I reached out to stop her, but—

"Don't worry. Garf-Garf is a spoiled brat at heart, so if you're kind to him, he'll just get weaker. Besides, once he gets to school, there are plenty of kids like Mimi-n who won't leave him alone, so it's okay for him to be a bit depressed."

"I-Is that how it is?"

"Yes, don't worry. Well then, see you later."

Tilting her head and smiling, Daphne dragged Garfiel away. At this point, it would be uncouth to stop them. Middle schoolers have their own stories, and it's probably not right for us to butt in.

"If I don't convince myself of that, the darkness is too deep."

"To captivate such an innocent middle schooler... Nee-sama is truly amazing!"

"I can't honestly agree with that!"

Ah, by the way, Daphne is the fifth daughter of the sisters, with Sekhmet-san as the eldest. Just so you know. Still, today is a day with an awful lot of events since morning.

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After parting with the middle school duo, Rem and I arrived at Lugnica Academy without any problems. Lugnica Academy is a school where old-fashioned traditions remain, but as a result of trying to incorporate the changes of the modern era, it's a school that gives the impression of being a bit cluttered in various parts.

For me, who enrolled simply because it was close to home, it's easy to live in because of the school spirit that lets me do things somewhat freely.

"Ah, Subaru-kun. It looks like they're doing a bag check at the school gate this morning."

"That means the Student Council. Hard work for them to do a surprise check from the morning."

Rem, who has good eyesight, said as she looked at the school's main gate crowded with students commuting. As we got closer, I could see the situation too. At Lugnica Academy, morning events like bag checks or greeting weeks happen quite rarely. That's something that started after the Student Council became the disciplined group it is now. And the one at the core of that disciplined Student Council, leading the bag check, is a heroic woman.

"Natsuki Subaru and Rem. It's a good morning."

"Yo, Student Council President."

"Good morning, Crusch-san."

The one wearing the navy blue blazer neatly and standing with a straight back was the Student Council President, Crusch Karsten. Her long green hair and dignified features were her characteristics, and despite being dressed as a girl, a sense of masculinity emanated from her demeanor. Still, the parts that should be prominent were indeed prominent, showing she was a girl, so 'samurai-like' might be more accurate than 'masculine.'

"As you can see, we are conducting a bag check this morning. I'd like you two to cooperate."

"Sure, you can look as much as you want. My bag is empty."

"It's not right to say that proudly, but I see, you've got me there. Interesting."

"No, it's a problem if you start feeling competitive about it, though?"

Crusch took the flat bag, quickly checked the contents, and shook her head. Even the faint smile at the corner of her mouth was handsome—seriously, she's like someone from Takarazuka.

"Yes, yes! Then Feli-chan will check Rem-chan's bag. A girl's bag has to be handled delicately, after all-nyan."

And there, suddenly popping up from the side, was Crusch's partner, Ferris. Ferris checked Rem's belongings while swaying the familiar cat-ear headband and the skirt hem that was shortened to the limit. He's an existence that actually breaks the concept of 'girls are handled by girls.' Because this guy is—

"Even if those girl's clothes suit you better than most girls, don't people complain about a guy checking girls' belongings?"

"No problem. It's a well-known fact that Ferris's femininity is higher than that of an average girl. There's almost no difference between the number of boys who hand their belongings to me and the number of girls who hand theirs to Ferris."

"Putting the girls aside, for the boys, isn't that just their fetish... I'm different, but I hate that I look like one of them!"

Since I had naturally handed my bag to Crusch, I became worried about how I was being seen by those around me. Beside me, Ferris was checking Rem's luggage one by one.

"Ara-ara? What's this masculine-looking pencil case?"

"It's a spare for when Subaru-kun forgets his writing utensils."

"Then, what's this notebook that has no cuteness at all-nyan?"

"That's one where Rem imitated Subaru-kun's handwriting and did his assignment for him."

"Mumu— then what about this lunch box?"

"That's one I secretly prepared just in case Subaru-kun despairs because he couldn't buy anything at the cafeteria for lunch."

"Alright, let's make Subaru-kyun do punishment duty."

"I don't understand why!"

No, I do understand. I understand the feeling!

I ignored Ferris, who made the heartless decision, and pressed closer to Rem, shaking her shoulders.

"Rem, I always tell you, right? You don't have to worry about me that much."

"I'm sorry. Rem also tries to be careful. I try, but when I think Subaru-kun might fail at something and cry, I just can't sit still and end up preparing to follow up on everything."

"I appreciate the sentiment, but I don't cry just because I forgot a mechanical pencil, didn't do my homework, or missed lunch!?"

I shouldn't have ever wailed for such childish reasons, but I wonder just how much of a kid I still am in Rem's mind. For a while, a rumor was popular in class that Rem was like my caretaker, and a suspicion arose within me that I was leaning on her to an undeniable level.

"My— it's youth-nyan, Crusch-sama."

"Indeed. Ferris and I also make each other's lunches. I don't think it's something to be ashamed of, but if you dislike being cared for all the time, you should show your gratitude once in a while."

"I put Crusch-sama's favorite rolled omelet in today's lunch. The sweet kind."

"I also put your favorite rolled omelet in today. The salty kind."

Leaving the flirting President and Vice President aside, Subaru collected only the lunch box from Rem's belongings. The one in the blue wrapping was one size larger than Rem's own lunch and felt heavy.

"Seriously, what would you do if I didn't eat this in the first place?"

"I thought it would be just right for Nee-sama and me to share tonight."

"Don't make me imagine such a lonely dinner table, just say it straight. ...I'll gratefully eat this for lunch. Show me the homework later too."

"Yes, I'm looking forward to lunch."

I shoved the lunch box into the returned bag and tried to head to the school building with Rem, who had cleared the check. But before I could, the side became quite noisy. Over there, a bag check by the Student Council was also being conducted, but—

"I'm tellin' ya! Why's it like this? Can ya stop makin' me say the same thing over and over? I don't think I'm sayin' anything that difficult, ya know?"

"Even I intend to speak in words that can be understood. It is you who is disregarding the main point and making a selfish fuss. Foolishness has reached its peak here."

"D'ya think ya become important just by usin' haughty words? Aren't ya embarrassed to be like that even as a high schooler? It's so painful I can't even look at ya."

"To have my way of speaking pointed out by someone with such a vulgar tone is truly irritating. Even with my generosity, this is not something I can easily forgive."

The intensity of the two girls arguing caused an ominous atmosphere to spread in front of the main gate. The ones throwing hostility at each other were girls with prominent appearances.

One was a beautiful girl with soft purple hair and a youthful appearance that could be mistaken for a middle schooler. The other was also a beautiful girl with orange hair, a style that put adults to shame, and an aura of sensuality that a high schooler shouldn't be able to radiate.

The one with the Kansai dialect was Anastasia from the Student Council, and the one with the courtesan-like speech was the troublemaker, Priscilla. One is the Student Council Treasurer, and the other is the granddaughter of the Chairman, and they are two people who are always at odds.

"It's those two again."

Even Rem, who was watching the commotion, let out a sigh as it was a familiar interaction. The incompatibility between those two is famous within the school, and you can often see the strong-willed Anastasia clashing with Priscilla, who tries to have her way with everyone and everything.

Today, Priscilla must have broken the school rules as she pleased with her modified uniform again. Well, Priscilla's claim is that she has no intention of following anything from dress codes to whatever else. Considering she's wearing a uniform at all, even if it's modified, it's almost better than nothing.

"Still, she's the only one who can make that money-grubber Treasurer that angry."

"I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from using nicknames that affect Ana's reputation."

"Geh."

A pretentious voice came from behind me as I watched the commotion from a distance, giving me goosebumps. When I turned around, I saw a guy looking down at me from right behind. A man with a well-featured face, the very image of a 'pretty boy.' He was, of course, also a member of the Student Council.

"Julius-senpai, 'sup."

"Since we're in the same grade, there should be no reason for you to call me 'senpai.' And I'd like you to take back that slander against Ana. Ana is just a bit obsessed with money and works very hard."

"I think that's a blind opinion, though."

Julius, who was brushing back his bangs, was the one in charge of being the Student Council Secretary or something. As you can hear, he's an Anastasia sympathizer, and you often see them acting together.

"Is your work done? If you're slacking, I'll tell Crusch."

"Fortunately, it's properly finished. Many female students came to my station, so it took a bit of time... but everyone was cooperative."

"Is that so. Oh, is that so."

I grimaced at the smile that looked like his white teeth would sparkle. Don't women see that suspicious vibe? No, there aren't many guys who speak ill of Julius either, so I must be the only one who has noticed his true nature. Tch, those who realize the truth are always lonely.

"Why are those two arguing today?"

"There was an argument about clothing, but the biggest problem is the belongings. It seems she tried to head to class while having her attendant, Al-san, carry her bag."

"Al-san, you mean that masked guy?"

Beside Anastasia and Priscilla, who were arguing, there was a man looking flustered. He wasn't very tall, but he had a sturdy build. His age seemed to be about the same as my dad's, but since his face wasn't visible, I couldn't tell for sure. The reason his face wasn't visible was that Al-san hid it with a mask. There are rumors that he has burns or that stitches remain, but I want to support the idea that Priscilla makes him wear it on a whim.

Because he wears a different mask every day, and he seems to have a personality far removed from such tragedy. By the way, Al-san has a pretty heavy history with his left arm being a prosthetic, but thanks to the power of Priscilla's family or something, it's apparently very high-performance. I once had him open a can of peaches with a can opener function before. It's like a Swiss Army knife prosthetic.

"How many times do I have to tell ya that outsiders aren't allowed in? Every time I find a grown adult in the school and lecture 'em, my heart gets worn out, ya know?"

"That is your own business. If you dislike it, then just ignore Al when you find him. In any case, he would never step foot inside the school for any reason other than my errands. Besides, if he were not here, I would have to carry my own luggage. I cannot possibly carry anything heavier than a pair of chopsticks."

"Since the contents are empty anyway, it's not much different from carryin' chopsticks!"

I could tell Anastasia was getting more and more irritated by Priscilla's relentless replies. At this rate, a catfight might break out, but the one who would suffer if that happened is Anastasia.

Priscilla, who has surprisingly good reflexes, might even be provoking her on purpose. No. Probably not. That's probably just her natural self.

"Any more than this and Ana will be at a disadvantage. It can't be helped, I'll go stop them now."

"Do that, do that. If a catfight breaks out and Dr. Elsa, the school nurse, comes out, it could become a real pain."

Dr. Elsa, who is rumored to have a sexy appearance and erotic behavior, often steps in to suppress such commotions, saying her old blood is boiling. It has been confirmed that students who are suppressed and taken to the infirmary, no matter how noisy they were, come out as quiet as if they were different people. Since they stubbornly refuse to answer what happened, it's rumored in the shadows as the 'Terror and Despair Bowel Training.'

"In any case, it's almost time for class. Natsuki Subaru and Rem, go to the classroom first. We'll handle the rest."

"Yaan, it's a short straw-nyan."

"To proactively take the short straw in the school, that is our job."

I watched the three Student Council members head toward the noisy scene. If those three join the fray, well, even Priscilla will probably give up, seeing the situation is bad.

"We've lingered too long. I'm already exhausted, so let's just get to the classroom."

"A lot has happened since morning."

"Really. I think that's finally the end of it, though."

I wonder if that statement became a flag. I said it with a really sincere wish, but it seems God really hates following a script. We changed our shoes at the lockers, and just as we were about to head straight to the classroom—

"—Hey, Subaru! Receive!"

"Huh?"

I heard noisy footsteps from down the hallway and that instruction, so I reacted without thinking. I dropped my hips low and held both hands out in front of me, waiting in a volleyball receive posture. Then, a small foot landed on my held-out hands, and—

"Blue Mountain Receive!"

"Fungah!"

With the shout of a finishing move, I bounced the weight on top of me straight up. The light body flew up, though not as high as a volleyball, and landed on the shoe lockers right behind me. When I turned around to see what was going on—

"Shh!"

She put a finger to her lips, gesturing for me to be quiet. Just as Rem and I were staring in bewilderment at what was happening—

"—Just in time. Subaru, Rem-san."

From down the hallway, a handsome guy with a refreshing smile came running. It was Reinhard, whose characteristics were his burning red hair and blue eyes that reflected the sky—or rather, his whole body was a perfect existence made of characteristic parts.

Reinhard, who received overwhelming support from underclassmen, upperclassmen, girls outside the school, and even the ladies at the shopping district, came toward us with a troubled face.

"Yo, what's up?"

"It's nothing major. But did you happen to see Felt?"

"Felt-chan? Um..."

Rem turned a troubled gaze toward Subaru, and Subaru roughly grasped the situation. He thought for a moment about what to do and let out a sigh, deciding it couldn't be helped.

"Nah, I haven't seen her yet this morning. Did you have some business with her?"

"It's not really business. I just saw her and wanted to say hello, and then maybe invite her to have lunch together... but she ran away the moment our eyes met."

"Felt is the same as ever, and you never learn, do you?"

As a fellow man, I want to emulate Reinhard's diligence, but putting that aside, I can't help but wonder why it's Felt. If it's a handsome guy like Reinhard, saying he has his pick of the litter might be an exaggeration, but he shouldn't have any trouble finding a partner.

"I feel like there's no point in asking why. Isn't that just how it is? Don't you think so, Subaru? Rem-san?"

"I wonder about me..."

"Rem thinks so! That's why I'm rooting for you!"

"Thank you, Rem-san."

Contrary to my thoughts, Rem was oddly sympathetic toward Reinhard. Reinhard looked happy to receive that and straightened the collar of his uniform.

"Well then, I'll try looking a bit more."

"She'll come back to the classroom anyway, so why not just wait for her? The warning bell is about to ring."

"Once I've started looking, it's just not in my nature to give up so soon. I'd at least like to be able to say hello properly."

With that, Reinhard raised a hand and left refreshingly. He only looked like he was walking, but for some reason, it looked like he disappeared from the hallway faster than walking—it's a mystery of this world.

Now, after making sure Reinhard was out of sight, I let out a sigh and tapped the shoe locker behind me.

"Hey, he's gone. Come down."

"Alright, that was a big help—"

The sound of a light landing on the floor and a tomboyish girl's voice followed. It was Felt, a girl with blonde hair, a small stature, red eyes, and a snaggletooth as her charm point. She was the person Reinhard was looking for, and the luckiest girl in school... though she'd say it's against her will.

"Don't be so cold to him, it's kind of pitiful."

"Listen, I'm the pitiful one here, right? Why do I have to be chased around by that guy because he feels like it? I'm the victim."

"Reinhard-san is so passionate, but you don't like it, Felt-chan?"

"Of course I don't. And I don't like being jerked around by a misunderstanding. He just saw someone unusual and got into a weird mood. It's the same feeling as discovering a rare beast in the wilderness. Give me a break."

It was a harsh, cold opinion toward the idol of all the girls in school, Reinhard. Felt is rushing through a Cinderella story that would put shoujo manga to shame, but unlike those around her, the perspective of the person involved is cool to the core.

As Reinhard's friend, I sympathize with him for being talked about like that, but—

"Felt's attitude is justified in a way, so it's a difficult situation."

Until now, Reinhard's approach, having only been the one receiving appeals and never the one making them, was nothing but clumsy. Because of that, Felt is also suspicious, but this gap in perception is truly frustrating to watch.

"Well, people are surprisingly unable to see themselves."

"Yes, that's right. It's really true. I truly think so. It's exactly like that."

"Rem-san? Why are you pressing so hard? Did I say something weird?"

"No, it's nothing. But Rem is in a bad mood."

"Eeeh—"

With an attitude of not listening to my complaints, Rem turned her face away. While I was worrying about the newly arisen discord, Felt, who was brushing dust off her skirt, stretched out with an "Nn—!"

"Well then, I'll keep running away until the last minute. If I return to the classroom after the start bell rings, even he won't be able to do anything weird."

"I think that's only until the next seat change. I feel like Reinhard would use his sheer willpower to pull a seat right in front, behind, or next to yours."

"Stop it. Don't disturb my peaceful school life..."

Felt, with a pale face, ran off in the opposite direction from where Reinhard had gone. Two minutes later, she would be found, and a tremendous dead heat would once again unfold within the school, but that's a different story.

"Surely there's nothing else now. I'm going to use up all my energy for the day."

"Yes. I'm sure nothing else will happen now."

My wish was blended with Rem's agreement and submitted as a hope to God. And so, finally, a peaceful day—

"Did you hear, Natsuki-san? Apparently, a transfer student is coming."

"Read the room, you bastard!!"

"Why am I suddenly being yelled at the moment we meet!?"

The moment we arrived at the classroom, a comment that failed to read the room came out, and I yelled. The person I yelled at was my classmate Otto, who sits in the seat behind me. He had the same unlucky-looking face as always today, but he was unlucky to have touched my nerve right away.

I hung my bag on the desk, sat down exhaustedly, and started complaining to Otto.

"Listen, I'm done with events like transfer students. I'm already tired from various things that happened this morning. You get it, right? So, none of that today."

"You can't send a transfer student home just because of your exhaustion, Natsuki-san. Or rather, being that exhausted since morning is very suggestive; what on earth happened?"

"There are too many characters, I can't process them all. By now, no one even remembers my sister's name, right?"

"Beatrice-chan will cry if you say that!?"

It's a shame, but Beako's personality isn't cute enough to cry over something like this... no, she might cry. She's surprisingly weak against such things. No, no, Beako will cry. You can't win against a crying child or a crying Beako.

"It can't be helped. For Beako's sake, I'll forgive your insolence."

"Yes, thank you very... wait, that's weird."

"So, what kind of story did the 'weird' Otto-kun bring?"

"No, I'm not the one who's weird... oh, whatever."

Rem, who sits in the seat to Subaru's right, joined the conversation, and Otto finally gave up on arguing back. Otto then scratched his head and lowered his voice slightly.

"So, it's a transfer student. I happened to overhear it when I stopped by the faculty office for some business, and it seems they're coming to our class."

"It's a bit late to say this, but your 'best friend character' move in a gal-ge is amazing. While you're at it, can you tell me my favorability with the girls in class?"

"Rem-san is way ahead, and the rest mostly think you have scary eyes."

"Hey, are you serious? Hey, seriously? Is it a joke? Which one? Hey, seriously?"

If Rem, who has the childhood friend bonus, is at the top, then the possibility of there being a shy girl in class who has feelings for me but can't quite confess seems to have vanished.

"A transfer student, that's rare. Was it a boy or a girl?"

"Unfortunately, I couldn't find out that much detail."

"...Haa. I see."

"That sigh just now hurt more than being insulted outright!?"

Otto has established his position as the character who gets teased in class. Today, too, a sharp scream rose, and Rem nodded with satisfaction. And while that was happening, the warning bell rang, and students began returning to the classroom one after another.

The Student Council members who were doing the bag check at the gate—Crusch, Ferris, Julius, and Anastasia—took their seats, and then Priscilla arrived grandly. Al-san, the luggage carrier, was behind Priscilla, and after placing the bag and other things at Priscilla's seat, he quickly retreated. When I looked back from there, Ram, who had arrived at school before I knew it, was sitting in the seat in front of Rem. She gave a V-sign to Rem, who called out to her, so it seems the meeting with that Roswaal person went well.

Then, just before the warning bell finished ringing, Reinhard returned, and around the time the warning bell finished, Felt returned in a great hurry. I saw Felt sticking her tongue out at Reinhard's smile as he took his seat.

With that, everyone in the class was present. The empty seat was at the very back, on the edge. A vacant desk had been brought in where no one had been before. In other words, that was the position for the transfer student Otto had caught wind of.

"You were making a big deal out of it, but looking at that, it's an easy guess."

"Natsuki-san, do you have a grudge against me or..."

"Ah, Ms. Frederica is here."

Otto seemed dissatisfied that his scoop was ruined, but I refreshingly ignored him as the classroom became quiet. The one who opened the door with a sound and entered the classroom was a tall female teacher with a straight back.

Long blonde hair and emerald eyes. A woman full of youthful vigor, her feminine form wrapped in a crisp suit. Her mouth looked a bit fierce, which was a slight flaw, but that actually added to the charm of Ms. Frederica, making her feel more approachable than if she were perfectly refined. By the way, she seems to be the older sister of Garfiel, whom I knocked out on the way to school.

"—Rise."

Crusch, in the front row, gave the command in a clear voice. It was a grand sight as everyone stood up from their seats with a clatter. Even the selfish Priscilla followed this custom, so it must be an imprint at the genetic level.

"Bow."

"—Good morning!"

Large voices and small voices overlapped to become a greeting. I was moderately serious, and Rem was overly earnest; that was the kind of balance.

"Be seated."

With a more disorganized sound than when standing, everyone sat down. After a while, once the creaking sounds of adjusting chair positions subsided, Ms. Frederica was finally ready to speak.

"Now then, good morning, everyone. I'm sure some of you feel heavy-hearted because it's the start of the week, but please bear with it, as it's the same for us teachers."

Despite her formal tone, Ms. Frederica made an unexpectedly casual joke. Once the Monday atmosphere that had been lingering was eased by that, Ms. Frederica looked around the classroom and pointed toward the empty seat.

"I think most of you have guessed from that seat and from what you heard from Otto-kun, who was eavesdropping, but we have a transfer student joining this class today."

"It was totally obvious you were eavesdropping."

"Eh? That's weird. I thought I was being very careful..."

"It seems you were transparent to Principal Wilhelm."

Otto tilted his head repeatedly, but he was convinced once the Principal's name came up.

Principal Wilhelm of Lugnica Academy was a person who radiated an aura of being far from ordinary, which couldn't be hidden by his gentle personality and grandfatherly atmosphere—and in fact, that's exactly what he was like. He often appeared within the school to solve problems or proactively talk about his happy home life. It was common knowledge that Principal Wilhelm's eyes could not be deceived.

"Setting aside the story of Otto Suwen being careless, a transfer student is rare."

"Indeed, it's rare for someone to transfer at a time that's neither the start of the year nor the start of a term-nyan. Or rather, I feel like a transfer student in high school is quite rare. Though it's a trope in manga—"

"Well then, as for the transfer student trope... it's a girl."

When Ms. Frederica went along with Crusch and Ferris's comments, some of the boys started making a fuss upon hearing it was a girl. The 'Trio of Idiots' were particularly loud, but I wonder if they haven't realized that having any more beauties in this class would be more than they could handle. They probably haven't. Well, the one who made the most noise was me, though.

"Subaru-kun, you're also happy that the transfer student is a girl."

"I thought it was best to be happy as a matter of form. I'd be friends with a guy too, you know? I don't think anything more tragic than having Reinhard and Julius in the same class could happen anyway."

If the top two guys in school are in the same class, then having any expectations for popularity with girls is meaningless, and the hearts of all the boys become one. Even if there were a male transfer student, we were fully prepared to welcome a new victim into our community.

"Well, the beauty ratio for both guys and girls is so high that the capacity is already full. Crusch, Anastasia, Felt, Priscilla, Ram, and Rem. I guess I can include Ferris too."

"Subaru-kun is here too."

"The support from the niche community of 'scary-eye lovers' is passionate!"

I knew Rem was comforting me, but I've been battered by the rough waves of life too much to rely on the votes of those narrow hobbyists. So, whether it's a boy or a girl, let's welcome them equally as a comrade.

"So, Ms. Frederica, anytime is fine."

"Well then, since I've received the OK from Natsuki-kun, who for some reason has taken the lead, I'd like to introduce her. —You may come in."

When I gave a thumbs-up, Ms. Frederica called out with a wry smile. Then, after a slight hesitation, the classroom door was slowly opened.

The sound of footsteps, and then a breeze blew into the classroom. I was absentmindedly waiting for the transfer student's appearance, but when I saw her, I caught my breath.

Long silver hair fluttering in the wind, and deep purple eyes looking straight ahead. The black uniform that looked striking against her pale skin—was it from her previous school? It highlighted both a fleeting impression and a brilliant one, and it suited her very well.

Standing there was a girl so beautiful it was surprising even to me, who was used to seeing beauties. Behind her, Ms. Frederica wrote a name on the blackboard with white chalk. After glancing at that name to confirm it, she slowly bowed. And then—

"—My name is Emilia. It's a ve—ry strange time to transfer, so I might have surprised you. But I'd be happy if we could get along."

Saying that, she looked around the class with a slightly nervous face,

"I'm a bit of an ottyokochoi, but I look forward to being with you for a long time."

"You don't hear 'ottyokochoi' much these days."

"————"

Without thinking, those words came out of my mouth. I hadn't been conscious of it and hurriedly covered my mouth, but she looked right at me. And then, toward me, as I stared with wide eyes, she smiled brilliantly.

I was captivated by that smile, and my heart raced without thinking. It wasn't the start of the year. It wasn't the start of a term. It was just a regular Monday.

A day that should have been as usual, a day that I thought had started quite busily, felt like it was announcing the beginning of days that would become even noisier from now on.

From the day she—Emilia—transferred in, my daily life began to move in a big way.

≪To be continued in School Re:Zero! 2nd Period!≫

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It's hopeless whether a sequel will be written, but thank you very much. I'll try my best at something again next year.