Enrico was having breakfast alongside the girls while they discussed their plans for the trip to the hot springs in Tsuyokuni. The visit had been offered by Virelle as a gift to her students, although, in truth, the teacher had organized everything so that Enrico could rest a little after the last training session that had forced him to face those creatures days ago.
[That woman is crazy, just like that bastard Matteo! She put you in a forest full of Ranvil-rank Nartheis. I can't even count how many times you were on the verge of death!]
'Well, at least she always saved me instead of just watching while I was being massacred by the Nartheis.'
The trip was both an apology and an opportunity to rest. However, there was no way Enrico would stop training because of it. In fact, being sent into that damn forest had brought his frustration back in full force, since he still couldn't defeat the Ranvil-rank Nartheis.
'Ranvil rank... Why are they always the ones who seem to get in the way of everything I do?'
Once he reached Circle Eight, he would personally hunt down some of the troublesome Nartheis from the original story and enjoy every moment of it.
Meanwhile, the girls continued discussing the hot springs they would visit. Aoi pointed toward a particular bathhouse.
"This is the best hot spring bathhouse in Tsuyokuni, so that's my recommendation. Besides, the establishment has mixed baths, and we could spend time with our beloved."
Yumeha, sitting beside her, immediately shook her head.
"Are you an idiot? If the baths are mixed, that means there will be other men there! My master is the only one allowed to see my body."
"Now that you mention it, you're right. Forget what I just said. In the future, we can build our own hot springs exclusively for us."
Serenya nodded, completely agreeing with both of them.
"If it's to make sure only my subordinate can see me, then let me pay for everything."
Enrico watched the conversation with some amusement. With the exception of Seraphina, who was quite calm despite her selfish desire to always have him close, the other girls frequently argued for various reasons. Even so, somehow, they were managing to maintain a good relationship with one another.
Beside him, Rina asked a curious question.
"What do you think, my Ketsumei?"
"What do I think?"
"Yes, I want to know too! I may not like that rich girl buying everything, but if it's to make you happy, I'll accept anything."
Enrico looked at the girls before answering with a sincere smile.
"What I think is that you all look really cute when you manage to get along."
Those words, accompanied by his smile, struck the hearts of the six girls like arrows of affection. For a few moments, none of them could hide their reactions. Serenya tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she slowly blushed.
"...I think I can get along with them more often, subordinate. So be happier."
Yumeha nodded, practically trembling with happiness at seeing her master's smile.
"I agree. We can get along, Master. So smile more often."
Seraphina stood still, staring at Enrico's smile with a red face.
'Damn it, I want that smile focused entirely on me at least once... He said I could be selfish, so I'll ask him when we're alone.'
Deciding to turn his attention back to the food Angela had prepared, Enrico continued eating breakfast. Everyone seemed satisfied with the harmony that had emerged around the table, even if it was difficult to know how long it would last.
'I'm glad the young master is happy.'
Angela watched everything with a smile from beside the door. As the dormitory's head maid, she was quite pleased that everyone had enjoyed the food she had prepared.
"I'll try to improve even more..."
Upon hearing approaching footsteps, she stopped speaking and looked toward the entrance. Kai, Sylvia, Elian, and Enrico's other companions were already ready for the trip.
"Young master, your friends have arrived."
"Is it already time? Ask them to wait a little. We'll get ready."
A few minutes later, everyone left the dormitory and headed toward the carriages. Each one carried four people, and the passengers seemed to have been arranged according to their respective ranks.
The trip wasn't a privilege exclusive to Enrico's companions. In fact, the entire Class S had received an invitation. Over the past few weeks, Elian, Caelan, Liam, Sylvia, and other students had managed to join the class by defeating weaker students and claiming their spots.
'Damn it, it seems we've been separated by rank... Wait, if that's the case, why didn't Roberto take my place?'
Enrico ended up entering one of the carriages with the three highest-ranked students from Astrong Academy. Victoria, Lira, and Elaris were sitting by the windows, silently observing the scenery.
Elaris occupied the seat beside Enrico. Although the three girls seemed focused on the view outside, he could feel that they were watching him.
[Even Victoria is looking at you, but she seems to be showing some contempt.]
'Damn Hao! Why do you have to keep praising me all the time?'
Enrico knew the reason behind that attitude. Hao had been comparing Victoria to him during their training sessions, insisting on mentioning his abilities and potential whenever he had the opportunity.
[She's probably tired of those comparisons and wants to find out whether you're really everything that old man claims you are.]
'She already knows my level because she watched the qualifiers, but that old man keeps insisting on it.'
Enrico knew very well that Hao made those comparisons because the director himself had told him so. On one occasion, the man had even burst into laughter while explaining that he was trying to create a rivalry between the two to encourage Victoria's growth.
'That old man really wants to screw me over. Does he not realize how many rivals already have their eyes on me?'
Having Lira, with that almost insane expression in her eyes, and Victoria, who seemed to despise him, was extremely irritating. The only one who didn't seem interested in turning every encounter into a competition was Elaris.
After a few moments, Enrico decided to ask what was going on.
"Do you know why I'm here instead of Roberto?"
"Because they gave us the opportunity to choose the fourth member since we're the three highest-ranked students."
Enrico finally understood why he was in that carriage. Since Lira and Elaris had voted for him, the choice seemed obvious, even if Victoria had the option to oppose it.
"So you two chose me?"
"Actually, all three of us voted for you."
Enrico quickly turned his head toward Victoria. This time, she didn't even try to hide the contempt she felt for him, directing all her displeasure toward the young man.
'Because of this guy, that damn old man is making me train too much.'
Victoria kept her eyes fixed on Enrico, her thoughts in turmoil.
'I hate that old man... Even so, if this is a challenge, I'll accept it.'
Enrico returned her gaze without hesitation. For a moment, it seemed as though invisible lightning bolts were leaping between them, as each tried to determine who would look away first.
Beside them, Lira began biting her own finger, feeling her anger grow inside her chest. Her attention was entirely focused on Victoria.
'Who the hell does that bitch think she is? I'm the one who should have this rivalry with him! I'll kill her!'
Another lightning bolt seemed to flash between the three when Lira joined the silent contest as well. Their gazes clashed so fiercely that the atmosphere inside the carriage became even more tense.
Elaris, meanwhile, watched the scene with wide eyes, unable to believe what was happening.
'Wait... Wasn't I supposed to have this rivalry with the two of them?'
To make matters worse, neither of them seemed interested in her at that moment. Elaris grew irritated when she realized she was being completely ignored, especially after already losing to Victoria.
There was no way she would accept that situation without reacting.
'Those two will see just how strong I'll become when the Thrones of Runes begin. Just you wait!'