I finally lose my composure.
Leaning forward, I gently lift Valerie's chin and whisper,
"When we know each other better… you may call me Lord Gilgamesh."
Between my lingering aura and the fact that she was still half-asleep, Valerie immediately flushed, covering her cheeks as she let out a soft, embarrassed laugh.
"Now, Gil, you can't just say something like that to a girl~! People might misunderstand what you mean!"
I sit on the edge of the bed and lift her easily into my arms, settling her on my lap. Her dress rides up just enough to reveal her bare legs as they instinctively wrap around my waist. She shifts slightly, trying to get comfortable, her face warm with color.
I clear my throat.
"I know exactly what I mean, Valerie. And in case you haven't noticed, I think you're extraordinarily beautiful. Add your natural charm and sense of humor… and I feel like I could genuinely fall in love with you."
She grows quiet for a moment.
Then she speaks softly.
"I know… it's just that everything happened so suddenly. A few years ago, I was being used by my family. Now I'm with people like you, Enkidu, Sebas, and even Mordred. And I'll be able to see my brother again… it feels like a dream."
I nod, understanding her feelings.
Leaning forward, I gently kiss her cheek.
"Then take all the time you need to realize this isn't a dream. For now, though, we should go eat. I'm starting to think you're keeping me here on purpose."
Valerie pouts playfully, folding her arms beneath her chest and letting out a mock whine.
"Aww, you caught me!"
I laugh quietly.
"I'll wait outside," I say, standing as she slips off my lap and heads toward the shower.
........
With Everyone
Soon after, we're all gathered around the breakfast table.
Enkidu, Valerie, and I eat calmly.
Mordred, on the other hand, devours everything at remarkable speed. Even Regulus is nibbling at his share.
Despite all that, I feel unusually gloomy.
"Are you okay, Gil?" Enkidu asks.
"Yes," I sigh. "It's just… I have to go to class today."
Everyone immediately bursts into laughter.
"Hahaha, the great Gilgamesh has to study!" Valerie says between giggles.
"Why don't you go instead?" I snap, a vein twitching on my forehead.
"I don't need to," Valerie replies smugly. "I'm nineteen."
I silently curse the fact that she's two years older than me.
"Hahahaha! The King of Heroes going to school!" Mordred adds, laughing loudly.
"Why don't you go?" I shout.
She smirks.
"I don't have to."
A shadow suddenly falls over her.
Mordred slowly turns her head.
Standing behind her is Sebas, wearing a perfectly calm—yet terrifying—smile.
"You are going."
"I don't need—"
"You will."
Mordred immediately stiffens and nods.
The rest of us can't help laughing. For all her bravado, Mordred is utterly powerless against Sebas.
Then Valerie speaks up.
"Gil… I'd like to start training with my Longinus."
The atmosphere shifts instantly.
Everyone turns serious.
I know better than anyone what the [Sephiroth Graal] can do to its wielder—damage that reaches directly into the soul.
"Are you sure?" I ask quietly.
She smiles.
"I am. Don't worry."
I study her expression for a moment, then nod.
"Alright. We'll start when I get back."
Her smile widens.
I turn to Enkidu.
"Can you make animals cooperate with you?"
Enkidu blinks.
"I can talk to them. Not command them. But they usually help."
He gently strokes a ladybug perched on his finger.
"Why?"
"I need a favor."
Everyone stares at me.
Deep down, I hope my suspicion is wrong.
........
Kuoh Academy
Kuoh Academy had originally been an all-girls school, before eventually becoming co-ed. Now it housed several divisions, including elementary, middle school, and high school.
The high school division hosted many annual events: sports festivals, cultural fairs, school trips, and tournaments.
At the front gates, students had gathered.
Two figures walked through the entrance together.
A boy and a girl in Kuoh Academy uniforms.
The boys' uniform consisted of a black blazer with white accents over a white shirt, a black ribbon at the collar, black pants, and brown shoes.
The girls' uniform featured a white shirt with black ribbon, a black shoulder cape and corset, and a magenta skirt with white accents.
The girl had blonde hair tied in a ponytail, greenish eyes, and an unmistakably irritated expression.
The boy beside her had golden hair, crimson eyes, and a lean, athletic build visible even through his uniform. He wore a relaxed smile.
Turning slightly toward Mordred, I speak lightly.
"Mordred, you actually look very beautiful in that uniform. Quite feminine."
She glares at me.
"If you say one more word, I'll shove Clarent somewhere you really won't like."
I immediately raise my hands in surrender.
Around us, students stare openly.
The girls look dazzled.
"My god, he's handsome…"
"I didn't think someone like that could exist…"
"Do you think that girl is his girlfriend?"
"I hope not…"
"If Kiba doesn't notice us, maybe this god-in-human-form will…"
Meanwhile, the boys are far less charitable.
"Damn it, another pretty boy…"
"Kiba wasn't enough already?"
"Yeah, but look at that girl's—"
Both Mordred and I turn our heads toward the speaker.
He's a medium-height boy with short, spiky brown hair and light brown eyes.
I recognize him instantly.
Issei Hyoudou.