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"Morning, Megumi."
After sitting down, Rosen turned toward the bob-cut girl beside him.
"So, what exactly don't you get?"
"...Your aura and appearance, maybe? I mean, you've always seemed a little different from people our age, more mature. But now... you kind of give me this vibe that's not really... human."
"How rude."
Kato Megumi shook her head.
Mature was putting it lightly.
After all, Rosen had crossed into this world in a smaller body. His mind and experiences hadn't changed at all. To him, it was basically a second run at life. Of course he came off more grounded and composed than the average high schooler.
And in this country, high schools were hotbeds of "chuunibyou" cases—kids shouting things like, "Explode, reality! Shatter, spirit!" every other sentence. Compared to them, Rosen's maturity was so out of place it looked almost unnatural.
"Figures. People who stand on the edges of social circles usually see things the sharpest."
At that, Megumi's smile faded. "Rosen, we've known each other for a long time, but don't you think that was a little heartless? I am your friend, after all."
She added with a small smirk, "Still, it's kind of weird that I can even say I've got a popular male friend. Doesn't sound very normal, does it?"
"Honestly, that just makes you sound even more pitiful."
Just then, Rosen felt a pulse from the Tree of Life.
The girl in front of him had finally reached the threshold that allowed him to form a contract.
Actually, he'd realized this was possible a while ago.
To turn someone into a retainer, their "trust" or "dependence" toward him had to reach a certain level. It made the process slower and stricter, but the quality of those who became retainers was much higher.
And now, Megumi had met the standard. Which meant his success rate with her was no different than a Pokémon trainer tossing a Master Ball—guaranteed.
With that thought, Rosen didn't hesitate. "Remember what I told you before? That I'd show you the real truth of this world?"
"I do," she replied, tilting her head. "But wasn't that just one of your little chuunibyou episodes back then?"
"That depends. If you believe me, come with me to the rooftop after school." Rosen smiled faintly.
"Oh? Don't tell me you've finally decided to make a move on me? Considering how invisible I am most of the time, even if someone dragged me home, no one would notice."
"...Huh?"
"These are your words, not mine. You told me to be careful, remember? But honestly, after all these years, I can't imagine anyone besides you even noticing me, let alone dragging me home to keep as their personal property."
Rosen almost lost his composure.
But this really was her personality—every so often she'd let out a sharp remark that somehow didn't feel malicious.
"Well, since it's your invitation, I guess I've got no choice but to go."
And for some reason, Rosen caught a faint glimmer of anticipation behind her calm smile.
He knew it was probably just trust—but still.
Of course, he didn't see her as some possession to play with. Yet in the end, making her a retainer wasn't all that different, just a matter of process.
The bell rang.
Classes went on, though most students were secretly chatting or streaming shows.
Even though the group server had a fast-forward option—letting anyone absorb an entire series worth of info in a flash—Rosen preferred watching at normal speed to kill time. Some private bits involving members were censored, but that was fine.
"Class, before we start today's lesson, I have an announcement," their homeroom teacher, Kirisu Mafuyu, said at the front. "We're welcoming a new transfer student."
She gestured toward the door.
Rosen, sensing something, looked up. Sure enough, two familiar figures stepped inside.
"Hello, everyone. My name is Yuki Suou. I look forward to being classmates."
"And I'm Ayano Kimishima."
Their posture, movements, even the way they smiled—refined, elegant, perfectly practiced.
Yuki Suou's long black hair fell neatly over her shoulders, her gentle smile making her seem warm and approachable.
The class reacted with mixed expressions. Ordinary students whispered in awe at her looks and poise.
Another pair of rare beauties, just like that.
Some recognized the name, quickly searched it up on their phones, and were stunned—she was the eldest daughter of the powerful Suou family. A bonafide rich-girl, tied to both business and politics. So why wasn't she at some elite academy for nobles? What was she doing here?
Before speculation could spiral further, Yuki Suou gave them the answer herself.
"Lord Rosen, from now on, I'll be your classmate."
She stepped down from the podium and, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, sat right next to him.
Ayano Kimishima took the seat just behind.
Seeing the beautiful heiress beam at Rosen, speaking to him so warmly, several boys in the room felt something inside them snap.
Why—why did every pretty girl end up connected to Rosen?!
"All right, class! Quiet down!" Kirisu clapped her hands, her tone sharp.
Technically, the two transfer students had chosen their own seats, but the principal had already given permission. As long as they weren't sitting on the podium itself, they could pick wherever they liked.
After school.
"Lord Rosen," Yuki Suou spoke up immediately, "I've reserved a club room. Would you like to come with me?"
Rosen didn't refuse. He even called Megumi along.
"Me? But... isn't this Suou's private invitation?" Megumi looked hesitant.
Only then did Yuki Suou notice the girl sitting behind Rosen. Her brows rose slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Since it's Lord Rosen's invitation, then please join us."
To her, Megumi was just an ordinary girl.
But if she'd been personally invited by the Lord, then chances were she too would soon become his retainer.
"....."