Mimori looked at me with concern and said, "Sensei, you look a bit out of sorts. Even your command earlier was..."
That was to be expected, wasn't it? After all, a one-sided stomp like that is hardly interesting.
It wasn't just me. Izuna, Pina, and Kaede, who had been so full of enthusiasm, were terribly disappointed once they realized the enemy's actual strength. Tsubaki fought almost the entire time while dozing off, leaving Hoshino, who was watching from the side, in a state of awe and deep envy.
But a moment later, I was struck by a sudden chill.
For Mimori asked me calmly, "Could it be that you didn't sleep well last night?"
Recalling what happened last night and connecting it to Mimori's mind-reading abilities, even I couldn't help but break into a cold sweat.
T-this, I can explain... I was forced into it... at least at the start... besides, it's a teacher's duty to satisfy a student's needs...
"What!?" Izuna cried out in shock, asking me urgently, "Aruji-dono, are you suffering from insomnia? It is all due to Izuna's poor protection. Please, you must allow me to attend to your sleep tonight!"
"No, no, no, no! That is still way too early for Izuna!"
I mean, Izuna and I are at least still pure for now! If the business with the others makes you feel off, Mimori, I can make it up to you tonight!
Pina followed up, "Boss! Did something happen to trouble you so much that you couldn't sleep? I, Pina, am willing to help you resolve your worries!"
Now that I think about it, does Pina have a crush on me?
No! Now is not the time for that!
Kaede also joined in the excitement: "Sensei! If you can't sleep at night, do you want to play cards?"
Are we talking about actual card games!?
However, Kaede's rashness ended up solving my immediate crisis.
Mimori asked with a beaming smile, "Kaede-chan∼ could you explain to me why you are operating on the premise that you were also awake at that time and able to play games?"
Kaede immediately pulled her neck back and went silent.
Just then, a female voice heavy with drowsiness rang out:
"Mm? Sensei, are you having trouble sleeping again? Do you need me to sing you a lullaby?"
...Eh?
Hearing Tsubaki speak, the panic in my heart lessened for some reason, and a suspicion began to form.
"That kind of method only treats the symptoms, not the cause, right?"
Mimori first offered an objection, then said nonchalantly, "If Sensei continues like this, his body will give out sooner or later. Please let Tsubaki-chan guide you in sleep training."
Putting myself in her shoes, after hearing my inner thoughts, an ordinary student would absolutely never help me.
But this was Mimori.
Perhaps it was her naturally gentle personality, or perhaps she had read so many people that she had become accustomed to it, or perhaps she really liked me...
Whatever the case, I realized that Mimori was currently creating a suitable opportunity for me and Tsubaki to connect.
What incredible tolerance. To satisfy any unreasonable request from her husband, she was truly the paragon of a Yamato Nadeshiko.
Deeply moved and determined not to let my dear wife's intentions go to waste, I said loudly:
"Tsubaki-chan! Please guide me!"
"Ahaha∼ you don't need to be so formal with me."
Tsubaki laughed. "Hehe, if Sensei is willing to train with me, I'd be very happy too."
For some reason, why did I get the feeling that Tsubaki was also itching to make a move on me?
At this point, Kaede gave a smug smile, finding another chance to interject: "Hmph hmph∼ don't worry, Sensei. Since it's training, let me, an excellent lady..."
Before she could finish, Kaede was met with judgment.
"Kaede∼ chan∼" Mimori said with a blooming smile, "I don't believe we've finished our talk about you secretly staying up late and hiding your phone, have we?"
"Uwawah!"
Aside from the wailing Kaede being scolded, Izuna also expressed her desire to help:
"Aruji-dono, for the sake of your peaceful sleep, Izuna will work hard to practice hypnosis!"
Huh?!
In that moment, many tempting scenes of this and that flashed through my mind.
Afterward, under my strenuous opposition, the little fox gave up obediently, though she didn't understand why.
As for the training with Tsubaki, there was no time like the present, so it was set for this afternoon.
Once the administrator from the General Student Council's Transport Office arrived and completed the delivery inspection, my mission was basically over, leaving only the follow-up reports to be submitted.
After leaving the munitions factory with the Hyakkiyako students and reaching a relatively less remote area, I used the excuse of going to the restroom to temporarily break away from the main group.
I chose a slightly distant, secluded spot. I didn't have to wait long before a pink-haired figure appeared before me.
"Mimori," I called her name, gazing at the girl affectionately, "Thank you so much."
"...I've been wanting to say this, but you really are a terrible person."
Mimori gave a soft sigh and looked away. "Please don't misunderstand. It's only because Tsubaki already had feelings for you, and you had your own unavoidable reasons, that I was willing to help this time. There will absolutely not be a next time!"
I could hear the frustration in her voice.
Come to think of it, was this Mimori admitting she had mind-reading powers?
"One more thing. I am simply better at reading people's expressions than most."
Mimori defended herself in such a way, and I took it as the truth for the time being.
Except...
I took a half-step forward, took Mimori's hands in mine, and smiled.
"Is there really no other reason?"
The girl instinctively tried to pull her hands back, but after a moment's hesitation, she didn't move. She only said weakly:
"P-please let go of me..."
If I actually let go now, I'd be truly dense.
"Then, for the Mimori who is so good at reading expressions to tolerate my fantasies until now, there must be some other reason, right?"
For example, wanting to become my wife?
Mimori's face flushed red, and she spat out, "You're so vulgar."
"Haven't you known that since the first time we met?"
Seeing Mimori blushing and not denying it, I grew bold and pulled her into my arms, clearly feeling the girl's burning body heat and racing heartbeat.
I said leadingly, "At this point, even if you admit it, it's fine, right?"
After a long silence, Mimori finally let out a sigh.
"Hah... only you could possibly fulfill the dream I've had since I was a child..."
Hearing this, I couldn't help but feel restless.
I remembered, of course, that Mimori's dream was to become an elegant and dignified Yamato Nadeshiko, to become a beautiful bride like those in the manga.
Though I also felt that in all of Kivotos, only I could do it, hearing it from Mimori's mouth... why did it sound so much like a marriage proposal?
Of course I'm willing! But...
Mimori tilted her face up, looking at me with resentment:
"Even though we are so compatible in other ways and your feelings for me are sincere, why must you be so morally bankrupt?"
I knew what she was referring to, but in all fairness, I thought I was doing pretty well.
It was all the students' fault for being too passionate toward me, and I couldn't bear to break their hearts. With so many wonderful girls who respect and love me, I didn't want to let any of them down...
Of course, setting aside the reasons and looking only at the results, I truly wasn't very faithful.
Before I could speak, the girl buried her face in my chest again and whispered:
"But it's okay. The internet says that being unfaithful is a privilege exclusive to heroes. Actually, I'm not particularly unwilling."
I blinked. "Uh... but I..."
"I know. I know."
Mimori placed her index finger against my lips, her gaze as gentle as water.
"Then, please become a hero that makes me willing to share you with others. Start by saving that student who fainted, okay?"
At this moment, my thoughts weren't exactly appropriate for the setting.
...Mimori.
And you still say you can't read minds!?
The pink-haired girl stepped out of my embrace and straightened her clothes. Her smile was gentle and flawless, but she made a "hush" gesture, looking a bit playful.
"I really don't know how to read minds at all. Hehe∼"
"In that case, you must not know what I'm thinking deep down right now, either?"
Mimori's beautiful face turned slightly red, and she pursed her lips. "That's right. So even if you wanted to do something, I wouldn't be able to react in time, you know?"
Since things had been said to this extent, was there any need to hesitate?
So, I once again pulled the girl who shared my feelings into my arms.
The girl closed her eyes.
And then, I plucked that vibrant shade of cherry blossom.