Chapter 3: Outdoor Education

The next day’s schedule called for courses on orienteering and navigation.

This consisted of going around a hiking trail in the forest and collecting stamps from various points. It was closer to an extended walk than a hike in terms of difficulty, so the noble-born Vleugel Academy students enjoyed getting all the stamps.

Among them was a boy of ashen countenance.

Cecil Admina—or rather, Cecilia.

I didn’t foresee this turn of events…

As she climbed up a gently sloping trail, she gazed at the sky beseechingly. The source of her anxiety was the individual who’d peeped into her room the night before.

We told the teachers, but the footprints are gone. What do I do now…?

Soon after discovering the tracks, Oscar had gone to report the situation to the faculty member closest to their room, Mordred. But when Mordred returned to the room to see it for himself, the marks had already disappeared.

Only a few minutes had passed since Oscar and Cecilia had discovered them.

Those footprints were so distinct, and yet they were wiped clean without a trace. Did someone rub them away? But I didn’t notice anyone there…

If someone had cleared them away, that meant they had to have been there on the other side. But that seemed impossible. Both Cecilia and Oscar had checked outside the window. She could only conclude that the wind had blown them away.

But it wasn’t that windy last night…

That ledge outside the window ran all around the building. Whoever did it could have left their room and crept along the ledge to reach Cecilia and Oscar’s.

She had to do something if it turned out that her Peeping Tom was the Killer.

“Haaaaaaahhh…”

As she brooded, someone let out a ridiculous-sounding yawn next to her. She looked over to find Oscar rubbing his eyes.

“Oscar, you look exhausted. You couldn’t sleep last night?”

After a pregnant pause, he admitted, “Yeah.”

Cecilia cocked her head. “Was I snoring too loud?”

“No… But anyway, I just had a conversation with Dr. Mordred. He said that at this stage, there’s nothing we can do yet. He did inform the other teachers about it at the staff meeting, at least…”

It was obvious that Oscar had changed the subject, but she didn’t question it too deeply, simply answering, “Huh, okay.”

I bet it was my snoring…

Her face reddened. Noisy snoring was disgraceful and unbecoming of a proper young lady. She may be a man right now, true, but that didn’t matter.

Based on the way Oscar was helping her, he seemed to be taking the matter seriously as well. She welcomed any and all allies, gratefully accepting his goodwill.

“Anyway, do you have any idea who was at the window?” he asked.

“Nope, not a clue.” She sighed, shaking her head. The truth was that she did, but he wouldn’t believe her if she told him, on top of inviting needless suspicion.

And besides, she didn’t particularly want to tell anyone other than Gilbert about her past life.

“What about you, Oscar? Do you have any guesses?”

“No, I don’t, either… If Dante had come on this trip, I would have thought maybe it was him pulling a dumb prank, but he’s not here…”

Dante was Oscar’s friend and one of the love interests. He was a troublemaker with a bit of a record; she truly respected the prince for maintaining a friendship with him.

“Ooh, I see,” Cecilia replied.

“At the very least, I hope this is all just a joke.”

“Right,” she answered, which was just when she sensed someone behind her. She whirled around to see Lean standing there with a sweet smile.

“What have the two of you been whispering about?” Lean asked.

“Lean! Oh, um…”

“You must be really close!” she continued.

“Does it look that way?” Oscar responded, lifting an eyebrow. For some odd reason, he seemed pleased about this.

Still smiling sweetly, Lean fell into step with them. “If there’s anything bothering you, will you let me in on it, too? I’d love to be of help to the both of you.”

“I suppose.”

“Well…,” Cecilia trailed off, dropping her gaze. True, it would be helpful to have more people in her corner. But if that really was the Killer, telling Lean could make her a target, too, since she was a potential Holy Maiden. She didn’t want to put Lean at risk.

Moreover, the protagonist had a very important date that night—her infamous event with Jade. Cecilia’s own future hinged on this monumental occasion, which she couldn’t afford to ruin by fussing over a voyeur.

Cecilia squeezed Lean’s shoulder. “You can’t. I won’t get you involved in this.”

“But—”

“This is our problem to solve. I don’t want to put you in danger,” Cecilia insisted, the usual princely smile plastered onto her face. In response, it was not Lean but the girls around them who let out squeals. Some were even so moved and excited that they fainted.

“So, in other words, you don’t want me intruding on your little secret?”

“I…guess so,” Cecilia replied. Since the ogler had targeted her and Oscar’s room, it was fair to say that it was their little secret. Lean wasn’t wrong, although her phrasing made Cecilia a little uncomfortable.

“In that case, I shouldn’t be interfering with your secret. If anything happens, you can call on me anytime and I’ll do whatever I can!” Lean announced, flashing a smile so bright it chased away any discomfort, before curtsying to them. Even Cecilia had to admit her adorable smile was practically angelic. Lean really was the embodiment of love.

With that, she left them and ran over to Jade, who appeared to have been pining for her return. Reunited, they began chatting animatedly with each other.

Those two really are so close… But aren’t they not supposed to be this public with their affections yet?

Around this time in the game, Lean is still too self-conscious to get close to Jade in public. But they were already carrying on so affectionately, without a care in the world for who might see.

I guess this part of the story has gotten a little off track, too?

It could be another element that deviated from the game, like how Gilbert hadn’t grown up dour and gloomy and how Oscar was much friendlier. Cecilia mused on that as she watched them.

“So what are you thinking of for tonight? You want to catch the Peeping Tom?” Oscar proposed, bringing her back to reality. She’d thought he’d be upset to see his crush Lean so close with another guy, but that wasn’t the case at all. He was acting perfectly natural, no different than usual. What an unexpectedly open-minded man.

Cecilia nodded. “Yep, that’s the plan.”

“But how should we catch them? We don’t even know what they look like…”

“I have an idea!” she cried. He glanced down at her with surprise. In response, she confidently clasped a hand to her chest. “I’m going to be a decoy!”

 

At night after dinner, Cecilia crept into the woods alone and lingered in an area on the stamp-collecting hiking trail. The place was so open that it was practically deserted, with good visibility to boot. It was also the perfect distance from the lodge, just far enough so that she wouldn’t interrupt Lean and Jade on their date event. She’d had her eyes on this spot since passing it earlier in the day.

She planted her hands on her hips and waited.

If this really is the Killer we’re up against, they’ll be looking to strike when I’m alone!

Of course, she didn’t intend to just present her head on a platter, so Oscar was watching from a distance.

The plan was simple. Cecilia would act as a decoy and await the Killer by herself. When the assailant struck, the two of them would subdue them. The Killer of the game is a single individual, so Oscar and Cecilia should be able to capture them together. The plan hinged on that condition.

Additionally, the Killer never attacks the knights voluntarily in the game, so they wouldn’t search for Oscar instead, who was currently hidden.

I actually wanted to watch the event to make sure it goes well, but considering the circumstances, my hands are tied.

As far as she could tell, Lean and Jade were totally in love. Something was bound to happen between them regardless of whether Cecilia was watching or not. In fact, she might have actually gotten in their way if she did attend.

Determined, Cecilia huffed defiantly. “Come at me anytime! I’m gonna see who you really are!”

But despite her enthusiasm, no one ever appeared, even after a lengthy wait. Nor did she sense that piercing, intense gaze on her. The sound of the wind rustling the leaves was the only thing echoing through the woods.

“I guess maybe it was all in my head…”

Cecilia sighed in disappointment after biding her time for an hour with nothing to show for it. She hadn’t wanted anyone to pop up, but it nevertheless felt like a bit of a letdown that no one had revealed themselves.

“I guess they’re not coming tonight?” Oscar conceded, appearing from deep within the forest, visibly impatient. As he cracked his neck, he explained, “I got tired of waiting.”

“Sorry. I guess nothing’s going to happen…”

“In this instance, it’s good that your fears turned out to be groundless. No need to apologize,” Oscar consoled, his voice gentle.

Head hung in dejection, Cecilia said, “You’re so nice, Oscar. Thank you.”

As a smile split her face, Oscar’s cheeks reddened just a little. “N-no, I’m not! I’m not being nice to you specifically! I’d be nice to anyone!”

“Are you sure you should be saying that about yourself?”

“Shut up!” Oscar retorted, his lips pursed in embarrassment.

He’s gotten a lot cuter somehow.

Until very recently, Oscar had been the kind of person she didn’t care for, but their time on the school camping trip had deepened her understanding of him.

Just then, a metallic rattling sounded. Someone had tripped the makeshift alarm of empty cans tied together with string that Cecilia had strung up around the vicinity before lying in wait for the voyeur.

“Where’s that coming from?!” Oscar shouted, anxious at the clear sign that someone had arrived. Then something rustled in the low bushes behind them.

“There!” he cried, grabbing his Sacred Artifact. The silver bangle instantly changed shape and mass, morphing into a sword.

“Wow!” Cecilia gasped, awestruck at her first glimpse of a Sacred Artifact transforming. The game never showed that.

He hurled the sword forward, and it flew straight on without getting lodged in any of the trees.

His Sacred Artifact was endowed with the ability to slice through anything. Wood, metal, diamonds—all were like butter in the face of his blade. On top of that, it would not cut through anything the wielder did not wish to disturb.

This meant his flying brand would not nick or graze any of the trees—it would only stab into its target.

“AAAHHHH!” someone screamed. They followed the sound only to encounter two entirely unexpected individuals—Lean and Jade.

Oscar’s sword was stuck fast in the tree next to them, but the blade was missing half its length—no, it only appeared that way.

The sword had pierced Jade’s Sacred Artifact, which specialized in concealment. Simply laying that cloak over someone or something would grant them invisibility and render their presence undetectable. His cloak was draped over the sword blade, concealing half of it from sight.

Oscar and Cecilia approached the pair, who were sprawled on the ground.

“What are you two doing here?” asked Cecilia.

“Are you responsible for all this?” demanded Oscar.

“Ah-ha-ha…”

Huddling together, Lean and Jade let out strained laughs.

“Why?!” Cecilia cried, about to press them for answers.

But before they could respond, a scream rose up from the direction of the lodge. The four of them rushed over to find a flood of students pouring out the doors.

Behind them, a wild-eyed student and several stray dogs were going on a rampage.

“Ah, Obstructions,” Oscar observed calmly.

Cecilia’s eyes widened. This was Jade and Lean’s event.

“Forget about all that back there for now. We have to save everyone!” Lean implored, agitated.

While Cecilia didn’t consider that something to let slide even for a moment, Lean was right. The most important thing right now was preventing the Obstructions from causing any harm.

I’ll help save them, but I’m not going to mess up any events this time!

She recalled that she’d ended up interfering during the prologue and during Oscar and Lean’s first event. Cecilia had a bad habit of losing sight of everything around her when she panicked.

“Anyone who’s injured, get over here!” shouted Mordred from behind. He was using his Sacred Artifact to heal the wounds of both students and teachers. His power was apt for a doctor.

A potential Holy Maiden who had yet to receive a Sacred Artifact was essentially powerless. All she could do was touch the mark on an Obstruction to exorcise it. However, if she did have Sacred Artifacts, she could draw on the respective powers they granted to her knights. Therefore, a candidate with multiple Artifacts in her possession would be stronger than any of her individual suitors.

By the same token, Cecilia could now use Gilbert’s Artifact.

I think his had the power of…

“Cecil!” Oscar cried.

She shouldn’t have gotten distracted trying to sift through her memories. If not for him, she wouldn’t have noticed the wild dogs leaping at her from behind. She touched the Artifact.

“Aroo!”

With a spray of popping sparks, it repelled the beasts before they could even touch Cecilia, slamming them into the ground. A black mist rose up from their bodies and vanished.

Now I remember. Gil’s Artifact…

His Artifact’s specialty was defense, the exact opposite of Oscar’s. Once activated, the wielder was nigh invulnerable.

That means I can—

Cecilia drew close to him. “I’ll help the rest of the students and teachers escape, so you handle the Obstructions. My Artifact isn’t exactly made for exorcising them…”

“Sure, that works…”

“Jade, can you stick with Lean? And help Oscar out if you can,” Cecilia continued.

“Got it,” Jade said.

“Yes,” Lean replied.

She wasn’t going to forget about getting them together. Jade still needed to be wounded while protecting Lean.

Urgh, but this means I’m going to let him get hurt…

Beset by the pangs of her conscience, Cecilia clutched her chest. While she knew it was necessary and that he wouldn’t be seriously injured, it still pained her.

But if she prevented this event from happening, a bleak future would await.

Even if Jade has to suffer, I at least want to keep it to a minimum! Oh…I know!

“Oscar!” she cried, tugging on his sleeve to stop him in his tracks on his way over to the lodge.

“…What?”

“Um, stay with Jade. Don’t let him get too hurt…”

“Huh? Okay…”

“I know you can do it!” she reassured him, clutching his hand.

His face instantly pinkened. “Y-yeah, just trust in me!”

“I will. Do your best!”

“Sure,” Oscar replied, awkwardly averting his eyes.

That should ensure Jade wouldn’t get too banged up.

“All right! I’m gonna do my best, too!” Cecilia shouted enthusiastically, hyping herself up. She had a mission of her own to accomplish. Although this was an event from the game’s narrative, she wanted to protect as many people as possible.

She touched the bracelet and burst into the lodge as screams filled her ears.

 

About a half hour later, the situation showed signs of being under control. Most of the Obstructions had vanished, and the students and teachers were scattered around outside the lodge, watching.

As soon as Cecilia emerged with the last person in tow, Jade, Lean, and Oscar followed. They must have finished exorcising the Obstructions.

Lean spotted Cecilia and ran over, frowning in worry. “Lord Cecil, are you all right?”

“Yes. Thank you, I’m fine,” Cecilia reassured, smiling at Lean, who seemed to have been concerned about Cecil’s solo mission.

Oscar followed after Lean. Mud spattered his cheeks. “Doesn’t look like you got hurt.”

“Um, same for…you,” Cecilia said, looking over at Jade. He was the picture of health, not a scratch on him. She cocked her head. “Why isn’t anyone injured?”

“You sound like you wanted us to get hurt,” Oscar said.

“No, not you…,” she replied, though there was no way she could follow it up with I wanted Jade to get hurt.

There was also the matter of how Jade and Lean had been observing Cecilia. This event felt strange somehow.

Then she heard a growl from behind. The second she turned around, something launched at her. Caught off guard, Cecilia landed flat on the ground. A black blur rushed straight for Lean.

“LEAN!”

“Eek!”

It was an Obstruction possessing a feral dog. Jade, who was closest, jumped in front of Lean. It looked exactly as the scene does in the game.

“Jade!”

But then someone who isn’t in this scene at all cried out as a sword swung down at the assailant. It went through the canine’s body without cutting any of its flesh, only rending the black fog clinging to it in half.

The animal collapsed, unconscious and inert. Its ears were still twitching, so it didn’t appear to be dead.

“Phew. I guess we hadn’t gotten them all…,” Oscar remarked, shaking his sword like he was flicking blood off it before sheathing it.

Cecilia stared, stunned by what had just happened. “Why…?”

“Hmm?”

“Wh-why did you defeat it?!”

“Huh?” Oscar said, frowning in confusion. “It was an Obstruction. You’re supposed to defeat them!”

“But, but—,” Cecilia spluttered, her lips trembling querulously. Her fate had just been sealed right before her eyes.

It was good that Lean and Jade were both uninjured. Cecilia hadn’t wanted them to get hurt, of course.

Still, though…

“But—,” she protested again, though she couldn’t say, But the event! like she was saying in her heart.

“You’re the one who just told me you knew I could do it, so what’s going on?” he demanded.

“Prince Oscar has been in very high spirits ever since you said that!” Lean informed Cecilia.

“No, I haven’t!” Oscar denied. His face reddened, possibly from happiness, and he jerked his head aside.

Cecilia thought back to their exchange from earlier.

“Um, stay with Jade. Don’t let him get too hurt…”

“Huh? Okay…”

“I know you can do it!”

She was flummoxed. What I said affected him that much?!

Her heart flipped in her chest as mortification, regret, and anger at herself warred with one another.

Glaring at the ground, she let out a little groan of frustration. Then she noticed a notebook lying at her feet. “What’s this?”

Thinking nothing of it, she picked it up and flipped through its contents.

And yet, what she found inside was…

 

Cecil held Oscar locked inside his willowy arms.

Delirious from the heat of the aphrodisiac, Oscar was unable to put up anything more than a token resistance. He gazed up at Cecil, eyes glazed over.

The other boy smirked, his grin suggestive and utterly enchanting. “Don’t try to fight it, Oscar.”

Then Cecil pressed him flat on his back…

 

“AAAAAHHHHH!” Cecilia shrieked, slamming the notebook shut.

It turned out it was illicit smut of that nature. Not only that, but she and Oscar were the stars!

And I’m the one on top?!

“Ce-Cecil! Hey! That’s mine! It’s really embarrassing—don’t look!” cried Jade, of all people, snatching it back. His cheeks were flushed with humiliation as he asked, “Did you see?”

When Cecilia nodded, he moaned in despair and fidgeted nervously.

Apparently, Jade was the true main character of the dating sim, what with him carrying on like some blushing maiden.

Red in the face, he confessed, “So actually, we’ve been writing fanfic about you two…”

“…Fanfic?” she repeated.

“Lean also draws art of you.”

“Tasteful art, thank you,” emphasized Lean, also blushing.

Cecilia felt a headache building. “Hold on—can I just confirm something? Why have the two of you been passing this notebook around?”

“We use it to write our fics,” Jade answered.

“So you two were the ones spying on me earlier?” Cecilia pressed.

“We were gathering material!” Lean announced proudly.

Cecilia was about to have a nervous breakdown from being pummeled with these revelations. And Jade had even used his Artifact to spy on her for more material. They could both stand to be a lot less audacious.

“Cecil, I’m sorry. But it’s because Gilbert/Cecil is my OTP!” yelled Jade.

“What exactly are you apologizing for…?” asked Cecilia. Her complexion had turned unintentionally stony. She covered her eyes, pitying her brother for getting dragged into all this.

“Then I have to state that my preference is for Cecil/Gilbert!” Lean cut in. “Of course, my all-time favorite pairing is Cecil/Oscar because of how it emphasizes Lord Cecil’s dark side, but if you want to talk Lord Gilbert pairings, Cecil/Gilbert is right there! As far as I’m concerned, Lord Cecil will always be the top, now and forever!”

“I’m not the top or the bottom!” Cecilia protested.

“I’m not going to accept either of them as verse. I’ve always thought they’re too out of character when Lean tries that, ” Jade argued.

“We’re right here! Don’t talk about in or out of character!” Cecilia interjected with exasperation, but even pointing that out to them did little to stem the tide of their heated debate.

Incidentally, Oscar was standing off to the side, wearing a look of befuddlement, unable to follow their argument at all.

“Can I ask one final question?” Cecilia requested.