“Ray-san. I’m sorry for making you wait.”
“No, I just arrived as well.”
“Hehe…”
Rebecca-senpai laughed, covering her mouth with her hand.
She had a large tote bag slung over her shoulder, and her outfit was a simple, pure white dress. There were no frills or embroidery, just a plain white dress.
The fact that it suited her so well only emphasized how beautiful Rebecca-senpai was.
Today, her hair was styled in low twin tails.
She looked slightly younger than usual, but that only served to enhance her charm.
“I thought this felt a bit like a date…”
“That’s true. Now that you mention it, I suppose it does. I’m honored.”
“…Is that so? I’m a bit embarrassed, haha.”
As usual, I complimented her appearance. This was something my mentor had drilled into me—always compliment women.
“Your hairstyle and outfit suit you very well.”
“Oh… really? I thought I dressed appropriately since I’m selling something today, but do I look okay?”
“Yes, you look cute.”
“……”
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Let’s go!”
“Yes!”
We gathered in front of the fountain in the central district and headed towards our destination.
From what I heard, these types of sales events have been held for about three years, and Rebecca-senpai has participated in all of them. This year, however, was her first time as a seller.
We arrived at an unremarkable building. There was a restaurant on the first floor and a gift shop on the second. However, it seemed there was a separate entrance…
When we reached the back door of the building, there was a door. Opening it revealed a staircase leading down, much like the hidden door in the gardening club’s room.
“Shall we go?”
“Yes.”
We descended the staircase and opened the door to the basement. It was a dimly lit area, and it appeared that a reception was taking place.
Inside, there were mostly women, many of whom seemed to be adults. It seemed there were no students in sight.
“Here you go.”
“Yes, I received it.”
Rebecca-senpai handed over what looked like a piece of paper. It seemed this place operated on a reservation-only basis, and whether you were a buyer or seller, you needed that ticket to enter.
The receptionist accepted the ticket from Rebecca-senpai, but I felt a strange sense of familiarity with her… I couldn’t help but wonder if she was that person.
“Um, could you be Cara-san?”
“Huh?”
“I thought so. Your vibe is a bit different, but I think it suits you well.”
“……Ray-sama. May I have a word with you?”
“Yes, of course.”
Cara-san said that and led me to a corner of the room. I told Rebecca-senpai to wait for a moment.
“Ray-sama. What are you doing here? This is not a place for men!”
“However, it seems there are some men here.”
“Those people are exceptions!”
“Ah… is that so? Then, why are you here, Cara-san?”
“Um…”
Cara-san, who is usually expressionless and emotionless, seemed very emotional today. She appeared quite flustered.
“Actually, I’m involved in the operation of this sales event…”
“Oh! So you love art too, Cara-san!”
“Huh? It seems there’s a misunderstanding… Do you know what kind of books are sold here?”
“Rebecca-senpai’s work is a manga. It’s about romance between men.”
“That’s right! This is that kind of place! So please leave quickly! And please keep this a secret from my master…”
Her eyes pierced into mine. Moreover, Cara-san’s expression was desperate. However, of course, I intended to show understanding towards anyone’s interests.
“I understand. I won’t say a word to Master. It seems you have your reasons, Cara-san.”
“That… helps a lot.”
“However, I will participate in this sales event.”
“Why?! This is a place for people who enjoy… romance between men!”
“Hmm… I see, so that’s how it is.”
“Yes, that’s how it is… so please forget about today—”
“No. I’ve decided to help Rebecca-senpai. Besides, I won’t look down on anyone’s preferences. So, can you let me participate?”
“Ugh… okay… but please keep this confidential!”
“Understood.”
The conversation ended there, and I returned to Rebecca-senpai.
That was the first time I had talked to Cara-san like that, and I felt a little fortunate to discover that she had that side to her.
“Ray-san. Were you acquainted with her?”
“Yes. I’m sorry for taking up your time.”
“Oh no, it’s fine. Let’s go then.”
“Yes.”
As I went further inside, I found a spacious area. Several long tables were set up, and other women were already placing books on the tables to prepare for sales.
“Eh, a man?”
“A guy? Why?”
“That’s rare… but he’s cool…”
“Could he be one of those types?”
“Eh, what does that mean? But it sounds kind of nice… hehehe…”
Hmm. It seems that my presence as a man is causing quite a stir, but I don’t really mind. I have only one thing to do today.
“Well then, this is our spot. Let’s get ready.”
“Yes. I’ll help.”
When we arrived at the designated area, we first moved the chairs at the back and began to arrange the books while standing.
Rebecca-senpai took out some thin books from her tote bag and started stacking them. One was labeled as a sample copy, which she stood up prominently. Behind it, she placed a board for support.
It took about five minutes to finish the preparations.
“Senpai.”
“Yes? What is it?”
“How many copies do you have?”
“Since it’s my first time… I printed about twenty copies.”
“Twenty copies! What’s the price?”
“Five hundred Aldo per copy.”
“I see. That’s good to know.”
“But I’m worried about whether they’ll sell or not…”
“Rebecca-senpai.”
I looked at my senpai, who seemed anxious next to me. She looked a bit hunched over and was trembling slightly.
I couldn’t understand her feelings. I had never even dreamed of creating something and trying to sell it.
However, I could tell that Rebecca-senpai was feeling anxious.
So, like before, I gently wrapped my hands around her to encourage her, as that was all I could do for her right now.
“I can’t say for sure that everything will be alright. However, I was deeply moved by your book. I’m sure it will resonate with others as well. I believe that.”
“Ray-san. Um… ah, thank you. You always encourage me.”
“No, this is just a small thing I can do anytime.”
Finally, it was time to start selling, and senpai’s first venture was about to begin.
“One copy, please.”
“Thank you so much! Ray-san!”
“That will be five hundred Aldo. I’ve received it. Here is your product.”
“Thank you very much!”
We both bowed our heads.
It seemed that Rebecca-senpai’s worries were unfounded, as by the end of the first hour, half of the books had already sold. While some women who looked at the sample copy didn’t buy it, it felt like more people were buying than not.
“Senpai, sales are going well!”
“Y-yes… I can hardly believe it… but I’m so happy!”
“Let’s keep up this momentum until the end!”
“Yes!”
As we waited anxiously together, the next customer arrived. To my surprise, it was someone I was quite happy to see.
“Elisa! It is Elisa! What a coincidence!”
“Eh… Ray-kun… huh?”
Elisa looked stunned.
She seemed completely frozen, but I hoped she was okay.
Then, Elisa quickly seemed to regain her composure and leaned in closer to me, speaking in a low voice.
“W-what are you doing here!?”
“I was about to ask the same thing, but I’m helping senpai.”
“Senpai?”
Elisa glanced at Rebecca-senpai, who was sitting next to me, and hurriedly bowed.
“Ah! Rebecca-senpai! It’s been a while!”
“Elisa-san, it’s been a while.”
“I-Is senpai who’s publishing a book?”
“Yes. Ray-san has been helping me out with various things.”
“…Does Ray-kun understand what kind of place this is?”
“Yes. He understands.”
“I-I see…”
Elisa turned back to me, looking embarrassed, and said shyly.
“Ray-kun… please keep this a secret from everyone, okay?”
“Ah, of course.”
“Then, um… one copy, please.”
“Thank you very much!”
After that, Elisa bowed her head repeatedly and left the place where we were.
“Elisa-san had the scent of our kind… it seems my intuition was correct after all,”
“Really!? You can tell such things!?”
“Yes, I can somehow understand our kind.”
“As expected of you, senpai… I respect you.”
“Hehe, isn’t it?”
Rebecca-senpai spoke with a rare air of pride, puffing out her chest.
I was happy to see this new side of Rebecca-senpai. At first glance, she seemed like a perfect person who could do anything, but in reality, she had a playful side as well. Just knowing that made coming here today worthwhile.
After that, noble daughters and ladies came to greet us and purchase books. I learned that nobles surprisingly visit places like this, which was quite educational.
Once we successfully sold all the books, the event came to a close.
“Ah… I was nervous, but it was great. I never expected to sell everything!”
“It was all thanks to you, senpai. That book was truly wonderful.”
We walked home together. It was already dusk, and as it was getting dark, I decided to escort senpai home. Although the Arnold Kingdom has a low crime rate, it’s not zero. Considering the possibility of getting caught up in something, I took her home.
“…I’m glad to hear that. But honestly, I felt more secure with you here, Ray-san. I actually planned to come alone, so I was anxious… and I didn’t have any friends to invite… At first, I felt embarrassed, but I’m glad I got to know you, Ray-san.”
“I’m flattered to hear that.”
As we discussed our impressions of the day, we arrived at senpai’s house. They say time flies when you’re having fun, and today truly felt like it passed in the blink of an eye.
When Rebecca-senpai opened the gate to her mansion, she bowed respectfully and bid farewell.
“Ray-san, I look forward to seeing you again in the new semester.”
“Yes, I also look forward to seeing you again, senpai. If there’s anything I can help with, please feel free to call me anytime.”
“No, actually, this was the first and last time… Thank you for the wonderful memories. I was really happy to be with you, Ray-san.”
Senpai smiled, but there was a hint of sorrow in the atmosphere. As the sunset light illuminated her, a gust of wind blew. She held down her flowing hair and looked down sadly.
I couldn’t see her face, but I noticed droplets on the ground. Could it be that she was shedding tears? No, it was undoubtedly tears. Drops fell, leaving their marks on the ground.
“What do you mean—”
I wanted to ask, but she turned away and headed toward the mansion.
“Ray-san, see you in the new semester…”
“Yes…”
Something felt off. Senpai wiped her tears and left just like that. I thought I heard a certain word during that moment, but it was too faint; it might have just been my imagination.
I should have stopped her and said something. However, senpai’s demeanor seemed to reject everything… as if to say, Don’t touch me, she disappeared beyond the door.
In the end, I didn’t know what to say…
And so, my summer vacation ended without any resolution.
After the summer break, a certain rumor began to spread at the academy.
“Hey, Ray! Listen!”
Since it was just after a long break, there were still few students around. Evi had mentioned she would be a little late.
In the classroom, when I met Amelia, she rushed over to my desk.
“What’s wrong, Amelia? Did something happen?”
“Rebecca-senpai apparently got engaged!”
“Engaged…?”
A new daily life was about to begin.
At the same time, we were unaware that this would mark the beginning of a tumultuous chapter in our lives.
*Postscript*
At the bottom of the page, information about the book version is published. The illustrations are by [Kori Eriko-sensei]. Volume 2 of the book will be released on November 2nd (Monday) by Kodansha Light Novel Bunko! Also, the first volume of the comic will be released on November 9th (Monday)!
It is priced reasonably in a paperback size, so please check it out!
TN: I use Rakuten Kobo to buy Light Novels to support Authors and here’s the →link← for the LN by the author. And here is the →link← for the mangas. You can support the author by buying books.
– Afterword
Extra: Summer Vacation – End
Chapter 3: The Lovely Bride – Continuation
I have a significant announcement for all readers.
This work, “The Ice Blade Sorcerer Rules the World,” is being published as a book by Kodansha Light Novel Bunko! Additionally, it has been decided that it will be adapted into a manga in Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket (the official manga app for Shonen M Manga)!
Furthermore, we have already secured an illustrator. The illustrator is none other than… Kori Eriko Sensei! She is a super famous illustrator who has worked on numerous light novel illustrations as well as illustrations for PC games! It’s a surprising connection that she will be in charge of this work. The character designs have already been completed, and they are truly wonderful… (tears).
So, the three major announcements are: [The publication of the book], [The manga adaptation], and [The illustrator being decided as Kori Eriko sensei].
If there is any new information, I plan to share it in the afterword of the latest chapter, activity reports, and on Twitter (please follow me!). → [Twitter Account Name: Mikoshiba Nana. ID: @mikoshiba_nana] [TN: Click on the name, I have linked the Twitter(now X) account]
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude. I never dreamed that this work would reach this level when it first started serialization. This is all thanks to you, the readers. Once again, thank you very much!
While there are tasks for the book publication, I will continue to update the web version! Chapter 3 will begin tomorrow!
Also, if you scroll down, there is a section labeled [☆☆☆☆☆] where you can give a rating of up to 5 stars.[TN: This one is for the ratings at syosetu. You can check it through this →link←. PS: You need to go to a chapter to rate. It’s always at the end of a chapter]
I would be grateful if you could support me with your star ratings. Your support is a great motivation for me, so if you could, I would appreciate it!!
Well then, I look forward to your continued support for this work!
Here is the —>discord<—- to get update notifications and release schedules.
Here’s my shameless donation request as well.
Click on the image above for my ko-fi page link