─It's simple────── Vlov.... ────... and has saved──── Brunestud.
─... ──── is like this...! Nii-san───── no way─────! He─────!
Before I woke up. I heard voices all around me.
I don't quite know what they say... it's kind of annoying.....
The noise in this room is gradually increasing... it's getting harder and harder for me to keep quiet while sleeping here.
My head, it wobbles a little....
I look to the left side of the bed, and there... I see Akiha. She is wearing normal clothes, while Hisui behind her is dressed like a maid.
Wait a moment, what's going on here...?
Why does Akiha look so angry...?
My eyes swim inside my eyelids and I look to the left, where I am able to identify Ciel-senpai, Touko-san, Aoko-san and Ryougi-san.
I find this combination of people somewhat confusing, but mostly....
The only person who doesn't fit in here, is that blonde girl with ruby-colored eyes standing silently at the side of the room with a bored expression on her face.
I don't think... uh, I'm able to properly process the scene unfolding in front of my eyes....
This is all very difficult to understand....
─We've had Shiki-kun's care for eight years now, I don't think it's suitable to take him out of the environment he's always lived in for this. ─. Touko-san argues.
At Touko-san's words, Akiha frowns and clearly annoyed, replies:
─I don't give a damn! Don't you remember that up until a few hours ago I could have died! You guys are terrible as guardians! Not only that, you're all terrible! Letting a young man face not just one, but two vampires of great power is what I consider negligence!
...
─We didn't force Shiki, Akiha-chan. He was the one who decided to take on Nrvnqsr Chaos and Vlov Arkhangel on his own. As I told you, in the process he saved not only Arcueid Brunestud, but also you, me and all the people in this city included.
─Even if that's the case, I can't allow Nii-san to get caught up in danger like that! And you... you can leave at any time, you know, we don't need you here.
Akiha looks at Arcueid, venting her anger at the vampiress.
...
Personally, I can't keep quiet anymore watching this exchange. I don't like how Akiha is behaving.
─Hey... please, don't talk to Arcueid like that....
I do my best to sit up on the bed.
I feel like my back will give out at any moment, but I have to speak properly....
I see Akiha, who in surprise says: ─Nii-san?!
Looks like she wasn't expecting me to wake up.
On the other hand, on the opposite pole, the bored expression on Arcueid's face disappears and with a loud voice, he says:
─Shiki, you're awake! ─. She says as she approaches me with big steps.
She rushes to hug me without a bit of hesitation.
─Gah...! ─. A pitiful cry escapes my lips receiving Arcueid's weight on my body.
But I struggle to hold my position... failing in the attempt.
I fall onto the bed, and Arcueid remains on top of me, watching me with a reproachful expression on his face.
─What took you so long? Imouto-chan has been very rude to me, so I was getting bored waiting for you to wake up again, [Knight] (holder) of the [Princess of True Ancestors].
Looking at Arcueid from this angle... I can notice the figure of her breasts right in front of my eyes.
I don't know... how to look at her right now....
For some reason I feel my heart beating faster, being so close to Arcueid... I can make out her lips from a shorter distance.
Seeing from such a reduced distance Arcueid's facial features, what's more, in the daylight, I realize that she is a very beautiful girl after all.
If I were to reach out my hand... I would be able to touch her...
─Hey, cheap vampire, let Tohno-kun go!
The first to refuse is Ciel-senpai, who pulled Arcueid by the arm while looking noticeably annoyed.
Ugh... What have I done to deserve this...?
─Shut up, Ciel, it's obvious that Shiki would rather spend more time with me than with any of you idiots!
Arcueid resists being pulled by Ciel-senpai, but in the process, this causes my head to start bobbing from side to side.
As someone who just woke up, being exposed to this kind of scene naturally makes me feel dizzy.
─Hey, you shouldn't be doing this here... ─. Touko-san comments, in an attempt to calm Arcueid and Senpai down.
But that's useless, they won't even listen to her.
─I'm telling you to leave Tohno-kun, you're too much of an annoying woman, Arcueid!
─You're not the best to talk, you kept crying because you thought MY Shiki was going to die!
─Who says he's "YOUR" Shiki! He's a person, not property, you stupid vampire!
Urk... I feel like I'm about to puke....
If this wasn't happening, I'd be on Arcueid's side, but I think I have to deviate a bit this time....
─Arcueid....
─Yes, Shiki?! ─. She sounds happy when I call out to her.
Her smile revitalizes me, but I can't tolerate this for long....
─Could you get off of me...? In other circumstances, I'd let you do whatever you want, but this time I'm not feeling too well....
─As you ask, Shiki.
─Why are you so docile with Tohno-kun?!
─That's it.... ─. I tried to answer.
But in my feeble attempt to do so, Arcueid covers my mouth to forbid me to speak.
─Shiki proved to be a true gentleman and a man of principle! What's the matter, Ciel, are you jealous that Shiki told me lovely phrases like "I'll try not to break any promise I make to you again"?
─Tohno-kun?!
I turn my face away to avoid looking at Ciel-senpai, it's too embarrassing to accept the simple fact that I said such words in a carefree manner without thinking....
Ahh, swallow me....
The shocked looks from everyone, even Ryougi-san are etched on my skin and hurt quite a bit.
Please don't look at me like that, Touko-san....
Your gaze is the one that hurts the most among all the others, seriously, I feel like I could die at any moment now.
It was a while before things calmed down and, dressed in normal clothes (a white T-shirt and dark pants), I was able to go to the living room to relax for a while at least.
Or that was the purpose of it.
─We are here, at the [Tohno Mansion] to hold the second edition of the [Spicy Curry Competition]! Because of various inconveniences, Noel-sensei is unable to be present here among us, but I, Kohaku-sensei will be relieving his position as the main commentator!
When did Kohaku-san realize what we did that time in the cafeteria?
Maybe Hisui-san told her about it...? If I remember correctly, she was at the commentary table too. Wow, I don't think I can save myself this time.
Sitting at the dining table, we found Arcueid, Ciel-senpai, Touko-san, Ryougi-san and I, in that same order.
Aoko-san said she was going to help Hisui-san with indoor activities, so she is not present for this silliness. Instead, next to Kohaku-san, there is Akiha who has an expression of intrigue.
─Kohaku, what is this activity about?
─It's simple, Akiha-sama! In the last edition of this competition we had a direct confrontation between Shiki-san and Ciel-san, the same ended in an absolute draw marking the surrender of both sides, All you have to do is eat the spiciest curry of your lives!
─Huh, that's all it is?
Akiha looks more confused than before.
Well, I guess it's inevitable.
This is just a stupid thing that Ciel-senpai and I came up with at the drop of a hat. I only played along with Ciel-senpai that one time, and I really didn't expect that we were going to perform it once again.
I see Arcueid sitting to my right, looking almost as confused as Akiha.
─Does that mean all I have to do is eat something spicy?
─That's right, Arcueid-san! Thank goodness you were able to figure it out!
─Mm... Shiki, is it okay for me to participate?
I really don't know...
But seeing Ciel-senpai sitting to my left, I notice that she was looking at me out of the corner of her eye too. I have the illusion that little sparks were created in the middle of us.
That stupid competition is something that still hurts my taste buds, but I still have some resentment and I want to clear it as soon as possible.
─Make it a fair competition, Ciel-senpai.
─Same here, Tohno-kun.
We make our intentions to win clear, I feel my heart racing with nerves.
Mm? It's obvious that I'm taking it seriously.
Although I don't know if it's highly recommended to do something like this while I'm still in recovery, I guess I can tolerate it to a certain extent.
─What is the need for me to participate in this as well...? ─. Ryougi-san wonders almost sighing.
Oh my. She seems to be a bit discouraged.
─Come on Ryougi-san, it can be fun. Even Touko-san is participating in this.
─But... Tohno-san, Mikiya doesn't prepare spicy food at home, I don't know if she can take enough.
Huh?
Wait, Kokutou-san doesn't prepare spicy food? Then why did she ask me a while ago for a recipe for a dish that uses a large amount of spice?
Mmm...
─Does Azaka-san usually eat with you?
─Ah, yes. She's the one who eats spicy stuff actually.
Ah, I see.
I guess Kokutou-san is kind enough to prepare meals that his wife can eat.
─Say hello to Azaka-san for me. Ah, wait, you should stop by our house to stop by picking up some things I want to send to Kokutou-san. Those kitchen tools we won at bingo are still over there, Touko-san?
─Mhm, I'd also like you to take some things to Azaka-chan, she keeps calling me day and night to ask me for more tasks as my first apprentice.
─I understand, I'll bring everything they ask me for.
The three of us smiled in satisfaction.
Touko-san ruffles Ryougi-san's and my hair, not complaining at all, we let her do it just like that.
Now that we've finished this conversation, it's time to start the competition once and for all.
Kohaku-san serves us each a plate of curry.
While Ciel-senpai, Touko-san and Arcueid look at each other nonchalantly... on the other hand, Ryougi-san we look blankly at the curry that has a color that looks unhealthy.
From its smell, I'm guided to think that this curry brings a huge amount of spice...
Mm?
─Tohno-san...
─Yes, yes...?
─Is it normal... for me to see lines in this dish... even if I have my [Mystic Eyes] turned off?
─For a moment I thought it was just me....
It's true. I have a feeling I see a few red lines deep in the food.
What is this, poison, is it spicy enough to kill a person or something?
Why is this happening...?
─Nii-san, you don't have to eat it if you don't want to. I can ask Kohaku to prepare something else for you.
Akiha sounds worried by my expression.
Eh, I don't know how to answer her...
But seeing Arcueid, Ciel-senpai and Touko-san eating spoonful by spoonful without any kind of concern, I feel like I should do something.
I swallow saliva.
Ryougi-san seems to be more hesitant than me, but....
─Urgh...! Sorry... I'm out...
She at least consumed the first spoonful.
Ryougi-san immediately receives a glass of milk from Kohaku-san.
─Wow, that's a pity! Ryougi-san has withdrawn from the competition, which leaves Shiki-kun from [Team Shiki]!
─Huh, did we have teams?
─Of course, Arcueid-san is [Team Vampire]. Ciel-san is [Team Curry]. Touko-san is [Team Puppet]. And both Shiki-san and Ryougi-san were part of [Team Shiki] working together.
─Why were we the only team of humans...?
Existentialist doubts aside....
I hear a spoon being dropped onto a plate, the sound coming from my right.
Cold sweat runs down my cheeks immediately, feeling pathetic for being next to this particular person.
The [Princess of True Ancestors] finished her plate of curry, and with an elegant expression, wipes her mouth using a table napkin.
I paled immediately.
─¿... Arcueid...?
Somewhat nervously, I said her name.
The blonde vampiress puts the napkin aside, and looks at me with an expression with a hint of curiosity.
─Is something wrong, Shiki? ─. Her question is innocent.
Damn it, how could I possibly oppose this opponent!
She's simply too strong for someone like me!
Just because I sliced it into seventeen pieces, doesn't mean I've stopped being a monster!
─Are you feeling all right?
─Why are you asking me that? Of course I'm fine, Shiki.
─Do you mind having eaten something with this level of spiciness?
─Huh? Should I?
AHHHH! SHIT!
There's nothing I can do...
─I'm done.
Touko-san's casual phrase made me freeze.
As my hands tremble a little, I look at Ciel-san standing to my left.
Her plate is half-finished.
Oh, that's to be expected.
Unlike Arcueid and Touko-san, Ciel-san has almost completely the body of a normal person!
His pain receptors can be activated by the spiciness and his body is going to react to this, he's going to sweat and his eating rate is going to slow down evenly.
That means being human, of course it does!
Not even Ciel-san is able to avoid the weaknesses of a human body.
I look once again at the curry dish with such a horrible color... certainly just the sight of it makes me waver from my decision.
I take the spoon between my fingers, scooping up some of the substance with such a strong smell. I swallow saliva.
─Shiki-san has plucked up courage! This may be a turning point for [Team Shiki]'s advance!
Kohaku-san doesn't avoid giving a comment since he's in the entire position to do so.
I am hesitating.
Facing Arcueid's expectant gaze to my right, and Akiha's who looks totally surprised at my sudden decision. I can't do too much.
I couldn't compare how I swallowed all my fear last night.
Nrvnqsr and Vlov could have killed me in an instant if they hadn't underestimated me as a rival.
But it's not what I did that can be called bravery, but the willingness to do it without making a false step.
Ugh, what happened to all that determination yesterday where I was so willing to throw away my life if that was able to protect Arcueid?
I even said embarrassing phrases last night.....
Ah, damn it!
I am Shiki Tohno, the [Sorcery] apprentice of the Aozaki sisters, the brat who helped in the elimination of Touko Aozaki's [Sealing Designation], the one who can kill even that which is already dead, a man who was able to "kill" the [Princess of True Ancestors] and who eliminated two [Dead Apostle Ancestors] in one night!
Oh sure, I'm someone who has faced death not just a couple of times, but dozens of these same repetitions!
And if that wasn't enough, I'm one of the two bearers of the [Mystic Eyes of Death Perception]!
A plate of curry... is not going to kill me...!
Determined, I stick the spoon in my mouth and....
Ugh?!
My eyesight... blurs from one moment to the next...
An indescribable pain runs down my throat as I swallow the curry, and that causes tears to well up in my eyes. As if I'm drinking poison, I do my best not to vomit it up.
I... I...
The one who eliminated two... [DAAs]...
I was defeated by a plate of curry.
─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
- Extra: Teach me, Ciel-sensei☆!
From one moment to the next, I found myself in the classroom.
A halo flies above my head, like a predetermined object.
Ugh... What was it that happened?
Wasn't I just a moment ago... eating curry?
[Creak].
The classroom door opened with a creak, which immediately indicated to me that someone was entering.
Right there, a blue-haired girl with glasses walked in.
It was Ciel-senpai, but....
Huh?
Her clothes are very different from what I'm used to.
It's not her class uniform, nor is it her nun outfit. Nor is it the extravagant combat outfit she wears on extremely special occasions.
It's... like a teacher....
─It's a shame, but Tohno-kun is out of combat. That's why this assistance space exists for all those Tohno(s)-kun who get to fall. My pleasure, I'm Ciel-sensei, who is in charge of this space.
Eh?
Doesn't this break the fourth wall a bit...?
─This is death number one... one of the few that will be shown in this fanfic, as the writer is not looking to mimic the game's decision system, but equally, this space needs to exist!
Ciel-sensei is saying a couple of simple things to understand. Mm, so this is a fanfic of a game... I think I understand a bit of what she's saying.
Anyway, it's not like that matters now.
Looks like I died, uh... in a pathetic way.
─There's not much to say about this, Tohno-kun. Your decision to consume that inhumane curry dish was the wrong one.
Ugh... you're right...
I committed an entire stupidity for trying something like that.
─I'm sorry to say this, but that was too stupid, Tohno-kun. You don't have Arcueid's immunity or Touko-san's insensitivity! Since Shiki-san surrendered right away, you should have backed down instead of committing idiocy.
I can't refute your words.
─Anyway, this is just something a little short. Remember, you're still in rehab, your body lost a lot of blood last night. And although I must acknowledge your bravery last night, you were very foolish to make this choice.
─I understand... What can I do, then?
I ask, though it doesn't matter much whether I do or not.
Ciel-sensei puts a hand to her waist, and with a smile she answers me:
─Stay Tohno-kun. This space is not a "death", but more of a resting time to give you assistance within the fanfic, so don't worry about how many times you come here, you won't die.
─Buru nyaa~? Did Ciel start an assistance session without me, nya? How should I feel about that, nya?
Huh?
I know this is just a space created in my mind?
But where did this version of Arcueid that's totally a cat come from?
No!
How should I feel about this existence!!!!
─I get it, nya! Ciel wanted to flirt with Shiki! Hehehe, that's too bad, but Shiki belongs to me, nya! I won't let a homewrecker like you come between us!
─I've always wanted to do this....
─Nyaa? Guh, nya?!
With a powerful punch from Ciel-sensei, who I think I can call Neko-Arc went flying out the window.
Just like the real Ciel-san...
Maybe this is the way I project the deep fear I have of Ciel-san since that time she beat me up when I challenged her to do it.
I'm no match for her even in my imagination, so it's an absolute no in reality...
─Let's ignore the unnecessary elements, Tohno-kun. Remember well for the rest of the next few chapters, relax and rest as best you can, for now there are not going to be any problems near you, so you don't have to worry. The time will come when you will have to face another powerful enemy, but for now, rest as much as you can, as you have to replenish your strength.
─Hold on a moment... May I ask a question?
─What's wrong?
How should I ask this...?
─It's a strange thing to ask but... How many more enemies do I have to face in the remainder of the fanfic?
─You're asking about that? Well... I'm not sure, but if we add Arcueid, that would make four.
─Arcueid, there's no way in hell I could take her on!
─Why do you say that? You beat Vlov Arkhangel and Nrvnqsr Chaos, one after the other. You can do it.
─Ugh... I'll take your word for it then... thanks.
─Glad to help, Tohno-kun!
What actually happened, is that I fainted so abruptly that I seemed to have died from intoxication. And the memory of "Ciel-sensei" stayed in my memories in a pitiful way...
Everything will be a little more fun from now on.