The Absolute Speed of a Certain Comic'

Since it was their first time meeting someone like Alice, even Ryoji seemed a bit reserved. Kurogane Ikki and Stella weren't much better, leaving only the legal loli, Saikyou Nene, completely unruffled— perhaps even amused.

After all, though her junior brother had always treated her with outward respect, she was no fool and could see through his true thoughts. Yet now, after being pestered by someone like Alice, he had started thanking her earnestly.

Saikyou Nene suddenly realized she had found the perfect way to deal with her junior brother.

"Shizuku is truly impressive. Without me realizing it, she's grown so much stronger— both mentally and emotionally. She's nothing like the shy little girl she used to be…"

Kurogane Ikki glanced at Shizuku beside him, who remained completely composed, and felt a wave of heartfelt admiration as memories of their childhood came flooding back.

Young Shizuku had been an extremely timid girl, struggling to hold conversations with people face-to-face and often bursting into tears over the smallest things. She had always relied on him for help.

But now, after years apart, the transformation was astonishing. The once-timid Shizuku could now face Alice— someone as unconventional as they come— without batting an eye.

'I need to learn from her', Ikki thought.

"Male or female, it doesn't matter. As long as they're human, I dislike them all equally."

Shizuku chuckled softly, covering her mouth before stepping closer. Without hesitation, she clung to Ikki's arm, her demeanor affectionate and intimate.

"Of course, Elder Brother is the exception!"

'Forget what I said earlier.'

Someone, please help remove the thorn in Shizuku's heart.

"Although Alice is an unusual type, if she wishes to be treated as female, then there's no need to feel awkward. Elder Brother, just treat her as you would any other woman. That's what I do."

"I'll… do my best."

Though Kurogane Ikki found it undeniably difficult, he decided to give it a shot since Shizuku insisted.

"Hehe, thank you for your consideration. But don't force yourself! I'd hate to cause anyone discomfort over something as trivial as gender. Just act naturally."

Alice's kind words provided a graceful way out, easing the tension for both Ikki and Stella.

No wonder Shizuku, with her aloof nature, could get along with Alice so effortlessly despite only being roommates for a short time. From this single interaction, it was clear Alice was a thoughtful and considerate person—a rarity.

Kurogane Ikki's impression of Alice improved significantly.

"Hey, what are you doing all of a sudden?"

"Just normal sibling interaction. Elder Brother and I used to walk like this all the time when we were kids, isn't that right, Elder Brother?"

"Eh? Uh, yes, that's true…"

"Ugh…!"

Princess Stella stared at Shizuku's hand clinging to Ikki's arm for what felt like an eternity before finally losing her composure and voicing her protest. But Shizuku easily brushed her aside, leaving Stella to let out a low growl of frustration.

"Well… in that case, I'll just—"

Stella's gaze shifted to Ikki's unoccupied right hand, her eyes glinting with desire as she unconsciously took a step forward.

"I knew you'd say that, Princess Stella, so I've prepared something just for you. Here, please wear this."

"…What is this?"

"A collar. Please enjoy the experience of being a servant, Princess Stella."

The princess froze on the spot, unable to move forward or retreat, her expression one of utter reluctance.

Shizuku, who had clearly planned this in advance, delivered her verbal blow with the grace of a swan, leaving Stella speechless and visibly defeated.

"What's this about a servant?"

Ryoji, intrigued, finally broke his silence to ask.

"It's nothing at all!"

Stella's face turned an even darker shade, but she tried her best to appear nonchalant, desperately hoping to brush Ryoji off.

"Ara, why not speak up? You had no problem saying it so loudly in front of the whole class that day. So why hesitate now?"

Kurogane Shizuku smiled sweetly, delivering her cutting remarks.

"Or could it be that, despite agreeing to a duel with the condition that the loser serves as the winner's servant for life, you're now backing out after losing? Does this mean that Stella San's loyalty to my elder brother is just that shallow? Or perhaps the honor of the Vermillion royal family is so weightless?"

Her sharp tongue was impressive.

Ryoji secretly praised her in his heart, now eagerly anticipating what might happen next.

Are they going to fight?

He had heard that the two of them had already clashed a week ago. Unfortunately, he'd missed it then. If he'd been there, he'd definitely have paid close attention—purely out of curiosity, of course, to see if girls' fights ever led to shredded clothing.

I just want to witness it.

I like watching women fight the most.jpg

"It's not that serious!" Kurogane Ikki interjected, acting as the peacemaker between the two. "Sorry, Stella. Shizuku might have gone a bit too far, but she doesn't mean any harm. No need to take her words seriously."

Unbeknownst to him, such words could sometimes serve as a form of reverse provocation.

"What's there to be afraid of?! I'll show you the dignity of the Vermillion royal family!"

Stella snatched the collar from Shizuku's hand and, with a decisive snap, fastened it around her neck.

"Ahaha…ha… Look at this! The Vermillion royal family always keeps its word!"

She laughed awkwardly, her face turning as red as a tomato. Steam seemed to rise from her flushed cheeks as her eyes began to glaze over. It looked like she might pass out at any moment.

Wow, she's really going all out.

Even Ryoji didn't expect Stella to actually wear the collar. He had been hoping for a fight, but this was an entirely different level of entertainment.

From this display, Ryoji realized that Stella was incredibly adaptable—she could seemingly roll with just about anything. Various scenarios began to play out in his mind.

Must say, Ikki is a lucky man.

People passing by the school gate couldn't help but throw stunned and incredulous glances at the princess.

"…Unbelievable."

Even Shizuku was left wide-eyed and speechless. After a long moment, she simply waved her hand dismissively, suddenly losing interest.

"Fine. You pass this time."

"Hahaha… I… I won…"

Stella's face froze in an expression of forced triumph before she collapsed backward, humiliation written all over her smile. Overwhelmed by shame, she fainted spectacularly.

Not far from Hagun Academy was a large, nationally renowned shopping mall.

The group boarded a bus and arrived in about ten minutes. Due to the earlier commotion, it was already nearing noon by the time they got there.

"Elder Brother, there's still some time before the movie starts. How about we grab something to eat first? Thanks to a certain someone, we've been running around all morning, and I'm getting hungry."

Still clinging to Ikki's arm, Shizuku sweetly suggested the idea.

"In that case, I recommend the food street on the first floor!" Arisuin Nagi chimed in enthusiastically, striking an expert pose as he made his suggestion.

And so, the group's decision was made— though the day had been chaotic, sometimes simplicity was the best choice.

(End of Chapter)

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