Date A Live Encore - Volume 7 - Chapter 7

Reine Marriage Hunt

 “Murasame-sensei! Do you have any time next Saturday?!” 

 One day after school, while Murasame Reine was organizing class materials in the staff room, her colleague Okamine Tamae spoke out her feelings in a strange and funny tone. 

 Her age seemed to be 30 years of age… wrong it was near 29 years old, she was a teacher often mistaken for a student due to her petite size and child-like face. The round framed glasses she was wearing complimented her looks, but also further promoted her youthfulness. 

 Although they had only communicated during work, as far as Reine recognized she usually had a calm and warm personality. Reine was a bit surprised by her intense stare and voice that was brimmed with excitement. 

 “…Next Saturday? There are no plans currently at the moment.” 

 As Reine replied back indifferently, Tamae’s gleaming expression continued to flow. 

 “Really?! Then let’s go to a party together! A party!’ 

 “…A party?” 

 Hearing these unexpected words, Reine slanted her head in puzzlement. It was difficult to derive such fervent passion from Tamae’s usual words. 

 “Yes! I’ve just realized! The princess is graduating! From now on I want to become a hunter! But the first hunt is a bit scary, so I want a friend there…please help me set up a paralyzing trap!” 

 “…?” 

 Although Tamae spoke with glimmering eyes, there were too many high-end metaphorical expressions that made it so that Reine could not clearly understand the meaning behind her words. 

 Even if it was said to be a party, the different types of parties were numerous. The ballroom dance parties held in fairy tales, the rallies held by politicians to raise funds, and even the award ceremony held by publishing companies. 

 Nonetheless, she did not hear any stories of Tamae falling love at first sight with some foreign prince, nor was it to Reine’s knowledge that she was a strong supporter of a specific political party. Although the possibility of winning a prize for a novel or manga could not be denied…but even if that were the case, Reine was still clueless as to the meaning behind her words. 

 Perhaps it was a household party where the number of guests is inadequate. After making use of the process of elimination to decide on this judgement, Reine muttered out a “…I see” as a safe response to indicate some degree of understanding. 

 However, it wasn’t Reine’s strong point to be good at talking to strangers in an unfamiliar environment. So, she was about to raise her face to politely decline. 

 “…Okamine-sensei, I’m very sorry. I’m not good with these types of situations very much──” 

 “Here! A map of the venue! If you can’t find the place day-of, then please call me when you are near! Clothes shouldn’t be too formal, but also not too casual! Well, as fellow comrades on the battlefield, I’ll be praying for your fortune! Good Luck!” 

 “…No, that.” 

 As Reine tried to interject, Tamae made a dashing expression while giving a thumbs up before dashing out at a storm-like speed. 

 “…” 

 As the one left behind, Reine stared at the hand-drawn map forcibly placed onto her hands, letting out a little sigh in the process. 

◇◇◇

 Saturday. Reine arrived at the town by relying on the map given to her by Tamae. 

 Since she wasn’t able to refuse Tamae’s invitation, she ended up coming to the designated location. 

 Well, as long as it was simply saying hello and being able to save face with Tamae, it should be good to leave for home right afterwards. While thinking over such thoughts, Reine was walking about the streets and looking around her surroundings. 

 “…Is it here?” 

 Reine whispered under a low voice. While comparing the location with Tamae’s notes, she had reached her destination. 

 “…?” 

 However, having arrived there, Reine let out a puzzled expression. 

 This wasn’t a personal domicile where Tamae and her friends would live, but rather a large commercial building facing the street. 

 …Obviously, it was not the sort of place to host a home party. If anything, it more resembled a place to host a dubious self-improvement seminar or a network business presentation. 

 However, regardless of the number of times double checking, there was no doubt that this was the intended destination. She didn’t imagine that Tamae would invite her to participate in such things. Although there was a sense of incongruity, Reine still entered inside the building. 

 Then, she arrived at a floor with an open hall. 

 “…This is.” 

 While staring at a sign placed in front of the venue, Reine abruptly stopped. 

 But that was reasonable, after all that was written on it. 

 “Hosted by Encounter Co., Ltd. Tengu City Marriage Party Venue.” 

 It was because of that wording. 

 A marriage interview. As what was read, it was an activity for those looking for matrimony. It was a party where men and women seeking a spouse would gather. 

 “…” 

 It seemed to be a mistake. Reine promptly turned around and prepared to leave. 

 However, just then, from behind her a familiar voice echoed. 

 “! Ah, Murasame-sensei! You came! I’m glad I called on you today!” 

 Turning around, Reine saw Tamae’s familiar figure, which had just arrived. She was in a mature dress and had her straightened hair beautifully tied. Despite saying that “the clothes didn’t have to be too formal”, Reine never expected she would wear an outfit that resembled a princess. 

 “…Okamine-sensei, what exactly is this?” 

 When asked by Reine, Tamae clenched her fist while marching forward like a politician with a speech in hand. 

 “If the 20s are a time to be intercepted by love, then the 30s are love’s violent assault. Even though I’m still in my 20s, I cannot win unless I attack. Good men are being hunted down by rivals one after the other!” 

 “…No, that’s not what I asked about. I didn’t hear anything about a marriage interview party.” 

 Reine spoke out, but it seems that Tamae did not hear it. With a huff of her nose, she walked over to the strategic location step by step. 

 “Let’s go now Murasame-sensei. My future husband is waiting…huh?” 

 At that moment, Tamae was stopped by the entrance staff. 

 “Ah, yes I am a participant. …Haah?! A junior high student?! Do you think a junior high student would be as anxious as me! Even if it is mistaken, shouldn’t it at least be a high school student?!” 

 As Tamae huffed out indignantly, she presented her driver’s license as if this was a routine movement. After reading, the staff let out a surprised expression, muttering out a “…I’m sorry.” before letting them proceed while still in a state of disbelief. 

 “How annoying! Even when buying sake from a tavern or convenience store, it is always like this.” 

 “…That must be hard for you.” 

 Well, although the staff member’s feelings were not fully understood, there was no need to exacerbate the matter. Looking at the irritated Tamae, Reine let out a brief sigh. 

 Although there was no interest, it wasn’t good to leave Tamae here alone after coming this far. Reine reluctantly walked into the venue behind Tamae. 

 Then, a clerk near the entrance handed them a badge number and two different types of forms. 

 “…This is.” 

 “It’s a profile sheet and a check sheet. Write your own information here and your impression of the other person here.” 

 “…Hmm.” 

 After hearing Tamae’s words, Reine gazed down on the sheet of paper. 

 Indeed, there were certainly categories listed like name, occupation, hobbies, and required conditions for a partner. 

 “Let’s write at that table over there, Murasame-sensei.” 

 After saying that, Tamae went to the table to begin furiously filling out the form. Following this lead, Reine also began working on the sheet. 

 Even with that being said, there was nothing much to write about. Data such as names and occupations are fine. However, since Reine originally had no intention of coming here for a partner, there was a lack of knowledge in knowing what else to write. In desperation, one could only write “no requirements”. 

 “…Hmm?” 

 At the edge of her sight, Reine caught a glance at Tamae’s form. 

 Name…Okamine Tamae 

 Age…Twenties♡ 

 Occupation…Teacher 

 Interests…Cooking 

 Requirements for partner…age below 35 years old, height above 180 cm. Four year university graduate. Yearly income over 8 million yen. Self-employed is negotiable. A man who actively engages in household work and child rearing. No smoking is allowed. First-time marriage is desirable, but negative when there are plans for children. Hopes to take the bride’s family name. 

 “…Sensei, Okamine-sensei.” 

 “Ha…! Yes. What’s the matter?” 

 Hearing Reine call out, Tamae, who had buried her face in writing, raised her head. 

 “…Sensei, your request.” 

 “Ah, is it really a bit too compromising? I’m still in my twenties, so isn’t it okay to indulge in a little bit of fantasy…?” 

 “…No, I think that it is too strict. Men who meet these conditions simply do not exist. And even if they do exist, they won’t want a woman who has drawn such conditions.” 

 “Ha…?!” 

 After Reine finished speaking, Tamae’s shoulders began to shake. Staring blankly at the form as if she had left something, she then let out a self-deprecating smile. 

 “Yes, certainly…that is true. Thank you Murasame-sensei. Perhaps, I had already recognized it internally, but couldn’t bring myself to correct it.” 

 After saying that, Tamae began making alterations to the sheet. 

 Age 35 or below → Age 36 or below. 

 More than 180 cm tall → More than 179 cm tall 

 Annual income of more than 8.0 million yen → Annual income of more than 7.9 million yen. 

 “…No, that’s not it, sensei.” 

 After realizing the extent of the error, Reine tried to once again remind Tamae. 

 However, at that moment, she was interrupted by the voice of a staff member echoing a message through the loudspeaker. 

 “──Ah, ah. Thank you for coming here today. I am Osaka, serving as the spokesperson today for Encounter Co. Ltd. ──Well, I was never fond of the morning assemblies held by the principal, so my motto is to make greetings go as quickly as possible. The Tengu city marriage ceremony party will now formally begin. I hope that everyone here can find a wonderful marriage of their own!” 

 After the brief opening declaration, cheers resounded from the audience. Osaka took a small bow before continuing to explain. 

 “The first step is to introduce yourselves, so please take a seat. Female seats are lined up against the wall while male seats are on the opposite side. After you are seated, please present your profile sheet to the person in front of you and introduce yourself. Then, please record your impression on the check sheet. If there’s someone that catches your eye, please don’t forget to write down that person’s name and number. After five minutes have passed, an alarm will ring and the men will move to the next seat over!” 

 “Hmm, I see…alright, let’s head out Murasame-sensei.” 

 “…Haah.” 

 As Reine let out a half-hearted reply, she sat down on the seat beside Tamae’s. 

 Shortly afterwards, the men also began seating as well. 

 “Hello, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Sawamura. Then, I’m in your care.” 

 “…I’m in your care.” 

 The first person sitting opposite of Reine was a serious looking man with trimmed frame glasses, who looked to be in his mid-30s. The two of them exchanged profile sheets before turning their attention to the sheets. 

 “So, it is Murasame-san. How, you look beautiful.” 

 “…Thank you.” 

 As Sawamura let out what seemed to be an unaccustomed complement, Reine lowered her head in a brief response of gratitude. 

 However, afterwards, there was a brief silence. 

 While Reine wasn’t the type that liked to talk much, it seemed Sawamura was also the introverted type as well. Despite clearly wanting to say something, it didn’t seem he could get out the words he wanted to say. 

 At the same time this silence continued, the loud conversation from the seat next to them became even more prevalent. 

 “──Yes, I’m in your care! I’d like to ask how many siblings you have, Sekiguchi-kun. Hmm, so an older brother and a younger sister. So that means you’re the second son! Ah, a bank employee! What a coincidence, my three favorite words are marriage, second son, and bank employee!” 

 “H-haah…” 

 Tamae spoke out while half of her body was almost on the table. It seemed that the man on the opposite side looked completely terrified. It was not so much of a hunter than a monster instead. For some reason, Reine was reminded of Miku when seeing that scene. 

 Then, five minutes had passed. On the opposite side, Sawamura stood up with a very gloomy expression on his face. 

 “T-that…I am in your gratitude.” 

 “…You as well.” 

 Although not many words were spoken at all…there was nothing that could have been done. It was the natural direction for such a forced get together. To be honest, Reine noticed that he was showing some concern about sitting in front of Tamae because of the rotation. 

 As such thoughts were going through Reine’s mind; the next man sitting in front of her handed over his profile sheet. 

 “Hello…Ohhh?! What a beautiful lady!” 

 “…Hello there.” 

 After Reine made a short reply back, she pursed her eyebrow upward while looking at his profile sheet. 

 The reason was simple. Even though the man appeared to be a foreigner──in the occupation box, it was written with “working at DEM Industries”. 

 “Yes, it really is an honor to be able to meet such a beautiful lady. Nice to meet you. My name is Andrew · Cathy · Dunstan · Francis · Barbarioli…” 

 It was an obnoxiously long name. 

 Speaking of DEM, it was not an exaggeration to say that they were the natural enemy of <Ratatoskr>, where Reine was from. For an instant, the possibility of using this gathering to come in contact with a member of <Ratatoskr>…that thought passed through her mind, but Reine scratched her head and quickly dismissed the idea. 

 Right now, Reine was not registered as the analytic officer of Ratatoskr, but rather as a faculty member of Raizen High School. She had also come here on the occasion of Tamae’s invitation. As long as there was no connection between 

 Tamae and DEM, it was impossible for that to happen. Besides, DEM’s employees were also human; it was likely that they were also looking for marriage partners. 

 While Reine was thinking of such matters, Andrew (hereby abbreviated) spoke out with enthusiastic and endless pratter. 

 “Miss Murasame. Do you believe in destiny? It’s embarrassing, but I had my doubts up until today. But! Ah, yes! I am feeling it right now! The moment I saw you, my heart was taken away. Truly a divine revelation! Surely you are my destined person…!” 

 “…Please calm down.” 

 “Ah, I can’t wait. I’m going to order a wedding ring right now! What is your ring size? After my term is over, I’ll be heading back to my hometown in the UK. Can you follow me back there?” 

 “…” 

 Seeing that he was not listening to others at all, Reine let out a sigh of exhaustion. 

 No sense of fate could be derived from Reine at this moment, but it would also be troublesome to leave this alone. While thinking of a precautionary measure, Reine opened her mouth. 

 “…Hmm, so you work for DEM. ──How are Ike and Ellen?” 

 “…Ha?!” 

 Hearing those names, Andrew finally let out a reaction. 

 Well, that should be expected. The names belonged to the head of DEM and his closest confidant. Moreover, Reine had attached a friendly nickname as well. 

 “Then let me ask Miss Murasame. What is your relationship with MD Westcott and Department Chief Mathers…” 

 “…Nothing but an old acquaintance. But when you get married please be sure to call so we can thoroughly investigate the person who will be your companion. 

 That’s what they said. In the event that they are dissatisfied…well, it looks to be quite troublesome.” 

 “──Hitsu───!” 

 Andrew let out a deep breath as his face grew paler. 

 “…Well, it’s true that I didn’t let them know I was participating in this party. So how about we pretend that we didn’t see each other today.” 

 “…Ah, alright…I’m saved…” 

 After saying those brief words, Andrew suddenly became more well-behaved and quiet. 

 After five minutes had passed again, the same alarm rang. Andrew looked briefly at Reine’s face before moving on to Tamae. 

 “…” 

 However, not expecting that DEM members would also be participating, Reine let out a slight sigh. 

 Nonetheless, it was impossible for everyone to be the same “co-workers”. With that renewed thought in mind, Reine turned to the next participant. 

 “…Hmm?” 

 Reine once again pursed her brow upward. 

 Yet, nothing could be done against that. Anyway── 

 “Hello, nice to meet you. My name is Nakatsugawa Munechika──eh! Analytic officer Murasame?!” 

 The man reclining on the chair let out a surprised voice, yet Reine also recognized him at sight. 

 Appearing to be around 30 years old, he was a man of good physical build while equipped with glasses. Although he was wearing a luxurious suit, for some reason there were also fingerless gloves covering his hands. 

 There was no doubt about it. This man was also a part of <Ratatoskr>, the one who transcended dimensions, the <Dimension breaker> Nakatsugawa. 

 “…Nakatsugawa, what are you doing in this sort of place?” 

 “No, that, it’s not like I have been cheating around with 3D…yes, I only came here because of Kawagoe-dono’s invitation…” 

 “…Kawagoe?” 

 As Reine spoke out in turn, she turned her attention to Nakatsugawa’s line of sight. 

 Over there was another member of <Ratatoskr>, <Bad marriage> Kawagoe. He was chatting leisurely to the woman across from him in the marriage interview with a veteran facial demeanor. 

 “Oh, your hobbies are outdoor activities? What a coincidence. In fact, I am planning on qualifying as a camping instructor.” 

 “Eh, really?” 

 “It’s really embarrassing. Well, although it was decided just now because a person I met really wanted to go camping.” 

 “Ahaha, you’re really something.” 

 In this manner, the conversation persisted in this half-joking sort of leisure. 

 Although this was a man who had earned a nickname from being divorced countless times, when looking at it from the opposite perspective, he is also a man who has experienced marriage numerous times as well. It seemed that he had become completely accustomed to such a setting. 

 “…Is he planning to get married again? His lifestyle won’t remain unchanged if he has to continue paying settlement fees and child support services.” 

 “No, that…it seems that his intuition will get dull if he doesn’t seduce women for a long time…that’s what he said. Originally, I would have never come here, but he said that it was something everyone should experience at least once and dragged me here…” 

 “…Hmm.” 

 As Reine was stroking her chin, Nakatsugawa continued to ask. 

 “…Then, pardon me for asking, but why did Analytic Officer Murasame come to this place? Are you beginning to think about getting married…?” 

 “…” 

 Reine slightly narrowed her eyes while pointing to the seat next to her with her fingers. 

 Over there, Tamae was speaking to Andrew, “DEM…isn’t that a foreign-funded enterprise?! Wow, what a coincidence! My three favorite words are international, marriage, and foreign capital.” Hearing that, Andrew was completely overwhelmed. 

 “…It’s the same as you. I was invited over here by my colleague. Although, I didn’t think that this would be a blind marriage interview.” 

 “I-I see…” 

 With sweat dripping down his cheeks, Nakatsugawa awkwardly scratched his head. 

 “No…it seems that I can’t get used to this kind of thing after all. When I talk to women, I get nervous unless there is a speech window near that person’s chest. It seems to be difficult for the others as well…” 

 “…Others?” 

 Hearing what Nakatsugawa had just said, Reine furrowed her brow upward. After surveying her surroundings, she wondered to herself how she did not notice this until now. 

 In various places within the auditorium, Reine was able to confirm several acquaintances. 

 “Is that used for some sort of special skill in black magic…?” 

 “Ah, yes, that’s right. There are many different types, but I work best with the scarecrow type…” 

 “H-haha…” 

 “In order to prevent cheating, I hope you can give me one piece of your hair for this…” 

 “Huh…” 

 <Nail knocker> Shiizaki pulled out a straw doll from her bosom and faced it against her male partner. 

 “Then, I would like to ask. If you marry me, would you change jobs for me?” 

 “Change jobs…? No, that is a bit…” 

 “Eh? Why? If you go to work, there won’t be enough time left spent as a couple. Do you think that this sort of environment can nurture love? Isn’t a couple a pair that stays together in both sickness and health? Shouldn’t we try to always stay within a radius of ten meters to each other? Don’t tell me you are underestimating marriage?” 

 “Ehh…” 

 Seizing the other side by extolling her high ideals on marriage, there stood <Deep love> Minowa. 

 And also── 

 “No, that’s fine, but there is a problem with the resume…” 

 “Problem? Where is the problem? Kannazuki Kyohei, 29 years old, security work at Asgard Electronics, interested in (turning into) bowling (a bowling pin), and conditions for a partner is an Ojou-sama between the ages of 13-15…” 

 “It’s here, here.” 

 “Here…?” 

 “It’s the conditions you want for the opposite party! Aren’t we at a blind marriage interview right now?! Then, why are you after something legally out of the game?!” 

 “What…is that so. If it is really bad, let me rewrite it.” 

 “So you finally understand…” 

 “Yes. Kannazuki Kyohei, let’s change the target age to around 12 years old. 

 “Did you not understand anything?!” 

 Apparently, Kannazuki, who had still not taken a seat, was currently having a dispute with a staff employee in the venue. 

 It was not an exaggeration to say that this was an All-Star lineup of <Fraxinus> employees. Reine could not help but let out a small sigh. 

 “…Nakatsugawa, is Mikimoto also here?” 

 “Ah, Mikimoto didn’t come.” 

 “…Un, I see.” 

 In any case, the <Boss> Mikimoto, despite being an imperfect family man, still had enough of a conscience to abstain. 

 “It seems that today is the birthdate of the Jennifer-chan shop he always goes to.” 

 “…” 

 Despite being a massive problem in its own right, Reine didn’t even have the strength left to criticize anymore. 

 About two hours later, Reine had met with all of the participating men and was standing at the corner of the venue with a champagne glass in her hand. 

 The next two hours were allotted to free time where everyone can leisurely talk with participants that they cared about. After that, everyone should write down the numbers of their favorite participants on the sheet of paper. If there were any male and female participants who wrote down each other’s number, then they would be successfully paired…apparently it was decided in this nonsensical manner. 

 Incidentally, she had also met up with Kawagoe after Nakatsugawa. However, Kannazuki, who had been tied up with the staff, never got a chance to sit down before the end of the self-introduction time. 

 “Ufufu, how was it, Murasame-sensei. Was there a particular target?’ 

 Having grabbed a champagne glass just like Reine, Tamae spoke out with a smile. …For some reason, that smile had been maintained since the end of the self-introduction session. Apparently, she had a goal in mind, 

 “…No, I don’t. What about you Tamae-sensei?” 

 “Eh? Me? In this case, the first man was very wild and nice. The second man was very calm and good. But if there is an elite husband of a foreign funded company, then there will be the prospect of a handsome half-ikemen son in the future. …Ahh! What should I do? Please don’t fight over me!’ 

 “…” 

 Reine quietly watched Tamae, who was contorting her body with her passionate emotions. 

 At that moment, several men approached them. 

 “──Oh, Murasame-san, can you spare me a few words?” 

 “Murasame-san, if you aren’t busy, can I take some of your time──” 

 “Hello, Murasame-san──” 

 Seeing this scene unfold, Tamae had a flicker in her eyes as she gulped down the sparkling wine in a cup, slamming the empty glass down on the table as an eerie sound echoed. 

 Then, while assuming the posture of a fighter about to intercept an opponent, she let out a fierce kick on the floor as she moved towards the direction of the men. 

 “Hello, everyone. I am Okamine. Let’s all discuss the future together!” 

 “U-uwaa?!” 

 The men all ran away as a result of Tamae’s arrival. Tamae’s eyes dilated like a wild beast as she quickly pursued them from behind. 

 “…” 

 Looking on at this sight, the day where she would wear a wedding dress looked like it would be far away. ──Well, she should be grateful to her for dealing with the troublesome matter of the men who were crowding early. To be honest, Reine was already exhausted from just the self-introduction. 

 “…Fu.” 

 Reine took a sip of the sparkling wine while leaning her back against the wall. 

 At that moment, another participant approached Reine from the side. 

 “Is it okay to also stand here?” 

 Looking at the figure, it seemed to be a man──However, that wasn’t right. Among the many participants wearing dresses, it was a woman who had stood out by choosing to wear pants. Her facial features belied a fierce expression, while her hair was neatly tied together. Rather than describing her as cute or beautiful, it would be more appropriate to say that she was someone who looked handsome. 

 “…Please.” 

 However, immediately after speaking, Reine instinctively raised her brow, feeling that she had seen this woman somewhere before. 

 However, the woman didn’t seem to notice the caution in Reine’s demeanor and began chatting without concern. 

 “Are you not good at these places?” 

 “…Yes, well, I was brought here by a colleague.” 

 “Ahaha, so just like me then. To be honest, although I don’t want to get married yet, they irritatingly said that the captain should experience everything at least once.” 

 “…Captain?” 

 As Reine asked, the woman shook her head in a panic. 

 “No, well, it’s more like a nickname. Don’t look at me like that; it’s more like I’m a conductor.” 

 “…Is that so? Sorry, but what is your name?” 

 “Ah, right. Pardon me. Kusakabe Ryouko, a civil servant.” 

 “…Murasame Reine, a teacher. When you said civil servant…which type?” 

 As Reine asked, Ryouko let out an ambiguous smile, shrugging her shoulders while jokingly saying, “…the type where I can’t tell you.” 

 After that Reine decided to chat with Ryouko for a while. Even though the details were nothing substantial, from the perspective of killing time, it was much more enjoyable than dealing with the men around. It seemed that Ryouko was also looking for someone to kill time together. 

 “──Ahaha, it looks to me that you’re the gloomy type that’s not easy to talk to. Here, your glass is empty.” 

 After saying that, Ryouko, who was difficult to tell if her reddish face was a result from the alcohol, poured more sparkling wine into Reine’s glass without permission. 

 Incidentally, there was still some wine left in Reine’s glass, but it must have appeared empty from Ryouko’s perspective. 

“…Thank you.” 

 “Well, regardless, is saying not wanting to get married really that unimaginable? What do my colleagues and mother understand about that? Going on and saying that I’m near the end of the eligible age for getting married. But how can I say it? I don’t see myself as the type to get married…” 

 “…Well, I don’t understand it either.” 

 “Hey, that’s right. But what do you say to that? I can’t go into details, but in my line of work, there’s an occupational disease where men are weaker than myself. Sure enough, men must be stronger!” 

 While Ryouko shouted out while clenching her fist, at that moment the voices of Kannazuki and the venue staff could be heard off in the distance. 

 “So, people who meet that condition are not here at all!” 

 “W-what a ridiculous notion?! Does this look like the 3rd circle in Hell?! Where else would you find someone of that age to step 100 times in the ass with a pin heel repeatedly?” 

 “So!” 

 “…” 

 Ryouko, who was overhearing this conversation, suddenly started to shudder as she fell into silence. Well, listening to such a conversation, it would be natural to feel disgusted. Yet, there was also a strange feeling residing in her reaction. Noticing this, Reine tilted her head and replied back. 

 “…What’s the matter?” 

 “…Nothing, I’ve probably had a little bit too much to drink. For a second, I thought I heard a voice that sounds similar to the former boss.” 

 “…Boss?” 

 “Yes, how to describe it. It was a voice similar to a filthy Snufkin.” 

 Ryouko placed her head against her forehead while grumbling out “just an illusion, just an illusion” in order to regain her composure. 

 “Well, why don’t we just go back to what we were talking about earlier? Being only strong is not enough; it must be a man with a strong social and moral sense as well. 

 “…? Haha, that’s right.” 

 As Reine replied back, Ryouko let out a heavy sigh before lightly slapping Reine on the shoulder. 

 “…Well, anyway, it’s almost the end of my free time. Somehow it was fun today. Although there weren’t any goddamn men today, it might have been a harvest if I saw someone like you.” 

 “…Kusakabe-san.” 

 While speaking, Reine gently lowered her head. 

 “…I’m very sorry, but you might have misunderstood. I don’t plan on getting married with someone of the same sex.” 

 “I didn’t mean it that way?!” 

 Ryouko slammed against the table while letting out a large scream. 

 Then, about 30 minutes after the end of the free time. 

 From the participants, the staff began collecting matching sheets for each gender before announcing the established couples. 

 “──Congratulations to the man with number 10 and the woman with number 5. It’s a match!” 

 Accompanied by the voice of the attendant with the microphone, the men and women went up to the stage one by one with the crackling applause and blessings (alongside some bitter grievances) coming from the audience. 

 Reine was watching the sight from the edge of the venue. Alongside Tamae who had returned from hunting, with the latter giving an unwitting applause to those on stage. 

 While Tamae was clapping her hands together, it felt like she was praying to heaven to issue a curse. In contrast, Reine, who had left her matching card blank, looked on to the stage with an uninterested manner. 

 Incidentally, Kawagoe landed a perfect match. …However, despite not particularly caring about this matter, if he truly got married again, his close friends would have to place careful attention to ensure he doesn’t get divorced again. 

 “The above are all the successful couples. Congratulations to everyone that has succeeded! We are very sorry to those who did end up with a match. Please don’t give up and try again!” 

 As the merciless sound of the staff reverberated throughout the venue, the voices of the regretful participants resounded at the same time. 

 “Ha…ah…?” 

 Just like a marionette with strings going slack, Tamae fell to the ground. 

 Then, after looking down on the floor silently for a moment, “Waaaahhhhhh… ahhhhhh…” a feeble sound rumbled against the ground. She had begun to cry. 

 “…Sensei, please cheer up a bit, sensei.” 

 As Reine kneeled down to caress her back, Tamae raised up her face that was crushed by tears and a runny nose. 

 “Why…I-I, what did I do wrong ahhhhhh…” 

 “…Please calm down; life will inevitably have its setbacks. Let’s challenge it again after re-planning the directions and countermeasures. Since I was here this time with Okamine-sensei, I have also learned a lot. Although I am weak, I will help you.” 

 “Mura…Murasame-sensei…” 

 As Tamae clung onto Reine, Reine was gently stroking her head to calm her down. 

 “Absolutely, let’s absolutely get revenge Murasame-sensei…next time the both of us have to succeed together.” 

 “…No, it is not necessary for me.” 

 Despite Reine’s polite refusal, it wasn’t clear if Okamine had heard it or not. …Although Reine was a rational person, it seems that these matters were enough for anyone to lose their composure. 

 Anyway, the first blind marriage interview had finally ended. As Reine rose up from restlessness and regained her self-control, she began walking to the exit of the hall with Tamae. 

 At that moment, Tamae began to talk while rubbing her swollen eyes. 

 “…However, it really is surprising. Me aside, even Murasame-sensei didn’t succeed in a match. Even though sensei is such a beautiful and popular person.” 

 “…No, that isn’t the case──since I didn’t write down any numbers in the first place. 

 As Reine spoke, Tamae’s eyes widened in surprise. 

 “Eh, was it like that? Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it that much? I remember there were quite a few excellent men…” 

 Tamae spoke while looking upward. Seeing this, Reine let out a small sigh before responding. 

 “…Nothing, there were no problems with those men. …Although, well, there were some participants with a few problems but…” 

 Reine let out a small cough before continuing on. 

 “…Just, I don’t have that meaning, that’s all.” 

 “That is to say…you don’t want to get married? Is that right? Ah…I’m really sorry for forcibly inviting you…” 

 Although it was already too late, Tamae still apologized. Reine responded by saying, “it’s fine, it has already passed by”, before shaking her head and continuing to speak. 

 “…I don’t want to get married…it’s not like that. No, if you were to say you must get married, that wouldn’t be the case either…” 

 “…? What exactly does that mean?” 

 “…If I really planned to get married, then there is already a person decided in my heart.” 

 “I-Is that right?!” 

 Hearing what Reine had said, Tamae’s eyes widened out like a large circle. 

 She was also a maiden. The topic of the love lives of others──especially of colleagues who give the impression of normally being completely uninterested in this aspect──was certainly of great interest. She had completely forgotten that until now she was still crying, with an inquisitive expression now marking her face. 

 “Ah, Murasame-sensei, if you had a target already you should have said so earlier. ──So what kind of person is he? What job does he have?” 

 “…Occupation…right now…student.” 

 “A younger guy?!” 

 Tamae pulled backwards as if struck by an invisible bullet. Afterwards, she lifted her face up with a breathless expression. 

 “…T-that’s not a very good idea, sensei…” 

 “…Haah.” 

 “T-that is to say, you are waiting for your boyfriend to graduate before getting married…right?” 

 “…So to speak──” 

 While stopping halfway, Reine narrowed her eyes. 

 “…No, this, although it might sound strange to say this, but if he can “graduate”, my wish will surely come true. For this reason, I have waited a long time. Besides him──I will never love anyone else again.” 

 As Reine spoke, Tamae let out a “kya!”sound while twisting her body around. “Murasame-sensei and her boyfriend are really single-minded.! Ah…What is this feeling… the poison corroding my heart is being purified! This is…when I was a student, the pure heart that was yearning for a Senpai…?” 

 After saying that, Tamae crossed her fingers while her eyes continued to glimmer. 

 “That’s right…it is no longer love when conditions are placed on the opposite party. Even though I should have always understood this, I was afraid of missing out on the date for marriage, but in fact there is no expiration date for a wedding…people can fall in love no matter what age they are!” 

 Snap! Like that, Tamae spread out her arms as if a spotlight was gleaming on her. 

 “…Okamine-sensei, that.” 

 Although what she said was no problem in itself, it felt that she was investing too much on it. Reine turned her cheek around to call out to her. 

 Then, Tamae smiled while walking forward again. 

 “It’s okay. I know that Prince Charming is the kind of thing that doesn’t happen in real life. It’s the sort of thing that lies in a girl’s dreams. …However, it’s just like you said. I won’t search for a man solely for marriage, but in order to be united with my fated man──W-wahhh?!” 

 Halfway through talking, Tamae’s body lost its balance. 

 It seemed that while focusing her attention on Reine, she leaped into the air without noticing the stairs in front of her. 

 “…! Sensei──” 

 “Kyaaaaa?! E-eh…” 

 She stopped screaming midway. 

 The reason was simple. It is because a man there was holding the girl’s body tenderly just before Tamae crashed into the ground. 

 He had slender long blonde hair trickling down his shoulders and a symmetrical nose bridge that resembled that of a foreign prince. 

 That’s right; it was <Ratatoskr> deputy commander, Kannazuki Kyohei. 

“Are you alright madam, are you injured──” 

 “Y-yes…I’m fine──” 

 At that instant, the two people stood breathless as their attention was drawn to each other. 

 In this brief period, time had stopped for the both of them. 

 Gazing at the appearance of a beautiful man, Tamae was snatched away by Kannazuki’s eyes. 

 Gazing at the body of a 14 year old girl, Kannazuki was snatched away by Tamae. 

 Although it was unknown if there was a God in this world, it can be said that such coincidences can be described as the mischief of God. 

 “T-that…” 

 “Is it alright…to tell me your name?” 

 “…” 

 While looking at the exchange between the two people from above the stairs, Reine watched on with a gentle gaze.