Infinite Stratos - Volume 6, page 4
"The high-speed maneuver package that is gonna be used for the Cannonball Fast, [Feng]'s preparation is finished. Do the [Set-upImplementation] and [InstallQuantum Conversion] at once, then start the Trial. Start preparing."
"Wha!? Well...That's....Today, there's something...."
Yang's eyes only became even sharper.
"Don't make me repeat myself."
"R-Roger...."
Rin dropped her shoulders, took out her cellphone and quickly tapped out a message.
"Sorry, an emergency has come up."
That was all she wrote - or rather, writing that was all her feelings could handle - and then sent it to Ichika.
"...And, will the package this time also use the impact cannon?"
"The output level will be decreased and the the scattering method for close range use will also be changed, but basically it will still be used. New technology will be used for the added thruster. Get used to it as soon as possible."
"Roger."
As expected of a representative candidate, Rin flipped the switch controlling her mood quickly. She confirmed the upgrade package's specifications on her computer, Then headed toward the personal IS hangar while asking questions here and there.
Fuun.... The development team did quite a good job on the completion work didn't they.
Rin eyes were quite sharp as she thought about the IS application method. Those eyes that could be mistaken for a big cat's eyes were shining brightly.
Even so.... Aaah, I'm actually super out of luck aren't I......?
Her plans to go shopping with Ichika had gone down the drain. As a result, Charlotte was going to have Ichika all to herself for a while.
Kuu~! Ichika, I'm absolutely gonna get compensation for this from you!
The computer terminal that she gripped strongly, began to flash "Alert!" two seconds later.
♦
My hair isn't strange, right? Maybe I should check it again.
Charlotte, who had come to their meeting place 45 minutes earlier than appointed, checked her hair for the twelfth time while restlessly waiting for Ichika.
The hand-mirror that she brought out was a folded Wajimanuri[6B 1] that she intuitively bought a few days ago through an internet mail order. The drawing on it is a full moon and susuki[6B 2] on a hill, a perfect fit for the season.
While tinkering with her forelock, and pulling it left and right, she let out a small groan.
Somehow I can't decide.....
Actually, there wasn't any noticeable difference, but today, somehow Charlotte feels very sensitive.
After all, she would like the boy that she likes to sees her at 100%. That kind of wish is something that's very natural.
Even so, as expected, did I come too early?
Putting away her hand-mirror, Charlotte then checked the watch on her right wrist.
Fuu... It seems I´ve put too much fighting spirit. Let's relax a little.
Niko![6B 3] Charlotte practiced smiling.
But, unfortunately, two men who looked like [Travellers] saw that smile and thought that it was directed at them.[6B 4]
"Hey, little girl!"
"Are you free today? Are you free now? Let's go somewhere together~"
By the way, because each nation has undertaken the woman-favoring-treatment-system, men's social position has taken a sudden downturn and is in a bearish state right now.
But, as long as someone has fairly good looks = loved by women, commonly referred as Hosts and Idols, they are even more loved than before.
Since it became like that, just like this moment, the thought of being loved by an attractive woman is as natural of a thing as peaking, thus, this kind of pick-up came.
"I already have an engagement."
"Whaaat? It's fine, isn't it? Let's go play together~"
"My car is parked over there. Let's go somewhere far away! I'm going to show you a lot of good places using a French car!"
French - hearing that part drew a subtle reaction from Charlotte.
"Using a French car, with a bad fuel yield, on Japan's highways, are you? Heeeh, I see."
A 100% Rejection! The two men falter a little at the vicious words that Charlotte, using a max fake smile, spat out.
If there's a possibility that somehow or another, a problem is going to occur, Charlotte can make the two males into beehives in less than a second using her specialty [Rapid Switch].
Aaaa, I want to do it....
Imagining in what way she should shoot the two men, Charlotte massacred them 5 times in her head.
One of the men, who could still see "a pulse of life" in Charlotte's face, put his hand on her shoulder.
"Ouchhhhh!?"
In an instant, Charlotte jumped right just before she was touched, then twisted that hand hard.
It was the so-called CQC (Close Quarters Combat).
"Would you mind not touching me? It will be troubling if the cologne you stink off gets on me."
"W-W-Whaa...!?"
"H-Hey!? Let g-!!"
Frivolous Man B, who wanted to help his companion even during the confusion, was knocked over by a punch from his side before he even managed to finish his words.
"What are you doing to my companion?"
"Ichika!"
The gallantly appearing Ichika is saving her from the hand of the devil!
...Well, to say it like that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it can't be helped because in Charlotte's eyes, Ichika's profile was shining.
Wow! He looks like a prince!
The fascinated Charl twisted the arm of Frivolous Man A, who she was still holding, even harder.
"Ugyaaaa!"
The nice sound that resembled something being dislocated and the man's scream was causing a commotion in front of the station that morning.
♦
"Forcing yourself onto women is against the rules, you know. Alright, come over here. Good work."
Saying that, the middle-age police chief with the oddly cool, deep voice takes Frivolous Man A & B away to the nearby police station. Thus, the morning's strife is settled.
"........"
"Um, Ichika?"
"Sorry I was late!"
*Pang!* I put my hands together strongly until they made a loud noise.
Charl, whom the apology is directed at, was looking blankly at him in surprise.
"Th-There's nothing to apologize for, it happened before we were supposed to meet anyway.....and that..., thank you for saving me."
"It was just the natural thing to do."
Charl is, as usual, being modest or rather being reserved and still seemed to feel extremely thankful for it.
To save a friend is just a natural thing to do, but to be thanked like this is quite embarrassing.
"..........."
"..........."
Sure enough, the conversation stopped.
Charl, sweating a little after doing that judo-like movement earlier, is fanning her face with her hand.
"Anyway, Rin sure is late, isn't she?"
"Ah! That's right! Rin won't be coming today. It seems there's some kind of emergency."
"Huh...Whaaaat!?"
Charl, who suddenly yelled out, drew the attention of people nearby.
Anyhow, it's Sunday, the weather is nice, and at the monument they're standing before of the station, there are a lot of other people who meet up here.
"That's why, today it will be just the two of..."
"That's troubling!"
"Huh!?"
"Th-that kind of thing, even if you say it suddenly...That's, u-um, things like preparation or whatever, I haven't done any."
"Prep...What?"
"A-Anyway! It's troubling for me!"
Huuh. Even if you say that...
♦
W-Why!? Why is Rin suddenly unable to come!? Why is that!? It's too sudden!?
Unlike Ichika who's before her eyes looking blankly , Charlotte's brain is moving at high speed.
[Rapid Switch], that two-word name is currently crying.
What should I do!? What should I do! Th-that's, t-, t-, just the two of us suddenly going on a date like this...
It should have been a great opportunity for her, as that kind of thought is right for a maiden in love.
W-What should I do!? What should I do!?
But, if she thought about it calmly, this was actually a chance.
Especially since she could use the leverage called "as a return gift for the bracelet from summer" to its full extent, there was no way she could let this chance to escape.
Charlotte crossed her hands behind her back once, and then felt the bracelet's presence.
And then she used all the courage she received from it at once to force herself to speak.
"T-Then, that's!"
"Y-Yes!"
"To-To-To-Today! The two of us will look around!"
"Y-Yes!"
Going along with Charl's loud voice, Ichika unconsciously raised his voice.
And with the people around them staring, Charlotte walked to the shopping mall inside the station with a blush on her face.
Alone with Ichika......Alone with Ichika.....
H-Holding hands should be okay, right!? ....or maybe not? Will he think of me as a strange girl? Aah, but, Ichika's hand is big and warm - That's not it!
That's not it, that's not it!
She shook her head and regained her composure.
Recalling the feeling of Ichika's hand, which she felt when they held hands a few times before, Charlotte clasped her hand tightly.
"It's not troubling!"
"Y-Yeah!?"
"It's not troubling, Ichika! Yeah! No trouble at all!"
"I-Is that so. Then I'm glad. Then, where should we start?"
"U-u-um, there!"
The place the confused Charlotte pointed at without looking was a lingerie store.
"Wha? Ah, well...I think that place is too much...."
Looking at Ichika's red face, Charlotte looked at the place her finger pointed at.
And then her face also turned red, and she quickly waved her hand.
"S-Sorry! That's the wrong one! That's not it! That's not it at all!"
"S-Sure."
The two blushing faces looked each other, and then both looked down at their feet.
Suddenly, Ichika who managed raise his head once again, saw a familiar face at the underwear shop.
"Hmm?"
"What's the matter? Ichika?"
"Well, that's... Heey, Raannn!"
Just as I thought, it was her, Ichika thought while called out to Ran.
But, Ran, who was called suddenly by a loud voice, raised her shoulder in surprise.
"Huh!? I-Ichika-san!?"
She quickly hid the underwear that she had just picked behind her back, and without knowing what to do, she stiffened for a few seconds.
Did he see it!? The place where I usually choose my p-panties....has been seen!?
Furthermore, it was the long awaited meeting after not seeing each other lately.
As a maiden-in-love, the feeling that if there was a hole right there, she would bury herself, dyed her face completely red.
W-What should I do!? For starters, I'll return this....
Ran stealthily returned the black and white striped panties that she hid on the shelf earlier while keeping it behind her back. The goods, which she found right during the stock change bargain sale, were of high quality and priced at only 1000 yen for 3. It was a very good bargain, but wasn't something that makes you happy when you are seen with it by the person you like.
-te, huh? Ichika-san is bringing a woman.....? And also....
It wasn't Rin, and it also wasn't Houki. It was a woman unfamiliar to Ran.
Uwaaa....beautiful blond hair..... She looks like a model.....
She unconsciously compared it to her own reddish tea-colored hair.
The Gotanda sibling's hair color is not a result of dyeing decolourisation. The tea-colored is hereditary, but to a maiden-in-love, that is a serious situation. Ran was overly conscious of Ichika, and in the past had pondered if she should have dyed her hair completely black.
A-A-Anyway, since I´ve been called, maybe I should approach them.
But, the aura that the girl standing beside Ichika - Charlotte - was releasing made her hesitate a little
It's okay! It's fine! I'm just using my status as a junior to attack!
That's right that's right, the small Ran (x5) in her head yelled.
That's right. In the first place, because of that stupid brother of mine, I lost my chance to go to the school festival too. This much is just a natural privilege to me.....probably.
After the festival, according to the info that she got from Teens Network (Girl's Only Information Network), it seems that it was a big event where Ichika was wearing a butler suit to receive the guests.
One time for when she found out that Dan had the ticket. Another one for when she saw the butler photo. She had planned to beat Dan twice, but what's here is the innocent heart of a maiden-in-love. There's no way just that much would be able to compensate.
But, it's okay! This month is Ichika's birthday! I plan to properly join the party!
Today she went shopping to scope out possible gifts, but buying herself clothes and general goods - especially panties while she's looking, around is a big failure.
She was being forcibly suppressed by the self-conscious feeling of being seen during an embarrassing moment, but from the maiden-heart squad's splendid activity, the suppressed territory was gradually being released.
-Un! It's okay!
She clutched her hand and walked toward Ichika with well-regulated steps.
That appearance was the resolute appearance worthy of Private Academy Saint Marianne Girls Middle School Student Council President Gotanda Ran.
"Good afternoon, Ichika-san"
Niko! The innocent Girl - 100% level - smile was dazzling.
"Hey, you're alone today?"
"Ah, yes. Strolling and shopping."
"Is that so. -Ah, sorry about the matter from before. You must have wanted to attend the school festival, didn't you? Since you want to enroll there next year."
"T-That's right. If possible, it would be nice if I'm prioritized next time you're giving out tickets...."
Once that kind of friendly chat started, Charl was perplexed.
That there is a girl outside the school being friendly with Ichika...... truth to be told, it isn't amusing at all.
"A, um, Ichika..."
"Ah! Sorry! I haven't introduced her."
Saying that, Ichika cut his conversation with Ran with the best timing.
Charlotte, who can't help but feel happy, become high-spirited with a giggle.
Waaa, waaaa!? This person is really beautiful when she smiles. Uuu, uuu, don't lose, me! Go for it, Ran!
This girl is a junior, isn't she. I don't know what to say, whether Ichika is really indulgent or considerate to a junior. He's 20% kinder to them. Geez, even though I wanted him to be kind to me too...
"This is Charl. My classmate and France's representative candidate."
"Charlotte Dunois. N-Nice to meet you."
"Go-Gotanda Ran. Nice to meet you too."
In a handshake to decide who will have the aura of a winner, Charlotte had an advantage.
Feeling that smooth silk-like touch, Ran's consciousness blurred for an instant.
"Do you remember? During the school festival, you met my friend Dan right? Ran is his little sister."
"Is that so."
"Yes, it is."
"And, it seems that next year she will be accepted at IS Academy. She's going to be our junior at school."
"Y-Yes! That's right! Please do instruct me."
She bowed 90 degrees straight, and then raised her head up, slightly dizzy.
"That's right. I should still be able to hand you that ticket. Ran, did you bring a cellphone?"
"Y-Yesh!"
-Uwaaaaannn, I failed![6B 5] So embarrassing....
The cellphone that was just taken out was switched into direct connection mode, and then the ticket data got transferred.
"This is..."
"This month [Cannonball Fast]'s special reserved seat ticket. You want to see it right?"
"Ah, yes! Of course!"
"But, just like the school festival, each person only gets one invitation card. I'm sorry that I can't give your friends' share too."
"N-Not at all! It's okay! All of my friends are the type who are satisfied with just watching the relay broadcast."
"Heee, is that so."
After seeing the "Sending Complete" screen, Ichika closed his cellphone. A few seconds after that, Ran returned her cellphone into her bag.
U, u, if only I'd taken the character sticker off of my cellphone. He must have thought I'm childish...
As for Ichika, it just left "Ah, there's something cute attached"-like impression, but for Ran who wants to be seen as lover material, this is also one small failure.
R-R-Recovery..... I have to recover or else.....but, what should I do.... Charlotte-san is very pretty too, what can someone like me....
There's nothing like that-. Go for it-.
Ran, who somehow seemed to hear that kind of voice from somewhere, put forth all of her courage and spoke up in a strained voice.
"Ah, um! Is it okay if I join you to look around today?"
"Ok."
Easily ok-ed. Piling anti-climax on top of exhaustion, Ran lost her stance and was quickly supported by Charlotte.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"Ye-Yesh....."
Uwaaaa, this person is really great! Just like a young nobleman! She's pretty, cute, and cool, that's so unfair! There's no God, is there?! Stupid~!
"Then, let's go to lots of places."
Hearing Ichika's carefree voice, both Charlotte and Ran nodded their head, and then respectively lined up at his left and right side.
♦
"One, two! One, two!"
"Taaaa-"
"Target confirmed! Fire!"
IS arena no.3. There, unaffected by the fact that it's a day-off, those strong students who aim to go even higher spend all of their time doing IS training.
