Chapter 131

After the boring 6th and 7th period classes finally ended, we were set free. Now it’s free time!

Of course, since this academy is filled with model students, “free time” isn’t really free. They spend their breaks practicing or working through problem sets.

Still, I wonder why those guys who were dozing off during swordsmanship class suddenly perked up – oh right, it was a written test and they had gym before that. Whatever, who cares about that.

Anyway, normally after school would be the time to work hard toward our dreams, but today was different. Today’s the first day of classes after the entrance ceremony.

“Freshmen! Over here! Not interested in the Magic Studies Club?”

“If you come to Archery Club, I’ll give you snacks every day! At least stop by once!”

“We… We’re the Baking Club… We’re actually pretty-”

This is the time when upperclassmen try to recruit freshmen into their clubs. Still, with prestigious fields like magic studies, swordsmanship, and mana exchange competing, why is someone promoting baking?

I like it. They really understand the needs of weirdos like me. If I didn’t have somewhere else to go, I might’ve joined the Baking Club.

“Maria, where are you going?”

Because wherever Maria goes, that’s where I go. Though, I already know where she’s headed.

She’s going to the Reading Club. She told me to come to the Reading Club back at the guillotine in our past life.

“Hmm… I’m not sure yet. Maybe I’ll check out the Theology Club?”

Huh?

There are certain scenes burned into your mind – experiences so intense they never fade.

For me, that scene was the guillotine.

The twilight sky, the crimson and golden hues of sunset, reflecting off the sharp blade of the execution device.

The imperial square.

And Maria, the saint, with her neck on the other guillotine beside mine.

[To the Reading Club at Eden Academy.]

Recalling it now, it was an extremely surreal moment. I don’t have many experiences as dramatic as that.

As death approached, there was this fantastical event where everything went white and time seemed to warp.

So I clearly remember what Maria said then – that she would definitely reform me, and that I should come to the Reading Club at Eden Academy.

But why?

Why isn’t Maria even considering the Reading Club? What’s this nonsense about the Theology Club?

“Answer me, Saintess.”

I rested my arm on Maria’s shoulder. By the way, we’re currently in the library, and it’s getting dark outside.

“Well, since this world has changed from our previous life, I can’t make any definitive statements…”

Meaning, this Maria is Night Maria.

“I never really considered the Reading Club before. It only started when I met someone.”

“One person? Who was it?”

“The former president of the Reading Club. She was sitting on a bench crying because if she left, no one would join and the club would disappear.”

“Aha, so you felt sympathy for her? As expected of our kind-hearted Saintess.”

I patted Maria’s chest lightly. It was soft and bouncy.

“While I won’t deny feeling sympathy, it wasn’t solely for that reason.”

“Then why did you join the Reading Club?”

“It’s just… pleasant, isn’t it? Quiet, calm, perfect for finding inner peace.”

Saying this, Maria raised her palm to indicate the library. A faint smile graced her lips, exuding a sweet fragrance.

“But aren’t we being disruptive? Is this okay in such a sacred library?”

“The library is for reading during the day, but at night it’s for secret rendezvous.”

“You talk awfully dirty for a Saintess.”

“That’s because I’ve been influenced by you, Joker.”

Maria teased me playfully. So I affect her as much as she affects me?

Not quite – I’ve changed too much while Maria remains exactly the same.

Still, sitting next to Maria gives me an unobstructed view of her profile. While others may praise her beautiful appearance, to me who’s already tasted its allure, she’s simply a tempting fruit.

I stared at her slightly flushed cheeks with lustful eyes. Sensing my gaze, Maria subtly closed her eyes, tilted her chin up, and accentuated her cheekbones.

I didn’t kiss her immediately. Instead, I gently cupped her chin with my thumb and forefinger, whispering lewdly.

“The Saintess of the Holy Order asking a demon for a kiss? Is that proper? Last time was my unilateral decision, but this time it’s you making the first move, Saintess.”

“Just because I closed my eyes, you interpret it as seduction? That must mean I’m your type, Mr. Joker.”

“…You’re practically a succubus. You’re not a saintess, but a monster.”

“Succubus, correct? But only for you, Mr. Joker.”

“…”

“I am a woman. And therefore, a saintess. A woman who becomes a succubus solely for her lover… Isn’t that the highest quality a woman can possess?”

Every time I try to tease Maria, I realize words alone can never defeat Night Maria. Once again, I’m rendered speechless.

Having nothing to say, I followed my original plan and pressed my lips against Maria’s moist skin. My greedy tongue invaded the radiant sanctuary of her lips, like clouds enveloping light.

Puck.

“…”

At this moment, Maria’s mouth is sealed. She focuses all her senses on enjoying our contact, which I can tell from the changes in her skin’s blood flow.

After breaking the kiss, I closed her previously open mouth. Then quickly opened it again.

“Daytime Saintess is so easy to talk to. Just following my lead.”

“Aww, you find me cute? Oh, right. Mr. Joker, what’s this?”

Maria reached into her habit and fumbled around, pulling out a small notebook.

“Huh? What’s that? How would I know if you ask me?”

“No, I’m asking about what’s written inside. This is how Day Maria and Night Maria communicate.”

“Ah, I see. So that’s how you exchange opinions. Isn’t it inefficient? It takes three days for five lines of dialogue?”

“So it’s mainly used for information transmission. Like what happened during the day, or who I formed relationships with. Usually written by Young Maria. I mostly just read it.”

“That makes sense. Night Maria doesn’t have much to do anyway.”

Still, why bring it up now? What’s so special about its contents?

Maria flipped through the notebook and opened the most recent page. The neat handwriting danced across the paper.

“This is today’s memo. Day Maria wrote down what happened throughout the day.”

“Something strange in it?”

“Hmm… Not strange, but there are parts I can’t comprehend. Why did I punch Mr. Joker? It’s written here ‘Learning to punch felt strange and awkward, but also new and interesting.'”

Caught. I wanted to keep this a secret between Young Maria and me.

Guess I’ll have to confront it directly. I smoothly explained without hesitation.

“You know, Saintess, we’ll face countless hardships and trials ahead. There might be life-or-death battles. So I just taught you some methods! Even if violence is implicitly forbidden for daughters of God, necessary evils must be acknowledged!”

“And because of that reason, you taught me how to punch?”

“Geez, yeah! Haven’t you heard of Saint Margarita? She smashed demons’ skulls with a hammer and drew holy symbols above them! Being a saint doesn’t mean you can’t use violence!”

“In that case, I should break Mr. Joker’s head right now. Since you’re a demon, inheriting devilish blood.”

“…Damn, there’s no way to win with words.”

Young Maria usually gets convinced easily, but Night Maria is a tough opponent indeed.

Maybe I should just come clean. Gentle Maria probably wouldn’t scold me too harshly.

“It’s nothing serious. When we were sparring, Young Saintess kept using her shield. Seeing that made me curious. Curious about what Saintess looks like throwing punches.”

“Punching doesn’t suit a saintess at all.”

“But it was charming. Watching Maria panting cutely while throwing tiny punches made me fall in love with her all over again.”

“Bang bang!” She mimicked punching in the air while clenching her fists. Maria sighed briefly.

“Mr. Joker’s tastes are truly incomprehensible.”

“This is something I learned from Heavenly Hero in our past life – I’m actually a pervert.”

“How did Heavenly Hero know that?”

“Uh… We were lovers? He even proposed to me.”

“…You’re the only person I know who brags about their exes so proudly.”

“It was in our past life.”

“I remained pure even in our past life.”

“Exactly! Who asked you to stay pure? Spinsterhood is your pride?”

Maria’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, looking somewhat annoyed. Seeing that, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Hahaha! You look like you’re jealous. Jealous of my past relationships? There’s nothing more foolish than that!”

“…”

“Really jealous? I thought Saintess had a heart as vast as the ocean, but when it comes to romantic matters, you’re as petty as an ant! Hahaha!”

Oh no, Maria’s expression is becoming serious. The more serious she gets, the more I want to tease her.

“If this keeps up, Maria’s jealousy will pierce through the heavens. If your jealousy grows stronger every day, what will you do? Look, Young Maria even wrote here ‘The sensation of hitting felt not bad.’ ‘It keeps coming back to my mind, making me feel restless.'”

“Suppressing such desires is virtuous…”

“Why suppress it when the girl enjoys it? It’s not harming anyone else! I actually like getting hit by Maria. Isn’t pursuing mutual benefits good? Why suppress it!”

“Enough…”

“Oh ho! Looking at your expression, I can picture it. You’re jealous of Day Maria, aren’t you? I said I fell in love again seeing Day Maria throw punches! But even so, jealously of yourself? Isn’t that too lewd, Saintess? Hahaha! Right? Am I right?”

“…!”

Maria’s face turned red and blue. The tranquil air grew heavy. Cold sweat trickled down my temples.

What should I do? I seem to have touched a sensitive nerve. Even the ever-kind Maria probably won’t let my previous comments slide. Even I think I crossed a line.

Immediately, Maria’s fist slammed into my chest as if saying ‘If you like violent me so much, I’ll give you the same treatment. Mr. Joker thinks this is fine, right?’

Given the impending sense of dread, I waited for her reaction. Will she explode in anger? Or mutter her fury in a serious tone?

“…Mr. Joker.”

Creak.

However, Maria’s reaction was completely different from what I imagined.

She slowly buried her face in my embrace. Then, like clinging to me, she wrapped her thin arms around my waist. Her interlocked hands behind my back felt like a tight lock.

“…You’re right. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I do get jealous of daytime me.”

Her voice was calm, but the emotions within were turbulent like a storm. Melancholy and gloom blended harmoniously in a pitiful manner.

“I want to spend the daytime with Mr. Joker too. I want to stroll through the academy together, attend classes together. I want to experience the feeling of trying to concentrate in class but getting bothered by Mr. Joker poking me from behind, and I want to feel the refreshing emotions that Day Maria experiences. With Mr. Joker.”

The saintess neither hit nor scolded me. Instead, she buried her head in my stomach and confessed her true struggles in a composed voice.

“You might think this version of me is pitiful. I envy my younger self, which I find embarrassing too. But what can I do? Our hearts aren’t so easily controlled.”

I gently placed my hand on her back and stroked her white hair. Soft and fluffy, it felt like touching dew-covered grass.

“Don’t be too disheartened, Saintess.”

I embraced her upper body while speaking.

“No matter how attractive they are, only you can kiss me, Saintess.”

Then, Maria’s bright eyes turned ashen gray.

Wasn’t I trying to comfort her? Why is she reacting like this?

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