Chapter 160

“Isn’t there a reason not to kill?”

Maria’s mouth gapes open as she stares at me. After a moment of silence while maintaining eye contact, she lets out a sigh.

“Lord Joker… when it’s time like this, you’re supposed to look for reasons to spare someone’s life. If there’s even one reason they should be saved, then that person deserves mercy. Life is truly precious…”

Maria sounds like she’s quoting some generic shonen hero stuff. I’ve heard these lines before… Not from media but directly in person – back when I first met Shine Stella in my past life.

“Why did you save me? We’ve never even met.”

“There’s no reason not to save you!”

Reflecting on it now, Maria and Stella seem quite similar in character. They’re both almost impossibly pure-hearted individuals.

The difference might be that Stella was rigid while Maria is gentle? Stella’s uncompromising nature ultimately broke her…

“Anyway, isn’t the human population already big enough? What’s wrong with killing a few? At this rate, the continent will be overrun by humans.”

“That’s not the point…”

“And besides, there wasn’t a single reason to keep her alive. On the other hand, there were extremely important reasons to eliminate her.”

I explain the situation between Veronica and me to Maria. As she listens, her brows furrow deeper.

“How could that possibly justify committing murder?”

“Huh? It’s obvious. That woman could have jeopardized our Book Club activities with you, Maria!”

“But… there’s no rule saying we absolutely must be in the Book Club. While it’s true Veronica-senpai bullying Charlotte-senpai was unacceptable, sentencing her to death seems a bit extreme…”

“Sentencing? You make it sound like I’m seeking revenge. This was purely ‘prevention.’ Given the potential risk to someone as important as you, Maria, it’s only common sense not to leave any threats behind, right?”

“…”

Maria’s delicate face freezes up.

Did I say something wrong? I should retrace my words to see where I went off track…

“Tch… Ah, it’s my fault for not understanding the circumstances surrounding the Book Club.”

“Huh? What are you talking about? What fault of yours is this?”

“I feel heavy-hearted… Should I take comfort in knowing how much you value me, Lord Joker?”

With that, Maria pushes her chair back slightly. Leaning against the backrest, her substantial bosom hidden under her nun’s habit moves away from the desk.

“What are you doing? Are you going to the bathroom too, Maria?”

“Try lying down here.”

“Here? Is that okay?”

“After already kissing my cheek, are you suddenly putting on airs?”

“That’s true. Alright then, this softness feels nice.”

I lie down with the back of my neck resting on Maria’s thigh. Even through her habit, I can smell her pleasant body scent.

It’s cozy. Partly because my head is resting on the desk, but mostly because Maria’s embrace is so warm.

After placing me on her thigh, Maria leans forward with compassion, stretching out her arms to tightly hug me. A plush, heartwarming sensation spreads through my body.

“Lord Joker, how do you feel?”

“Good.”

“I wish you could give the world the same feelings you’re experiencing now. Love circulates.”

“Can I really do that?”

“The fullness, warmth, and goodness you’re feeling now – simply carry those sensations with you in the world. If you perceive the world as beautiful, comfortable, and harmonious, why wouldn’t that be possible? Everything depends on your mindset.”

Such profound words, as if encapsulating the truths of the universe. Can viewing the world optimistically really come so naturally?

“Judging by how you keep fidgeting your fingers, I assume you don’t understand what I’m saying.”

“Just playing with Maria’s skirt because it’s fun.”

“…”

“To be honest, I don’t get it either. Frankly, it sounds like pie-in-the-sky talk.”

As I say this, I nuzzle my face into the two mounds pressing against my vision.

Soft yet substantial. There aren’t many women who remain this curvaceous while wearing a nun’s habit. The Maria from my past life was rail-thin, having endured 20 days clinging to the Demon King Army’s pants legs before reaching the Babel Tower.

Even so, her chest was impressively full when hugged, making it hard to breathe. Compared to that, her current well-nourished, smooth skin is incomparable.

“Maria, think honestly. Which makes you happier – being held in my arms or just lying on the grass?”

“Mmm…”

“I prefer the former. And I’d like Maria to prefer it too.”

“I cannot deny that… How embarrassing. To realize I’m practicing such contradictions myself.”

“I know what you’re trying to say. You want me to see the world as beautiful, right?”

“Yes… Hmm.”

Apparently ticklish or embarrassed by my nod, Maria lifts her upper body. The two lumps move away from me.

No matter. To me, every strand of Maria’s hair is more precious than any jewel in the world.

I turn my body sideways. Her soft abdomen in her dark habit catches my eye. This time, I bury my face there.

“Ugh… Why can’t you stay still?”

“Have you ever seen a dog resist snacks put in front of it?”

“A trained dog would.”

“I’m not trained yet. If it bothers you, Maria should train me. That wouldn’t be bad either.”

“Hmph… Actually, I have something I’d like to discuss…”

Maria pulls out a notebook from her pocket. The communication channel between Daytime Maria and Nighttime Maria. Their shared diary and report book.

“Daytime Maria wrote that you’re an extremely wonderful person. So much so that anyone reading it might think she secretly admires you…”

“Isn’t that true? You’ve said it ten thousand times over the past five hundred years.”

“It’s I who loves you, not Daytime Maria.”

Maria states this with unusual firmness. She’s not wrong.

“Then what exactly did she write? Let me see!”

“The n-no-tebook? Hmm…”

“Why are you stuttering, so unlike Maria?”

“No, please look. It’s not anything bad…”

Maria hands me her notebook, unfazed by sharing her past writings. I wonder about this as I take it.

The neat handwriting immediately reveals it’s from Daytime Maria. Just looking at it makes my mouth water. Swallowing my saliva, I begin reading.

[Today I did various activities with Evans-sama. Compared to my ignorance and immaturity, Evans-sama was very knowledgeable and mature.]

[During morning classes, Evans-sama tapped my back and told me strange stories. Something called “Black Point,” I think? But since it was completely new to me and came out of nowhere, I don’t remember much.]

[I also saw Hero-sempai. Though I’d encountered him briefly in the cafeteria before, facing him close-up in the infirmary for holy power healing made me truly feel how beautiful and strong he is. However, how shocking! Such a powerful person was covered in injuries! His face had bruises, and his ribs were broken!]

[He explained that he fought some mysterious assailant yesterday. It was apparently a huge brawl that made headlines, though I had no idea. Amazing. What kind of assailant could fight evenly against Hero-sempai, who’s considered third strongest in the academy after the principal and Teacher Beatrix?]

[Apparently it was someone wearing a white mask and white robes. Isn’t that bizarre? Like someone straight out of a cartoon. Exceptionally skilled in combat and stylish too. Though probably won’t last long before getting caught or quitting.]

At that point, our gazes meet in mid-air. We both turned our heads simultaneously.

Ahahaha, I sheepishly smile. Embarrassing to see my story written here.

“I also have some questions about this part… Anyway, please continue reading.”

“Got it.”

[Evans-sama and I joined a club together. The Reading Club. Though it’s not a large club, I like it because it’s quiet and allows focused reading. And… though I’m not sure how Evans-sama feels about it, it’s just the two of us… Hehe.]

[By the way, the reason we joined is rather unique. Evans-sama and I were walking in the park when we encountered a senior crying. Apparently her sole-person Reading Club faced closure due to lack of new members!]

[I merely felt sorry upon hearing her story. But suddenly Evans-sama stepped forward and volunteered to join the Reading Club! Isn’t he amazing? Such a handsome and righteous person! Despite wanting to join another club, he decided without hesitation to help the pitiful senior!]

[Really… Evans-sama seems like such a model student. Plus he’s good-looking, has a nice voice, is tall, has great skin… Truly flawless in every way. Just thinking about him makes me want to worship him as an idol…!]

Wait, Daytime Maria, hold on.

Sure, I was deliberately trying to impress, but to this extent? Already?

I feel an icy gaze from behind.

Turning quickly…

“Ho ho… Looks like you’ve made quite the impression on the young maiden’s heart…”

The usually kind Maria now wears a spine-chilling smile for some reason…

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