To this day, I still don't fully understand the mechanics of the cards.
But looking at things now… mere combinations alone are clearly insufficient as a standard for "successful conquest."
I furrowed my brows and checked the newly added content on the light screen.
——
Fusion Ability: [Choir on the Silver Ring]
Description: Can designate a [silver item] as a vessel, granting it the [automatic performance] property. The vessel can be replaced through a ritual.
Source: Success in conquering Onikata Kayoko
——
This was the only new ability I gained after spending an entire day and night fooling around with young, beautiful girls.
In other words, Mutsuki and Haruka, at least according to the card's judgment, haven't been "conquered" by me.
First, we can rule out that their affection for me is insufficient.
They had already entrusted such precious first times to me, their hearts were clearly tied to me, and I firmly believed they would never betray my feelings.
The only logical conclusion that follows is...
Credit Card! You buggy as hell!
Joking internally, I also roughly guessed the real reason that it all came down to trust.
Sensitive and perceptive Mutsuki, and introverted, insecure Haruka, even if they reached a further level of intimacy with me, would naturally retain some reservations. That's only normal.
Thinking this, even though I hadn't obtained the anticipated rewards, I exhaled deeply, as if emptying all the stale air from my lungs, and felt a sense of relieved calm wash over me.
Thank goodness…
If gaining power really required just doing "that sort of thing," would I truly be able to maintain my boundaries and resist temptation?
I wasn't sure. So this… this relief was more than welcome.
Afterward, guided by my phone map, I went to a nearby jewelry store that had just opened and purchased some silver.
Similar to the ability I gained from Hifumi some time ago, under a certain misty aura, the silver was quickly forged into a ring.
The design was simple, smooth as a mirror, identical to the one Kayoko wore around her neck.
I deliberately placed it on my left middle finger, hoping someone would ask if it meant I was in a serious relationship.
If the person was close to me, I could gaze meaningfully and let them know they were right, that it represented my feelings for them.
If not, I could seriously answer:
My lover is this whole city!
I trusted that Kayoko, exhausted and asleep after yesterday's all-day escapades, wouldn't mind my using this symbol of our bond to tell a little harmless lie.
However, after putting on the ring, I didn't experience any manifestation of its supposed [automatic performance] property.
Perhaps some hidden condition needed to be met?
I could only say I got used to the vague instructions. Let the wind take its course.
Checking the time, I quickened my pace and soon boarded the train heading to the Abydos District.
On the ride, I napped a bit, shaking off the fatigue of an all-night adventure. When I reached the station square, I immediately spotted the promised pink-haired girl, standing quietly, but clearly impatient.
Naturally, it wasn't because I was late, but because beside Hoshino were two other figures.
"Ah! Sensei~" Nonomi noticed me first and waved cheerfully. "Good morning~"
"Good morning, Sensei," said Shiroko next, offering a gentle nod and smile.
I had reached them by now: "Hello. And you are…?"
Before I could finish, Hoshino ran up and grabbed my arm:
"Uuuu, Sensei! I never thought the day would come when a junior would stalk me!"
As Hoshino drew closer, a slightly different fragrance than usual wafted to my nose. Today she wasn't in her school uniform, but a pristine white dress, clearly dressed carefully for today's date.
SAUCE
And the other two girls were similarly prepared.
Nonomi wore a sunhat, her light summer outfit highlighting her figure, smiling:
"Hoshino-senpai said she'd share Sensei with everyone, right?"
Without her signature blue scarf, dressed simply yet cutely in casual clothes, Shiroko nodded:
"Hoshino-senpai tried to sneak away without telling us? That's unacceptable!"
SAUCE
Seeing these two, their expressions filled with righteous indignation, I was momentarily at a loss...
But today was originally supposed to be a solo date with Hoshino!
After all, the place we were going is somewhere she'd longed to visit but never had the chance.
Also…
"Where are Serika and Ayane?"
At that, the two second-year students of Abydos exchanged glances.
Nonomi thought for a moment, uncertain: "Serika should be working today, I guess?"
Shiroko shook her head, answering calmly: "I didn't ask Ayane, so I don't know."
…So that excludes the first-years, right?
I looked at Hoshino, feeling a bit stuck, and started: "Well, actually…"
"I know," Shiroko interrupted, her blue eyes fixed on me. "If Sensei wishes, today we'll just 'happen to pass by' and greet you and Hoshino-senpai."
Their obedient attitude blocked all the words I had been preparing to say.
"Ah…" Hoshino said helplessly, as if saving me:
"Alright, Sensei. As a senpai, I have to set a good example, can't say one thing and do another. Besides, if I'm the only one enjoying myself, I'd feel guilty… So sorry, today it'll be a group date, okay?"
Since Hoshino said it, I couldn't object.
"Alright, then let's get going. The opening time is almost here."
Successfully participating in the date, Nonomi and Shiroko both showed small smiles of delight, more or less.
But Hoshino leisurely intervened:
"No rush, wait a bit. Not everyone's here yet."
Hearing that, the two second-years first froze, then their expressions shifted slightly.
"Nonomi-senpai! Shiroko-senpai!" A familiar, anger-filled voice came at just the right time. "You actually left everyone behind and went on a date with Sensei!?"
Looking in that direction, I saw Serika pointing, with Ayane behind her, bent over and panting heavily.
Today, they were also in casual clothes.
The cat-eared girl was angry:
"Good thing Hoshino-senpai told us everything beforehand!"
At that, Nonomi and Shiroko silently glanced at the pink-haired girl who appeared magnanimous.
Hoshino blinked and cheekily stuck her tongue out at us:
"Ehe~"