''Hah...''

This isn't good. I can't focus on anything.

It's the combination of a sleepless night and a lot of thoughts that causes this situation. In the first place, all of this happens because of her. Peln.. I guess I can't call her that anymore, but it's because of her.

Ah... but can I even believe her words?

No, I should believe her strength rather than her words. That person is undoubtedly a monster, perhaps even more so than the limit of which I can perceive.

After all, power is everything in this world.

''...''

Okay, let's stop pointlessly worrying about things that I can't change. I'd normally go for a training session, but I don't feel like it. Let's not force things too hard, too.

Did Aurora say she was going to sleep normally today? So I can't see her either.

...what an unpleasant day.

I guess I can survey the situation within the academy first.

First of all, the newspaper.

Since digital news is not yet available, this is one of the best ways to stay informed. As much as I don't want to waste time reading filler articles sometimes, I need to get it done.

Some of the busier people have dedicated attendants who read the news out loud or summarize information for them. The last time I remember, someone did that for me. It's Nydia.

Either way, it seems as though the public sentiment hasn't changed much over the last few days. I'm sure there is some sort of desensitization already ongoing. Still, despite the overall mood being a bit gloomy, people would rather care about building up forces to retaliate against demons and whatnot than cry about it.

Oh, and they've finally stopped talking about the clown thingy that Aurora did back in the Harvest Festival. I thought the clown promised to deliver a tag game with explosives or something similar.

...Aurora must have forgotten about it, huh.

I guess It's fine. All of this reputation is going straight toward the cult, so.

Well, aside from the news, I want to check out something today, too. Without classes, it's a bit harder to find those two, but if my prediction is correct... oh, here they are.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

''Diligent as always. Are you two training?''

''Huh? Greetings, Lady Luminous!''

''Good morning, Lady Luminous.''

Almost as if nothing has happened at all, both Claire and Nydia greet me as usual. It seems they're getting a good workout in, too, so it's basically confirmed that they don't remember anything, but by any chance...

''How do you feel today?'' I ask. ''I wasn't able to sleep much yesterday.''

''Oh, my. That's terrible. You should rest first.''

''Her Highness is right! Lack of rest can cause a lot of performance issues.''

''Thank you, but I'm fine. What about you two?''

After pondering for a few seconds, both of them reply to me with an awkward smile,

''A bit weird, actually.''

''I'm the same. If I have to name it... 'restless'? Is what I'm probably feeling right now.''

Restless... well, I guess I can't get any more info here. That's the heroine and one love interest checked. Luxia and the original Amelia are probably going to be fine, and that leaves... hm, Scarlett. Let's go see Scarlett.

Since that redheaded battle maniac isn't here at the general training grounds, there is only one spot where she can be—the gym.

And, not out of my expectations, I already see the red wolf cut among the people at the gym. Her hair color is too unique, and most of all, I, along with everybody else, can already feel the grit oozing out of that girl's every move.

''Jesus...''

Ain't that the highest weight on the lat pulldown machine...? Who the hell is doing reps with mana bursting out of their skin? Inferiority complex really is something, huh...

I should leave her alone for now.

Walking out of the gym, I find myself rather... free. It's contradictory because I really can't afford to waste any time, but then again, I'm a lazy person. Besides, it has been a long while since I have had a full day of solitude.

Oh, wait. There's another person I haven't checked on—Sierra.

She and Aurora have been suspiciously close recently. Soon enough, with this kind of development, I wouldn't be surprised if I had to deal with her on top of Luxia.

Ugh... that'd be such a pain. Why does Aurora like crazy chicks?

''...Tch.''

Thinking about that irritates me again. Why does she like anyone else other than me in the first place? Aren't I the only one who has stayed with her for the longest time?

''I did it all because of you.''

''...!''

Why the hell did I remember that line so suddenly...?! No, no, that's the devil's call. I won't believe it. I only have my Aurora.

Anyway, my mood is worse now. I don't feel like checking on Sierra, either. Who cares? I don't even know where she is... oh.

''...''

Why do I have to stumble upon her when I don't even want to?

Seriously, this is ridiculous.

''Greetings, Your Highness, the crown princess.''

''Hm? Amelia Luminous. No need to be so formal.''

''Then, hi, Sierra.''

''That's too informal. Try something in the middle.''

''Your Highness.''

''Good.''

After that natural exchange, I sit beside Sierra on the bench. I'm confident I have managed to capture her attention. I've played her route a fair share of times, after all.

That means I know what she likes and dislikes, and I can also read her mood somewhat.

Once again, the word coming up is 'restless.'

Why are all the princesses I see today so restless? Wait, now that I think about it, if I trace them back, isn't all of these because of Aurora?

''...''

''...''

No.

I don't want to think about it.

I guess I'm restless, too. We're all restless.

Come back, Aurora. Please.