And so, despite the tumultuous events of the New Year, Rozen managed to welcome it with smooth sailing and joyous celebrations.
Winter break passed in this manner, and Saikai Academy ushered in a new semester.
On this day, Rozen donned his school uniform for the first time in a while, slung his bag over his shoulder, and stepped out of his room.
The girls of the Minamiya household were already up—some tidying the house, others preparing breakfast. While Astarte remained in her maid outfit, Nagisa, Kanon, and Avrora wore their school uniforms, chatting excitedly about the new semester.
Rozen naturally joined in, and once Natsuki emerged dressed for work, they all sat down for breakfast.
But halfway through the meal, Natsuki suddenly spoke up.
"Once you're back at school, behave yourselves. Especially you, Nichiyo. No more causing disturbances."
The group blinked in surprise.
Rozen, in particular, couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "What disturbances?"
As if he went out of his way to stir up trouble.
Unfortunately, Rozen was sorely lacking in self-awareness.
Because...
"If I hadn't covered for your two-month disappearance, Saikai Academy would've erupted into chaos. That doesn't count as a disturbance?"
Natsuki shot him a glare.
Under her sharp gaze, Rozen finally realized—his prolonged absence had left him missing two months of classes.
Though Natsuki had officially excused his absences (preventing him from being held back), Rozen had always maintained a flawless academic record and reputation at Saikai Academy, earning the admiration of countless upper and lowerclassmen.
If someone like him suddenly vanished without explanation, it would become a hot topic—possibly even inciting an uproar.
At the very least, Nagisa confirmed as much.
"Ah, right. Some high school seniors thought you'd transferred out and staged a protest at the principal's office. I was too down to join, but I kinda wish I'd gone to watch now."
Her gossipy tone left Rozen stunned.
But that wasn't the only incident.
"Some junior high students suspected you'd graduated early due to your grades and protested the accelerated program at the Management Cooperative in Keystone Gate. A few even had family on the board—apparently, the proposal nearly passed."
Kanon's quiet revelation made Rozen's expression stiffen.
"T-This must be the legendary Minamiya commotion! A series of perilous events centered around Nichiyo!"
Avrora, for some reason, trembled as if uncovering a dark conspiracy.
Astarte confirmed her theory in her usual monotone.
"I affirm Avrora Florestina's hypothesis. During the Divine Child's absence, individuals suspected to be Saikai Academy students were repeatedly observed in the vicinity. Some attempted to bypass surveillance and infiltrate the residence. Analysis suggests their objective was to confirm the Divine Child's enrollment status."
This time, Rozen was utterly speechless.
Even he hadn't anticipated that his disappearance would affect not just his close friends—but an entire school of admirers.
This was...
"Terrifying," Rozen muttered. "Are these people stalkers?"
The world was vast and full of wonders. With so many girls at Saikai Academy infatuated with him, it wasn't unthinkable that some might act rashly.
But understanding didn't equate to acceptance.
"Tracking you down was stressful enough—then I had to clean up your mess. Not only did I have to reeducate those reckless girls, but I also had to fabricate excuses for you. This was the first time in my teaching career I've made up absences for family. A stain on my record. How do you plan to compensate me?"
The more Natsuki recalled the ordeal, the angrier she grew—her lace fan repeatedly smacking Rozen's forehead.
"Ow—! S-So what excuse did you give, Natsuki-nee?!"
Rozen desperately blocked the assault.
"Hmph!" Natsuki snorted. "I said you were on an official assignment from the Attack Mage Bureau—that you'd been working on the mainland."
Hearing this, Rozen remembered something.
"Ah, right. I did get my official Attack Mage license. I'm technically a certified Attack Mage now."
Though Rozen was only a civilian Attack Mage (unlike Natsuki, who worked as a national officer), the bureau occasionally commissioned skilled freelancers to handle difficult cases.
Natsuki had used this pretext to quell the so-called Minamiya commotion.
And it had tarnished her professional record.
Not just as a teacher—but as an Attack Mage.
Falsely invoking government authority was no small matter. If exposed, Natsuki could face termination, license revocation, or even imprisonment.
Given her principles, she'd never have done this under normal circumstances. Only for Rozen would she abuse her position.
No wonder she was furious.
"If you understand, then think carefully about how to respond if questioned at school." Natsuki scowled. "If you slip up, you will make up those two months of missed classes."
"Got it," Rozen replied with a wry smile.
Then...
"Strange incidents have been occurring on Itogami Island lately. All sorts of problems are cropping up."
Natsuki's expression turned serious.
"If you notice anything unusual—or get dragged into something—report it to me immediately. No reckless solo ventures. Understood?"
Her warning was directed at everyone present.
""""Yes...""""
Rozen, Nagisa, Kanon, and Avrora exchanged glances before responding.
Unaware that turbulent times truly lay ahead.