After finishing breakfast first, Natsuki left home with Astarte, planning to stop by the Special Guard headquarters before heading to school.
Rozen, Nagisa, Kanon, and Avrora set out together, running into Yukina—who was predictably waiting in the elevator—before embarking on their journey to school.
It had been a long time since Rozen last attended Saikai Academy, or even stepped into a school as a student, and he couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic.
However, more than nostalgia, Rozen was troubled.
There was no helping it.
"After all these years, do I even remember how to maintain that perfect image?"
He was genuinely worried that, after being away for so long, he might accidentally reveal his true nature in front of others.
If that happened, Natsuki's prediction would come true—he'd undoubtedly cause a disturbance.
To prevent this, Rozen racked his brain, recalling his former flawless persona, even practicing a few expressions to get back into character.
Fortunately, he hadn't forgotten how to smile like the perfect prince he once pretended to be.
Within minutes, his face was adorned with the kind of elegant smile that could make the school girls around him blush.
"U-Um… It's been a while since I've seen you smile like that, Nichiyo. It's kinda weird."
Nagisa seemed flustered.
"As expected of senpai."
Kanon gazed at him with admiration.
"Y-Yes, as expected of my loyal servant…!"
Avrora sounded oddly flustered.
"...What a fraudulent senpai."
Even Yukina's cheeks flushed slightly as she muttered under her breath.
If this was how those who had seen Rozen's "perfect" persona reacted, the Servant girls inside him—who had never witnessed it—were downright shocked.
The overwhelming response only highlighted just how devastating Rozen's "perfect image" truly was.
Now, with his matured demeanor, his noble, elegant, and flawless aura carried an added layer of sophistication—enough to make any love-struck girl's heart skip a beat.
If Rozen brought this version of himself to Saikai Academy, the damage would be catastrophic. The school's female population would lose their minds.
To quote Jeanne [Alter]:
"This is basically fraud, isn't it?"
The Dragon Witch didn't mince words.
But it also proved that if Rozen really put on airs, no one would ever guess how casually he behaved in private.
Rozen rolled his eyes.
"Are you guys complimenting me or mocking me?"
Amidst his protests, the group boarded the luxury car Natsuki had arranged.
As usual, a member of the Special Zone Guard served as their chauffeur.
Just like old times, Natsuki had ensured Rozen's commute was nothing short of extravagant, with a private car transporting them to Saikai Academy.
The girls, excited about their long-awaited return to school, chatted animatedly about various topics—who had returned home for the holidays, who hadn't made it back yet, who had started dating over the break—typical middle and high school gossip.
Though only Nagisa was truly energetic in the conversation, with the timid Avrora and quiet Kanon merely chiming in, the atmosphere remained warm and natural, free of awkwardness.
Yukina, seated beside Rozen, watched the trio across from them with a soft expression.
Clearly, she didn't dislike this kind of atmosphere either.
As for Rozen, ever since getting into the car, he had inexplicably dropped his "perfect" act. Instead, he gazed out the window, his brow occasionally furrowing in thought.
Noticing this, Yukina tugged lightly on his sleeve.
"What's on your mind, senpai?"
Her hushed tone, unbeknownst to her, sounded like a lovestruck girl whispering to her boyfriend.
It didn't escape the notice of Nagisa, Kanon, and Avrora, who all glanced over curiously.
But Rozen paid no mind. He turned back to Yukina, hesitating before speaking.
"Does anything feel… off to you?"
Yukina immediately tensed. "An abnormal situation?"
Knowing Rozen's capabilities, she didn't doubt his words—instantly on guard.
Rozen patted her shoulder reassuringly.
"Not necessarily abnormal. Just… something feels different about Itogami Island. Like the atmosphere itself has shifted."
This wasn't the first time he'd felt this way.
Since yesterday, an inexplicable sensation had lingered—one even his Wise Eye and Mind's Eye couldn't pinpoint.
In short, Rozen hadn't detected anything concrete, just an odd, intangible presence permeating the island.
"Something feels different…?"
Yukina was just as puzzled.
Nagisa, Kanon, and Avrora also looked confused.
Seeing their reactions, Rozen smiled.
"Never mind. Maybe it's just me—I have been away for a while."
He brushed it off, and though the others were still uncertain, they let the matter drop, resuming their lively chatter.
Before long, the car arrived at Saikai Academy's gates.
The group disembarked but split up before entering—a long-standing practice.
No matter what, once at school, Rozen would separate from the others to avoid being mobbed by his admirers or fueling rumors.
So, he entered the school alone.
However, his return didn't cause the massive uproar he'd anticipated.
Well, there was a commotion.
Students who spotted Rozen immediately flocked to him, just as he remembered.
He responded with his signature smile—eliciting squeals—but inwardly, he grew more perplexed.
"Why does it feel… quieter than usual?"
Compared to before, the crowd around him—and even the number of students entering the school—seemed smaller, almost sparse.
With this lingering doubt, Rozen navigated the sea of admirers and finally reached his classroom.
There, his old friends were already waiting.