Looking down at Sonoko, who was still burying her face in her arms, Ren didn't know what to say in that moment and subconsciously changed the subject.
"Sonoko, did you read the diary's contents?"
"Yeah."
"So, did you draw your first lottery?"
"…"
Sonoko froze for a moment, then pulled away from Ren's arms and scratched her face a little awkwardly.
"I just read through it and forgot that part."
She had gotten so excited reading the diary that she rushed to Ren right after finishing the first entry, completely forgetting the most important step.
"Wait, I'll draw a prize now and see what I get."
Sonoko was actually looking forward to this part.
She didn't know what kind of power her trait might grant her.
She took out the diary, selected the lottery option, and summoned the large roulette wheel.
The spinning wheel gradually came to a stop, and the pointer landed on a section.
[Negima! Magister Negi Magi]
[You have obtained the Provisional Contract Coin.]
[Provisional Contract Coin: Drop the coin to form a special magic circle. Within the circle, a provisional contract can be formed. Note: A kiss is required to complete the ritual.]
Staring at the coin in her hand, Sonoko looked a bit puzzled. It wasn't a direct ability, but rather a tool for forming a contract.
She glanced at Ren, needless to say, the contract target was obvious.
And since the ritual required a kiss, there was no way she'd use it with anyone other than Ren. Which meant the prop had limited use.
But a smile gradually formed on her face.
Even if it wasn't a direct manifestation of power, she didn't really mind. She wasn't entirely sure what a "contract" entailed, but she liked the idea of the ritual.
Coincidentally, today was a memorable day too.
And this time, she was sure she'd be one step ahead of the others.
With that thought in mind, Sonoko smiled and looked up at Ren, who was a head taller than her.
"Ren, let's form a contract."
"???"
Just as Ren was confused, he saw Sonoko toss the item she had drawn to the floor.
Ding!
With a crisp sound, the coin hit the ground and disappeared almost instantly, replaced by a magic circle large enough to cover the two of them.
Pink light radiated from the circle, and within it, both of them could feel each other's heartbeats quicken, along with a blush and a faint, special kind of tension.
"Ren…"
The comforting sensation caused a soft flush to rise on Sonoko's cute face. She knew Ren wouldn't have the courage to make the first move, so she grabbed the front of his shirt, pulled him down, and seized the moment.
"Smooch~"
The instant their lips met, the magic circle burst with brilliant light, slowly materializing a card with Sonoko's image on it.
As the contract card took form, the magic circle gradually faded. But the two, now having kissed, didn't immediately separate.
Only after a long pause did they pull apart in unspoken understanding.
Both of their faces were bright red, this had been their first kiss.
Sonoko picked up the card at her feet and turned it over.
The image on the front showed her in a blue evening gown, the usual headband gone, her appearance transformed into that of a true lady.
Words were written above the card:
[Contract Card: Lady's Rights]
[Lady's Rights: Allows the user to meet with anyone at any time without an appointment.]
Upon seeing this, Sonoko instantly understood what kind of ability she had received.
"It really suits my status as a young lady."
Although it wasn't as direct as Ran's or Yukiko's abilities, this kind of power had strong utility.
Of course, the power itself wasn't the main thing, it was the commemorative value that mattered.
Looking up at Ren, she smiled and held the card to her lips.
"To commemorate our first day of dating, now you'll never be able to forget me."
Ren stared at Sonoko, dazed.
"I really can't forget you."
He wasn't the type to say mushy things, but Ren truly felt that it was impossible to forget Sonoko now.
She'd left a strong impression on him since the beginning, and now, with this contract kiss, there was no way she could be erased from his memory.
Sonoko smiled as the warmth on her face slowly deepened.
It had been a spur-of-the-moment decision, but now that things had calmed down, she realized just how bold it was, definitely more daring than that icy block.
"Well, that's all for today. I'm going back to my room."
She left in a bit of a hurry. Looking at the closed door, the heat in Ren's face finally began to fade.
Just as he was about to splash some water on his face, he noticed another card lying on the ground.
He picked it up. Some words were written on it.
[Main Card]
[Main Card: The central card of a provisional contract. Used for contact, summoning, and magic supply to the contracted servant.]
"Provisional contract…"
Ren glanced at the ability written on the card.
"It really does suit her. By the way, is this a copy of Asuna Kagurazaka and Ayaka Yukihiro from the Negima! Magister Negi Magi universe?"
Shaking his head slightly, he stored the Main Card inside Sefirah Castle.
Since they were always together anyway, the card wasn't especially useful at the moment, though it could be useful later, maybe for magic supply during research.
But that was for the future, not now.
Knock knock knock!
There was another knock at the closed door.
After mentally preparing himself, Ren opened it.
The person standing outside surprised him.
It was Fujiwara Chika.
"Fujiwara-san?"
Chika stood there in a white nightgown, her ample bust lifting the fabric and making her natural figure all the more noticeable.
It was just a plain nightgown, but on her, it looked subtly seductive.
"Ren, I want to talk to you."
As she spoke, Chika pulled out a diary hidden behind her back.
It seemed like whoever was distributing the diaries had indeed limited it to this small group. Not only had Sonoko gotten one, but so had Fujiwara.
Ren nodded slightly and stepped aside.
"…Come in."
(To be continued.)
***
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