‘What the heck is going on.’

The day she returned from school with Ken.

Hearing that Ken had someone he liked, Raphne couldn't stop the tears from streaming down as she walked back to the dormitory.

She entered her dorm room, closed the door, and collapsed onto her bed.

But the tears still didn't stop.

‘Why am I like this?’

Raphne couldn't understand why she was crying.

The moment she heard Ken's words, an inexplicable frustration and heat surged from her chest, making her cry.

It made no sense.

Until recently, Ken meant nothing to Raphne.

He was just that chubby, timid guy she liked to tease and play jokes on.

But since yesterday, she couldn't get Ken out of her head.

Even as she cried, tormented by his words, her heart shouted that she wanted to see him.

She had never felt anything special for him before.

Yet, somehow, she had changed.

Confused by this incomprehensible situation, Raphne was in turmoil.

‘That's it, from tomorrow on, I'll just pretend not to see him.’

Crying, she buried her face in the pillow and made up her mind.

Even though she promised herself in her head.

“…But who on earth does he like?”

Since earlier, she couldn't stop thinking about Ken's words.

“Ugh━!! This is so frustrating━!!”

So, Raphne stomped her feet, buried her face back into the pillow, and waited for the next day.

And then morning came.

Waking up with puffy eyes after a night of crying, Raphne sat up in bed and spoke to herself.

"Don't worry about it. It's nothing. Why should I care about him?"

Even while brushing her hair and looking in the mirror.

"Just because he lost some weight and looks a bit better? Hmph, he's still just Ken."

Then, putting on her uniform and looking in the mirror again.

"He's just Ken, Raphne. Fat, timid, always crying at the drop of a hat. Not manly at all, can't do anything. A dumb fatty."

Repeating this to herself, she gradually began to calm down.

Seeing that this was quite effective, she smiled and spoke with even more confidence about him.

"Yeah! It's just Ken! Are you crazy? He was just a bit cute! He's kind, gentle, has a great smile, and I just wanted to bury my face in his soft belly and smell him every day!"

Raphne shouted these words, confidently smiling.

But then she suddenly tilted her head in confusion.

"...Huh?"

And then, recalling what she just said.

"Why… why am I acting like this?!"

Ruffling her neatly arranged hair, Raphne fell back into confusion.

Ultimately running late for school, Raphne hurriedly left the dormitory.

'Why am I… because of him…'

With a frustrated expression, she quickly walked toward the academy.

Though Ken was making her annoyed, the thought of seeing him soon made her happy.

She didn't like that feeling either.

'I won't see him... I definitely won't see him!'

Determined, Raphne ran.

But deep down, she knew the reason she was running wasn’t because she was late.

When she arrived at the academy in no time, she climbed the stairs with a troubled, fluttering heart.

Despite not wanting to, she couldn't help but look around.

Maybe he will pass by.

With eyes shining like a dog looking for treats, Raphne passed by Ken’s classroom.

Normally, there was no reason for her to be here.

If she headed west from the main stairs, she would quickly reach her own classroom.

But today, she used the east stairs.

‘...He's not here.’

Scanning the classroom quickly on her way past, she didn't see the man she was looking for.

Disappointed without even realizing it, Raphne headed towards her own classroom with slumped shoulders.

In the midst of this…

"...Ah."

The hallway she was walking through.

At the end of the corridor, near the stairs, she saw the person she was seeking.

'...Ken.'

Though Raphne had just resolved not to meet him, the moment she saw him, her resolve vanished, and her feet moved toward him without her realizing.

'...Ken!'

Her steps quickened.

Closing the distance between them in an instant, she suddenly noticed Emily standing shyly with her head down, trying to say something.

Raphne's body froze at the sight.

And then, Ken's words from the previous day replayed automatically in her head.

'I like someone.'

His words and the scene she was witnessing now.

To Raphne, it looked like two people in love, confessing their feelings.

━Ping.

It felt as if something snapped in her mind.

With trembling hands clenched tightly, she spoke.

"...Is it her?"

Then Ken turned and looked at her.

"...Damn it."

Ken immediately felt an alarm sound in his head.

The beast he was facing exuded an aura more menacing than the Ancient Dragon Tarlos.

He almost considered summoning Tirfione.

‘No, no. Summoning Tirfione would be like pouring gasoline on a fire.’

Ken couldn't imagine Raphne staying calm if she saw him summon the Demon Sword.

"I'm asking you. Is she the 'someone you want to be responsible for’?"

"Eek!"

Emily let out a small scream under Raphne's direct glare.

It was like a rabbit facing a tiger.

‘Stay calm. Raphne doesn't remember anything right now.’

Even if the emotions from before the historical change remain, they won't be as intense as before.

So, it should be possible to smooth things over.

Ken knew.

No matter how much he tried to explain, Raphne wouldn't listen right now.

But if he did nothing, her emotions would only escalate.

‘Wait a minute.’

Escalating emotions.

‘That means the traces of the old Raphne would grow stronger, doesn't it?’

Ken began to think that he could use this situation to his advantage.

‘In that case, I won't deny it. Instead...’

"Emily. Calm down, and if I give the signal, run to the classroom quickly."

"W-what?"

Emily, who was trembling, couldn't understand what Ken was saying.

"I'm asking you again. Is she the one you're taking responsibility for?"

And then, a beast slowly approached.

Raphne.

When she got closer to a certain point...

"Now! Run, Emily!"

At the moment Ken lunged at Raphne, she understood what his signal meant.

"I-I'm sorry! Thank you!"

Escaping from the terror of death thanks to his sacrifice, Emily ran desperately towards the classroom.

"Hey━! Where do you think you're going!!"

Raphne tried to chase after the fleeing Emily immediately.

But she stopped moving.

━Grab.

"Got you!!"

Ken had suddenly thrown himself and grabbed her, preventing Raphne from moving further.

But it didn't matter.

She intended to break free from this slight restraint with her strength and quickly chase after that girl.

With that in mind, Raphne struggled in Ken's arms.

Of course, that too was blocked by Ken.

"Good, good."

Not missing the chance, Ken skillfully patted Raphne's head to calm her down before she could start thrashing about.

"Oh, huh?"

Raphne unknowingly leaned her head against his chest.

'Raphne is acting based on her remaining emotions right now.

...So, let's trigger different emotions.'

The plan was to draw out new emotions while leaving behind the memories fueled by jealousy.

If you asked whether such behavior would work on an enraged Raphne, it worked exceptionally well.

"Oh, ho-e-e..."

Raphne, softened by the familiar sense, immediately let herself sink into Ken's embrace, enjoying his touch.

It was the scent she had long missed these past few days.

A familiar and warm embrace.

Though the softness couldn't quite match the sensation her body remembered, it was undoubtedly the feeling Raphne longed for.

‘Phew, that was close.’

I let out a sigh of relief after the first period started.

Now, I'm peacefully sitting at my seat in the classroom, listening to the lesson.

As I expected, Raphne, who was swayed by emotions, became docile when led by familiar and positive feelings, and returned to her classroom.

This is exactly the effect I hoped for.

After resolving the urgent situation with Emily,

Raphne's misunderstanding of the situation between Emily and me would further amplify her emotions.

The greater the feelings from the past, the easier it might be to recall memories - that's the groundwork I was laying.

‘...Of course, if her emotions grow too large and she goes berserk, that would be a problem.’

Still, I have fairly strong physical abilities now.

At this moment, I am more than capable of dealing with a rampant Raphne.

Though, if she starts using her unique skills indiscriminately, things might get unpredictable.

‘She wouldn't kill me, right?’

At worst, I’d just be getting beaten up.

If that’s the case, I’m willing to take the risk.

After finishing my morning classes.

I skipped lunch and immediately left the classroom.

It was partly to avoid the flock of female students, but I also had business with someone else.

“Ah, Ken! What about lunch?”

“Sorry, Mary! Let’s eat together next time!”

In my haste to leave, I spotted Mary coming to my classroom, but I could only wave to her regretfully.

I wanted to hear that person’s opinion as soon as possible.

So, I headed downstairs.

That's where the first years gather.

“Wow, who’s that?”

“Isn’t he a senior?”

“Oh my, he’s so handsome... Do you know his name?”

Sure enough, as I descended to the first floor, the eyes of students, grouped together for lunch, were drawn to me.

It's not common for a second-year student to come down to the first-year floor.

But most likely, it’s due to my changed appearance.

When I passed this area before losing weight, I didn’t get this kind of reaction.

‘This is uncomfortable...’

Enduring the gathered stares, I looked through the classrooms, searching for someone.

As I reached the third classroom,

“…Oh! Alicia!”

I spotted Alicia happily chatting with a group of girls and called out to her. It had been a while since I last saw her, and apart from being glad to see her, she was the most helpful person I could think of for a consultation.

My voice drew the attention of the classroom's students, and soon, I heard excited squeals from the girls.

“Oh my gosh! Alicia! He came to find you!”

“Wh-Who is he? Do you know him? Is he your boyfriend?”

“Wow, Alicia, you're amazing! You're even a master at love advice! I respect you, teacher!”

Alicia’s friends, realizing who I was, started making a fuss and squealed around her, drawing more attention.

Meanwhile, Alicia, absorbing all their excitement,

“……”

was glaring at me with a suspicious look.

‘...Ugh, maybe I did create a bit of a nuisance.’

In my urgency, I had called out without thinking.

I should have asked someone to call her instead.

I was still not used to this face, which led to a small mistake.

Alicia said something to her friends for a moment and then approached the front door of the classroom where I was standing.

Grab.

She grabbed my arm and pulled me somewhere.

“U-Uwah! Alicia?”

“Hey, could you please follow me? Everyone's staring.”

“……”

I closed my mouth and looked at the passing students at Alicia’s words.

Everyone was indeed looking this way.

She led me to the backyard of the Academy's main building.

It was a rather quiet place with fewer people.

When we arrived at a suitable spot in the backyard, Alicia let go of my arm and looked up at me.

She crossed her arms and glowered at me.

“Sigh, so, what’s the matter?”

Feeling somewhat uneasy due to her different-than-usual demeanor, I hurriedly got to the point.

“Um, I... I have something I’d like to consult you about.”

“……”

Alicia's reaction to my words was subtle.

Her gaze seemed to say, ‘What, is it that again?’

Seeing that expression, I tilted my head, and Alicia spoke up.

“Hey, Senior, I'm sorry, but my schedule for love consultations is fully booked. First, can you tell me your name? When your turn comes later..."

I was momentarily taken aback by her explanation, indicating her discomfort.

Tell her my name?

“Ah, wait a second! Alicia... it's me! It's me!”

I urgently interrupted her words, pointing to myself as I spoke.

“...Huh? Sorry, but I don't think we've met before?”

She tilted her head, looking at me suspiciously.

Frustrated, I finally blurted out my name.

“It's me, Ken! Ken Feinstein!”

"…What?"

Alicia's eyes widened upon hearing that.

"Whoa?! K-Ken senior?"

She jumped in surprise, reverting to her usual self.

Why is she so shocked? Alicia should have seen me in my Calorie Burn form...

Ah.

‘Come to think of it, Alicia saw my current appearance during that event.’

She had seen me in Calorie Burn mode during the ten-day Time Loop Event.

Since there hadn’t been a chance to meet afterward, it was only natural that she didn't recognize my current appearance.

After hearing my detailed explanation, Alicia finally relaxed and smiled as usual.

"Ha ha~! I never imagined there was such a handsome guy hidden under all that fat, Ken senior!”

She scratched her head as she said this.

“So, what is this consultation about? Considering the favor I owe you from the Survival Event and the gold coins we got from the Mansion, I'll offer you the consultation for free!”

Alicia rubbed her hands together as she spoke.

‘…So, the Survival Event and the Mansion of Horrors went on as usual…’

While I don't know the details, it seems our first meeting has now changed to the Survival Event.

If I hadn’t cleared the Mansion Event, I wouldn't have challenged the Tower of Tarlos, so it seems I did complete it.

It seems history has only been neatly altered when it's directly related to the Child of Destiny.

Anyway, once the misunderstanding was cleared up, I quickly explained my situation to Alicia.

“…You want to recover lost memories?”

“Yes, is there any way to do that using your Mystic Eye? Maybe inducing a trance to recover the memories?”

Before possession, I had seen a program where hypnosis was used to recall past life memories.

If that's true, then it might be possible to do something similar with Alicia's Mystic Eye.

That’s why I sought Alicia’s help.

“Sorry, but that’s difficult.”

Alicia shook her head, looking apologetic.

“Wh-why?! With the powers of your Mystic Eye, can’t you perform such mental interventions?!”

“I wish I could as well. My Mystic Eye can erase memories, but it can’t recover them…”

Alicia elaborated while holding up her index finger.

“For example, even if I use my Mystic Eye to hypnotize someone and say, ‘Heal your wound!’ the wound wouldn’t heal.”

“What do you mean?”

“What I mean is, it’s difficult to use it to recover something lost like memories."

Alicia then explained a similar request she had received before.

A noble had asked her to restore the lost memories of their child.

Despite Alicia trying her best, it was ultimately futile.

“Oh, come to think of it!”

While recounting this story, Alicia suddenly smiled brightly as if an idea had struck.

"The noble boy eventually recovered his memories!"

"What? How?"

"Um... I heard that he experienced something similar to a shocking incident from his lost memories, and that led to his recovery..."

Alicia rubbed her temples with both index fingers as she tried to recall.

"In short! They used shock therapy to solve it!"

She glossed over the details with a wink, as if she couldn't remember them all.

'But that makes sense...'

Shock therapy.

I definitely remember hearing something similar before I was possessed.

A shocking incident that could be recreated from Raphne's lost memories.

Then, it suddenly came to me.

My imprisonment.

And my first kiss with Raphne.

'No, no. That was a shocking memory for me.'

Of course, I didn't dislike it.

In fact, it was a good memory.

"...Ah!"

As I continued to think about my time with Raphne, something clicked.

"Oh! Did you come up with a good idea?"

"Yes! Thanks, Alicia! I'll definitely repay you for this later!"

"Ahyahat! It's nothing! If it's alright with you, I'd be grateful if you could do me a favor next time!"

"...A favor?"

When I asked, Alicia gave a mischievous look and made a circle with her index finger and thumb to symbolize money.

"With a face like yours, you'd get tons of blind dates offered! And then the gold coins coming my way... hehehe."

I pretended not to hear and quickly left the place.

"A-Ah! You have to promise me!"

I decided I'd treat her to a nice meal later.

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