In the world of Type-Moon, it all begins with becoming Morgan's husband!

"I wouldn't say I'm dissatisfied."

Ian glanced at the crate full of beer beside him.

“Misayo, I just want to know why we have to come to a place like this to drink…wouldn’t it be the same indoors?”

"..."

Upon hearing Ian's question, Scáthach looked around.

Only after confirming that there was no one other than himself and Sae-en at the private Homurahara Academy at that moment did the gunnery club teacher intend to answer the question.

"That--"

"If I tell you my reasons, don't you dare tell anyone else!"

"..."

Although it felt strange to make a promise about this, Ian went along with it and nodded very seriously.

"Ah."

"Don't worry, Misaya, I will definitely not tell anyone."

"That--"

Some scenes from the past flashed before Scáthach's eyes.

That was the TV series she was watching on the television in her apartment, which was prone to displaying static at any moment.

“Ian, look at those actors, don’t they always find a secluded place to drink?”

"Then I think the roof really fits that feeling!"

"..."

"..."

"Is that all there is to it?" Ian asked again, seeking confirmation.

“That’s right!” Scáthach put her hands on her hips, striking a confident pose. “What other reason could there be?!”

"Pfft."

"Hahaha—!" Ian laughed.

"What are you laughing at!" Scáthach shoved the man. "I'm telling you the truth, I'm being very serious!"

"It's precisely because it's the truth that it's interesting."

Ian stopped laughing and looked at Scáthach, who had a displeased expression.

"The gun-fighting club teacher, who is usually so cold and aloof, actually imitates scenes from TV dramas in private."

"Isn't this a very interesting thing?"

"So you're mocking me?" Scáthach glared at the man beside her.

“No.” Ian shook his head.

I think you're very cute.

"But, cute?!"

This was the first time Scáthach had ever heard someone use that word to describe herself.

She immediately turned her face away.

"Are you crazy?! How could you say I'm cute?!"

“Yes, the word ‘cute’ is definitely not appropriate.” Ian looked at the gunfighting club teacher beside him, his tone not at all like he was joking with her.

"Would it be better to describe it as 'contrast'?"

"Yes, that's right... Misaya's behavior is a contrast."

"..."

Feeling that Ian had stirred up her emotions, Scáthach quickly changed the subject.

She reached into the box that had taken so much effort to move up, then pulled out a can of beer and handed it to Ian.

"Give."

"..."

You realize this is a gesture of goodwill from Misaya.

You increasingly feel that she isn't as difficult to get along with as she seems on the surface.

The reason for this perception might be that she simply can't find suitable people to chat with.

Although Misaya is merely a means for you to disguise your identity.

But since things have come to this, you still hope to maintain a good relationship with her—after all, you don't know how long you'll be a teacher.

Moreover... the other party seems to share this view.

You feel you shouldn't let this kindness go to waste.

"Thanks, Misaya."

Ian took the can of beer that Scáthach had pulled out of the box from her hand.

"I never expected you to like drinking beer."

It's not that I like it.

Scáthach pulled another can of beer from the box and popped it open.

"You just have to keep it to a minimum."

"The most basic hobby?" Ian didn't quite understand. "Misa, what do you mean by that?"

"Is there a minimum level for hobbies?"

“Of course,” Scáthach said, taking a sip of her beer.

"This is what allows me to keep going..."

Scáthach stopped mid-sentence—she realized she might have gone a bit too far.

This so-called hobby is not actually Scáthach's real hobby.

It was an activity that the Queen of the Shadow Kingdom had to carry out in order to maintain the consciousness of "humans".

Over those long years, Scáthach's body had long been cursed due to the many gods she had killed, and she had gradually become a demigod.

She longed to be killed—by any means necessary.

But before that, Scáthach must always maintain her identity as a "human".

Otherwise, she might have already become part of the concept of "god" before the person who killed her appeared.

Scáthach knew that if that time came, she would no longer be able to be killed.

after all--

If even a god-slayer succumbs to a god's curse and becomes a god himself, then it signifies the consistency of cause and effect.

In this situation, it's unlikely that anyone can break free from the curse shackles called "fate".

"..."

You realize that Misaya doesn't want to continue the conversation about what just happened.

You quickly gave up on it.

"Ok."

“That seems to be your personal choice.” Ian opened the can in his hand.

"pretty good."

“I originally thought that calling you ‘old lady’ meant that you live like an old person.”

Upon hearing Ian's words, Scáthach's forehead bulged with veins resembling the number "╬".

"Who mentioned that name to you?"

“Those students from the Gunnery Department,” Ian replied.

"Don't listen to their nonsense!" Scáthach exclaimed, "How am I an old woman?!"

"I'm still so young!"

“Yes.” Ian nodded. “Actually, I think so too.”

"..."

"Are you serious?" Scáthach became wary in the face of Scáthach's agreement.

“Of course I’m serious,” Ian replied without hesitation.

"Although I was initially swayed by the legend of their undefeated record over the past ten years."

"but--"

"Based on my observation today, you... are actually not as old as they say, are you?"

"That's right!"

Having finally found someone who acknowledged her youth, Scáthach gulped down a large mouthful of beer.

"I'm still very young, not that old at all!"

"I... I refuse to admit I'm an old woman!"

“It’s normal not to admit it,” Ian replied with a smile. “After all, Misaya, you’re definitely not at that level.”

"That's right!"

[You and Misaya from the Reirōkan got more and more engrossed in your conversation.]

You discover that she's actually quite talkative—she just doesn't usually have anyone suitable to chat with.

You increasingly feel that Misaya is actually quite pitiful.

Without realizing it, you've developed a bit more sympathy for her.