I became a heart-stealing thief in Azure Files

With fair skin and long, beautiful eyelashes, she possesses a unique 'half-ripe' charm, somewhere between a naive young girl and a mature woman. Her well-maintained cheeks are delicate and translucent, and even the fine, curly downy hairs are clearly visible in the sunset.

[Assistant: Rion Tsutsuki / The Dark Ruler of the Seminar]

[Arcana: The Judgment]

[Assistance Relationship: Not Unlocked]

'Oh...it's from the Etteilla Tarot family, just like Himari...'

The Judgment, or 'Trial', is clearly equivalent to the 'Eternal' card in the Thoth Tarot and the 'Judgment' card in the Major Arcana.

This card is somewhat different from the 'Bird and Fish' card; it is very rare, as the upright and reversed positions and the markings on both sides are completely consistent.

Both upright and reversed versions are marked 'Le Jugement', which is the French way of writing the word for trial.

The inscription 'Le Jugement Dni' on both sides, if translated directly, means 'Final Judgment' or 'The Last Judgment'.

The key words for this card are [symbolizing awakening, rebirth, transformation, and judgment].

When upright, it means "You will face a judgment, and once you agree, it cannot be reversed. If you succeed, you will gain a good reputation and the potential for fame."; the road ahead becomes clearer; look forward.

The reversed version symbolizes "feeling like you're no different from everyone else, the universe and environment are completely unfair to you. You've been defeated by 'reality'"; regret; misfortune; (in a court sense) the final verdict...

Upon seeing this tarot card, which belongs to the same system as Himari's, Amamiya formed a general conclusion about Rion's personality, based on what she had heard before.

The girl in the setting sun seemed to hear footsteps. She turned slightly to observe the direction of the footsteps, then gave a faint smile that seemed to carry a hint of intimidation for some reason, and nodded to Amamiya.

It wasn't until Amamiya reached the entrance of the authentication area that she gave a brief self-introduction.

"Hello... Sensei from Xia Lai."

"We should be able to use 'I've heard so much about you' as a greeting..."

After a pause, she quickly suppressed the unnatural, fleeting smile and said seriously, "I am Tsutsuki Rion, the student council president of Millennium Technology Academy, and also the president of the seminar."

"Nowadays……"

With a gaze that was both inquisitive and devoid of any personal emotion other than 'rationality,' Rion 'scanned' Amamiya, paying particular attention to Amamiya's facial expression, before continuing, "I want to talk to you about something."

Amamiya, at the opportune moment, revealed a hint of surprise beneath her calm demeanor, raising an eyebrow: "Oh?"

He used his face to open the door and walked into the building, casually and calmly asking, "Is there something you want to say, President Rion?"

Rion followed at a leisurely pace, while Shi simply stood at the door, seemingly having no intention of following.

Amamiya didn't hear her immediate reply, but she could clearly feel the rhythm of the high heels behind her slow down a bit.

Even without using his third eye to enhance his perception, he could tell from the other person's footsteps and slightly accelerated heartbeat that the other person was currently in a state of tension and vigilance.

"It's a very important plan concerning the future of Kivotos and the future of the Millennium Technology Academy."

Rion, who was always mindful of whether her 'cognition' was clear, only now reluctantly began to believe Nero's explanation.

"Stealing a target's mind right in front of them is something that even Sensei would find impossible."

Slightly relieved, she decided to get down to business, mentioning the document that had been passed on through the maids' club not long ago: "Sensei, you should have read that document in detail by now..."

"Regarding matters related to the construction of 'Elijdu,' and... the 'goodwill' I wish to convey to you through this document."

Amamiya Kokoro asked, "Did you even believe what you said?"

Sincerity?

I feel that you're being extremely cautious when you're interacting with me now, as if you're afraid I'll hypnotize you or make you repent on the spot.

With a slight smile, Amamiya paused, not responding immediately, but instead leading Rion to her club room.

"Sincerity...?"

After entering the club room (office), Amamiya spoke slowly and meaningfully: "I can indeed sense something..."

"So, shall we have a 'simple-minded discussion' from here on out?"

Chapter Thirty: The Seminar Chair's Family Matters; The Student Council's Shameful Service

Back in Xia Lai's office, Amamiya, as always, 'politely greeted' each student who came to visit.

He brewed a cup of Leblanc's Ultimate Coffee for his companion Rion, and under Rion's watchful eye, he also poured himself a cup of coffee using the same coffee pot.

After sitting down at a small table that resembled a conference table, Amamiya took a sip of coffee as a gesture to show that she wouldn't stoop so low as to poison it.

Then, he lowered his voice slightly and said, "Tell me your thoughts."

Amidst the lingering, rich aroma of rising coffee smoke, Rion shifted her posture slightly, crossed her legs, and took a sip of coffee, mimicking Amamiya's manner.

After a minute or two of silence, she spoke: "...Sensei."

"You have been in the position of Sensei in Charlene for about a month now... It has been more than a month since you came to Kivotos."

“You come from the ‘outside’... There may be cultural differences, behavioral habits, and other barriers between us, making it difficult to understand each other immediately.”

The long, mellow taste and slightly bitter-sweet coffee aroma soothed Rion's expression and softened her tone.

She paused, then continued, "Do you know what kind of person you are in the eyes of us students at this academy?"

"...A little kid holding a nuclear weapon button?" Amamiya guessed with interest. "Or just a seemingly innocent and naive fool who could be easily fooled?"

【~??~】

Rion, seemingly amused by Amamiya's unconventional 'dry humor,' forced a somewhat unnatural smile.

She put down her coffee cup, leaned forward slightly, rested her elbows on the table, and intertwined her fingers, as if she were looking at Amamiya from a completely new perspective.

"You really are... special."

After making this assessment, she maintained the gesture and nodded slightly: "Your 'self-awareness' is very interesting... but what I want to tell you is that, in reality... you are probably similar to most other students in most academies."

"To borrow an ancient saying from the Classic of Mountains and Seas... 'The world is bustling, all for profit; the world is bustling, all for gain.'..."

“Those students…and the school groups composed of students, they want to get close to you…their purpose is nothing more than to take advantage of you…and the authority you hold, the privileges that come with your position…”

"Nothing more than that."

"Even I am the same—"

Rion gave a soft "heh," then straightened up and made a small gesture of flipping her hair, slightly lifting the strands of hair from her forehead and one side of her shoulder to make her expression clearer.

“There are no absolute emotions in the world, but there are absolute interests…Sensei, who has been defeated and triumphed over behemoths like ‘God’ more than once in the world outside of Kivotos…”

"You, the 'Trickster' who changed the world."

"Could you please hear me out?"

Amamiya didn't reply, but instead took another sip of coffee.

Seeing Amamiya's almost 'tacit approval' reaction, Rion seemed to breathe a slight sigh of relief and carefully prepared her next words.

"For reasons of mutual benefit... and for the safety of Kiwatos, I need your strength..."

"You..."

Rion's tone grew increasingly somber: "The power to change the world through repentance of the soul."

Amamiya: "..."

He didn't respond to Rion's 'invitation', but instead put down his half-finished coffee cup and asked meaningfully, "What do you want to do with your power?"

"Although I may do some things that 'eliminate dissidents'... please believe me, everything I do is for the sake of Millennium Technology Academy... and even the future of the entire Gematos."

Hmm... Let me guess, what you didn't say aloud, what you were thinking, was: At that time, you will realize how wise and correct my choice was?

He's practically a carbon copy of Masayoshi Shido...

"This power exists for those who yearn for unfettered free will, those who have the courage to face death, and those who are determined to see through the fog and dispel lies..."

Amamiya quickly composed himself, softening his tone and drawing out his words: "This power does not belong to you."

Liyin: "..."

Despite receiving such a clear rejection, Rion was not immediately disappointed.

Rion's crimson eyes were fixed on Amamiya's face, which remained unchanged for over ten seconds without uttering a word.

Suddenly, she smiled brightly: "Is that so...?"

Amamiya raised an eyebrow, suddenly sensing that Rion seemed to have some new trick up her sleeve.

If 'ideologies' don't align, then should we resort to 'emotional appeal'?

As expected—

Rion's next move was...

A faint blush, perhaps best described as shyness, appeared on her beautiful, mature face as Rion hesitated for a moment, seemingly wavering before speaking.

“Sensei… I’ve noticed that you seem to maintain rather delicate relationships with several students from various colleges, including those at our Millennium Technology Academy seminars…”

Amamiya thought to herself, "That's certainly subtle."

They've developed more than one 'special relationship,' how could it not be subtle?

“I don’t know what the laws are like outside of Kiwatos… but you are the ‘only precedent’ in the world within Kiwatos attempting to develop a special relationship with us students.”

"To be able to accept the affection of all students equally and win their natural favor... you are absolutely unprecedented and unparalleled."

Rion seemed to finally breathe a sigh of relief, and her tone gradually became more determined.

"If you... can reach an agreement with me."

“Then I can assure you…whether it’s a ‘special relationship’ or a ‘relationship beyond that’, I can…try my best to fulfill your wishes.”

Amamiya: "..."

If it weren't for maintaining his 'phantom thief persona,' Amamiya would be laughing right now.

Rion, do you want to hear what you're saying?

They even came up with a promise like, "If you help me, you can become the local tyrant of the Millennium Science Academy, and I won't mind if you get to choose me every day"?!

It was indeed funny... but Amamiya also understood that Rion was truly at her wit's end.

Clearly, Amamiya is a special case of someone who responds better to gentle persuasion than force.

From Rion's perspective, Amamiya maintains a 'special relationship' with several seminar members, Millennium Students, and students from other academies...

Furthermore, based on the physical fitness test data obtained from the Federal Student Council, and considering the current armed forces under Rion's control... it's impossible for her to win.

Their authority is among the highest in the federal student council, so they can't use their power to oppress people.

His strength is beyond the reach of even the top students of Givotos (mainly because his 'magic' is so special)... No one can defeat him.

There's no other way; it seems like the only option is to take a "soft" approach, which has a slight chance of success.

Well... but I have to admit, Rion's suggestion to 'become the local tyrant of Millennium Technology Academy' is indeed a little tempting.

Amamiya still didn't give a clear answer, but instead chose a very irreverent, teasing tone: "I'd like to know, does this 'designated scope' also include... you, the student council president of Millennium Technology Academy?"

Liyin: "..."

She didn't reply, but instead lowered her head slightly, squinted her eyes, and answered the question with an expression that resembled shame or humiliation.

Amamiya: "..."

No, you really intend to ruin yourself too?

Amamiya was completely taken aback.

Feeling that if he asked any more questions, he could quickly jump to topics like "the seminar president's family affairs" or "the student council's shameful service," he shook his head decisively.

“I can sense your ‘determination’…but.”

Amamiya waved his hand: "Your 'suggestion' is still a bit too absurd... 'Mutual understanding' should be approached step by step, rather than trying to establish a relationship through such a simple understanding."

"We may have the possibility of mutual understanding... but not now, not at this moment."

Amamiya reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out a small card, and said seriously, "So..."

He placed the small black and red card on the table and flicked it lightly, making it immediately catch Rion's eye.

"Let's start from the moment I 'stole your heart'... and try to understand each other."