I became a heart-stealing thief in Azure Files

【~???~】

"However... in terms of training as a maid, compared to your predecessors... you are still somewhat lacking."

Seemingly provoked by the keyword 'seniors,' she instantly revealed a rather obvious emotion called 'competitive spirit,' even though she usually had a cold expression.

She grabbed Amamiya's wrist, her expression serious and earnest: "Sensei, please guide me."

Feeling the terrifying tightness from the wrist, Amamiya gave a forced 'smile' and said, "Whether it's for the sake of your health or for other reasons... having fried chicken nuggets for dinner isn't the best choice, is it?"

Startled by what Amamiya said, he released Amamiya's wrist and showed considerable hesitation.

That's true.

If we only consider efficiency as its main advantage, fried chicken nuggets, being high in oil and calories, are a very cost-effective food...

However, considering human health... it is not suitable to consume it in the evening.

【~???~】

"Been taught a lesson."

When he realized what 'mistake' he had made, he tried his best to keep a straight face, but beads of sweat appeared on his forehead from nervousness.

“I will continue to stay by Sensei’s side, learn more about ‘maid knowledge and skills’, and… eventually surpass the impression my predecessors left on Sensei.”

Amamiya was speechless for a moment.

Did she misunderstand something?

Isn't it common sense to avoid high-calorie foods at night?

She thought this was 'maid's little knowledge'?

Fine……

With a slight twitch of his lips, Amamiya ultimately decided not to say anything more.

If his understanding is correct... then, perhaps now...

They are in a state of emptiness that is close to 'homelessness'.

Perhaps Rion was aware of this before entering a state of repentance—which is why she issued a similar command to him before repenting.

Or perhaps, it was simply a matter of forcibly placing Shi in Xia Lai's territory for surveillance or other purposes.

“Therefore, Sensei, please accept my ‘service’.”

Although her tone was soliciting opinions, her words clearly carried an unquestionable certainty—it was as if she were informing you in advance, and you had no choice at all.

"Okay... I accept."

There was simply no other choice...

[...established a basic connection with the times.]

Coopation is now unblocked!

【Asukama Toki (Emperor) ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

'Since it's already late at night...'

After quickly arranging accommodations, it was time to rest...

Chapter Four: Alona's Little Secrets

The morning sun shines through the gaps in the withered branches of the fallen leaves, illuminating the path with a fiery red and various shades of green, making it as bright and beautiful as a blazing fire.

‘Dingling bell~’

The sound of bicycles echoed through the woods, and the rustling of leaves as tires rolled over the asphalt road stirred up a little dust.

Riding a road bike painted in blue and white, the gray-haired girl, slightly hunched over to resist the chill of the winter world, shook her wolf ears to shake off the leaves that had fallen on her head.

'squeak--'

She braked sharply, then tilted her head slightly back against the light, looking at the Xia Lai Building standing not far away—

A subtle sense of unease, perhaps a feeling only that comes with the winter season, welled up inside her, gradually making her originally calm heart tense.

After slightly tightening her scarf, which had become a little loose in the wind, she took a deep breath to adjust her mindset, then rang the bell on her road bike and continued towards her destination.

"Sensei..."

Her voice disappeared into the early winter wind, gradually fading away.

"I am coming……"

……

"It's another beautiful day... but it's getting colder and colder... it seems that real snow is just around the corner."

After signing a document, Amamiya got up from her seat and stretched.

After stretching his slightly stiff spine and wrists, he stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window and, as usual, glanced at the 'calm and peaceful' Xia Lai...

Ok?

How come students from Trinity and students from Ghenna are actually exchanging fire nearby...?

Well... maybe things aren't so calm after all.

After naturally turning his gaze away, Amamiya thought to himself with these thoughts.

These students are so energetic so early in the morning...

Anyway, today was the day I made a promise with Shirako to go cycling together...

Remembering the Phantom, a gift from Shiroko that was stored in the garage, and the promise she had made to Shiroko not long ago to go cycling together, Amamiya felt a little expectant.

What kind of cycling route will this girl who loves cycling plan for herself?

Can I take this opportunity to gain a better understanding of Kiwatos?

Realizing that it was almost time, Amamiya naturally picked up the Shittei no Hako that was charging next to her desk and prepared to put it into her backpack.

However, as soon as he touched the tablet, he heard Alona's slightly conflicted voice coming from it.

"Sensei...we're going cycling with Shirako-san today, right?"

Immediately afterwards, the screen lit up on its own.

The sea breeze was still blowing, and the ground was covered with a layer of shimmering seawater, revealing the dilapidated classroom space—still sitting at the desk and chair, her white hair ribbon swaying in the breeze, her chubby cheeks as cute and charming as a 'sea fairy' when she smiled…

However, Alona did not display her usual innocent and cheerful, or lively, behavior.

She seemed a little listless, and even slightly conflicted.

"Arona, what's wrong?"

"..."

On the screen, Arona had a pout and her head was down, with tear stains still visible at the corners of her eyes. Her expression was one of bitterness and helplessness.

Observing that Alona's condition was a bit off through the screen, Amamiya decisively chose to enter the Shitei Box and confront the AI ​​girl who seemed a little unhappy.

"Sensei..."

Despite feeling the weight and warmth of this object, which she hadn't touched in a long time (actually, it had only been a day or two since she last touched it), Alona still had a sullen expression.

"Arona... was just thinking."

"Arona...did it help Sensei?"

Amamiya paused Rua Arona's hand movements and asked curiously, "Why would you suddenly think about something like this?"

"Alona is Sensei's assistant... but unlike Sophia in Sensei's phone, she can't accompany Sensei into another world and become Sensei's power..."

"We can't encourage Sensei in a direct way like Alice or Kei did, to cheer Sensei up..."

“Even when it comes to work, Alona often can't compare to Sensei…”

Listening to Alona's tearful, intermittent narration, Amamiya thought to herself that this AI was a little emo because there were other AIs that performed better than itself.

No wonder he's been looking so preoccupied these past few days. Even when someone pats his head, he doesn't show any reaction, and when someone teases him, he doesn't argue back or show any anger...

"Arona is very special to me."

Amamiya cupped Alona's face in his hands, bent down to meet her clear, sea-blue eyes.

"Without Alona... I might not be who I am today."

Amamiya bent down and rubbed his forehead against Alona's, further comforting her, "If something crucial happens, you might still need to rely on Alona."

Amamiya clearly sees Alona's current situation—

This is similar to Morgana, who felt his status and role were declining as the team grew, and became fixated on minor issues.

Because you feel 'not needed,' you 'have no place to belong'... is that it?

Even if Sensei says that...

Alona, ​​at least, didn't show Morgana's toughness. She sighed, puffing out her cheeks as Amamiya rubbed her face against hers, her tone tinged with helplessness: "It seems Alona hasn't accomplished anything particularly noteworthy..."

"At most, I'll help Sensei organize the student files they submit and do some simple tasks like assigning duties..."

“What’s wrong with starting with these little things?” Amamiya gently poked her cheeks, which had become even softer and more delicate from puffing up her cheeks. “When I first became Sensei, I didn’t have any experience in handling official documents, but now I’m so proficient.”

"Arona, if you don't want to be overtaken or surpassed by your 'juniors'... you have to make the most of your 'unique' advantages."

Arona, who was poked on the cheek with her index finger by Amamiya, was taken aback: "'Unique advantage'...?"

"Has there been an increasing number of students wanting to join Xia Lai lately?"

Amamiya's problem reminded Alona of her 'file mailbox' that was always overflowing with messages.

Since Xia Lai implemented the policy that 'students can apply to join Xia Lai independently (whether or not they agree is decided by Xia Lai),' we receive hundreds or even thousands of messages almost every day.

Some students even submit their applications more than once in an attempt to increase their chances of being selected...

These 'special things' were handled by myself...

It seems like only I can handle it.

【~???~】

"Arona knows what she has to do."

Her dark eyes gradually brightened, and Alona realized that she possessed a unique advantage that no other 'AI' had!

These are things that only I can do!

[...Arona seems to have regained her strength.]

Coopation has been improved!

【Alona (World - Damaged) ★★★☆☆】

[★3 Ability - File Organization is now unlocked!]

"Arona will screen these Indian and Shaanxi archives... and try to retain as many archives as possible that are more meaningful to Sensei!"

As she spoke, Alona took out two student files with colorful back covers, chuckled, and handed them to Amamiya.

"Speaking of which... I seem to have received two new special files today, Sensei, please check them!"

Let me see……

Feeling slightly curious about the file that glowed with colorful light, Amamiya took it and looked at it.

One of the letters... turned out to be a file sent by Riju.

The other letter was somewhat unexpected.

It was actually sent by Xiaochun, the girl he had only met once...

"Sensei, these are some rather unique files that I've noticed. Should we allow them to join Sharai?"

Thinking about further developing her relationship with Himiko and learning about the situation at Holy Trinity... Amamiya hesitated for a moment before nodding.

After casually signing the two files, he withdrew from Shiting's Box.