I became a heart-stealing thief in Azure Files

[The Aura of a Black Monarch] (Hizaki Bond) + [The Authority of the Demon Emperor] (Makoto Bond) + [The Appearance of a Demon King/The Heart of a Hero] (Alice Bond) + [The Aura of the Dark Ruler] (Rion Bond)

The 'fairytale romance atmosphere' created was instantly shattered and collapsed.

Amamiya did nothing, yet he immediately made the girl, who was pressed against the vending machine and trembling slightly, feel an overwhelming sense of authority from someone in a superior position.

Bond skills derived from the [Emperor] or [Judgment] are mostly aura-based skills with a fierce and imposing presence—quite different from the warm and cozy atmosphere brought by [Romance].

Cold, hard, reliable, supreme... making those affected unconsciously want to believe and rely on it.

"In my capacity as Xia Lai Sensei, I am temporarily overstepping my authority and making this inquiry on behalf of the President of the Federation Student Council..."

"Yukino Shichido, what are your thoughts on Hanako Shiranui, the head of the Federation Student Council's Defense Division? I need you to speak frankly and without any personal bias."

"me……"

Feeling an indescribable power in an instant, Yukino breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Compared to the atmosphere of 'romance', she prefers and is more comfortable with Sensei's cold, reliable aura, much like an 'emperor'.

“...Alright, since Sensei wants to know.”

"The head of the defense office of the Federation Student Council," Yukino concluded with the 'efficiency and rigor' honed by SRT after calming down and organizing her thoughts, "In my opinion... she's an arrogant fool who's all talk and no action."

Amamiya raised an eyebrow unexpectedly.

So you know that Huaye isn't very smart... or rather, you think you're too smart.

Then why did you choose to cooperate with Huaye?

"The cooperation between the Fox Squad and Chief Hanaya... is a last resort, but it also has some merits."

"If we don't cooperate with Chief Hana, the Fox Squad will fall apart due to the disbandment of SRT."

"Cooperating with Director Hanaya, objectively speaking, avoids the future of the team breaking up, and at the same time... it also allows us to achieve a certain degree of mutually beneficial relationship with Director Hanaya."

Amamiya chuckled.

"Did Huaye promise that the Fox Squad would help her become the next 'Federal Student Council President'... and after that, she would set about 'reviving' SRT Academy?"

"..."

Yukino initially showed surprise at 'how did Sensei know?', but then quickly became relieved.

Given Sensei's insightful nature, they should have realized this much earlier...

“Yukino, since you understand Hanaya’s abilities and character, you shouldn’t have chosen this path.”

"Haven't you noticed... that Huaye has never truly 'cared' about you?"

Amamiya maintained the 'wall slam' position, but slightly increased the distance, no longer using 'sweetness' to bully Yukino.

A monarch's... or rather, the aura of a superior, needs to be maintained at a certain distance to be fully effective—conversely, the atmosphere of romance needs to be close to be fully effective.

Meeting Yukino's gaze, Amamiya ruthlessly pointed out the truth: "...Hana, from the very beginning, treated the Fox Squad as tools that could be summoned and dismissed at will, tools that were 'useful but easily discarded.'"

"Yukino, haven't you realized this yet?"

Yukino remained silent.

Of course she could realize that.

They are aware of it but unwilling to believe it.

It's just like the saying, "People only believe what they want to believe."

When there is a clear contradiction between cognition and reality, people would rather grasp at that illusory lifeline and then drown in the 'comfort' that actually feels like drowning, than open their eyes to face the cruelty of reality.

Noticing Yukino's complicated and forlorn expression, Amamiya sighed deeply.

"Tools like this... in reality, only have one fate. Yukino should know that."

The ancient text *Classic of Mountains and Seas* states: "When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked; when the birds are all gone, the good bow is put away."

"When Huaye no longer needs you... disbanding you is the best outcome for you."

"More likely, she will adhere to the principle of 'use it to death if it works,' and continue to deceive you into working for her in the name of rebuilding the academy, until the tool is worn out."

...Useless?

Abandoned...?!

Use it until it's scrapped...

Yukino's eyes trembled, and she subconsciously wanted to refute Amamiya's statement—but the words caught in her throat before she could speak.

What Sensei said... were all obvious and foreseeable facts.

I……

Fox Squad...

By relying on Hanaya, not only will the ideal of 'rebuilding SRT' not be achieved, but one will also be used like a tool and discarded when no longer needed...

They'll be exploited until they're completely worn out...

The immense fear known as "the truth" collapsed like a continent, instantly shattering the framework of Yukino's inner world.

Yukino's resolve began to waver.

[We can now glimpse Yukino's true nature.]

Coopation is now unblocked!

【Seven Degrees Yukino (Faith)★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆】

Yukino stood frozen in place, lost in thought and talking to herself.

After muttering words like "no" and "impossible," she suddenly began to sob softly, as if she were about to collapse like a bird with broken wings.

Amamiya, of course, could not let Yukino kneel directly on the cold, hard ground. He stepped forward at the right moment, put his arm around the girl's slender waist, and helped her up.

"Don't panic, don't be afraid, Yukino."

"You still have me."

Chapter 88 Let's see how they've adjusted the child's appearance.

That evening, Xia Lai welcomed another 'special' visitor.

With dim eyes, a gloomy expression, and a sense of unease and dejection, the fox-eared girl drooped her ears and carefully clung to Amamiya's arm.

"Sensei, what... what should I do..."

"I do not want……"

Yukino's pressure bar was about to burst, and then she suffered a torment—a torment that was a manifestation of "fear," leaving Amamiya, who was being held, feeling somewhat helpless.

Despite his helplessness, Amamiya did not choose to distance himself from Yukino.

Having gone through an emotional breakdown and rebuilding process, Yukino is still in a state of obvious confusion.

Right now is the perfect opportunity to reshape her values ​​and her perceptions.

Having experienced the transformations from 'Yoshizawa Sumire' to 'Yoshizawa Kasumi' during her time as a phantom thief, Amamiya is quite experienced.

Transforming 'Yoshizawa Sumire' into 'Yoshizawa Kasumi', putting Cinderella in glass slippers, and casting a midnight spell on her—it all happens in an instant.

But to expect the "Grey Princess," wearing glass slippers, to experience the disarray of losing the protection of the midnight magic, the loneliness of being alone, and the devastation of everything turning into nothingness...

That requires companionship and gentle, caring attention.

"Calm down, Yukino."

Amamiya opened the door while comforting the distraught girl who was clinging tightly to him.

"I told you, you still have me."

“SRT’s ‘abandonment’ is a foregone conclusion. However, this does not mean that SRT has no chance of being rebuilt.”

As they entered the Xia Lai Building together with Yukino, passing by the entrance of the Angel 24 convenience store, they immediately sensed Sora's surprised, then gradually strange, gaze.

Ignoring this, Amamiya practically dragged Yukino to the elevator.

"The 'belief' that Yukino embodies makes me believe... that the glory of SRT, for Yukino, and for everyone in the Rabbit Team and Fox Team who are still holding on... is an inviolable treasure."

"SRT's beliefs may be temporarily tarnished... but this 'bond' will not be severed."

"As long as the Rabbit Squad and the Fox Squad are still here, still upholding their beliefs, still upholding the glory of SRT... then SRT has not disappeared."

“Whether it was the situation with Abydos before, or the situation with Arios’s squad... Yukino, didn’t you see it all?”

"..."

Yukino remained silent.

Subsequently, she briefly felt confused and doubtful about her mindset.

Yes... even with the precedents of Abydos and Arius's squad...

She even kept track of the Rabbit Squad's current situation.

Not long ago, during the "massive rainstorm," the Fox Squad was carrying out a small mission at the Federal Student Council.

After completing their mission, they rushed to Rabbit Park, and in the midst of a thunderstorm and torrential rain, they witnessed Amamiya bringing the soaked rabbits back to Xia Lai.

Whether it's Abydos, Arios, or the Rabbit Squad...

Sensei has undoubtedly fulfilled his duties as an adult and as a Sensei.

but why……

Do I still subconsciously feel aversion towards Sensei?

Yukino knew that this strange 'dislike' could not possibly stem from emotions like 'tsundere'.

That's without reason, without any meaning.

Deeply influenced by SRT's militaristic educational philosophy, Yukino believes that she doesn't have emotional flaws like 'tsundere' or 'cute points' that are actually weaknesses.

In SRT's psychological assessment, she was ranked among the best in the entire Fox Squad.

I memorized all the psychological test questions with standard answers that I could recite, and then wrote down a perfect score on the paper.

Would someone like me dislike Sensei simply because of 'tsundere' or 'unfounded prejudice against Sensei'?

"Well……"

A brief, sharp, needle-like pain shot through my heart.

Yukino couldn't help but hug him tighter, drawing more warmth and tenderness from the adult beside her.

The intense pain came on quickly and disappeared even faster—it seemed like the momentary pain of a shot, lasting for a moment before gradually subsiding.

Noticing Yukino's reaction, Amamiya slowed down and turned to call out.

"Yukino?"

"..."

Yukino maintained her girlish, coquettish pose of 'crossing her arms over her chest', without making any further movement.

For some reason... she felt as if she had 'woke up from the pain,' and her mind and mind were completely clear.

……

and many more.

Suddenly I felt...

Sensei's arms are so broad...

Sensei's hands are so warm...

From this distance, one could clearly feel Sensei's marble-like, resolute, understated yet meticulously sculpted physique, which could be described as "perfect," and the broad chest beneath his uniform...

Without her even noticing, Yukino's delicate and mature expression brought a faint blush to the fox team's distinctive cheeks.

She stood there, stunned, responding to Amamiya's 'confused' gaze, slightly lost in thought.

"...Sensei."

Yukino called out softly, then loosened her grip a little, giving Amamiya plenty of 'free time'.

"Hmm, what's wrong, Yukino?"

Yukino pursed her lips and lowered her head, her words carrying an unusually complex meaning.