I became a heart-stealing thief in Azure Files

Mary, caught in a hug and experiencing the unique breadth and tenderness of an adult's embrace for the first time, was too preoccupied to think.

When the last bit of "forbidden" in one's heart is broken, the feeling of piety and holiness is also shattered in an instant.

At that moment, Mary remembered the Bible kept in the nunnery.

The feeling described in the Bible... 'first taste of the forbidden fruit'... is probably... exactly how I feel right now?

Waaah... I think I've really gone astray...

"What am I like... in Sensei's eyes?"

Amamiya narrowed her eyes slightly and looked at the top of Mary's head—from the perspective of the [Third Eye], a tarot card was floating above her head.

On the card, she is dressed in a nun's habit, with her eyes downcast and head bowed, praying devoutly.

The card features four silver stars encircling it, with the word "XV. The Star" marked at the bottom.

Without hesitation, Amamiya replied earnestly, "In my eyes... Mary is like a 'star.'"

……Star?

Why would Sensei describe it this way?

"Because in my eyes... Mary is like a star, shining from afar. Although she is not as bright or conspicuous as the sun or the moon, she is doing her best to dispel the darkness for those who notice her."

"To put it more romantically... 'Even as the stars strive until their very end, they cannot radiate a light as bright as the sun or the moon. Yet they remain testaments to hope, past and present.'"

“Mary shone brightly… helping students from all the schools as much as possible, equally and unconditionally… wasn’t she just like a ‘star’?”

"I wish I could be a star. If I could shine, I wouldn't have to be afraid of the dark."

"If I am so wonderful, then all fears will vanish."

"So I began to hold onto a sliver of hope—if I could do it, then I would have conquered the fate of loneliness."

“Distant, inconspicuous… shining brightly in long periods of solitude. In my eyes… Mary is such a 'good girl' who is exceptionally clean and pure, and therefore different from others.”

【~???~】

【~???~】

【~???~】

'Eh...ah? Hmm...? ? '

What is Seni saying?!

'So this is what I... I am?'

'How romantic is it that Sensei said that!'

'It's not just romantic, it even feels like... a vow to each other for life...?'

'Ugh...'

'Since Sensei has said so...'

'Bad kid...so be a bad kid!'

'If you go astray, you can experience the gentleness of Sensei…'

'Then let's...be a little naughty.'

'The gods...would they allow it?'

Confused thoughts took over.

After careful consideration... Mary finally decided—

Give up thinking.

The girl, whose limbs had been stiff, visibly softened, purring affectionately like a cat, and took the initiative to hug and rub against Amamiya's arms.

[They've developed a special relationship...]

There's no going back...

【Ilo Mary (Star) ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆】

[★6 Bond Ability "Forbidden Fruit" has been unlocked!]

The embrace grew tighter, the desires more intense...

Cats have a strong sense of territory and possessiveness.

After a cat-like 'scent marking' process, Mary, who had been nuzzling and rubbing against Amamiya, finally released her embrace, seemingly still wanting more.

Even though I've broken the taboo, I still want to continue spending time with Sensei like this...

'But for Sensei's personal considerations...'

Upon hearing Mary's strong emotional response, Amamiya shook her head slightly.

Mary is such a good girl...

She is even the most innocent and adorable 'good child' of Holy Trinity.

Even in this situation... there's still room for him to think about himself.

“...Mary?”

Mary tried calling out to pull the girl back from her reverie.

"Ah... um!"

Mary twitched her cat ears and then began to blush with embarrassment again, as if realizing something was amiss.

"Um...Sensei. In order not to interfere with your next steps..."

After making up a random excuse, she turned around and fled as if she were escaping.

"In addition, there are still some follow-up matters to be done for the Akawa Grand Festival..."

"So, that's why I... left first..."

"Sensei, goodnight..."

The Beginning of the Trial

Chapter 1 Kirino: Love is allowed!

As dusk deepened, the lights began to dim.

The crackling campfire, after no new firewood was added, eventually burned down to dark red embers.

Sitting not too far from the barbecue grill, enjoying the fruit-shell-like aroma emanating from the burning smokeless coals, Amamiya tilted her head back slightly, just as the girl's clearly tired voice came from beside her.

"Sensei..."

Upon hearing this, Amamiya withdrew her gaze from observing the 'dawn' and 'the dawn' and looked at the purple-haired girl beside her, who looked tired, sleepy, and somewhat dazed.

"What's wrong, Yuka?"

"Sensei... It feels so comforting and relaxing to be with Sensei after the festival..."

Her head bobbed wearily, and her voice was weak, but even so, the girl still tried to describe her thoughts in a drowsy, detached voice, as if she were talking in her sleep.

"I sometimes... dream about Sensei."

"I dreamt that I was traveling with Sensei afterward..."

"Uh hey hey..."

Before she could finish speaking, she started giggling at the 'happy scene' she had imagined.

Amamiya supported Yuka's shoulders and gently guided the soon-to-fall-asleep Yuka into his arms.

"I will always be there for Yuka from now on."

As Amamiya repeated the same words he had said countless times to more than a dozen different students today, he began to feel a little tired.

For the students of Kivotos, growing up... or rather, maturing, might be a good thing.

But from an adult's perspective... growing up also means dealing with the troubles that come with it.

For example, socializing...

The more you do it, the more painful and helpless it becomes, yet it's something you have to do.

He picked up Yuka in a princess carry, then summoned Hermes to take the sleeping Yuka back to her dormitory. Only then did Amamiya breathe a sigh of relief.

Climbing out of the window, looking at the hazy dawn light on the corridor outside, Amamiya sighed, feeling a little apprehensive.

Celebrations... especially large-scale celebrations that obviously involve many students, are a kind of torture that I can't refuse.

You must find ways to fully utilize your 'time management master' qualities, making the most of your limited time, moving around to the side of every student who extends an invitation, offering them support, and passively dealing with their "attacks"...

It is mentally and physically exhausting, draining your energy, and often lasts for a whole day and night.

Yawning at the first rays of dawn breaking over the horizon between the city's skyscrapers, Amamiya pondered for a moment... and finally decided to just endure it.

At this point, there's no need for any rest...

Rubbing his temples, Amamiya deliberately put himself into 'energy-saving mode' and, guided by Alona, ​​arrived at the nearest vending machine, where he bought a can of triple espresso.

With a 'pop', Amamiya pulled the tab on the can of coffee, drinking as she walked, while also briefly observing the situation a thousand years had passed since the Akawa Grand Festival ended.

During this time period, only the students with the most irregular schedules, who occasionally stay up late for research projects they are interested in or for other reasons, will be wandering around the college.

With a quick glance, Amamiya could see that many students, like herself, had participated in the after-festival of the Akawa Festival. They were either exhausted from the fun but also had trouble falling asleep or wanted to stay awake like herself to avoid jet lag.

The grand 'sports meet' of the Akawa Taisai has come to an end...

However, the 'aftershocks' it creates will likely take anywhere from three to five days to a week to completely dissipate.

After crushing the empty coffee can, Amamiya casually tossed it into the platform trash can before entering the station.

Stretching and yawning, Amamiya waited for the first train to arrive.

The train will take a little while to arrive at the station... and in this short time, students like Amamiya, who are waiting for the train, will gradually arrive at the platform.

"Haa~~~"

With a deep yawn of sleepiness, Amamiya suddenly saw the figure of a white-haired girl with twin braids, half-closing her eyes and looking listless, just like herself.

"Oh... Good morning, Sensei... I never expected to run into you here."

As she was talking, the girl, who was about to yawn again, suddenly realized something, rubbed her teary eyes, and forced herself to cheer up.

"Ahem... Sen, Seni... Good morning!"

After straightening up and giving a salute, Kirino, with her hair sticking up in the air, greeted everyone loudly and clearly.

Her actions jolted the equally sleepy Valkyrie students awake, causing them to jolt awake and observe their surroundings as if from a dream.

After noticing Amamiya, they all made different and interesting reactions—

Some quickly combed their hair, some subconsciously straightened their backs, and some even took out their small makeup bags for temporary touch-ups and simply applied their eyeliner.

"Sensei, did you have fun last night...?"

"Um...Sensei, good morning..."

"Sensei, do you need to go back? Do you need us to take you back?"

"Could Sensei sign my bulletproof vest?"

With his eyes half-closed, Amamiya dealt with the throng of Valkyrie students as his gaze passed through the crowd and he glanced helplessly at Kirino.

Kirino... always manages to come up with something new.

She casually took a pen from a student, and at her prompting, signed her name on her bulletproof vest. After capping the pen and handing it back, Amamiya said gently in a slightly sleepy voice, "Everyone at the Valkyrie Public Security Bureau... has been busy throughout the entire Aurora Festival."

"They must be exhausted by now."

"Thanks for your hard work."

【~???~】(Valkyrie students)

【~???~】(Kirino)

"Wow... I feel like just one kind word from Sensei is enough to make it all worthwhile..."

"My life has been one without regrets..."