I became a heart-stealing thief in Azure Files

Mary, who had just put down her teacup, paused for a moment, blinking in shock.

In a recent theatrical performance, she appeared heroic and dashing while wearing a mask, but... once she took off the mask, she became surprisingly approachable.

Is this... the skill of an 'idol'?!

Amazing……!

Then, the black-haired girl smiled even more naturally and brightly: "Sensei, and... this nun from Trinity. I'm Kaguya Urushibara, the president of the Peking Opera Club! I heard you have something to ask you, what is it?"

Coming to her senses, Mary hurriedly replied, "Ah... it's about... 'idols'!"

At that moment, Kaguya displayed the same confused, tilted-head expression as Hisaki: "...An idol?"

“But we’re in the Peking Opera department. If it’s about idols… Oh? You’re asking about stage performance skills, right? I do have some experience with that…”

When Kaguya asked Mary about the 'idol' matter, Amamiya also took the opportunity to observe this student, who also seemed 'extraordinary at first glance,' with her 'third eye.'

[Assisted by: Kaguya Urushibara / The master of drama based on the Classic of Mountains and Seas]

[Arcana: The Fool]

[Assistance Relationship: Not Unlocked]

...The third 'Fool' card after Hifumi and the changed Laughing Professor.

That's interesting... Is it because of the factors of "changing masks" and "on stage and off stage" that he is the "fool"?

"Hmm... I understand. Mary, right? I'd like to know, you've been hesitant to speak, is there something you want to ask?"

"Regarding the switching between on-stage and off-stage states? Why is the switching so natural... well, that's just 'personal experience'. But since you've asked, I'll explain..."

"If you stand on the stage and play different roles, you will naturally stop being shy and may even forget your true self."

"Compared to 'idols,' they each have their advantages and disadvantages. 'Idols' only need to manage a persona, but 'actors' have to consider many more things."

It seems that I don't need to worry too much about Mary's 'interactions'.

Although Kaguya did most of the talking, the knowledge she shared was indeed very useful.

Amamiya withdrew his gaze with relief, and then noticed that Himeki was about to get up, and that the movement was very slight, clearly a gesture to him.

Thinking back to the last time, when Hisaki dragged me away to be alone, it was when I visited her 'secluded boudoir'...

It was called a visit, but in reality... it was a 'temptation' that even Amamiya, with his exceptional self-control, found hard to resist.

The sect leader's skillful use of avoiding the strong and attacking the weak, his slow and deliberate movements, and his masterful control of the game were truly impressive.

Is the sect leader going to pull some kind of trick this time...?

With this in mind, after a slight hesitation, Amamiya decided to follow.

They also left quietly, and Amamiya and Himeki went to a more secluded tea room for guests.

The Classic of Mountains and Seas is vast and rich in resources. The activity area of ​​the Peking Opera Club is the size of an entire garden, comparable to large Classic of Mountains and Seas societies such as the Alchemy Research Association and the Xuanwu Chamber of Commerce.

There are several tea rooms, even for entertaining guests.

Following the graceful figure of the young woman, carrying a delicate fragrance, through these scattered pavilions and towers, the feeling was truly unique...

As Amamiya was reminiscing, Himeki had already stopped in front of the door and skillfully unlocked the tea room used for entertaining guests.

"……arrive."

Amamiya really couldn't quite figure out the sect leader's unpredictable mind. Upon hearing this, he quickly glanced around at the layout of the tea room.

It looks slightly different from the previous tea room, and the decor seems to have a more 'private' feel.

Perhaps it's for entertaining guests with whom you have a close relationship?

Or perhaps... it's a rest area specially prepared for the sect leader when he comes?

Otherwise, how could the sect leader open it so easily and familiarly?

"Sensei, please come in."

Amamiya paused for a moment, then Himeaki very 'politely' urged, "As always, you have a purpose in coming here. I brought Sensei here because I also have a request..."

Amamiya gave a slightly surprised "Oh," then composed herself and became serious.

Since Hisaki spoke so seriously, it probably wasn't some outrageous invitation like the last time she invited her to "visit her boudoir."

Amamiya naturally entered and found a seat, while Hisaki, after locking the door, did not demonstrate any tea ceremony. Instead, she naturally sat as close to Amamiya as possible and began to ponder her tea ceremony.

"Sensei, I've heard you have experience in organizing college exchange meetings?"

Are you referring to the incident involving the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons and Gehenna...?

Although it was fraught with danger, it finally landed safely.

Amamiya hummed in agreement and replied, "Does the Sect Master mean to suggest holding an academy exchange meeting?"

【~??~】(Feisaki)

"It's just a plan. The specific details still need to be carefully considered."

"The concept of 'knowing yourself and your enemy'... in the context of the Classic of Mountains and Seas, understanding the external world is a mixed blessing. However, if the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, it's worthwhile to prepare for it in advance."

"By learning the techniques in advance, we can avoid the trouble of sharpening our weapons before the battle."

"Sensei, could you please tell me the details about that academy exchange meeting?"

"If there are any details that are inconvenient to disclose, you may conceal those details and only need to explain the general process."

Regarding that activity closely related to the Ninjutsu Research Club... omitting the intimate interactions with the ninja girls, there's actually nothing that can't be said.

After gathering his thoughts, Amamiya recounted the events of that academy exchange to Hime Saki from his own 'first-person perspective'.

Fei Xiao listened attentively the whole time, and only when she heard "the smiling professor's disguise" did her expression change slightly—she seemed to have a feeling of being "greatly enlightened".

"I see... What seemed like an ordinary academy exchange meeting from my perspective turned out to be filled with so many memorable events..."

"...The 'Smiling Professor,' huh?"

"That's interesting..."

Amamiya's account was very detailed, and he deliberately used a storyteller-like style to evoke emotions, making it very vivid for Himeki to hear.

【~???~】

"I am already aware of the general details."

Instead of asking any questions, Fei Saki spoke softly with a thoughtful expression: "Sensei... do you think that if the Classic of Mountains and Seas were to hold an 'academy exchange meeting'..."

Are you asking which college would be better for an exchange program?

That's really hard to say...

After all, as far as Amamiya knew, the 'relative seclusion' of the Classic of Mountains and Seas was because some conservatives believed that the Classic of Mountains and Seas should always remain secluded.

As the saying goes, everything is difficult at the beginning.

For the first academic exchange meeting of the Classic of Mountains and Seas, it is advisable to choose an academy that shares at least some common topics and will not offend most Classic of Mountains and Seas students too much...

After much deliberation, Amamiya shook her head, refraining from making any suggestions that might interfere with Himeki's judgment.

"We cannot jump to conclusions about this."

【~???~】

"Indeed... to plan carefully before acting, and to think thrice before proceeding, is a doctrine passed down from ancient times in the Classic of Mountains and Seas."

“Sensei, you could offer some advice ‘for reference only,’ but why are you remaining silent?”

Even though I've already increased your favorability, are you still curious why I didn't say anything...?

"It's because I feel that these matters should be decided entirely by the sect leader."

Amamiya thought for a moment and said in a serious tone, "...In my opinion, Hisaki is the leader of the Xuanlong Sect. She is in a high position in the government but thinks about the distant world of martial arts."

Feixiao frowned slightly, her expression subtly changing.

"However, as the leader of the Xuanlong Sect, Fei Xiao can 'worry about the world's troubles before enjoying its pleasures,' but she lacks the quality of 'my heart and actions are as clear as a mirror, and all my deeds are for the sake of justice.'"

"...Oh? I'd like to hear more about it."

Hisaki became interested and, while keeping her expression composed, leaned towards Amamiya.

"Simply put... it's the difference between 'ruler,' 'emperor,' and 'monarch.'"

"Sect Leader, in your opinion, which word—'ruler,' 'emperor,' or 'monarch'—is more positive? And which of these three words do you represent?"

"..."

The usually composed and adaptable Hisaki was unusually silent.

The difference between these three words seems small, but if you really want to analyze the wording carefully, you can find some nuances.

"Domination" means power, rule... absolute power. If power is held by someone who is heartless and ruthless, it can be terrifying.

However, in most cases, "domination" also means cruelty, ruthlessness, and incompetence.

The word "emperor" is two-sided. While it carries more positive connotations, it also inevitably evokes impressions of being ruthless and unscrupulous.

Then comes the "monarch".

This should be the gentlest of words. When this word is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind for Hisaki is 'gentle as jade, resolute as iron.'

Gentle and virtuous... but compared to an "emperor," he lacks the necessary commanding presence. Compared to the word "ruler," he lacks the iron fist that commands respect.

"If I must rank them in order of merit... perhaps it should be 'Monarch' first, 'Emperor' next, and 'Ruler' last."

"As for which category I belong to... hehe."

"If I myself could easily see through this illusion..."

"Then you won't become dependent on Sensei."

Without giving a direct answer, the sect leader clearly understood his own role as a "monarch".

"Okay, then I'll explain..."

Amamiya nodded: "In my opinion, the Sect Master is like a 'monarch'."

"It is indeed very good, but it lacks the decision-making power of an 'emperor.'"

"Too little and you'll lack your own opinions; too much and you'll become stubborn... It's important to find the right balance."

Amamiya paused, then gazed at Himeki and said softly, "Too much rigidity leads to breakage, too much softness to decay... The Classic of Mountains and Seas should also have this principle, right?"

"The sect leader's 'gentleness' is necessary... but 'qi' is also indispensable."

"..."

Hisaki fell silent again, this time for an even longer period.

【~???~】

A moment later, she snapped out of her daze and chuckled softly.

"Sensei is right."

"This 'degree' is precisely what troubles me, and I find it difficult to weigh the pros and cons..."

"The reason I summoned Sensei here is because, although I have some considerations, I still find it difficult to balance the scales in my heart."

"If Sensei could help weigh the pros and cons, that would be great. But if not, it will inevitably cause concern among the members of the Xuanlong Sect..."

Amamiya smiled confidently and straightened his back.

"Hizaki, just go ahead and do it... If anything goes wrong, I'll be there to support you."

My bond with Hisaki has deepened...

【Ryūka Hisaki (Emperor) ★★★★★★★☆☆☆】

[★7 Bond Skill "Heart of the Monarch" is now unlocked!]

“Sensei, you truly are my ‘Flying General of Dragon City’.”

"In that case... then I will go ahead and do it."

Having received Amamiya's reply, Himeki's smile became even more natural.

“Oh, right…Sensei.”

"Anything else?"