Chapter 1473 First Stop

"Excuse me, I'm here for another Club Inspection."

For the third time, that's the line I used when my feet brought me before the Alchemy Research Club. Since it was on my way, I couldn't help but pay a visit to my 'favorite senior'.

It hadn't been that long since my last visit to this club. The last time was this Monday when I collected compensation from Enomoto for his involvement in last week's incident. I got the information regarding the mastermind behind the plot of using me to create a rift between Marika and Ichihara.

Although I somehow delivered that mastermind's desired result, I'd argue that everything was my personal choice. Or… if looked at from another angle, Marika successfully dragged me in by herself.

In the end, I decided to intervene and not let that pitiful golden ringlet girl suffer more at the hands of other people. It's enough that her family used her as a bargaining chip. I'd crush that Takashima and Tanaka if they ever used her again.

One of these days, I'll find that guy.

As for Ichihara… well, I'll give it to him as a bonus by doing the favor of trampling the spoiled brat beneath my feet.

For now… I'll be dealing with what's in front of me.

"Really? Again? Onoda-kun, right? Are you sure you're not just targeting our club?"

Against my expectation, the one who answered the door today wasn't Nakanishi-senpai. It's Enomoto's childhood friend, Nikka.

"I apologize but that's not the case, senpai. I promise I'll leave right away after making sure that nothing's wrong." I politely bowed my head. In front of this girl, it's best to put on a façade.

Enomoto cares about her that he even requested for me to stop eyeing the girl, after all. If ever he becomes a nuisance or he decides to antagonize me, staying within this girl's good graces could come out in handy.

Stealing her before his eyes could torment the guy. Or just hanging down that possibility could be a serious threat to him.

If I could steal someone's affection even if they're in love with their partner, this Nikka-senpai wouldn't be an exception.

Well, he better hope it doesn't come to that…

Nikka fixed her gaze on me as though she was determining the truthfulness of my words. Seconds later, she wrinkled her forehead before lightly shaking her head.

"I don't believe you. Last time you were here, Enomoto-kun appeared troubled. Please, if you're targeting him because of his connection to Ichihara, stop now."

Oh. Now, this is interesting. Even if she sounded a little clueless about what was really happening, she had just proven that she was not just a simple decoration here. At least, she's aware of her surroundings.

Before replying to her, I tried sensing if there was someone else in the room with her. Surely, Enomoto wasn't around. But what about Nakanishi-senpai?

The same as the last time, I could smell chemicals coming inside the room as well as the clunking of either utensils they were doing on the experiments or apparatus like a stove.

From that, I could imagine Nakanishi-senpai must've been busy doing something again. She's someone who didn't have anywhere to go, after all.

"I'm not targeting Enomoto-senpai. We're getting along and I think I'll have you to thank for that."

Although that's not necessarily true, there's a hint of truth with it. If not for her, Enomoto would appear a little invincible and without weakness… so, as long as she's around, it's safe to say that we're getting along well enough not to be against each other.

"What do you mean?" Nikka tilted her head, a hint of interest rising in her eyes. And obviously, it pointed to herself. She's probably wondering about her importance in the equation.

I put on a mysterious smile and acted like I was contemplating raising that interest to the max. However, at the last second, I shook my head.

"Uh. I think I don't have the right to reveal it to you, senpai."

Expectedly, a look of disappointment flashed on the girl's face.

"You… You're not making any sense. Then why mention it?"

"Because you're doubting me. Like I said, I only wanted to do a short inspection if you will allow me… I'll leave right away."

"I feel like you're just dodging to answer me, Onoda-kun. Wait there. I'll consult Reira."

Upon saying that, she kept the door slightly open as she walked back to the inner area of their clubroom.

Although doubt had been cast in her mind, she understood that she wouldn't be able to squeeze the answer from me.

Before she walked away completely, I added. "I suggest asking Enomoto-senpai about what I mentioned."

Nikka glanced back at me and bit her lips as though she was trying to discern the validity of it. After a second, she nodded and mouthed a silent 'I will'.

A while later, only Nakanishi-senpai exited from the inner area. Most likely, she handed what she was doing to Nikka. Nonetheless, upon seeing me at the door, her beautiful face scrunched up into a frown as she sighed in a bit of exasperation.

"… No wonder she looked troubled. You're the one at the door, numbskull."

"Not happy to see me, senpai?" I met her frown with an exaggerated smile.

And sure enough, Nakanishi-senpai facepalmed once again. However, instead of closing the door on me, she opened it wider, allowing me to enter.

After taking a step back to give me the space, she answered, "No. I'm not. I bet you're here for another fake inspection. Spit it out. Enomoto isn't here."

"Ouch. I'm hurt. And here I thought I'll be welcomed by my favorite senpai's beautiful smile." I exaggeratedly grabbed my chest which earned me an eye roll from her, not believing in my act in the slightest. But well, that's to be expected. I'm just purposely acting silly in front of her.

Then a second later, I straightened my back and shrugged. "Alright. I'll stop playing around. Although it doesn't matter to me if he's here, I can honestly say that I'm here for you…"

Nakanishi-senpai didn't give so much as a reaction to that. Surely, she also expected that from me. Instead, she maintained her distance and waited for my follow-up.

"… So, I'm going on a patrol. I'm wondering if you can join me on a walk, senpai?"

This invitation was obviously not within my initial plan. I only wanted to say hi to her before continuing with my task… So why?

Uh. Let's just say, an idea lit up in my head. This girl was undoubtedly like a prisoner of this room. She could only leave if Enomoto asked her to do something like delivering a message.

And while she's not against that kind of setup and even found it convenient since she didn't want to be endlessly ogled at by boys, I couldn't help but feel that she's not really enjoying her last year in this school, especially during my second visit here and found her alone. I accompanied her for some time and that somehow alleviated some of her boredom.

Then during my third visit, although I acted shameless again, there's no doubt that she had fun playing along with me.

And this time, even though she reacted like I was using my position again to force my way here, it was easy to sense her anticipation of what I was going to do next.

In any case, I could say that this was within my personal whim to bring her out of this clubroom. But then again, it's just an invitation. If she rejected me then that's fine. It's her choice.