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“My proper name is Kuga Reo. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

The silver-haired youth introduced himself with a polite bow. Kou’s response, however, was quite the opposite.

“Wh-wh-wh…?!”

She was so flustered by his gentlemanly greeting that her mind seemed to shut down momentarily. Her face flushed bright red as she took a few steps back, clutching the hand he had kissed.

“…Why! What did you do that for?!”

She finally managed to get some words out, glaring at him intently. Sensing her discomfort, Subaru and Hijiri moved in protectively, positioning themselves in front of Kou.

“Ah… Sorry about that, Reo. Physical contact like that isn’t really common in Japan, so it must have been a bit of a shock for Kou,” Amari explained.

“Oh… My sincerest apologies. My parents did remind me of that before I came to Japan, but I was so captivated by your daughter’s beauty that it completely slipped my mind.”

Reo shrugged at first, attempting to brush it off, but then quickly composed himself and offered a more formal apology. Amari shook her head in disapproval, while Sora maintained a smile that was clearly forced—his serious eyes and faintly bulging veins betraying his true feelings.

But as Kou looked into Reo’s eyes, a chilling realization struck her.

I see, this could get interesting.

That’s what she read in his gaze—one of intense curiosity and scrutiny. He had noticed something different about her, and it had sparked his interest in a way that unnerved her. Part of her wanted to slap the smug, elegant expression off his face, but…

No, that won’t work. He’s way too strong. Wait… how?

She hadn’t actually intended to slap him, but the thought alone made her instinctively recoil. It was as though a part of her brain was calmly analyzing him despite her flustered state, reaching this unusual conclusion. Something about his stance and aura suggested real combat experience, far beyond recreational sports…

…It’s almost like he’s actually risked his life before.

It reminded her of standing next to someone from a military special forces unit. While she could see herself battling him in-game, she was certain she’d never win against him in real life.

Then again, there’s no point in fighting in real life.

Realizing how strange her thoughts had become just by being in his presence, Kou took a deep breath to steady herself.

“…I’m Crim Lua Cheia, or Mitsuki Kou, as I’m known here. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too.”

Though still wary, Kou stepped out from behind Subaru and extended her hand for a handshake. Reo took her hand, his touch in stark contrast to his refined appearance—rough and calloused, and his hand was much larger than her own.

“As I mentioned, he’s Kuga Reo. He’s the grandson of your school’s principal, and he’s your age as well… And we’re also friends with his parents.”
“He… he is?!”

Kou’s eyes widened in surprise; she greatly admired the principal, and this new revelation left her stunned.

“Oh, and one more thing—he’ll be starting at your school next semester. Try to get along, alright?”
“No way…”

Kou tried to reassure herself that he probably wouldn’t end up in her class, but a lingering sense of dread told her otherwise.

“…Oh, I guess our time is up.” Amari murmured with a hint of disappointment as the snowy wonderland around them faded, returning to the beach of a tropical island.

“Right… Apologies for taking up your time. I still need to greet others, so I’ll return to my grandfather’s side now.” Reo gave a polite bow before turning to leave. “Talk to you later, then. I’m sure we’ll meet again tonight.”

“…Hm?”

A few steps away, he glanced back at Kou, leaving her with those cryptic words before disappearing into the distance. Kou tilted her head, trying to decipher his meaning, but Reo was already gone.

Even as he walked away, his graceful departure caught the attention of many around them. The other women on the beach couldn’t help but squeal as he passed, and he waved at them with an easy charm.

“Aww… he’s so cool. And he’s the principal’s grandson? He’s like a real prince!”
“Is he the leader of Nord Glacier, then?”
“That was amazing…”

Even Kasumi, Hinagiku, and Miyuki sighed as they watched him go.

But Kou and Subaru were far from impressed by the reaction.

“You know, it really gets under your skin to see the strongest player also being this perfect prince in real life.”
“I feel like you’re not one to talk, but I wholeheartedly agree, Kou.”
“Umm… Kou? Subaru?”

While everyone else seemed entranced by Reo’s unexpected appearance, Kou and Subaru alone reacted with visible irritation. Hijiri, noticing their unusual hostility, couldn’t help but feel a bit startled.