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『Oh? Come to think of it, is the age of adulthood different in your world?』
「20 years old is the general consensus. However, there are a lot of people above the age of 20 who still go to school. I was one of them.」
『Is that so? That’s a bit interesting.』
「Is that so?」
『Yes, it’s related to you, after all. Everything about it is interesting! So interesting!』
「Then I’m glad to hear that.」

It feels somewhat weird for me to talk about the past, but since Ciel is enjoying it, then it’s alright.
Ciel is showing interest in me, and that doesn’t feel bad at all.

『Speaking of your world, you were a man before, right?』
「That’s right.」
『Was your manner of speaking also polite like it is now?』
「Umm… No, it wasn’t.」
『Then how did you talk back then? I’m curious about it! Really curious about it!』
「Umm, about that…」

Ciel’s voice was filled with anticipation, and I don’t know how to respond.
It would be best if I could change the way I talk so she can clearly hear the difference, but honestly, I can barely recall it.
I can’t even remember how I used to refer to myself.
Well, I guess I should just honestly say that I forgot.

「I’m sorry, I really don’t remember it much. I’ve kept my current way of speaking for such a long time, so I’ve forgotten about it.」
『That’s a shame. In that case, could you try not talking that politely then?』
「Do I just have to talk like you?」

If it’s simply that, it’s not that difficult. I’ve impersonated Ciel many of times before, and that likely won’t change in the future.
If it’s something as simple as that, then I’m not opposed to indulging her… but she mercilessly said, ‘Nope.’

『Because in that case, there won’t be any novelty.』
「Is the novelty really necessary?」
『Yes, it’s important, you know? Very important! It’s a chance to discover a new kind of Ain, after all.』
「And that’s important?」
『Very important. But if you are really against it, Ain, I’m not going to force you, okay?』
「Umm, okay. I understand. Um… can we switch out?」
『? Sure, I don’t mind.』

It is Ciel’s request, and it’s not particularly difficult, so I agreed. However, just as I was about to do it, embarrassment instantly washed over me.
Still, I decided to continue anyway, but I got conscious of the maids’ gazes. Due to that, I asked Ciel to switch with me. After that, I took a deep breath before asking Ciel for any other questions.

『Umm, what should I… what do I talk about now?』
『…! Right, that’s right! Can you tell me more about your world, Ain?』
『Sure… But… what do you… want to know?』
『Let’s see. Since we’re going to a school in the future, can I hear about how schooling works in Ain’s world?』

Ciel started talking without using her voice; is that out of consideration for me?
I don’t know, but I’m really grateful for the gesture regardless. After all, this is really embarrassing.
The more I think about it, the more my mind goes blank; I can barely even register what we’re talking about.
But that aside, I do have something I need to tell Ciel.

『Ciel, there’s one thing I want to clarify with you.』
『I hear nothing; I can’t hear you.』
『So there’s something… I want you to know… okay?』

It’s hard to talk. It’s so embarrassing, I can’t keep my eyes focused.
Ciel can see me right now, so she should be able to see me acting weirdly.
Realizing that, my face got even hotter. Not literally, though.

『What is it?』
『I live in this world now, so… umm… the world that doesn’t have Ciel isn’t…』
『I see, I see! It should be Ain’s previous world, shouldn’t it?』
『Yeah. That, please.』

How do I say this? Don’t I sound like a young kid?
With the way I have an awkward pause every now and then? However, Ciel doesn’t particularly comment on it; she continues to talk without losing fervor.

『Got it! Now then, can you talk about the school system in your previous world, Ain?』
『Yeah. Umm, so in the country where I was, you enroll in school when you reach 6 years old.
You go to the same school for 6 cycles, then a different school for another 3 cycles. That’s… everything that everyone has to go through.』
『Considering how long everyone spends at school, does that mean the people in your previous world are all smart?』
『I can’t sa-… I don’t know. People aren’t going because they want to, so there’s a lot who don’t actually learn.』

Even as I speak, I can barely understand my own words.
I don’t have any confidence that I can explain things properly in my current state.
Can I go back to my usual way of speaking already?

『Umm, Ciel. Can I talk… normally now?』
『Sure, alright. Things like these are great in occasional short bursts.』
『What does that even mean……』
『Don’t worry about it. Still, let’s talk like this again in the future, alright?』
『Yeah, okay.』

Ciel nods with satisfaction.
I honestly don’t feel like I can get used to this; it’s really embarrassing, but I’m sure I’d do it again if Ciel asked me to.
At the very least, it seems like Ciel’s happy with it.

『Now then, I’ll explain again in more detail, alright?』
『Sure, I’m in your hands, Ain.』

And so, I started to tell Ciel about the education system in my old world.

Extra: Ciel POV

Today I got to hear a lot about Ain’s previous world.
Since we’re going to enroll at a school, most of the topic was related to schooling, but I was completely content with it. How do I explain it? I feel like I’ve gotten a bit closer to Ain. I feel so happy.

And then there was Ain’s manner of speech. I asked Ain, who always talked in polite speech, to speak more casually, and I was completely right on the mark!

I might have been a bit forceful, so I have to be more mindful next time, but anyhow, Ain was adorable. It felt like she was younger than usual, and her embarrassed look really pulled on my heartstrings.
Ain, who always looks at me when we’re talking, is averting her eyes from me. The way she’s shyly looking down is so cute, so adorable, I just can’t take it.

Ain being visible even when she’s not in control is such a wonderful thing.

Besides, Ain saying that the world I’m in is her world now makes me feel really, really happy.

My heart feels so warm, and my cheeks naturally soften into a smile.
Having all this happen, today was an awfully fulfilling day.

Cute Ain, and cute Ciel gushing over cute Ain. I am filled with satisfaction.

For this part, there were some portions that were difficult to translate. Mainly, how childish Ain was speaking. I really hope it came across well enough just how much of a shy and insecure kid Ain sounded on that portion. Another is at the part where she can’t remember how she refers to herself: she specifically pondered whether she uses “Boku” or “Ore”.

Back to our characters: it’s always fun when Ciel gets on a teasing mood. But maybe not for Ain, lol. It was also nice to have a Ciel POV just to for her to gush over Ain’s cuteness. I need more of it directly to my bloodstream!

Now then, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please feel free to comment. Stay healthy, stay safe, and have a nice day~!