The day Ikki had left the Kurogane house, Shizuku had sworn to herself that she’d do whatever it took to protect him. Her sad smile was gone, replaced with a look of ironclad determination. The boundless love she had for Ikki was supported by a resolve that was truly unbreakable. She looked up at Alisuin.

“I can’t guarantee my surprise attack will succeed if I’m on my own, though,” she said. “Alice, will you lend me your strength?”

Shizuku knew the risks she was asking Alisuin to take for her sake. It was entirely possible her friend would get expelled along with her. She could only make that request because she trusted Alisuin wholeheartedly. And Alisuin couldn’t help but want to live up to that trust.

“Very well, I’ll help.”

I’m sorry, Ikki. I’m a bad friend.

“Thank you,” Shizuku said.

Alisuin smiled wryly to herself. If she were a good friend, she’d stop Shizuku. Regardless of whether Shizuku’s surprise attack succeeded, she’d end up penalized. Moreover, Stella was sure to be livid with her for messing up the tournament. But Alisuin knew just how deep and strong Shizuku’s love for Ikki was. She knew that nothing she said would change Shizuku’s mind. In fact, she doubted that even Ikki himself would be able to dissuade the girl. Someone truly dangerous was trying to mess with her beloved brother, and she couldn’t simply turn a blind eye to it. Alisuin knew that if she re