Starting With The Sefirah Castle In The Anime World

Chika, who had entered Spectator mode, saw everything clearly.

In fact, even without using this ability, Wataru's reaction was so obvious that anyone with eyes could see it.

But his secret feelings would never bear fruit, because the one he secretly loved had absolutely no affection for him.

No matter how carefully Chika observed in Spectator mode, she couldn't find a single trace of romantic emotion directed toward him. In fact, there was even a hint of irritation.

That feeling of, "Why am I even liked?" lingered in her heart.

Unfortunately, the one I secretly love doesn't love me back.

Chika sighed inwardly.

No matter the circumstances, as long as the person you're crushing on isn't interested in you, it's a completely one-sided love.

Then, she glanced at Kijima Saki with a peculiar look.

Why is this maid's emotional state so complicated?

In Spectator mode, she could read many people's surface thoughts. Though it was only surface-level, that was already more than what most people could conceal.

The maid, Kijima Saki's, thoughts were no exception. But what struck Chika as odd was how deeply contradictory those thoughts were.

She hoped Wataru's wish would come true, and at the same time, she hoped it wouldn't.

There was even a trace of jealousy embedded in those contradictions.

It was faint—so faint that even the person herself wasn't aware of it.

A textbook love triangle, Chika thought.

The master likes another girl, the girl doesn't like him, but the maid likes the master. Ah, but since Isumi doesn't like the maid, this doesn't really count as a triangle…

Still, the whole thing made Chika chuckle inwardly.

Are these two—master and maid—really that oblivious?

Since the master's love won't be returned, wouldn't it be ideal for the maid to step in?

Well, that's just what she thought. Chika wasn't foolish enough to say it aloud.

She was in Spectator role now. As a Spectator, she had to remain silent. No matter how the play unfolded on stage, she was only to watch with a calm and balanced mindset, never voicing her opinions carelessly.

A Spectator who speaks out is no longer a Spectator.

Maintain rationality and sensitivity. That's how one properly becomes a Spectator—just like Ren, silently watching everything unfold.

As someone who held the Source of the Chaos Sea, Ren could easily grant this ability to others. But even without tapping into extraordinary power, he could already guess what Wataru was thinking.

Most people's situations were just as he remembered them.

Though there were differences between the story and reality, there were also undeniable similarities.

The true gap between fiction and reality often lies in personality and behavior. Real people didn't act as naturally as fictional characters—especially those from prominent families.

Of course, there were exceptions.

At the very least, Tachibana Wataru was very much like the version Ren remembered.

But Ren wasn't completely sure if his memory was accurate.

"Long time no see, Student Council President."

Isumi was the first to greet Katsura Hinagiku. Back at Hakuo Academy, the two had interacted frequently thanks to Nagi.

"Long time no see, Miss Isumi. You're looking well."

"Really? Maybe it's because I actually got some sleep today. Since it's Sakuya's birthday party, I stayed up a bit late last night."

As she spoke, Isumi glanced at Nagi standing beside her.

Katsura Hinagiku, who knew Nagi very well, understood immediately.

It wasn't strange at all. After all, Isumi and Nagi had been close since childhood. It was common knowledge that they were childhood friends. It wouldn't be surprising if Nagi had dragged Isumi into playing games all night.

Nagi just pursed her lips, clearly annoyed at being blamed again.

Then, Isumi turned her attention to Wataru.

"Long time no see, Wataru."

"Yeah… long time no see…"

"Wataru and Nagi-chan really have a close relationship. Even though they bicker constantly, Sakuya still invited Wataru to her birthday party."

"Crack."

Though the words weren't particularly harsh, to Wataru they were like a cursed gaze, turning him to stone.

He remembered.

He still remembered that he and Nagi were an engaged couple.

Even though he and Nagi had already discussed certain things, they weren't matters to be shared with others. No one besides the two of them knew the full agreement they had reached.

Naturally, he couldn't speak about it openly.

Until the engagement was officially canceled, this couldn't be said lightly. Otherwise, if something major happened… he didn't know what would become of Nagi, but his own fate certainly wouldn't be pretty.

As for whether Isumi knew—she definitely didn't.

Nagi wasn't the type to share everything, especially not something as sensitive as an engagement agreement. She would never reveal that to a third party.

Isumi was simply redirecting the conversation to Nagi on instinct.

She knew that doing so would shift Wataru's attention away from her.

Now, seeing Wataru's reaction, Isumi was confident her tactic had worked.

"Pffft."

Chika couldn't hold back her laughter.

Because she understood both Isumi's and Wataru's thoughts, she realized just how ridiculous this all was.

Isumi wanted to divert Wataru's attention and meant no harm.

But for Wataru, this was the last topic he wanted brought up—because he was actually Nagi's fiancé.

"Miss Chika?"

Isumi tilted her head slightly as she looked at Chika, who had suddenly burst into laughter.

"No, it's nothing. I just thought of something funny."

Suppressing her lingering emotions, Chika forced a smile.

She hadn't expected this kind of drama before dinner had even begun.

At that moment, Chika finally understood why Ren enjoyed watching other people's messes so much.

(To be continued.)