On the morning of the third day, Group 1 arrived at Cinema Village as scheduled.
The atmosphere was... complicated. Madoka kept smiling at me, her cheeks flushed a perpetual pink, while Misa seemed to be oscillating between her usual self and a strange, suspicious jitteriness. Ayaka watched them both with narrowed, judgmental eyes, while Chizuru and Natsumi looked on with the detached expressions of people watching a train wreck from a safe distance. Still, by the time we passed through the gates, the stifling awkwardness of the morning had finally begun to thaw.
"So this is Cinema Village," I noted, looking around.
"Since you're an exchange student, I bet this is your first time here, right, Axel?" Madoka asked, naturally sliding her hand into mine.
"Yeah. Definitely a first."
"Look, look! That shop over there rents out kimonos," Misa chirped, pointing. "Since we're here, why don't we do some cosplay?"
"Oh, that sounds fun," Natsumi agreed. "What do you think, Chizuru-nee?"
"Hmm, if Natsumi-chan is doing it, I suppose I will too. You're in, right, Ayaka?"
"What? Oh, yes, of course... but excuse me, Kugimiya-san! Could you please stop being so clingy with Axel?" Ayaka's protest was sharp, but Madoka barely blinked.
"Why? It's not like Axel hates it," Madoka replied with a breezy, triumphant smile.
"Why you...! Didn't you say you weren't even interested in him!?"
"I never said that. I just said... well, I've liked him for a while now."
"Ooh, get it, Madoka!" Misa teased. "Is that a declaration of war against the Class Rep?"
"Kakizaki-san! You're just as bad!" Ayaka fumed, her face turning a spectacular shade of red. "Giving Axel a k-k-k-kiss... Such an indecent, shameless display!"
Apparently, the security camera Chamo and Asakura had hidden outside my room hadn't just been for show. They had broadcast the entire "Project: Heart-Throb" debacle to the rest of the class. While Madoka's kiss happened inside the room, my "encounter" with Misa had taken place right in front of the lens. I had to give them credit—planting a camera in a traditional inn without getting caught was impressive, if entirely sociopathic.
"Now, now, Ayaka," Chizuru said, leading the fuming girl toward the shop with a serene smile. "Let's go change. Axel, you're a boy, so your dressing room is over there. We'll meet you outside."
"An Onmyoji, huh..."
I stared at my reflection. I was dressed in kariginu robes—the classic attire of an ancient Japanese sorcerer. Given my height, it was clearly a child's costume, making me look like some sort of "prodigy apprentice" from a period drama. They had even handed me a few paper charms as props.
I waited outside for about thirty minutes. In the interim, I was approached by a group of college-aged women who wanted my picture. They even treated me to some soft-serve ice cream while we chatted. Eventually, the rest of Group 1 emerged.
Ayaka was a stunning Oiran courtesan; Natsumi, a charming town girl; Chizuru wore a sharp Meiji-era men's suit; Madoka was a sleek Kunoichi; and Misa looked every bit the noble princess.
"Heh. So Axel really does have a thing for older women," Madoka remarked, watching me wave goodbye to the college students.
"Now, Madoka," Misa teased. "From Axel's perspective, we are the older women. If he likes the mature type, that's a win for you, right?"
"I'm not even going to touch that," I muttered.
We spent the next few hours touring the park, taking photos in character, exploring the ninja house, and browsing souvenirs. It was a genuine vacation—until we spotted two familiar figures.
"Wait, is that Konoka and Setsuna-san?" Madoka asked, confused. "I didn't think Group 3 was supposed to be at Cinema Village today."
In the distance, Konoka was dressed as a princess—similar to Misa—while Setsuna wore the iconic blue-and-white haori of the Shinsengumi. Setsuna's masculine attire was clearly a hit; a crowd had gathered to take her picture. Given her sharp features and slender build, she pulled off the "beautiful swordsman" look with effortless grace.
"Ah, Class Rep! And everyone else! You came to the village too!" Konoka waved, approaching us with Setsuna in tow.
"Axel-san..." Setsuna exhaled, her expression one of profound relief. "I'm glad you're here."
I lowered my voice. "Was it the same group from the first day?"
She nodded grimly. "Yes. That's why we ended up here."
We exchanged information discreetly, keeping the talk vague for the sake of the girls who knew nothing of magic. Apparently, they had been ambushed in the city and fled into the theme park to lose their pursuers. They had left the rest of their group behind to avoid involving them. Negi and Asuna, meanwhile, had split off to deliver the Headmaster's letter to the Kansai Magic Association, and Nodoka had gone missing during the chaos.
"Wow, Axel! You look great as an Onmyoji!" Konoka chirped, dragging me toward her before I could finish strategizing with Setsuna. "Let's get a picture together!"
I caught Setsuna's eye as I was pulled away; she gave me a small, apologetic bow. But the peaceful moment was shattered by the rhythmic thud of hooves.
"Oh, look! Is that a carriage?"
"It certainly is," Chizuru noted, turning toward the sound.
A horse-drawn carriage rolled toward us, carrying two passengers: Tsukuyomi and Fate.
So, that's how they're playing it.
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