Aroma
TL: Darrk
ED/Proofreader: NaCl
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Note: Our FanTLs for V3 to V5 were done a year prior to V6 and onwards, and are of lower quality. We recommend buying the official translation and reading those volumes there when it comes out.
“That was seriously one heck of a heated battle. Ohii-sama was so close to winning, too…….”
“No, no, no, but in terms of number of correct answers, Ohii-sama wins, right? Besides, she was trying to figure out the rules while solving the problems, you know? It may have been reversed at the end, but in terms of content, Ohii-sama won, didn’t she?”
[T/L note: These are the words from the audience. If I can recall correctly, “Ohii-sama” was Yuki’s nickname.]
“You say the number of correct answers, but that was due to Kujou’s mistakes in the 《trend》 section. In most of the other genres, Kujou-san won, and in terms of quiz competition, she won, didn’t she?”
“Speaking of finding out the rules, Ayano-chan is the one who’s amazing! You may not know, but Ayano-chan realized the rules of point distribution from the very beginning, right?”
“Seriously? But if you say so, Kuze-kun is equally amazing. When he used that “Help Call”, at first I wondered what he was really talking about… Well, even without doing that, couldn’t he have guessed the content of the last question?”
“Ohhh that’s right. I got goosebumps at the end.”
“I actually felt mesmerized by Kujou-san’s words. That dignified behavior when in a disadvantageous situation… I’m already a fan of hers.”
“Oh, so is Suou-sama. She’s very graceful when responding to Kujou-sama’s wishes and expects a serious and fair match.”
“That’s right, too….It feels like when it’s all over, who will be the winner in the end?”
“The quiz rules are pretty special, aren’t they? But it was very interesting!”
While listening to the excitement of the audience, Masachika and Alisa sat on the chairs at the back of the stage. The organizers were busy preparing for the next event and there was no one around them. After the fierce battle, the two of them just sat side by side without exchanging any words.
“I want to be a partner worthy of you.”
Finally, Masachika quietly listened to the words his partner had just spoken. Alisa also pondered her words while looking ahead.
“There are many people who rely on you and…there are many people who recognize your ability. And… You and Yuki-san look like an ideal couple…”
There, Alisa stuttered as she put more energy into her voice. Her competitive spirit and fighting spirit surged as she strongly expressed her thoughts.
“That’s why, I want to prove my strength. I want to defeat Yuki-san with my own strength, and just not be an ornament that is just a burden to you. I am the one who deserves to be your partner. I just want to be recognized….”
The words faded at the end. Alisa then lowered her eyebrows and looked at Masachika.
“But… It turned out to be in vain. In the end, without your help, I would have lost.”
After saying that sentence in a self-deprecating tone, Alisa lowered her face. Her facial expression was hidden by the silver hair and could not be seen, but her hands, which were clasped tightly over the skirt, clearly showed her feelings.
How dazzling.
Masachika felt envious when Alisa honestly admitted her own incompetence and frustration. She regarded that integrity as something noble from the bottom of her heart. And at the same time, Masachika had a premonition.
Someday……Alya will definitely not need me anymore.
Even if she doesn’t rush now, Alisa will attract more people in the future. Many people will be touched by Alisa’s dedicated and proud way of life and will gather to support her. In the midst of it all, Alisa must continue to walk straight as always. And then…Masachika, who was forever stuck in the past, will definitely not be able to keep up.
If…
If Masachika confirms Alisa’s words here and now while saying platitudes, “It might be so, but don’t worry because I will continue to support you.” Alisa might rely on Masachika again. She might take Masachika’s hand and smile as she said, “From now on, please help, okay?”
But that should not be done. Just because he could not walk at the same speed as the other party, he should not say something that would hinder someone who could actually walk on her own two feet.
The thing to do now is…
Masachika quietly sat down and spun around in front of Alisa and knelt in front of her. The scene was akin to a knight swearing loyalty to the princess.
“Alya, since the beginning…you have never lost.”
After hearing those words, Alisa looked up slightly and was wide-eyed by Masachika kneeling in front of her. While gazing attentively into her eyes, Masachika gently grasped both of Alisa’s tightly clasped hands.
“The determination and pride you showed on stage attracted many people there. Many people in that place will want to support you. Therefore, you were not defeated from the start.”
He didn’t need to embellish his sentences with sweet words. All Masachika needed to do was speak straight from the heart.
“All I did was fight against Ayano as a fellow vice-chair candidate…and only achieved a victory in that match. You got something much more valuable than that. It was all thanks to your own power that attracted the people in that place, and that was your own accomplishment. So, there’s nothing to regret.”
Upon hearing Masachika’s words, Alisa’s eyes shook. The hand that had been clenched tightly reached for Masachika’s hand.
“Really?”
“Hmm?”
“Do you think…I’m really recognized by everyone?”
She must have been very tense the whole time. She was worried and struggling alone. It was Masachika’s lack of experience that made her do so.
“Yes, of course.”
He assured Alisa of this as a way to make amends, but this was still not enough to relieve Alisa’s anxiety.
“Why can you say that for sure?”
“It’s because…”
Masachika was lost for words for a moment, and immediately felt ashamed of himself. He had already decided not to use sweet words. As he wished, Masachika conveyed his honest thoughts.
“It’s because…I was attracted to you on stage more than anyone else.”
Alisa’s eyes widened when she heard Masachika’s words. Conveying his heart, Masachika continued further.
“You looked cooler than anyone when you declared that you would beat Yuki head-on. I really feel proud to have you as my partner.”
Masachika then told her firmly while showing a slightly sad smile.
“That is why, you must continue to move forward with dignity. I will eliminate everyone who stands in your way.”
Even if that person is myself. Those words were added only in his own heart. Alisa, who did not realize that, suddenly smiled with a grimace on her face.
“…Thank you.”
Alisa pressed Masachika’s hand to her forehead after saying that in a hushed tone.
“I feel happy that you are my partner.”
Masachika’s heart ached as he heard the sincere whisper from Alisa. Alisa softly lowered her hands to her knees and smiled softly as Masachika held his expression to hide his emotions.
Masachika returned her radiant smile with a genuine one. Then, as they exchanged calm glances, one of the committee members who served as management staff returned backstage.
“E-Ehh!?”
When that person saw Masachika kneeling before the seated Alisa while holding hands, they took a step back in surprise. They blinked a few times, then took a step back and….scratched their cheeks, confused and embarrassed.
“Umm, ummm… Are you proposing?”
“T-That’s not it! He was just checking my pulse…..”
“No, Alya. That excuse doesn’t make any sense.”
When Masachika tsukkomi’d unintentionally, the management member stepped back with a half smile.
“Ah, then, please enjoy your time together…”
“H-Hold on!”
Alisa hurriedly got up from her seat, but how could she follow them to the side of the stage?
”~~~~!”
Alisa struggled to decide whether or not to chase after them while raising something like a moan sound in her mouth. Then beside her, Masachika, who was also standing up, smiled bitterly.
“What’s with “proposal?” After all, we can’t get married yet, right?”
When Masachika pondered, Alisa gave him a dissatisfied look.
“Even though we can’t get married yet, ….we can still get engaged, you know?”
“No, no, no, don’t take it seriously. We won’t do it anyway, okay.”
“Ara, are you dissatisfied with me?”
Instantly, Alisa smiled wickedly while grinning like a little devil. With a gasp and an “ugh” look on his face, Masachika quickly escaped into citing the common accepted opinion of society.
“It’s not that…It’s just that, there’s no way you can get engaged while still in the first year of high school.”
“Is that so? I don’t mind if there’s someone I’ve decided on in my heart.”
“Huh?”
Hearing the unexpected response, Masachika raised one eyebrow and smiled provocatively. He then quickly moved to counterattack.
“Hearing your answer on this occasion…seems to imply that you want to urge me to do something? As a gentleman, should I ask for your engagement here?”
Alisa raised her chin in a mocking tone at Masachika’s counterattack.
“Ba~ka.”
Then, while playing with her hair with the fingers of her left hand, Alisa said….
[T/L note: Here Alya says “No way!”]
Glucose Translations 
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