Vol. 3 Ch. 2 Ep. 3: Secret Society

Now I get it. You've been coming here to talk to Sensei about our lesson plans.

And you just needed some advice...?

But why do you keep calling your swimsuit your pajamas?!

You're talking to a girl who wore her swimsuit to chapel once. I don't understand why everyone is so uptight about these things.

U-Uhhh...

Yes, that's right.

...

It's okay, Hifumi. You can listen in too.

The thing is, she's gone out the last two nights and hasn't returned until almost sunrise.

Azusa...

I was under the impression she was simply having trouble sleeping outside of her usual bed at first, but I don't think that's it.

In fact, I've never actually seen her sleep at all.

Come to think of it, neither have I. Azusa is usually the last one asleep, but the first one out of bed...

I'm not sure what she's up to, but I'm starting to think we may have to step in and force her to get some rest for her own good.

I can't help but feel that she's...anxious about something.

...

It's not my place to pry into her private life, but I think we owe it to her to help. Every girl needs a good night's sleep.

I'm afraid she's going to end up collapsing sooner or later.

And the same goes for the two of you. Stop staying up so late, and take better care of yourselves.

Our club work is important, but it shouldn't take priority over your health. The worst that could happen is us failing. That's not worth sacrificing your health for.

...

It's not that simple...

Hifumi?

Failing isn't the worst thing that could happen! If we fail the last two exams...

...we'll be expelled! We'll be forced to leave Trinity!

Expelled...? What are you talking about?

They can't expel us that easily. It's a long, complicated process that needs more valid reasoning than simply our grades.

Sensei?

...

Tell her the truth about the Make-Up Work Club.

...

...

I see... So that's how it is. We're going to be expelled if we don't all pass by the third exam.

This arrangement and the collective punishment wouldn't be possible normally, but given Schale's extrajudicial authority is involved...it all makes sense.

Does it? I don't think it makes sense at all.

And that goes for you too! Didn't your grades use to be at the top of the class?! You were earning perfect scores in advanced third-year level classes despite only being a first-year!

...

I...found out while looking at last year's tests when I was putting together our mock exams. I'm sorry for invading your privacy.

But why? Why did you choose to begin failing this year? If it keeps up, then the rest of us will be...

You'll have to forgive me. I never would have imagined that if even one Make-Up Work Club member failed, that we would all be... It's unthinkable.

...

No. I shouldn't have been so naive.

I owe you each an apology for all the trouble I've caused.

I'm sorry, Sensei.

I'm sorry, Hifumi.

H-Hanako. It's fine, I already forgive you.

It's as you suspected. I've been intentionally scoring low on my exams.

But why?! What would compel you to do something like that?

I'm afraid I can't tell you.

...?!

I have my reasons...but I don't want you all to suffer because of my choices.

So you don't have to worry. It ends tonight.

I'll pass my exams and keep the rest of the Make-Up Work Club safe.

You don't have to thank me, Sensei.

If anything, I should be the one making it up to you. What if I did a little striptease? Would that suffice?

N-No, you've already done plenty! You taking the exams seriously from now on is more than enough.

Oh, I have a question. Are you two the only ones that know about all of this?

I think so. Sensei was the only person I had talked to about it until now.

If that's the case, then expulsion isn't what's making Azusa anxious. That mystery is still unsolved...

Actually, I feel as though the Make-Up Work Club's entire founding is even more confusing after what you've told me.

...

I doubt Mika could have arranged this. It must have been Nagisa's doing.

But why now? Why would she busy herself with something like this just days ahead of the Eden Treaty's signing?

Or is that the exact reason she's doing it?

...

...

Now I understand. The Make-Up Work Club's purpose is to herd any potential threats to the Eden Treaty.

What?!

It's a very Nagisa-like thing to do. She can be a real conniving witch when she wants to be.

D-Did you just call her a witch?

Nagisa is trying to wash out every problematic element at once. We're yesterday's dirty laundry, basically.

Her plans include you too, don't they, Sensei?

You probably accepted this job with the good intention of saving failing students, but in reality, you were a pawn for the sake of using Schale's extrajudicial authority.

And yet that hasn't stopped you from doing everything you can for us.

You truly are a wonderful person, Sensei. ♥

And you're more like a detective, Hanako. I'm amazed.

Nagisa told me to find who "Trinity's traitor" could be.

That's just like Nagisa, so melodramatic. Though I'm sure anyone who disagrees with her plans is a traitor in her mind.

I can understand why Azusa would be a suspect given her background.

I could be off-base, but it wouldn't surprise me if Koharu was essentially a hostage from the Justice Task Force.

But what about you, Hifumi? I thought you were close with Nagisa.

Me?! A-Am I really a suspect too?

I guess I'd have to be if she placed me here... Wh-What did I ever do to fall under suspicion?

We'll have to talk more about Azusa later. I'll see if I can't find out more about what's been going on.

That'd be great. Please keep us in the loop if you learn anything.

Sure thing. So? Does this mean I'm officially a part of your secret midnight trysts?

The three of us, all alone late at night sharing a heart-pounding ménage à trois! ♥

That's not what's happening!

You're right. We should be getting to bed.

Good night.

Hngh... Bathroom...

Is that light coming from Sensei's room? What are they still doing up at this hour?

I'll talk to you tomorrow, Sens, huh?

...?!

Wh-What were you doing in Sensei's room?!

Bye, Sensei. I'm looking forward to tomorrow night's ménage à trois!

Oh?

...

A threesome?! Lewd! Filthy! DEATH PENALTY!