Vol. 3 Ch. 3 Ep. 4: What Comes Next

Kyaaaaaaaaah!

Tsurugi is at the top of her game today.

And here I was feeling a little tired. I don't have any excuses if the president is still so fired up.

I'll follow her example and work even harder!

Vice President Hasumi, come in. A supply tank has been stolen from campus.

Huh?! What did you just say?

We're shorthanded at the moment and could use back-up... Now the thief is using it to drift around corners! Amazing!

We...have our hands full at the moment. I believe Koharu should be able to provide back-up, however.

Wait, no. I forgot she's out sick today with a cold.

Technically, her paperwork to transfer back from the Make-Up Work Club hasn't gone through yet. I'll take care of this and go back to campus!

Kyaaaaaah! Kyaaah!

Actually, I think we can both leave this in Tsurugi's hands. I'll accompany you.

H-Hanako. What are you doing?

Hmm? What's the matter, Hinata?

Wh-Why are you standing so close behind me? I can feel your...on my back...

Goodness, what a predicament. ♥

U-Ugh...

Hanako? Is something troubling you?

Oh, it's nothing. I've been saddled with taking care of the Sisterhood's paperwork for the last few days when I could be doing other things. It's only a teensy bit...f r u s t r a t i n g. ♥

Y-You're kind of scaring me right now.

Hahaha! So you're that Sensei person from Schale?

Well, then! This is a pleasant surprise.

Indeed I am.

You've made a wise decision coming to the chair of the Pandemonium Society.

Think about it. Should the Pandemonium Society and Schale join forces, then the Prefect Team will never be able to stand in the way of progress again. It's quite a logical decision.

If you've already calculated that far ahead, then what further is there to discuss?!

You know...you should really wait to have those kind of conversations until after I leave the room.

*sigh* Makoto. Please try not to make this conversation any more awkward.

Schale's Sensei has been asked to mediate the Eden Treaty's signing. They're only here to make a formal greeting.

Then what about our partnership?

What partnership? You've only just met. What were you expecting?

...

Yes, that makes perfect sense. Very well, then.

The fun will have to wait for the next time we meet, Sensei.

All right. Let's get going, Iroha.

What? Already?

*sigh*

O-Oh.

Well, more or less.

I never expected you to be involved with the Eden Treaty.

Does that mean you'll also be making formal greetings at Trinity?

Wh-What? Since when...?

Are you saying I've been out of the loop? But I'm the Prefect Team's senior administrator!

I've been so busy preparing for the treaty. I can't believe I'd lose track of your every move so carelessly like this.

Hmm...

You're right. Our president has told me the same lately.

She's had...business to attend to elsewhere. She's not at the academy right now.

The head prefect has been as busy as ever. Though things may finally slow down for her once the Eden Treaty is signed...

...

So, your business here is done now, yes? I can show you out.

No. I'll do that.

P-President?

I thought you were away from campus.

I was, but I managed to take care of things early. I'm sure you have other work to do, so let me take care of Sensei.

Right. As you wish.

Follow me, Sensei.

Hmm...

So, Sensei. How go things at Trinity?

Could I bother you for the specifics?

Could I bother you for the specifics?

I recall everything you told me on the bridge, but I also felt there were things you were leaving out.

Not that I blame you, of course. I would expect more transparency if you were dealing with an academy like Abydos again, but I'm sure you had your reasons given this is Trinity we're discussing.

Th-That's not what I was referring to!

...

Well, anyway.

The truth is all a matter of perspective, there can be more than one. Those were your words.

Trinity being betrayed at all is just one perspective's truth. Maybe that's not the perspective you want to hold.

If that's the case, then you'll have to hold a different perspective and grasp another truth, because...

...

You must really trust those girls.

Wh-Where did that come from?!

You've already told me. Once was enough.

Seriously.

Take care on your way home, Sensei.

"Have you told Ako about your plans to retire?"

No. Not outwardly.

You're the only one I've told, but it wouldn't surprise me if Ako suspects it.

It really isn't something to make a big deal over. I'm just tired and need time to rest. That's all...

Let's leave it at that. Again, it's unimportant.

I'll see you at the signing ceremony, Sensei.