Chapter 4: Entrance Ceremony

Spring break after graduating middle school had ended, and at last, the day of the entrance ceremony for Trinity General Academy arrived. Feeling a little giddy in my brand-new sailor uniform, I made my way toward the venue. The path to the gymnasium—where the ceremony would be held—was lined with cherry blossoms in full bloom, as if welcoming all the new students.

For the record, I didn’t bring the Pom-Pom Gun today. I plan to get that running once I move into the dorms and secure a proper parking space for it. Instead, I brought the spare rifle we use at home to scare off boars and such. It’s commonly known as the “Brown Bess,” a musket widely used in the 18th century. In Kivotos—where firearms from World War II to the Cold War are the norm—it practically counts as an antique. Still, it can fire buckshot, it’s pretty big, and once you attach a bayonet it’s great for intimidation. Personally, I think it’s more than good enough as a self-defense weapon. Also, the retro look is cool.

I arrived at the venue early, with plenty of time before the ceremony started. Since the place was still mostly empty, I relaxed my posture and read through the entrance pamphlet.

Inside was a brief history and philosophy of Trinity General Academy, along with an overview of major clubs and committee activities. Groups I recognized from the game were listed too: the Tea Party, the Justice Task Force, the Remedial Knights, the Sisterhood, the Library Committee, and many others. I still hadn’t decided where to join. I’d always been in the “go-home club” in my previous life, and while I figured I should probably join something now that I had the chance… the thought alone already felt exhausting.

I finished skimming the pamphlet and looked around. It seemed a lot of people had taken their seats already, so I straightened up and reread it. After going through it twice more, I glanced up at the clock. It was almost time to begin, so I slid the pamphlet into my uniform pocket.

"Now then, we will begin the entrance ceremony."

Finally—the ceremony. Well, to be honest, the only part I was actually looking forward to was the greeting from the current students. Most likely, that’s when the Tea Party members I’d seen in the game would appear.

…It was long. The principal’s address, followed by guest speeches—every single person talked forever. I sneaked a look at the clock, only to find that barely any time had passed. Pure despair.

After nearly dozing off several times, we finally reached the upperclassman’s welcome speech. When I looked toward the stage—there she was. A girl with long flax-colored hair, a white uniform, and pure white wings.

"Greetings, new students. I am Kirifuji Nagisa, host of the Tea Party and representative of the Trinity General Academy student council."

Ooh. She radiated authority. The very definition of The Lady of a Prestigious Household™. I almost clapped on instinct. Strictly speaking, Seia should be the Tea Party host at this point in the timeline, but she’s unable to appear due to… circumstances. Nagisa is technically the acting host, though I guess they avoid saying that out loud to prevent confusing the new students.

Her speech itself was simple—about the academy’s long history and how we should carry ourselves with pride befitting Trinity students. I thought she might talk longer, but it was surprisingly brief. Probably because the guests rambled forever and they were running out of time.

Once the welcome speech ended, all that remained was the school anthem and the closing remarks. Those finished without issue, and afterward we moved to our assigned classrooms for orientation. They explained how classes would work, proper conduct inside and outside the academy, dorm procedures, annual events, and so on.

Once the explanations wrapped up, we were finally dismissed for free time. Most new students headed toward the club booths, where various groups were recruiting.

…But the thing is:

"I don’t really have any club I want to join…"

I made a full round, but none of the clubs matched my personal criteria: indoor activities, relaxed atmosphere, and minimal interpersonal drama. At this point, it felt like starting my own club would be faster.

"Well, it’s not like we’re required to join one, but…"

Still, being in a club comes with perks, so the go-home club is the minority.

"Here is…"

My wandering eventually brought me back, without realizing it, to the large booth area packed with students in black sailor uniforms.

"At some point, I seem to have circled right back."

This was actually the very first area I visited during free time—the booths for the Justice Task Force, the Remedial Knights, and the Sisterhood, all of which had a lot of named members. Unfortunately, none of the students I recognized had been there earlier.

Maybe someone was here this time, I thought as I looked around.

(Oh—there she is.)

A petite girl with pink hair and tiny black wings was curiously examining the Justice Task Force booth. She wasn’t wearing the black sailor uniform yet since she was also a new student, but she had to be Shimoe Koharu.

But since she’s shy around strangers… if I, a random unfamiliar student, suddenly talked to her, she’d probably bolt. Better leave her alone.

"The Sisterhood’s side is…"

A short distance away from the Justice Task Force booth was the Sisterhood area. Here too, I almost missed her because she wasn’t in her sister outfit yet, but there was a familiar face: the girl with orange hair and adorable animal ears, Iochi Mari.

She seemed deep in thought while examining the displays, and it felt wrong to interrupt her. After confirming none of the other named Sisters were present, I quietly left.

"All right, next is the Remedial Knights."

I figured I’d head home after checking here. And sure enough—there she was. The girl with distinctive purple twin-tails… Asagao Hanae. And, well… certain things about her were big. Bigger than mine, probably.

"Ah, are you a new student? Are you interested in the Remedial Knights?"

"Eh…? Wah!?"

Just as I was thinking something rude, she suddenly spoke to me. When I turned around and saw her right there, I let out a weird squeak.

"I’m Asagao Hanae! Since fate has brought us together here, why don’t you join the Remedial Knights with me?"

"Ah, yes, Asagao-san… um, thank you for speaking to me. I think I’ll look around a little more before deciding."

"I understand! See you later!"

I briskly retreated from the Remedial Knights’ booth. That scared me so much. …Actually, my behavior had been exactly like a shy person’s. I’m in no position to comment on Koharu.

And so, in the end, after checking a few more nearby clubs, I decided to head home. I still hadn’t picked a club, but oh well. It’s not like I have to join today. Honestly, joining next year would be fine too. Though knowing myself, I’d probably say the same thing next year and end up go-home club for all three years.