[Intro] Kayama Esumi: Prologue

"So, the original is five million, and three prints at four hundred thousand each come to one point two million... that brings the total for the four pieces to six point two million yen. I will contact you later regarding the separate costs for transport and display, but for now, please sign these documents."

"Thank you."

Kirifuji Nagisa, a third-year at Trinity General School, took the A4 sheet—the contract—offered to her with polite words. She quickly signed it before handing it to the Tea Party student waiting by her side.

The student, who served as both Nagisa’s subordinate and attendant, glanced at the document bearing Nagisa’s name and promptly returned it to its owner—the merchant.

"...As always, negotiations with you conclude so swiftly, Lady Nagisa. For us merchants, it is truly a blessing."

"You're too kind. It is only because you always introduce works that suit me so perfectly that I can make my decisions without hesitation. I should be the one expressing my gratitude."

"You say that, but the works you purchase are always, without fail, those of Master Kayama Esumi. Since you strictly buy her work and no one else's, it makes it very easy for us to curate what we show you. It’s a great help."

"I see. I am honored to have played a part in your business success. I look forward to Master Esumi's future works, so I hope to continue our relationship."

Nagisa paused there, clasping her hands and offering a pleasant smile.

"By the way, please tell Master Esumi this: I am ready to become her patron at any time. Rather than simply buying her works to support her, I would much prefer to support the artist herself directly..."

The reactions of those in the room varied upon hearing that statement.

Nagisa’s attendant broke into a cold sweat while staring at her mistress, while the merchant facing Nagisa offered a troubled, wry smile. The merchant took a breath to compose himself before speaking.

"...Understood. However, I have also been entrusted with a message from Master Esumi for you, Lady Nagisa. Shall I relay it?"

"Yes. I can guess the contents, but please, let me hear it."

"The message from the Master is this: 'I have no intention of becoming your ward.'"

It was as if she had predicted Nagisa's proposal. The attendant looked immensely bewildered, but Nagisa herself only smiled deeper, looking quite satisfied.

"I look forward to the day that message changes."

With that, the merchant and Nagisa fell silent, as if their business was concluded. They bowed politely to one another, signaling the end of the meeting.

Only the attendant remained, unable to fully grasp the situation.

1-2

"Forgive me, Lady Nagisa. May I ask a question?"

The negotiation had taken about an hour. As Nagisa walked back toward the main Trinity campus, her attendant spoke up from behind. Her regular personal attendant was out sick, so she was acting as a last-minute substitute for this meeting.

Something about the conversation from an hour ago clearly weighed on her.

Nagisa gave a calm "You may," and though she didn't turn around, she listened.

"How exactly do you know that art dealer, Lady Nagisa?"

"As you saw, it is the relationship between a shopkeeper who sells paintings and a customer who buys them."

Nagisa gave the obvious answer, but knowing the girl wouldn't be satisfied with that, she continued.

"To be precise, that is the only shop that carries the works of a specific painter I am particularly fond of."

"Are you referring to Kayama Esumi, whom you mentioned earlier?"

"Yes. She is known as one of the most prominent painters in Kivotos and is hailed as a supernova in the world of art. Within the Trinity district, she is likely the most famous artist of all."

"I’ve heard the name a few times myself. I believe I've seen some of her work displayed at the academy..."

"I see. For your information, most of the paintings at the school were purchased by me and put on display. If you have the time, you should take a closer look at them later."

"So you were the one who commissioned those... I—if I may be so bold as to ask another... what is your relationship with Kayama Esumi? I didn't realize you were so personally invested in an individual..."

"Oh, did you not know?"

Nagisa stopped in her tracks and turned toward the attendant, whose face was filled with surprise.

"Master Esumi... Kayama Esumi is a third-year student here at Trinity General School and my childhood friend. She is a truly wonderful person."

Nagisa wore a smile so beautiful it could make anyone skip a beat.

1-3

"Nagi-chan, welcome back!"

As soon as Nagisa and her attendant arrived at the school, a girl with swaying pink hair rushed toward Nagisa as if she had been waiting for them. She threw herself into Nagisa—or rather, she collided with her like she was tackling her.

The momentum was like that of an armored car moving at top speed. It was actually quite dangerous.

Even so, Nagisa is a true citizen of Kivotos. In terms of physical durability, she's second to none, but being hit by an almost completely unforeseen impact is a different story.

"Wait, Mika-san, that's dang—Ngh... Gack...!"

Letting out a groan quite unbecoming of a lady, Nagisa somehow managed to catch the person who had lunged at her chest. She forced her pained expression into a smile. It likely hurt quite a bit.

"M-Mika-san... I believe I told you before to stop lunging at me with such force..."

"Oh, really? I thought I slowed down just like you said."

"Don't just slow down—don't run in the first place. I nearly fell over trying to catch you..."

"I'd never do anything that would actually hurt you, Nagi-chan!"

The girl, who was slightly shorter than Nagisa—her childhood friend, Misono Mika—laughed happily. Watching her, Nagisa let out a sigh.

"So. Since you’ve gone to the trouble of greeting me so dramatically, I assume there's something you wanted to tell me?"

"Whoa, are you a psychic, Nagi-chan? How did you know what I was thinking?"

"How many years do you think we've known each other? Setting aside our private time, for you to make such a conspicuously public greeting inside the school... is this a conversation you don't want others interrupting?"

When Nagisa spoke with such certainty, the smiling Mika didn't drop her expression at all as she chirped "Bingo!" Nagisa sighed again and turned to her attendant.

"My apologies. I'll be with Mika-san from here on, so your assistance is no longer required. Thank you for your hard work today."

"Understood. Please let me know if you need anything else."

The attendant had looked surprised and confused throughout Mika’s heated welcome, but she reacted instantly to Nagisa’s words and left without making a scene.

Mika waved her off with a "Good job~!" but as soon as the girl was out of sight, she pulled away from Nagisa.

"I haven't seen that girl before. A new attendant?"

Mika asked in a probing tone. Her cheerful demeanor had shifted; though she was still smiling, the atmosphere around her had changed. Watching her childhood friend, Nagisa gave an exaggerated shrug.

"Impressive. You noticed."

"I try to keep track of your inner circle. We belong to different factions, after all. It would be a pain if we let the wrong thing slip or gave someone leverage. I could've talked in front of the girl who's usually stuck to your side, though. Is she out today?"

"Unfortunately, she is out sick..."

"That’s rare. She’s pretty tough, but I guess she’s not? Anyway, what about this new girl? Do you think she’s got potential as an attendant?"

"It's a bit too early to judge. Her procedure and poise are perfect, but she wears her emotions and thoughts on her sleeve, which is a drawback... Honestly, if she were as much of an open book as you are, I could at least make my peace with it..."

"Wait a second, Nagi-chan. Did you just casually insult me?"

"I stated a fact."

"That’s so mean!"

Mika wailed and tried to lunge at her again, but Nagisa warned her with a firm "Please refrain from doing that in public," causing Mika to back off quite easily, looking disgruntled.

"By the way, didn't you have something important to discuss?"

The reason Nagisa had dismissed the attendant was because Mika wanted to talk about "something" she didn't want overheard. The conversation had strayed, but Nagisa steered it back toward her childhood friend.

Mika looked blank for a moment, then nodded as if she had just remembered.

"Oh, right! I totally forgot!"

"Mika-san... you are technically one of the representatives of the Tea Party, you know? Even as your childhood friend, I'm starting to worry... I'm afraid you'll be ousted by your own people without even knowing it."

"It's fine, it's fine! I'm the one keeping the Pater faction in check lately even though things are getting way too restless, so don't worry! ☆"

"...Then for now, let’s go somewhere else. Do you mind talking while we walk?"

"Okey-doke~. I know a good place to talk, so follow me!"

Despite her friend's exasperated look, Mika continued to smile and started walking. She almost looked like she was skipping.

"...Sigh."

Nagisa let out a single sigh at the back of the girl who seemed like an innocent child. She started walking as well, pulling up beside her.

"So. What is this about?"

"Ah... well, you see, Nagi-chan. I actually don't have anything to tell you myself."

"...What?"

Nagisa squinted suspiciously at her friend, who had spoken so bluntly. Mika waved a hand dismissively, saying "It's true!"

"A little while ago, I was asked to call you over once you got back to school. I just sort of agreed without thinking, so I don't actually know what it's about."

"That is very much like you, Mika-san... but who exactly would push a chore onto you? People might misunderstand you because of how you act, but you are a representative of the Tea Party and the leader of the Pater faction. There isn't exactly a long list of people eccentric enough to use you as an errand girl... Ah, come to think of it, there is her..."

A figure flashed into Nagisa’s mind and she frowned, which then turned into an amused smile. Her social circle was quite wide, but she only knew one person who would think it was perfectly fine to use Mika as a gopher.

And when that person happened to be the very one they had just been discussing, it was only natural to smile.

"Was it Kayama Esumi who asked you?"

When Nagisa said the name as if confirming an answer, Mika gave a small round of applause.

"Correct! You're right, Nagi-chan, it was Esumi-chan who asked me. She looked like she wanted to talk about something, but do you have any idea what? I'm totally clueless."

"No, I haven't the slightest clue either. She's the type who rarely speaks to me unless she has a reason."

"She's the same with me. Gosh, we've been childhood friends since middle school, she's so cold! Maybe she wants an opinion because the clothes she's wearing don't fit right?"

"I doubt it, considering you forced her to go shopping with you six months ago..."

"That was just because I wanted to hear her thoughts on the clothes I was wearing! Esumi-chan didn't pick out a single thing for herself. It’s such a waste, she has such a great figure. She just turned me down, saying all she needed was a new pair of coveralls because she paints..."

Coveralls, also known as overalls. One-piece work clothes.

They were often worn for oil painting and other messy work. Since they were originally meant for industrial labor, their durability was unquestionable, but they weren't exactly something you wore as casual fashion. It was only natural for Mika to be dissatisfied.

"Esumi-san often attends solo exhibitions and parties as a painter, but I remember her saying that four or five outfits for those occasions were plenty. She's the type who avoids going out in her private time compared to us, so it can't be helped if she doesn't buy clothes. That said, I do agree with you that she could stand to put a bit more effort into her style and appearance."

"Then next time, let's invite Esumi-chan and we can all go out together! ☆"

"Yes, I agree."

While chatting with her childhood friend, they arrived at their destination before they knew it. Mika noted that they had arrived "surprisingly fast," and Nagisa nodded in deep agreement.

"The garden today, then?"

The place they had reached was the garden, one of the most popular spots for upperclassmen among the many open areas at Trinity General School.

It was kept beautiful every day by Trinity students and was frequently used for private meals or quiet discussions. It was a space for elite students only; students from commoner backgrounds or underclassmen wouldn't dream of stepping foot there.

In one corner of that area, Nagisa spotted a student staring out at the distant scenery, her canvas resting on a wooden easel.

There was no mistake; it was her.

"Mika-san."

"Yeah. That’s Esumi-chan, definitely. She’s totally absorbed in her painting and nobody’s talking to her, so now's our chance."

"True. Esumi-san is quite popular at school, after all... both on the surface and behind the scenes."

Nagisa murmured meaningfully, but Mika either missed it or pretended not to hear, and started walking first. Nagisa followed, noticing several glances from other students in the garden.

However, almost everyone present was a third-year.

Perhaps due to family ties or factional politics, no one found it strange for Nagisa and Mika to be together. In fact, assuming the two were there for important business, the others chose to leave of their own accord. The fact that they were both faction leaders and Tea Party representatives worked in their favor.

Watching this, Nagisa felt that titles could be quite useful depending on how they were used as they finally reached Esumi.

"Esumi-chan! I brought Nagi-chan just like you asked!"

"Esumi... sorry to keep you waiting."

While Mika greeted her energetically and Nagisa spoke more reservedly, the girl they addressed carefully set down her pencil and turned around.

"Misono, thank you for bringing her. Kirifuji, sorry for calling you so suddenly right after you got back."

This was Kayama Esumi. Her long, pale blue hair was tied back in a chignon, with just a few strands of bangs framing her face. She turned her jade-colored, slightly downturned eyes toward the two of them. Mika spoke first.

"No need for thanks! I’ll happily take on any request from you, Esumi-chan. So, what did you need Nagi-chan for? Am I allowed to be here too?"

"Yes, Mika-san is right. Is this something that required clearing the area?"

"I don't mind Misono being here. Besides, everyone else just left on their own because they saw you two. I just had something I wanted to ask of Kirifuji... or rather, something I wanted to tell her."

Esumi pulled a bundle of documents from a bag sitting by her easel and handed them to Nagisa.

"Esumi, what is this?"

"A list of my works that are scheduled to be in the shop. I'm planning to rent out a venue for an exhibition soon, so you should use this list to pick out which ones you want in advance."

"...Has the shop already reported to you?"

Nagisa asked with a bitter expression, but Esumi simply tilted her head as if she knew nothing about it.

"I don't know what you mean. You buy my work often, Kirifuji, so I’m just giving this to you as a courtesy. Just so you know, this is the same list I give to other clients. I'm not giving you special treatment, so don't get the wrong idea."

"I see... Let's go with that. Thank you, I will use this as a reference."

"Sure. That's all I needed, so you can leave now."

"What? You called her over just for that!?"

Mika couldn't help but cry out in surprise. Nagisa gave a wry smile and replied, "It can't be helped."

"This is not something that should normally be taken out of the shop so easily. This is vital information concerning the shop's management; in some cases, it could be punished as a leak. The fact that Esumi is giving this to me directly is proof that she trusts me."

"So that means you and Esumi-chan are accomplices now?"

"You too, Misono, since you watched it happen. Though I've followed the proper procedures for these papers, so even if we're found out, there won't be any trouble. Don't worry."

"I see. That's a relief! ☆"

"...I knew it already, but Misono, I think you really need to be a bit more cautious."

After glancing at the perpetually innocent and bright Mika, Esumi quietly held up her right index finger toward Nagisa.

Esumi looked good in her Trinity uniform and dark green blazer, but the one thing that felt out of place was the black leather glove on her right hand. There were deep reasons for that glove, and every time Nagisa saw it, her heart ached a little.

Unaware of Nagisa’s feelings, Esumi spoke.

"One last thing for Kirifuji. The next delivery date is October 3rd... don't forget."

"...I understand. Is there anything else you want to tell me?"

"Just give up on the patron talk already."

"I’m afraid I can't do that."

"...Stubborn as always."

Esumi muttered with a sigh and a wry smile, turning back to her easel. It seemed the conversation was over.

Sensing that staying longer would affect her work, Nagisa told Mika it was time to go and they left.

"Nagi-chan, are you sure you don't want to talk to Esumi-chan a bit more?"

"Yes, it's fine. If we stayed any longer, we would only be getting in the way of her creative process."

"I don't know, it didn't feel like a long talk to me at all..."

It had only been about five minutes. To Mika, it hardly qualified as a conversation, but since Nagisa seemed satisfied, she kept quiet. She turned her gaze to the documents in Nagisa’s hand.

"But calling you all the way over just to give you those papers seems like a bit much, don't you think?"

"Oh, you don't need to worry about that, Mika-san. These documents were just an excuse to call me over."

"An excuse?"

What did she mean by that? Mika furrowed her brow in confusion, and Nagisa smiled back at her childhood friend.

"My apologies. This is a secret exchange between Esumi-san and me, so I can't tell even you."

"Wh-What!? That's not fair, Nagi-chan! I want a secret exchange with Esumi-chan too!"

"Why not try asking her yourself next time?"

"I will! I'm going to talk to her the next time I see her!"

She would likely be turned away with some excuse, but Nagisa didn't say that out loud as she looked over the papers in her hand.

'One last thing for Kirifuji. The next delivery date is October 3rd... don't forget.'

The words Esumi had said while holding up her right index finger.

It didn't literally mean that a delivery would happen on that date. It was a code they had established: Look at the 3rd item on the 10th page. Unless Esumi said those words directly to her, this document would have remained nothing more than information about her "works."

But following Esumi’s instructions, Nagisa looked at the 3rd item on the 10th page—and there she found the "special" information that only she was meant to know.

"..."

The document was about twenty pages long.

She pulled out the tenth page and read through it. The items were divided by work, each with a description. When Nagisa read the third item as Esumi had instructed, her face quietly contorted.

"Nagi-chan, is something wrong?"

"Mika-san... no, I just thought the text was a bit small and hard to read."

"Huh. Are you getting old, Nagi-chan?"

"Do you want me to stuff a roll cake into your mouth?"

When Nagisa snapped back, Mika yelped and jumped away. Nagisa had no intention of actually doing it, but she sighed and looked at the document again.

The content of the third item was as follows:

Title: Leader of All Organizations.

Artist: Kayama Esumi.

Size: F30 (910mm x 727mm).

Delivery Date: Unknown (Delivery may be canceled due to the work's location being unknown).

Artist Comment: The work appears to have been stolen by someone while in storage. We are currently searching for the culprit, but if it cannot be recovered or if it is severely damaged, the exhibition of this piece will be canceled.

At a glance, it looked like a major incident where a painting intended for exhibition had been stolen, but it was almost certainly a lie.

It was true that Kayama Esumi was a famous painter in Kivotos and her works were traded for extremely high prices. Many people had tried to steal them, and some had succeeded.

However, in that case, she simply wouldn't have included it on the list.

Therefore, this work did not exist. Esumi had replaced a piece of critical information for Nagisa with a description of a painting.

(The title likely refers to an organization or a group. The canvas size is F30... F is for 'Figure,' which is used for portraits... If the location of the work is unknown... does that mean the person is missing?)

Nagisa was quite knowledgeable about art.

Replacing the code with the information Esumi wanted to convey, the message became: The leader who unites all organizations has gone missing. Honestly, it seemed like information she could have just said directly.

It wasn't exactly something that would cause trouble if it were overheard.

But the fact that Esumi, who wanted to stay away from factional disputes, went out of her way to contact Nagisa and use such a roundabout method meant that this information was of extreme importance to Nagisa.

And then Nagisa realized.

"Could it be... the General Student Council President?"

The General Student Council—the organization that unites all schools in Kivotos and handles all administration.

And the person who reigns at its peak, acting as a powerful deterrent and sometimes described as a superhuman: the General Student Council President.

While her true appearance, personality, and behavior remain a mystery, she is also the proposer of the Eden Treaty, which surfaced as a way to mediate between the warring Trinity General School and Gehenna Academy.

If Esumi's information was an undeniable fact, then the disappearance of the GSC President would cause unimaginable chaos and unrest throughout Kivotos. Crime rates might even skyrocket during the turmoil.

What was worse was that the information provided by Kayama Esumi was never wrong. In other words, this information was almost certainly the truth.

(It’s only natural for Master Esumi to be so indirect... if this reached the wrong ears, it would cause a panic...)

Providing this information to Nagisa, a representative of the Tea Party, showed that Esumi trusted her to manage this grave intelligence and act accordingly.

Thinking about it that way made Nagisa feel like she was the sole recipient of Esumi's favor, and she felt a little giddy inside.

Though she couldn't exactly celebrate given that the GSC President was missing...

"Mika-san. Let’s call an emergency meeting of the Tea Party executives. Also, I need you to arrange for personnel to gather information."

"Eh? That's so sudden... well, I think everyone can make it today, but where are we gathering info, Nagi-chan?"

"The General Student Council."

Nagisa gripped the documents as she spoke. Mika seemed to sense something; her face became serious for a split second before she replied, "Got it, leave it to me! ☆" and hurried away.

As long as she was running Trinity General School, she needed to share this information with all the executives and representatives of the Tea Party. In the worst-case scenario, she might even need the head of the Justice Task Force present to handle potential chaos in the district.

Since there had been no report or information from the GSC yet, the others would likely be skeptical, but they could at least prepare for the worst.

"...As always, Esumi, your information gathering and accuracy are terrifying."

Nagisa held the documents to her chest and looked back toward where they had come from.

She turned her eyes of affection and respect toward Trinity’s gifted painter—the underground informant known to a select few as Uriel.