[High School Year 2, Part 2] Kayama Esumi: The Cathedral and the Sister

"A commission from the Sisterhood for a painting?"

A fair amount of time had passed since she moved up to her second year. Peaceful days flowed by without any major incidents until one day, Kayama Esumi looked up from the thick book she was reading and repeated those words to her junior and apprentice standing before her.

"Yes. A friend of mine who just joined the Sisterhood this year mentioned they’d love to hang one of your works in a specific section of the Cathedral. Apparently, they recently finished repairs on a certain area, and it looks far too desolate, so the Sisterhood has been debating how to improve its appearance."

The apprentice. This girl, named Otaru Cheri, swayed her body—which was about fifteen centimeters taller than Esumi, who had finally reached a height of 155—as she explained the situation as if it were mere small talk.

Cheri, who kept her long green hair tied back in a ponytail, usually spent most of her time dedicated to the activities of the Filius faction. Given her position as an attendant to Kirifuji Nagisa, whom she deeply admired, she didn't often engage in art activities with Esumi.

Esumi had assumed today would be no exception and that Cheri wouldn't be coming to the workshop. However, Cheri had appeared like a dog wagging its tail, claiming she had scouted out some good information. Esumi had asked for details just to humor her, and that was how this all started.

Ultimately, the information Cheri brought seemed to be something Esumi found genuinely unpleasant. She frowned in exasperation.

"A friend... so in other words, this isn't a formal request from the Sisterhood, but something passed through word of mouth? Let me be clear: I generally don't accept commissions from anyone. Even if the Sisterhood came to me personally and bowed their heads, I wouldn't create a work for them. I’m sorry, but tell that friend of yours that I’m declining."

"What?! You’re not going to take it? This is such a great chance to build a connection with the Sisterhood!"

As Esumi lowered her eyes back to her book as if to say the conversation was over, Cheri began to protest, acting as though a delicious opportunity was slipping away. However, Esumi seemed to have closed her ears, refusing to look up from the book filled with difficult characters.

"Master, this is a chance! A huge chance! The stiff, strictly neutral Sisterhood actually wants a piece of art. If you casually fulfill their wish now, you might be able to get on their good side!"

"If I could become friends with people just by offering a single painting, I’d be best friends with everyone living in the Trinity district by now."

Cheri shrugged and let out a sigh at Esumi’s cold retort.

"Goodness... You’re a lone-wolf artist who doesn't belong to any faction, so can’t you at least try to increase the number of allies who might have your back? According to Lady Nagisa, you’ve built a neutral position as an information broker, but isn't that side job a bit too much to handle without any support? The Sisterhood is a pure, upright organization with no political ambition and no interest in the school’s power struggles. If you can build a good relationship with them, they’d be able to ensure your safety in an emergency."

"Do you think so? I think getting close to a specific faction would actually damage my value as a neutral broker. I find it much easier to live my life by maintaining a relationship where I’m neither an ally nor an enemy. Besides, you call the Sisterhood pure and upright, but considering what their predecessor organization was like, it’s a fact they’re still viewed with awe and fear within the school. Even if they don't participate in politics, their influence over the Tea Party is extremely high. Honestly, being too friendly with them might provoke the other factions."

"Then how about my—"

"The Filius faction is out of the question. That would only irritate everyone else even more."

Esumi cut Cheri off with a sharp rejection.

Unlike Esumi, who sat firmly in her neutral position, Cheri was a student belonging to the Filius faction—one of the three major factions that ran Trinity General School. Even though she and Esumi had a master-apprentice relationship built on a passion for art, outsiders often saw her as an agent sent by Filius to pull Esumi into their fold. Her actions always carried weight.

In a private space with just the two of them, a few jokes might fly, but if someone suspicious heard this kind of talk, they would almost certainly misunderstand—or worse, spread rumors with glee. That was why, whenever Esumi and Cheri engaged in art activities together, they were restricted to working indoors and strictly alone.

That said, if Esumi ever took on other apprentices in the future, the situation might change significantly. For now, however, she had no plans to take anyone else under her wing, so the status quo remained. The one thing that was clear was that neither the neutral Esumi nor her apprentice Cheri were entirely free in their artistic pursuits.

"....."

Esumi let out a sigh and returned the book she had been reading to a nearby shelf. From the same shelf, she pulled out a thick flat-file folder. The file was as thick as a legal compendium. She placed it on the desk and began rummaging through its contents. Meanwhile, her apprentice Cheri stood there, having no clue what her master was doing.

"Master? What are you doing with that massive file?"

"This is a simple collection of the works I’ve painted so far. It allows me to track every piece, whether the original was sold or if I kept the original and sold it as a print."

"I see, I see. So it’s like a portfolio. But why take it out now?"

"I don't accept orders for paintings, but 'selling' a painting is a different matter entirely. If what you said about the Sisterhood is true, I can at least introduce them to some works that would be suitable for the Cathedral."

"So you are going to help the Sisterhood out, Master!"

Cheri’s eyes sparkled. She balled her hands into fists and pumped them into the air in a victory pose. Whether she was happy to help her friend in the Sisterhood or grateful that Esumi was a softie at heart, she expressed her joy with her whole body. Esumi could only offer a wry smile.

"Anyway, I’ll handle the selection of works that seem right for the Cathedral. You go tell that friend of yours about this. Whether they actually buy one of my pieces is up to their leadership, so tell them to consult properly. Also, let them know that if they’re looking for works by other artists, I can provide introductions for those as well."

"Leave it to me, Master! I, Otaru Cheri, will make sure these negotiations with the Sisterhood are a resounding success so that more students can experience the wonderful works you've created!"

"No, you just need to make a normal suggestion. It's not like a business deal has been decided—"

"I’ll head to the Cathedral right now to spread the word of your work! Excuse me!"

Without listening to the end of Esumi’s correction, Cheri gave a stiff, polite greeting and bolted out of the room. She was like a rabbit running at seventy kilometers per hour—or perhaps more like a dog obediently following its owner's lead.

"Wait... was this a conversation about 'proselytizing' my paintings?"

Left alone and dazed in the room, Esumi was utterly perplexed. The discussion that had started with selling favors, helping out, or gaining allies had somehow been replaced by the propagation of her art without her even noticing.

1-2

A while after Otaru Cheri had departed for the Cathedral—the Sisterhood’s base of operations.

Just as Esumi had finished selecting the works that would be appropriate for the Cathedral, she received a MomoTalk message from Cheri herself. A small chime rang out, and Esumi tilted her head, wondering what was up as she picked up her phone.

As an aside, for Esumi, who didn't seek out friendships, a smartphone was nothing more than a tool for communication. Most of the contacts registered in her device were companies or business associates. Aside from those, only a few people had the right to MomoTalk with her: Kirifuji Nagisa, Misono Mika, Onikata Kayoko, and her apprentice, Otaru Cheri. A total of four people.

Unlike the other three, who rarely had the chance to interact with Esumi directly and thus used MomoTalk frequently, Cheri spent a lot of time with her through art activities. Consequently, she rarely used the app for casual conversation. For her to reach out meant it was either an emergency or an important report.

Restraining her nerves, Esumi checked the message. 'I’m so sorry, but I didn't have the portfolio with me! Could you please bring the list of your works to the Cathedral?!' It read like a student asking their parent to bring a forgotten lunch or homework to school (though, in fairness, she was a student). Esumi’s dramatic slump in the empty room would have to remain a secret.

And so, portfolio in hand, Kayama Esumi stepped into the Trinity General School Cathedral for the very first time.

"So this... is the Cathedral."

The Cathedral. It was the base of the Sisterhood, who worshipped God, and a historical landmark where one could feel the long-standing traditions and history of Trinity General School. Considering that Trinity is modeled after Britain, the exterior and scale suggested the inspiration was likely Canterbury Cathedral. That would mean the architecture was Romanesque in style—at least, according to the musings of the art-brained Esumi.

Strictly speaking, the real Canterbury Cathedral incorporated Gothic elements like pointed arches and ornate decorations during its 12th-century reconstruction following a fire and to accommodate pilgrims. Thus, it was a unique fusion of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Furthermore, the eastern end of Canterbury Cathedral houses the Trinity Chapel, which once held the remains of Thomas Becket. While the relics were destroyed during the Reformation under Henry VIII, the chapel remains.

As an aside, Thomas Becket was assassinated by supporters of Henry II and later canonized. His remains were moved to the Trinity Chapel in 1220, drawing many pilgrims and eventually inspiring Geoffrey Chaucer’s 'The Canterbury Tales.'

Esumi wondered if this Cathedral, which shared the name Trinity, had a chapel with a similar history. Or perhaps it hid some great secret regarding the Arius Branch School that appeared in the main story. Regardless of art history trivia and theories, both Canterbury and the Trinity Cathedral were sacred sites for the faithful.

"Ah, Master! Over here! I’m right here!"

In a place where even stepping inside required courage for someone like Esumi, who possessed not a shred of religious devotion, someone called out to her with a loud voice that seemed to mock her slight cowardice. It was, of course, her apprentice, Cheri.

While Cheri seemed mindful enough to keep her volume from being a nuisance to everyone, the use of the word 'Master' and the presence of a student who wasn't a Sister naturally drew attention from those around them.

".....Good day to you all."

Esumi gave a small bow to those nearby and offered a greeting before quickly walking over to Cheri and thrusting the portfolio into her chest.

"Otaru. There’s no need to shout in the Cathedral."

"I’m sorry. You looked so dazed, like you were overwhelmed by the Cathedral's presence."

Cheri apologized half-jokingly with a cheeky grin. It was true that Esumi, who rarely visited, was struck by the sanctity and impact of the place. But she hadn't been daydreaming. If she had caught sight of Cheri in the corner of her eye, she would have responded. Since a MomoTalk message would have avoided the need to shout, Esumi looked around with a troubled expression.

"So? Where is this friend you’re supposed to meet? Since I’m here anyway, I thought I’d meet them and talk directly if possible."

"Unfortunately, she’s away on another matter. It seems she was called away for duties by her seniors. I tried to contact her, but she hasn't even read my MomoTalk messages."

"Then what are you doing here? Why stay in the Cathedral if your friend isn't here?"

"Well, I came to ask if they were still interested in hanging a painting in that section. I can just talk to other members of the Sisterhood even if my friend isn't around. I just hadn't thought of a way to actually show them your work... I’m sorry. I’m a terrible apprentice for making my master run errands like this."

"Don't worry about it. It was a good chance for me to visit the Cathedral, so as long as you don't make the same mistake again, it’s fine."

Esumi didn't scold her immature apprentice. Everyone occasionally gets so caught up in the end goal that they neglect the preparation and try to skip steps. As long as she grew from the experience, Esumi didn't mind; though, she did wish Cheri would act with a bit more composure.

"In that case, I’ll go with you to talk to the Sisterhood. It’ll probably go smoother if I’m there."

Cheri shook her head vigorously and waved her hands in a clear gesture of rejection.

"No, no! I can't let you go that far! Leave the talks with the Sisterhood to me. Why don't you take a look around the Cathedral while I’m busy? I’m sure it’ll be good inspiration for your work!"

"Are you really sure?"

"Of course! Please trust me, Master!"

"Alright then. I’ll leave the Sisterhood to you, but please don't be rude. Remember that you’re a student of the Filius faction, and that could lead to misunderstandings depending on the situation."

"I understand, Master!"

Cheri smiled with confidence. Esumi felt a bit uneasy about leaving her to it, but she didn't want to dampen her spirit. She sighed and saw Cheri off.

"Oh, that section that was just repaired is further down this hall to the east. Apparently, anyone can enter, so you don't need to ask for permission."

"I see. Thanks for letting me know, Otaru."

"You’re welcome! I’m off then!"

Esumi noted that Cheri’s natural consideration in explaining the location of the renovated area was impressive. She watched her apprentice leave and then began her own move.

1-3

The Cathedral of Trinity General School was a historical building, but it also faced constant issues with aging and corrosion.

Repairing sections of the building wasn't particularly rare; it was a constant process funded by volunteer work and donations. Some students grumbled that it would be faster to just rebuild the whole thing, viewing the Sisterhood's approach as mere life support for a dying structure. On the other hand, many voices insisted on preserving the historical building for future generations. Esumi shared the desire to keep it as it was, even while acknowledging that large-scale renovations were likely inevitable.

"Still... it’s huge."

She was currently in one of the corridors where many students were passing by. Because the Cathedral was so massive, walking around was exhausting, so she had stepped out into the hallway to catch her breath. However, she wasn't just resting idly. She had pulled a notebook from her coat and was sketching feverishly, taking in every detail of her surroundings.

Since she rarely visited, this was essentially a data-gathering mission for her art. Seeing the atmosphere and features with her own eyes was far more important than looking at photos or documents. Though she was only using a mechanical pencil and a notebook—hardly ideal for proper sketching—she didn't care as she continued to draw. She was careful not to get in the way of passersby, leaning against a wall and alternating between sketching and observing, giving a small nod to students as they passed.

(If I’m going to use this church background, the main subject should probably be an angel or something religious. Or maybe clergy or animals... no, I haven't done religious paintings lately. Perhaps a piece themed around an older Trinity...)

Depending on the location, works that focused solely on the Cathedral itself were rare. Usually, the clergy or biblical figures were the focus, with the church serving as a background. Therefore, Esumi needed a person for the piece and wondered if there was a suitable candidate.

"Good day. Is something troubling you?"

Just as Esumi was agonized over her subject, someone spoke to her. She reflexively looked up to see a student from the Sisterhood. She was slightly taller than Esumi and gave off a very calm impression. She looked to be around the same age or perhaps an upperclassman; since Sisterhood habits were the same for all years, it was hard to tell.

".....Forgive me, I was just struggling with a subject for a painting. It’s nothing worth troubling a Sister over, so please don't worry."

Esumi tucked her notebook away and gave a deep bow. Unlike ordinary students, this person belonged to a faction with significant political power. Esumi explained herself carefully, trying to remain as polite as possible.

"I see... and I apologize as well. We are taught to offer help immediately if we see someone troubled within the Cathedral."

It was true that a student leaning against a wall in the corridor of the Sisterhood's heart, looking deeply distressed over a notebook, would raise questions. Even if it was a misunderstanding, the Sister’s response was perfectly appropriate. Feeling bad for just brushing her off after she had shown such kindness, Esumi decided to ask a question.

"Does this Cathedral have any places where art is currently displayed?"

"Art? Now that you mention it, I heard we used to have several statues on display. However, because the area where they were kept was deteriorating badly, they were removed before the repairs began."

"Statues... By any chance, was that area the same one that was recently renovated?"

"You knew? Yes, the repairs were finished just a few weeks ago."

"Are those statues back in that area now?"

"No, I don't believe any statues were placed there. I’ve visited that section a few times, and aside from the beautifully painted pillars and walls, it’s quite a desolate place. If even one statue were there, it would stand out, so I’m certain."

"....."

If Esumi’s hunch was correct, the Sisterhood was debating whether to hang paintings to change that desolate atmosphere. According to Cheri’s friend, it seemed the Sisterhood was looking for paintings to replace the statues that had previously occupied the space.

Honestly, it seemed like they could just put the old statues back.

In a building with this much history, having a statue or two was standard. Statues were far more durable than paintings, which are sensitive to sunlight and aging. Statues are like the three-dimensional symbols of a church. It seemed hard to believe they wouldn't be returned. Unless they were damaged beyond repair, it didn't make sense—and the Sisterhood, known for their meticulous cleaning and volunteer work, didn't seem like the type to have such an accident.

(I really don't want to get involved with the Sisterhood... but I’m really curious about those statues.)

Esumi was a painter by profession, but her intense love for art extended to sculpture as well. Having finally set foot in the historic Trinity Cathedral, the idea of not seeing the statues that once graced its halls was incredibly disappointing. Being the art-obsessed nerd she was, she couldn't suppress this new bud of curiosity. Even if she couldn't see them with her own eyes, she wanted to solve the mystery of why the Sisterhood had stopped displaying them and turned to paintings instead.

However, 'curiosity killed the cat.' Stepping into this blindly was dangerous. She needed to consider her position and wait for Cheri’s report before deciding whether to dig for the truth or stop.

"Um... is something wrong?"

".....No, it’s nothing."

Oops. Her thoughts had been completely hijacked by her love for art, and she had forgotten the Sister in front of her. Since this student had provided such interesting information, Esumi felt she should show some gratitude. She cleared her throat and suddenly took the Sister’s hands in hers.

"Eek?!"

"Sister. Thank you so much for such a valuable story. What you’ve told me is incredibly precious, and it’s been a long time since my heart has been this stimulated. If you’re willing, may I ask you more questions about the Trinity Cathedral in the future? If possible, I’d like to keep in touch as acquaintances. I’ll make sure not to be a nuisance, of course. What do you say?"

"U-um... your face is... t-too... close! Please, calm down first!"

"Oh? Ah, my apologies. I got a little carried away."

"N-no, it was my pleasure to help. As for your request... if I can be of assistance, I’m happy to help anytime."

"I see. Thank you. Oh, and one last request."

Esumi felt like she had found a rare talent. With the air of a talent scout who had just spotted a future star on the street, she spoke to the Sister.

"Would you be willing to be an art model for my work?"

"An art model... a model... m-model? ...What?! You want me as a model?!"

"Yes, exactly."

If she was going to paint the Cathedral, she needed someone who could serve as an accent within that mysterious, historical architecture without feeling out of place—someone whose presence enhanced the atmosphere. There was no one better than a member of the Sisterhood. This particular Sister was the picture of a god-serving ideal: pure, earnest, and gentle. She was the perfect subject for the piece Esumi had been struggling with.

The Sister was clearly shaken by the sudden request, but Esumi’s art-brain was in full overdrive. Using her own beauty to its full potential, Esumi closed the distance and pleaded once more.

"Please. I absolutely need you. Your presence, the aura you radiate... it has captured my heart. It might be a strange thing to ask, but I promise I will treat you with the utmost respect. I will handle you with the greatest care and ensure not a speck of dirt touches you."

To an outsider, these words were incredibly misleading. Esumi was dead serious, but this wasn't something one should say loudly in a crowded corridor. Other Sisters and students passing by were already turning bright red as they watched. However, Esumi—lost in her desire to paint—and the Sister—whose brain was short-circuiting from being practically wooed by Esumi’s beauty and flowery words—were both completely oblivious to their surroundings.

".....Master, what are you doing?"

In the middle of this bizarre scene that was drawing a crowd, Otaru Cheri appeared, having finished her business. She frowned as she watched her admired master from a distance.

(Seriously... I came to see what the crowd was about, and I find Master hitting on a member of the Sisterhood?! I can never let Nagisa-sama see this!)

Esumi wasn't actually hitting on her, but from Cheri’s distance, it looked like Esumi was holding the Sister’s hands and staring intently into her eyes. She couldn't hear the actual words. Even from a distance, seeing the famous Kayama Esumi so engrossed in a single Sister was enough to draw more and more curious onlookers.

Naturally, whispers began to circulate among the students who didn't understand the situation.

"Oh, isn't that Kayama Esumi from the second year?"

"It is. I heard even the Tea Party has their eyes on her. She looks as intelligent as the rumors say."

"I can't see because of the crowd! Hey, what’s going on?"

"Don't you know? Apparently, Esumi-senpai fell in love at first sight and is confessing to that Sister."

"No, no. That Sister helped Esumi-senpai when she was in trouble, and now she’s being invited to her house as thanks."

"Wait, are Sisters allowed to date? And an invitation to her house? Incredible. Esumi-senpai seems quite wealthy thanks to her side job."

"Is that the famous painter? Wow... the rumors were right, she’s gorgeous. Is she a model or something?"

"Right? Trinity has so many refined ladies, but even though Esumi-senpai is a commoner like us, you’d never think it seeing her like that."

"I’m so jealous of that Sister! Who is that lucky girl anyway?"

"Oh, you don't know? She just joined the Sisterhood this year, but she’s already being hailed as a future leader with incredible talent. Her name is Utazumi Sakurako."

"Yes, she’s a rising star within the Sisterhood. Everyone has high expectations for her. You should remember the name. Still, to think she managed to charm the stoic Esumi-sama... Sakurako-san is quite something."

"These Sisters just appeared out of nowhere to explain... but she didn't 'charm' her, did she? If anything, isn't that Sakurako girl the one getting played?"

"Well, a painter confessing to a Sister is definitely rare."

"To not cave when being confessed to by such a beautiful senior... that Sakurako girl has a strong heart."

Among the rapidly spreading misinformation, one name caught Cheri’s attention.

"Utazumi... Sakurako?"

It wasn't Cheri the apprentice who reacted, but Cheri of the Filius faction, serving Kirifuji Nagisa.

(That’s the same name as the key person Filius has started monitoring recently... Why is someone like that with Master?)

Her previous exasperation and jealousy vanished. Cheri narrowed her eyes, observing the two from afar like an investigator watching a target. She wondered what Sakurako’s true intentions were in approaching her beloved Esumi.

Meanwhile, the two subjects of the rumors were still unaware of the chaos around them, continuing their desperate conversation.

There was no way to know what they were saying, but seeing Esumi speaking earnestly and Sakurako nodding hesitantly, the rumors of a 'confession' or 'invitation' didn't seem entirely off-base to the onlookers.

The truth was simply that Sakurako had reluctantly agreed to Esumi’s plea to be an art model, but in this environment, no one would have believed something so mundane.

In the world Esumi lived in before, there was a four-character idiom: 'Kaden Rika.'

It comes from the poems of Kunshi-ko, combining 'don't adjust your hat under a plum tree' and 'don't tie your shoes in a melon patch.' Broadly, it means 'don't do anything that might invite suspicion or misunderstanding.'

For Esumi, who often lost herself in the heat of her artistic passion, it was a lesson she desperately needed to take to heart. However, it would be quite some time before she truly understood that.