Kayama Esumi: "The Scrapped Treaty"

"Regarding that treaty, now that its initiator, the General Student Council President, has gone missing... unfortunately, we have no choice but to scrap it for the time being..."

Kirifou Nagisa spoke with a look of utter dissatisfaction, letting out a heavy, deeply dejected sigh.

Watching her, Seia shrugged her shoulders.

"It can't be helped. With the person who proposed the treaty absent, we shouldn't just push things forward on our own. From what I hear, Gehenna is also moving in the direction of suspending the treaty... Well, rather than that, don't you think what we should be thinking about now is our future course? After all, the General Student Council President, who is essentially the top authority of Kivotos, has suddenly vanished. Because of that, crime rates are surging everywhere. In the underground world, the buying and selling of weapons and arms have become active, and it seems some of that has even trickled into the Trinity Autonomous Region."

Seia had finally made an appearance at a Tea Party meeting after a long absence. Taking a sip of freshly brewed tea while expressing gratitude for her fully recovered body, she began affectionately petting a long-tailed tit that happened to fly over to her hand.

"It's already been several weeks today since the General Student Council President went missing. Hasumi just returned to the academy the other day after heading to the Sanctum Tower relying on Nagisa's information, but if her report is true, the General Student Council is currently falling into functional paralysis, likely due to being left without a leader. Honestly, asking the current General Student Council for help is nothing short of sheer foolishness... That means the fate of Trinity rests squarely on the shoulders of the three of us right here right now."

Having thoroughly petted the long-tailed tit, she directed a meaningful gaze toward Nagisa, and then shifted it to the girl sitting next to her.

Mika, who received Seia's gaze, let out a cheerful laugh while propping her cheek with both hands.

"Still, don't you think things will somehow work out if it's us? I mean, we're the student presidents of Trinity, after all. Worrying about other academies or districts is just a waste of time, and I think we should only focus on things within Trinity from now on."

"Mika-san. Even if we focus solely on Trinity, external factors naturally arise. If it were a problem occurring exclusively within Trinity's internal borders, the three of us alone would probably be able to handle it adequately. But when it comes to problems involving other academies, that is simply not the case. Trinity General Academy is a school with a remarkably long history in Kivotos. Because of that, Trinity has actively pursued exchanges with other academies for a long time. Just because we cannot rely on the General Student Council, casting aside the trust and achievements we have built up to this day right here and now is honestly not a wise judgment."

"I agree with Nagisa's opinion. I am well aware that Mika has not the slightest interest in politics, but if we cut off ties with the outside world, Trinity will eventually become isolated... That is no good. Even supposing we cut off external exchanges and our generation gets through it just fine, if this goes on for long, a calamity will inevitably befall Trinity's future. Are you really fine with that?"

Faced with her words, Mika puffed out her cheeks as if bored. Then, grumbling discontentedly, she reached out for the tea party sweets sitting right in front of her and quietly began to eat them.

With a sigh at her childhood friend's behavior, Nagisa turned her gaze toward Seia and opened her mouth.

"However, precisely because of this current climate... I truly wished for that treaty to become a reality... It is genuinely regrettable. If only that treaty had been realized, the future might have grown a little brighter..."

"...Nagisa. Do you seriously... genuinely believe that treaty is for the good of Trinity?"

Immediately following, ever so faintly, the atmosphere in the room shifted in an instant, and at the same time, Nagisa's eyes widened.

"...What do you mean by that?"

"Exactly as it sounds. A peace treaty between Trinity and Gehenna. It's an unprecedented treaty where academies that have shared bad blood since ancient times finally join hands. It might have been a personal fancy of that General Student Council President, but this treaty, which was carefully graced with the name Eden... To tell you the truth, I wasn't all that keen on this proposal. I feel a slight sense of relief that it was scrapped."

"That is... why? It may indeed have been a pipe dream. But if this treaty had only been realized, true peace would have finally arrived for both sides, who have been meaninglessly fighting for years, wouldn't it? It should have eliminated any worries of that tragic incident that befell Esumi-san ever happening again—"

"That's just it, Nagisa."

At that moment, with a somewhat displeased expression, Seia cut her words short midway.

"What on earth are you expecting from that treaty?"

"...Eh?"

Nagisa let out the words with a look of utter astonishment.

In contrast, Mika, Nagisa's childhood friend, had been watching their conversation blankly with a thoroughly unamused expression, but she too seemed to have her own thoughts regarding Nagisa's earlier words and kept her gaze fixed on her. Her hand, which had been eating sweets, had completely stopped.

Meanwhile, glancing once more at the cute long-tailed tit that had flown away from her, Seia stared straight at Nagisa with narrowed eyes.

"Supposing that said treaty had been successfully concluded. What exactly would you be feeling joyful about at that moment? Joy that Trinity and Gehenna are finally making up? Or a sense of relief that Kayama Esumi can live in peace without facing any more danger?"

"...That is..."

"Ah, no, please don't misunderstand. I still harbor sorrow regarding the tragedy that befell her. Of course, I was furious at the time, too. I am fully aware that the treaty would be beneficial for her. But the treaty devised by the General Student Council President was not prepared for her. If anything, it is likely nothing more than a mere catalyst."

Tilting her head slightly to the side, Seia asked:

"Nagisa, you are a politician. You are one of the student presidents sitting on the Tea Party. The sole role demanded of someone like you is to conduct politics that benefits Trinity General School, or rather, the people living within this district."

"...Seia-san."

"I understand the feeling of wanting to prioritize her. I naturally hold that desire to lend her strength for her sake. But that treaty... that treaty alone must not be swayed by her existence. This is a covenant that will definitively determine the future course of both Trinity and Gehenna."

"..."

"If you were genuinely wishing for the realization of that treaty out of concern for Trinity's future, I will close my mouth on this matter from now on. But... if you were thinking only of her alone, you are still unsuited to be a politician. Or should I say, you lack self-awareness?"

Saying this coldly and sternly, Seia took another sip of her tea, muttered, "Oh my, it's gotten lukewarm," and drank the lukewarm tea without caring in the least.

"...Self-awareness... as a politician...?"

As for Nagisa, she unconsciously repeated the words Seia had spoken, placing a hand to her mouth while falling into deep thought. Then, in a voice meant for no one else to hear, she muttered, "What should I do... Esumi-san."

"Hmph."

Meanwhile, Mika, who had been watching her childhood friend like that the entire time, let out a thoroughly unamused sound, and as if to say she had lost interest, reached back out for the sweets.

"Ugh, I'm tired. Today's meeting was kind of boring and dull. Yep, just being there was a lot of work."

Stretching out both arms and legs across the sofa in an utterly unladylike posture, Mika muttered those words. The day's Tea Party meeting, which had wrapped up in about an hour, had essentially wasted time with Nagisa and Seia arguing back and forth over various things, leaving no particular need for Mika to chime in.

"Both Nagi-chan and Seia-chan seem terribly troubled by the General Student Council President going missing, but honestly, I think expecting anything from the General Student Council was totally wrong from the start."

Stretching on the sofa, Mika let out a grand sigh. Then she slowly propped her upper body up and spoke with a cheerful smile.

"Hey, what do you think Furan-chan?"

"...Me?"

At that, speaking from a desk located a short distance away from Mika on the sofa, a student currently in the midst of administrative work replied with a curious look.

Her name was Furan.

She was a talented student currently serving as the art club president as Kayama Esumi's successor. Incidentally, the work she was currently handling involved important documentation and procedures concerning the art club, making it a legitimate presidential duty.

Which meant this was a workspace prepared exclusively for her.

Surprisingly, despite the master of the room currently working diligently right there, Mika, who should have been an outsider, was lounging as a matter of course on the sofa right under her nose.

Well, however, Furan herself did not seem to particularly mind, and upon temporarily halting her work, she gazed straight at Mika.

"I am not a politician. I am merely a student enrolled in this Trinity General School. Moreover, I am simply serving as the art club president in order to inherit Kayama-sama's will. Unfortunately, asking me for opinions on politics is a bit much, Mika-sama."

"Ehh. But even politics-hating Furan-chan must be keeping tabs on the current situation in Kivotos, right?"

"That is true. Precisely because I detest this world, I keep a close eye on information. I am, of course, well aware that due to the General Student Council President's disappearance, the treaty that both Trinity and Gehenna had been working toward realizing has regrettably been scrapped."

"As expected, typical Furan-chan."

"Praising me is useless. As I said before, I hate politics. I have no desire to get involved. Besides, whether that treaty is realized or scrapped has nothing to do with me. Everything I do is for the sake of art, for the sake of the art club."

Furan uttered those words with resolute determination.

Hearing this, Mika nodded with a look of satisfaction and said:

"I see. Well, Furan-chan has helped me out in various ways up until now, so I will spare you any further pursuit. By the way... may I ask how that matter is going?"

Mika's movement stopped dead in its tracks.

"You mean the information regarding... the Arius Branch. Unfortunately, there has been no progress... As expected, it seems most records regarding the Arius Branch were either expunged or they weren't even allowed to leave records behind in the first place, so aside from the catacomb map I provided to Mika-sama previously, I haven't been able to acquire any fresh information."

"Ugh, that's a shame. I suppose the chasm between Trinity and Arius really is deeper than we thought."

"...Even so, since we managed to make contact with the Arius Branch based on the map I provided, we should probably be grateful for now. Well, I never expected the other side to be so enthusiastic about reconciliation, though..."

Furan frowned with a look that suggested she still found it unconvincing.

The chasm born between Trinity and Arius should have grown deeper with time, accompanied by a rising tide of mutual hatred. Therefore, Furan naturally harbored suspicions as to why Arius, an exiled entity, would agree to reconciliation so easily. She suspected there might be some underlying motive.

However, Mika herself did not seem particularly bothered by that sense of discord, and proceeded to talk about a mysterious transfer student she had recently brought in from Arius.

"That's true. They were willing to have someone like Azusa-chan transfer over from Arius without any fuss, so maybe they really do wish from the bottom of their hearts to reconcile with us after all. I haven't met Azusa-chan in person yet, but she seems like a genuinely good kid and looks serious, so I think she'll settle into Trinity's environment right away. I hope this serves as an opportunity for us to reconcile quickly."

Swinging her legs back and forth, swaying her body happily, Mika pinned her hopes on a bright future. Glancing at her, Furan sent a piercingly cold gaze so as not to be noticed, then clasped her hands together on her desk.

"Mika-sama... I have two things I am curious about. Might I ask?"

"Un, what is it? What's the matter? I mean, asking two whole questions is pretty rare for Furan-chan."

"Regarding that transfer student... why did you choose Kayama-sama to be her mentor? I would think there are other more suitable candidates."

For Furan, who deeply adored Esumi, having Esumi take care of the transfer student Azusa would cut into Esumi's precious artistic creation time, which probably stirred a sense of displeasure in her. Mika understood that well.

However, keeping her smile, she began to explain.

"Azusa-chan is, you see, a precious, precious symbol of peace brought over from Arius. So, to ensure she doesn't head down the wrong path and can blend into Trinity smoothly, entrusting Azusa-chan to Esumi-chan, whom I trust from the bottom of my heart, is the best choice. Furan-chan, since you respect Esumi-chan so much, you understand that, right?"

"...That may be... true. Kayama-sama is an exceptionally brilliant person, and at the same time, someone with a magnanimous heart. Under her, that student who transferred from Arius will surely spend her time without trouble. Moreover, under Kayama-sama, who occupies a neutral stance, no one would dare lay a hand on her so easily."

"Yep, yep, exactly."

"However, if something were to happen to Kayama-sama... what do you intend to do in that event?"

"What on earth do you mean by that?"

The smile vanished from Mika's face, and she tilted her head inquiringly.

"I mean it literally. If Arius's purpose is not reconciliation with Trinity... and they sent that student over for some other reason, then Kayama-sama, who is by her side, would be in the greatest danger. That person was already subjected to an attack once before that left her in critical unconsciousness. The culprit behind that attack remains unknown... Despite that, placing an Arius student of unknown background by her side of all places is simply too dangerous, isn't it? At the very least, Kayama-sama should have been informed that the transfer student's origin is the Arius Branch..."

"I understand Furan's worry. But you see, it's fine, don't worry. I trust Arius... They surely intend to reconcile, just like me, and sent Azusa-chan over. Besides, if I were to explain Arius to Esumi-chan, she would probably say something like, 'I'll help out a little too'... Well, she might already have noticed, actually. Esumi-chan is exceptionally perceptive. But the fact that she hasn't said anything so far probably means Esumi-chan has a plan of her own, don't you think?"

"Is that so. Well, since I am merely a collaborator, I will refrain from prying any further."

Shrugging her shoulders, Furan lowered her gaze.

It seemed the conversation regarding Azusa was over.

"By the way, may I ask what your second question is?"

Leaning against the sofa, Mika looked at Furan with eager curiosity. In response, Furan prefaced with, "This is hardly something worth asking Mika-sama about at this late hour, but...", and narrowed her purple eyes slightly.

"It is about the peace treaty—the Eden Treaty—which was scrapped due to the General Student Council President's disappearance... I was simply wondering how Mika-sama feels about this matter."

"Ah, is that what it was. I was bracing myself in case you were going to ask a difficult question☆"

Sticking out her tongue, Mika laughed brightly and innocently.

However, the light of affectionate and cheerful emotions did not dwell in her eyes; instead, dark emotions close to hatred and disgust faintly manifested in their place.

Straightening her posture, Mika clapped her hands together right there, producing a sharp, dry sound.

"The peace treaty with Gehenna, the very people who put Esumi-chan in danger. Something like that... scrapping it was the right answer. A peace treaty with Gehenna, who invited Esumi-chan over on their own accord yet failed to protect her properly? Honestly, it's so absurd it makes me laugh. Nagi-chan seemed to place her hopes in the realization of the treaty to ensure a tragedy like that never happens again, but precisely because such a tragedy happened, I am opposed to a treaty with Gehenna."

"However, that Eden Treaty. Although the initiator was the General Student Council President, the central figure who expressed support for its realization and stood at the forefront was Kayama-sama."

Just as Furan said, none other than Esumi had loudly and clearly voiced her support for realizing the Eden Treaty, an unprecedented peace treaty between Trinity and Gehenna.

Consequently, the Filius faction led by Nagisa had boldly moved forward toward the treaty's realization, while the Sanctus faction led by Seia remained neutral and quietly watched without opposing it. Meanwhile, the Pater faction led by Mika continued to maintain its opposition, refusing to give its nod of approval despite Esumi's presence.

As a result, with the disappearance of the initiator, the General Student Council President, the treaty was scrapped and ended up collapsing in mid-air. True to form, Mika, who had maintained her opposition to the end, appeared thoroughly satisfied.

Of course, the reason Esumi had so prominently expressed her support for the Eden Treaty was due to a secret agreement with the General Student Council President herself, but since that remained a secret between the two of them, Furan and Mika naturally knew nothing about it.

"Esumi-chan is kind, after all. Whenever she talked about what happened to her, she kept insisting it was her own fault for having poor crisis management, and probably thought the treaty should be realized as a lesson from what happened to her. Nagi-chan seemed to firmly believe that, but Seia-chan was always calm. Really, just because a treaty like that is signed doesn't mean the tragedy that befell Esumi-chan will disappear... Maybe Nagi-chan just wanted to cling to that treaty... Well, the treaty in question got scrapped anyway, so it's not something we need to worry about anymore☆"

As Mika finished speaking cheerfully, right on cue, a knock echoed at the door.

Since this was the workspace of Furan, the art club president, if someone was coming to visit, it was obvious who it would be. Furan bowed slightly toward Mika and welcomed the visitor in.

"Pardon me, President Furan. The restoration work on the oil painting borrowed from the cathedral earlier has just—wait, Mika-sama of the Tea Party!? Wh-why is the head of the Pater faction in the President's room!? Ah, s-sorry! Did I interrupt something?!"

"No, it's fine. Please don't panic. I was just discussing details regarding the painting commissioned from the Pater faction the other day with Mika-sama, but our discussion is already finished. She was just about on her way out."

"Huh, is that so?"

Mika deliberately put on an expression that said, That's news to me.

Ignoring her reaction, Furan decided to have the club member who had just entered wait in the room for a moment.

"I am going to see Mika-sama out now. I will be back in just a few minutes, so please make yourself comfortable in this room. As for the restoration, thank you for your hard work. Let's discuss the details once I return."

"Y-Yes, understood."

"Then let's go, Mika-sama. The exit is that way."

Taking the lead, Furan began guiding Mika toward the exit.

Of course, Mika had already visited the art club room several times, so Furan's guidance was completely unnecessary, but it was a necessary action to deceive the eyes of those around them.

After all, matters concerning the Arius Branch were a secret known only to Mika, Furan, and Rino, Furan's best friend who belonged to the same art club. That was why they were able to chat secretly in broad daylight in the room, thanks to the cover and consideration of Furan as president.

Looking up at Furan, who was taller than her, Mika whispered her thanks: "Thanks for covering for me."

"Don't mention it. From the beginning, we are a pair utilizing one another. There is no need for words of gratitude."

"Even so, if it weren't for Furan-chan's help, I wouldn't have been able to take action regarding Arius, so I at least want to say thank you. You gathered information for me so desperately even though you have a club to run, right? Really, thank you."

"..."

Furan glanced back at Mika behind her, watching her bright figure beam with a seemingly happy smile. A complex, indescribable emotion suddenly welled up inside her, and without letting Mika notice, she let out a small sigh and turned back forward.

"...When our respective objectives are successfully achieved, if you still harbor even a sliver of gratitude toward me... that will be the moment I graciously accept your words of thanks."

"Hmm? Hey, hey, Furan-chan, what does that mean?"

"......No, please forget what I just said. For now, let's focus on Kayama-sama and the transfer student from Arius. No matter how accommodating Kayama-sama is, it will be completely meaningless if that transfer student turns out to be troublesome. When the time is right, I will personally check in on their current situation."

"Boo, ignoring me is mean, Furan-chan... Well, I can't keep worrying about it forever, so I'll forget about it for now. Just like Furan-chan said, I hope Esumi-chan and Azusa-chan... get along well together."

Mika looked up at the sky and muttered with worry.

Yet, she ultimately concluded with an upbeat and absolute sense of confidence: "Still, with Esumi-chan, there shouldn't be any problems☆"

Now then, what about Kayama Esumi and Shirasu Azusa, whom Mika and Furan were concerned about?

Right now, what were the two of them up to?

"Answer my question... You must have met a student wearing this school emblem before. Right?"

"......Shirasu..."

Inside Esumi's workspace, Azusa pointed directly at the patch on her left sleeve, pressing Esumi with an intense, desperate look in her eyes.

That was a scene vastly far removed from the getting along well Mika had wished for moments ago. Moreover, Esumi, who was being aggressively cornered by Azusa in real-time, wore an intensely troubled expression, using her right hand—clad in its black leather glove—to cover her mouth.

What that signified precisely, nobody knew. But one thing was certain: she was far from having a pleasant time.

"Please... I'm begging you, for the sake of Arius... lend me your strength...!!"

Azusa's sorrowful voice echoed through Esumi's office.