Kayama Esumi: Rumors and Study Abroad

That day, Trinity General Academy was gripped by a bizarre atmosphere unlike anything before.

"Hey, did you hear? The reason Seia-san, who used to serve as the Tea Party host, suddenly stopped showing her face entirely... Apparently, her chronic illness flared up."

"Huh, is that so? The story I heard was that she got sick of politics and dropped out on her own..."

"There's no way that's true. She's the person serving as the head of the Sanctus faction, you know? She must have taken on way too much work unsuited for her small frame and hit her limit, wrecking her health. I've been worried about her ever since I first saw her. I kept thinking, 'A ridiculously frail-looking person just became the top of the academy.'"

"Hold on... It's dangerous for commoner students like us to casually say stuff like that out loud... If students from the Sanctus faction heard about this..."

"Yeah, exactly. The young lady students are all on edge about something, and the Tea Party students spend every single day wearing super grim expressions. If any of us slips up and says something wrong, those people might just fly into a rage."

"Whether it's the Pater faction or the Filius faction, ever since Seia-san suddenly vanished, they've all been acting like they're holding onto some untouchable problem, which is pretty scary, so that makes sense."

"Speaking of which, that senior who's super good at drawing was in our academy, right? What was her name again...?"

"Ehh, you... you don't know her name? It's Esumi-senpai, the former Art Club President and painter."

"Ah, I know her. She's that super pretty and popular senior, right?"

"What about that Esumi-san?"

"Apparently she went to study abroad somewhere out of the blue a few days ago. And so suddenly, too."

"Study abroad, at a time like this?"

"If it's about that, I heard it from a friend in the Art Club. She went on a short-term study abroad program to Wild Hunt Art Academy."

"Yeah, yeah. Word is that Nagisa-san, who's acting as host, arbitrarily decided on the short-term study abroad herself."

"What is that, tyrannical. Deciding someone's studying abroad by force just because she's the head of the academy..."

"I know, right. I thought, 'That's impossible' when I heard it, too. I mean, didn't Esumi-senpai just get discharged from the hospital a few months ago? Even with that, it hasn't been long since she got out, and yet a short-term study abroad... What on earth is Nagisa-san thinking?"

"It's probably because of that. Some political maneuvering or other... Esumi-san is a super famous and gorgeous painter, so she probably intends to reel in some sweet deal by sending her to study abroad at Wild Hunt Art Academy."

"Somehow, Esumi-san has it rough, too. Getting used as a political tool like this."

"I wanted to see Esumi-senpai's face some more... The sight of her drawing pictures suited her so well, it was good for the eyes."

"You, you're basically already a fan of the senior, aren't you?"

"Well, there's no place in Trinity where anyone hates Esumi-san anyway. She's super famous for having incredible personal charm."

"I heard she doesn't just paint, she works as an intelligence broker, too. People always say she looks one or two steps ahead of Trinity."

"Ah-ah... It would've been great if Esumi-san had taken over as the top of the academy..."

Trinity General School is the school with the longest history in Kivotos and boasts a remarkably large student body.

Among them are many students well-versed in politics, students from wealthy families, and students blessed with exceptional talent, which at times has consistently drawn looks of envy and jealousy from general commoner students who possess no particularly standout abilities.

Consequently, they gathered in large numbers all over the academy like this, passionately exchanging opinions with one another regarding the happenings and incidents within the Trinity district, swallowing even unverified rumors whole and unabashedly venting their personal impressions.

Particularly for students unrelated to politics and power, as long as their own daily lives were not threatened, the under-the-table maneuvers and power struggles occurring within Trinity had nothing to do with them. Even if they uttered things that were baseless, they bore no obligation to take responsibility for it.

Outsiders, as it turned out, were simply like that.

Now, there was actually just one student who was quietly witnessing this scene of about a dozen general students unconnected to politics gathering to hold a gossip session.

"...This might be bad."

Her name was Otaru Cheri.

She was the dedicated attendant to Kirifuji Nagisa—whom those students had just been discussing—and also the one and only beloved disciple of Kayama Esumi, who had gone to study abroad at Wild Hunt Art Academy.

She belonged to the Filius faction. In short, she was one of the young lady students belonging to the political side, and from the perspective of those students holding a gossip session over there, she was a complete outsider.

Cheri quietly slipped away from the spot without making a sound and hurried toward the Filius faction headquarters.

"...The rumors are spreading everywhere... This is not good..."

Truthfully, she had merely been walking around the academy for a change of pace.

Never had she imagined that she would witness a gossip session among general students, coincidental though it was. Moreover, the topics being discussed were none other than her own master, Nagisa, and her mentor, Esumi.

Of course, since the students weren't voicing complaints or dissatisfaction, there was hardly any cause for severe worry, yet rumors inevitably became exaggerated over time and eventually morphed into irreversible pieces of information.

For now, it was barely managing as mere rumor, but leaving this state unaddressed was honestly not a good idea.

Arriving at the Filius faction headquarters at a somewhat brisk pace, Cheri headed straight toward the room where Nagisa was, wearing a flustered look.

"Pardon me, Nagisa-san."

Knocking on the door a few times and entering upon hearing Nagisa's "Come in" from inside, Cheri found Nagisa seemingly right in the middle of paperwork. Nagisa paused her work and turned her gaze toward her.

"Ah, Cheri-san, thank you for your hard work. But if I recall correctly, today was supposed to be your day off to take a break, wasn't it?"

"No, when Nagisa-san, my master, is working this hard, this is no time to be relaxing so casually... Forgive my intrusion, Nagisa-san. Do you happen to be aware of what the students are whispering about across the academy right now?"

"I see... so that is what this is about."

Nodding with a small back-and-forth motion of her head as if convinced of something, Nagisa clasped her hands together on her desk.

"The tragedy that befell Seia-san. And Esumi-san's short-term study abroad. I presume those are the two matters everyone at the academy is whispering about."

"...Yes..."

"Cheri-san. I understand very well what you are afraid of. You must be thinking that if these rumors are left unchecked, they will eventually invite an irreversible situation? That is likely what you are considering. But there is no need to worry. Rumors are, after all, merely rumors. For a rumor to become exaggerated, plausible information must first be added to it. Once groundless lies are mixed into a rumor, if they lack internal consistency, they simply lack the power to move things. Therefore, unless supplementary information is added in the future, those rumors will eventually vanish entirely from everyone's memories."

Hearing those words, Cheri knitted her brows.

"Are you saying... that the tragedy which befell Seia-san will never leak to the public...?"

Nagisa's body twitched slightly, and her eyes narrowed faintly. Someone unfamiliar with her might have concluded, "She's angry!!" The pressure currently emanating from Nagisa was indeed extraordinary.

However, Cheri, who had spent years accompanying Nagisa as her dedicated attendant, immediately saw through that reaction as mere agitation and continued speaking without shrinking back.

"It may still be concealed from the general public, but the truth will inevitably spread. The staggering fact that Seia-san... was attacked by someone, had her halo broken, and was murdered... When that information spreads, Trinity... no, the entirety of Kivotos will undoubtedly be plunged into chaos. It will be a massive upheaval rivaling the disappearance of the former General Student Council President. I imagine it will also deal a severe blow to that Eden Treaty Nagisa-san is currently pushing forward."

"But the information that Seia-san was murdered is a critical secret known only to an extremely limited handful of students. Myself and Mika-san, who serve as faction heads, as well as a few Tea Party executives like Cheri-san, share this secret, and externally, only Mine-san of the Remedial Knights possesses the same knowledge. Unless someone among those individuals lets it slip, there is no way it could leak to the public."

At that, Cheri shook her head heavily and flatly rejected Nagisa's words.

"Nagisa-san, please think carefully. Those who hold that secret are not documents stored in a safe or data kept on a computer—they are people. Unlike computers or safes tucked away in the depths of one's heart, there are limits to how permanently one can lock it away. Especially since we, who require no passwords, cannot guarantee absolute assurance that we will never let the secret slip."

"Hah... Cheri-san... We share a long-standing relationship, you and I. Please do not speak in such vague terms, and state it plainly... What exactly are you trying to say?"

She was uneasy. Or perhaps, terrified.

Nagisa's eyes fixed on Cheri with an intensity capable of piercing through her, and strong emotion naturally bled into the edges of her words. Yet one must not give in to that fear.

Cheri voiced what her master Nagisa was likely dreading and feeling anxious about.

"It is Mika-san... Unlike you, Nagisa-san, she is not a person who can keep things hidden. Of course, I am fully aware of the skill and track record that allowed her to climb to the head of the Pater faction... but based on my close observations of Mika-san—your precious childhood friend—over the past three years, my assessment is that continuing to let her hold onto this secret carries far too much risk. If the secret leaks externally, it will undoubtedly come from Mika-san."

"Cheri-san... Are you suspecting Mika-san, my dear friend?!"

Overwhelmed by emotion, Nagisa raised her voice and stood up from her chair. Cheri knew all too well that to Nagisa, Mika was just as precious a presence as Esumi. She fully understood that by implicitly framing Mika as "completely untrustworthy," she was incurring Nagisa's wrath.

Yet Cheri was Nagisa's dedicated attendant. It was her duty to move as Nagisa's hands and feet, pray for Nagisa's happiness, and dispel Nagisa's anxieties. Therefore, she did not stop.

"Please calm down, Nagisa-san. I am by no means saying that Mika-san would leak the information intentionally. I merely spoke of the possibility that she might be exploited by someone and accidentally let it slip. Moreover, given that Seia-san, the top of the Tea Party, was murdered, the culprit will likely target either you or Mika-san next. Of course, as long as I am here, I have no intention of letting the culprit lay a single finger on Nagisa-san, but Mika-san does not have a dedicated attendant like myself."

"That is... certainly true... but what of it?"

"It means that the terror is not felt by Nagisa-san alone; Mika-san is experiencing the exact same thing. People, once gripped by fear, naturally seek to consult someone and share their emotional burden. Aside from Nagisa-san, the only person Mika-san can rely upon is Master... Yet, Master is currently on a short-term study abroad program at Wild Hunt Art Academy by your decision, Nagisa-san."

"Yes... Esumi-san was none other than the person closest to Seia-san. Furthermore, from what I've heard, on the day Seia-san was attacked, Esumi-san had visited her just prior. If so, the attacker's target was Esumi-san from the very beginning... or perhaps they aimed to eliminate her simultaneously with Seia-san... That is precisely why I judged that Trinity was unsafe and hastily dispatched Esumi-san for short-term study abroad at Wild Hunt. Coincidentally, Wild Hunt had repeatedly sounded us out about Esumi-san studying abroad there for some time, so I seized it as an ideal opportunity."

"Even though Master initially hesitated, she changed her mind upon hearing about Seia-san's murder from you, Nagisa-san. Considering Master’s safety, who had already once been attacked in Gehenna, I truly believe your decision back then was entirely correct. Granted, because it was carried out abruptly, harsh criticisms of 'Nagisa-san's tyranny' still linger from the public, but there is no need to care about that at all. Had I been in your shoes, Nagisa-san, I would surely have made the exact same decision out of concern for Master’s well-being."

Hearing those words, Nagisa let out a sigh of relief.

Cheri softened her expression for a moment, but quickly returned it to a stern look.

"However, for Mika-san, she has lost the person she could rely upon most, even if only temporarily. As you well know, Nagisa-san, Mika-san placed immense trust in Master."

"Indeed. Knowing that I could not meet Esumi-san often due to circumstances, Mika-san frequently visited her in secret, as Esumi-san herself told me directly. To be honest, I secretly envied Mika-san's carefree, uninhibited behavior that paid no heed to public eyes, but she must have relied upon Esumi-san that deeply..."

"And yet, that reassuring Master is currently absent. With Seia-san targeted, Mika-san spends her days harboring the terror that she might be next. Frankly speaking, that emotional toll is immeasurable."

"Then Cheri's view is that Mika-san, crushed under that terror, runs the risk of unknowingly blurting out the secret of Seia-san's murder to someone...?"

"It is merely my speculation. When all is said and fathom, Mika-san might be harboring no such terror or anxiety at all and simply living as brightly as usual... However, I have a bad premonition..."

"A bad premonition... you say?"

"Yes. Though I am unsure how to express it... Regardless, regarding Mika-san, we ought to take preventive measures beforehand, or if an escort is impossible, assign someone to keep watch over her. Besides, leaving the rumors circulating in public as they are is unwise."

"Understood. For now, regarding Mika-san's matter, I will speak with her directly myself as her childhood friend. As for the rumors Cheri-san is concerned about, let us observe quietly for a while. For the time being, the contents of the rumors are far removed from the truth, and if we were to move recklessly at this stage, it would only arouse unnecessary suspicion. However, just to be safe, we shall gather even more detailed information than before."

"Understood. If Nagisa-san has made that judgment after hearing my opinion, I have nothing further to say. I will continue to serve faithfully and wholeheartedly as Nagisa-san's attendant."

Bowing deeply right there, perhaps apologizing for her previous impudence, Cheri offered her words.

Nagisa smiled and expressed her gratitude with a "There is no need for that. Rather, thank you for doing this for my sake," prompting Cheri to offer a small smile in return.

"...By the way, will Master be alright? Supposing the culprit who attacked Seia-san is also targeting the mentor and goes all the way to Wild Hunt Art Academy..."

"That... is not something within our power to influence. Once sent to study abroad, Esumi-san's safety falls under the jurisdiction of Wild Hunt Art Academy for the time being. Should anything happen to her, the responsibility will inevitably fall on Wild Hunt's side, creating a fissure in their relations with us, Trinity General School. Therefore, they are bound to exercise the utmost caution regarding Esumi-san's safety."

Nagisa directed her gaze beyond the window, as if worrying over the safety of Esumi, who had already gone to a distant land.

"For now... let us pray that she is safe. At the very least, it is safer than remaining here."

"Identity verification has thus been successfully completed. The paperwork for the short-term study abroad sent from Trinity General School has also been fully processed. Starting today, you are a student here at Wild Hunt Art Academy. Welcome to Wild Hunt Art Academy. We have awaited your arrival for a long time indeed, Kayama Esumi-san."

A student dressed in a dark blue suit approaching green, wearing a striking and splendid black cape, spoke those words while welcoming Esumi with a faint smile that suited her fine features.

"...Thank you..."

This was the entrance of Wild Hunt Art Academy.

And right now, Esumi had just finished undergoing inspection by a student from the security-maintenance organization existing within Wild Hunt known as the Prefectural Council.

Honestly, Wild Hunt Art Academy was an institution about which Esumi possessed virtually zero information in her past life. Consequently, to Esumi, every event occurring here was completely unknown and a first encounter. Naturally, having no prior intelligence, the exact named characters enrolled in the original work and the events taking place in this academy were entirely shrouded in mystery.

In short, it was an uncharted land where even her past-life knowledge as an author was unreliable.

However... even so, here in a place that should have been populated solely by unfamiliar students, Esumi knitted her brows as if coaxing forth forgotten memories.

The reason was that the Wild Hunt student who had just verified Esumi's study-abroad paperwork looked vaguely familiar.

"As you can see, Wild Hunt Art Academy possesses a long history and is an institution specialized in all forms of art. It may already be unnecessary for Esumi-san, who has already achieved success as a painter and attained fame, but many students strive here to master their art, pouring in daily efforts."

"..."

"Countless techniques, countless pieces of knowledge... and countless works of art. I am certain Esumi-san will find satisfaction here."

Explaining this with her words, she handed the complete stack of study-abroad documents concerning Esumi to another Prefectural Council student, presumably to have them delivered to headquarters first.

Then, taking a cane-like object in her right hand—freed by relinquishing the paperwork—she approached Esumi while tapping it softly against the ground.

"That being said, Esumi-san is an esteemed guest who has traveled from afar. During your short-term study abroad, you are a student of our Wild Hunt Art Academy, but you remain without a doubt a student of Trinity General School. Should anything befall you, Wild Hunt Art Academy shall bear the responsibility."

"...I suppose so."

"Thus, while it may cause Esumi-san a slight inconvenience, we have arranged a dedicated escort for you during your stay."

"An escort for me?"

Observing Esumi's expression, the student narrowed her pretty eyes with genuine delight... or rather, as if she had finally been waiting for this moment, and nodded vertically.

"Yes, an escort. I doubt there is anyone foolish enough to attack Esumi-san in a place like this, but one can never be too careful. Of course, if necessary, I shall also handle consulting with Esumi-san and tending to your personal needs. Therefore, while it is nominally a study abroad program, your treatment here at our school will be virtually equivalent to VIP status."

"That is... quite an extraordinary level of treatment."

"Naturally. Esumi-san is someone blessed with exceptional artistic talent in this Kivotos. To the students of Wild Hunt Art Academy, you remain a living legend and one of the greatest artists."

"I see. Honestly, I've grown quite tired of hearing such overly exaggerated words of praise... But thank you. Actually, this is the first time I've heard such words directly from Wild Hunt students pouring passion into art every day, so I'm genuinely glad."

Releasing a small chuckle, Esumi offered words of gratitude.

At that, the Wild Hunt student standing before her flushed faintly and attempted to say something, but perhaps realizing it wasn't the words she wanted to voice, she closed her mouth midway. Instead, she extended her free hand—the one not holding the cane—toward Esumi.

"This is...?"

"If you are willing, I would ask for a handshake with me."

"A handshake... That means you, too, are a fan of the works I create?"

"Of course. I just praised Esumi-san's achievements, but I have constantly been captivated by the numerous paintings you produce... However, I harbor a certain degree of dissatisfaction regarding the current situation where a few politicians and wealthy individuals buy up the majority of your works to flaunt their power. Esumi-san's works are not something a single individual should monopolize. They should be communicated more broadly, conveying their beauty and grandeur to a greater number of people."

Staring intently into Esumi's eyes, she asked, "What are your thoughts on this, Esumi-san?"

Meanwhile, Esumi remained quietly silent for a brief moment in response to those words, before eventually letting out a small sigh, shrugging her shoulders, and firmly grasping the student's hand with her right hand, which was clad in its black leather glove.

"I will let you hear my thoughts another time when we have leisure. Values and creeds regarding art are not things that can be accepted so easily. If we are to discuss it, let us set up a proper venue and talk seriously."

"I see. Understood. But... fufu, as expected of Esumi-san. Though, I happen to like that side of you as well."

Esumi tilted her head at the student, who seemed pleased and satisfied.

"I've been wondering this ever since I met you today... Have we perhaps met somewhere before?"

That being said, she had no concrete recollection of ever seeing this student enrolled at Wild Hunt Art Academy anywhere. Retracing her past memories, if she had ever met a student with such a fine figure, striking beauty, and well-proportioned features, Esumi surely would have remembered.

However, the atmosphere she exuded, her manner of speaking, her appearance.

Every single one of them strongly resembled a certain someone who had planted a remarkably em-bar-rass-ing memory in Esumi's past.

Therefore, harboring half-anxiety and half-caution, Esumi quietly reached her free left hand toward her beloved gun, Niki.

"..."

The gaze of the Wild Hunt student standing before her flickered toward Esumi's left hand for just a split second. Wondering what she thought upon seeing Esumi's subtle movement, the corners of the student's mouth curved upward slightly.

At the same time, the grip on their handshake tightened.

And she spoke:

"No, that cannot be. This should be our first time meeting directly like this. Esumi-san is likely mistaking me for someone who merely resembles me."

"...Is that so... Then it's just my imagination."

Relieved by the clear denial, Esumi relaxed her tension, lowered her left hand which had been drifting toward her beloved gun, and let out a small breath with her gaze dropping to the ground out of sheer relief. At that instant, the Wild Hunt student's gaze fixed upon Esumi like a predator hunting its prey, but the moment their eyes met again, she wore her usual faint smile.

"By the way, regarding the escort you mentioned earlier... When might I meet the student assigned to that role? I'd like to at least exchange greetings early on, if possible."

"Ah, as for that, please rest assured. She is already present right here."

"Eh... where?"

"Why, she is the student standing right before Esumi-san's eyes."

Esumi's eyes widened in shock. At the same time, the Wild Hunt student giggled softly.

"You are serving as my escort?"

"Yes. Though I may look like this, I serve as an executive in the Prefectural Council, but guarding someone of your stature, whose name echoes across Kivotos, naturally requires skill and a commensurate position. Hence, I boldly volunteered myself."

"I see... Then let's work well together from here on out. It'll only be for a short time, but if anything happens, I'll be relying on you."

"Yes. Please feel free to rely on me to your heart's content while you stay at this academy. I have also harbored an 'interest' in Esumi-san for some time now. I would be overjoyed if we could use this meeting as an opportunity to draw closer to one another."

"Ah... I'm of the principle of not making friends, so keep the distance moderate, please..."

Esumi said this with a wry smile.

Then, she asked the student the most crucial question:

"Come to think of it, I haven't caught your name yet... What are you called?"

"Miria. As for my surname, I shall refrain from sharing it for now. I have my circumstances."

"I see. I usually call people by their surnames... but since you have your circumstances, I suppose I'll yield this time. Since you hold an executive position, you must normally be busy with Prefectural Council work, yet you're going out of your way to act as my escort."

"I appreciate your understanding. Then, allow me to guide you to our room first."

"...Hm? ‘Our’ room?"

Let's pause for a moment.

Did a mysterious word just slip out of Miria's mouth?

As Esumi sent a suspicious look toward Miria, thinking, "Did I mishear?", Miria blushed faintly and replied with this:

"Yes. By the arrangement of the Assembly of Arts—an organization equivalent to our academy's student council—the room Esumi-san will be staying in from now on has been designated as a shared room with me. It will be a short while, but I look forward to working with you, Esumi-san."

"............"

In stark contrast to Miria, who spoke happily, Esumi stood frozen in sheer astonishment. And when she finally rebooted, Esumi let out the words with an expression of absolute disbelief:

"I've... never shared a room with anyone in my entire life..."