"Hey, President. Why are you testing me when you already know the answer? It's not fun, you know."
"Hmm."
"Pardon?"
Hina raised an eyebrow, looking amused, while the GSC President's eyes widened as she repeated my question. Are you really going to keep up the act when you've already been found out?
"You've known since forever that I'm the head of the hardline Pater faction. And you want me to cooperate with a peace treaty called the Eden Treaty? Is that a joke? Even for a joke, that's not funny. You know exactly what would happen if I were the one to push for this 'peace treaty.'"
"Indeed. The only result would be impeachment. Mika can only represent all of Trinity because she is the head of the Pater faction. It's a position as fragile as a sandcastle; if the members of Pater were to rise up against her policies, it would all come crumbling down," Hina said with a nod, agreeing with me. With her arms crossed, she radiated the full force of the Head Prefect.
"Yep. The reason Hina and I have been communicating secretly, leaving no records, to improve our schools' relations is because the moment I get impeached, everything turns to dust. So my answer can only be 'no'... you're not going to pretend you didn't know that. Right?"
"...Fufu. My initial assessment of you was that you were a scarecrow Host, with neither the will nor the drive to change anything. When I interfered in Trinity's internal affairs, it was always the other student presidents who protested, never you."
That makes sense. According to Nagisa and Seia, the original Mika was always shirking her duties and running off somewhere. So the "scarecrow" assessment is frighteningly accurate. Still, not even a flicker of change in her expression. See, I knew she was testing me.
"Ah, the one thing you did try to push for was an all-out war with Gehenna, wasn't it? That's why I was so surprised by the Tea Party Host's attitude, and the change in it, when we met last time."
"Hey, you're the one who said we're short on time. Isn't it a problem for both of us if you just keep beating around the bush? This is a first for me, but... can we just get to the point? The real point, not this pointless chatter."
Honestly, I think the GSC President's way of talking—hiding what she really wants to say and just skirting around the issue—is even more annoying than my own tendency to make small talk to break the ice. At least when I get to the point, I get to the core of the issue faster than anyone.
And President, I didn't realize you were so sharp-tongued. Not just subtly, but openly. When you were telling me how the old Mika, who used to live in her own dream world and cause trouble for Sensei, had changed for the better, you were basically saying, 'Wow, I never thought a problem child like you would ever change. I'll trust that you'll actually be a help this time, instead of dragging him down, okay?' but with the tiniest bit of sugar-coating. And then you even dug yourself an escape route with lines like, 'If you didn't understand, then never mind. Let's just say I was talking nonsense.' Such slyness.
But today, you took it a step further, hitting me with the harsh truth that I was 'an incompetent warmonger who has no vision or will to make Trinity a better place, who just pushes all the work onto the other two presidents while screaming about taking down Gehenna.' As someone whose favorite character is Mika, I cannot let this slide. Slandering our GOAT princess, who proved her innocence with her looks and her story alone despite all the smear campaigns... President, you and I cannot exist under the same sky.
"...Very well. As the Head Prefect of Gehenna has said, you are both two of the busiest individuals in all of Kivotos."
Ah, I'm not really that busy anymore. I've taken care of all the urgent stuff, so I actually have a lot of free time these days. Hina, on the other hand... Hmm. Hang in there, Hina. For now, I'll just cheer you on from afar. Our friendship is still a secret, after all.
"I will be frank. I have come to the conclusion that the change in the Tea Party Host has been far too abnormal. Your entire course of action has changed, as if you've become a different person."
Wow, that's harsh. Hearing something so close to the truth is making me break out in a cold sweat.
"Whether you were hiding your true intentions from the beginning... or whether the face you're showing now is also a mask to hide your true intentions. I could not help but investigate. For the safety of all of Kivotos."
"...Ahahahaha, that's rich! For you, the most suspicious person in this room, to be pointing that out. Yep, you really do have a twisted sense of humor. ☆"
"Hmm, is that so? I don't believe my actions have been conspicuous enough to warrant such an assessment..."
"Honestly, if you were really planning on just dismissing the things you said to me last time as 'nonsense,' then I have nothing more to say. There's a limit to how much you can treat someone like a fool."
"Indeed... I am aware that those were unnecessary words on my part. I apologize, albeit belatedly..."
"Hm? No, no. Put that apology away, President. I'm not done talking yet."
I held up a hand, stopping the GSC President as she was about to apologize. I've learned one thing during my short, but long, time as Host. In a political conversation, giving up the upper hand once you have it is something only an amateur does... or it's a move made by someone who's setting a trap, using the lost initiative to seize an even greater advantage. I have no way of making such a move right now, so there's no reason for me to give up the upper hand.
"President. What you really wanted to find out here was my ultimate goal. Wasn't it? How I would affect the picture of Kivotos that you've been painting, and plan to paint in the future... that's what you're afraid of, isn't it? Your suspicions began the moment I re-integrated the piece that had broken off long ago, Arius, back into Trinity."
"..."
"You wondered if the me you saw last time was the real me... or if I was still the warmonger you pointed out, just quietly biding my time. That's what you suspected."
"...Sigh. You've read me completely. Perhaps this was a bit too hasty."
I could tell from her sigh that my guess had been correct. Bringing this up with me, who was in no position to promote the Eden Treaty right now, was indeed, as she said, a hasty move.
But it's not like I don't understand. With less than a year left until Sensei's arrival, the GSC President needed to identify and control any variables she couldn't control.
...Or maybe, even this conversation reaching this point was all part of her plan. That thought is a little chilling, but I can't rule it out.
"That's right. I suspected that the Tea Party Host's actions were all a smokescreen. That you were deceiving everyone, planning to turn Kivotos into a sea of fire at the most unexpected moment."
"Well... I suppose that's a natural suspicion for someone in your position. Yep, I have no intention of faulting you for that. However, I am going to call you out on your aggressive language today. That really hurt my feelings."
I can tolerate a lot of things, but I will not tolerate slander against my Princess Mika. Your careless words are a grave sin, President!
"Honestly, it's obvious that nothing I say will clear your suspicions. So, I think I'll just go for a frontal assault. ☆"
I had already sorted out what I needed to say in my head. Sometimes, a rambling speech is more effective at gaining trust than a well-organized one, but we don't have much time.
"President, my true goal... is to help everyone in Kivotos, with the exception of those who would trample on the happiness of others, find their own happiness."
"I can vouch for the sincerity of that statement. It may sound like a ridiculously idealistic dream, but Mika is working harder than anyone to achieve it. If you even think of denying her words, President, know that I will find it deeply unpleasant," Hina said.
Just as I had provided covering fire for Hina earlier, she was now returning the favor. This is how it should be; a good relationship is a two-way street. Hina really gets it.
"Ahaha... Well, it's a vague enough dream for Hina to call me an idealist, but the sense of accomplishment I feel with every step forward is a precious feeling that can't be compared to anything else. I'm sure you, of all people, know that feeling better than anyone. Right?"
"..."
"Trust is something that is built slowly, with time and effort. There's no denying that. The fact that you can't trust me now is a part of that. But... there are some things in this world that can only be established by believing first. Like the paradox of a paradise that cannot be proven to exist..."
You, who are presumed to have failed because you were overconfident and didn't trust Sensei. You, of all people, should understand what I'm saying, President.
"Even if I lay my heart bare like this, we are, in the end, strangers. Therefore, the sincerity of my words cannot be proven. So, President, the only choice you have is to 'believe.' Yes, that is the only way our relationship can move forward."
My heartfelt thanks to Nagisa, the Queen of Doubt, for providing today's quote. Thank you, Nagisa!
"Yep. Just as Trinity and Gehenna are only able to move forward now because this 'believing first' came first."
"...!"
Hearing my words, the GSC President's eyes widened, and for the first time, she let her emotions show. She may be called a superhuman by others, but deep down, she is just a student. If you meet her with sincerity, you can reach her.
"If I don't believe in you first, nothing will change... I see. I've been trapped in a cycle I couldn't escape on my own..."
"Ahaha, that's right. Not that I'm shameless enough to demand you believe me blindly... but in the case of the suspicions you harbor now, I have no way of proving them wrong, do I? So I think it's okay to respond to a baseless suspicion with a baseless plea to be believed. ☆"
"...I understand. I have been very rude. A baseless suspicion that is impossible to refute is too harsh a thing for a person in my position to harbor. This is entirely my fault. I am truly sorry. Furthermore, I apologize for my aggressive language, which must have felt unfair to you, Tea Party Host."
The GSC President, who looked as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders as she acknowledged her mistakes, seemed more like the person who cared for Kivotos more than anyone else.
"Yep, I forgive you for everything."
Of course I have to forgive her. However, I'm not accepting a verbal apology.
"But don't you think a verbal apology lacks a bit of sincerity? So, I'll make you a counter-proposal. The General Student Council—you—will bear one pillar of the Eden Treaty Organization, the ETO."
"...Pardon?"
Oh, a genuinely flustered expression from the GSC President. This is a rare sight.
"I mean, if we were to fill the Eden Treaty Organization with personnel from our two schools, it would inevitably require sacrifices from the Prefect Team and the Justice Task Force, right? We might succeed in improving our relations, but we couldn't call it a true alliance. And if the clubs that represent the real military power of our schools had to be downsized in the process, it would naturally face opposition from within."
"...You have a point. Gehenna values every single member of the Prefect Team. If we were to lose a large number of them, the cons would outweigh the pros for us," Hina said.
Huh, Hina? Wasn't the Prefect Team just a bunch of disorganized misfits without you?
...Just kidding~ If I said that, Ako would probably get mad, and there's no need to force Hina to face reality. That would be too cruel.
"Right? So, President, I would like the SRT Special Academy to be the main body that monitors the treaty's implementation. Of course, both schools will provide personnel, but... I believe this plan is more rational. What do you think?"
You're leaving soon anyway, and Sensei, who will be acting as your deputy, has Schale. If SRT is going to be shut down anyway, let's use it for a good cause. Sounds good, right?
"...I'll need some time to think about that—"
"Oh~? You know, President, your apology is suddenly feeling very insincere. Is it just me? Surely someone in your position wouldn't just throw a bunch of accusations at me and then try to get away without taking any responsibility."
"...Sigh. Very well. We will negotiate that point further at a later date."
"Yep, good thinking! Not that I'll be here then! Ahahahat! ☆"
The GSC President probably realized that I had a reason for constantly pushing her. In her position, she's got to be better at politics than me, not worse. But she probably never dreamed that what I was really after was the SRT Special Academy, which would be left in limbo after her disappearance. Landing a big blow like that feels so refreshing. Fufufu.
"...We're really out of time now. I will now give you a briefing on the situation at the festival preparation site."
Seeing the GSC President looking as if she had aged ten years, my mood improved twofold. Ahh, this is the life!
"..."
After the two titans had left, the lone GSC President let out a small laugh. She was scheduled to visit Shanhaijing next, and while there had been some mistakes due to the time constraints, she had achieved her primary objective, so she had no major complaints.
"You have big dreams, Tea Party Host. A person who has proven their worth to such an extent isn't allowed to rest, even if they want to."
Did she, the very person who proposed the Eden Treaty, not know its true meaning? Of course, she had first brought it up with Yurizono Seia, who was next in line to be Host.
'...Ah. The next Host, you say? That matter has already been settled within the Sanctus Faction. We have decided to yield this Host term to the Pater Faction, which has been showing excellent results. A consecutive term like this is a great honor, one that has been seen only a few times in Trinity's history, so Pater had no reason to refuse. Therefore, it would be best to discuss this Eden Treaty with the current Host.'
Does Misono Mika even know? That far from her knowledge, a scheme is blooming to make her a slave to Trinity for life.
"Though the demand for SRT was a bit of a surprise."
It was probably a picture she had hastily drawn up the moment she seized the initiative in the conversation. For something so impromptu, it was quite well-thought-out, a demand that didn't cross any major lines... but that must be a testament to the Tea Party Host's own abilities.
Besides, while it was a surprise, it wasn't a bad thing. After all, the Eden Treaty would be signed after he arrived.
"Thanks to you, my conviction has been solidified, Tea Party Host. Please take good care of... of him."
Of course, if she even thought of making a move on him, she would never be forgiven... but just looking at the Head Prefect of Gehenna, it was obvious that those around her wouldn't let that happen.
"Fufu, and I'm sure someone like you, who resembles him so much, will have no problem."
For even an unexpected variable to be a boon rather than a hindrance... It seemed that fortune was on her side this time. The GSC President began her preparations to depart for Shanhaijing.