When it comes to meeting Seia, I have always preferred to assume the worst possible malice behind the scenes.
Especially at a time like this, my movements are more likely to be monitored. It would not be strange if the enemy's eyes had already reached nearby and were watching me. No matter how cautious I am, it would not be excessive.
"Sensei, you've arrived."
After Mine led me into the safe house, I was originally prepared to enter Seia's dream directly. Then I suddenly remembered something.
Although the Sisterhood of the Trinity Remedial Knights is widely known as a medical organization, it is in fact one of Trinity's oldest clubs.
Just like the Sisterhood.
"Mine," I asked thoughtfully, "as the leader of the Remedial Knights, are you also the head of a certain faction?"
The girl with azure hair nodded. "Yes. In addition to my duties as leader of the Remedial Knights, I also serve as the head of the Johannes faction. However, I am not good at political activities."
That made sense. With Mine's rigid and earnest personality, she likely focused entirely on rescue work and fulfilling her responsibilities as leader. If that were not the case, Seia probably would not have chosen her to assist with the fake death plan.
Thinking about how Mine had been living here in isolation since Seia's attack, cut off from the outside world, I gave up on discussing politics with her.
Not long after, I lay down beside Seia, took the dream-entering elixir made by Saya, used my authority in succession, and arrived in Seia's dream.
As if unsurprised by my arrival, Seia, whom I had not seen for many days, wore a faint smile and spoke calmly.
"Sensei, you've come. Please, have a seat."
While wondering what meaning such actions held within a dream, I sat down across from her at the tea table and went straight to the point.
"Seia, you should already know why I came to see you, right?"
The small blonde girl with fox ears shook her head. "You know as well, the information I receive has never been complete. Sensei, most prophetic dreams only show fragmented and disconnected scenes. So regarding your purpose today, I can only make guesses."
"Then what do you think I came for?"
"Hmm…" Seia closed her eyes and pondered for a moment. "At this point in time, perhaps you have learned of a certain cruel truth that had been hidden, and have come for the sake of someone who is no longer capable of trusting others."
If I had heard these riddling words before my meeting with Nagisa yesterday, I might have felt some suspicion, but I would not have connected too much.
At the very least, in front of Nagisa, I would have maintained the same attitude.
So I stared at Seia. "Since you already know, why won't you let me tell Nagisa that you're still alive?"
If she knew, perhaps she would not have to bear so much psychological pressure. Perhaps she could think more calmly. Perhaps she would not regard the members of the Make-Up Work Club as disposable trash when necessary.
"Sensei, that would be useless." The former Tea Party host spoke lightly, as if seeing through my thoughts. "Although not to the extent of Mika, I worked with Nagisa for quite some time, so I understand her temperament to some degree. She is actually quite stubborn. Without evidence strong enough to overturn her thinking, incomplete information would only strengthen her resolve."
I could not help falling silent.
What Seia said was not without reason.
Although I believed I understood Nagisa and had resolved to protect her, what she did at yesterday's meeting still surprised me, and filled me with genuine anger and heartfelt regret.
Damn it. How did Nagisa become like this? Or was it that I had never truly understood her from the very beginning?
If she learned of Seia's condition, would she stop in time, or after breathing a sigh of relief, would she resort to even more extreme measures to eliminate what she considered threats?
I could not be certain how Nagisa would think or act.
The same probably applied to not telling Mika.
"So, Sensei," Seia's golden eyes fixed on me, "please rely on your own strength to find a way to save the girl who is struggling in pain. That is your duty, and also what you are best at. I believe you can do it. Isn't that right?"
…Expectations like that are quite heavy.
Even so, I am willing to bear them.
After a moment of thought, I smiled. "Come to think of it, are you trying to morally blackmail me?"
A flash of surprise crossed the girl's face.
She smiled faintly, lifting her teacup and covering her expression with her wide sleeve.
"…Hehe, your focus is as interesting as ever."
"I'm just joking." I sampled the simulated tea and sweets, speaking with confidence. "Of course I'll do it. After all, you should have seen it too, right? The future where Nagisa and I are deeply in love."
Since I could reach that kind of future, I would definitely be able to stop Nagisa's scheme and save her along with everyone else.
Seia seemed to be drinking tea and did not answer immediately.
After a long while, she set down the teacup and saucer together, her smile flawless.
"That kind of thing did not happen."
"…Huh? It didn't?" I froze, then hesitated. "But…"
Seia smiled. "I did not see it."
I was silent for a moment, then asked, "Last time I asked whether, after this incident, I would become destined partners with everyone in the Tea Party… Didn't you tacitly agree?"
"Not at all." Seia's smile barely changed, and neither did her tone. "Sensei, you are far too self-conscious."
"Uh…"
This girl is definitely jealous.
In a situation like this, even if she is not, she should at least admit that she is.
"You do not have any other questions, correct?"
Seia asked gently, yet her attitude inexplicably carried a sense of finality. Before I could think further, she continued, "Then until next time. I have a feeling that our dreams are gradually drawing closer to one another. The day when you will no longer need to deliberately avoid others' notice to see me should not be far away."
Hearing that, I could not help frowning slightly.
According to her, that meant I would no longer have a proper reason to come see Mine.
Then again, Mine does not know about this, so it did not matter much.
After waking from the dream, I first greeted the Remedial Knights' leader who had been standing guard nearby. Then, the first thing I did was take out my phone, open momotalk, and send a message.
Before long, I received a reply.
Nagisa: …Eh?