Early the next morning, in the Schale office, I sat behind my desk, rubbing my chin as I watched the scene unfolding before me.
Two girls wearing berets and standard sailor uniforms stood upright on either side of the door, rifles in hand, standing guard.
Several others dressed the same way were busy with their own tasks. Some carefully inspected every corner with equipment, while others carried in items such as tea sets.
I had to admit, the scale of it all was rather exaggerated. But considering the identity, status, and current situation of the girl who was about to arrive, it was understandable.
"Sensei, where should Nagisa-sama's seat be placed?"
At that moment, one of the mob-chans, carrying a chair that looked quite familiar to me together with a companion, politely asked.
Looking at the design of the chair and connecting it with their question, a rather amusing guess surfaced in my mind.
After a moment's thought, I said, "Just place it beside my seat. Thank you."
The two mobs carrying the chair exchanged glances after hearing that, but they did not voice any objections. After a brief hesitation, they followed my instructions.
Had Nagisa specifically instructed them about something?
I felt that Nagisa most likely liked me.
In any case, once the members of the Filius faction finished all preparations, they lined up neatly on both sides of the main entrance.
Before long, the person I had invited via momotalk last night appeared at the doorway, surrounded by several more guards.
"Good morning, Sensei. What lovely weather we have today."
The Tea Party host, Nagisa, greeted me with a smile.
Her manners were as impeccable as ever. There was not the slightest sign of wavering due to the conflict during our previous meeting, nor the suddenness and tight preparation time of today's visit, especially not the placement of the chair.
Just like her momotalk status message stated: Always composed, elegance in all things.
"Nagisa, thank you for coming today."
"You are too kind." She nodded. "Then let us begin today's work. Or, if you do not mind, would you care for a cup of tea before we start?"
Since she offered, I gladly accepted.
As I watched Nagisa, well versed in the art, brew tea with elegant and practiced movements that were almost dazzling, my thoughts drifted back to last night.
After ending my meeting with Seia in the dream, I immediately sent Nagisa a message, inviting her to Schale for duty.
Naturally, upon receiving the message, even through the screen, her confusion overflowed from her wording.
Especially after I solemnly informed her that because the Tea Party had concealed the "training camp" portion of the commission, Schale's regular work might not proceed smoothly, and that as the client, she must personally bear responsibility.
After her initial bewilderment, Nagisa reluctantly acknowledged the legitimacy of my claim, but she tentatively proposed other forms of compensation, including sending a subordinate in her place. I rejected them one by one.
In the end, after careful consideration, she agreed to push aside her Tea Party schedule and personally come to Schale to serve as today's duty student.
Perhaps she assumed that my request carried some hidden meaning, which was why she agreed so readily.
Or perhaps…
"Sensei, please enjoy."
A delicate hand set a teacup and saucer steadily before me, interrupting my thoughts.
"Thank you."
The tea was still hot, so I did not drink it immediately.
Gazing at the faint white steam rising from the cup, I spoke slowly, almost as if musing aloud.
"To begin today's work by enjoying tea personally brewed by Nagisa is truly a marvelous pleasure."
"Oh my? Thank you for the compliment. However, if you were to learn the proper knowledge, Sensei, you could enjoy decent tea at Schale anytime."
"That is true." I nodded thoughtfully. "After all, opportunities to invite Nagisa to serve as Schale's duty student are rather rare."
At that, her smile faded slightly. She glanced at me, then turned toward the guards still standing vigil at the door.
"Everyone, Sensei and I are about to begin Schale's work."
Upon hearing this, the guards responded in unison and filed out, closing the door behind them.
Nagisa then stood, drew the curtains completely shut, and returned to her designated seat, turning her head to look at me.
"Now, it is just the two of us… Hehe. At this point, perhaps you can finally tell me…"
Her expression had completely darkened, her tone solemn.
"Why you were so vague on social media, why you did not come to see me at the Tea Party, and instead summoned me to Schale. What exactly is your purpose?"
Clearly, Nagisa had suspected many things. Perhaps she even thought I had something inconvenient to say at the Tea Party.
The dozen or so guards she brought were likely her most trusted confidants.
Unfortunately for her, her guesses were probably going to miss the mark.
And that was precisely what I wanted.
I looked at her strangely. "What are you thinking? Didn't I already say it clearly? I just wanted your help with office work."
"…Are you mocking me?" Nagisa's gaze flickered, her words far sharper than her usual calm tone. "You have joked enough, haven't you? Do you think it is a trivial matter for the Tea Party host to overturn an entire schedule overnight just to make time to come here?"
From the intensity of her emotions, barely restrained beneath her composure, I could fully imagine how much trouble I had caused her.
I felt regret about that as well, but there was no other choice.
In a short period of time, this was my only opportunity.
In fact, the more uncomfortable Nagisa felt, the more effective this might be.
I shook my head. "Of course not. But if you felt it was impossible, why not simply refuse?"
Nagisa curled her lips, her chest rising and falling as she struggled to suppress her anger. "Hehe… You truly are as humorous as ever."
I suddenly wondered whether that phrase had some hidden, widely accepted meaning in Trinity.
"No matter what you think, I called you here today simply to help with official duties. Sorry. It is not as complicated as you imagine."
I handed her a stack of documents, adding meaningfully, "Have you perhaps been overthinking things a bit too easily lately?"
"…Very well. I understand."
Nagisa took a deep breath, looked at me intently, and forced out a smile.
Then she almost snatched the documents from my hand and lowered her head to read.
She managed to control herself. As expected of Nagisa.
"Actually, you could still refuse now," I added casually. "But since you already agreed, refusing now would not be your style."
Slam!
"What exactly are you trying to say!?"
Finally unable to endure any longer, she slammed the documents onto the desk. Even her refined upbringing could not suppress her anger.
"You deliberately make things difficult for me, yet maintain such a lofty attitude to mock the one willing to endure it. Are you seeking revenge? I admit my methods may have been excessive. But why are you unwilling to try to understand me? You are truly… the worst!"
After her outburst, the usually elegant girl was breathing heavily.
Even with a conflict of this magnitude, loud enough that Schale's soundproofing could not completely conceal it, there was no movement outside.
In truth, that was a testament to the loyalty of the guards she brought. If matters had truly become irreparable, what would have sounded instead would have been gunfire.
"Princess, it seems you have misunderstood something. Though that is only natural."
I calmly looked at her. Upon hearing the way I addressed her, she froze.
"Sometimes things are not so complicated. I think right now, you should give up excessive thinking and relax your nerves."
At this point, with Nagisa's intelligence, she would surely understand my true intention.
I simply wanted her to temporarily escape Trinity's political whirlpool, the endless schemes and the immense pressure that came with them, and catch her breath.
"Today, you are only Schale's duty student. Only my princess. Is that not so?"
Meeting my sincere gaze, Nagisa's expression gradually softened, though it still was not pleasant.
Emotionally, she probably still could not fully accept my methods.
She let out a cold laugh. "Hehe. The only one who would ignore a princess's feelings and treat her so roughly would be the most incompetent knight."
"It does not matter. Protecting you from danger is a knight's first duty." I paused, confused. "Wait. Shouldn't I be the prince instead?"
Nagisa did not answer my question, only casting me a sidelong glance. "If you truly are capable."
"Then shouldn't I be the one to marry the prin—"
"Enough." Nagisa raised her voice and cut me off, smiling. "As Schale's duty student, I will now assist you with your work. Even you, please do not disturb me. Otherwise, I shall stuff this Swiss roll into your mouth."
Did she not realize the logical inconsistency in that threat?
Though somewhat unwilling, faced with her smiling yet dangerous warning, I had no choice but to drop the matter.
For a while afterward, Nagisa and I immersed ourselves in busy official work, speaking only when necessary.
It was not until noon, when she had completely calmed down, that she invited me to have lunch together.
After I agreed, two guards soon brought in two bento boxes.
Upon opening them, I saw an assortment of carefully arranged dishes. Even reheated, the taste was impressive.
"How does it taste?" Nagisa asked casually.
"You made this yourself?" I immediately grew alert.
During our time working together, Nagisa clearly had no opportunity to prepare lunch.
But what if she had been looking forward to seeing me and cooked it in advance?
My gaze sharpened. I strongly suspected she had deliberately drawn my attention earlier.
"…That question is not important."
"Of course it is," I said sincerely. "If it was specially made for me by my princess, I would be deeply moved."
Nagisa turned her reddening face away. "…Hmph. You truly are smooth-tongued. Exactly how many princesses do you have?"
I fell silent, then picked up my chopsticks and began eating heartily, praising as I went. "Nagisa's cooking is truly wonderful!"
My clumsy attempt at changing the subject earned me a sharp look and a sigh.
"That will not work."
Her tone grew somewhat heavy. "Being able to briefly escape responsibility, I did feel a long-lost sense of ease. For that alone, regardless of how much trouble you will cause me afterward or how inconsiderate your methods were, I am willing to be grateful… But this will not work."
I knew what she meant.
Until she saw decisive evidence, her stance toward the Make-Up Work Club would not change, even if it meant bearing the accusation of forcing innocent students to withdraw.
Her expression was filled with sorrow and guilt.
"I have people I must protect… I have duties I must bear… So, Sensei, at least for now, I will not apologize to anyone I suspect. Including you."
As the Tea Party host, Nagisa could no longer afford to believe. She no longer had the luxury of abandoning suspicion.
"Yes. I know." I spoke gently. "That is why I said, protecting you and everyone else is my responsibility."
"Then you should find the hidden traitor, should you not?"
I replied calmly, "I am sorry. Unlike you, I am willing to apologize to you."
Nagisa said nothing more. She only looked at me silently, her gaze gentle yet complicated, filled with emotion.
And so, after lunch, the afternoon passed in a markedly different atmosphere from the morning, tinged with ambiguity.
By evening, Nagisa had to return to school. We parted reluctantly.
Watching her figure recede under the escort of her guards, I thought that perhaps the next time we met, we would once again stand in complete opposition.
Unless, before then, I found evidence sufficient to prove everyone's innocence to her.
Starting tomorrow, the training camp would begin.
Turning back inside, I silently hoped that no one would disappoint me.