The next day.
After a busy morning, I had basically finished all of today's work.
Perhaps because I happened to run into Kayoko last night and also saw Hina, I was in quite a good state of mind. As a result, my efficiency was much higher than I had expected.
After lunch, I took a short nap to restore my energy to its best condition. Although there was still some time before the Teaching session began, it was not that long. After thinking it over for a moment, I decided to head to Trinity in advance.
When I arrived, just as I had expected, the campus was still empty.
Looking into the distance, even at Trinity Square, a popular spot known even to students from other schools, there was not a single student in sight. They were probably still attending their final classes before dismissal.
From this alone, it was clear that Trinity truly lived up to its reputation as a prestigious academy with a long history. In terms of school spirit and discipline, it could perhaps be called the most proper among the three major academies of Kivotos.
I had originally planned to head straight to the empty classroom used by the Make-Up Work Club to wait. However, as I walked toward the teaching building, my gaze was inevitably drawn to the grand and magnificent cathedral to one side.
Along with it came a subtle, irresistible itch in my heart.
It seemed that I had not seen Mari for a few days either.
Although we kept in touch through messaging apps, some things were, after all, more convenient to do in person.
For example, well...
Making a confession to the wonderful sister.
Quite a few things had happened recently. Although too many secrets were involved to confide in others, from my experience, even if I summarized them vaguely, as long as everything came from the heart, it would still be gently listened to and embraced, bringing a sense of spiritual relief.
Of course, Mari might just be in class like any ordinary student right now.
I glanced at my phone. Since it was on the way, I figured it would not hurt to try my luck. Even if the person I wanted to see was not there, I could follow what she had taught me and, in the solemn and dignified environment, pray and reflect alone before a God whose existence was uncertain.
It could become a topic of conversation with Mari, and naturally lead to arranging our next meeting.
With that thought, my steps slowed and turned, and I strode toward the cathedral's main entrance.
This was a time when few people visited.
As I walked inside, I found that the vast main hall was just as deserted as the square outside, making the already solemn atmosphere feel even heavier in its emptiness.
However, in the very front row of seats, there was still a member of the Sisterhood wearing a black veil.
From her back alone, it was clear that she was not Mari.
Other than her, there was no one else in the church.
I withdrew my gaze from looking around, not particularly surprised.
Then I deliberately softened my footsteps and slowly walked over to her side.
Only when I got closer did I notice that this silver haired girl, with delicate and gentle features, indeed had her eyes tightly closed, praying with complete concentration.
Without disturbing her, I chose a seat a little farther away. After checking the remaining time, I closed my eyes in peace.
In such a quiet environment filled with a strong sense of atmosphere, it felt easier than usual to calm my mind.
Although I hadn't memorized any prayers, so rather than praying, it was more like taking the opportunity to examine my own heart.
After a long while, I slowly opened my eyes.
"Hello." A gentle female voice filled with approval sounded beside me. "You were praying very earnestly. I wonder, did you gain what you hoped for?"
I smiled. "Of course."
Haha, Of course... Not.
Why had this sister, whom I had never met before, quietly sat down beside me?
Although her movements were light and made no sound, a pleasant fragrance from her body had drifted over to me.
The stray thoughts I had almost completely cleared from my mind instantly multiplied countless times upon noticing the situation, even more than before I had started praying, and then all converged into one.
Could it be that she had fallen in love with me at first sight?
Why was the card not reacting?
Pretending not to notice, I endured for quite a while, hoping that our first meeting would not become too awkward.
At least so far, everything was going smoothly.
I silently praised myself in my heart and turned my head, only to be startled.
The girl whose face had seemed gentle with her eyes closed now looked at me with a gaze far sharper than I had imagined, as if she could easily see through people's hearts. The combination created a strange aura that inspired involuntary awe.
...Could it be that she had long since noticed that I had noticed her?
"Hehe, this is our first meeting, Sensei. I am Utazumi Sakurako of the Trinity General Academy Sisterhood. May peace always be with you."
The girl named Sakurako spoke in a soft tone, yet her smile carried a hint of chill.
And she even knew my identity?
After hesitating for a moment, I asked, "Do you know me?"
"An unfamiliar adult appearing on campus at a time like this..." Sakurako paused. "That would only be the Sensei from Schale, who used authority beyond legal principle to bypass the necessary resolutions, assisted Nagisa, and established and managed that club."
Sakurako did not answer my question directly, and there was something elusive in her words.
Outwardly, I remained calm, but inwardly I could not help falling into deep thought.
Seeing my silence, Sakurako continued, "If I am mistaken, please forgive me. I assume that you came specifically to see me in order to learn about Hanako's situation."
Hanako?
Why would this sister, who felt as though she held many secrets and knew many hidden truths, mention Hanako?
I suddenly felt that the pink haired girl who would casually say strange things that left even me at a loss for words had become shrouded in yet another layer of mystery.
After some thought, I nodded for the time being. "I do want to know about Hanako's situation."
"So it is as I thought?"
Sakurako sighed softly and looked at me seriously. "You should know that our Sisterhood has always practiced non-intervention. Moreover, my personal view may only influence your judgment. Even so, do you still wish to know my opinion of 'Urawa Hanako'?"
At this point, was there any other choice?
"If possible, I would appreciate it."
"I understand."
Sakurako carefully chose her words. "I do not believe that Hanako is a suspicious or bad person. However, having fallen into her current circumstances was entirely her own choice."
It felt as though she had said nothing, yet everything was already contained within her words.
Then Sakurako stood up and politely said, "If you do not mind, please allow me to see you out."
"Alright, thank you for the trouble."
After being courteously escorted out of the cathedral by Sakurako, I did not linger. Carrying a swirl of thoughts, I headed toward the Make-Up Work Club.