Under Mari's guidance, I completed a prayer that will remain etched in my heart.
"If I was able to help you, Sensei, even just a tiny, insignificant bit, then I'm already more than satisfied."
What a gentle, wonderful girl.
As I watched her, wholeheartedly thinking of me, I sighed inwardly, then said without the slightest restraint:
"In that case, could you do me one more favor?"
"Mm, of course I can."
Although it was exactly what I expected, I was still moved that Mari did not hesitate even for a moment.
After thanking her, I did not waste time and went straight to the point.
"Do you know a sister named Utazumi Sakurako?"
Even though the Sisterhood holds a position of great importance within Trinity, for some reason, perhaps because of its policy of staying away from political activities, there is surprisingly little information about this ancient organization available online.
So I decided to ask Mari directly, as she is both a member of the Sisterhood and someone I trust.
"Eh? Sakurako-sama?"
Mari looked surprised for a moment, then nodded and introduced her to me.
"Yes, Sakurako-sama is the representative of the Sisterhood. She is an outstanding sister and deeply admired by all of us."
The representative of the Sisterhood, in other words, something like its president?
Even though I had already guessed that Sakurako's identity was not simple, I still felt a little surprised.
"Then where can I find her?"
"At this time, Sakurako-sama should be in her office handling official matters… Sensei, do you need her for something?"
Before I could answer, Mari suddenly seemed to realize something, and her expression shifted slightly.
"Ah? Could it be that the student you said you had a conflict with is…"
"No, it's not that. I just have a small matter."
"Ah! I-I'm sorry!" Mari first panicked, then looked ashamed. "I committed the sin of making unfounded assumptions. I'm still far from mature."
"That doesn't count as a sin at all!"
As I reassured Mari, I could not help but sigh inwardly.
To think that my charm has reached the point where even such an excellent sister loses her usual composure and reveals a shy, age-appropriate cuteness.
Mari quickly regained her calm, and I continued asking.
"Could you tell me where her office is?"
"Please allow me to take you there."
I did not refuse Mari's kindness. Following closely behind her, we soon arrived in front of an office.
After confirming that I did not need her to introduce me, Mari left first, and I knocked on the door.
Upon hearing a voice telling me to come in, I pushed the door open. Sakurako, whom I had met yesterday, was sitting behind her desk.
Seeing that it was me, she looked slightly surprised.
"Sensei? May blessings be with you today as well. Is there something I can help you with?"
Her words were very polite, and her voice extremely gentle, but the faint furrow of her brows, paired with her unsmiling face, created a sharp contrast.
To put it simply, I secretly suspected that she might already be a little upset.
After all, she had already told me quite a lot yesterday, yet today I had come to her again without warning. It did seem somewhat tactless.
So I apologized first. "I'm sorry. Actually, I didn't come looking for you on purpose yesterday."
"…Eh? I-I misunderstood?" Sakurako suddenly looked embarrassed. "Then I'm the one who should apologize. I'm sorry. I suddenly spoke to you at the time and must have caused you trouble."
I also suddenly realized that I might have misunderstood Sakurako.
It seems she is not as cold and distant as her appearance suggests.
Although it is clear that she hides many secrets, at least in her attitude toward me, she is undeniably sincere and friendly.
Perhaps it was precisely because I had vaguely sensed this before that I came to seek her help again.
Or perhaps it is because she has a crush on me.
As I thought this, I said to Sakurako, "However, I really do want to learn about Hanako's situation."
At those words, Sakurako's expression turned serious again, but she patiently explained:
"Sensei, perhaps I was not clear enough yesterday. Regarding Hanako, I can only tell you my personal impression of her as 'Utazumi Sakurako.'"
I am willing to believe that Sakurako has no reason to lie to me about something like this.
In that case, Hanako's reason for hating Trinity becomes even more intriguing.
For it to be something that, due to her position as the 'Representative of the Sisterhood,' Sakurako cannot reveal to me…
Could it have something to do with the Tea Party?
For the time being, I suppressed this confusion and continued.
"It doesn't have to be anything that deep. In fact, my current understanding of Hanako is limited to her being a student with poor grades… and a slightly strange girl."
Sakurako frowned again. "Student Nagisa used Schale's authority to establish the Make-Up Work Club. Did she not even tell you that?"
I merely smiled awkwardly, thinking to myself that the word "used" might be a bit strong.
Still, Nagisa truly did not give me much information.
Perhaps she trusts my abilities and felt there was no need.
"…That was my mistake. Please forget my inappropriate wording just now."
Sakurako took a deep breath. "If what you need right now is only information that is common knowledge, then if you do not mind, please allow me to tell you about another side of Hanako that was once known to everyone."
I nodded. "Thank you."
"In fact…" Sakurako chose her words carefully. "When Hanako was in her first year, she was a renowned prodigy throughout all of Trinity."
From Sakurako's mouth, as expected, I heard a completely different image from the present one.
Excellent grades, upright conduct, proper manners.
By any standard, she was a perfect model student with a boundless future ahead of her.
However, the change came silently and with astonishing speed.
To everyone's shock, at some point, Hanako became like a completely different person. Not only did her grades plummet, but even her interests became drastically different from before, to the point that many classmates who once maintained friendly relations with her began to avoid her at all costs.
As for the reason, no one knows.
"…That is everything," Sakurako concluded sincerely. "Sensei, if you have any other questions, I will answer as much as I can within the limits of what I am allowed to say."
And I, who had been pondering since earlier, could not help but murmur,
"Friendly relations… is that so?"
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
I stood up. "Thank you very much for the information."
"This is simply my duty." Sakurako smiled and stood as well. "Then please allow me to see you out this time too."
I didn't refuse.
On the way, however, I couldn't help but reflect in my thoughts.
It seems Hanako really did have the right to say that I didn't understand. But that only applies to before.
Hatred?
No.
It is clearly weariness.