“…I never expected you to come out to greet me in person. Is there a special reason you decided to come all the way to the airport to wait for me?”
“Huh? This isn’t really about official business but more like a personal visit to build friendships, right? So naturally, I should welcome you. As a friend, that is.”
Although it felt a bit sudden, Kisaki’s visit to Trinity was happening for a different reason. It was merely fulfilling her promise to visit me after I returned from Sanhaegyeong next month.
“Is that so… Hmm. Then, choosing that outfit and hair accessory is to indirectly let your friend know you received her gift.”
“Ahaha, well, that’s one way to put it.”
“I’m glad to hear it made you happy. The hair looks especially great with it.”
The fact that I wore the white cheongsam Kisaki gifted me and adorned my hair with a bow was partly because I wanted to leave a photo memory of this moment.
Someday, if I’m ever in the mood, I might consider trying on a bunny girl outfit for my ultimate Mika collection, so compared to that, wearing this cheongsam feels pretty relaxed. Honestly, it’s better than that monokini I wore during the summer festival, anyway.
…Of course, that’s separate from when Nagisa teasingly told me she’d fight me if I didn’t wear pantyhose. I do find bare skin a bit daunting, so this feels better.
I didn’t genuinely want to fight, but that subtle possessiveness from Nagisa was cute.
The hairstyle was somewhere between a bun and twin-tails, and I received help from Nagisa with that as well. I was a bit taken aback by how pretty I looked when I looked in the mirror. Well, it’s not like I’ve never looked pretty before.
“Oh? Is Mina-chan not with you?”
However, for some reason, Mina, who was supposed to be Kisaki’s escort, was nowhere to be found. Not only was Mina absent, but Kisaki didn’t bring any attendants with her at all. For someone like Kisaki, even if she didn’t want to bring them, her subordinates would have insisted on it, right…?
“Using your words, today, I’m not here on official business. If the purpose is solely to build a friendship, then there’s no need for unnecessary escorts or attendants.”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
“Hmm. Since you’ll be by my side today, it wouldn’t matter if I didn’t have escorts. May I trust you to ensure my safety today, so not even a scratch graces my skin?”
“Bringing this up is a bit of a matter of pride, but… well, it can’t be helped. Let’s just go have a meal first, Kisaki-chan. Even if today isn’t an official visit, we still have some things to talk about, right?”
Kisaki agreed to my statement, and we headed toward one of the most expensive tuna specialty restaurants in Trinity, a wealthy autonomous district. I had previously made a reservation after confirming with Kisaki, and today was likely my fifth visit.
Since it’s essentially a private room, it’s perfect for discussing important matters.
After ordering a jaw-dropping price for bluefin tuna sashimi, Kisaki launched into a familiar topic.
“About those two proposals you presented during your visit to Sanhaegyeong last time… Unfortunately, there are some difficulties in implementing them in the near future.”
“…Is the opposition within Hyunryongmun that severe?”
“Indeed. I’m the head of Hyunryongmun, not a dictator, after all. Thus, it’s necessary to respect everyone’s opinions. The chefs from Hyunryongmun are refusing to participate in the cooking competition, concerned about the influx of many outsiders, and the broadcasting won’t go beyond the autonomous district… There’s no proper solution aside from taking time to persuade them.”
“Hmm. Sure enough, the goal is to unite Hyunryongmun and Hyeonmusanghoe, so pushing too hard won’t resolve this.”
“However, it remains a knot that must be untied, no matter how much effort it takes. Approaching it like some ancient king cutting a knot would only lead to disastrous results.”
What was it again… Gordian knot? It seems similar to that story.
In any case, I had no solid answer to this issue.
Originally, Kisaki wouldn’t have brought this up expecting an answer. The gaze in her eyes bore the will to persuade them even more, as this was something she couldn’t forcibly decide.
On our side, there was practically no opposition feeling of “Who is that arrogant jerk to think they can prove their superiority? This is something we cannot tolerate!” However, I could sense Hyunryongmun’s situation was somewhat different.
Their stance is more like “We have the confidence to prove we’re the best, but we absolutely cannot allow outsiders to muddle Sanhaegyeong.” Since they prioritize maintaining tradition, gaining consent from them wouldn’t be easy.
It seems that probing whether Hyunryongmun is scared would have negative repercussions, so I truly couldn’t think of a definitive answer. If their relationship deteriorates before the competition even happens, that would defeat the purpose entirely.
“Indeed, the situation in Sanhaegyeong is also quite complex. Hmm.”
Even though I had no answer to provide, I pondered whether there was any way to offer a small outlet for Kisaki’s troubles. There has to be at least one solution available if I look for it… Moments like this make me enviously think of Hanako’s intelligence.
Speaking of which, soon there would be immense chaos across Kivotos due to the Student Council President’s disappearance.
In other words, until that turmoil arises, all existing plans must be put on hold…
Hmm. Is there any way to reverse-engineer the incident of the Student Council President’s disappearance? My brain seems to be on a break and it’s sad.
Still, I recalled a method that could lightly hint at the chaos that would follow. I might be able to lessen the damage by giving a heads-up in a similar manner to Millennium, Abydos, and Odyssey.
“Kisaki-chan, there’s something I want to convey.”
“Oh? I’m all ears, so go ahead.”
Sorry, Kaya. I’m borrowing your name for today.
“I have connections in the Student Council Defense Office, and I’ve heard that the situation over there is quite concerning. The atmosphere is practically on thin ice.”
“…Are you saying it’s different from the usual changes caused by graduating students?”
“Nothing is certain yet, but that’s what I’ve heard. They’re currently investigating the situation, but what’s certain is that it wouldn’t be bad to take a step back and observe the circumstances for a while. In any case, the issue in Sanhaegyeong must be resolved collaboratively with the outside, because if the matter in the Student Council exceeds just that, rushing into promoting it could lead to unexpected negative consequences.”
“…How reliable are your connections in the Defense Office? I’m already aware that the previous Defense Office head was apprehended by the Correction Bureau after accepting bribes from Kaiser. Given that they’ve lost their trust not once but twice in the past two years, it’s natural to be a bit suspicious.”
“I trust them one hundred percent.”
Regardless of Kaya from the main story, the Kaya I witnessed with my own eyes was a trustworthy figure. Of course, although the source of this information wasn’t made up, it sure did give me some relief…
After all, showing a sincere side like this is one of the biggest strengths of someone as straightforward as me, as Nagisa said. Seeing Kisaki nodding in agreement likely confirms that statement.
“Is that so? I owe you once again. I will keep that information in mind.”
The conversation, which continued for a while longer, came to a halt as a server arrived.
As the beautifully marbled bluefin tuna sashimi began to fill the table, Kisaki’s eyes sparkled.
“Kisaki-chan. This is the tuna belly…”
Hmm. I should be getting used to it by now, but the lack of alcohol is still something I can’t quite adjust to…
*
While it wasn’t an enormous amount, both Nana and Kisaki had similar appetites, so we left pleasantly satisfied after finishing our meals. The next stop was one of the most popular dessert cafes in Trinity, Millefeuille.
Strolling through the streets in a cheongsam—a rare sight in Trinity—two girls occupying a window seat at the dessert cafe drew quite a few gazes. However, Kisaki, accustomed to being admired within Hyunryongmun, didn’t seem to bother with it much.
Contrary to my original plan of having her try Millefeuille’s parfait, Kisaki instead opted for a dessert suitable to accompany tea. Thus, we decided on a milk crepe.
“Kisaki-chan. How about coffee instead of tea here? I’ll brew tea for you later.”
“…Coffee, you say? If you recommend it, trying something new wouldn’t hurt.”
I casually suggested coffee to Kisaki, and to my surprise, she accepted it readily. We ordered one cup each of warm Cafe Mocha and Americano and leisurely chatted.
Talking with Kisaki makes me feel… well, like I’m about to slip back into my twenties. That’s how mature she comes across.
Of course, being a student, she likely still hides some age-appropriate traits, but at least on the surface, those aspects aren’t very apparent.
Then the mishap occurred once our ordered coffees arrived.
“Ugh, eh…? Ugh…”
As Kisaki confidently took a sip of the Americano through the straw, the light faded from her eyes. It seemed our dear head wasn’t a fan of black coffee.
Well… this feels like the first time I’ve really seen her act her age.
“Ahaha. Here, have a bite of this first, and if you don’t like it, I recommend adding some syrup.”
After I followed through with my suggestion, Kisaki took a few moments to chew on the milk crepe before the sparkle returned to her eyes.
“…But, if I add syrup, wouldn’t it lose its original flavor?”
“I think it’s better than forcing yourself to eat something you don’t like… Or how about trying this instead?”
As I offered her the Cafe Mocha I ordered, Kisaki pondered for a moment before nodding and bringing the straw to her mouth.
“This isn’t bad. No, in fact, I might like it a lot…”
“Ahaha, I’m relieved to hear you like it. Then we can say that’s just for Kisaki-chan to drink☆”
“…Is it really okay for me to have it?”
I was glad that Kisaki seemed to enjoy the Cafe Mocha, but still… I should probably try it myself to be sure…
Taking a sip of the Americano, the intense bitterness hit me with the aroma of coffee rising. To be honest, it was a bit far from my taste.
“Well, adding a little syrup might make it better… Huh? Kisaki-chan?”
“T-That’s nothing at all.”
Seeing Kisaki appear flustered made me wonder if something was wrong… But then I remembered this straw had already been used by her.
Hmm, well… I’m typically indifferent to even indirect kisses, so I was a bit slow to catch on, but she might have felt a little uncomfortable about it. Perhaps starting with an apology is best…?
