“That was a joke, Misono Mika. You can just let it slide.”
When I had given myself the death sentence in my mind, Sakurako added that. But at this point, what good is that even? It couldn’t mask the genuine disappointment from just a moment ago.
Hmm…
It’s true that my social circle is wide. I know most of the students involved in the social scene at Trinity.
But if you ask if I frequently meet with them, well, not really.
If I list out how I spend my time, the first would be Kirihouji Nagisa, who lives with me, and then Urawa Hanako, whom I share work hours with. After them, it would be our Blooming Buds members lined up…
However, if we only consider one-on-one meetings excluding idol activities, the frequency and time drastically shrink from there. This means, naturally, that my precious lovers get prioritized for my time.
Thus, unless it’s someone whose activities overlap with mine or someone I meet frequently for work, I usually see them only once in a while.
I do see Sakurako every Sunday morning at mass, but to call that spending time with a friend is a bit…
“I’m sorry, Sister. I’ve strayed a bit from my duties there.”
“Oh, no. I understand. That, for sure, could have been disappointing, hmm.”
This is quite… how should I put it? Even though I have only one friend, that friend’s schedule is so packed that it feels like I can’t hang out with her even if I wanted to—that’s exactly Sakurako’s situation right now.
“…Even aside from disappointment, I’m not acting like a proper abbess. Just as you live your life busily every day, I also spend my time constantly delving deeper into doctrine, praying to the primordial deity, and managing the Sisterhood’s affairs, so I am perpetually busy as well.”
“Ahaha. That sounds busier than me… you work hard, don’t you, Sakurako?”
“That’s too much flattery. Um… Additionally, sometimes I do spend time listening to the concerns of the other sisters or helping them understand the doctrine better, but the difference in our positions sometimes muddles my thoughts. I understand it’s unavoidable, but…”
“The heart doesn’t feel the same. It’s a common occurrence, yes.”
Hmmm. Is there a good way around this? Should I set up Saori, who is at least somewhat interested in theology? Realistically, my personal free time is limited, so perhaps increasing the number of friends I have might be a better option…
“By the way, Sister.”
“Mm?”
“I’ve been receiving ongoing reports about your unhealthy relationships from Sister Mari… please, don’t put her in too much discomfort. Sister Mari is exceptionally suited to be the next abbess, and she will certainly grow to be a better abbess than me someday.”
“…Right. I’ll keep that in mind.”
So, she’s saying to keep the teasing of the lewd Sister Mari in check? Understood.
The actual problem, though, is that Sister Mari is the one dragging me into the Confession Booth, shouting for repentance, so it doesn’t seem like I have much wrong on my end.
More than that, is this confession really that far off? After repenting for sins and calmly confessing, followed by ‘The Lord has forgiven your sins,’ where did that go? It’s turned into a one-on-one hangout instead.
“Um, if that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to just talk face to face?”
“…Ah, that’s not allowed.”
“Hmm…?”
“It’s a matter of principle, Sister. Rather, I’d like to return to our earlier discussion; concerning the restoration costs of the High Cathedral of the Union…”
I didn’t understand why it wasn’t allowed, but the topic I had secretly feared came up. It couldn’t possibly be a small sum…
“The Sisterhood will cover half, so could the T-party take responsibility for the remaining half?”
“Huh? Half?”
“…Is that insufficient?”
“Ah, no. Not that… this is technically my fault, right?”
“Correct, that part is true.”
…That was a straight answer. It’s truly sad that I can’t deny it.
“Yes, so I was surprised by the idea of covering half. It’s usually unexpected for someone to offer to share the financial burden of an amount I should fully handle.”
“What you should know is that the Sisterhood keeps funds available to cover restoration costs for the cathedral to prepare for situations like this. Also, since I placed my trust in you, I have my share of responsibility as well, so ignoring it isn’t a desirable attitude.”
“No matter how you look at it, half seems too much. The T-party should take 70%…”
“Upon rethinking, it seems the root cause of this incident lies solely with me. I’ll have the Sisterhood cover the total amount.”
“Then how about 60%?”
“Excuse me, Sister? Discussing the offerings made by our faithful like that feels somewhat… troubling…”
“…In that case, let’s compromise: the T-party covers 50%, the Sisterhood covers 40%, and I’ll personally take on 10%. You can think of that 10% as my donation. Kind of like penance, maybe.”
Since it was something I set in motion on my own, it would be a bit funny for the T-party or the Sisterhood to bear the costs, but realistically thinking, covering all of that would be no small feat, not to mention sharing the burden.
“That won’t do, Sister.”
“Huh? Why not?”
“As the saying goes, there’s a difference between ‘a’ and ‘b’; in penance, the process is often more important than the outcome. Therefore, let the restoration costs be equally borne at 50% by the T-party and the Sisterhood, while perhaps you should use the corresponding 10% for something meaningful privately… what do you think?”
“…Ah, I understand. Rather than trying to buy the Lord’s forgiveness with money, reflecting on how to assist others with that money while contemplating my sins, and naturally seeking the Lord’s forgiveness in the end—this feels more aligned with the act of penance. Right, that’s about it?”
Fufu. I think that’s just the more ideal direction I suggested, that’s completely up to you, Sister.
“Wow—”
I felt like I caught another glimpse of Sakurako’s true self. While she often amused me with her strange mannerisms, moments like this made me realize she wasn’t just anyone but indeed the head of the Sisterhood.
Sometimes, there are even students who seem more adult than me. Like Sakurako in this serious mode or Noah when she’s dealing with her secretary duties… or even Kisaki, who just feels mature.
Nagisa had that aspect too, but lately, she’s become more spoiled and a lustful angel, which makes that feeling less intense.
By the way, to say that instead of covering the restoration costs with my pocket, I should use that amount for something more meaningful… I feel like this will require some thought.
If I had to say, it doesn’t feel like it’s about just finding a place to donate directly. Given my position as T-party host, I think I might be able to use it a bit more meaningfully.
“Okay, I get it for now. As for how I’ll use it, I’ll think about that separately. We’ll discuss this again once we get the estimate for the restoration costs☆.”
“Understood. Sister, is there anything else you’d like to confess?”
“Umm… I don’t think so.”
“In that case… let’s wrap up the confession here.”
With that, Sakurako solemnly declared the end, effectively marking the conclusion of what could practically be called a symposium disguised as confession.
“In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I absolve this sister of her sins.”
It’s a voice that feels strangely mesmerizing every time I hear it. It carries a solemn yet compassionate tone.
Anyway, as we stepped out of the Confession Booth, Sakurako soon followed suit, approaching me with light steps and keenly observing me.
“Actually, it feels a bit surreal. I feel like I’ve been deceived, leading to a slight sense of betrayal. I understand why you had to keep it hidden. It seems unreasonable for someone to change their entire self overnight, right…?”
“Haha… well, I think it’s quite reasonable. Just not something that can happen in a day. But if the right circumstances arise, becoming a completely new person isn’t out of reach.”
“Hmmm… is that so?”
“Yes, right now proof of that is resting comfortably in the T-party hospital. That kid used to seem impossible to me, yet surprisingly that’s not the case.”
I was talking about Wakamo, but honestly, Haruna also applies to that to a considerable extent. However, the more serious transformation suited for Sakurako is on Wakamo’s side.
“Oh, right! If you have time, how about meeting that kid once?”
“…Now that you mention it, I do indeed want to meet her at least once.”
“Then I’ll adjust the schedule properly. By the way, later, when I ask about a good time, can you reply?”
“Understood, Misono Mika. By the way…”
“Yes?”
“Are we friends?”
“…Pfft. That was a joke, huh? You were worried about it. Of course, we’re friends☆.”
“Fufu… I’m really glad to hear that.”
As I introduce Sakurako, our poor abbess without friends, to more people, I’m hoping she’ll find others she connects with. Of course, I’d think Hikari Atsuko, with her wonderful social skills, would be the most reliable candidate.
“Oh, Misono Mika. May I ask a favor?”
“…What exactly is the favor?”
“Could you suggest a tour of the cathedral to the students from Gehenna who visited Trinity this time——”
“Nope, denied.”
Sakurako, I’m okay with most of your requests, but…
I have no desire to bring a group that includes Hanuma Makoto into such a sacred place.
So remember, I’m refusing this out of consideration for your Sisterhood, so don’t give me that gloomy face…
