That day, the Sandstorm of Abydos, which seemed like it would never stop engulfing the entire world, finally settled down.
That kid, who was used to push the academy that he loved in the past down to the abyss, had his AI, Set, replace Divi:SION and found rest as he met his second death in Hoshino’s hands.
In a sense, Hoshino ended one intelligence, but from a more conventional perspective, it was like she granted a soul its salvation. I couldn’t help but realize how strong she was for taking on that responsibility willingly.
After that, someone began to gaze at Hoshino with admiration, but I could understand that feeling well enough.
…But feeling jealous about it was an entirely different matter. I hate hypocrisy, yet I found myself envyingly drawn into it.
After the OPA Ts were destroyed, everyone present stared silently at Hoshino’s back for a while.
When Hoshino silently shed hot tears, what came to mind was something that could no longer be seen… we knew it was a precious person she wanted to show first if Abydos could regain its past appearance.
And when Hoshino said her goodbyes, we knew she was finally ready to properly let go of her.
It was a farewell for that purpose, a way for Hoshino to tie up her wounds.
And so, when Hoshino brought up the idea that until the day the Sand Festival of Abydos was held, we should aim to plant a sapling each day with bright eyes,
the committee burst into laughter and embraced Hoshino, while the Teacher and RABBIT Squad watched over her warmly.
I… well, who knows.
Even while clumsily clutching Hina’s hand, when Hoshino looked at us and smiled widely, I reflexively smiled back.
I suppose that was the case.
As for adding anything more, Hoshino was probably already close to being a complete adult all on her own.
“Thank you all for your hard work! The resolution of everything is thanks to everyone. In that spirit, how about we hold a swimsuit party? It’s with the intent of letting loose and having fun after all that hard work☆”
“Denied, Nonomi-senpai! We don’t even have a place to swim, so what’s with the swimsuit party? You should talk some sense.”
“Um… isn’t the idea that you need to have a place to swim in order to wear swimsuits kind of a stereotype, Serika-chan?”
“Eh? Nonomi-chan, that’s not a stereotype, it’s common sense. Who wears pajamas without a place to sleep… huh? Is that so? Was it like that?!”
“Yes, exactly! Hoshino-senpai gets it♧”
“But it’s still denied.”
You’d be surprised how many people wear swimsuits without a place to swim, Nonomi. Some even send me pictures…
…I wouldn’t say I’m dense, but does she like me, maybe? But the picture thing started only after we first met last year. From Hanako’s personality, she doesn’t seem like the type who would show her feelings, especially since she’s still playing the refined lady in the office.
Just a senior with a slight admiration, that’s all it probably is. It’ll probably stay that way.
“Nonetheless, a celebration party sounds like a good idea~. This mom is going to be sleeping on the roof, so my daughters, please prepare the party.”
“Seriously, what’s with shoving the party preparations onto your juniors just because the age gap isn’t that big?!”
“Uh… this is troubling, President.”
“Eh?! I don’t want to deal with annoying things like being president!”
“It’s fine, Hoshino-senpai~! As the only officer of the Abydos Student Council, I’m sure you can handle it well♧”
“Then I won’t…! Mika-chan, could you do me just one favor?”
When Hoshino, who was being grilled about the Student Council’s remarks at the ruins, suddenly asked me for help, I slightly opened my eyes, curious about what that was about.
I met the gaze of Hina, looking down at me with an indifferent expression while resting her hand on my forehead. Why are those eyes that bend so beautifully so appealing? Maybe it’s because I got hurt yesterday, but it’s oddly touching, and I can’t say I hate it.
How could I dislike receiving such desired attention all at once? I actually like it, yeah.
“Okay. What’s your favor, Hoshino-chan?”
“Well, it’s a simple request. Transfer to Abydos and be the Student Council President!”
“Oh wow. I’m in favor~!”
“Me too… I’m in favor.”
“…Honestly, you’re more reliable than Hoshino-senpai.”
“Uh, does it really count as just passing on the president’s duties like that? But considering the person who’s been the president at Trinity for almost a year… No, there’s no way you’d come over…”
“Huh? What do you mean by that, Ayane-chan? Mika-chan said she’s stated herself that she wants to transfer to Abydos, right?”
That was said. Hmm. There was a time when I felt that way…
But that’s an old story I barely remember now. Even if I want to, I can’t come now. Why, you ask?
“I feel like if I transfer here, Nagisa-chan would declare war. What do you think, Hina-chan?”
“There’s no question about it, Abydos wouldn’t last a day.”
“Ugh. That’s a bit unsettling, but hard to argue with. Looks like it’s a no-go~.”
It would be normal to feel bad about hearing such things about your own academy, but if we’re talking about Abydos and Trinity now, I wouldn’t be angry about hearing something that hits hard—rather, I’d probably feel a sense of injustice after hearing something true.
In a way, Hoshino’s character that maintains a smile despite being hit with such remarks is quite charming, though after yesterday, it felt slightly different. It literally feels like she’s become more relaxed.
That’s probably an accurate expression.
“So, how are we going to prepare for the party? I’ll help out☆”
“Uhe~ Not allowed.”
“Yes, not allowed☆”
“Yep. Absolutely not allowed.”
“Wha—oh…?”
Maybe because I had a good sleep, but I feel completely fine… everyone seems to be way too protective. I moved Hina’s hand from my forehead to my cheek as if asking for support.
“Don’t do that, Mika. It’s just not allowed.”
Ah! Closing my eyes completely seems a little unfair, don’t you think, Hina?
It feels like there’s no one on my side here…
“By the way, where did the teacher go?”
I asked out of curiosity, having noticed that they disappeared. The Teacher had been in the clubroom before I fell asleep.
“They went looking for the rabbits and Saint Nephthys♧”
“…Ah, I see? I’m not sure about that, but thank you for letting me know, Nonomi-chan.”
“Really~! Please don’t call me that.”
It was a somewhat random title, but the director of Saint Nephthys called Nonomi ‘Miss.’ Hearing that made me feel a somewhat strange sensation of being the daughter of a big corporation. When you think about it, it’s like being the third generation of a chaebol.
More than that, Saint Nephthys.
As an outsider, I initially refused to meet, yet the Teacher chose to meet them. Even if the circumstances had changed from then to now, it’s still a bewildering feeling.
“So, what about the president over there?”
“No, unfortunately, that’s not the case. I can’t even remember the last time I met the president of Saint Nephthys. If we were to meet, it would probably be the vice president instead.”
“Hm, I see.”
I had a strange feeling that the president was related to Nonomi, but in truth, it has nothing to do with me now. I’m going back to Trinity soon anyway.
“Still, now that the sandstorm has calmed, it has become a somewhat decent place.”
“Yes, it has. The weather is, well, it’s much cooler than usual even though it’s midday.”
“But… where should we procure the trees to plant?”
“Um, well. Asking me that… I could check, but…”
If I agree to look into it, I have to ensure it doesn’t reach Hanako’s ears. Otherwise, it will all fall to her, and I’d just be pushing the work onto her.
“Hmm… It’s okay, Mika. We will find out ourselves.”
“Uhe~ Right, that’s now our job. Besides, the land issue hasn’t been resolved yet, so we should figure that out before we plant the trees.”
“…That’s true. Abydos still has a lot of issues left, huh.”
“It’s okay, it’s okay~. I’ve already relied on Mika-chan and Hina-chan a lot. You don’t have to worry too much about that.”
I might not have as much influence anymore, but Kaiser Corporation and PMC still stand strong. Especially for PMC, now that Vina has been eliminated as a threat, they should be able to operate more smoothly in the desert than before.
Abydos’s debt to Kaiser is only somewhat less burdensome now, but it’s still far from being resolved. As long as I keep a sharp eye on things, they won’t be able to play games with the interest rates.
The only potential problem could be the super-ancient weapon Kaiser is digging up… but I heard it requires Sanctum Tower for operation, so maybe that part is more reassuring.
With SRT under its wing, and with Shalle forming bonds with other students going forward, there’s no way they can’t handle Kaiser. Especially since Kaiser has even been downsized significantly compared to the original.
“Alright, enough with the heavy talk! Mika-chan and Hina-chan are now treated as guests, so take a good break for a while. Our members will start prepping for the party now.”
“Wait a minute. Members?”
“Uhe~ Please take care… Wait?! Let go of me, Shiroko-chan! You shouldn’t repay me for taking you in like this…!”
“Well… only the strong have the choice, Hoshino-senpai.”
Hoshino being dragged away by Shiroko looked quite cheerful, and I couldn’t help but smile.
I’m really glad to feel that my existence has been of help to you all.
