"…I can't believe it's been three weeks since Crossbell. Time sure flies."

I turn to Juna—who is sitting to my left—as we're waiting for Instructor Rean to come in and start history class.

Altina chimes in from my right, "It has been exactly 19 days. Tomorrow is our free day, but I still have some energy left for today."

Juna smiles looking at Altina and me, "Heehee, good for you, Allie. You two still need to run the charity café today, after all."

"Do you still require any assistance?" Kurt asked me from beside Altina.

I shake my head, "No, I think both of you have done enough. But if you insist, I'm sure that Class VIII and Class IX would welcome your help in assembling the furniture and setting them up after this."

Kurt nods, "Well, I'll see what I can do."

"We still need to carry the pieces to the fountain in town where we're going to set them up, right? Well, it's a good thing that between my tennis club and Instructor Randy's drills, I've gotten pretty strong," Juna said, flexing her biceps.

Kurt turns to Juna, "Yes, it seems that you've been working quite hard at the tennis club Juna. I heard that you have a scheduled practice game with a school in Heimdallr?"

Juna nods, "Yeah. It turns out that their tennis club was just founded, so it's perfect. I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow, I want to get some practice in. Oh, speaking of…"

She turns to me and Altina, "Can you two help us practice? The practice game is supposed to be a doubles match. It's a bit hard to practice double just with the two of us."

I sigh, "Well…as part of the student council, we do need to support the club. However, I can't give any promises at the moment. I will try to be there if time permits."

Besides, I think Altina still needs to work on her painting.

Juna nods, "Sure, only if you guys are available. We're still going to give it our all, either way."

Altina chimes in, "That is well and good, but judging from your grades, shouldn't you study instead, Juna?"

Juna immediately looks dejected.

Kurt shakes his head in amusement, "Haha, you're so predictable, Juna—"

Says the guy whose thoughts and motivations can be summarized as 'Sword!'

"—Well the midterms are still a month away, so you've got time."

Ah yes. The midterms. Maybe I'll be lucky and Musse is actually just leading me on, her worst-case scenario next month is just her failing the exam…Oh, who am I kidding, she's not a certain witch named after a Shakespearean character.

"Hmph! There is no way I've got enough time for club practice AND studying," Juna complained.

I turn to her, "If Kurt, Altina, and I can keep up with extracurricular activities and our studies, there is no reason you cannot do the same."

"Yeah, well….You're all brainiacs. I'm not like you guys."

"Would you like to have a study session together?" I offered, smiling.

"U-Umm…I'll…think about it," Juna replied nervously, mumbling something about having no mercy.

How rude. Is that how one responds to me offering to help her study with a smile on my face?

"A-Anyway…How about you, Kurt? Do you have a practice match scheduled for the Chess Club?" Juna said hastily, changing the subject.

Well…the Chess Club actually does have one it's—

"We do have one scheduled. It's for tomorrow, actually," Kurt answered.

I turn to him, "The Chess Club from the main campus will be coming here, correct? Is everything all right on that front? With how…upset Prince Cedric was with you, I imagine the main campus doesn't have a favorable impression of you."

He sighs, "It should be fine. To be honest, I do not even know who they are going to send."

…Don't tell me it's just going to be Prince Cedric showing up. Don't add to my headache, please.

"Do not worry, I have dedicated a significant amount of time studying games with Sidney. We won't give an embarrassing performance, at the very least," Kurt said, completely misinterpreting my expression.

Juna turns to Kurt and sighs, " 'Studying chess games' he said. Like I said, brainiacs."

Kurt smiles at her, "Why, thank you. I will take that as a compliment."

"I-It's not a compliment!"

"Jessica, Juna and Kurt seem to be flirting."

"We are not!" Juna vehemently denied.

I sigh, and turn to Altina, "I thought we agreed that you do not need to make those kinds of reports?"

"Good morning everyone, seems like things are pretty lively inside here."

Just then, Instructor Rean enters the classroom. Just in time too, Juna was about to go full tsun mode.

Something we all noticed, however, is that Instructor Rean kept the door open.

Ah. I see. Yep…about time I guess.

"It's a bit sudden, but starting today, we will get new members in our class."

Just as I expected, Musse and Ash walk in.

Instructor Rean turns to the two of them, "I'm sure that you all have known each other by now, but go ahead and introduce yourself."

Musse smiles, "Heehee, I'm Musse Egret. I've transferred here from Military Finance to join all of you."

Ash smirks and brushes his hand through his hair, "Ash Carbide. Transferring from Combat Tactics. Not interested in making friends here, but nice to meet you, I guess."

After the token horny girl and token edgy boy formally joined the party, homeroom and the other lessons continued as usual…Instructor Randy was still describing military tactics with enough details that reminded me that yes, he was a jaeger despite his laidback persona, while Instructor Towa was still describing complex political situations and concepts barely ever looking at her notes.

Meanwhile, for Art and Culture…

"…Orion, sing the first passage on page 17."

"J-Just like that?" Juna said, turning to Altina in surprise.

…Gee, Principal Le Guin, is bullying Altina a hobby of yours or something—

Altina starts singing

…Wait, this is actually really good.

Definitely not what Principal Le Guin is exactly looking for, but…just like her paintings, technical-wise this is very good. It's the sort of precise metronome-perfect performance that replicates the intended emotion if only because they stick perfectly to the sheet music written by the composer. It's the sort of performance that will win you an award at piano recitals.

Sure, it's very clear that she's not really expressing any emotions of her own in the song but…I think it's very hard to call this a bad performance.

She stops, and the entire classroom applauds.

Principal Le Guin nods, "Your emotional expression still needs some work, but such precise melody, chords, and rhythms are soothing in their own way."

…Too bad that doesn't apply to painting, huh?

Principal Le Guin then dismisses the class. Only homeroom left.

"…Musse and Ash, your class won't really change much now that you've transferred to Class VII, but please tell me if you have any problem," Instructor Rean said.

Musse smiles, it's the usual flirtatious smile she gives Instructor Rean, "Oh, I have no trouble at all, Instructor."

Ash shrugs, "Eh…the class is nothing I can't handle, except for art class, anyway."

I sigh, "No one is 'handling' art class, not well anyway."

Especially poor Altina.

"Indeed, I think it's fair to say everyone is nervous in that class," Kurt agreed.

"…I did not expect her to ask me to sing like that,"

"Well, I also didn't expect for you to be able to do that on demand too, Allie."

Juna then turns to the seat behind us where Musse and Ash sit, "Also, Musse I get, but how are you smart too, Ash? You know the answer every time you get called on in class."

"Who knows? Maybe I'm just smarter than you," Ash replied nonchalantly.

"W-What'd you say?!"

I turn to Juna, "If it makes you feel better, it caught me by surprise too when I saw his work for the literature club."

"He actually did some work for the literature club and not just using the club to slack off or something?" Juna looks at Ash skeptically.

Ash smirks, "Heh, sorry to disappoint, but I like reading."

He then turns to me, "Oh, and thanks for the compliment, I guess. You sure you don't want me to just submit that one?"

"No. I will concede that the quality of that review was phenomenal, but you still need to submit your 'Christ, who's gonna die first' review by tomorrow evening at the latest."

Ash clicks his tongue, "Tch, you're really boring, you know that?"

He then turns to Kurt, "Yo, Vander, maybe you should just go with the wild filly, you'd get more fun. Prissy girl here is all ball and chain."

"What?! D-don't drag me into this!"

"I beg your pardon?"

Juna and I said, glaring at him, probably for different reasons. Ball and chain? Well, excuse me for being responsible.

"Now, now, you guys. You're all in the same class now, so try to get along, okay?" Instructor Rean said, looking like he's feeling a headache coming.

He then continues, "If there's any problem, feel free to talk to me, okay? My door is open."

"In that case…Maybe I'll stop by your room tonight for some…private lessons," Musse said, her voice suddenly gaining extra huskiness.

She's out of my reach from my position, but…

"Juna, if you would."

"With pleasure."

Juna complies and hits Musse in the head for me. That's right, go to horny jail.

Musse simply looks between me and Juna before smiling, "Oh my, the two of you are united in this? Could it be that instead of Kurt, the love triangle really is…"

"Oh man, flexing on your student. Not cool, Schwarzer," Ash said mockingly.

"…That is absolutely not what's happening here," Instructor Rean replied, now actually massaging his temples.

Musse puts one of her hands to her cheek and sighs, "I wonder if I need to be worried—"

"Enough of that already!" Juna shouted.

From beside me, I can hear Kurt mumbling something about how the class has gotten lively sarcastically, while Altina is saying something about how the new social dynamic of the class makes her study more sophisticated.

Instructor Rean eventually manage to regain control of the homeroom and end it smoothly—well, relatively speaking.

Instructor Rean then leaves first—probably to take aspirin, oh wait, we don't have them here.

Juna turns to Ash and Musse, "Anyway…your shenanigans aside, are you two okay being moved around like that? It was pretty out of the blue."

Oh come on, Musse probably arranged it. Not sure about Ash, I did have some suspicion about him having a connection to Major Lechter a while back, but…still no concrete proof of that.

Musse smiles, "Well…I did enjoy my old class but…I just can't pass up a chance to be in Instructor Rean's class."

Juna sighs, "Okay, that's on me. I don't know what else I expected."

"You were expecting an actual answer from someone who is not a deviant, clearly," I said sarcastically.

Musse just smiles at me, "Touché, Jessica."

Kurt ignores us and turns to Ash, "And you? I had thought that you, of all people, would object to being in Instructor Rean's class."

Ash shrugs, "I don't hate him. I just don't like the guy. I know he ain't a bad guy, and he'd gone through some shit, I'll give him that. Not to mention that power of his…"

I turn to Ash, "How do you know about that?"

"Heh, that's my secret," He replied, making it clear he's not elaborating further.

Okay. Maaaybe don't throw that idea of him being connected to the Intelligence Division into the bin just yet. He's definitely connected to some faction.

Ash continues, "Anyway. The guy's a riot. Do you see any other guy who's friends with a talking cat and is flying a giant machine from the Dark Age? Being in this class gives a front-row seat to the dramatic comedy that is his life."

He then turns to Kurt, "No offense, Vander. Your life is also entertaining, but you still got nothing on Schwarzer. I'll consider watching yours a bonus."

"…I will take that as a compliment…I think," Kurt replied.

Give it time. This is still what…Kurt's first game, I think? But yeah, Instructor Rean seems much more prevalent than the usual old protagonist mentor character.

Altina suddenly chimes in, "Jessica, I think I am starting to understand what you said yesterday, about Ash trying to act like he doesn't care out of embarrassment."

"Wha—Oi, prissy girl, what are you teaching her?!"

"Hm? Oh. Was anything Altina said wrong? I do not believe so," I replied, smiling.

"Oh? So that's the kind of guy Ash is? Haha, what's with you, so lame!" Juna laughed while nodding her head.

Collectively, I am sure that the thoughts 'you're one to talk' cross every single one of us in this room.

Musse giggles, "Teehee, oh my…Ash and Instructor Rean…?"

She then looks at Ash appraisingly, "Oh yes…I can see it."

…I wouldn't go that far. But I wouldn't deny Musse's help in getting back at Ash for that ball and chain comment.

"Egret, you harpy! Stop looking at me like that!" Ash shouted.

Musse only smiles back, "Harpy? I'm much more of a white lily, wouldn't you say?"

"White lilies are associated with purity and modesty, those are the last things I would ascribe to you," I can't help but snark.

"Oh? But I am a bastion of purity and modesty."

Juna gives her an incredulous look, "…I can't believe you said that with a straight face."

She then sighs before smiling, "Well, anyway…welcome to Class VII: Special Operations. Let's work hard together and show Instructor Rean what we're made of."

I nod, "Given what happened in Crossbell and even in Sutherland, I would say that the two of you joining us is but a formality at this point…but yes, welcome. It would be reassuring to have more people around, considering this class seems to attract troubles."

"Indeed. Our class was much smaller than the other classes, to begin with, so it is good to have more people. I look forward to working together," Kurt said, agreeing with me.

"Glad to have you aboard," Altina added.

Musse smiles, "Heehee, likewise, everyone. This must be the will of the Goddess."

Oh, I think your will would suffice.

Ash clicks his tongue, "Tch, all this team spirit will make my lunch come back out. But if we're going to show Schwarzer up, I'm in."

And you're not fooling anyone, you male tsundere.

"Jessica, where are we putting this horned lion and unicorn statue?"

"Please place that one at the entrance to the tent," I replied gesturing to the entrance of the large tent we have erected for the café.

Sidney nods, "Sure. Anyone free to help me carry this thing?"

"I think that—"

"Jessica, where are we storing these figurines we're handing out?"

"Leonora, please place that box in—"

"Jessica, whit aboot—"

Oh, come on! I know that technically only Altina and I are actually on the student council, but didn't they at least listen during the briefing or read the floorplan we handed out?!

"Come on, you guys. You don't have to ask her everything."

And, just like that, Gustaf came to my rescue.

"Leonora, those box goes behind the counter, just below where the cashier is. Pablo that table goes to that corner over there. Sidney…I'm free now, so I'll help you out," Gustaf said.

I nod, "Yes, that seems right. Thank you, Gustaf."

"Haha, no problem," he replied before joining Sidney in lifting the statues.

Gustaf is not the most noticeable person, but he is pretty reliable. No wonder he was voted to be the RA for the boy's dorm earlier this week once I finally got the Principal's approval.

Since I got the idea just before we left for Sutherland, probably should have done it earlier, but things have been hectic around here. Last month I was still busy getting things rolling for the Student Council.

There are other responsible and level-headed male students, sure, like Stark, Wayne, and Kurt. But Stark is a bit of a loner, Wayne is a bit inflexible and Kurt is…Kurt. Meanwhile, Gustaf is the sort that is on friendly terms with just about everyone. Heck, even Ash has good things to say about Gustaf after being his roommate for some months now.

As for the girls' side…Musse nominated herself for shit and giggles, but fortunately, there are enough sane people among us and we voted for Sandy instead.

"You sure seem busy."

I look down to see Celine walking toward me.

I crouch down, "Hello, Celine. We're still preparing, but if you come by later, I'm sure we can set aside some raw fish for you. I remember that you seem to like them quite a lot when Kenneth gave you his catch back in Sutherland."

Celine turns her head away, pretending to not be interested, "…You don't have to. But…I guess I'll eat it if you insist—since I'm leaving soon and all."

I start scratching the tsundere cat below her chin, "Sure, I'll insist."

"When are you going back to Emma?" I asked.

"Soon, I think. Haven't really decided—oh, a little to the right, please."

I comply and adjust my scratching, "You were observing Instructor Rean to see if there are any complications with the charm Emma made, right? How did it go?"

"It should be fine. His mana stabilized, he should be able to control it now. So, uh…You'll be fine…I guess."

I nod, "…I think the fact that unnerves me the most is knowing Instructor can no longer control it. If I remind myself that he's able to control it with the charm, I will be all right…I think. I was able to fight alongside him in Ogre Form during Karel Imperial Villa, after all."

Celine leans in further, indirectly indicating the spot she'd like me to scratch, "Yeah, well…He still should keep it as last resort. I talked to Valimar, and I still have no idea what happened when he lost control when piloting Valimar back during the Northern War."

"I see, is there—"

"Holy crap! A talking cat?!"

"Meow?! Meoow!" Celine immediately jumps away from me and exaggeratedly starts making cat sounds.

…I don't think you're convincing anyone, Celine.

I turn in the direction of the voice and see a man wearing a long cream coat with an unbuttoned black and white shirt, revealing yellow overalls.

Oh. It's George. I heard after he graduated with Instructor Towa and Angelica, he traveled around Zemuria to improve his engineering skills. I guess he's back in Erebonia. Like Instructor Towa and Angelica, despite not being old Class VII, I remember him being quite close to them.

Celine glares at him, "Oh, it's you. Don't surprise me like that."

George smiles, "Haha, sorry Celine, can't help it."

He then turns to me, "Hey there, Jessica. Been a while, hasn't it?"

I nod, "It's good to see you, George. It seems your travel has done you some good."

He does look noticeably less chubby than the last time I saw him. It's not like he was morbidly obese or anything, but, hey, props to him, I guess.

George laughs, "Haha, yeah. Traveling takes quite a bit of energy, and I have limited money, so can't eat as much."

He then continues, "Oh, right. I'd talk more, but I think you should go to the station. Her Highness, Elise, and the St. Astraia girls are there. I…uh…happened to be on the train with them."

"Oh? They haven't contacted me. I told them to call me once they've arrived."

George shrugs, "Last I checked, Elise was still busy trying to get the rest of the girls to behave, they were quite excited, maybe you can help her out or something."

…Typical St. Astraia girls. That school is too strict that once their students are out of its confines or when no teachers are around, this is what happens.

I sigh, "I suppose I should try to lend a hand."

"Oh, right. I saw those wooden statues at the entrance. They have orbal lamps installed, right? Do you want me to lend a hand setting the orbal configuration up?" George asked me.

"Tita is handling it, but if you wish to offer your help, I would not say no," I replied.

George nods and starts heading to the statues.

I turn to Celine, "Do you want to come with me?"

Celine shakes her head, "I'll just hang around here until you can give me that fish you promised me."

I smile, "Of course, Celine. I will ask Sandy to set aside some raw fish for you once we're all settled."

Where we're set up is actually not that far from the station. Of course, it's on purpose so that when people arrive by train, one of the first things they'll see is our charity café.

I walk into the station and…

"Oh! It's her!"

"Lady Jessica!"

"Gosh, she's more elegant than I remember!"

"Oh…I hope she can introduce me to the Ashen Chevalier, President Elise seems really reluctant, maybe Lady Jessica would be more willing."

What.

Princess Alfin just winks at me. Meanwhile, Elise looks like she's restraining herself from strangling me.

Elise sighs, "You just have to come when I just managed to get them to calm down…why did you think I'm not calling you?"

"My apologies…?" I replied, unsure.

Princess Alfin approaches me, "Teehee, now that you're here. I guess the fastest way is simply to chat and entertain them for a bit."

I turn to about a dozen of the St. Astraia girls behind them.

Ah. Truly, a battle on par with the Auric Knight's trial.

After entertaining some questions—a decent amount was about my life, unsurprisingly, knowing these St. Astraia girls. Also, that Lady Jessica is definitely onee-sama in the Japanese version—I manage to satiate them enough so that we can start working.

The café opens without a hitch, and as with the cultural booths, visitors come in drove—even more probably, considering Princess Alfin did the marketing.

"Teehee, look at this crowd. You two should have taken my advice to implement maid and butler costumes, we would have even more—"

"No."

"Absolutely not."

Elise and I said to Princess Alfin.

"I don't even think we can handle more customers," Elise said, looking at the people still on the waiting list to be seated.

"The wooden figurines for big spender were all gone within the first hour," I added.

"Haha, well at least those charity donations will be huge," Instructor Rean said, approaching us.

Elise turns to him, "Oh, Rean."

He smiles at us, "Hello, you three. Everything's all right?"

"Everything is fine, Instructor. Please don't worry and enjoy your dinner," I said, gesturing to the table he was just sitting on with his fellow Thors alumni, both that work in the branch campus and in Leeves.

Princess Alfin claps her hands, "Oh yes. Please go ahead and have a nice evening with them. All of them were in the Courageous, right?"

"Yeah, Mint, Linde, Becky, and Munk were all in the Courageous. We've chatted enough, though. I feel bad as Instructor to not be helping, especially when Towa is," He said, gesturing to Instructor Towa, who is helping Kairi manage the register.

"Is Rosine not coming after all?" I asked.

Instructor Rean shrugs, "Well…she did say she will try to make time once she's done with her duties in the church, but—"

"Oh, Rean, am I late?"

Speak of the—well, I suppose in her case, it's more of an angel than a devil, but…

Instructor Rean turns to Rosine, who had just entered, "No. They're all still here."

He then gestures to the Thors alumni table before continuing, "I think I'll be helping out a bit before I'll rejoin you guys."

Rosine nods, "Oh, of course. By the way…"

She took out a black book and hands it over to Instructor Rean, "Here you go."

Instructor Rean nods, "Oh. Thank you."

"Rean? What's that book?" Elise asked.

"Hm? Oh, this is…"

Rosine chimes in, "It's a history book. The Septian Church has a collection of rare history books and tomes. I was just helping Rean to procure one."

"…Right. Something like that," Instructor Rean agreed.

I nod, "I suppose that makes sense. The Septian Church is one of the largest centers of learning in Zemuria, even now."

"Well, there is a reason why virtually every country allows the Septian Church to handle all pre-High School or equivalents education," Princess Alfin added.

Rosine nods, "Yes. Oh, by the way. Are any of you available to help me teach tomorrow's Sunday School?"

She then turns to Princess Alfin, "Especially you, Your Highness. The children had heard that you were in town and are hoping to meet you, if possible."

Princess Alfin smiles, "Teehee, of course. We are staying the night, after all. We should be able to set aside some time tomorrow, right Elise?"

Elise nods, "Of course, it would be my pleasure."

"I have some student council duties to attend to, but I will try to make time," I replied.

Instructor Rean turns to Rosine, "As for me, I should be able to come."

Rosine smiles, "Thank you, everyone. The children will be happy."

She then bows a little before joining the Thors alumni table.

Elise turns to Instructor Rean, "Don't you usually help out around town? Well, I suppose this would count as helping out around town."

"Ah no, you see…since someone had made sure that all the requests go to the students, my schedule is pretty much free," Instructor Rean replied before glancing at me.

…Is he actually somewhat sulking because I took away his side quests? Oh come on, you had your turn.

"It's for your own good, Instructor," I replied dryly.

Elise turns to me, "You actually manage to make him stop helping out with every minor chore and task around town?"

"I am quite persuasive," I replied.

Instructor Rean sighs, "You are not playing fair when you invoke the fact that it's for the students' growth and an instructor needs to step aside to give opportunities to our students."

"I am not seeing anything fallacious in that argument. Do you?"

He smiles resignedly, "I suppose not. Well, anyway…I'll go ahead and help Kurt seat the customers. It seems like he's having some trouble."

I glance at the entrance only to see Kurt almost surrounded by some girls like a cornered animal, before Sidney—begrudgingly—bails him out.

"Yeah…I'd better go. I have some experience that I think could help—regretfully," Instructor Rean said before he starts heading to the entrance.

As soon as he left, Princess Alfin turns to Elise and me, a teasing smile on her face, "Oh my. Elise, you had better step up, or Jessica will actually end up as your Elder Sister."

I turn to her, "Come now, that won't happen."

Unfortunately for Elise, it won't happen to her too, though. Probably. Alisa…or Laura are still there.

Elise sighs, "Well, regardless. You're right that it's probably healthier for him if he doesn't try to help out with every single thing in the town. Thank you."

"Well you see—"

I didn't get to finish my sentence before the sound of a tray being slammed hard into a table is heard.

I turn around and see Juna, smiling dangerously at two girls sitting at a table, "Dear customer…here is your order."

She then turns around without saying anything.

I approach her, Elise and Princess Alfin following me, "Is something wrong?"

Juna sighs, "Sorry. Those two girls are from Crossbell, they used to be in Arios's Fanclub. Now they're swooning over the Governor General. When they started trash-talking the SSS based on that recent news article—you know, the propaganda—I almost lost it."

Princess Alfin frowns, "Juna, once more on behalf of the Imperial Family, I would like to apologize for the action of Erebonia's government."

Juna waves her hand awkwardly, "Uh…No, no, it's fine. I understand that it's really more the actions of certain people—who unfortunately control the government. But…I understand now that there are people here trying to change things too. So it's fine. Instead, please tell me if there is anything I can do to help."

Princess Alfin nods, "I see. Thank you, Juna. I'm really happy that you think so."

"Ahahaha, right," Juna laughed, embarrassed.

She then continues, "Anyway…with crowds this large, there bound to be some rowdy customers…Musse just had to get sick at times like this."

"Musse is sick?" Elise asked me.

I nod, "She's staying back in our room."

Well, I'm sure it's more to avoid meeting St. Astraia students though, as some of them probably know her.

In any case…

"There is still about an hour more until closing time. Let's get back to work," I said.

It took a while, but we've finally finished serving all the customers. It's a resounding success, of course, the donation itself won't dramatically transform lives or anything, but it's a very respectable amount for a bunch of high schoolers. Of course, having the Royal Princess advertising might as well be considered a cheat code, so really, Princess Alfin did the bulk of the job.

We've just finished cleaning up and dismantling all the furniture. It took two hours, a good time by my count—I was afraid that we'd finish at 12 AM or something instead of 10 PM.

The St. Astraia girls are talking to the branch campus students now—well, those that are not preparing the Derfflinger, anyway. Principal Le Guin decreed since it is late, it's only right that we ensure their safety back to Heimdallr by riding on Derfflinger rather than the public train. Of course, she also said it's a good opportunity for the branch campus students to get used to operating the Derfflinger on our own under Instructor Michael's supervision.

I look around the area. The tent has been taken down, and the furniture pieces have been put aside in a corner—we'll carry that back to the dorm for now, since it's late—Celine is in a corner, eating leftover fish, most St. Astraia girls are in a group led by Princess Alfin as they mingle—with some exception, like the girl with Wayne…I think that's his sister. And of course, Elise is sitting with Instructor Rean and Instructor Towa.

…I think I have enough crowds for today, I'll go ahead and join Elise, Instructor Rean, and Instructor Towa.

They waved me over once they saw me. I then take a seat beside Elise on the chair.

Instructor Towa smiles at me, "Another successful event, good job, Jessica! I'm glad that the branch campus student council activities are going along smoothly."

"I'm sure we still don't hold a candle to your student council on the main campus when you were president," I replied.

Elise nods, "Oh yes, I've only heard a little from Rean, but both Jessica and I still have a lot to learn from you."

Instructor Towa flails her arms in embarrassment, "Oh gosh, you two. You're making me blush."

Instructor Rean laughs, "Haha, well…It'd be hard for anyone to even come close to Towa on being a student council president. But I think you two are doing really well."

I nod, "Thank you, Instructor, though really. We had plenty of help for this event. From the instructors to St. Astraia students, even George helped out. Speaking of, where is George? I would have expected him to be here with you and Instructor Towa."

"Professor Schmidt asked George to help him out…But he did say that he'll be back once he's done," Instructor Towa answered.

Oh right. I think I remember hearing that George was one of Professor Schmidt's disciples.

Instructor Towa suddenly chimes in, "Oh, actually…isn't that him, coming over here?"

I turn my head to where Instructor Towa indicates, and sure enough, George is coming over.

"Hey guys, looks like you're all done here," George greeted us.

Instructor Rean nods, "Yeah. Are you all done helping Professor Schmidt?"

George smiles sheepishly, "I'm done but…uh…your keep trial tomorrow seems a bit extra. Sorry, I'd tell you more, but the Professor said it'd create biases in the data."

…Great. Just great.

Instructor Rean sighs, "Well…at least we have more people now."

"Ah, well…you know how he is. As unreasonable as always," George replied, also sighing.

He then continues, his expression turning serious, "Oh, by the way…I only heard a bit from Professor Schmidt, but…Is it true that you saw Crow in Crossbell?"

Instructor Towa frowns, "I didn't get to see him directly but…"

She then turns to Instructor Rean and me, "Jessica and Rean said that it was Crow."

Instructor Rean sighs, "He did summon Ordine. And, to be honest…it's not like that mask is hiding much. He still has the same voice, gait, and hair. I didn't want to believe it but…"

"That guy," George said before sighing, "He can't help but get in trouble does he?"

Instructor Towa giggles with a voice that is clearly holding back tears, "Yes…You're right. Even when we were on field studies, he can't help but get in trouble."

George nods, "Yeah, and then Angie would punch him hard for it. Like that time he used up our funds to bet on a horse race…Well, he did win at the end, so we ended up with more funds, but still…"

I turn to them, "Field studies? I thought that the old Class VII was the first class to have field studies as part of the new experimental curriculum."

Elise chimes in, "This is new to me too. I know that Crow used to be in a year ahead of Rean along with George and Towa, but…"

Instructor Rean replies, "That's right, Crow joined the old Class VII because he failed some classes. So he got assigned to our class for extra credit. But before that… he, Angelica, George, and Towa went on field studies as a trial run for Class VII's field studies during their first year. In a sense, they are the predecessor of Class VII, both old and new."

George laughs, "Haha, it was supposed to be a trial run of sorts. None of our field studies were as crazy as Class VII's though."

"…Or new Class VII's field exercises, for that matter," Instructor Towa added.

George laughs again, "Haha, it seems like the new Class VII is as much of a trouble magnet as the old Class VII."

He then continues, "But back to Crow. Professor Schmidt told me that you guys suspect that he got revived because he's an Awakener? How did you figure that out?"

Instructor Rean turns to me, silently asking permission.

Well, I trust Elise, and I am planning to tell her and Princess Alfin anyway, so…

As for George and Instructor Towa…They have been around long enough, and they are close friends with the old Class VII. They're our senpais not only in the literal sense but also in a narrative sense, as Instructor Rean just said, so…it should be fine.

I nod, "I was planning to tell Elise and Princess Alfin after this, in any case."

Elise turns to me, "Oh, umm…I did hear Her Highness saying that you have something to talk about. I didn't think it was related to Crow."

"It's related tangentially," I replied.

"It is a bit of a long story, but…"

I ended up telling Elise, Instructor Towa, and George about my 'pattern reading'. Of course, I almost immediately regret it, because I realized that now I need to tell it twice. After all, Princess Alfin is not there.

Said princess is now looking at me in Musse's and my room, the two of us being the only occupant. Elise had gone to give Instructor Rean a letter from their father. Musse, on the other hand, had gone for a 'walk'. I'm pretty sure she was just trying to eavesdrop on Elise and Instructor Rean for that possible spicy forbidden not-blood-related sibling romance—knowing her.

"…I can't believe you told Elise before me," Princess Alfin said, sighing.

"You were not there, Your High—"

She stops me, pouting, "It's just the two of us…"

I smile, indulging her, "You were not there, Alfin. I would have told both of you together if I could."

"But you still told her first," She pouts playfully, pretending to be angry.

I sigh, "…And how do you expect me to make up for it?"

"Teehee, as my Elder Sister, you can start by spoiling me tonight," Alfin giggled before she pretty much tackled me.

"You ought to try acting less spoiled, Alfin," I said, though I indulge her yet again and start stroking her hair.

"…Maybe when you stop trying to keep everything to yourself," Alfin replied, somewhat bitterly.

"…Alfin?"

She looks up at me, "Why did you never tell me?"

"It's not as if this is an easy subject to bring up. Before learning more from Emma, I did not even know how I would begin to explain it, you would have thought me insane."

Alfin shakes her head, "I would never have thought that, and you know that. You're just afraid that I'll worry about you."

"That's…"

"And not just me, but Cedric, Kurt,…even Uncle Johann, you've never told any of them either."

I mean…I don't realize it, but I suppose that's true. It's just that I've been keeping many things, mostly related to my 'pattern reading' and ▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅'s memories. At this point, it just becomes a habit. That it's my problem, I can't and don't need to bother someone else.

Besides, what are they even going to do? Now that I've heard from Emma, they literally can't even begin to conceptualize it due to mental block—Aidios's Laws.

Alfin then continues, "You worry about us all the time, so you know…It should also be all right for us to worry about you. You don't have to be responsible all the time."

I shake my head, "It's not as if I tried to hide it…It's simply hard to explain. And Emma's explanation vindicates that, doesn't it? It's something that you can't even conceptualize."

"Even so…I want you to at least try. Even if I—or everyone else—can't understand it fully, I'm sure there are things we can help with."

"Then you would be happy to know that I've been more open with this ability, recently."

Alfin presses on, "Then tell me what I can do to help."

Actually…

"If you could procure books for me regarding legends of the Vermillion Apocalypse, that would be quite useful."

"Cedric's Divine Knight? I suppose I could, but why?"

"…It's simply one of that knowledge that falls under the Divergent Laws."

A white lie. She doesn't need to know about my dealings with the Intelligence Division. I don't want her to get involved with that.

Alfin nods, "Okay…Once I got back to Heimdallr, I'll ask for them and then have them sent to you."

"Thank you, Alfin."

"Is there…anything else, that you wish to tell me?" Alfin asked, looking at me.

I shake my head, "No."

She smiles and then hugs me, "In that case…continue spoiling me for tonight. Your Princess orders it."

I sigh and continue stroking her hair, "So it's Princess Alfin now that you wish to be spoiled, yes?"

"Well, I didn't get to spend much time with you back in Crossbell," Alfin said, sighing contentedly.

She continues, "I think you spent more time with Cedric than me in Crossbell."

"Speaking of His Highness, I heard that he's becoming a pseudo-bracer of sorts under the name Kendric Lenheim?" I ask her.

Alfin nods, "Mmhm, I heard that he's been skipping classes to go on adventures. Of course, he's the Crown Prince, so the faculty won't be able to do anything about that even if they wanted to. He still passes all his classes, in any case."

"Prince Olivert was the one that told him to do that, as I understand it?"

"They had a huge argument on the way back to Crossbell, it spilled from just about Kurt being an Awakener to which direction the Empire should go and whether the Chancellor is the right person to be in power. In the end, they reached an impasse until Olivert suggested he moonlights as Kendric Lenheim doing bracer work, so he can understand Olivert's perspective better. Cedric seemed to like the idea."

I nod, "Knowing Prince Olivert, it would not surprise me if he planned that from the beginning."

"Oh, he definitely planned that. I am certain that he knew from the start that the idea of doing bracer work and exploring Erebonia on his own would appeal to Cedric. Of course, Olivert made sure that the trusted lords and the provincial army under them know Cedric is in the area, but they're ordered to leave him be unless he's in dire danger," Alfin replied.

"…And His Highness has not noticed?"

"He is a bit oblivious, yes?"

…She's not wrong.

Alfin then pouts, "Anyway…Let's stop talking about Cedric. You're supposed to be spoiling me."

I smile, "In that case, are there any topics that interest you?"

Alfin—to my horror—smiles deviously, "Then tell me, which boys in the branch campus caught your interest?"

"Between field exercises, my studies, and student council duties, I have little time for such frivolities, I'm afraid," I answered, avoiding the question.

Alfin presses on, "Oh come now, it does not have to be anything serious…Just tell me who do you think is attractive?"

"…You are not letting up on this, are you?" I sigh.

Alfin smiles, "Teehee, of course not. Well, if there are none, I suppose you can simply marry Cedric. Then you can actually be my Elder Sister."

"There is little chance of that happening, I'm afraid. Furthermore, are you not technically older than Prince Cedric by a few minutes?"

"Well, Olivert seems to be already taken by a bracer from Liberl…So I have to settle for the next best thing. But don't try to divert the conversation, I know all your tricks by now."

The next few minutes had me expertly engaging in girls' talk without giving Alfin any materials to tease me. Musse and Elise then joined us, and it turned into a multiplayer co-op with Elise and me against Musse and Alfin…And then Altina, Tita, and Juna joined in…and somehow eventually, all the female students in the branch campus were in our room.

Chaos reigned supreme in the cramped room until Instructor Towa broke us up at the behest of Instructor Michael, as we were making too much noise this late in the night. Thank you, Instructor Michael, I always said that you're reliable when we need some order and discipline.

We then went to sleep, with Alfin claiming the spot beside me on my bed, leaving Elise to sleep with Musse on her bed. Alfin fell asleep quite fast, using me as her pillow.

I look at Alfin, as she sleeps beside me.

Yeah. I can't get her—or Elise, or anyone else that doesn't need to—involved in whatever Musse or the Intelligence Division, and by extension the Chancellor is planning. I know enough that both of them are playing dangerous games.

Of course, being main casts I realize that they will be involved, eventually. But I'd like to have them be safe as much as possible.

A.N. Interesting trivia, in canon, this is the day where you have Jessica's quest in the game. She had been feeling down because she feels she's not good enough—implied to be exacerbated by being in Kurt's generation—so Rean spar with her and gave her pep talk. You actually get to control Jessica against Rean in the quest.