Tanya once again sat in the classroom, relieved to find the same table she used yesterday was empty. She placed her things down and waited for Emilia, eager to discuss their plan: securing jobs within the school's administration.

The events of the previous day had left a deep impression on Tanya. Watching the student-led police force apprehend the bandits made it clear that students held significant power, not just politically but militarily as well. This realization was reinforced by her observations, snippets of conversations she overheard, and the study materials she'd been provided.

Three major factions dominated the political landscape of the district: the Tea Party and its three sub-factions, the Sisterhood, and the Justice Task Force. While she had a basic understanding of each, Tanya knew she needed more detailed information to formulate a refined strategy for aligning herself with one of them. Each faction held potential as a source of resources, influence, and power, but choosing the right one was crucial.

At a glance, the Tea Party seemed the most appealing to her. The Justice Task Force, with its focus on policing and frontline duties, reminded her too much of her own past, something she wished to avoid. Meanwhile, the Sisterhood's mysterious nature unsettled her the same way it unsettled many other students from what she heard by ears dropping others. For such a prominent group, their secrecy was unnerving, and Tanya disliked committing to anything she didn't fully understand.

As a result, the Tea Party became her primary focus. All that remained was to uncover the process of securing a position within its ranks, allowing her to access the resources and stability she desperately needed to establish herself in this unfamiliar school.

Her impatience grew as she stared at the door. "When will Emilia get here?" she muttered under her breath. Almost as if summoned by her words, the door opened, and Emilia entered the room, accompanied by an orange-haired girl in a nun's dress. The two seemed to be having a friendly conversation.

Noticing Tanya, Emilia waved enthusiastically. "Tanya!" she called as she made her way over with the other girl besides. "This is Mari. I met her on my way here."

"Hello, my name is Iochi Mari. It's a pleasure to meet new students," the nun introduced herself with a polite smile as she bowed.

"Well, hello, my name is Tanya von Degurechaff," Tanya replied, her tone calm but guarded as she assessed the newcomer. 'A member of the Sisterhood. Did she take an interest in me and Emilia? Or is she wanting something else?'

"When I was on my way here, I got caught in the middle of a protest," Emilia said, her expression a mix of surprise and relief.

"A protest?" Tanya raised an eyebrow, caught off guard. The school had seemed so orderly and peaceful.

"Unfortunately, yes. It was a small one, though. They've been happening more often since Mika, one of the three heads of the Tea Party, was exposed for conspiring with an enemy faction against the school," Mari explained.

Tanya's suspicions deepened. Of course, leaving children in charge of an institution's politics would lead to chaos, she thought grimly.

"Yes, and when I found myself trapped in the middle of it, Mari helped me out," Emilia added, glancing gratefully at the nun.

"It was nothing," Mari said modestly, letting out a soft sigh. "I just did what I felt was right."

Tanya nodded, though a flicker of suspicion remained. "Thank you for helping Emilia. I appreciate it."

"As I said, it was nothing," Mari replied, waving off the gratitude. "So, what do you need?"

"Huh?" Tanya blinked, unsure what she meant.

"I asked Mari to help us," Emilia explained. "I thought she could guide us and help us settle in at Trinity."

"Ah, I see." Tanya relaxed slightly, her sharp mind already considering how best to use this opportunity.

Mari nodded. "Trinity's political scene is in a state of chaos right now. A lot has been happening lately, and as new students, it's only right to give you an overview of the current situation."

"Well, if that's the case, we have much to discuss," Tanya said, her interest piqued.

"Of course. Feel free to ask anything. I'll do my best to help," Mari said warmly, her genuine demeanor putting Emilia at ease, though Tanya remained quietly vigilant.

Ui remained rooted in place, her body tense as if frozen in time. Her wide eyes darted around the room, scanning every inch of her surroundings as paranoia gnawed at her. The visitor had been sitting there for hours, completely motionless, engrossed in a book. The lack of movement, the eerie calm. It was unnerving. To Ui, it was clear: this girl had to be a spy.

The only question was who had sent her.

Sisterhood? Ui thought, anxiety swirling in her mind. They're the most likely suspects. Rebuilding the texts must've spooked them. Maybe they think I know too much. But if that's the case, wouldn't they send Hinata? The Tea Party? Unlikely, but I can't rule it out. Another school, perhaps? The library does hold a treasure trove of information... but why go to the trouble of spying when they could simply borrow a book? What would they gain by targeting me specifically?

Her heart raced as she struggled to keep her expression neutral. I can't slip up. I can't say anything suspicious, or she'll report me, and that'll be the end of it. She clutched her trembling hands together, her mind racing for a solution. What do I do? How much longer can I hold out?

Mari was taken aback. Tanya's questions came rapid-fire, delving deep into the intricacies of the school's political landscape. She asked about the hierarchy, the power dynamics, and the ways students secured jobs within the system. Every inquiry zeroed in on the Tea Party, the most influential faction in the district.

Though Mari answered each question, her curiosity and suspicion grew with every passing moment. It was unusual for a new student, especially one just trying to adjust, to ask such probing and detailed questions. Still, Mari felt intrigued. She couldn't help but wonder what Tanya's true intentions were.

"Anything else you'd like to know?" Mari asked with a warm smile, her eyes studying Tanya carefully. "You seem very interested in the Tea Party."

"I think that's all for now. Thanks for answering," Tanya replied, shifting slightly in her chair to appear more at ease.

"You seem really focused on the Tea Party," Mari pressed gently, leaning forward. "Do you have ambitions to join? I've heard they tend to recruit students with exceptional grades and high scores."

Tanya shook her head, her expression calm but guarded. "Not as a high-ranking member, no. I'm just looking for work. Any basic position would do. I'm in dire need of money."

"Oh, I see," Mari said, her face softening as she felt . "If you're having trouble, please don't hesitate to come to the church. The Sisterhood's main mission is to help anyone in need. There's no obligation to repay us; our priority is to ensure every Trinity student is comfortable."

As Mari spoke, she leaned forward and placed her hand over Tanya's. Tanya stiffened, not because of the unexpected touch, but because of something far more unsettling.

From her pocket, Tanya felt the faint pulsation of the Type 95 orb. Her suspicions solidified instantly—this was no coincidence. Being X had its hand in this situation. Yet, she kept her composure, her face betraying no hint of her internal turmoil.

"There's no need for that," Tanya said evenly, retracting her hand subtly. "If I can find a job, I'll manage just fine on my own."

Mari gave a small nod and a kind smile. "If that's the case, then I'll leave you to it. But please, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to visit the church. We'll do our best to help you." She gave a small wave to both Tanya and Emilia before walking out of the classroom.

As Mari's footsteps faded, Tanya adjusted her posture and reached into her pocket, pulling out the Type 95 orb. She held it tightly, her sharp eyes locked on the enigmatic object.

"Tanya, is something wrong?" Emilia asked, her voice tinged with concern. The blonde girl's sudden focus on the orb had caught her off guard.

"It's nothing," Tanya replied curtly, her tone measured. "Just… thinking."

Emilia hesitated but nodded, choosing to trust Tanya's words for now. "So, what's the plan?"

Tanya's eyes narrowed, her grip on the orb tightening slightly. "We study. We aim for the best scores we can get. From there, we secure a position within the Tea Party's structure."

Later That Night

Inside the grand main church of Trinity, the air was thick with reverence and solemnity. Close to the altar, stood the leader of the Sisterhood, her hands clasped tightly in prayer. Her serene expression belied the weight of responsibility she carried. Beside her knelt another member, head bowed in silence, reflecting the reverence of the moment.

"Mari, can I ask you something?" Sakuraku interrupted Mari's prayer, her tone steady yet carrying a weight that Mari immediately picked up on. She glanced at the smaller nun standing beside her.

"Of course," Mari replied with a soft smile. "I may not have all the answers, but I'll do my best."

Sakuraku took a deep breath before speaking. "Yesterday, I experienced a vision. What I believe was a glimpse of the future." Her words were calm, but her gaze was intense, searching for Mari's reaction.

Mari blinked in surprise. The notion of foresight wasn't foreign to her. She'd heard of the Tea Party's clairvoyant member, after all, but to hear this from Sakuraku was unexpected.

"What did you see?" Mari asked gently.

"I saw a student. A newcomer to Trinity, from what I've researched. In my vision, she joined the Sisterhood. A girl named Tanya." Sakuraku paused, her fingers lightly clasped in front of her. "But now, I face a dilemma. I've stationed two Sisters to watch over her, but I don't know how to approach her. Should I invite her to join us... or leave her be?"

Mari tilted her head slightly, processing the situation. 'Tanya? She doesn't seem to be interested in joining the Sisterhood? Perhaps something changes her mind or something else.' Mari once more gazed on her superior whose uneseanes were palpable. And even the idea of assigning surveillance to a new student felt excessive. Still, Mari knew Sakuraku wouldn't have done this lightly.

"Sakuraku," Mari began carefully, her voice measured. "I think it's a delicate situation, but maybe I could approach her first. I have even spoken to her today and she seems to be a very nice person."

Sakuraku's expression softened slightly. "You did? But what if we're not meant to involve her in the Sisterhood? What if calling her in is a mistake?"

Mari chuckled softly, trying to ease the tension. "Calm down. I won't pressure her into anything. I'll simply talk to her, see if she's in need of help. If she is, it's only right for us to extend a helping hand, don't you think?"

Sakuraku nodded slowly, her shoulders relaxing. "I see. If that's the case, I approve."

"Great," Mari said warmly. Then, after a moment's hesitation, she added, "But, um... maybe we should call back the two Sisters you've assigned to watch her."

Sakuraku frowned. "Why?"

"I just think it might lead to misunderstandings," Mari explained tactfully. "If she finds out she's being watched, it might scare her."

Sakuraku mulled this over, then sighed. "You're probably right. I only sent them to ensure she'd be safe."

"And that's kind of you," Mari said with a reassuring smile. "But trust me, we can handle this without making anyone feel uneasy or cause any misunderanding."

"I understand." Sakuraku exhaled deeply, as if releasing the weight of the decision. "Thank you, Mari. Truly."

"Of course," Mari replied as she turned to leave. "Now, I'm off to bed. It's been a long day."

"Rest well," Sakuraku said with a faint smile. "And thank you again for your help."

"All right, let's start! This one here is Peroro-sama," Hifumi said cheerfully, holding up a toy of a white bird with a long tongue sticking out of its mouth. She smiled as she pointed to two more toys on the shelf. "And here we also have Peroro-Rex and Peroro-Wheel."

"Is there one with a bow?" Shizu asked, her tone calm and even.

"A bow?" Hifumi tilted her head in thought.

"I want to give a present to someone very important to me."

"Oh, a gift for a friend! How sweet!" Hifumi said, clasping her hands together. "Yes, there's Peroro-Kyudo and Peroro-Survival, but I'm not sure if this store has them in stock."

"I see," Shizu replied, her face impassive.

Before they could continue, a store attendant approached with a welcoming smile. "Hello! Do you two need any help?"

"No, everything's fine," Hifumi said quickly. "I'm just teaching Shizu about the Peroro Friends. She's new to Kivotos."

"Hi," Shizu said simply, bowing slightly.

"A new student in Kivotos? It's a pleasure to meet you!" The attendant's eyes lit up with excitement. "Here, we offer the best prices in the entire district. If you become a member, you can get even better discounts! And also—"

The attendant leaned in, rapidly rattling off various promotions and offers. Shizu blinked, slightly taken aback, but her expression remained neutral.

Sensing the growing tension, Hifumi stepped forward with a nervous laugh, putting herself between Shizu and the overzealous attendant. "Haha! I think Shizu needs some time to decide which one she likes first."

The attendant caught Hifumi's subtle hint and backed off with a polite smile. "Of course. Let me know if you need anything!"

As the attendant walked away, Hifumi let out a sigh of relief. "She's gone. So, Shizu, which one did you like?"

Hifumi turned to Shizu but froze in confusion when she realized the girl was no longer beside her. "Shizu? SHIZU?!"

Panic set in as Hifumi darted down the aisles, searching for the Millennium student. "Did she run off while I was talking to the attendant?" she muttered to herself, frantically scanning the store. Finally, at the far end of the last aisle, she spotted Shizu kneeling on the floor.

"Shizu! You're here!" Hifumi called out, rushing over. "You disappeared so suddenly. I was worried that…"

Before Hifumi could finish, Shizu swung several plushies in her arms toward her face, startling her.

"I find them all cute," Shizu said in her usual monotone voice. "But I do not have the money required to buy any of them." She lowered the plushies gently, her gaze lingering on each one as if committing them to memory.

Hifumi's heart sank at the sight. Shizu's calm demeanor couldn't hide her love for the toys she held. However, Hifumi herself didn't have much money, barely enough to purchase the Peroro Engineer she'd been eyeing. She racked her brain, trying to think of a solution. What would the others do? she wondered. Hanako… she'd probably stage some dramatic scene to get it for free. Shiroko… no, robbing the store is definitely out.

Then a memory of her time with the Make-Up Work Club and Sensei sparked an idea.

"You can choose whichever one you want," Hifumi said with a warm smile.

"Huh?" Shizu looked up, her expression unchanging, though her head tilted slightly in surprise.

"I have enough money to buy one for you," Hifumi explained. "Pick whichever one you like."

"Really?"

"Yes, go ahead. It's my treat!"

"Uwaaah. Thank you," Shizu said, her voice as flat as ever but with a hint of sincerity. And to her surprise Shizu hugged her.

Author Notes

Hello again, everyone! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this chapter. As always, I truly appreciate your thoughts and criticism, so please feel free to share them.

I want to apologize for the delay in releasing this chapter. It's much later than I intended, mostly due to numerous rewrites (and because of that I fear this chapter not be up to my normal standart).

That said, I'm grateful for your patience and support. I'll be diving straight into the next chapter, so stay tuned!