Under Mari's guidance, I completed a prayer that will remain etched in my heart.
"If I was able to help you, Sensei, even just a tiny, insignificant bit, then I'm already more than satisfied."
What a gentle, wonderful girl.
As I watched her, wholeheartedly thinking of , I sighed inwardly, then said without the slightest restraint:
"In that case, could you do one more favor?"
"Mm, of course I can."
Although it was exactly what I expected, I was still moved that Mari did not hesitate even for a mont.
After thanking her, I did not waste ti and went straight to the point.
"Do you know a sister nad Utazumi Sakurako?"
Even though the Sisterhood holds a position of great importance within Trinity, for so reason, perhaps because of its policy of staying away from political activities, there is surprisingly little information about this ancient organization available online.
So I decided to ask Mari directly, as she is both a mber of the Sisterhood and soone I trust.
"Eh? Sakurako-sama?"
Mari looked surprised for a mont, then nodded and introduced her to .
"Yes, Sakurako-sama is the representative of the Sisterhood. She is an outstanding sister and deeply admired by all of us."
The representative of the Sisterhood, in other words, sothing like its president?
Even though I had already guessed that Sakurako's identity was not simple, I still felt a little surprised.
"Then where can I find her?"
"At this ti, Sakurako-sama should be in her office handling official matters… Sensei, do you need her for sothing?"
Before I could answer, Mari suddenly seed to realize sothing, and her expression shifted slightly.
"Ah? Could it be that the student you said you had a conflict with is…"
"No, it's not that. I just have a small matter."
"Ah! I-I'm sorry!" Mari first panicked, then looked ashad. "I committed the sin of making unfounded assumptions. I'm still far from mature."
"That doesn't count as a sin at all!"
As I reassured Mari, I could not help but sigh inwardly.
To think that my charm has reached the point where even such an excellent sister loses her usual composure and reveals a shy, age-appropriate cuteness.
Mari quickly regained her calm, and I continued asking.
"Could you tell where her office is?"
"Please allow to take you there."
I did not refuse Mari's kindness. Following closely behind her, we soon arrived in front of an office.
After confirming that I did not need her to introduce , Mari left first, and I knocked on the door.
Upon hearing a voice telling to co in, I pushed the door open. Sakurako, whom I had t yesterday, was sitting behind her desk.
Seeing that it was , she looked slightly surprised.
"Sensei? May blessings be with you today as well. Is there sothing I can help you with?"
Her words were very polite, and her voice extrely gentle, but the faint furrow of her brows, paired with her unsmiling face, created a sharp contrast.
To put it simply, I secretly suspected that she might already be a little upset.
After all, she had already told quite a lot yesterday, yet today I had co to her again without warning. It did seem sowhat tactless.
So I apologized first. "I'm sorry. Actually, I didn't co looking for you on purpose yesterday."
"…Eh? I-I misunderstood?" Sakurako suddenly looked embarrassed. "Then I'm the one who should apologize. I'm sorry. I suddenly spoke to you at the ti and must have caused you trouble."
I also suddenly realized that I might have misunderstood Sakurako.
It seems she is not as cold and distant as her appearance suggests.
Although it is clear that she hides many secrets, at least in her attitude toward , she is undeniably sincere and friendly.
Perhaps it was precisely because I had vaguely sensed this before that I ca to seek her help again.
Or perhaps it is because she has a crush on .
As I thought this, I said to Sakurako, "However, I really do want to learn about Hanako's situation."
At those words, Sakurako's expression turned serious again, but she patiently explained:
"Sensei, perhaps I was not clear enough yesterday. Regarding Hanako, I can only tell you my personal impression of her as 'Utazumi Sakurako.'"
I am willing to believe that Sakurako has no reason to lie to about sothing like this.
In that case, Hanako's reason for hating Trinity becos even more intriguing.
For it to be sothing that, due to her position as the 'Representative of the Sisterhood,' Sakurako cannot reveal to …
Could it have sothing to do with the Tea Party?
For the ti being, I suppressed this confusion and continued.
"It doesn't have to be anything that deep. In fact, my current understanding of Hanako is limited to her being a student with poor grades… and a slightly strange girl."
Sakurako frowned again. "Student Nagisa used Schale's authority to establish the Make-Up Work Club. Did she not even tell you that?"
I rely smiled awkwardly, thinking to myself that the word "used" might be a bit strong.
Still, Nagisa truly did not give much information.
Perhaps she trusts my abilities and felt there was no need.
"…That was my mistake. Please forget my inappropriate wording just now."
Sakurako took a deep breath. "If what you need right now is only information that is common knowledge, then if you do not mind, please allow to tell you about another side of Hanako that was once known to everyone."
I nodded. "Thank you."
"In fact…" Sakurako chose her words carefully. "When Hanako was in her first year, she was a renowned prodigy throughout all of Trinity."
From Sakurako's mouth, as expected, I heard a completely different image from the present one.
Excellent grades, upright conduct, proper manners.
By any standard, she was a perfect model student with a boundless future ahead of her.
However, the change ca silently and with astonishing speed.
To everyone's shock, at so point, Hanako beca like a completely different person. Not only did her grades plumt, but even her interests beca drastically different from before, to the point that many classmates who once maintained friendly relations with her began to avoid her at all costs.
As for the reason, no one knows.
"…That is everything," Sakurako concluded sincerely. "Sensei, if you have any other questions, I will answer as much as I can within the limits of what I am allowed to say."
And I, who had been pondering since earlier, could not help but murmur,
"Friendly relations… is that so?"
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
I stood up. "Thank you very much for the information."
"This is simply my duty." Sakurako smiled and stood as well. "Then please allow to see you out this ti too."
I didn't refuse.
On the way, however, I couldn't help but reflect in my thoughts.
It seems Hanako really did have the right to say that I didn't understand. But that only applies to before.
Hatred?
No.
It is clearly weariness.
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