At first, I thought Hanako had been leading the previous topics just to set up this "K-Drama" scenario.
But when Hanako countered Koharu's doubts with, "I heard from the sisters that somewhere in Kivotos, there's a masked criminal group wearing swimsuits," I began to suspect she was hinting at something.
In any case, when Koharu reacted in shock, asking how that was any different from a pervert, Faust-sama's expression was absolutely priceless.
I wondered whether Hifumi had realized there might be a connection between this and the way Nagisa had manipulated her into joining the Make-Up Work Club.
After that topic ended, Hanako glanced at Azusa with concern, then leaned toward me and whispered:
"Sensei, maybe you should talk to Azusa now?"
I considered for a moment and decided that the current mood was indeed a good opportunity. I nodded slightly in agreement and then asked:
"Azusa, I'll just ask directly. Have you been having trouble sleeping recently?"
"Sorry… I was worried, so I discussed it with Sensei," Hanako explained seriously. "I think Azusa-chan should try to sleep well at night."
"…Yeah. I overslept this morning and caused trouble for you all. I even lingered in a place I'm not used to… I never used to do that."
Azusa paused, then said: "…Maybe it's because this isn't an 'unfamiliar place' anymore."
According to her, the time spent with her companions and with me brought her joy, so this old villa naturally carried many happy memories.
"…Anyway, it's better to get some extra sleep," Hanako advised sincerely. "It's okay to relax your vigilance at night a little."
Vigilance?
Before I could process that, Koharu asked naively: "Vigilance…? What does that mean?"
Azusa answered immediately: "Ah… I patrol a little every night…"
Just patrolling? That's all?
As I thought this, I stared into the girl's soft, dreamlike lavender eyes and said, "We're all worried about you, Azusa."
"Really…?"
Looking around at everyone's faces, Azusa seemed to find her answer. "…Sorry. Actually, the patrol is just an excuse…"
I expected as much. But the next moment, my brow furrowed slightly.
"I'm actually setting traps," the white-haired girl said.
"Traps…?" Hanako asked in confusion. "Why would you do something like that…?"
Azusa reassured us: "Don't worry. They're only on paths that a malicious intruder might take. In normal daily life, there's no safety issue at all."
Thinking back to what happened to the two sisters yesterday, I was all the more convinced of the necessity of carrying Arona with me.
But setting that aside…
"I see…" Hanako nodded in understanding, then added, "But next time, I'd be happy if you could tell us first. Otherwise, we'll always be worried."
"…I understand. I'll be careful from now on," Azusa said, looking away. "I don't want my actions to cause harm to Sensei or anyone else."
I smiled and praised her: "Azusa, you're really kind."
"P-Please don't treat me like a child, Sensei," she said, showing a rare, shy expression that made my heart flutter.
Then she closed her eyes, her voice carrying a hint of unwarranted heaviness:
"I'm not… that kind of person. Because this world is meaningless and full of lies. So, maybe…"
She pursed her thin lips.
Then, struggling to speak, the girl from Arius said: "One day, I might betray… betray the trust and care of everyone."
Even without knowing why she said this, her words subtly shifted the atmosphere.
At that moment, a sudden noise illuminated the previously dark gymnasium as brightly as day.
"Ah, the electricity's back…" Hifumi looked up at the lights.
"Looks like it's fixed," Hanako said.
When the villa's power went out before, we had already contacted the Tea Party's security team. I hadn't expected them to respond so efficiently.
…But was this sudden blackout really just because the villa is old and worn out?
I pushed that ridiculous thought aside.
Koharu happily exclaimed: "Ah, the rain's stopped too…!"
Hearing that, I noticed that the thunder and rain seemed to have ended long ago, I just hadn't realized because we were too absorbed in conversation.
Hifumi nodded: "Right. Then let's go wash the clothes again."
"Okay. Then the first swimsuit party ends here," Hanako said.
Azusa smiled: "I'm looking forward to the second one."
Indeed, it's something to look forward to. Maybe by then, there'll be sunshine and a beach to accompany it?
I couldn't help but imagine.
"No second time!"
Koharu shouted, killing the mood: "This is the first and last time!"
I thought that wasn't really something just Koharu could decide.
When the Make-Up Work Club, including me as advisor, reached a consensus, she naturally just became the habitual stubborn objector, probably saying things like, "I'm only joining because you guys forced me," and happily joined in.
Anyway, now that the power was restored, everyone went to the laundry room where only half of the clothes had been washed, just as Hifumi said.
I returned to my room alone, carrying a small lingering question in my mind.
…If Azusa was really just patrolling the surroundings or setting traps nearby...
Then why, when I went out last night, didn't I hear even a hint of her presence?
Moreover, her previous words were particularly worrisome. When she mentioned betraying everyone's trust and care, was she referring to hiding her own origins?
Or perhaps… the information Mika gave me wasn't as complete as she claimed or believed?
Whichever it is, to find the truth, I'll still have to use the original methods.
Time passed, and night fell.
After everything that happened today, everyone spent most of the time resting after washing their clothes.
As the day drew to a close, I followed routine and went to the girls' room.
But as soon as I entered, I witnessed a strange scene—
"No, not done yet!"
Hanako, lying on the bed, suddenly sat up straight, drawing everyone's attention.
"You can't just let the day end like this, it would be a waste!"
With an extremely serious expression, Hanako said this to us.