As the head of Schale and someone admired by countless students in Kivotos, managing my time efficiently was extremely important.
For instance, since I was about to accompany the Prefect Team on their multi-day summer training camp at the beach, it only made sense to find time beforehand to pay a visit to Saint Trinity.
This is called balance or in other words, spreading attention evenly.
Incidentally, I also had official business entrusted to me by the Pandemonium Society regarding the Eden Treaty, requiring visits to both the Tea Party and the Sisterhood.
Given the delicate and potentially controversial nature of the relationship between Trinity and Gehenna, a mediator was necessary in many situations.
In the past, the only natural choice was the original initiator of the treaty, the GSC President.
Now, that responsibility naturally fell to the GSC President's successor and representative in a certain sense—me.
Although I lacked the prestige of the Student Council President, I had one tremendous advantage that even the president didn't possess, which made my position special...
Gender.
In short, after a busy half-day, my work at Trinity finally concluded as the school day was nearing its end.
"Thank you for your hard work, sensei," Sakurako said politely.
"Not at all. This is all part of my duty," I replied courteously.
However, Sakurako's expression darkened, and she let out a faint laugh that was oddly eerie when paired with her expression.
"Uhoho. Sensei is really reliable. No wonder everyone holds you in such high regard… even Hanako herself. Uhoho."
Taken at face value, it sounded like praise. But combined with Sakurako's forced, insincere smile…
I felt a chill and began to worry she was being sarcastic.
Could it be that Sakurako, with her possessive nature, already saw me as her own, and now was jealous simply because of a few other people's compliments?
Could Trinity really erupt into internal conflict just because of me, now that the Sisterhood had abandoned non-interference and begun meddling in politics?
"Sensei, why did you suddenly go quiet?"
Sakurako asked.
"Well…" I hesitated, then decided to speak honestly. "Am I… doing something wrong?"
"Huh? Of course not," Sakurako replied, surprised, then awkwardly laughed. "Hehe. Sensei, you've done extremely well. From my personal perspective, I'm very grateful for your help with Trinity all this time."
…She really is angry, isn't she?
My heart tightened, and I cautiously asked, "Sakurako, are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
She blinked, then saw my hesitation. Suddenly embarrassed, she looked flustered.
"Could it be… sensei, I really just think you're truly as capable as everyone says… Hah. I'm terribly sorry. Looks like another misunderstanding…"
She sighed deeply, looking troubled.
"Again?" I picked up on the keyword.
"Um… I… often get misunderstood by those around me," she confessed.
Sakurako blushed lightly, biting her lip as she explained shyly. "I suppose people think I'm somewhat unapproachable… Indeed, given my position managing the overall affairs of the Sisterhood, I naturally create some distance."
That was true. The nature of the Sisterhood itself could make one seem distant.
Outwardly, it appeared they only handled prayer and confession, but inwardly they knew many secrets, and their influence within Trinity was significant. In fact, the Sisterhood could sometimes act independently of the Tea Party, tracing back to the legendary Justina Council of Saints,.
Given all this, representatives of the Sisterhood would naturally seem difficult to approach.
But I suspected that much of it came from her own personality.
"I've tried improving that, taking advice from others, but it hasn't been very successful…"
Sakurako continued. "Of course, everyone is kind and tries to understand me. I've also been given advice, like adding laughter when speaking to make myself seem more approachable, so I…"
She forced a smile, lacking the experience to make it feel natural.
Recalling the silver-haired girl's earlier smile, I genuinely found her much more endearing, and it reminded me of something from long ago.
"By the way, was that why you added me on Momotalk after passing the note?"
Sakurako nodded. "Yes… I was a little worried. If it were just my personal issue, it would be fine, but I am, after all, a nun. As someone who listens to others' troubles, I don't want them to worry too much about my feelings."
I couldn't help thinking. "Sakurako really is an outstanding nun."
"You flatter me too much. I still have many shortcomings, especially in bridging gaps with others…"
"Having the desire to improve and actually making an effort is already very impressive."
"Is that so…"
Sakurako closed her eyes thoughtfully, then smiled softly. "Thank you. With your support, sensei, I feel I should try even harder."
Does that mean she's starting to like me?
Thinking that, I earnestly said. "Yes, I'll cheer for you."
Sakurako smiled and said, "Sorry, I may have talked too much. I… almost wanted to take a bit more of your time and offer you tea and sweets, but I still have other work… If it's possible, please allow me to see you off."
She then stood up.
It seemed she already liked me enough to want to spend even a brief moment together.
But I declined politely. "Thank you for your kindness, but I'd like to spend some time praying in the Grand Cathedral."
"Oh, sorry, I was being rude…"
"No, not at all," I said, pausing. "By the way, I haven't seen Mari today. I wonder if she's available."
My real reason for praying was now obvious.
I hadn't seen Mari for several days and truly missed her.
Of course, if Mari were busy, though I wasn't that familiar with Hinata and her grip strength seemed unusually strong, the Shatei no Hako had ample power, so it would be a good opportunity to deepen the bond.
At worst, I could also get to know some new nuns.
But Sakurako's next words made me change my plans.
"Mari?" Sakurako said. "Actually, she took the day off today."