After hearing me tell her to accept Kaya's orders and launch an attack on the General Student Council, Yukino's expression changed slightly.
But the hesitation vanished from her face in an instant. The next moment, she still nodded and said, "I understand."
Watching that subtle change in her expression, I asked, "Aren't you going to ask why?"
Yukino replied calmly, "There's no need. I only need to follow your orders, sensei... The only thing I need to know is that, under your guidance, SRT will one day be reborn."
Curious, I asked, "Do you trust me that much?"
"Yes." Yukino answered without hesitation. "Because after the General Student Council President, you are the only person with the capacity to shoulder SRT's power and responsibilities. At the same time, you possess the kindness to reach out a helping hand to someone like me, trapped in a desperate situation, regardless of the past. Since the day we met, I have always believed that."
"I'm really happy that you're willing to trust me like that." My tone shifted as I said with utmost seriousness, "But there's something I need to correct. You're not a weapon. You're my student."
As I spoke, the hand that had accidentally stroked the fox-eared girl's thigh a couple more times moved instead to gently rest atop her head.
Smiling, I said, "So you don't have to fight for my sake. You can continue fighting for your own sense of justice."
Then, unable to resist, I started playing with Yukino's fox ears again.
"...Sensei." Perhaps because of my words, or perhaps because of my actions, Yukino seemed moved. "Do you mean... that I can ask you why?"
"Actually, I'd be happier if you did ask." I joked. "After all, I'm a sensei. Answering questions and resolving doubts is part of the job."
Hearing that, the corners of Yukino's lips rose slightly.
"Thank you. I really don't understand why you want me to agree to Kaya."
The reason wasn't particularly complicated. Perhaps with the assistance of Moment Authority, I was able to explain my thoughts to Yukino with ease.
"First," I speculated, "In Kaya's complete plan, the people she wants you to attack this time probably aren't limited to the committee members who pushed for SRT's closure."
After obtaining SRT's support, Kaya's swelling ambitions would only be directed toward one position. In that case, why not take the opportunity to add a few more chips for the future?
I continued, "I'm afraid it also includes the supporters of the current Acting General Student Council President, Nanagami Rin."
"I see. Although she could wait for the official election, with Kaya's temperament, it's very likely she'd consider carrying out a coup in advance."
Yukino appeared thoughtful, but even more puzzled.
"If that's the case, then why don't we expose her?"
I sighed.
"Because we don't really have a choice."
At the end of the day, we simply lacked sufficient evidence.
Even if Yukino and the FOX Squad could act as witnesses and expose Kaya's conspiracy, and even if I supported them, would they really gain the recognition of the other members of the General Student Council?
Not to mention anyone else, just Rin-chan and Aoi-chan, the two I'm most familiar with. While both girls certainly had their cute sides, they were also extremely rigid and upright overall, their convictions as immovable as bedrock.
To put it another way, they were unbelievably stubborn.
I'd already dropped hints during casual conversations that Kaya wasn't as gentle, humble, and courteous as she appeared, but they paid no attention to it at all.
Without concrete evidence, no matter how suspicious Kaya seemed, they would only handle things according to procedure.
What's more, Kaya wasn't alone. She was currently the highest-ranking military leader within the General Student Council. Even someone like her naturally had a large number of followers gathered around her.
If we acted too rashly, not only would it be difficult to bring Kaya down, but Yukino's true position would also be exposed. It might even directly intensify the internal conflicts within the General Student Council.
At this critical moment, with the Eden Treaty about to be signed, something like that absolutely could not be allowed to happen.
"Now that you know about the plan, refusing is even less possible."
Otherwise, it would certainly invite Kaya's suspicion and lead to unpredictable consequences.
"So," I said with a sigh, "agreeing is the only path left."
After a brief pause, I said apologetically to Yukino,
"Sometimes temporary compromise is necessary to buy time and build up the strength needed to resist. Yukino, I'm sorry. It means you'll have to dirty your hands and bear the stigma of a criminal. But I hope you'll accept Kaya's proposal, continue infiltrating her side, earn her trust, and gather more evidence. Of course, if you're unwilling..."
"No, sensei. I know this really is the best option right now. And it's also for the sake of justice."
Looking directly at me, the fox-eared girl spoke with complete sincerity.
"You are the sole master of me and the FOX Squad. As long as you, the one who wields the sword, do not change the direction of its blade, then no matter how deep the darkness we walk through, we will never lose our way."
Although I was somewhat moved, and also thought she had a point, I still couldn't help but ask:
"Wait a second. Why does it sound like you've gone ahead and represented the entire FOX Squad on your own? Is that really okay?"
I'd only met the others once, after all.
Even if I had no objections, shouldn't someone at least ask for my opinion?
Even if they had all fallen in love with me at first sight and were eager to establish this kind of close relationship, could we maybe take things a little more slowly?
Hearing that, Yukino answered seriously,
"It's fine. The bond between our squad is unshakable. They'll definitely understand and follow my commands."
I pondered for a moment.
"Then... have you told them about you and me?"
"Hm? No. Why would I tell them that?"
"...Huh?"
"Sensei, what's wrong?"
On the sofa, Yukino and I stared at each other, both seeing confusion and bewilderment on the other's face.
After a long silence, I decided not to dwell on it any further.
"Once everything's over, if I get the chance, I'd still like to formally meet Niko, Kurumi, and Otogi. We should sit down and have an honest conversation."
"Mm. Once the aftermath of the assault on Sanctum Tower has passed, and we've become fugitives who no longer have to endure such strict restrictions on our movements, we'll have much more free time."
Yukino smiled.
"I suppose that's a blessing in disguise?"
Her words reminded me that she'd only managed to find an opportunity to come out today with great difficulty. I quickly asked whether she ought to head back soon.
However, the fox-eared girl stared at me for quite a while.
Until I started feeling uneasy.
Until even her own face began turning red.
Only then did she gently rest her head on my shoulder.
"Ten minutes left," Yukino said. "Please let me stay a little longer. Just a little while."