Survive in Azure Files

in other words……

Is he the real culprit who attacked Shengya, or his accomplice?

I felt a little bit unbelievable. It turned out that I had already stepped into the surging undercurrent of the Holy Trinity without knowing it and being completely unprepared.

Nagisa misjudged the reason for my confusion: "In order for you to understand the importance of this passage... I need to explain to you what the Treaty of Eden is."

Then, she began to tell me about her understanding of the Treaty of Eden.

In general, there is not much difference from what I know and what I heard from Shengya, but there are subtle differences in the details, or the direction of focus and the way of understanding.

"The Treaty of Eden... In simple terms, it is a non-aggression treaty between Trinity and Gehenna. The core of it is that all the main members of Trinity and Gehenna will be present to establish a neutral organization."

Nagisa took a deep breath and told me its name and function: "This group, called the [Eden Treaty Organization], [ETO], will intervene and resolve disputes between Trinity and Gehenna. In this way, a full-scale war between the two academies will not break out."

The host of the tea party slowly turned his gaze towards the chess set beside him: "Because if one of them takes a step, the two academies will perish together in love."

After saying that, Nagisa picked up the teacup and sipped the black tea, seemingly taking the opportunity to moisten his throat to organize his words, and also seemingly giving me time to savor and think.

"……teacher."

She called me and explained the current situation to me sincerely:

"The long-standing hostility between Trinity and Gehenna has placed a heavy burden on both sides. The Treaty of Eden is probably the only way to prevent such meaningless consumption, and also to maintain the balance of power within Kivotos.

"This is the solution proposed by the Federation Student Council President. Because of her disappearance, this thing was on the verge of disintegrating in mid-air. I had a lot of trouble rebuilding it to its current state.

"However, just as this long-awaited treaty was about to be signed...I received intelligence that someone wanted to hinder this treaty."

I remained silent, but thought in my heart that Nagisa didn't seem to want to tell me the whole truth yet.

For example, the "news" of Shengya's death, which is the real way she obtained the information.

Was he considering my feelings, or was it because I was in the position of tea party host and couldn’t speak frankly to outsiders?

I think it's probably both.

Due to Shengya's instructions, although I don't know the reason, I can only bury the information that she is still alive in my heart for the time being.

Nagisa continued to narrate without haste:

"At present, we don't know who that person is. So, as a second-best strategy... we have gathered all the possible suspects in one place... the traitor is inside. However, we don't know who it is. In this case, let's put them in the same box... so that we can discard them together when needed.

At this point, Nagisa asked me, "... You almost understand, that's the cram school. The teacher also helped make that box."

I hummed and nodded slightly.

“…I’m sorry.” Nagisa looked apologetic and said in a low voice, “I actually dragged the teacher into such a bloody matter. It’s okay to scold me if you want.”

I can probably try to imagine what kind of mental journey this seemingly cold-blooded girl went through when she made such a decision.

In particular, in order to bypass the procedure, I must rely on Xia Lai's authority, which means I have to involve her, who has nothing to do with the original matter and whom she loves.

If I really dislike her because of this, how much harm would it cause to a young girl in love?

But since she said that, I feel like I would be even more sorry for her if I didn't scold her.

"Nagisa, you're such an idiot." I said with a straight face, "Why didn't you discuss this with me earlier?"

Although to be honest, I don't seem to have the qualifications to say anything about her.

But I think we should treat each issue separately.

"…I have no intention of defending myself, but now that I am in this position, I have more priorities and must assume the corresponding obligations and responsibilities. So I will not accept that title."

Her eyebrows were raised, as if she was questioning me why I really scolded her.

Nagisa was clearly trying to defend herself and seemed to want to restore her image in my heart. She restrained her expression and considered for a moment:

"From your tone... do you believe me?"

I was surprised and asked back: "Would you lie to me about this?"

Nagisa smiled and said, "It's just a little worry. This way, it will be easier to communicate... Teacher."

Then, the girl said seriously again: "...Can you help me find the traitor in the cram school?"

Hearing Nagisa's request, I couldn't help but fall silent.

If it was exactly as she said, I would naturally agree and do my best. But the question is, is what Nagisa knows really the whole truth?

At least from what we can see right now, all the members of the cram school, except for Hifumi...even including Hifumi, are problem children. But which one of them would do such a thing?

"Someone is deceiving the teacher and deceiving Holy Trinity."

Nagisa said with disgust and resentment: "She is a terrorist who intends to destroy peace. Not only us, they are weighing the peace of the entire Kivotos against their own interests."

I was thinking back to the one week I had spent with the other members of the cram school except Hifumi.

Although we basically only took tutoring classes together after school, they all left a deep impression on me...

At least, when I was with them, some of the things I felt personally were not fake.

Not to mention Hanako, no one could imitate Koharu's speechless actions. Even Azusa, who usually has the dullest expression and the weirdest behavior, became much friendlier after getting my help.

Among girls like them who are touched by everyday trivialities, although it is a bit strange, are there really people who would destroy peace for the sake of profit?

Rather, why would Nagisa doubt them?

Besides, it doesn't matter what happens to others.

"Hifumi, is she also within your suspicion range?" I asked, "Aren't you two on good terms? You should know her well."

As soon as these words were spoken, I suddenly felt that the atmosphere seemed to have changed.

"...Is that so? My apologies. Apparently, I have been hiding something from you, so you haven't collected any relevant information yet."

Nagisa pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, "Well... I can explain the reasons for selecting them one by one here. But I think you will still trust the information you have collected from other channels. For example, the Sisters... and the Student Union on the other side of the Treaty of Eden?"

...It was agreed to be a secret meeting, so the Disciplinary Committee could have known about it, but why did they even know about the tea party?

I can only say that it fits my perception of Makoto.

"I'm not questioning you. Nagisa, I just wonder if there's some misunderstanding here."

I tried to persuade Nagisa, but her smile remained unchanged:

"Well, then please find the traitor. This matter is also closely related to the peace of Kivotos. What do you think? I hope that Xia Lai, as the Federal Investigation Agency, can understand--"

Now Nagisa treats me in a completely businesslike manner...

Perhaps, when she asked me to come over today, she decided to abandon her personal relationship from the very beginning.

I sighed helplessly and said sincerely, "I don't want to hide it from you. I can understand, but I can't accept your commission for the time being."

"……why?"

"You start with preconceived suspicions and include innocent people in it. Don't you think it will hurt their feelings?"

More than half a month ago, I treated Alice in exactly the same way, and it almost led to unimaginable consequences.

To this day, I still feel a little guilty about her, and I am still scared.

This time, I want to choose to believe.

I stared at Nagisa, and it was as if I saw myself back then.

Therefore, I also know that it is useless to say anything now.

Once the seeds of doubt take root, they cannot be eradicated by the empty words of others unless there is sufficient evidence.

"...Is that so? I see. The teacher is indeed that kind of person."

Nagisa paused for a moment: "...But, teacher. When it is difficult to sort out the garbage carefully and discard it..."

"Kirito Nagisa. Watch your words."

I frowned and said in a cold voice, wondering if I was too lenient with her before.

I take back what I said before. Even for me, I only think about this in my mind.

"...Haha, it's just a harmless metaphor. By the way, as for the beginning, it's basically in my hands..."

Rather than being pointed, Nagisa's next words were more like a direct threat: "For example, suddenly changing the scope of the exam, changing the exam venue, changing the difficulty, etc. Although I don't want that to happen..."

With her usual self-control, this was only one step away from a falling out.

I just watched her calmly, as she revealed some of her true emotions. I couldn't help but feel a little regretful in my heart, but the object was not the girl in front of me.

Why on earth don't you want me to tell Nagisa and Mika the truth?

I am willing to believe Shengya, but I hope that after I tell Shengya about the current situation, she can give me a more reasonable reason.

...But, even if Nagisa knew that Seiya was safe and sound and just hiding and unconscious, would she change her conspiracy against the cram school?

Moreover, I cannot say with 100% certainty that there really are no traitors in the cram school.

I need more information to verify each other.

"…Excuse me, that's not a good way to talk."

Nagisa took a deep breath, put on an impeccable smile again, and said distant and polite words: "Well, please take care of the cram school in the future, teacher. We will not do anything that is not good for you or harms your interests... Although I really want to say this..."

I complained: "Can you say this directly to me?"

Nagisa nodded slightly: "I should have said before that it would be better to be honest when talking to you."

Hearing this, I reached out, took a piece of exquisite snack, put it in my mouth, and swallowed it in three or two bites.

Then, I took another sip of the slightly cold black tea and breathed a sigh of satisfaction:

"That's enough, isn't it?"

“…I can’t easily promise you that.”

Nagisa returned to the previous topic and sighed: "But even so, I don't think the teacher is the kind of person who would abandon his students... So I can't predict how things will develop in the future. I can only pray that this ending... Try not to be accompanied by pain."

I have no comment on this.

Now that I know this information and since I cannot agree with Nagisa, I have an obligation to search for more evidence.

"Ah, but I have to tell you first..." Nagisa explained, "In the first make-up exam, we didn't do anything. About this part, I can swear that it is absolutely not a lie."

However, it was this sentence that suddenly reminded me of something else.

Hifumi has average grades, but is able to pass any exam she takes.

Before asking me out and missing the exam, you confirmed the date repeatedly.

“…What about the previous one?”

"……hehe."

There was no smile in Nagisa's eyes, and he did not answer: "How do the snacks I made by myself taste?"

"It's a bit stuck in my teeth. Let's improve it."

I stood up.

"Really? That's a shame."

The host of the tea party did not stand up to see him off: "Then, see you next time."

So, she and I parted on bad terms.

Chapter 33: Deep Thoughts Kayoko

After finishing the meeting with Nagisa, I returned to Xialai with a little unhappiness and confusion.

To be honest, I can understand her choice rationally. In the final analysis, the reality is the same as Liyin's.

It's all for the safety of the majority, sacrificing the few who pose a threat.

But I still say that emotionally, I can't accept it easily.

When it comes to the critical moment, I will naturally not show mercy; but now, I don’t even have any evidence, and I want to attack innocent students?

I can't do that. Even if it's just to conquer them, I can't just sit there and watch.

Perhaps, if this continues, I will pay the price for my greed one day.

But even if I really face such a situation, I should not regret my choice...

I hope not.