Returning to the annex classroom, I saw everyone absorbed in studying under Hanako's guidance.
Hanako truly lived up to her reputation as a talented student whom all factions had once sought to recruit. Based on her companions' progress and the new exam scope, she created three separate study plans, teaching all of them simultaneously. With Hifumi, Azusa, and Koharu putting in their full effort, their academic ability had improved remarkably over these past few days.
I even had a fleeting thought, that if that Tea Party host I had scared didn't interfere with any more schemes, maybe even with the current exam difficulty, they could pass smoothly?
"Se-sensei," Hifumi said anxiously upon seeing me return. "Nagisa… over there…?"
I smiled and nodded: "Even more smoothly than I anticipated."
During our conversation, Nagisa had surprisingly shown how highly she valued her childhood friend, Mika. Using that as leverage, when I proposed my condition, she agreed almost without hesitation. Of course, this was partly because her paranoia had left her unable to stay calm under my persistent pressure.
Seeing Hifumi still hesitating, I added, "Don't worry. Nagisa was indeed somewhat shaken, but I was careful not to use overly harsh words."
As far as I could tell, I hadn't.
Hifumi finally exhaled in relief.
Not only did she care about the progress of events, she also cared about Nagisa herself. Despite Nagisa's excessive suspicion, the gentle and kind Hifumi still treated her as a friend.
"T-That Tea Party host… didn't notice anything wrong?" Koharu asked nervously.
"Just as Hanako told us before," Azusa said. "Nagisa now, once she identifies a fact, will naturally fill in minor flaws herself. She'll reinterpret any inconsistencies, introduce new variables, and gradually convince herself fully."
"Uh… I don't really get it…"
"Hehe," Hanako added, "In other words, this suspicious little cat, Nagisa, has been scared so badly she's practically paralyzed, soaked through, and incapable of thinking properly."
Hanako always had a way of giving answers that seemed reasonable at first but revealed deeper layers upon reflection.
But since we had serious matters to attend to, she didn't continue joking around. Instead, she focused on confirming with me the details of my conversation with Nagisa earlier today.
After listening, Hanako nodded thoughtfully:
"…I see. So the relationship between Nagisa and Mika… Even though they grew up together, cautious Nagisa and lively Mika are almost complete opposites. From an outsider's perspective, it's really hard to judge who's right or wrong."
I couldn't help but recall Mika's behind-the-back slander of Nagisa, and Nagisa's objective evaluation of Mika, and I nodded in agreement.
Before today, I might have genuinely thought they were just "plastic sisters." But now, at least in Nagisa's case, she clearly regarded Mika as a true friend.
Could it even be that she thought, if her own halo were ever shattered like Seia's, then before that happened, she had to protect the only remaining Tea Party member, Mika, hence all those reckless actions that contradicted her normally cautious personality?
…Those guesses could wait until everything was resolved.
"In any case, the plan is progressing very smoothly," Hanako said with a smile. "Sensei, you really do have a talent for this, huh? You successfully made Nagisa focus all her hostility entirely on you~"
What do you mean, really?!
I felt it had less to do with my acting and more that Nagisa's hostility toward me this time carried a hint of resentment born from love.
As soon as I had that thought, a slight irritation rose in me. I had to remind myself, again and again in my mind...
This is only a necessary sacrifice to protect everyone.
Taking a deep breath, I calmly said:
"This is just the first stage. Tomorrow will be the real decisive moment."
"B-But…" Hifumi said anxiously, "Sensei… are you really going to do something that dangerous?"
I understood her concern.
Running my hand through her golden hair, I spoke gently:
"Of course. We've already come this far, there's no turning back now."
"But…" Even after my reassurance, Hifumi still hesitated slightly.
"Actually, it doesn't have to be Sensei personally risking themselves," Azusa suddenly interjected. "It's still possible to assign someone else. I'm willing to take on this task."
She had proposed this before, but I had declined. I hadn't expected her to bring it up again.
"I-I could do it too! I'm an elite of the Justice Task Force!" Koharu quickly followed, raising her hand. Her voice trembled slightly, but she made her willingness clear.
Hanako said nothing, but her silence at this moment already signaled her stance.
I paused, looked around, and felt the deep concern in each of their eyes. A warm current flowed through my chest.
But precisely because of that, my determination strengthened even more.
Shaking my head with a smile, I addressed them seriously:
"There's no one more suitable than me. Besides, I've already made arrangements with Nagisa. If we switched people now, what excuse could I give? That would just create new complications."
At this, the girls wavered slightly.
I pressed on:
"Don't worry. I trust you, so please trust me. Your task now is to study hard and pass the third make-up exam with your own abilities. As for everything else, leave it to me."
The girls exchanged glances for a moment, but ultimately didn't object further.
I suppose after witnessing my courage firsthand, they'd all fallen hopelessly in love with me by now, huh?
Aigo... Not even a peep?
Too bad. My useless golden finger, as always, refuses to give me the respect that I deserve.
Thus, to keep the strategy moving forward, this action gained yet another essential reason for execution.
"Mm… thank you, Sensei," Hanako said softly, looking at me kindly. "Until now, we've always been toyed with by lies and strategies, but this time, it's our turn. Please, blow the horn of counterattack for all of us."
"Ah." I nodded, my expression resolute: "I will not shirk my responsibility."