Prologue

Prologue

Fall, the time of year for warm food, good books, and sports. It’s a colorful, bustling season full of all kinds of things to do. And for Mitsuhashi High, that includes getting ready for the annual school festival.

“Hey, problem child. Go see the disciplinary committee next and get their schedule for the day.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Even though I’d only just returned, I immediately left the student council room on President Momone’s orders. I’d been recruited to help her—really, the whole student council—prepare for the upcoming festival because I owed her a few favors. I’d thought we were even after I went to go take care of a sick Tokiwa in President Momone’s stead a while back, but she was quick to inform me that I owed her multiple favors. This would hopefully get me one step closer to being in the black.

“But, jeez... Isn’t this a bit much?”

“I know, right?”

I complained to R, who was lazily somersaulting in the air, as I hauled butt down the hall. I would’ve loved to trade places.

“Everyone sure does seem busy. Are preparations for school festivals always this chaotic?” R asked as she casually observed her surroundings.

Students were milling about all up and down the hall, which was strewn with upturned desks and chairs, half-made signs with drying paint, and other miscellaneous materials leaning against the walls.

“Well, this year’s festival is being held in conjunction with Juumonji High, Hibiki’s school, so the festival committee and disciplinary committee really have their hands full.”

And by extension, the student council—which oversaw both committees—was especially busy. Granted, President Momone had said something about wanting to make this year’s festival more exciting, so she personally seemed pretty motivated. She seemed to be enjoying herself.

“...”

This would be my first school festival as a high schooler, but I had to admit there was a particular energy filling the campus. It was like everyone was really getting into the spirit of things. Was this the fruit of President Momone’s efforts?

“Oops, President Momone will scold me if I dawdle.”

I’d unwittingly stopped to take in the atmosphere myself, so I picked up the pace and scuttled off down the hall. Things were pretty crazy, but still fun... Or, at least, that’s what I thought at the time. I had no idea what kind of trouble was about to come down the pipe.