Chapter 2: On Festival Night, the Omen of a Misfortune Avoids a Red Sign and Jumps
Chapter 2
On Festival Night, the Omen of a
Misfortune Avoids a Red Sign and Jumps
Despite the adverse conditions that surrounded Amane and Hikari, their love for each other deepened at Spica…and in the classroom on the top floor of the school, which overlooked the spacious Maiden Park, the students discussed the future of the couple.
The brilliant white star of Spica shone as bright young minds gathered in this room…known as the Student Council room.
“I told you so! If you had entered me in the Étoile competition, none of this would’ve happened!! But…instead that little girl is partnered with my Amane-sama…grr!”
Cough cough cough…
Kenjo Kaname got so excited, she violently choked on her own words.
Long limbs extended from Kaname’s tan, fit figure. She looked rather masculine, and her brutish mannerisms and attitude, coupled with a lack of feminine qualities, only emphasized her macho demeanor.
“Oh please, Kaname, just chill out.” Kiyashiki Momomi, who sat next to Kaname, offered her a cup of tea.
Coughing, Kaname dumped the tea down her throat in one gulp…
“Ack! W-W-What is this stuff…?”
“Oh, do you like it? I’ve been drinking dokudami cha2 these days.”
“Dokudami…?”
“It’s good for health and beauty.”
“How lame! I don’t need a weird tea to improve my health or beauty! The only person in the world who doesn’t think I’m beautiful is probably Amane-sama anyway…don’t get me off track now!”
“Aww, I just wanted to soothe your throat because you yelled so much, Kaname-chan.”
“Enough! Anyway, I think we got ourselves into this mess because the Student Council is so half-assed.”
“Gee, you’re such a party-pooper, Kaname.” In response to Kaname’s raised fists, Momomi gave back a very fake smile with her non-Japanese facial features and mumbled something to the panda on her folding fan.
“Kenjo-san, this matter has been settled already!” Spica’s Student Council President, Tomori Shion, pounded the table as she stood, but her eyes seemed dark and gloomy from fatigue.
The other students who sat at the large triangular table fell silent. Shion’s slim body seemed thinner than usual. Her long, chestnut hair framed her prominent cheeks, which lacked their normal, intellectual sharpness. Even her chiseled chin seemed recessed and pointier than usual.
The table still vibrated from the impact. White papers slid out of a black envelope, and a folder glided out of a clear plastic portfolio, scattering across the table.
Kaname viciously eyed the black envelope, and so did Shion, looking at it with cold, hollow eyes.
Kaname huffed and calmly sat back down. Though she seemed to have been put back in her place, she spoke again as her reflected silhouette filled the crystal glass wall behind her.
“Shion, you might be acting high and mighty because you’re known as Spica’s intellectual Snow Queen and Student Council President, but maybe you were careless about this one. I can’t believe you didn’t choose me, a sure-fire winner, but instead chose a pathetic newcomer—a third-year transfer student who only arrived at Spica last fall—to enter into the Étoile competition as Amane-sama’s partner. And taking advantage of our weak entry, Miator unexpectedly entered last year’s Étoile for this year’s contest, to compete for a second time!
“Well, they’ve got their problems too, and at least Amane-sama managed to win the first round, just barely. But knowing how Shizuma-sama hates to lose, she’ll strive to win the second round to regain her pride. Spica is split between the supporters and non-supporters of Amane-sama’s partner. And Amane-sama probably isn’t even aware of the concerns of the Spica students! Argh, I hate to say this, but Amane-sama has lost her senses, chasing after that transfer student!
“Humph. You know, the Miator Student Council President—the Princess of Rokujo-in—probably schemed this whole plot from the beginning!” Kaname scowled.
“Kaname-oneesama, your comments are a bit too harsh,” Okuwaka Tsubomi, a first-year student and Student Council Secretary, remarked cautiously, mustering all her courage to do so.
“Well, I knew this would happen! I was against this from the start, but the Student Council President supported Amane-sama’s stance and forced us to…”
Momomi cut in with a small voice. “But Kaname, you eventually agreed to the idea because you didn’t want Amane-sama to hate you, right?”
“Wha—? N-No, you’re wrong, Momomi! I agreed for the benefit of Spica!” Kaname was flabbergasted, her face red.
Tsubomi interjected again, “A-Anyway, Kaname-oneesama! Spica did win the first round, so please don’t attack President Shion so harshly.” Tsubomi wore a headband, which neatly gathered her long, peach-colored hair. She tilted her head and eyes toward Shion.
Shion, lost in her thoughts, stared intently at the scattered documents on the table. Kaname sensed Shion’s dilemma and finally zipped her lips. Everyone else at the table re-examined the opened documents.
On the black envelope, the addressee’s name was written in silver.
To All Spica Students
The contents of the letter explained at great length the writers’ dissatisfaction regarding the proceedings of the Étoile competition and concluded in an angry and almost threatening manner.
…Who is responsible for depriving Spica of the sure victory, which was supposed to be claimed with a flawless plan and Prince Amane’s participation, but has instead resulted in such a mess?
We believe that all Spica students, including ourselves, have long awaited the day when Amane-sama would become a fifth-year student and enter the Étoile competition.
We cannot accept the fact that Amane-sama was forced to partner not with any of the Five Stars on campus, but rather an unknown, less-than-reputable girl…we can only imagine the tribulations of Amane-sama, having to deal with such a lame duck dragging her down, and Spica students will surely lament our star’s dire predicament.
In fact, in order to give the new transfer student an advantage, a new rule, that worked against currently attending students, was forcefully established, causing the other schools to raise suspicions of foul play, and as a result we have utterly insulted St. Miator, our long-standing rival, by our lack of fairness.
The truth is, no matter what the obstacle may be, the invincible Amane-sama would have surely claimed victory. But because of poor, unnecessary decisions, resulting in an unfair advantage, Amane-sama’s reputation has been marred…a truly unforgivable act.
The longstanding dream of regaining the Étoile crown brought all of the Spica students together, but these recent disturbances are great sins which have divided the unity of our students. The blunders of the Spica Student Council are much too obvious.
Be prepared to receive God’s judgment.
May the wrath of God punish all of you for the arrogant sins you have committed…for you are all in the twisted Tower of Babel, about to fall to its doom.
Pheew… Shion sighed. She smiled self-mockingly and reached for the file next to the letter. She was apathetic as she flipped the pink plastic cover of the report file open.
Sponsored by the Spica Student Council
Étoile Competition Round 2:
Love Ordeal (L’Épreuve d’amour)
Event: Astraea Cup
The Astraea Cup—a small tennis tournament held between Étoile contestants.
This sport, which had originated in ancient Egypt and had later been known as the French nobles’ sport, was often selected as a competition event because it required fairness and teamwork between partners.
The tennis tournament was the second-round cadette event. The rules went on for several pages and ended with the tournament chart.
It was a doubles tournament. The nine couples that had survived the first round were listed in the tournament brackets.
The last couple listed on the chart was not placed in any of the brackets.
Exempt—will proceed to the third round:
St. Spica Girls’ Institute
Otori Amane, Fifth Year, Class Trois
Konohana Hikari, Third Year, Class Un
Tap tap tap…Shion’s forefinger tapped on the couple’s names.
“You know…this was the result of the drawing, fair and square…” Shion muttered.
Tsubomi stood up again in excitement. “Absolutely! I’m the one who made the drawing box and made sure there was no cheating involved when choosing the ticket! Besides, there were nine couples, so everyone knew one couple would be exempt from this round! When the ticket I chose last was Amane-sama, I was ecstatic to know that Amane-sama was not only beautiful and strong, but also had good fortune on her side…”
Momomi walked to the end of the room—where Tsubomi and the other underclassmen sat—and placed a hand on Tsubomi’s shoulder…
“Yes…we know that, Tsubomi-chan. But unfortunately, they’re not upset about that. The Spica Student Council is under suspicion for conducting the first round of the contest unfairly, and then Amane-sama’s couple ends up being exempt from the second round, based on Spica’s Student Council’s selection method…”
“Basically, people think it’s fishy the Spica Student Council did the drawing in secret, inside the room, rather than doing it out in the open. Do you get it, little girl?” Kaname interjected—deliberately cutting off Momomi. She pulled out a red rose and used it to indicate the black envelope.
“No matter how fair the selection was, if the result is this, then the skeptics will see everything as very black and very wrong. Especially with Amane-sama, who is seen as an impeccable prince on a white horse who can do no wrong. Suspicions swirl around her more than ever, so the blame easily flies towards scoundrels like us at the Student Council.”
Kaname eloquently pronounced “scoundrels” with a thick, heavy French accent.
“That’s why I should have been her partner…”
“No, the Student Council is not made up of scoundrels—no, no—you’re the only scoundrel here, Kaname-oneesama!” Tsubomi retorted.
“Wh-What!?” Kaname roared.
“Pfft, how true…” Momomi chortled. “You lost this one, Kaname-chan.” Smiling at Tsubomi, she eyed Kaname.
Please shut up already… Momomi thought. “So…Shion-chan.” She turned back toward the head of the table, where the Student Council President sat.
Momomi faced Shion squarely and asked in an unusually calm but serious manner, “Well, President Tomori—since you are called our Snow Queen—I assume you’ve devised a plan to get Spica out of this crisis? Will you please…share your thoughts with us?”
The room went quiet…again.
Shion, who until then had been flipping through the files silently, smirked. No one could tell whether her smile indicated certain victory or was just another self-mocking gesture. She responded to Momomi’s question with a chilly laugh.
“My thoughts…? I don’t have any…and even if I did, I assume nobody would care to listen to them…”
She glanced at Kaname.
Kaname felt awkward. “I didn’t mean it that way…”
But before the talkative Kaname could blabber on, Shion continued, “If…I have everyone’s trust and confidence…I might have a way to get Spica out of this crisis. But…this will definitely go against our Student Council’s policy to fully support Prince Amane—a total 180-degree turn.”
She looked at the file she was holding and bit her lip—full of regret.
“If everyone here is interested, I will introduce the person who brought this plan to me…”
She spoke slowly, articulating every word, as if she hated the words coming out of her mouth.
And outside the room…
Tnk tnk tnk tnk…
The top floor of St. Spica’s resembled an office building, full of white walls, glass, and steel—and the sound of graceful footsteps, echoing on the white marble floor.
The footsteps grew louder as they approached…
The silent Student Council room…
Creak…
One side of the large double doors opened.
“Oh my…everyone is here…”
Outside the open door, smiling…was St. Lulim’s Student Council President, Minamoto Chikaru.
“We were waiting for you, Lulim Student Council President…please, come in.” Shion looked defeated as she offered the chair next to her…to Chikaru.
***
A warm puff of air.
Warm steam rose, carrying the strong aroma of the thick and smooth Assam tea.
“Today I prepared the Assam Tiger tea with lots of golden tips!”
Chiyo, wearing an apron full of frills, offered the tea to the assembled girls. She had been assigned to Tamao and Nagisa’s room the previous week—as a room assistant. Room assistants were a tradition at the school: a first-year student would be assigned to a room of upperclassmen, where she was supposed to serve tea and assist with cleaning. Chiyo was always tagging along with the two girls, so Miyuki had caught her and strong-armed her into becoming the pair’s room assistant.
“Would you like some milk?” Chiyo’s cheeks flushed as she held the warm pot of milk, because she was delighted at this unusual gathering. There were five teacups on the round table.
“Just a little…” said Tamao.
“Yeah, I want lots of milk!” said Nagisa.
“I’ll have some,” said Miyuki.
“I…don’t need any,” Shizuma said.
Everyone stopped at that last piercing comment.
“Wh-What?” Hanazono Shizuma blurted, surprised as everyone looked at her. She received a barrage of protests.
“But…this is Assam tea?!”
“And because it’s served as afternoon tea, you’re supposed to have milk in it…”
“I cannot believe that you’d ignore our tea customs…”
But between the objections…
“Um, is it really…really…strange not to have milk in this tea…?” Nagisa inquired.
“Ahahaha… Oh, Nagisa…” Shizuma chuckled, feeling quite relieved and refreshed at last.
“Well, these girls are…how should I say this? Basically, they have very rigid, conservative mindsets. Assam tea must have milk in it, Earl Grey tea must be served as iced tea, and Darjeeling tea must be straight…it’s a ridiculous rule, really.”
“Sigh…so tea has all these rules… I didn’t know, since we only ever had teabags at home…eheheh.”
As Nagisa rubbed her head in embarrassment, Shizuma hugged her around the shoulders, looked at everyone, and stated proudly, “Goodness, Nagisa, you don’t need to conform to these standards—there’s nothing wrong with drinking straight Assam tea. We won’t get punished for that, will we? You should be able to drink it any way you’d like. And live your life any way you’d like…”
Other students looked toward Shizuma as her voice became unexpectedly high-pitched.
Roughly a third of the lounge located in Miator’s section of the Strawberry Dorms was occupied by students who had returned before the first dismissal bell and were enjoying conversations over afternoon tea.
A dark green—Miator green—carpet, with small star emblems scattered about, covered the floor. Small one-person and large three-person silver-gray couches were randomly placed throughout the room, and the warm afternoon sunlight softly illuminated the lounge, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Behind the mantelpiece in the center was a large unused hearth, which was decorated with many enormous Chinese peonies almost at full bloom. The tables were adorned with seasonal flowers—small roses—which added to the serene ambiance for the students enjoying their afternoon tea.
“Shizuma-sama…” Miyuki requested quietly.
“I know…” Shizuma lowered her voice.
“You garner a lot of attention, especially since you won last year’s Étoile competition, so you must be more careful…”
“I get it already!”
“No…I don’t think you fully understand. Please…”
Miyuki flicked a sidelong glance at Nagisa, which stopped Shizuma.
Garnering too much attention is not good, for Nagisa’s sake was what Miyuki must have been thinking, and Shizuma was forced to nod in agreement.
Chiyo sensed a bit of tension in the conversation, so she offered Shizuma another cup of tea. She was very attentive and good at reading between the lines. The tea she offered was a hot cup of Assam tea—served straight. It went well with the thick slice of banana cake she also offered.
Shizuma beamed as she thanked Chiyo.
Chiyo was stunned by Shizuma’s refined, beautiful smile—and suddenly became nervous at Shizuma’s overwhelming power. As she served tea to the other three—Miyuki, Nagisa, and Tamao—the china clanked slightly.
Phew…the warm tea made the girls relax.
“Well, may I begin?” Miyuki said, her voice calm. “I would like to explain something today. After seeing the results of the first round of the Étoile competition, I’ve thought of a few things…” Like a dealer in a casino about to challenge a professional gambler, she stared intently at the other girls as she spoke about the commotion at Spica.
Nagisa thought back over the events as they were being explained. She recalled meeting Hikari during the first-round aînée event, known as the Maiden Horse Race.
During the event, the other cadette candidates had been jealous of Hikari and had almost pushed her off the tower. Nagisa had assumed that the other candidates’ jealousy had been born from their desire to win the Étoile competition—but she had been wrong.
It’s so tough to go out with a very popular person…
She started to hunch her shoulders, but she stopped herself.
Oh gosh, what am I thinking…girls don’t “go out” with each other! She’d thought she had become numb to this strange subject…and she scratched her nose in dismay.
But…I wonder…how is Hikari doing these days? I haven’t seen her since that event… I hope she’s doing well with her upperclassman, the handsome prince. Hikari was so eager and cute…and was a perfect match for the prince.
Nagisa smiled, lost in her thoughts.
“Um…there are more things to be worried about than other people’s troubles, Aoi-san,” Miyuki cut in coldly. “This directly involves you, of course…” She glared at Shizuma and Nagisa.
“Oh, what do you mean by that?” Shizuma mumbled, acting as if she were absorbed in busily eating her banana cake.
“Stop pretending that you don’t know,” Miyuki said. “While Otori Amane is Spica’s most revered, number-one Prince…Shizuma-oneesama is St. Miator’s Queen…”
She looked straight at Nagisa. “And you, the new transfer student? Though it may be one of the Queen’s short-lived flirtations, you have been officially chosen as her partner. You are exactly like Spica’s ‘Snow White,’ and the target of the jealousy of every Miator student—well, you’re supposed to be, anyway.”
Nagisa ducked her head in shame, and almost choked on the second slice of banana cake she had just gobbled.
Yes, I’m sorry for being with Shizuma-sama even though I’m not worthy… It’s all my fault…
She suddenly realized something. But huh? She said, “supposed to be”…?
“Yes, supposed to be… You should have been the target of everyone’s jealous outrage. But…do you remember? The fake letter that lured you to the library?”
Miyuki, her face cool, drank her tea.
The letter luring me to the library—I’ll never forget that one! Nagisa gritted her teeth.
After the announcement of her entry in the Étoile competition, Nagisa had been called out by upperclassmen many times and picked on. So she had been relieved to read that letter, which had seemed to be a saving grace, but…
Telling Nagisa about Shizuma’s past had actually been a plot to depress her and set her up for failure in the Étoile competition.
Though Nagisa had been shocked that someone was jealous enough to send an anonymous letter and was out to get her, she had definitely felt a greater shock when she’d found out about Shizuma’s past.
Sakuragi Kaori—Shizuma’s most beloved “younger sister.” Kaori had passed away the spring Shizuma became a fifth-year student. Nagisa hadn’t known about her until the letter incident.
Shizuma was cheerful, strong, and beautiful, and she constantly teased me, being the playful Shizuma, so I couldn’t sense her painful past…
I was just so clueless…
Nagisa didn’t notice Tamao, who was looking at her saddened face with concern.
Miyuki continued, “Of course, being a new transfer student, you can’t possibly imagine the immense popularity of Shizuma-sama—so that letter was rather mild compared to the myriad of other horrendous things that could have happened to you. The truth is…the reason why you weren’t harmed any more than you were…is because of Shizuma-sama’s…virtuous presence, I suppose? Even from an objective perspective, Shizuma-sama’s love for the one she favors is rather overbearing…and I believe no one would dare to go against her wishes. Besides…most of them were half in doubt. Even when they saw Shizuma-sama’s name entered in the Étoile competition, they knew that she had won the Étoile crown last year already, so they didn’t really believe that she would participate, especially since the students in her class are preparing for the college entrance exams—but Shizuma-sama actually participated. But because of Spica Student Council President Tomori’s plot…”
Miyuki looked down, her eyes darkening.
“Plot…?” asked Chiyo. She sat on the edge of the table, nervously listening to the conversation at hand.
“Yes, a plot. That question—‘Do you wish to be bound to the cadette candidate next to you as your one and only partner, both in this life and the next?’—was a total setup. I couldn’t believe Shizuma-sama had to answer that in public. I’m sure it caused the Miator votes to split. Had I known about this insidious scheme, I would have objected. But that question wasn’t in the list of questions attached to the Étoile competition schedule of events, which was given in advance to the Miator Student Council. President Tomori pulled a simple strategic maneuver to ensure that Spica would claim the Étoile crown. Considering President Tomori’s faithfulness to Spica’s creed of fairness, I was surprised by her sly maneuver…”
Miyuki turned deliberately to Shizuma. Shizuma sipped her tea, acting as if none of this affected her, and Miyuki continued.
“Unfortunately, the Spica Student Council President’s scheme has had its effect—Shizuma-sama, the glorious Étoile of last year, had to announce to all of her fans in Miator. Shizuma-sama…”
Miyuki nodded at Nagisa, her expression grave.
Huh, me…?
Nagisa was confused—but Miyuki chuckled. “Shizuma-sama proclaimed that she loved this newbie cadette, Aoi Nagisa, out of the whole wide world…”
“L-L-Loooove…?” Nagisa shouted.
“Shhh, no, Nagisa-chan, not so loud…” Tamao, worried about the murmurs around them, grabbed Nagisa-chan, who almost fell out the chair.
“So…what are you trying to say?” Shizuma asked as she blew on the tea.
Miyuki faced Shizuma and looked at her intently—and the tone of her voice changed.
“At this point, whether your proclamation was true or not isn’t the problem. Those who believed it will, and those who denied it won’t…but…”
“But what…?” Shizuma didn’t raise her face, and kept staring at her teacup.
“The problem is that Shizuma-sama—whether it was the truth or not—declared her love in front of the whole school. Shizuma-sama’s declaration—true or not—may have caused those who voted for you in last year’s Étoile competition to feel betrayed. Of course…love takes many forms and could change over time. Even I…”
Miyuki took a breath. She thought for a bit…then continued.
“Even I…believe that love, as beautiful and perfect as it is, can change over time, or be lost. I think it is very natural that it should do so. Unlike the fantasies of many of the Miator students, there is no such thing as eternal love. In fact…the more perfect and beautiful it is…the more it could vanish in an instant, like a dream…”
She looked away. “But because you won last year’s Étoile, Shizuma-sama, many people placed their hopes and dreams in you—and the beautiful girl who passed away. There are still many students in Miator who saw the dramatic fate, the limitless love, beauty, and adoration between the two of you. Knowing that, your declaration…might have caused many problems. Hanazono Shizuma now loves Aoi Nagisa out of the whole wide world, and even in the next life—so where does that leave poor Sakuragi Kaori…?”
K-tink…
The place froze.
Sakuragi Kaori…that name again…
Nagisa came to her senses. If the things in the Astraea School Directory and what Chiyo-chan said are true, then Shizuma-sama…can’t possibly love me more than Sakuragi Kaori…
What Shizuma-sama said during the Mouth of Truth was just an act, to win the Étoile competition. No matter how clueless I am, that was obvious…
But I didn’t care… I knew I can’t even come close to…the beautiful girl who everyone feels belongs next to Shizuma-oneesama…
But…just for a bit…I wanted to understand their relationship…
It had been such a dramatic fate. A story of limitless love, beauty, and adoration.
In her heart, Nagisa heard Miyuki’s words. Certain thoughts and feelings grew in Nagisa’s mind.
Shizuma-oneesama told me to believe her. Though I just met her, I believe her…I believe this beautiful, beaming person. Looking at her powerful eyes, there’s no way she’d lie or fake anything.
Shizuma-oneesama’s feelings toward me can’t be fake… Nagisa was sure she’d felt Shizuma’s love.
But…
I’m curious about Shizuma-oneesama and her most beloved girl. What was Sakuragi Kaori like? And what were Shizuma-oneesama’s feelings toward her? How did Shizuma-oneesama love and…care for her…and when did they have to say goodbye…?
“Um, about Sakuragi Kaori…”
Just as Nagisa mustered enough courage to ask her question, Shizuma’s sharp and strong voice drowned her out.
“What sort of problem is supposed to affect me?”
As if she had been waiting for that question, Miyuki responded quickly.
“It is definitely a big problem. Let’s disregard Aoi Nagisa’s reputation for a moment—Miator students do not think highly of her, for sure, and to be blunt, regard her as garbage. An average transfer student with no significance whatsoever—oh, excuse me!” Miyuki coughed as she put Nagisa in her place.
Tamao laughed weakly.
Miyuki composed herself and went on. “To see this transfer student receiving a large amount of attention from Shizuma-sama certainly doesn’t please your fans at all. The fans accepted the special existence of Sakuragi Kaori, so they forgave Shizuma-sama’s flirtatious behavior and admired from afar in a peaceful manner—caring for you. But even the Miator students who half-doubted your intentions heard your declaration and witnessed the dramatic dead-heat match of the aînée event, where you saved Nagisa-san as she fell from the tower…and they might be irritated. If we’re not careful, a riot might occur.”
Miyuki’s tone was serious, but Shizuma laughed in her face.
“Tsk tsk… Riot? Oh great, I’d love to watch that happen…the peaceful Miator students causing a riot. It’ll surely be a glamorous affair…”
“Oh, how true…” Tamao chuckled.
Miyuki’s eyes tightened, and her face grew hard. “As the Student Council President…I don’t want to see the Miator students lose their unity and squabble over this. I don’t want to sit idly by if I can prevent what happened at Spica from happening here…and…”
She grinned fiercely. “I really hope we do win… Étoile two years in a row? A new historical record in Astraea. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful glory for our legendary Queen, everyone?”
Nagisa’s face went white at those words, while Tamao shrugged her shoulders in disbelief.
Chiyo gulped in surprise…and Shizuma, without saying a word, silently reached for her teacup.
Taking a deep breath, Miyuki said, “I have a plan.” She scanned the faces of all four girls. “It will drive the Amane couple to certain defeat, raise Miator’s odds of winning, and protect Aoi Nagisa-san from future petty, jealous antics, like the sinister letter.”
***
The large gate of Maiden Park.
Maiden Park spread from east to west behind the three schools, and its main gate, which stood opposite the schools’ front gates, protected the holy park of maidens—so it was usually closed. It would only open during special events.
Standing in front of it that day, full of deep emotions, was a girl. Propped next to her was a large, dark blue suitcase, and she seemed to have just arrived from airport, because the airline’s luggage tag still hung from the side.
From Russia…
“The time has finally arrived…”
Standing erect, she used her hands to sweep her bangs from over her eyebrows…with eyes ready for battle, she stared at the symbol on the center of the gate.
Three small iron stars.
Against the large gate, the girl, who was small for her age, looked smaller than ever, yet she had an overpowering aura about her.
I will save Spica in your place…
As she made the promise in her heart, a drop of rain fell on the tip of her nose.
From the gray skies, drip drip—small droplets came down.
It had finally started to rain…
Black clouds approached the foothills.
I need to hurry…
Makoto grabbed the suitcase strap. Her scrawny legs made unusually large, confident strides.
She headed straight toward…Astraea’s holy ground.
Past Maiden Park, to a place officially known as Astraea Hall—and nicknamed Strawberry Dorms.
But before she went there, she needed to meet someone.
Makoto changed direction…toward Spica’s school building.
***
“…that’s pretty much it.” Grin.
Chikaru gleefully finished speaking.
When she had first entered, the Spica Student Council room had stirred in surprise, but they had simmered down as the explanation continued. Now—the air had gone cold, and no one dared break the silence, even with a cough.
The pressure inside the room grew. Outside the large glass wall, the skies turned from gray to almost black.
Tsubomi broke the tense air of silence. “But…”
As she nervously shifted her eyes around, her young voice shrilled a octave higher, making her sound even cuter. She had just graduated elementary school the previous year.
“Um, if that plan is carried out…and the former Spica Elementary School graduate came back…the first round of the Étoile competition is already over so…isn’t it too late and rather impossible to have that oneesama enter the Étoile competition…?”
Her voice released the tension in the room.
“Yes…it’s too late,” Kaname grumbled. She looked pissed as usual—but also seemed to be afraid of something.
“Well…that’s true,” Shion agreed. “Even if she did return to school, the first round has concluded already, so it would be difficult for her even to compete in the second round. Had she returned during the first round, we might have been able to do something about it. Of course, considering Spica’s current situation, even if we had forcefully pushed this new entry, the Student Council would surely have received another harsh wave of criticism—either way, I don’t think we can enter her in the Étoile competition at this point. It might be possible next year…”
Bam!
The Student Council room door crashed open.
Nobody had noticed the person’s presence—before now. Everyone turned to look. The outside air rushed into the stuffy room…
The double doors had been forcefully pushed open…
In the middle of the doorway stood a boy—no, a girl.
She had short, hazel hair that appeared almost luminous. Her frame was small, but her head was also small, so she was well-proportioned and had a beautiful profile.
Though she wasn’t voluptuous, and in fact looked rather androgynous, she stood in a manner that relayed her conviction, and she folded her arms like a fresh, handsome, and powerful boy.
Her unbelievably small face was perfectly composed.
“Hello…good day, everyone… I’m back.”
As she gestured with one arm, she seemed at the same time mysterious and alluring.
Everyone was taken by surprise at such perfect timing.
Everyone but Chikaru.
“Ahaha…oh, were you guys in the middle of a meeting? Or were you waiting on me, perchance…?” Makoto asked as she slipped into the room.
She looked at the papers in Tsubomi’s hand. “Oh…you were talking about the Étoile competition, right? Great. I’m glad I made it in time.”
Smiling at Tsubomi, she said softly, “Don’t worry—I’m back, so everything will be all right.”
Her smile was so beautiful—and captivating.
“Wh-Why do you say that?” How do you know about this? Tsubomi tried to ask, but Makoto had already shifted her gaze to Kaname.
She looked at the red rose placed in Kaname’s breast pocket and remarked, “I’m pleased to receive such an adorable welcome.”
She gave Kaname a proud and elegant smile. Kaname’s knees went weak, and she almost melted to the floor, but she braced herself and looked away.
Makoto finally made her way to the furthest spot in the room—Student Council President Tomori Shion’s seat, with the large glass wall behind her.
“It’s been a while…Shion-kun, do you remember me? Even when I transferred to Russia, I always thought about Spica—because I was proud to have been a Spica student. Do you understand? It has to be a place of pride, for eternity—I can’t allow it to be anything else.”
Makoto smiled again, like a totally pure and innocent angel.
She came close to Shion’s face. A strong but dizzily sweet, musky aroma wafted in the air. She whispered into Shion’s ear.
“Leave everything to me. You’re foolish, Shion. Instead of relying on the unmotivated Prince Amane, you should have asked for my help in the first place. Or…did you hesitate to call me back from Russia, Shion? Aww…don’t worry, just watch. I’ll defend Spica’s honor in your place. Oh gee, don’t ruin your pretty face. You don’t need to look so scared anymore. I’ll take on your heavy burden…”
She smiled happily, like a pure, beautiful angel…
Or rather, like an evil, cunning devil…
Shion’s face quivered in sudden astonishment.
The winds drifted away, leaving behind thick, dark clouds…
“I…I hate the commotion my beloved Spica is experiencing…and I can’t stand to see the students fighting each other. The strong, white star of Spica, glowing in the beautiful sky…that was the star I came to adore. It was the image I held onto in faraway Russia. Spica, my favorite school, was the source of my pride.”
Makoto’s last sentence ended in a sad tone.
Her boy-like, pure sorrow moved everyone’s heart.
We love Spica just like you do. For Spica’s honor…we all share the desire to win the Étoile crown, for the school…
“So I want to do what I can for Spica. Of course, I went to Russia to chase my dream—to become a professional violinist. But Spica is more important than that… I finally realized I needed to keep the star of Spica shining brilliantly. So I left everything behind… I know that’s dumb…but I knew I had to—so I came back.”
…Yeah. The only thing my beloved left behind was the star of Spica and its honor…
Makoto couldn’t hold her anguish inside. She looked away to hide her pained expression…but everyone misunderstood her behavior and felt bad.
Tsubomi was miserable. We made even made a student studying abroad worry and feel troubled…
“Though we appreciate your coming back…what can you do at this point…?” Momomi wondered.
Makoto suddenly chuckled. “Oh—well, actually…”
Her laughter sounded so innocent and fun—as if sunlight had broken through the dark clouds. It was like a pleasant moment after the quelling of the storm, and it spread warmly into everyone’s hearts.
The beautiful, carefree angel continued, “Well…I have a wonderful idea. I’m pretty sure everyone will be surprised at it. But…Spica is really loved by God. I had a sudden revelation come to me, like an angel descending from Heaven…”
Giggling, Makoto resembled a mural of the young, playful angel Michael.
Her eyes turned cruel—for just a second. This was show time.
Makoto—the Emperor’s—cold, cruel true form was revealed for only a moment before she spoke.
“I request that the cadette event of the second round of the Étoile competition be the Faceless Devil!”
The jovial atmosphere in the room turned into bewilderment.
Momomi left her mouth open, and Kaname’s face turned blue.
Tsubomi and the other council members were flustered—really flustered—at the ominous phrase and refused to accept it.
Makoto was pleased at their shocked reactions and smiled innocently at Shion.
“This event will allow me to enter the competition at this stage. Right, Shion-kun? And…Spica students—especially Prince Amane fans—will surely enjoy this selection. What do you think?”
Shion’s face crumpled as if she had eaten a bitter bug.
“Don’t look like that,” Makoto said sweetly. “I’m pretty sure that by the time I enter and the Étoile competition’s second round is finished, you won’t have to rely on Prince Amane anymore. But…she wasn’t interested in participating in the Étoile competition in the first place, right? You know, we should allow the prince and princess to live happily ever after on their own. I’ll be the star of Spica in their place. I left for Russia without realizing that Spica would turn out like this—I’m so sorry. But now that I’m back, there’s nothing to worry about.”
Makoto went to Shion’s side and hugged her shoulder as if they were long-lost friends…
She looked directly into Shion’s eyes, as if she were challenging her.
“I will be Spica’s new Étoile. I want to revive the brilliance of the Five Great Stars…with my own hands.”
***
Inside the Strawberry Dorms lounge…
“First, I would like to propose a change of events for round two.”
Miyuki’s bold comment caused Chiyo, Tamao, and Nagisa to gulp. Watching the puzzled looks of Nagisa and the others—except for Shizuma, who was indifferent as she sipped tea—Miyuki continued to explain in her cool, demure Student Council President manner.
“According to the announcement from this year’s Étoile competition host, the Spica Student Council have chosen to have a tennis tournament for the second round—a very Spica-like choice, since they’re known for their strong athletics program.”
She smirked. “But this event follows the previous Maiden Horse Race…an arbitrarily chosen event that also gave Spica an obvious advantage. President Tomori is so simple-minded—well, she probably plotted to select as many sports events as possible to ensure Spica’s victory. Of course, Shizuma-sama is very skilled in tennis…and at least Nagisa-san seems to be physically capable, so Miator still has a strong chance to win this round, but…”
Nagisa gulped during Miyuki’s pause.
“Based on the reasons I stated previously…we cannot afford to miss this opportunity. As the St. Miator Student Council President, I propose a change of event—to give our school the highest advantage.”
Tamao and Chiyo looked up and eagerly awaited Miyuki’s next words.
“We propose that the second-round event be—the Faceless Devil.”
Ukk… Tamao and Chiyo were horror-stricken.
“Instead of a boring tennis tournament, as the Student Council President I believe that this event is more appropriate for the long history and traditions of the Étoile competition. Does everyone agree with my opinion?”
Miyuki gently smiled at the group. Tamao and Chiyo ducked their heads in fear, and the clueless Nagisa shuddered at the sight.
Shizuma quietly sipped her tea.
***
“Well then, everyone. I need to fill out some paperwork so I can move into the dorm, so please excuse me. Uh, can someone show me the way?” Makoto scanned the room with her sparkling eyes.
One of the second-year students came running from the far end of the room, leaving behind her pile of work. “Yes, I’d be honored to, Makoto-sama!” She was overcome by Makoto’s charm, her face flushed and eyes moistened.
Out of the corner of her eye, Makoto saw St. Lulim’s Student Council President, Chikaru…
Makoto turned away. Okay, I’m back…Chikaru.
Your letter…is an overture for Spica’s revolution!
After Makoto departed, the Student Council room was filled with an eerie silence and a series of colorful, beautiful smiles.
Like an expensive, foreign kaleidoscope…the faces changed expressions. Each was exquisite, quite captivating and mysteriously attractive…
Tsubomi was stunned…pale-faced Kaname bit her lips…and Momomi stared at Shion painfully.
Shion…glared at the meeting table.
Her original thought had been to rely on Spica’s pride and the great star Prince Amane, even though she had a weakness in her personality, and to claim the Étoile crown, which Spica had not won for a long time.
She had known that she had to accomplish this feat—for the glory of Spica.
But her own hidden agenda—to create Astraea’s first male-like couple of Amane and Kaname—had crumbled with the appearance of Konohana Hikari.
And Prince Amane, who claimed to be normal, who found girl-girl couples to be strange—had actually fallen in love with a girl.
Shion had believed victory was still attainable even with this unexpected turn of events.
In fact, she had hoped that the forthright Prince Amane would become more masculine—and turn into a real prince—to protect her new love.
But that decision had taken a turn for the worse. While nobody disliked Amane, the school was being dominated by jealous outrage and resentment toward Hikari.
Now…a new star had appeared.
Would this star be a premonition of victory, or merely a trap leading to the downfall of Spica?
Shion didn’t know. But for now…she had no choice.
Lifting her determined face, she said, “Well, I suppose we have no other option. Okay, everyone…”
She was interrupted.
Knock knock knock…
Someone softly knocked on the door.
Had Makoto come back? Tension ran through the room again.
But the person who quietly opened the door and entered was a Miator student, wearing their charcoal-gray uniform. She carried a tray with both hands.
“Excuse me. I am here to deliver a message from the Miator Student Council…”
The tall, slender Miator student bowed at the door. Keeping her face down, she slipped into the room and walked straight toward Shion.
She finally lifted her face and stared at the Student Council President.
Shion thought, I’ve seen her before. She’s one of Miator’s Four Saints…
But before Shion could remember her name, the girl spoke.
“Are you the Spica Student Council President?”
“Y-Yes…”
The Miator student never smiled. Her face was emotionless and mask-like as she offered the lacquered tray at chest height.
“I am here to deliver a message from the Miator Student Council President.”
In the center of the tray was an envelope stamped with the Miator seal.
Shion carefully retrieved the envelope—and the messenger from Miator bowed her head and took a few steps back.
Shion nodded in confirmation. Without speaking another word, the messenger quietly retreated.
Shion was dumbfounded, but immediately opened the envelope.
She read the letter out loud.
Request to Change the Event for the Second Round of the Étoile Competition
Regarding the current situation, in which the Spica Student Council is under suspicion of foul play in the Étoile competition…
While I do not believe that any unlawful acts have occurred, our school believes in strict adherence to the traditions and preservation of the Étoile competition, and feels this grave situation should not be taken lightly.
In addition, regarding the announcement of the second-round event, it was written that Spica’s strong candidate, the Otori Amane couple, has been exempted from this round and automatically proceeds to the next round…
As the St. Miator Student Council President, I truly believe the selection process was conducted in the fairest manner, but if the results of this selection were to be announced, it would only add oil to the fire that has already ignited at Spica—and could spread to Miator, bringing out the hidden resentment at our school…
“And so, this may be a bit presumptuous, but I request a change of events…”
For some reason, Shion stopped.
“What’s wrong, Shion-chan?” Momomi asked, worried.
Shion continued in a quaking voice, “We request…for the event…”
“What?” Kaname and Tsubomi piped up.
“The Faceless…Devil…”
Shion’s knees gave out, and she slumped back into her chair.
What an astronomical coincidence…
Chikaru took in the whole situation.
She sensed the arrival of a turbulent storm. She actually felt pleasure, waiting for the inevitable storm. There was a strange tingling down her spine.
Ohh…silly me… I actually…love this thrilling situation.
As she chuckled to herself, she thought of a particular Lulim student.
“What is the Faceless Devil anyway?” Nagisa inquired carefully.
“Well…” Miyuki answered…eventually. “The Faceless Devil is…”
The Faceless Devil was one of the Étoile competition events, much like the Mouth of Truth and the Maiden Horse Race.
But it was a very unusual event that had been chronicled but was rarely conducted.
It hadn’t been conducted for a long while because…it was boring and actually quite cruel.
The Étoile couple, revered as the best “oneesama and her younger sister,” had once been more pure and idyllic, an object of adoration among the girls.
Over time, though, as the fans had become more organized, and the popular students had begun to show unique qualities, the students had grown away from the original intent of finding the couple with the purest, strongest emotional ties, and the Étoile competition had evolved into a search for the popular star of the schools.
So recent Étoile competitions had involved more events that showcased the candidate’s “showmanship,” rather than the tests of true love, and the Faceless Devil had been used less and less.
Even Miyuki and Shion, who were pillars of their respective schools, had never seen this event being conducted. Only the concept had been passed on, as a legend.
…Why?
The rules of the Faceless Devil…
1. For two weeks, the aînée and cadette will not be allowed to see or speak to each other.
2. During these two weeks, they must endure and affirm their love toward each other.
3. Those couples who have succumbed to the temptations of the devil will be disqualified.
4. Those couples who have resisted the temptations of the devil will proceed to the next round.
The aînée and cadette—Shizuma and Nagisa—would go to school as usual, but for two weeks they must not see each other. They must endure a long-distance relationship for two weeks.
And during that time, the devil would tempt them.
A student from another school—in this case, probably a Spica student—would be selected to tempt the couple. That student would never announce that she was the devil, of course.
So this nameless, unidentifiable devil would come to them unannounced and without suspicion. With a sweet smile, the devil would tempt either Nagisa or Shizuma.
The devil would try to squeeze certain keywords out of the lonely, depressed target by any means possible.
For example, direct statements such as “I like you more than Shizuma-sama” or “Please take me away.”
The devil would turn in a list of pre-selected keywords beforehand, and if the targeted individual uttered any of those keywords, the devil would win.
When the devil approached the target…and the target swayed…or seriously fell in love with the devil, then the target couple would be disqualified from the Étoile competition.
And the devil would be able to choose a partner and participate in the second event of the second round. Or the devil could choose not to participate in the Étoile competition.
This event had originally been used by weaker schools to reduce the number of strong candidates from their rivals—it was like a system of checks and balances. But except for the parties involved, the Faceless Devil wasn’t particularly dramatic or entertaining. The two weeks would pass by quietly—and it was a very boring event for the spectators.
At the same time, the general consensus had been that it was a sinister event, designed to tempt the couples or break them up, and it didn’t seem appropriate for the peaceful Étoile competition…
Thus, this dark, hair-raising L'Épreuve d’amour (Test of Love) event had been buried for a long time.
Shizuma chomped on yet another slice of banana cake. It was her third.
Miyuki remarked, “For now, our biggest threat is Spica’s Prince Amane and her partner, Konohana Hikari. But this couple…consists of the shy, bashful, and un-prince-like lead character, and a partner who has newly transferred, and who also happens to be very timid and shy.”
Hmm, that’s true… Hikari didn’t seem too strong, Nagisa thought. She seemed really sweet, cute, and sensitive…
“And it seems that they can’t hold back their puppy-love affections for each other, even in public…basically, it’s a morganatic love—like Cinderella. Of course, it also includes a whole crew of mean older sisters around them…”
Morganatic love—Nagisa winced at the dramatic choice of words. That’s such an outdated phrase. But she couldn’t laugh at it.
Miyuki tapped the table. “To be blunt, this couple will probably freak out at the thought of not seeing each other for just two weeks. We don’t even need to send in a devil—if the event is changed to the Faceless Devil, this couple will be disqualified in no time.”
Miyuki’s evil grin and eyes were frightening. They made Nagisa gulp fearfully.
The Student Council President went on, “And next…oh yes, Aoi-san…I found out who wrote that letter to lure you into the library—are you interested in knowing who it was?”
Rattle rattle rattle… The table shook violently as it shifted.
It was Shizuma who stood up. “Who? Who was it?! Who troubled my dear Nagisa…!”
Shizuma’s lips trembled, and her hair flared violently about her as she confronted Miyuki. She had turned red with anger, and Miyuki was overpowered, rendered speechless.
Oh, she’s quite serious…
A brief pause.
“…Oh my, Shizuma-sama, please don’t get so worked up, even if it is about your adorable little Nagisa-san!” Miyuki remarked sarcastically.
Shizuma came to—and blushed slightly. Bashfully, she fumbled to fix her hair. But she shot back, “But…the culprit did such a terrible thing to my Nagisa… I’m much too curious to find out…”
Shizuma-sama is blushing!!
Pfft…Chiyo and Tamao covered their mouths to keep from laughing out loud.
Miyuki looked at the group with deep emotion. How long has it been since Shizuma-sama…showed such emotions? No, this may be the first time I’ve ever seen her get so flustered…
She took a deep breath. This is it. I need to convince all of them to agree with me.
“Ahh, I thought so…” Miyuki put on her most pitiful expression.
“What did you think…?” the irritated Shizuma asked.
“Well…though the Faceless Devil would prove to be a disadvantage for the Prince Amane couple…it would be a disadvantage to Miator too—because we have the same weakness.”
Miyuki further probed Shizuma’s guilt. “Compared to Prince Amane, Shizuma-sama is rather invincible, of course. But with your reaction just now, Shizuma-sama, if something—no matter how small—happened to Aoi-san, it would worry you, possibly causing you to break the rules to go and see her. Considering that you previously said ‘My words are Miator’s rules’…ohh, even if my request to change to the Faceless Devil event goes through, it might be our Miator that crumbles to ruins…”
“I’m not…that foolhardy,” Shizuma muttered.
“Then do you agree to this idea, Shizuma-sama?”
“Hey, hold it. I don’t agree to this at all—I can’t bear to be away from Nagisa for two weeks…”
“…Oh, of course not. I knew you wouldn’t go for it. This is just an idea, but…” Miyuki gave the most delectable smile.
“Regarding the ‘library culprit,’ I believe it was one of Shizuma-sama’s fans.”
The words rolled off her tongue so easily.
The next moment, Shizuma froze. Does Miyuki know something…?
Miyuki continued, “The incident occurred behind Shizuma-sama’s back, and was an effort to make Nagisa-san withdraw from the cadette event. Judging from the motive, they are the only suspects. It could possibly be someone really close to Shizuma-sama—which is all the more reason they don’t want Shizuma-sama to know about it. But we can use this to our advantage.”
She paused. Shizuma had finally fallen silent.
A lightbulb turned on in Tamao’s head as she realized—so that’s why I was invited.
“During the Faceless Devil event…the two of you will have to stay apart,” Miyuki said. “That means the enemy—the library culprit—will know about the separation. She will surely take advantage of this chance. She will definitely try to lure Aoi Nagisa-san into another trap.”
“Eeehh, oh nooo! If you know she’ll do it, then why can’t we just catch her…?” Nagisa whined, which caused Tamao to laugh.
“Oh gosh, Nagisa-chan, have you forgotten a very important person? Tsk tsk,” she said, all smiles.
“Important person? Are you going to participate in something, Tamao-chan?” the bewildered Nagisa asked.
Miyuki responded cheerfully, “Oh, if you haven’t gotten it by now, then this plan might actually work. During Shizuma-sama’s absence, the library culprit will be…”
“…nabbed by…” Tamao took over with a broad grin, “…your very important and reliable friend, Suzumi Tamao-san!”
Chiyo smiled too. “Woow…that’s splendid!”
“Well then, Suzumi-san—please stick close to Aoi-san for those two weeks. In addition to the library culprit, Spica might send in a devil or two…but you’re sharp, Suzumi-san, so I’m confident of leaving you in charge. Yes, in fact…I keep saying you’d make a great Student Council President. Are you interested? I can bring you on as one of the executive committee assistants, so please consider a role in the Student Council…”
“My…oh goodness…I’ve declined several times already. I wouldn’t be able to handle such a heavy burden. And…I don’t like to take on too much responsibility. I just want to spend my days in peace, with a cute girl like Nagisa-chan…”
Tamao hugged Nagisa.
“Kyaaah!” Nagisa couldn’t comprehend the conversation.
Ehh? Then that event—the Faceless Devil—will actually become the second-round event? That means…I won’t be able to see Shizuma-sama for two weeks…
And…I want to know…Shizuma-sama’s true feelings…
Satisfied that her idea had gone through, though in an unusual manner, Miyuki gleefully pointed at Nagisa.
“Hello, Aoi-san, snap out of it. I need you to do something during those two weeks. You’re not good at dancing, are you?”
“Huh, dance?”
Nagisa was dumbfounded. How many times had she said “huh” today?
Miyuki answered, “Yes, dance. Social dance. The main event of the Faceless Devil is a dance. After two weeks of separation, the couple will dance, for the aînée event, in front of a large audience. It will be a test of compatibility between the two people who have been separated—the separation is only the first half of the test. Those couples who lost to the devil’s temptation will be disqualified immediately, but those who endured will need to prove their close bond with their partner with a perfectly matching dance. It is the hardest part of the event. In Astraea, all the schools have dance classes, but I doubt your previous school had them, so you probably don’t have much experience…”
“Eh, Nagisa-oneesama’s old school didn’t have any dance classes?” Chiyo asked, surprised.
“Oh…then we must do lots of dance practice!” Tamao’s smile broadened at the thought of an additional task.
Miyuki looked on, content.
“Dance…? I’ve never danced in my life…!” Nagisa wailed.
Trrriiing…
A soft organ melody rang through the speakers in the lounge.
“Strawberry Dorm residents…it is almost time for the Social Exchange Dinner…we ask all residents to make preparations… We say again…Strawberry Dorm residents…”
“Ah!”
“Oh gosh, it’s time!”
Chiyo and Tamao blurted in unison.
They noticed the lounge was almost empty.
Miyuki felt a bit guilty. “We were quite engrossed in our conversation…”
Nagisa turned around to see Shizuma, sitting alone.
She was lost in her thoughts.