ON a lunch break like any other, Asuka and Sayaka hurriedly devoured their food in preparation to confront Rikka. Upon arriving, Rikka’s entourage initially barred their way, but after some finagling, they managed to secure an audience. Now, they stood in the chilling shadow of Rikka’s presence.
“Ms. Saionji, Ms. Azumaji,” Rikka began, “to what do I owe the pleasure? I’m told you have urgent business with me.”
Sayaka spoke first. “Thank you for granting us this moment, Ms. Rikka. The truth is…” she hesitated, exchanging a fraught look with Asuka, who gave a subtle nod in return. “The truth is we’ve come to discuss…the recent oversight on our part. We chose the path of least resistance, twisted your directives to suit our convenience, and caused disruption not just to you but to everyone involved.”
As she finished, both she and Asuka bowed deeply, their voices united and solemn, “We are profoundly sorry, Ms. Rikka.”
A murmur swept through the entourage, a mix of whispers and clucks of disapproval. With a single gesture, Rikka quelled the hubbub. “Raise your heads,” she instructed, her voice devoid of warmth.
As they complied, Asuka and Sayaka met Rikka’s ice-cold stare.
“Do you comprehend the extent of your folly? Despite my explicit stance considering Ms. Mio a friend, you chose to undermine and embarrass her, tarnishing my reputation in the process.”
“Yes, Ms. Rikka,” Sayaka responded. “Our actions were misguided, and that’s why we are here—not to plead for forgiveness, but to sincerely apologize.”
Rikka’s gaze shifted to the silent Asuka. “Is that right?”
Asuka’s eyes briefly met Rikka’s before dropping away. “Yes, Ms. Rikka,” she responded. “We deeply regret the trouble we’ve caused.”
“Well, in that case,” Rikka continued, “apology accepted.”
Three potential outcomes had loomed over the girls: Rikka could reject their apologies, accept them without further comment, or accept and forgive them fully. Today, they faced the second scenario, one that signified Rikka’s acknowledgment of their remorse but not her forgiveness. The severity of their missteps weighed heavily on them, and they knew that any leniency from Rikka was a testament to her exceptional grace. Thus, the two bowed deeply once more.
“You are most gracious, Ms. Rikka,” Sayaka stated.
“Thank you for your time,” Asuka added.
As they turned to leave, a voice stopped them cold. “One more thing,” Rikka called out, her tone shifting noticeably toward something softer, yet still imbued with authority.
Rooted to the spot, they slowly turned back. Rikka’s expression had softened, her posture relaxed, yet her eyes remained piercing. “What are you two planning to do next?”
“Next, Ms. Rikka?” Sayaka said.
This was a ploy to stall for time—she knew right away Rikka’s question pertained to whether they planned to apologize to Mio. Sayaka wanted to apologize. If it was just her, she would’ve affirmed right away. But her eyes drifted to the girl beside her. Asuka was an important friend—more important than anyone in the world—and she would never dare to ignore her feelings and unilaterally decide for them both.
Noticing her shifting gaze, Rikka said something unexpected. “Your actions have cast severe aspersions on the integrity of Sosei Academy. Frankly, I wouldn’t have found expulsion to be an unreasonable response.”
It was Asuka who responded to her. “We are…well aware, Ms. Rikka.”
“Then, have you ever considered why your only punishment was a few measly days of community service?”
Asuka blinked. “I… No, I haven’t,” she admitted. Her mind had been preoccupied, replaying her confrontation and overwhelming defeat at the hands of a Sakurazaka, leaving little room to ponder the reasons behind their punishment.
A few days of community service—now that she thought about it, the penalty did seem unusually mild. As Corporate Legacy students, tasked with upholding and exemplifying the highest standards for the rest of the student body, they should have faced the most severe consequences. So why hadn’t they? As the pair confronted this puzzling question for the first time, Rikka’s lips curved into a mischievous smile. “This was shared with me in confidence, so you’ll forgive me for my redaction. Let’s just say, someone who shall not be named advocated passionately for clemency on your behalf.”
The revelation struck Asuka and Sayaka like a bolt from the blue. No amount of deliberate vagueness could conceal the implication—there was only one person who would’ve gone out of their way to do such a thing.
“Asuka.” Sayaka’s glance held a world of meaning, and Asuka understood it instantly, her eyes locking with Rikka’s.
“Ms. Rikka,” Asuka began, her voice carrying a new resolve. “Sayaka and I… We planned on apologizing to Ms. Mio next.”
“Asuka’s right,” Sayaka concurred. “It may be too little, too late, but we are committed to making this right, one step at a time.”
The girls exchanged nods. Seeing this, Rikka’s expression softened into a pleased smile. “Ms. Sayaka, Ms. Asuka.”
The girls froze. It was well understood at Sosei Academy that addressing someone by their last name, in a place where first names were standard, meant intentionally distancing oneself. Rikka had chosen now of all times to close that distance.
As Asuka and Sayaka looked on in complete shock, Rikka spoke to fill the space between them. “You both have made mistakes. These mistakes may linger, but they don’t define you. Can I trust that this time, you will truly prove yourselves worthy of my endorsement?”
The rehash of a challenge previously bestowed then failed. The first time, the girls had tried to prove their worth by undermining Mio, but this time, with their intentions realigned…
“With Sayaka by my side, I am committed to earning the right to call you our friend.”
“We won’t make the same mistake twice. Together, Asuka and I will demonstrate our true value.”
Their words, strong and clear, prompted nods of approval from each other and a knowing smile from Rikka. “Despite her sharp tongue, Ms. Mio is fundamentally kind-hearted. If you approach her with sincerity in your heart, she will forgive you—I am sure of that.”
✦ ✦ ✦
THE news of Asuka and Sayaka’s confrontation with Rikka reached me while I was in the car on my way home. Riding alongside me, Shannon murmured, “Is this truly for the best?”
“I’m not sure,” I replied. “Frankly, Lady Shizuki seemed at a loss on how to manage the situation herself.”
Those two girls were meant to be the villainess’s underlings. In essence, they were originally supposed to be Shizuki’s (and thus my) partners in crime. Upon learning of their dilemma, Shizuki wrestled with how to intervene. It conflicted with the villainess’s character to offer help in such a situation, yet the potential ripple effects on the storyline if ignored were even more troubling.
“She decided to help them in the end?” Shannon speculated.
“Yes. But ‘help’ wouldn’t be the word I’d use,” I replied.
All I did was silence a troublesome group of upstarts. The fact that this action inadvertently ‘saved’ Asuka and Sayaka was merely a fortunate side effect—this had always been the intention. That was why I had executed my role with such cold efficiency—so that there was no risk of my actions being misconstrued as anything even resembling benevolence. This way, the girls would gladly join Rikka’s circle, and everything would settle down perfectly.
“With one chapter closed, it’s onto the next,” I concluded. “Sports Day—let’s see what you got, shall we?”
To save the world, to save my sister—I must face my complete and utter downfall.
Now then, let’s get to villainessin’.