After the weekend came the first day of the post-exam break. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky—just the right weather for a tea party.
Representatives from the three salons assembled on the courtyard terrace often used by the student council members. Representing the Sky Salon were Lady Kagura, the Kokonoe sisters, and Kirara, along with Himeko and me. From the Paradise Palace, Lady Asuka and Mei had come, plus Lady Erisu. Lady Rosalie and Marie represented the Gloriana Guesthouse.
Everyone’s personalities were on full display as well. Lady Kagura projected calm collectedness, while Lady Asuka directed an air of intimidation toward her. Meanwhile, Lady Rosalie was practically hiding behind her Seraph, peering out to scope out the situation.
Standing in the center of them all was the student council president, Lady Angelica.
“Thank you all for coming during the break,” she began.
Since this was the first time three salons had ever competed for one member, she had volunteered to act as a neutral party. Everyone was happy with this; if one of the salons had taken on the emcee role, they might have been biased. To be completely honest, her job looked like fun. Part of me wished that I could have done it.
Two other outside parties were there: Lady Shion and Aoi. They were standing a small distance away, watching from under the ostentatious frills of a mauve parasol held by Aoi.
No rules had been established about outside observers. If Lady Angelica was there, there wasn’t much reason to object to other onlookers. Still, I’d never have expected Lady Shion to come in person.
Lady Kagura didn’t look worried about it, but when Himeko saw her, her eyes widened in surprise. This wasn’t an expression I saw on Himeko’s face too often.
I don’t blame her. Who’d have expected her to show up here, just like that, when she knows we suspect her of leaking information to Lady Rosalie?
It wasn’t exactly a crime, to be fair, even if she had done it. It was just sharing some information under mysterious circumstances. Still, we didn’t know what her intentions were, which made me wary.
Lady Shion didn’t come over to talk to anyone, even Lady Angelica. The latter showed no sign of being ruffled by her presence, so for all I knew, they’d already talked it over beforehand.
“Today, three salons will have the opportunity to court Sakura, our new student from overseas, so please allow me to set the stage. I’m told that the rules have already been agreed upon, so please follow those and compete fairly for Sakura’s interest. Sakura, could I ask you to come over here?”
At Lady Angelica’s urging, Lady Sakura and Sara emerged from their hiding place. Lady Sakura looked so grand and imposing that she didn’t seem nearly as petite as she was; with Sara standing behind her, she honestly looked like a queen.
There was a hint of passion burning in Sara’s eyes too. She looked captivated by her mistress.
My first thought was that Lady Sakura looked like she’d fit in perfectly at the Sky Salon.
“I’m glad to hear you have an interest in the salons, which are a unique system we have at this school. A student from abroad will always attract a lot of attention, but I was still flabbergasted to hear that there are three salons hoping to recruit you. Were you acquainted with the members beforehand?”
This was quite a probing question, especially since those potential acquaintances were right there listening.
“No, not at all. I’d heard a bit about the school from Sara, but I wouldn’t say there was anyone else here I’d call an acquaintance. I was rather surprised as well!”
Her reply came in exceptionally fluent Japanese. She must have spent a lot of time studying our language and culture. Sara’s Japanese was pretty much perfect too, but she did use some odd phrases once in a while. Lady Sakura’s was so good that I couldn’t have distinguished it from a native speaker’s.
“I must say,” she continued, “it’s a true honor to be asked to join three different salons, especially when I only recently learned about the salon system. I’d definitely like to join one of them, so I’m excited about today.”
She delivered a curtsy so lovely that all eyes were drawn to her.
This does seem to rule out Lady Rosalie having an independent personal connection to Lady Sakura, though.
“I’m told that first you’ll visit each of the three salons, and then you’ll attend a joint tea party held by all three. At your request, the first one on the list will be the Sky Salon—isn’t that right?”
“Yes. I’ve heard it’s the most distinguished salon at the academy, so it deserves the proper respect.”
Lady Kagura stepped out and stood in front of Lady Sakura. “It’s an honor to be chosen first and be able to start today’s proceedings. Everything’s ready at the salon, so we can go there right away.”
The two ladies looked at each other and exchanged smiles. Was there some deeper meaning behind those gazes? Had they each understood something from it?
“Sounds like an excellent idea,” Lady Angelica said. “If there’s anything else to discuss, we can do it along the way.”
Then she walked ahead, leading the way for everyone else.
At this point, all I could do was pray it would go well.