EPISODE 10 ~THE TRIUMPH OF FIRST WAR
535 Words
The school intercom crackled to life, cutting through the post-lunch lethargy of the hallway.
"Would students Saito Katsu and Shisei Ishikura please report to the Dean’s office immediately. I repeat, Saito and Shisei to the Dean’s office."
The hallway went silent. Everyone knew what this was about. The "Statement" had finally hit the school’s front desk.
The Dean's Office,
Inside, the air was cold enough to see your breath. The Dean sat behind his mahogany desk, looking pale. Standing by the window was a man in a tailored grey suit—the Ishikura Group’s head of legal affairs.
"Shisei," the Dean began, his voice trembling slightly. "Your father has filed a formal concern regarding your 'academic environment.' He believes your current seating arrangement and... extracurricular associations are detrimental to the Ishikura legacy."
The lawyer stepped forward, placing a thick folder on the desk. "The Group is requesting an immediate transfer for Ms. Ishikura to a private academy, and a disciplinary review for the student currently 'distracting' her."
Saito felt a surge of heat in his chest, but before he could snap back, he felt a hand grip his blazer sleeve.
THE COUNTER-ATTACK
Shisei stepped forward. She didn't look like a crying girl or a pop idol. She looked like the heir she was born to be.
"On what grounds?" she asked, her voice a sharp blade.
"On the grounds of your future, Miss," the lawyer replied smoothly.
"My future is currently being dictated by a 'Reality Check' test designed by this school to measure common sense and compatibility," Shisei countered, gesturing to the Dean. "According to the school’s own metrics, Saito is the only person here who provides the 'necessary friction' for my personal growth. If you move me, you’re admitting the school’s evaluation system is a fraud. Is that the headline you want in the papers tomorrow? 'Ishikura Group Admits Daughter Failed Common Sense Test, Forced Transfer Instead'?"
The Dean’s eyes widened. The lawyer stiffened.
Shisei turned to Saito, her cold eyes flickering with a hint of the promise they made. "And as for 'distractions'... Saito is my lead consultant for my upcoming debut. Everything we do is for the sake of my career. A career," she added, looking the lawyer dead in the eye, "that has nothing to do with my father’s balance sheets."
THE EXIT
The room was dead quiet as Shisei turned on her heel. "We’re done here. I have a math placement to finish."
She grabbed Saito’s arm and pulled him out of the office before anyone could find their voice. Once the heavy doors slammed shut behind them, they sprinted down the hall until they reached the rooftop stairs.
Saito leaned against the railing, catching his breath. "That was... terrifying. You basically threatened to tank your own reputation just to stay in this class."
Shisei leaned next to him, the wind catching her hair. The "cold" mask softened just a fraction. "I told you, Saito. I’m not giving up. Besides," she looked at him with a small, genuine smirk, "I still have two orders left. I can’t have you getting expelled before I use them."
Saito laughed, a real, shaky laugh. "Right. I almost forgot I was your servant."
- Writer
