Chapter 24: Chapter 24

Jin’s POV
   Three days after the incident with the worgs, Jin receives a call from Aldenia during lunch hour.

   “Come and hang out at Kitajoshi today after school, Minase!” she invites.

   “That’s rather sudden.”

   “It’s not really. This is my fourth invitation, remember?”

   “Yes, and I refused the first three times. What makes you think I’m going to say yes this time?”

   “Seriously, why are you against it so much?”

   “For one thing, Kitajoshi is a girl school. I’m pretty sure that they won’t really welcome a guy. Second, there’s enough bad rumors spreading around about me at this school. If I went to your school after getting your invitation, even more rumors will spread. I have enough headaches as it is. Thirdly, I might have something to do in order to prepare for the Cultural Festival.”

   “I hear the first two of your so-called reasons as nothing but excuses. As for the third one, you’re telling me that you still have things to do even though the Festival is one week away? Besides, aren’t you part of the kitchen crew? I’m pretty sure your job would be done by now.”

   “What? How do you know that?”

   “Esty told me.”

   Jin turns his back and looks towards Estyshana. She notices him staring and stretches out her tongue at him.

   “Come on, just one day is fine. It’ll be fun!” Aldenia continues to pester.

   “...Fine, just this once.” he agrees so that she would stop pestering him about it.

   “All right, that’s more like it! And remember to bring Esty along.”

   “Sure sure. A little heads up, though. If Von Mantus is coming, she’ll most probably invite two girls whom she is close with.”

   “Do those two girls, well, you know…”

   “No, they don’t know about Von Mantus’ true identity. They don’t know about mine, either.”

   “Got it. Nee-san and I will be careful on what we say if they’re coming as well. Be sure to come here with Esty, got it?”

   “Yes, I’ll be there. No need to worry.”

   After Jin hangs up, he gets up from his seat and heads straight to Wakaba.

   “Will there be anything for me to do later, Wakaba?” he asks her.

   “It’s nothing we can’t handle of our own. Why do you ask?”

   “I was invited to hang out at Kitajoshi.”

   Everyone who heard Jin turn their neck to look at him. Estyshana raises up her hand.

   “I was invited too.” she informs Wakaba.

   “Not to be mean or anything, but we don’t really need your help either, so you can go.”

   “Yay! Thanks, Chifuyu!”

   “Kitajoshi, is it? I wanna go there too!” Watanabe says excitedly.

   “You can’t, remember? You still have to work on our advertising posters.” Wakaba reminds her.

   “Aww~.”

   “What about you, Chifuyu? Will you be joining us?” Estyshana asks Wakaba.

   “I’m afraid not. I have things to take care of as well. The two of you go have fun.”

   “Is it really okay? I don’t mind staying back and helping out.”

   “Don’t worry about it. Like I said, go and have fun.”

   “Well, if you insist. Just call me if you ever need my help, okay?”

   “Same here. I might not be very helpful, but I’ll try to help out as much as I can.” Jin offers as well.

   “Thank you, you two.”

   Jin’s classmates are whispering about him among themselves. He’s pretty much used to it by now, so he just ignored all the murmurings and gets back to his seat.

   Once school hour is over, Jin and Estyshana head to Kitajoshi while their classmates continue with the preparation towards Cultural Festival. To be exact, Jin is acting as the guide for the demon since she doesn’t know the way.

   “Is that school far from this one?” she asks Jin.

   “Kind of. We need to go there by bus.”

   She immediately shows a slightly disgusted expression.

   “I never liked those metallic boxes. Too much iron.” she grumbles.

   “A bit of them is nothing for a high-ranked demon like you, right?”

   “It doesn’t matter. High-ranking or no, it’s still irritating.”

   Jin only shrugs at that. “You can fly there, then. I’ll be riding the bus, so don’t mind me.”

   “You want me to fly with all these humans around?”

   “It’s either this or riding the bus. Besides, do you even know the way there?”

   “Don’t look down on me! I know how to use this GPS thing, okay?” she tells him while showing him her phone.

   “Good for you. We’ll split up into two groups then. See you at Kitajoshi.”

   Jin continues to walk towards the bus stop without breaking stride. A few seconds later, he hears her footstep right behind him.

   “Weren’t you going to fly?” he asks without turning around.

   “Shut it.”

   She was being quiet the entire time they’re inside the bus, which gives Jin some time to think about what happened on the past few days.

   According to Sergeant Wakaba’s report, the worgs had been infected with some sort of liquid that makes them go berserk and lose all reasons.

   “The sample of the liquid had been sent to a science lab so that its antidote could be made. I was told to leave you a message of don’t expect too much from them, though.” she told him.

   “Understood. Worse comes to worst, I guess we have to put them down. What about the protester? Mizusawa, was it?”

   “Even with the help of the psychologist, he failed to remember anything vital to the case.”

   “Did you left him to rot inside one of your holding cells?”

   “No. He was allowed to be bailed out. His grandparents paid the bail on the conditions that he is to find a decent job immediately and move out of their house.”

   “Well, good for his grandparents then. They could finally get rid of that pest they have to call a grandson.”

   “Next, the security camera. As you have suspected, the worgs just appeared out of nowhere. It’s like they were invisible.”

   “I thought so. The thing that still bugs me is that how did they managed to go near the PM’s office from wherever they were locked up in without getting noticed. Invisible or no, someone was bound to notice the space in front of them were somehow distorted. Why didn’t anyone raise an alarm?”

   “We’re still trying to investigate that, although again, don’t expect too much.”

   His flashback ended at the right time as the bus stops at a stand near Kitajoshi. Both him and Estyshana gets down from it, and it’s time to walk once again. Kitajoshi isn’t that far from the bus stop they got down. Just a ten minutes walk.

   Jin has only passed by Kitajoshi once, which is why he remembers the route to come here. Even though this is his second time seeing the school, its sight still blows him away.

   From the exterior alone, Kitajoshi is far superior than Yokosuka. For one thing, the girls’ school is huge. It’s at least double the size of Jin’s school. They have a guard house right next to their tall, metallic gates complete with guards armed with machine guns. Even the floor outside the school buildings are tiled.

   “Why is this school so much different from ours?” Estyshana asks.

   “This one is a school for rich girls. I’m pretty sure lots of money was donated to build and maintain it.”

   “And ours wasn’t?”

   “Probably not as much. Yokosuka isn’t that prestigious a school. Anyway, enough about our school. Let’s just call the Graylocks so that they can come out and walk us in.”

   “Can’t we just walk in by ourselves?”

   “Are you blind? Those guards are there for a reason. We can’t just barge in when we’re not the students of this school.”

   “Bah, as if they’ll pose any problems to me. Don’t tell me that the famous Silver Wolf got scared by a bunch of guards.”

   “As if. I’m saying that they have proper rules here. Now wait here while I call one of them.”

   “Sure, sure. Just make it quick.”

   The two sisters come out of their school once they got contacted by Jin. Once again, they’re wearing the uniforms provided to the students of this school.

   “Hey, guys! Welcome to Kitajoshi!” Aldenia tells them.

   Audrey, on the other hand, curtsies to them gracefully.

   “I welcome the two of you to our school I sincerely hope that you will have an excellent time here.” she says in an elegant way that’s befitting for a student of Kitajoshi.

   “With the greetings alone, one could tell who’s the real Kitajoshi student.” Jin notes.

   “Yeah yeah, I know I’m not acting like a lady at all.” Aldenia pouts.

   “Don’t listen to him he’s just jealous that you’re a student of this wonderful school.” Estyshana tells the tomboy.

   Aldenia becomes cheerful at once.

   “So that’s what it was huh? You small-minded Hero!” she jeers at Jin.

   Jin doesn’t even bother to refute that.

   “Whatever. Can we go in now?”

   “Of course. Right after we talk to the guards about you two.”

   Jin was expecting the guards to insist on both him and Estyshana to at least register themselves under a process that’s as strict as an airport’s, but they were let in just like that.

   “I used Hypnosis on them.” Audrey explained while they’re heading inside the school. “It’s much easier that way.”

   “Yup, sometimes that’s the way to do it. Saves lots of time.” Jin nods approvingly.

   Aldenia and Estyshana has linked arms and chatting like they haven’t seen each other in ages while walking in front of both Jin and Audrey. Looking at them acting like that towards each other, Jin finds it really hard to believe that those two tried to kill each other when they met for the first time.

   “Al is overjoyed that she made friends who know her for who she really is.” Audrey explains to Jin.

   “When you said friends, are you including me as well?”

   “Was I perhaps being arrogant by thinking that the two of you are friends?”

   “To be honest, I think we’re still in the acquaintance stage. We barely know each other, after all.”

   “I guess you’re right. However, Al is a kind girl. I sincerely believe that being friends with her will be a wonderful thing.”

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   “Don’t worry, it’s not like I’m hating the idea.”

   “I’m glad to hear it. Please take good care of Al.”

   “What about you? Don’t you want any friends?”

   The question makes the elder Graylock fluster.

   “M-M-M-M-M-M-Me? Someone such as myself do not deserve any friends!” she stutters.

   Jin sighs and looks towards Aldenia and Estyshana.

   “Hey Aldenia and Von Mantus! Audrey here is getting lonely!” he shouts at them.

   “Wha-”

   “Oh, I’m so sorry nee-san! I didn’t mean to neglect you!”

   “Come on, then! Let’s walk together!”

   “But I-”

   Before Audrey could say any further, Aldenia and Estyshana pincers her and link their arm to hers from both side. She is then taken away.

   There are lots of students who are busy setting up stalls all around them. Some of them are busy decorating the entrance to the school building. Jin was expecting to see a group of disorganized young ladies who don’t know what they’re doing, and now he’s totally surprised.

   Some of the students started to notice Jin and the group. They’re showing generally two expressions: being wary of Jin and drooling over Aldenia. Their reaction towards Jin reminds him to constantly watch his step. If he ever bumped into someone here, the person might overreact and get him into huge trouble. As for Aldenia, Jin takes it that she’s very popular among the students since she’s the wild type that the quiet, well brought-up young ladies couldn’t get enough of.

   “So, where do we start?” Jin asks once they’re inside.

   “Good question. This school is quite big, so it might take us around four to five hours to finish giving you a tour.” Aldenia informs.

   “You actually invited us without having a plan?”

   “Nope.”

   “Well don’t look so proud of it.”

   “Would you like to take a look at our student council office? We are doing a maid cafe.” Audrey suggests.

   “Sounds good. Lead the way.”

   As Aldenia has said, the school is huge. Jin suspects that he might get lost if he has to navigate this place all by himself. Even their student council office is huge. It’s as big as two classrooms combined together, probably bigger. Then again, maybe all student council office is around the same size. Jin has never been to the Yokosuka’s student council office, so he can’t make any comparison. Currently, any work tables and chairs inside this office has been removed and replaced with tables and chairs to be used by customers. There’s a curtain covering one corner of the office. Jin assumes that that’s where the kitchen is.

   “Please wait here while we get changed.” Audrey tells Jin and Estyshana once they sat down.

   “Oh, the two of you are working as maid as well?” Jin asks.

   “Of course. We don’t have a lot of members, so everyone has to multitask.”

   “Don’t come and peek while we’re changing, okay?” Aldenia tells Jin playfully.

   “I’m not even thinking about it, okay?”

   “Don’t worry, Aldenia. I’ll call the police them moment he tries it.” Estyshana tells Aldenia.

   “Why is your phone already on your hand? And is it me or you’re way too eager to call them?”

   “It’s just your imagination.”

   “Say, would you like to wear one as well? I’m sure we have one for your size too.” Aldenia asks Estyshana out of the blue.

   “No thanks. I’m not interested.”

   “Oh don’t say that. I’m sure Minase will be happy to see you in a maid uniform.”

   “Why do I have to care whether he’s happy or not?” the demon demands.

   “Huh? Because…the two of you are going out with each other?”

   “No we’re not.” the two of them says at the same time.

   “Um, my bad.” Aldenia apologizes awkwardly.

   “Of all the things to suggest, how preposterous!” Estyshana huffs.

   “Exactly. Me and her? Nope. Not in a million years.” Jin agrees.

   “Even so, you should try anyway. It’s not often you get to wear one of these.” Aldenia continues to encourage Estyshana.

   “...Fine. Maybe I should try at least once.” the demon agrees reluctantly.

   It didn’t take long for the three of them to get changed. All of them are wearing matching uniforms with the frilly headband and buttoned up shirt. The only difference lies in their skirt. Both Audrey’s and Estyshana’s reach until their ankles, while Aldenia’s is barely covering her thighs.

   “To be completely honest with you, I was expecting you to wear a butler’s uniform.” Jin tells Aldenia.

   “You can’t be serious! No one ever will want to see me in that!” she laughs.

   Jin looks around. The looks of disappointment on her fellow student council members totally beg to differ.

   “More importantly, which one of us looks the best in this get-up?” Aldenia asks Jin.

   Before he could stop himself, his index finger points toward Estyshana. Her face immediately becomes as red as her hair.

   “Wha-? Huh?” the demon in question is trembling uncontrollably while imagenary smokes coming out of the top of her head.

   “So, are you sure the two of you aren’t going out?” Aldenia asks Jin.

   “This and that are two different things.”

   “But you could have just picked me or nee-san instead of making things worse!” Aldenia points out.

   “And you even chose her without a single hesitation.” Audrey adds.

   “Like I said-”

   “This and that are two different things. Right.”

   It took Estyshana quite a while to calm down.

   “Whatever. This uniform is getting stuffy, so I’m taking it off now.” she grumbles and heads behind the curtain once more.

   While the demon is being busy, Audrey serves Jin some of the products in their menu. It’s nothing too special. Tea. Cakes. The usual stuffs. She also gave him a copy of their menu so that he could comment on the price. Jin takes a sip from the tea and takes a bite out from the cake.

   “How is the taste of our product?” Audrey asks.

   “To be honest with you, the taste is so-so. It’s at least edible, but there’s nothing special.”

   “I see. What about the price of our products?”

   “Give me a second.”

   Jin takes a look at the menu. The price is surprisingly decent.

   “All the prices are somewhat acceptable, but the problem still lies in the lack of uniqueness in the stuff you sell.”

   “I see. We have to work some more on it then.”

   “Just relax and do it slow, even with the time limit closing in. The inspiration will come to you eventually. I mean, that’s how our class solved the same problem.” he advises.

   Both Audrey and Aldenia bow at him.

   “Thank you for your suggestion.”

   It was then when Estyshana finally changed back into her school uniforms. She helped herself with the things on the table without being invited.

   “The taste of your food are normal. Sure, they’re edible, but there’s nothing special about them either.” she comments.

   “You might get mad if I told you this, but that’s exactly what Minase said.” Aldenia informs her.

   “What? Stop copying me, Jin!”

   “Copying you? I was the one who said it first! You’re the one that’s copying me!”

   “Again, are you sure the two of you aren’t going out?”

   “Please don’t make the situation even worse, Al.”

   Jin didn’t continue the argument any further since they’re just embarrassing themselves in front of the Kitajoshi students. He clears his throat and looks at Audrey.

   “Can we continue the tour?” he asks.

   “Of course. Please wait for a while as we get changed.”

   After the Graylocks changed back to their uniforms, the four of them exit the student council office.Every classroom they pass by have students in them who are busy preparing for the Cultural Festival. Majority of them are staring disapprovingly at Jin.

   “I apologize deeply for this. They’re not really used to seeing a gentleman, you see.” Audrey apologizes to him.

   “It’s fine. I got used to getting treated with disdain anyway.”

   They eventually ran into a middle-aged woman. Both Audrey and Aldenia bows at her. The woman inclines her head politely. They then went on their separate ways without engaging into conversations.

   “That was the principal of this school, Matsushima Akeno-san.” Audrey says to Jin and Estyshana.

   “She looks kind of…dazed. Did you do something to her?” Jin asks.

   “Hypnosis.” Audrey summed it up in a single word.

   “Ah.”

   “Nee-san used it on her so that we could get into this school without a hitch. You’re not going to believe how many questions she asked when we wanted to enroll here.” Aldenia adds. “How did you managed to overcome your hurdle to enroll into your school, Esty?”

   “All I did was hypnotizing my host family and convince them that I’m their distant relative. The mother of the family did everything else.”

   “Must be nice to be living together with a caring family.” Jin says sarcastically.

   “Yeah, the Wakabas treat me really nicely.” Estyshana agrees after failing to detect the sarcasm in his voice.

   In the end, they couldn’t walk around this school at least once before nightfall since it’s way too big.

   “We’ll be sure to give you a proper tour next time you’re here.” Audrey promises.

   “We’ll be here.” Jin assures her.

   “We’ll also make sure to guide you around when you go to Yokosuka.” Estyshana tells them.

   “That sounds delightful.”

   After making that promise, Jin and Estyshana leave Kitajoshi.

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