INTERMISSION 3: She is...

"People respect it when someone they are distant from is boring and harmless.However, they only like that person because he or she doesn't get in their way.No human would want to hang around a boring person." – Featherine Augustus Aurora

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POV: Omniscient.

Within the hushed confines of the ANHS, one office stood out for its austerity and manifest significance. It was not merely a room filled with files and functional furniture; it was the sanctum of power, the very heart of the institution: the director's office.

At its center sat an authoritative figure, Director Narumori Sakayanagi, the guardian of this pinnacle of education. A man in his forties, his presence commanded respect. His gray hair, cut short, framed his face with distinction, forming two meticulously combed locks that met above his forehead. Behind sleekly designed glasses, his eyes scrutinized the documents spread out before him with sharpness.

The elegance of his attire, impeccably professional, only enhanced the aura of seriousness and competence emanating from him. Seated there, in this world of dark woodwork and studious silence, Director Narumori Sakayanagi embodied calmness and confidence, like a captain navigating with calm and determination through the academic responsibilities of his prestigious high school.

*Knock knock knock...*

In the solemn atmosphere of the office, where until now a nearly monastic calm had reigned, disturbed only by the methodical ticking of the clock and the gentle rustling of papers, the sudden and distinctive noise knocking at the door cut sharply through the silence. This knocking, calculated with such precision that it was loud enough to reach the attentive ears of the director without being intrusive or alarming, signaled an interruption.

At that moment, the director set aside the sheet he was examining and looked up, his gaze resting on the closed door that stood before him. A subtle smile, tinged with a hint of warmth, brushed his lips. Was it the anticipated arrival of an expected visitor, or merely the serene welcome of a disruption in his routine of solitude? His tranquil expression and the sparkle in his eye suggested he was neither surprised nor disturbed by the knock at his door.

Narumori: Yes, please come in.

No further words were necessary; under the benevolent gaze of Director Sakayanagi, the door creaked open to reveal the awaited figures. Two individuals and... a cat, made their entrance.

Among them, one figure stood out distinctly, an eminent personality, famous as much for her pen as for her sharp wit, a recognized intellectual, even deemed a genius. This young woman, with long purple hair cascading down to the middle of her back, bore a remarkable presence. Her brown strapless dress, adorned with frills and enhanced by a yellow ribbon topped with a green stone, was complemented by a light jacket extending to her knees. And on her shoulder, an unusual companion: a black cat, adorned with a purple ribbon on its tail, busying itself with grooming. Indeed, it was she, Tohya Hachijo, the revered author, whose every encounter was seen as a privilege. Her slightly arrogant smile betrayed a confidence and a natural elegance.

But who could be standing by her side? Next to this distinguished woman and her cat was a figure with a neutral, almost bored face, displaying marked coldness. This young girl, less known, seemed to be there in the capacity of an assistant or companion. Named Ange Ushiromiya, she bore the appearance of a high school student, possibly sharing the age of a certain Ayanokoji Kiyotaka from class S. Her auburn hair, held back in small braids fixed with a simple pink accessory, framed a face dominated by deep blue eyes. Her uniform, a black blazer cinched at the waist over a white collared shirt and adorned with a lavender bow tie, matched with a white skirt, long black stockings, and coordinated shoes. A red armband, bearing the emblem of the prestigious Ushiromiya family, marked her belonging to a lineage of renown.

Narumori: Ah, hello, Miss Hachijo, hello, Miss Ushiromiya, what a pleasure to see you. I was expecting you. Please, come in, take a seat. Would you like something to drink? Perhaps coffee, tea? Or maybe you would prefer something else?

Responding to this silent invitation, Tohya and Ange stepped forward with measured pace to take their seats in front of the director's vast desk. Each in her own way, they offered a respectful greeting to the man who watched them from his seat. Meanwhile, Tohya's cat, with almost deliberate ease, left its mistress's shoulder to take up residence in the center of the desk. There, it sat with undisturbed serenity, as if it had its own designated place in the room.

The animal, by its mere presence, seemed to insert itself into the context of the conversation. Its attentive gaze and calm posture suggested it was following the exchanges, adding an air of undisguised curiosity to the scene. Was this the behavior of a cat with uncommon intelligence? Its demeanor, so composed and thoughtful, implied that it was, or rather she was, in her own way, a full participant in this meeting, bringing a touch of the unusual and mystery to an already extraordinary interview.

Tohya: Oh, greetings, child of man. It seems that I have managed to orchestrate this little gathering, which, I must admit, brings me some satisfaction despite my surprise that you deigned to accept my invitation. She paused briefly before continuing. Very well, child of man, I shall request two cups of black tea, if you please. After all, Bernkastel cherishes this brew.

Ange: Hello... but don't trouble yourself for me, I won't have anything. I need nothing, thank you.

Director Sakayanagi stood up, offering Tohya and Ange the chance to sit comfortably.

Narumori: Alright, no problem, I'll prepare that for you... But, are you sure you want black tea for your cat? Ahaha, I'm not entirely sure cats enjoy such a beverage.

Ange: She sighed, her gaze filled with weariness. Try if you wish to persuade her, but it will be in vain. She is as stubborn as she is arrogant.

Tohya: *Giggle* *giggle*. Come now, there's no need to display such hostility towards me, child of man. Articulating these words, Tohya let out a tongue click, turning her face away disdainfully. This is no ordinary cat, you must understand. Trust me when I say she relishes it, right, Bernkastel?

Bernkastel: *Meow*

Bernkastel, the cat, seemingly responded to the Chairman, sparking his surprise and then a light laugh.

Narumori: Ahahaha!! Very well then, I'll prepare that for you and Bernkastel in that case, and then we can discuss all this.

Then, the Chairman moved to the tea area, where cups and a pitcher were ready.

Narumori: I must admit that I'm quite pleased to have accepted your proposal. It was indeed an excellent idea. You've probably already grasped the objective I had in taking over this school and wanting to contribute to the formation of an elite.

Tohya: Naturally, that is understood. I find myself, to my great surprise, somewhat pleased that you consented to join me in this project. I have long aspired to observe closely these so-called elites that you assemble here and to assess their true value. I appreciate individuals endowed with intelligence, capable of autonomous and profound thought.

Narumori: Ahahahaha, yes, I can understand what you're saying.

Shortly after, the two cups of black tea were ready. The director turned and walked back to his desk, where he placed one cup in front of Tohya and another in front of Bernkastel, before resuming his seat.

Narumori: Well, Miss Hachijo and... Miss Bernkastel, here are your two cups of black tea. It may not be the finest tea, but I hope it will be to your liking.

Tohya: I shall let you know, rest assured, I thank you, child of man.

Bernkastel: *Meow * *Meow*

Bernkastel promptly went to lick the contents of the cup, the black tea laid out before her. She seemed to enjoy it, at least superficially... Hard to judge with a cat.

Narumori: Well, I never thought a cat could like black tea so much. Are you sure it's really a cat?

Tohya: *Giggle* *giggle*. Did I not tell you? This is certainly no common cat, child of man.

Comfortably seated, legs crossed, Tohya also took the cup in her hand and took a sip, waiting for the Chairman to finally broach the subject.

Narumori: Well, anyway, you came here to finalize all this by signing the contract, didn't you? I must thank you again for contributing to this project. I'm sure things will go even better with you involved.

Tohya: I can also assure you that everything will proceed perfectly. I will ensure that things become even more captivating this year, and perhaps even beyond. Very well, let us proceed to conclude this arrangement.

Among the documents, Director Sakayanagi extracted a contract, briefly checked it, and slid it toward Tohya.

Narumori: This contract simply states that you agree to keep confidential the projects of our high school, except for the direct staff such as teachers or myself, of course. He sketched a warm smile before continuing. Then, you will have access to a special, quiet residence, in your name, to immerse yourself peacefully in your writing work. He then moved his finger over another clause of the contract. In exchange for the various requests you have made, you will simply contribute to our establishment, whether by proposing new projects, special exams, or any other idea that comes to mind, Miss Hachijo. We are open to all your suggestions, knowing we can fully rely on your genius.

Tohya: I am pleased to see that you recognize my intelligence and genius. Very well, this contract seems adequate. I have already examined and read it in its entirety; I will now sign it.

With a tone full of arrogance and superiority, Tohya pulled out a pen from her pocket, signed the contract with her name, and then put her pen away.

Tohya: There, it is done; now, everything is in order.

Narumori: Perfect, in that case... I look forward to hearing your other ideas and working with you. I am sure everything will go even better this year.

The director smiled, retrieving the document to observe the signature, then put the contract aside.

Tohya: Oh, I share your enthusiasm... And regarding ideas, it turns out I have already conceived one for your attention.

Narumori: Ah, you already have a developed idea? That was really quick, haha! I'm eager to see this... Do you have it with you?

Tohya: Yes, indeed, and it concerns one of your special exams, which are one of the notable singularities of this high school, something I find particularly captivating. I thought we might submit them to a slightly earlier special exam this year, wouldn't that be an excellent idea?

Narumori: A new special exam? And early? I see, yes, that could be a good idea... I will think about it, but yes, that could be interesting.

Tohya: Naturally, dear Ange, could you pass the document to the director?

Ange: Yeah, yeah, I have it here. Ange then extended the document she held, sliding it across the desk to the director. At least for once, you've used my name correctly.

Narumori: Then, the Director received the document before placing it to the side. Very well, I thank you for your efforts. I will endeavor to read it tonight; I am sure it will be very interesting.

After giving Tohya a warm smile, the director seemed to recall an important point. His face took on a more serious expression, and he leaned slightly forward before resuming the conversation.

Narumori: Oh yes, now that I think of it, there is one last point to discuss... I would like to exchange a few words about Ayanokoji Kiyotaka before you leave.

Tohya noticed the sudden change in the director's demeanor, which piqued her interest; her expression became visibly more attentive.

Tohya: Oh? Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, you say? Is he one of your students? Does he possess some unique attribute?

Narumori: Mmmmh... Well, one might say that, indeed. Anyway, he is a first-year student, part of the 25 students of the new class you proposed to create, the class S.

Tohya: Ah, indeed, his name was not unfamiliar to me. So, he is among the individuals I deemed worthy of interest and placed in this special class, fascinating. An intrigued smile formed on her lips before she continued. And so, does this student have a particularity, something that might pique my interest?

Narumori: His face suddenly became a bit more serious, his voice lowering slightly. One might say that, indeed... In fact, I'd like to talk to you a bit about him. It's something important that you should know. I believe it's a necessity and-

Ange: Wait a second, before you go any further, wait. You said "Ayanokoji", right?

The unexpected interruption by Ange surprised both Director Sakayanagi and Tohya, who turned their gazes toward her. The director showed a puzzled and confused expression, while Tohya revealed a slight amused smile.

Tohya: Oh? Do you have some information to share with us, my dearest child of man? Does this name mean something to you?

Narumori: Yes, Miss Ushiromiya, is there a problem? Does this name ring a bell for you, in any way?

Ange: Yeah, I don't know him myself, and frankly, it's a bit over my head, but I vaguely remember hearing my uncle Krauss going on about some deal that could turn everything around and settle his debts. It was at one of those family meetings where he was acting more arrogant than ever. I didn't really care, but he dropped the name of a "Professor Ayanokoji" in there, I think...

Narumori: A flash of surprise crossed the Director's face, which took on a more serious expression as he pondered. Ayanokoji-sensei? A matter involving him? Are you really sure of what you've heard?

Ange: And it's not just that, it seems like my dad knew him too... He had a strange reaction, then asked the maid to take us kids to the guest house because they had something important to discuss. Honestly, it was such a relief; those meetings were so boring I was glad to get out. So, I didn't bother to understand and just left. There, I don't know if that means anything to you, but that's all I remember.

Narumori: Your father... Wait, could you tell me what your father's profession is?

Ange: My dad? He's a lawyer.

Narumori: The Director seemed even more puzzled. A... Lawyer?

Tohya: Oh, that is indeed captivating, what you've just revealed there, child of man.

Ange: Ange appeared slightly irritated, letting out an exasperated sigh. Stop calling me "child of man," I have a name!

Tohya: After a brief moment of thought, she turned toward the director. Well, does this student have something exceptional about him? Now, you've piqued my curiosity regarding what you're about to reveal.

A brief silence settled in the office, during which the Chairman appeared lost in thought, evidently disconcerted and caught off guard by the intervention. His astonishment was evident. Then, after a short moment, he straightened up and spoke in a more serious and grave tone.

Narumori: Very well, in that case... I will address this topic now, even though it has taken me by surprise. Alright, I ask you to pay close attention, because after this, I will have a favor to ask of you, Miss Tohya, concerning this student.