Chapter 22 : St. Anne's Academy

"A prestigious ladies' academy by the name of St. Anne's Academy has recently opened its doors in Hongo," Onizuka informed her after a moment's contemplation. "Its esteemed faculty comprises primarily of graduates who have returned from foreign shores, eager to share their acquired knowledge with the local populace."

Ahhh.

The St. Anne's Academy. She read about it briefly in the original novel.

"Sounds exciting!" Midori's eyes were literally sparkling like stars. "Is there a specific procedure to enroll myself in the school?"

Onizuka flashed her a regretful smile.

"Unfortunately, Ojou-sama, you cannot enroll yourself in the school. Due to an overwhelming surge in applications, St. Anne's Academy was compelled to implement a new policy restricting each family to a single enrollment. Unfortunately, the spot reserved for the Takigawa family had already been secured by Fumiko-san."

The unexpected revelation hit Midori like a bolt of lightning, her mouth agape in astonishment.

"But Fumiko-san is about my age," Midori said with knitted brows. "Surely she already completed her studies?"

"She completed the basic education for the young ladies a while ago in her hometown. Currently, she is attending English classes at St. Anne's Academy."

"Oh."

English classes, hmm?

A smug smile spread on Midori's face.

Maybe she could still strike a deal at St. Anne's Academy.

As the first rays of dawn kissed the horizon, Fumiko gracefully descended the stairs, her footsteps echoing softly in the stillness of the early morning. With a daily commute of nearly two hours to St. Anne's Academy, she had cultivated a habit of savoring a solitary breakfast before the household stirred to life.

The young woman thus wrinkled her forehead in annoyance when she noticed an additional person at the table.

It just happened to be the person she liked the least at the moment.

"Good morning, Fumiko-san," Midori beamed at her like the sun itself.

The muscles at Fumiko's cheek twitched violently when she gazed at Midori's blinding smile.

"Good morning, Midori-san," she snapped in return before deliberately choosing the seat furthest from Midori, placing a considerable distance between them.

Alas, Midori did not know how to take a hint. She actually had the audacity to speak to her!

"Say, Fumiko-san, is it true that you attend classes at St. Anne's Academy?"

Fumiko's fork pierced the omelette with a sharp jab, tearing it into two halves, the action was a reflection of her growing dislike toward Midori.

"What are you planning now?" She growled. "Are you planning to reclaim the Takigawa family's spot at the academy as well? Too bad, the academy does not allow student switch."

"Oh, no, far from that," Midori tossed out a high-pitched laughter that nagged at Fumiko's nerves. "I am hoping to be admitted to St. Anne's Academy as well. I heard that it is a good school."

Fumiko sneered.

Apparently, this fool did not understand her when she spoke about the student switch just now. She must be thinking that she could just march into the academy and demand her acceptance.

Well...

A devilish plan suddenly came upon Fumiko. Twirling her fork happily, she thus beamed at Midori.

"Of course! You are the Ojou-sama of the Takigawa family after all. Why wouldn't they accept you?"

For once, Fumiko was glad to sit next to Midori on their way to St. Anne's Academy.

She kept stealing glances at Midori while trying hard to stifle giggles that threatened to erupt from her lips.

Oh, she would love parading Midori around St. Anne's Academy.

Her nosy classmates had somehow found out about Midori a day prior. She had been telling them everything there was to tell about this disgraceful Ojou-sama, who went running back to her birth family after she was kicked out of her in-laws' house.

So what if she promised Shuugo to get along with Midori?

So what if Midori's name was soon to be exonerated?

She was still a disgraceful divorcee who carried an unknown man's baby in her belly.

Heh, heh.

Today, the hallowed halls of St. Anne's Academy were about to transform into a theater of humiliation with Midori as the unwilling protagonist, and Fumiko was determined to be the loudest spectator in the audience.

As the car glided through the manicured grounds of St. Anne's Academy, Midori's eyes widened in awe.

An imposing gate, adorned with wrought iron fencing in a distinctly Western style, marked the entrance to this prestigious institution.

Before her lay a captivating blend of architectural styles, with stately brick structures reminiscent of European grandeur and elegant wooden mansions embodying Japanese artistry.

Midori couldn't resist leaning out of the window, captivated by the picturesque scene unfolding before her. The academy's buildings, each a testament to its rich heritage, served as sanctuaries of learning for young women.

Girls of tender years, their ages ranging from eight to seventeen, gracefully moved through the serene grounds, their vibrant kimonos whispering tales of their families' lineage and social standing.

These young minds were there to absorb the essence of Japanese women's humble femininity, master the delicate art of calligraphy, practice the graceful movements of various dances, and engage in the serene practice of tea preparation.

For those who had diligently completed their foundational education, the academy offered a pathway to higher learning in the Western-style buildings, where they delved into the depths of knowledge and cultivated their intellectual prowess.

While some older girls embraced the elegance of adult kimonos, others, like Fumiko, exuded sophistication in Western-style gowns.

As the car gracefully glided to a halt before a stately brick building, Fumiko emerged with an air of poise.

With a captivating smile that could disarm even the most hardened heart, she turned her gaze towards Midori, setting the stage for the latter's downfall.

"Midori-san, you can exit the car with me. I will take you around the academy ground myself."

In response, Midori pressed a sleeve against her lips and stared at Fumiko incredulously.

"Oh, my. I cannot possibly trouble you that way, Fumiko-san. I shall take care of my business here first. I will see you later."

The car disappeared into the distance, leaving Fumiko stranded at the curb. Her grip on her satchel bag tightened until her knuckles turned white, the urge to hurl it to the ground and unleash her frustration gnawing at her.

That hateful woman!!!

As the car ferried Midori deeper into the academy's verdant expanse, her eyes were captivated by the unfolding spectacle of manicured lawns, majestic buildings, and a vibrant student body.

Her gaze, however, remained oblivious to the enigmatic figure observing her from the window of an oncoming car.

"Halt," the bespectacled man spoke. "Follow that car."