[Blue Archive] I am the Trinity Checkpoint Chief – Chapter 129

At 2:37 PM, Trinity General Academy formally announced its rejection through a press conference.

The Tea Party passed the motion in the blink of an eye. Unanimous consent, of all things—by a show of hands, no less! Is this really the same Pater faction that’s been throwing tantrums and railing against the Eden Treaty every other day?

Regardless, it’s a good omen, no doubt about it. We made sure to highlight this in the press release, which should put a bit more pressure on the General Student Council. At times like these, we ought to hail the daydreaming scribes at Chronos School as heroes of the hour.

Of course, I’m not just going to sit back and watch things unfold. The Chief of Finance isn’t the type to roll over easily.

If the main academy isn’t enough, why not bring another ally to the table? There’s a saying: the enemy of my enemy is my friend. But in diplomacy, there are no true enemies. If it benefits both academies, it’s only natural to set aside differences and join hands.

Trinity General Academy has only one true adversary.

“Kikikik! That’s my line, isn’t it? The only enemy of our Pandemonium Society is you, Trinity!”

Pfft—I let out a light chuckle.

“That’s exactly why I’m here.”

The Tea Party steers Trinity General Academy, while the Pandemonium Society commands a portion of Gehenna Academy. Even in this chaotic year of warlords and peacekeeping deployments, Chairwoman Hanuma Makoto holds her position.

I don’t know why she’s still clinging to her seat past graduation age. She’s no demon of Hinom, that’s for sure.

The reason for seeking out Chairwoman Makoto is simple: she’s the perfect piece in our plan to pressure the General Student Council. A student who’s just threatening enough to Trinity without being a real danger, yet influential enough to catch the Council’s attention.

The latter’s a given—she’s Gehenna’s Student Council President, after all. As for the former, some people ask if she’s really a threat. I’d like to ask them: do you seriously think that uniform-wearing goofball could be a threat? If she is, it’s a matter of pride, not power.

“…So why am I dragged into this? I don’t even have anything to do. Can’t you just let me go?”

As always, Iroha-chan let out a sigh. She’s clearly planning to slack off, so I appeased her with some cocoa. As I poured her a cup—

“If Iroha-chan weren’t here, would I even be in this room?”

“You’d probably be here anyway. Sluuurp… Mmm, this cocoa. It never changes. It’s kind of amazing every time I drink it.”

She always gives these vague answers that leave you wondering. It could just be empty words, or maybe she’s implying I’d grovel with a sanbai kukkuto rei (three bows, nine kowtows) if it served my purpose. The former sounds nicer, so I’ll go with that.

Iroha-chan is the real power behind the Pandemonium Society these days. You could say she’s the pillar propping up Makoto’s waning influence since the Eden Treaty fiasco. A loyal vassal of the Society, if you will.

Without that junior, maintaining the status quo would’ve been impossible—let alone avoiding a massive administrative overhaul.

Holding a press conference and groveling… it’s, well, let’s just say it was a choice that sacrificed pride to blow away the inquiry pressure on the Pandemonium Society. If Setsune-san had that kind of courage, she’d still be at the Tea Party.

“The Chairwoman ought to be grateful, don’t you think? It’s thanks to Iroha-chan that she’s still in her seat.”

“Kikikik! It’s thanks to my authority, not Iroha!”

If you think that, I’ve got nothing to say. I gave a hollow laugh, and the Chairwoman roared with laughter in response. Back when I was a checkpoint commander, she was the most infuriating student imaginable. But meeting her face-to-face like this? She’s just a bit dim.

Tap tap. I knocked on the table twice to get their attention. It’s almost evening tea time, so I need to head back to Trinity soon.

“Let’s get to the point, Chairwoman Makoto.”

“Spending too long on small talk isn’t good, proxy. I’ve heard what you want from this Makoto-sama. Quite an intriguing proposal! I didn’t think that Nagisa would approve something like this.”

What does she take the Filius faction leader for? She’s the type to make small sacrifices for a greater purpose.

“The Tea Party seeks to restore good relations with the Pandemonium Society.”

“Were we ever on good terms? But there’s something we can’t overlook. Kikikik… Let me ask you this, proxy: Is this merely Nagisa’s will, or does it carry your intent as well?”

Uh… I don’t think that’s a critical detail. This time, it’s not my fault, right?

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Kukuk… Proxy, I know you’re the real power behind Trinity. But oddly enough, you act like you’re just following Nagisa’s orders. Or is there some secret I don’t know about?”

Yup, just Makoto being Makoto. I glanced at Iroha-chan. She shook her head—no answers there.

“Think what you like. Trinity’s just here to secure its interests.”

I pulled a document from my briefcase and slid it across the table. Makoto scanned the title, let out a “kishishit” laugh, and smirked with interest.

“Amusing.”

Her eyes narrowed. I returned a sly smile.

“No need for us to go to war over this, right?”

***

Regarding the Arius Military Administration under Trinity General Academy’s Occupation

The motion, passed today by a majority vote of Tea Party electors and a majority of those voters’ approval, is hereby promulgated after deliberation at an extraordinary meeting.

Tea Party Host, Kirifuji Nagisa

***

“The critical issue is setting boundaries.”

Iroha-chan seemed to ponder my words. Through the Tea Party’s motion, I was granted full authority over the Arius Branch School issue. As proxy, I didn’t need to do this, but… we’ve got to keep up appearances as a law-abiding academy.

Gehenna Academy is both a signatory to the Eden Treaty and a victim of its fallout. The Pandemonium Society will surely get involved in post-conflict resolutions.

That’s why we’re holding this meeting today—to forge our own treaty and avoid future disputes that could be used against us. It’s also to ensure the General Student Council can’t meddle.

“Trinity General Academy is willing to cede some branch school territory to settle administrative boundaries.”

Inter-academy boundaries are typically defined by two things: rivers and mountains. Our academy adds a third—long trench lines—but it’s roughly the same, I think. Probably.

Occupying Arius Branch School could spark border disputes. Trinity, with its advantageous terrain for trenches and fortifications, suddenly exposing Gehenna to strategic risks isn’t ideal.

For the sake of future generations, shouldn’t we settle this today? You guys should be thanking me.

“My proposal is about three square kilometers: 2.5 square kilometers around the tributaries leading to the Great Forest River, and a bridgehead on Trinity’s side of the river. Setting the boundary at the bridge would be ideal.”

“But the tributary areas have no strategic value. If you’re giving up land like that, why not offer a bit more?”

Iroha-chan’s critique was sharp.

“Fine. How much do you want? Just so you know, even for Iroha-chan, half is off the table.”

The Gehenna junior smirked and raised her fingers—all five on her right hand, plus her left thumb.

“Six square kilometers?”

“Trinity did all the heavy lifting in occupying Arius, but the Prefect Team’s contributions in the Eden Treaty incident were significant. Without Chairwoman Hina, suppressing the eastern stronghold would’ve been impossible, right? We’ll take 20 percent.”

She sounded like she’d scoured every book in the Prefect Team’s library. Iroha-chan’s way more capable than I thought.

“I’ll accept the petition. We’ll hand over the entire tributary border adjacent to Gehenna. As for the northern boundary… how about the center of this plain? It’s a bit messy for trench lines.

That plain, I mean. I visited it during the British Operation—gorgeous place, really.”

“It’d make a great demilitarized zone. Or maybe a joint checkpoint to keep delinquents in line. What do you think?”

“…That’s more than I expected.”

Makoto’s smug expression made me wonder if she even understood me. Iroha-chan piped up.

“Trinity’s being oddly generous. Why? Senpai, why’d you arrange this?”

“I already told you.”

There’s no need for us to go to war over this.

***

“The Tea Party agrees with Hikari-san’s opinion. It’s a pity to give up some territory, but… it can’t be helped.”

“Words cannot express my gratitude.”

Nagisa-sama chuckled lightly at her “witty subordinate’s” words, wished me luck, and hung up. This is good—really good! The motion passed at the extraordinary meeting with an overwhelming 18-to-8 vote.

The contentious plain boundary was drawn precisely at its center. We had to sacrifice 8.4 square kilometers toward the Great Forest, but the core area, including Arius’s Basilica district, was secured as Trinity territory.

A perfect diplomatic victory—or at worst, a draw. Trinity expands from Abydos to the Great Forest.

Some might wail that today is “the day Hikari, drunk on power, joined hands with Gehenna’s imperialism.” But think about it: Gehenna’s military strength is on par with ours, so winning a war is unlikely. Isn’t it better to play nice?

This is all thanks to the foresight of our wise Host, Kirifuji Nagisa. Did I plan it all? Well, something like that!

Re-entering the meeting room, I caught Makoto giving me a sideways glance. Staring won’t make me the top dog—I’m just an administrator under Nagisa-sama. What’s she expecting me to do?

Of course, our great Hanuma Makoto, Gehenna’s Student Council President, doesn’t bother with calls. She does whatever she wants anyway.

“I heard Pandemonium Society councilors have cushy jobs?” Iroha-chan flinched.

“Senpai, you can’t just say what’s on your mind like that.”

“Whoops, my bad. Sorry, Chairwoman.”

And then came Makoto’s “chairwoman-like” response.

“Huh? Did you say something?”

“…No, nothing. Really.”

Makoto might need a hearing test later. Even if she’s lost in her own delusions, how’d she miss that?

Anyway. I signed the treaty. Back at Trinity, I’ll have a one-on-one with Nagisa-sama—or maybe a Tea Party session with Seia-san joining in (the double meaning of “Tea Party” is so confusing)—for something like a review, and get their signatures too.

Hikari’s in a great mood. I expected to slog through insults and negotiations, but thanks to Iroha-chan, it was as easy as slicing roast beef on a platter.

I should get her a Miracle 5000 as a gift later. Oh, right—I need to deliver that cocoa soon, too.

“Kikikik! Sign here, you say? Iroha, fetch my finest pen. Let’s adorn the six letters of this Makoto-sama’s name in glory. The Pandemonium Society’s prestige will soar!”

“Yes, yes, sure. I’ve got it in my pocket, so no need to fetch anything… Sigh, what a hassle.”

If that’s too much effort, Iroha-chan, isn’t living a hassle?

Makoto scribbled her signature with gusto. It’s completely illegible, but who cares? I’m not the one reading it. That level of handwriting’s still above the checkpoint average.

“Great, it’s done. Here’s to more happy meetings like this, Chairwoman Makoto.”

“This body is quite satisfied with the treaty.”

That signature kishishit laugh of hers. You know, after hearing it so long, it’s kind of growing on me.

“See you later, Iroha-chan.”

“You know you’re delivering cocoa in two days, right?”

I know, I know.

Great memory, Gehenna junior.