[Blue Archive] I am the Trinity Checkpoint Chief – Chapter 140

Mitsuki-san laughed boisterously, as if she’d stumbled upon a juicy scoop. The subject of her “fun story” wasn’t laughing, but the esteemed Chronos School’s club president couldn’t care less.

“You’re having a blast teasing me, huh? Keep it up, and I might actually get mad.”

“Oh, come on! Our kind-hearted Commander wouldn’t get upset over this. I know exactly where Hikari-sama’s line is. Plus, this one’s delicious. Give it a few days, and the whole city’ll be buzzing about you.”

Sigh—of course they will! Chronos kids flip out over exclusives. I’m not running the Border Checkpoint here, so just being annoyed won’t make them back off. If anything, I’m relieved it’s Mitsuki-san. Could’ve been worse.

“Commander Hikari’s really climbed the ranks~ From plain Commander to proxy, and now Military Governor… basically a viceroy, right?”

I shook my head. To others, I might look like someone stacking titles to build power—how many community posts have I seen about that?—but from my perspective, it’s just a pile of burdens.

The Tea Party reported a 6:37 AM Host meeting. Nagisa-sama and Seia-sama discussed solidifying Arius Autonomous District’s status and revising canon law. It’ll be brought to the Tea Party.

Active Host involvement in politics is great, but why do I have to be dragged into it?!

“It’s fine, Hikari-san. You won’t die from this. I’ve gone days without eating, so I’d know.”

Mitsuki-san patted my back, calling it a proud scar. Just her tomboyish teasing after all that mocking—no real comfort there.

“…Whatever, Mitsuki-san. I hope you trip on a curb.”

So here’s the deal: while discussing the Military Governor role, my name came up, Seia-sama happily agreed, and I got saddled with it. Should’ve resigned as proxy first. My uniform feels heavier already.

Hearing the news from Nagisa-sama during tea, I nearly dropped my cup. I asked why, but all I got was a vague, “It’s part of my expectations.” Drifting in a sea of ambiguity.

What’s that supposed to mean? Nagisa-sama’s words are usually clear, but taking on two major roles? That’s not normal, is it?

What I’m saying is, the Tea Party’s got some serious backlash brewing. Even factions opposing Pater aren’t thrilled with me. One misstep, and I’m done—blown to bits.

“I don’t know how to process this. Mitsuki-san, any tips? How do you handle… overwhelming stuff like this?”

“Honestly? To Tea Party folks eyeing power, it looks like you’re playing them. Two big roles? Even without Nagisa’s backing, you could push most policies through. Isn’t that a good thing?”

Nonsense. What could I do without Nagisa-sama’s support?

“Think about it. You’ve got the Border Checkpoint’s military power, proxy authority, and now Arius as your territory. If I were you, I’d be tempted to declare independence.”

“…That’s a 4-million-yen fine for seditious talk. Everyone, applaud! Clap, clap, clap, damn it.”

My exaggerated clapping made Mitsuki-san burst out laughing. Whether she knew my frustration or not, our reporter praised our “perfect” humor sync. Why’s she patting my head when I’m taller?

“Let’s get to the point. What’s it this time? A blockbuster scoop on my Military Governor appointment?”

“That’s part of it, hmm.”

Mitsuki-san glanced around—Sayuri-san, who’d been working with us, was gone—and leaned in close.

“What? What’s the deal?”

“Well… it’s about personnel, I guess. I’m curious about someone in the Tea Party.”

Cautiously whispering in my ear, Mitsuki-san set my mind racing. What’s with her? Did some shady club hire her?

“Is it about Morishita Sayuri—”

Click.

“I’m back! Got some drinks from the shop downstairs. Phew, the plaza’s protests are intense. Back in the day, we’d have crushed them, but office work’s… huh? Why’re you staring?”

Sayuri-san, holding a black plastic bag—probably full of drinks—tilted her head at me.

Mitsuki-san was just as thrown, stammering at the sudden arrival. Should’ve invited Sayuri-san to the interview. The world’s small, isn’t it?

I waved Sayuri-san over, seating my clueless junior.

“This is why I like Mitsuki-san. Reporter, meet Morishita Sayuri, former Pater faction leader—”

The reporter froze, struggling to process.

“…Ehe?”

Not her usual sharp self. Where’ve I heard that before?

***

“So, Chairwoman Hina secretly asked you to dig into Sayuri-san? Because she’s—pfft—connected to me?”

Hahaha! I slammed the armrest, laughing.

Best news I’ve heard lately. The mysterious “Morishita Sayuri, Administrator” shot up to faction leader, so they assumed she’s tied to me and ordered intel?

“Haha—wow, Chairwoman Hina’s something else. Sorry for the patriotism as a Trinity student, but I didn’t expect this approach.”

Gehenna’s Prefect Team’s intel crisis is largely my and Nagato-senpai’s fault. After Mika-sama’s coup attempt via Arius, we ran a counterespionage op to root out spies.

Caught a ton of fish. At least a few hundred, 70% from Gehenna. Different club affiliations made identification tough, but the Prefect Team’s intel division took a hit, no doubt.

Honestly, it didn’t seem like a top-notch unit. An intel division submitting weekly reports? Really?

Sayuri-san, listening, laughed heartily and left. She’d only popped out for drinks, with plenty of Arius administrative delegation work left.

“I was shocked too. I thought Hikari-san might be linked, but your junior? Right next to you?”

“Now Chairwoman Hina’s fun’s ruined. She probably thought it was some business connection, not just a super close junior. Should we cook up a fake conspiracy? Snap some dramatic photos.”

Sure, my bond with Sayuri-san’s unique, but if I hadn’t been dragged into politics, we’d just be super tight checkpoint colleagues.

“No way! If it’s exposed, Chairwoman Hina’ll kill me. Let’s stick to the truth.”

A dopamine-crazed reporter showing restraint? Chairwoman Hina’s infamy must sober even the wildest.

“Enough of that. Let’s talk Arius. This time… fine, no just photos like last time. Get some interviews. First article on Hikari, the Military Governor—expectations high?”

“You always hype it up and twist it into something weird…”

Unfazed, the reporter prepped her interview. Rustling her bag, she tested her mic with an “Ah, ah”. Come on, make it quick.

“Alright, first question! What policies does Military Governor Jin Hikari have in mind?”

Policies, huh? Nothing major. The military administration’s a stepping stone, and I’ve got some thoughts.

“…First, I don’t think the military government will last long.”

***

Abydos Autonomous District, Black Market.

Imashino Misaki dragged two girls through the city streets. Well, one was more being dragged. A teary girl clung tightly to Misaki’s arm, and then there was the princess.

How’d they end up here? Honestly, no clue. Wandering cedar-filled forests, crossing deserts to reach this city.

Count it as luck. The city’s a hub for all infrastructure. Even in poverty, you can scrounge a slab of meat or a rye loaf. That’s how they’d survived the past few days.

Life at Arius Branch School was no different. Those near the Basilica—closer to Madame’s palace—got a bit more wealth, maybe an extra turnip bread slice. Everyone’s poor, but disparities exist.

The princess was exhausted. After losing so much stamina in the “ritual,” they shouldn’t leave this city for a while.

“Let’s stay here this week. I’ll find work for the three of us.”

“Leader, you’re okay… right?”

“Don’t say stuff like that.”

Arius Squad’s sniper, Tsuchinaga Hiyori, shut her mouth at the leader’s rebuke. She shouldn’t burden the leader in their already shaky life. A butterfly effect could bring disaster…

“…Sob, I miss Saori-unnie… Will we ever reunite? We will, right?”

And Misaki, once again—note the again—soothed the crying Hiyori.

“Yeah. So let’s stop this time.”

Sniff.

The princess watched, smiling faintly. Misaki seemed in better shape than before.

Satsu-chan took responsibility and left us. Still, I believe she’ll return.

A journey to find herself… I hope it yields good results, like Sensei said.

As the three prepared to settle in, a sound interrupted.

Clatter.

“Huh? What’s that?”

Hiyori turned, then paled.

In hindsight… the gas-masked Arius girl probably had a similar expression.

Trembling, she approached the princess. Misaki stepped in front.

“…What are you doing?”

“Don’t you know?”

“…! That voice…”

An Arius girl, gas-masked. Someone they’d met during the Eden Treaty incident.

As always, the world’s small.

Tension gripped the quiet city alley.