[Blue Archive] I am the Trinity Checkpoint Chief – Chapter 142

“Take but degree away,

untune that string,

and hark, what discord follows.”

Military action, military action. Trinity has successfully executed the only method to deal with fascists. Those who dislike my reports are probably showering Kirifuji Nagisa and Yamatsu Hikari with praise.

The Arius Autonomous District has been placed under military administration. The General Student Council had no choice but to approve it, given their previous step back.

The Finance Office wields immense influence over finances but remains merely a subdivision under the General Student Council. If clubs or academies launch boycotts, even the Finance Office would feel the pressure. Trinity knows this all too well.

There’s someone eyeing the unfamiliar position of Military Governor, on top of being the Head of the Border Checkpoint and Acting Commander. What are they doing? What are they thinking? How much more of our honor must they devour before they pat their bloated belly and give up?

When will the monster called Trinity finally stop?

The Finance Office has already drafted the worst-case scenario. They’ve easily blocked the General Student Council’s interference and expanded their territory through a legitimate agreement. What’s next? Will they really be satisfied with just one branch campus?

A new perspective is needed. We must identify the academy that Kirifuji Nagisa harbors the most hostility toward.

…Of course, the answer is likely fixed as the General Student Council. The journey to reach D.U., riding the Andromeda Transatron— which stations must we pass through? What about the Millennium Autonomous District, pouring all its efforts into resolving political issues?

However, Trinity, or at least Kirifuji Nagisa and Yamatsu Hikari, likely holds no ill will toward Millennium. It’s a newly established academy with little significant interaction so far, isn’t it?

It’s not the so-called “commie academy” Red Winter people talk about. Like Millennium, there’s little contact to speak of.

If we rule out the academies one by one, few remain. Smaller academies like Sanhaikyo, with whom we have no acquaintance; Highlander Railway Academy, which has territorial disputes with Trinity; and… Hanuma Makoto’s faction, which has been the most active in cooperation.

They’ve carved up the Arius Autonomous District. Rumors abound that they’re negotiating a non-aggression pact following the Eden Treaty. The Finance Office is seriously considering this possibility. The long-standing feud might truly come to an end.

The Finance Office seniors said it: the backstab is the most anti-international act.

If Trinity attacks Gehenna Academy while everyone’s guard is down, their vast mobilization capabilities would break through the defenses in an instant. The exact military strength is beyond the Finance Office’s authority, but it’s undoubtedly staggering.

It could be an overestimation. It could be mere delusion. But didn’t Oki Aoi once dismiss the future where “Trinity defies the General Student Council’s resolution” as a fantasy?

They’re an unreliable person. An academy that cannot be trusted. We’ve been burned enough to know, and at the very least, we shouldn’t become like them.

Considering the debt burden from military expenditures, it’s unlikely Gehenna Academy could surpass Trinity’s strength during the Eden Treaty Incident. The incompetent Pandemonium Society, sustained only by the Prefect Team’s leader. They’d have to wage a defensive battle against overwhelming odds.

The Finance Office often likens scenarios to gambling. Gehenna, a coalition of warlords, fails to mobilize effectively, and Trinity annexes them before targeting other academies… That’s the roll of the dice.

And hark, what discord follows in this ancient world.

How exhausting it is to anticipate an unforeseen war and devise countermeasures. Oki Aoi, facing the anti-war faction that seeks to end tensions, must find a just cause.

As mentioned earlier, it’s highly likely just a delusion.

But the girl with azure eyes says this: not all delusions remain delusions forever. Did anyone even imagine the Sensei, who goes around solving the world’s problems—lately neglecting Finance Office visits, how sad—before they appeared?

Whether this is an overreach by a mere department or the foresight of a think tank remains to be seen for a long time.

***

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I believe this is our first time meeting in person.”

“I’d say so.”

A stylish suit adorned with a corporate logo, a harmonious blend of black and red. The President took a sip of the cocoa offered as a courtesy—how do they even drink?—and let out an exclamation of delight. For two parties that have sown military units and missiles across each other’s fields, it’s a decent start.

Tension, but not enough to overdo it. Thus began the meeting between a mere student and a titan of Kivotos’ corporate world.

Yesterday, the Arius Military Administration sent a meeting request to Kaiser Corporation through unofficial channels. The reply came in less than thirty seconds, which was frankly terrifying, but here we are, sitting amicably, so all’s well.

There’s one matter to discuss: Kaiser Construction’s stake in the city’s restoration efforts and Trinity’s bid for dominance through additional agreements. I just keep smiling for the unspoken treasure trove.

“I closely observed your past actions. Operation British, was it? That kind of blitzkrieg isn’t something you see every day.”

“Oh? Did we ever leak the operation’s name?”

The President gave a mock chuckle of surprise. Judging by that reaction, they were likely probing, but if not… ugh, are spies still running rampant? This time, instead of a counterintelligence operation, should we purge at the club level?

“Let’s cut to the chase. Both Arius and Kaiser Corporation have plenty to do, don’t we?”

“Indeed. I canceled a regular meeting to be here today.”

Should I apologize for dragging a busy person here? Kaiser Corporation is notorious for even regular employees juggling multiple tasks. For the President, the highest authority, stirring up external trouble… they must be quite dedicated.

The President let out a “hmph,” took a breath like an old man, and placed a document on the table. A simple title: Final Stake Proposal.

“The head office considers Trinity General Academy a highly reliable partner. So, instead of wasting time arguing, how about we take the easier path? A clean 50:50 split for everything.”

Half-and-half? That’s the kind of outdated talk modern girls wouldn’t even glance at. Still, they didn’t play games with the construction stake or budget allocation. What’s gotten into Kaiser Corporation?

“Are you aware of the budget size? I don’t think you’ve heard.”

“I haven’t.”

The Arius Autonomous District restoration plan isn’t classified, but it’s treated as internal policy, and there’s no intention to advertise it outside Trinity. It’s not like we’re doing it for others’ sake.

The budget process involves Nagisa-sama setting a rough range, with relevant departments calculating the details… but since variables always pop up during execution, it’s customary to overestimate.

“The Tea Party has allocated 1.2 trillion yen for the restoration plan.”

I witnessed the rare sight of the President’s jaw dropping. 1.2 trillion yen—a massive figure even among Trinity General Academy’s projects. It probably surpasses the still-insufficient defense budget these days.

The Arius Military Administration isn’t just a temporary setup. Of course, neither I nor Nagisa-sama are the type to let it linger, but it won’t be wrapped up in a week or two. We’re confident enough to pour in that kind of budget.

And in my opinion, the robot called the President isn’t someone who’d just take this opportunity lying down.

“…This changes things.”

As expected, the robot clasped their hands and began taking it seriously. Weren’t you thrilled when you sent troops over a territorial dispute just before the last shareholders’ meeting? Oh, it’s not the time to smile—how sad.

“Budget ratio, let’s adjust it. This won’t do with a simple half-and-half. How much are you willing to concede?”

“We’ll give you 30% of the district’s construction rights. Within that, Kaiser Construction can freely adjust 2.8%, limited to the bridge over this river. In return, we’ll guarantee a solid margin—40% above your total construction costs.”

“Ho ho… What if we intentionally inflate the costs?”

Do they think this is creative accounting? Sure, some level of manipulation exists everywhere, but to say it so openly? It’s a pity there’s no economist in the Arius Military Administration.

“No worries. Both Arius and Kaiser will crack down hard on that kind of accounting fraud.”

“How so?”

“Like this.”

I handed over a business card emblazoned with the General Student Council’s emblem: Oki Aoi, Head of the Finance Office.

“It’s not finalized, but since this is essentially a large-scale contract under Trinity General Academy, we believe there’s sufficient justification. Nagisa-sama agrees. The Finance Office will handle our accounting.”

And there it was—the flustered face of the President I’d been longing to see. Smile happily, lift the corners of your mouth.

“Aren’t you and the Finance Office at odds?”

“What’s wrong with bringing in one barbarian to catch another? If we get caught manipulating, both our heads will roll.”

Oh, and one more thing.

“There’s something to discuss regarding the additional terms of the contract. In fact, Trinity General Academy is planning a major shift in foreign policy… The lessons from the Eden Treaty Incident weren’t few.”

“There’s no evidence of Kaiser Corporation’s involvement in the Eden Treaty Incident. I’m certain of it. I didn’t let the rats plotting behind my back join hands with Arius or Gehenna. Don’t frame the innocent.”

Why is the President so defensive, barely containing their anger? Sure, you weren’t caught.

“I know.”

That’s why we’re doing this verbally.

“Anyway, don’t interfere with Trinity General Academy’s actions moving forward. This is a warning from the Proxy.”

“…What exactly are you all planning?”

“Pfft—classified, of course. Just stamp the contract for now.”

And so, the influential figure of a prestigious corporation could only let out a deep sigh.