[Blue Archive] I am the Trinity Checkpoint Chief – Chapter 154

Arius Issue Special Address

Cathedral Sisterhood Constitutional Amendment, Establishment of Military Administration, Public Authority Restoration, and Eight Articles Special Declaration

***

I don’t resent Sakurako-sama, but it’s undeniable that Nagisa-sama nearly fainted upon hearing today’s news.

My head hurts. Ugh, I’ve already spent hours in meetings dealing with the Styria Crisis, and now an unscheduled Ecumenical Council? Should I just vanish before I die of overwork?

Nagisa-sama told me to head to the Cathedral, so I have no choice but to comply.

Unlike before the Eden Treaty Incident, many students recognized me. Passing through the sacred halls of the ancient cathedral, built through centuries of consecration ceremonies, I waded through crowds scanning late morning papers and headed for the Cathedral.

“Confirmed!” A cute voice reported as a Sisterhood girl dashed toward me. As her afterimage eased my boredom, the gate lifted, and I entered.

The nun led me not to a reception room but to the Cathedral’s highest floor. Opening the door revealed Sakurako-sama’s office.

Was she working? She was reviewing documents at an elegant desk. I greeted her with a small smile and headed to a conference table in the corner. Soon, I was served a warm cup of tea.

Sakurako-sama hesitated briefly before rising to meet me. I’m grateful for that.

“Have you been well? The Cathedral seems quite busy lately.”

“With the Arius matter causing a stir, there’s been much debate on how to respond.”

It seems you’ve already made a decision, though.

“Please don’t think this is an unwelcome visit. I’m not here as the Proxy. Nagisa-sama was quite shocked by the ‘Special Address’ earlier, so consider me her envoy.”

“Nagisa-san sent you? The Host’s representative… that’s rather unusual, isn’t it?”

I emphasized it’s not my responsibility. Though it was just a small tea party with Nagisa-sama, Seia-sama, and me, we proposed and passed a resolution for an emergency meeting.

The burdensome Proxy title is convenient here—no need to fuss over procedures.

“The Tea Party won’t intervene.”

Unexpectedly, Nagisa-sama, Seia-sama, and I all agreed on this.

Trinity’s Tea Party is expending significant administrative resources. We’re struggling to resolve the Eden Treaty’s messy aftermath, dismantle the controversial Arius Military Administration, and escape the recession.

It’s also a gesture of respect for the Sisterhood’s actions post-Operation British.

“We’ve reached our limit. The Black Market’s economic panic spreading since the Styria Crisis, adjusting relations with Trinity after Arius’s monarchy, miscellaneous issues… and the Tea Party’s endless Arius debates.”

Most administrators, including Nagisa-sama, haven’t fully recovered from injuries sustained during the Eden Treaty Incident. This explanation should suffice, but Sakurako-sama’s address carries a compelling justification.

“And, frankly, the times don’t change to suit humans. They move as they please.”

“…Yes. I aim to keep pace with the times’ progress.”

The will of heaven, the natural order, moves without regard for a nation’s affairs. Sayuri-san and many books say the economy depends on fate, and for them, this panic is heaven’s will.

The Sisterhood’s reform was inevitable. Time flows, and organizations must evolve.

Sakurako-sama continued my thought.

“If what we know is true, now that the world knows of the Arius Branch, we can’t brand them heretics. For the Tea Party, it only hinders your path. I merely lit the fuse of a centuries-old powder keg.”

“Of course, labeling the Arius Military Administration’s future actions as ‘heretical’ is inconvenient. Honestly, I agree with you, Sakurako-sama, whether it’s the Sisterhood or Trinity.”

Humans, shaped by divine hands, cannot live in Eden—paradise—forever.

“Change, reform, and, if needed, radical policies are necessary. You know this, don’t you?”

I faced witch hunts for Mika-sama and stones thrown at me, while the Mother Superior uncovered records from the Arius Basilica post-Eden Treaty—Ui-senpai? The Library Head played a big role.

“And, speaking as the Checkpoint Director, not the Tea Party’s representative…”

The atmosphere felt open enough to share.

“I don’t care what comes up in the Council. It’s a club I’ve been tied to for a long time. If it seeks change for the better, how could I not respect you, Sakurako-sama?”

Free from titles like Proxy or Nagisa-sama’s spokesperson, it’s just a director’s support.

And, so gratefully,

“…Thank you, Hikari-san.”

Sakurako-sama gave a radiant smile.

***

THE CITY MUST NOT FALL

A short article by an editor attempting memory destruction filled the morning paper’s front page.

Rumors spread wildly. Some bet their fortunes on bankrupt firms.

Of course, personal information was protected.

The Black Market operates on a different timeline from those students. To us, Millennium was a newborn academy. The truth—that a city planning decades ahead can’t predict six months—is horrific. Affiliate presidents in fur coats prepared to die as dozens of firms collapsed daily, billions of yen vanishing.

Even conglomerates weren’t safe. No, the time for safety passed long ago. Didn’t Tokyo Group collapse?

A firm planning to devour D.U. by selling assets fell. Its bankruptcy proved the crisis’s urgency.

GDP 21.8% Loss—Where Are We Headed?

As shocking reports shook the city, Kaiser Corporation had to act. A shareholder meeting led by the President was held. Protests arose that revealing the situation would crash stocks, but what choice was there?

The leader forged a multinational empire for eternity since its founding.

People gathered.

Those who valued each share like life assembled.

Voices rose, demanding answers.

The President answered calmly: It’s heaven’s will, so accept it. There’s nothing we can do.

In a week, being spared eviction is a blessing. During Saint Nephthys’s shareholder meeting, someone fainted, and Tokyo Group’s burnt headquarters was scorched by Molotovs.

A girl caught the authoritative President’s eye: bright yellow hair, turquoise eyes.

An unfamiliar face. Overhearing shareholders’ buy-and-sell talks, he summoned security to bring her. Clumsily dressed in a suit, the girl moved, clueless.

“What—what’s with you guys?! Why do I have to go?!” Still, she protested passionately as a shareholder. But power’s logic applies everywhere.

“No—! Who told you to drag me?!”

“Sorry, miss, I told them to bring you.” At the clank of motors, the girl flinched, turning.

Silence followed.

“Right, I’ll speak first this time. New face—where’re you from?”

“…Ask my senpai.” Damn it, how would an old corporate head know a girl’s connections?

The President sighed, feeling the generation gap.

“I don’t know this ‘senpai.’”

“She said you’d know her.”

What’s that supposed to mean?

“…Can you give me a contact? Or call her yourself. I’ll compensate you.”

“No need for compensation. Here.” As if playing a rigged game, the girl deftly handed over the phone.

Ring, ring—the sound drowned in shareholders’ shouts, then connected.

“Sorry, but someone claiming to be your junior is at our meeting. Who are you?”

And, well.

An unexpected, unwanted voice greeted the President.

“Greetings, President.”

“…The Proxy?”

“No, just call me Director Hikari this time.” Pfft—heh, that familiar laugh.

“You’re lucky to meet Ritsuko-chan. I was waiting for your call.”

“What are you scheming now?”

“Don’t say that, it hurts! Am I some criminal?”

Probably everyone hearing this thought so.

“Let’s talk longer. Trinity needs you.”

“…Fine.”

Was he conceding or walking into a tiger’s den?

The old man, apologizing to the girl named Ritsuko, had no clue.