Kayama Esumi: The Girl Vows Retribution

"I heard you had something to discuss with me, but I must say, it’s an honor to be invited to the atelier of Trinity’s most rapidly rising artist."

Located a short distance from Trinity General School, Tsukusu—a third-year high school student and the current Host of the Tea Party—had come to visit Kayama Esumi’s "atelier" today at her invitation.

An atelier, otherwise known as a studio or workshop, is the workspace of an artist. It also serves as a warehouse for preserving finished works and storing a vast array of art supplies. For some, an atelier is a second home; for an artist, the place holds a deeply special significance.

However, since moving up to high school at Trinity this year, Esumi rarely produced work in this specific studio anymore. She planned to vacate the premises by next year. Consequently, most of her stored pieces and supplies had already been moved elsewhere, leaving the space looking rather desolate with only the bare essentials remaining.

To Tsukusu, however, simply stepping foot into the "workshop of Kayama Esumi, Trinity’s most famous painter," seemed to be a moving experience. While Esumi sat quietly in the center of the room working on a sketch, Tsukusu remained visibly excited throughout her visit.

"......Most people wouldn't be happy to see such a run-down studio, but you’re quite an unusual one, Tsukusu-sama."

Esumi spoke with a pencil in her right hand as she looked toward a plaster bust by the window—a statue modeled after a prominent student from Trinity’s past. Her tone wasn't so much one of exasperation as it was a welcoming acknowledgment of a kindred spirit.

"Still, I appreciate you coming all this way to avoid prying eyes. I imagine it wasn't easy to slip away from your entourage......"

Esumi set her pencil down on the easel holding her canvas, turned toward Tsukusu, and gave a deep bow. "Thank you for your trouble," she added.

"Hehe, please don't let it concern you. The fact that you called me here instead of coming to me is proof of the trust you place in me. And do not worry; I made sure I wasn't followed."

Tsukusu pulled a nearby wooden chair over to Esumi and sat down on the hard seat. Crossing her legs, she looked at Esumi with an air of total relaxation.

"Now, let us get to the heart of the matter. Since you’ve lured me so far from the academy, I assume you have something quite important to say? Something concerning the Tea Party, perhaps?"

"......So you’ve already surmised as much."

"I am one of the representatives of the Tea Party, after all. Besides, a secret meeting outside school grounds makes the context easy to guess. Inside the academy, the eyes of the three major factions are everywhere...... and they don't care even if the target is their own branch representative."

As Tsukusu said, even for a leader of the Tea Party, it was virtually impossible to arrange a place that was completely out of sight and soundproof within the school. No such convenient location existed at Trinity. One might find a spot or two if they looked hard enough, but it was useless if someone saw you on the way there. Therefore, leaving the campus was far more advantageous for evading surveillance—a fact Esumi understood perfectly when she invited her here.

"Before we begin, Tsukusu-sama, I have one warning for you."

"I have a feeling I know what it’s about, but let’s hear it."

Straightening her back and keeping the conscious realization that she was facing the person sitting at the very peak of Trinity in her mind, Esumi spoke with a look of absolute seriousness.

"As you know, I am a stubborn painter who refuses to join any faction or show favoritism. I maintain a strictly neutral stance. Frankly, I don't care about the schemes or ambitions of the individual Tea Party branches, nor do I have any interest in them."

"Yes, for a student as indifferent to politics as you, those are perfectly natural feelings."

"......However, I am a painter. I love art. I adore it. Within this Trinity District, and even in all of Kivotos, I am a student whose heart has been captured by the field of fine arts more than anyone else."

She placed a hand over her heart and leaned slightly toward Tsukusu. Throughout this, Tsukusu didn't flinch; she simply stared back into Esumi’s face at close range.

"Living with such a frenzied devotion to art, the one thing I cannot forgive is the 'defilement' of it. I will not accept art being treated with a lack of respect, used as a mere stepping stone for someone's ambitions and goals. Even if the culprit is a faction I usually ignore, I will feel nothing but rage."

"......"

"Tsukusu-sama...... your Sanctus faction has earned my ire."

Tsukusu watched Esumi’s expression. Even when a person with such a beautiful, refined face is clouded with anger and hatred, they still look as exquisite as a divine sculpture, she thought. Seeing the first-year student lay her emotions bare—a look that truly suited the word "wrath"—Tsukusu clasped her hands together.

"Did the Sanctus faction do something rude?"

"......It’s about the Art Club. Last month, as promised, I joined the club for a trial period. Since the vast majority of the members are from the Sanctus faction, I suspected this club was different from your typical cultural art club. To be honest, I accepted the trial offer specifically to confirm those suspicions."

"It is true that Sanctus students make up the bulk of the club. It’s natural to be suspicious, but suspicions are just talk, aren't they? Did you actually find proof of something?"

"Yes, of course."

Esumi reached into her bag and pulled out several tubes of paint.

"I borrowed these from the Art Club without permission. The labels are from an art supply manufacturer based right here in the Trinity District. Any painter living in Trinity has used them at least once. However, these paints have entirely different characteristics compared to the ones from the brand I know."

"Oh? Characteristics?"

"Exactly. As someone well-versed in the arts yourself, you likely know that different manufacturers have completely different paint profiles. They differentiate themselves through raw materials, lightfastness, ease of application, or drying times to boost sales. Naturally, the long-standing manufacturer in Trinity has its own profile, specifically marketing the high pigment concentration of their colors."

"I see...... But you’re saying the paint in your hand isn't actually from that manufacturer?"

"That’s exactly it. When I tested these, the colors were thin and had a distinct transparency. There are dozens of manufacturers across Kivotos with those traits, but I happened to have one specific brand in mind. When I had someone look into it as a personal favor, the results were shocking. It’s an exact match for that specific manufacturer."

Esumi placed the tubes on the easel and pulled another tube from her bag.

"This is the paint actually produced by that manufacturer. The tube size and shape are similar, so they likely just swapped the labels before using them in the Art Club. However, while the shapes are similar, the Trinity brand sells student-grade paint. This other manufacturer sells professional-grade paint. The price is nearly double that of the Trinity brand. There is no way they were procured through legitimate channels."

"So, in your view, the Art Club is illegally sourcing professional paint and swapping the labels with a Trinity brand to avoid suspicion?"

If true, this was a clear criminal act. Furthermore, the brand being illegally sourced would suffer significant revenue loss, which would undoubtedly lead to a major dispute.

"Yes. All the paint used by the Art Club is supposed to be student-grade. No matter how much they care about their activities, I don't believe they can easily source professional paint that costs twice as much. And it’s impossible for a student to buy them individually; that manufacturer only sells from its headquarters...... and given that the district where their headquarters is located is currently extremely dangerous, it’s out of the question. Therefore, the only logical conclusion is that they were obtained through illegal means."

"But why would they want that paint so badly they’d resort to illegal methods? Since it’s the Art Club, it would be reasonable to assume they wanted to improve the quality of their work."

"Normally, yes. But that’s where the district producing this paint comes into play."

"Come to think of it, I haven't asked about the origin. Which district produces this paint?"

Esumi knew Tsukusu already had the answer, but she spoke it aloud as if checking off a list.

"The Gehenna District. The manufacturer of this paint is headquartered in Gehenna. The reason I skipped class to visit Gehenna last month was specifically to negotiate with this manufacturer."

"I see. I suspected your trip to Gehenna had something to do with art supplies, but I never imagined it would be the same manufacturer the Art Club is illegally sourcing from."

"......"

"Oh? You don't seem to believe me."

Esumi didn't react to Tsukusu’s bold smile and simply continued the conversation.

"Back to the point. This paint is only produced in the Gehenna District. If it becomes known that the Art Club is illegally sourcing it without formal procedures between schools, it will undoubtedly damage the relationship between Trinity and Gehenna...... I’ve heard that when you step down as the current Host, the next person to take the position will be the representative of the Filius faction."

When Esumi asked this as a confirmation, Tsukusu nodded simply.

"You’re well-informed. Yes, that is correct. As previously decided, a member of the Filius faction will take over after me. She is someone who strongly desires to mend relations with Gehenna, so she will likely pivot our policies heavily in that direction once she is Host. However, if this matter becomes public, it will cast a dark shadow over her dreams and push them further out of reach."

"And that is the Sanctus faction's goal. Filius is friendly toward Gehenna, so this is a perfect way to harass a rival faction. I imagine the plan was to wait until the Filius representative became Host, then 'leak' the fact that this illegal paint was being used...... Of course, the Art Club wouldn't go unscathed either. Sanctus might try to cover their own tracks, but the criminal act of illegally procuring supplies will never be erased from the club’s record. It would be permanently stained with a bad reputation...... It’s truly disgusting."

"Ah...... I see. So the reason you’re so furious is that we in the Sanctus faction are treating the Art Club as a disposable pawn."

Tsukusu nodded broadly with a full smile, but Esumi glared at her with a look that clearly said, "No kidding."

"Do you finally understand what I meant when I said Sanctus earned my ire?"

"Of course. For someone like you who loves art so deeply, it must be unbearable to see people not only resort to illegal smuggling but also use the Art Club—a place meant for learning and refining art—as a mere scapegoat to smear a rival faction. I sympathize with you. Will you be making this public tomorrow, then?"

"......Do you really think I’m satisfied with just exposing a crime?"

Hearing this, Tsukusu let out a troubled "Oh dear......" and tilted her head with a serious expression.

"Surely, Esumi-san...... you aren't planning to take retribution against the Sanctus faction?"

Are you insane? 

Tsukusu directed a sharp gaze at her, but Esumi didn't flinch as she replied.

"Yes, that is exactly what I plan to do."

"Hmm...... I hope you realize that the person standing before you is the representative of that very Sanctus faction you hate. I am one of the student council presidents leading Trinity toward a better future, but I am also the one sitting at the top of the powerful faction that supports the Tea Party at its foundation. To declare a condemnation and retribution against my faction to my face...... to put it bluntly, that is the act of a fool."

To stand at the top of a faction means that person has contributed immensely, shown absolute loyalty, and earned the trust of everyone around them. Tsukusu was a veteran who had served Sanctus for a long time, and her loyalty had never wavered. She was a seasoned warrior who had survived numerous political battles against the Pater and Filius factions.

The words Esumi spoke were a de facto declaration of war against Tsukusu. She wouldn't be able to complain if she were "dealt with" right here as an enemy of Sanctus. She could even face expulsion from the academy.

However, Esumi didn't seem to be acting purely on a whim or out of hotheadedness. She smiled playfully.

"I know it’s the act of a fool. But I was given a strong push by a troublesome acquaintance who treats me as a 'friend' unilaterally."

"Oh? How interesting. And what did this acquaintance say?"

"That if something you love is about to be defiled, you protect it with everything you have...... otherwise, it’s a betrayal of the fact that you ever loved it in the first place...... Even if it means stepping into a world you want no part of, this acquaintance showed me the strong will to act for the sake of what they love."

The image of a pink-haired girl with an innocent, radiant smile flickered in her mind. Esumi never expected she would be the type to lean on someone else like that, but it was a fact that it gave her the resolve she needed.

Esumi, who had been reincarnated with her love for art intact and had finally become the painter she dreamed of being......

For someone like her to turn a blind eye to the defilement of art just because she didn't want to get involved...... that would be far too disrespectful.

In reality, the illegal trade of paint wasn't likely to cause a massive diplomatic incident. Compared to the typical crimes and sabotage in the world, the sin Sanctus was committing was relatively minor in the grand scheme of political conflict.

However, if she ignored it now, someone else would surely use the same tactic to exploit the Art Club and art itself. It might be next year, or after Esumi graduated. That is what happens when you let a precedent be set.

Using art for political gain was something that happened throughout history in Esumi’s previous life as well. Like when the United States secretly supported specific artists during the Cold War to counter the Soviet Union and Communism through propaganda, art and politics are destined to be intertwined in any era or world. As a lover of art, Esumi had reluctantly accepted that relationship until now.

But if you’re going to use it for politics, you should at least treat it with respect. This treatment was nothing short of a blasphemy against art.

"Tsukusu-sama, I am serious. I didn't just call you to my territory, this atelier, to avoid the school’s eyes. This is a statement of intent. As someone who has lived for art, I wanted to show my resolve in this studio—that I am willing to sacrifice myself for the sake of that love."

She reached her right hand toward the grip of "The Flaming Man" holstered on her right hip. She didn't draw it, but simply touched it quietly.

"Do you believe in my seriousness?"

"Even if I were to believe you, what can you do on your own, Esumi-san?"

"Don't worry. I have someone I can count on."

Watching Esumi make that confident declaration, Tsukusu shrugged her shoulders with an "Oh well" expression.

"I understand. Do as you wish, so that you have no regrets."

Tsukusu spoke with the smile of a spectator looking forward to a show.

1-2

"Do you think of me as some kind of 'handyman' who just solves your problems, Esumi?"

"......It’s not like that...... but......"

"You do, don't you?"

"Sorry. Among everyone I know, you’re the most reliable one...... I just couldn't help it."

"Sigh...... fine then."

With a note of dissatisfaction in her voice, Onikata Kayoko—Esumi’s "reliable someone"—shrugged her shoulders as if accepting the situation.

It had been about a month since their last meeting. They were currently gathered at a supply warehouse belonging to the Gehenna art supply manufacturer Esumi had visited previously. Esumi had just finished explaining the factional issues at Trinity to Kayoko.

To be clear, Esumi wasn't arrogant enough to walk into someone else’s district and demand help without explanation. She told Kayoko everything—including the fact that she was a student at Trinity General School and her real name, which she had stubbornly refused to reveal before—and then asked for her cooperation.

Because Kayoko finally learned her real name (regardless of the circumstances), she kept saying "Kayama Esumi" over and over, following it up with "That’s a lovely name."

It was as if she had finally learned the name of a stray animal she’d been caring for and was enjoying the way the animal reacted to its name...... though Esumi was certainly not a stray animal.

Wait, she was looking right at Esumi’s face and saying her name again. Esumi tried to ignore her because responding was becoming a chore, but...... Kayoko’s voice is so good that it’s starting to feel weird! The power of Fujii Yukiyo is terrifying!!

Joking aside, Esumi had almost zero experience being called by her name so many times in such a short period, so she raised a hand in a sign of surrender.

"......Onikata. It’s actually embarrassing to be called by name that much. Can't you just call me 'Art Freak' like you used to?"

"No. I can't say that in front of people. People would get the wrong idea."

That was a sound argument she couldn't refute.

Kayoko frowned in rejection, then slid her hands into her skirt pockets. "So?" she asked, tilting her head.

It seemed she had switched from "teasing Esumi mode" to "work mode." Her eyes had changed completely.

Sensing this, Esumi cleared her throat, straightened her posture, and prompted her to continue.

"Even if it’s for the sake of art, what are you planning to do here in the Gehenna District to solve the problem? I heard the explanation, but the illegal paint is being kept at your school. Shouldn't the problem be solved if you just find where they’re getting it from?"

It was a time of year when the cold wind was still a bit harsh on the skin.

As if to shield Esumi from a sudden chilly gust, Kayoko stepped right up beside her. Deeply grateful for the casual kindness, Esumi began her explanation.

"The source is unknown. It would take too long to search every possible location, and the Justice Task Force is the Tea Party’s private organization, so I can't rely on them. That’s why I want to catch the 'perpetrators' instead."

"The perpetrators?"

"Yes. The Art Club—or rather, the Sanctus faction—is sourcing Gehenna paint illegally, but they aren't the ones stealing it. There must be a separate group of perpetrators who actually steal or procure the goods. I’m going to hit them first...... or rather, crush them completely."

"I see. Come to think of it, I did hear that a Gehenna art supply manufacturer has been having its cargo trucks raided lately."

This was information Esumi had heard from a clerk during her negotiations.

It seemed the raids had continued since that day. The company was at its wits' end and running out of countermeasures. That was why Esumi and Kayoko were at this warehouse today—to guard the truck scheduled for transport.

"If those raiders are connected to the Sanctus faction, they’ll have to transport the stolen goods somewhere to disguise them. If I can make the Sanctus faction suffer in the process, that’ll be a bonus."

"This is a bit late to ask, but you declared war to the face of the head of the Sanctus faction. You don't think they’ll do anything to stop you?"

Kayoko’s question was natural; normally, one would expect some kind of interference. They could easily find a reason to drag Esumi back to school while she was in Gehenna. Or they could tip off the raiders to change the plan or move their base.

"No need to worry. That person has absolutely nothing to do with this Sanctus incident."

Esumi dismissed the concern easily.

"Nothing to do with it......? But it’s her own faction."

"Exactly. If she really wanted to stop me, she wouldn't have 'invited' a professional painter like me to the Art Club on my very first day. If you’re active as a painter, you can generally tell what kind of paint is being used. And when I told her I was going to Gehenna to meet the manufacturer of the paint in question, she was surprisingly supportive...... I think she actually wants me to stop the Sanctus faction’s reckless behavior. When I declared war, her eyes were practically sparkling. I’m pretty sure she was waiting for me to take action."

"But doesn't that mean she doesn't have a handle on her own organization? Isn't she a Trinity student council president? I’m starting to worry about how she’s running that school."

"Well...... Trinity has a lot of factions that just act on their own regardless of what the top wants......"

"What is that place, a demon’s den?"

It was the same during the Eden Treaty incident in the original story. The Pater faction tried to seize power on their own because their leaders were missing, and it was common for low-level faction members to get into duels. The current state of the Sanctus faction must be so bad that even the inscrutable Tsukusu, who was using Esumi to her advantage, was having trouble dealing with it.

Esumi had already explained to Kayoko that she judged the Pater faction—who hated Gehenna—to be uninvolved, unlike the Filius faction which was friendly toward Gehenna.

A faction that hates Gehenna wouldn't use Gehenna products by choice. If Pater were involved, this would have been a much bigger mess. In the original story, they were so hostile that a simple conversation could start a battle. They would have caused some irreparable incident and ended up being dealt with by outsiders.

After all, the General Student Council’s power is still intact in this era. If things escalated into an inter-school conflict, they would intervene without hesitation.

To prevent that, Esumi intended to be as careful as possible during her time in the Gehenna District.

"I’ll say it again: thanks for the help, Onikata. To tell you the truth, this is actually the first time I’ve ever had a 'buddy.' Congratulations, you’re my momentous first partner."

"Sigh...... a Trinity student and a Gehenna student as buddies? That sounds like a pretty big deal."

"You could call it 'enemies in the same boat,' I suppose."

"We aren't exactly on bad terms, though?"

"Hehe, I know. I like you from the bottom of my heart."

"......You can really say that without any shame, can't you? I’m happy to hear it, though."

Kayoko’s cheeks flushed slightly at the casual confession of affection. Esumi didn't look at her, however, and simply whispered to herself.

"......I love them. Every character living in this world of Blue Archive...... I love them with all my heart......"

The small words, spoken as if to convince herself, reached only Esumi’s own ears.