Kayama Esumi: The Three Future Representatives

"Esumi-chan, I really think you should spend more time playing with us!!"

The girl expressing her indignation with puffed-out cheeks was none other than Misono Mika. Standing at less than 150 centimeters, her small frame made her display of anger look rather adorable.

"Is that so? And... is that all you came for?"

In contrast, Kayama Esumi looked utterly exasperated as she continued stretching hemp cloth over a wooden frame. She was currently in the middle of hand-making a canvas, an essential tool for any painter. Having a familiar intruder burst into the room during such a task was more than enough reason to be in a foul mood.

However, this was Mika. She raised her voice, completely ignoring Esumi’s obvious annoyance.

"What do you mean 'is that all'?! It’s been ages since we started at Trinity! But you never hang out with us anymore, Esumi-chan! Last year you used to come to tea parties and go shopping with us all the time!!"

"I already told Nagisa that once you all moved up to the High School division, we should keep our meetings to a minimum. Our political positions are more precarious than they used to be. We just have to accept it."

Esumi draped a piece of cloth—cut roughly ten to fifteen centimeters wider than the P10-size wooden frame—over the wood and began carefully driving in nails. Between the rhythmic thuds of the hammer, she pulled the cloth taut to smooth out any wrinkles. The window of the studio was wide open, likely for ventilation, and the occasional breeze caused both Esumi and Mika’s hair to flutter.

Stretching a canvas might look simple, but it requires significant physical strength even for those accustomed to the task. Because Esumi was working on a relatively small size, it wasn't too much of a struggle, but larger canvases could be a true ordeal, sometimes requiring two people even with specialized tools. Furthermore, there is a specific order for the nails; they must be spaced roughly five centimeters apart while maintaining tension. Because of this delicate work, Esumi hadn't looked at Mika once.

Normally, it would be much faster to simply buy pre-stretched canvases. While they are more expensive than raw materials, for a successful artist like Esumi, they would be considered a necessary expense. However, as someone who dedicated her love and passion to art, it was only natural for her to insist on hand-crafting her materials. Knowing this about her since middle school, Mika had been uncharacteristically restrained in her behavior to avoid being a physical hindrance.

That restraint, unfortunately, did not extend to her mouth.

"Then let's hang out this weekend!! You, Nagi-chan, and me! Let's go out to the city and go shopping!!"

"......"

"Oh! How about a tea party then?! Nagi-chan mentioned she got some new tea leaves, and I'll even buy those bitter cakes you like!! Come on, please?!"

"......"

"Ugh... Esumi-chan, you're so stubborn!!"

Mika continued to throw out invitations, desperate to reconnect, but Esumi’s heart remained unmoved—both because she was busy and because she truly intended to stay distant for their own sake.

Seeing no other choice, Mika decided to play her trump card.

"You know... a girl from the Pater faction gave me these museum invitation tickets the other day."

Esumi’s hand twitched almost imperceptibly. She resumed her work as if she hadn't heard anything, but Mika caught the reaction and smiled inwardly. She continued, acting nonchalant.

"But I’m not really an art expert like Nagi-chan, so I was thinking of just giving them to someone else. I checked the flyer for the museum, and it looks like they’re exhibiting works from Red Winter and Shanhaijing."

"......"

"And apparently, students from Wild Hunt are coming to give lectures!!"

"......"

"O-h! And right now, there's a lottery to get a special look at the museum's private storage vaults—"

A sharp, heavy thud echoed through the room. Esumi drove the final nail into the canvas with unprecedented force. The hammer swung down with enough momentum to shatter the nail, burying it deep into the wood in a single strike.

Mika yelped in surprise at the sudden movement. Quickly regaining her composure, she spoke cautiously, sensing a change in the atmosphere.

"Um... E-Esumi-chan? Is everything okay?"

Driving nails requires both strength and control, meaning Esumi had to use her dominant hand. Since she used her troubled right hand, such an erratic burst of strength surely caused some pain. However, Esumi didn't seem to notice. She clutched the finished canvas—one nail was buried unnaturally deep—to her chest and stared directly at Mika.

"Is that... true?"

"Huh?"

"The story about the invitation tickets... is it true?"

"Oh... um... yeah, it's true...?"

It was a lie. Or rather, most of it was true, but the part about getting them from a Pater faction student was a complete fabrication. These museum tickets were actually a secret weapon provided by her childhood friend, Nagisa, who had handed them over with a dead serious expression, saying, "If the situation is dire, use these as bait. Esumi-san will definitely bite." Mika hadn't truly believed it would work, but now that the fish was on the hook, she wasn't letting go.

"Esumi-chan... do you want the tickets?"

Mika teased her with a mischievous grin. Esumi gripped the canvas even tighter and muttered a single word.

".....I want them."

"Wow."

Mika couldn't help but think it: She was cute. Incredibly cute. This girl with a beauty that could entrance anyone, who usually maintained a stoic and mature demeanor, was reacting like a toddler wanting a new toy. People called this "gap moe," but Mika hadn't expected to experience it with Kayama Esumi.

Mika thought to herself that if Nagisa saw this, her brain would likely short-circuit and she'd faint on the spot. Remembering her childhood friend’s clear devotion to Esumi, Mika felt certain of that outcome.

"Alright! Then, Esumi-chan, I'll give you the tickets, but in exchange, you have to play with me and Nagi-chan this weekend!!"

"So... it's a trade?"

"Exactly!! No play, no tickets."

"I understand... but I don't really know what I’m supposed to do when we 'play.'"

The deal was struck. Mika hummed a cheerful tune as she approached her target. She hugged Esumi from behind while she was still holding the canvas, nuzzling her head against Esumi’s back.

"M-Misono...?"

"Hehe... It’s been so long. Esumi-chan, your body is so soft... You and Nagi-chan are different because you don't have wings, so hugging you like this is so easy and nice..."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

The contrast between them was stark: a first-year with large wings and a petite, child-like stature, and a slender, wingless second-year. Despite the physical differences, neither seemed to mind the embrace. Esumi gave a small shrug as Mika wrapped her arms around her waist, and she carefully placed the canvas on a nearby desk to ensure it wouldn't be damaged.

"Aha! Gotcha!"

The moment Esumi’s front was no longer blocked by the canvas, Mika quickly moved her hands up to Esumi’s chest. Why the chest? Simply because they happened to be at a reachable height. Mika felt the soft weight of Esumi’s bust and let out a curious sound of admiration. Because Esumi wore her uniform and jacket so well, it was never particularly obvious, but the sheer size was overwhelming once felt.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm feeling your boobs, Esumi-chan."

"I see."

Esumi wasn't really asking for confirmation, but Mika continued to enjoy the sensation anyway. She seemed to be in high spirits after finally being able to touch her friend again. Esumi decided it was best to just let her be until she was satisfied.

The reason Esumi remained so calm despite being groped was that Mika’s touch lacked any trace of perversion. If it had been the hands of a creep, Esumi would have knocked them out without hesitation, but she knew Mika didn't have a single lewd thought in her head. The only problem was how misleading this would look to a third party. She had locked the door, and usually, people would knock, but there was always the risk of a student walking in unannounced—much like Mika herself had.

"Hey, Esumi-chan. Have you been replacing your underwear lately? The way these feel, I think your bra is starting to lose its shape."

As Esumi was looking elsewhere, Mika suddenly commented on her lingerie. The bra Esumi was wearing was from a brand recommended by Mika—who had nearly the same measurements—so Mika could tell the condition of the garment just by touch.

"Really? Come to think of it, I haven't bought any new sets since moving to the High School division. I've been so busy moving around that I haven't made time for it..."

"I knew it! Okay, then it’s settled! When we hang out, we're going to pick out new underwear and clothes for you! Leave it to me, Esumi-chan! I'll find something that looks amazing on you!!"

"Just... keep it moderate."

Despite her innocent and airheaded side, Mika was a refined lady with common sense and a keen eye, much like Nagisa. She wouldn't pick out anything inappropriately revealing; she would likely choose something that suited Esumi perfectly.

"But... please tell Kirifuji not to try and buy everything I try on. It's impossible for me to wear that many clothes..."

"Ahaha... yeah, that sounds like Nagi-chan. She really wants to spoil you with everything that looks good. She's working so hard even though she isn't your patron yet."

"If she were my patron, it would be even scarier. I feel like my entire wardrobe would be colonized by her gifts... Anyway, Misono. That's enough. Stop rubbing them."

"Hehe, sorry!"

Esumi had allowed it because it was harmless, but Mika was overdoing it. To signal that her chest wasn't a stress-relief toy, Esumi gave her a gentle tap on the head, finally freeing herself from the younger girl’s enthusiastic grasp.

"Finally... good grief."

"Ehehe! Rubbing your chest is strangely calming, Esumi-chan! I should recommend it to Nagi-chan next time! She's been tired from faction work lately, so it might make her feel better!!"

"Are my breasts some kind of healing item for you two?"

"But they're so easy to fall asleep on if you use them as a pillow!"

"In your case, you're just burying your face in them... But are they really that easy to sleep on? Are they actually practical for that?"

"Of course! Anyone would feel safe and sleep like a baby!!"

"I see... Well, I'll keep that in mind."

"Hehe, yay!"

1-2

"I have a feeling Esumi-san is currently biting into my museum bait with a look of frustration, and is likely gossiping about me at this very moment."

"That is a terrifyingly specific intuition. It’s actually a bit creepy... but I suppose I should expect nothing less from you, Nagisa-sama. You see right through my master. Please, keep that eerie sense focused only on her."

"Am I being indirectly insulted, Cheri-san?"

"......"

"Wait, Cheri-san? You're joking, right?"

The scene changed to a corner of the main Trinity campus. Kirifuji Nagisa, a member of the Filippus faction—one of the three major factions of the Tea Party—had just finished a faction meeting regarding future policies. She was now walking through the halls with her attendant and apprentice painter, Otaru Cheri.

Though they were both new students, one was a lady of a prestigious house and a future candidate for the Filippus leadership, while the other was her dedicated attendant and a promising artist. Their presence was palpable. Students of all grades instinctively moved aside to clear a path. While it looked like a procession of royalty, the two simply walked on without any sense of arrogance.

"By the way, Nagisa-sama. During the meeting, there was mention of the Filius faction expanding into the arts as a new initiative..."

"Yes, that was mentioned. Is there something on your mind, Cheri-san?"

Cheri continued, maintaining the appropriate distance of an attendant.

"More of a question than a concern. The Filius faction has always focused on diplomacy with other schools. For us to suddenly get involved in the arts this year feels a bit off. While art is popular here in Trinity, the same can't be said for other districts. I wonder if art will actually be useful for future diplomacy."

Cheri tilted her head in doubt. Nagisa, walking ahead, offered her thoughts.

"Last year, the Sanctus faction—which was the strongest of the three—was suddenly weakened and nearly faced dissolution. Though the representative at the time, Tsukusu-san, managed to rebuild Sanctus, they lost a great deal. Among those losses was the Art Club, which was under their control but was suspended for a year."

As they walked, they encountered other Filius students, exchanging polite nods and greetings.

"As I mentioned before we enrolled, I suspect there is a high probability that the Art Club was involved with that criminal group. The sudden decline of the Sanctus faction likely stemmed from that incident. Of course, this is just my speculation without concrete evidence. The current Sanctus faction is formidable and powerful; they have likely erased any evidence of their weaknesses."

Nagisa shrugged, perhaps feeling the weight of eventually having to face such a faction herself.

"I’ve gone off-topic. The point is that Sanctus has been reborn as a strong entity. However, they haven't regained everything they let go. The Art Club is one of those things. It is set to resume activities this year, but since most of the Sanctus students who were members have graduated, it is no longer under their thumb. That is why the Filius faction is moving to bring the Art Club under our influence."

"I understand wanting to secure organizations like the Sisterhood or the Remedial Knights, but what do we gain from a club of a few dozen artists?"

"Hehe, I think you know the answer to that better than anyone, Cheri-san."

"Ah... I see. The target was my master all along."

As the realization hit Cheri, Nagisa stopped and turned to her with a small nod.

"She is the most famous painter in Trinity and a person of integrity who commands the trust of many. People listen to her words; the public believes in her. As a tool for power or politics, she is unparalleled. Since she already draws attention from outside the district, it’s only natural for everyone to want her on their side. Furthermore, if we bring Esumi-san into the Filius fold, we essentially control the entire artistic landscape of Trinity."

A pleasant breeze blew through the window, fluttering Nagisa’s long hair and Cheri’s ponytail.

"Now, as her direct disciple, you must know what the popular Esumi-san considers her sole sanctuary."

"Of course. It is art... or rather, she is someone who deeply loves 'Art' itself."

Nagisa smiled, holding her hair back against the wind.

"No matter how much of a lone wolf she is, every creature needs a place of rest. Esumi-san currently uses a vacant room given to her by a graduate as her base of operations, but it can hardly be called a sanctuary. Eventually, she will need a formal place of activity that carries no social stigma."

"And you believe the Art Club is that place?"

"Yes. It is the most logical choice. However, Esumi-san is very sharp. She likely already suspects that Filius is trying to corner the Art Club to reel her in. Sanctus will also surely take action to reclaim what they lost. Eventually, there will be small skirmishes between Filius and Sanctus over Esumi-san and the Art Club. I should warn you now that we might be used in that struggle."

Currently, the three people closest to Esumi were Nagisa, Mika, and Cheri. Mika belonged to the Pater faction, so she was naturally excluded from this specific political maneuver. Nagisa and Cheri, being new to Filippus, were in a position where they had to follow the orders of their superiors. It was entirely possible they would be used as pawns to draw Esumi in. However, that was a bridge to cross when they reached it.

"That was a bit of a heavy conversation. Shall we invite Mika-san and clear our heads?"

"Understood. I will arrange the location and the sweets. Should I invite my master as well?"

"No, we are strictly forbidden from contacting Esumi-san unnecessarily right now. Please just set it up with Mika-san."

"Understood... wait, who is that?"

“Cheri-san?”

Nagisa looked curiously at Cheri, who had stopped mid-sentence, and followed her gaze. A girl was walking toward them with small, measured steps.

"Isn't that... someone from the Sanctus faction?"

The student was shorter than Nagisa and even shorter than Mika. She had a unique appearance, with her hands hidden inside sleeves that were clearly too long for her. If Nagisa’s information was correct, she was a first-year in Sanctus.

"Oh?"

The student noticed them as well. She let out a curious sound and trotted over to them.

"I didn't expect to run into the most famous names in Filius here. A pleasure to meet you, Kirifuji Nagisa. I believe this is our first time speaking directly?"

"Yes. I am also surprised to meet you in this manner. Yurizono Seia-san... are you heading somewhere alone?"

Yurizono Seia. Like Nagisa and Mika, she was a new student, but she belonged to the Sanctus faction. She was known for being incredibly thoughtful and brilliant, though she was also rumored to be frail and rarely seen outdoors. Since neither Nagisa nor Cheri knew her well, a slight tension filled the air. Direct interaction between Sanctus and Filippus students was rare—with the exception of a certain pink-haired girl from Pater.

"Where am I heading? Well... you could say I’m going to see someone very important to me. I’m feeling quite 'well' today, so I decided to have a change of pace. Usually, that person comes to see me, but this time I thought I’d be the one to drop in."

"I see... someone important to you. You must trust them very much."

"Indeed I do. So much so that I don't want to hand them over to anyone else. Though it’s a bit annoying that they only see me as someone to be protected... Well, Nagisa, it was good to see you. I suppose I should be grateful for the chance to deliver a direct warning."

"A warning? A chance? I’m sorry, Seia-san, I don't quite understand..."

Nagisa tilted her head in confusion, but Seia offered no explanation. She simply left them with a smile and walked away.

"And there she goes."

"Nagisa-sama. She mentioned a 'warning.' Was that a declaration of war from the Sanctus faction?"

Cheri, who had remained silent as a proper attendant, voiced her concern once Seia was out of earshot.

"Who knows? I honestly can't say... but your 'declaration of war' theory might not be far off."

"I thought so..."

"However... I don't think that was a statement made as a student of the Sanctus faction."

"What? You mean that was a personal warning from Seia-san to you? But about what...?"

"......"

Nagisa stared in the direction the small girl had vanished. Realizing the mystery would only deepen if she dwelled on it, she beckoned Cheri to follow her to find their childhood friend.

1-3

"This is the place."

The door was unremarkable, decorated with only minor flourishes similar to any other room in the prestigious Trinity General School. But for Yurizono Seia, this was a "holy land" she was visiting for the first time.

"Alright."

Satisfied, she knocked a few times with her hidden hand and stepped inside without waiting for an answer.

"Hey there. I've arrived. So this is the territory (テリトリー) of the girl who loves art. It’s very cozy... though I’m not quite used to the smell of paint."

Seia wrinkled her nose slightly at the scent of oil and wood but quickly smiled at the room’s occupant. Amidst a room packed with art supplies, a beautiful girl in a smock was busily applying thick layers of oil paint to a P10 canvas. She didn't stop her work—visitors weren't that rare—but she looked genuinely shocked to see Seia.

"Yurizono. Are you okay? How is your health?"

"As you can see, I’m having a good day. I just wanted to see you."

"I see... I’m sorry, but I need to focus on this painting today. I can talk while I work, though. Take a seat... use the guest chair over there."

"So you won't kick me out for being a distraction?"

The girl let out a resigned sigh and continued her brushwork.

"My heart isn't so cold that I’d drive away a sick person who traveled all this way. And if you do feel unwell, I’m right here to help. Though if you're feeling good, I suppose I don't need to worry."

"Is that so? Then if I were to collapse right now, would you keep your eyes on me the whole time?"

"Yurizono."

The girl stopped her brush and narrowed her eyes, glaring at Seia with clear disapproval.

"I’m sorry. I shouldn't have joked about that."

"Good. If something happened to you, I wouldn't be able to look Tsukusu-san in the eye."

"Right... I'm sorry..."

"Phew. Come here, Yurizono."

Seeing Seia look so dejected, the girl suddenly took off her paint-stained smock to reveal her uniform and beckoned her over. Seia approached slowly, expecting a lecture, only to find herself pulled into a hug.

"What... is the meaning of this?"

Unlike a firm hug between friends, this was a gentle, maternal embrace. Because Seia was so much shorter, her face was naturally buried in the girl’s chest. Surrounded by her scent and the soft warmth of the embrace, Seia’s heart began to settle.

"An old acquaintance told me my chest has a healing effect. I thought I’d give it a try. Is it too tight?"

"No... your scent is actually very calming. It's strange. I feel better just being held..."

Feeling a lingering sense of loneliness, Seia wrapped her own arms around the girl’s back and squeezed tight. It was less of a healing session and more of Seia absorbing vitality from her. After a moment, Seia whispered.

"I’m sorry... for saying such a rude thing... and for making you stop your work when you're so busy."

"Don't worry about it. Knowing you, I figured you 'saw' another bad dream. Was I right?"

"Yes... exactly as you said."

"Then it can't be helped. This is the fastest way to cure loneliness. I'll go back to work in a bit, so just let me hold you until then. Apparently, a hug reduces stress by thirty percent. I'll forget what you said earlier, so just let yourself be spoiled for now."

"......"

Yeah... I really don't want anyone to take her away.

To Seia, whose heart was being chipped away daily by her prophetic dreams, Kayama Esumi was special. Esumi never appeared in her visions of the future; she was a mysterious existence that only existed in the present. Seia had never seen a single future regarding her. When they first met through Tsukusu, who shared her gift, Seia had doubted such a person could even exist in Kivotos. Initially, she had rejected Esumi for being an anomaly, even calling her a ghost and refusing to talk to her.

Despite that, Esumi had maintained a perfect distance as if she already knew everything about Seia, and she had supported her tirelessly at Tsukusu’s request. She often engaged Seia in intellectual conversations that matched her own wit.

Before she knew it, Seia had come to trust her completely. Her initial rejection had vanished, and Kayama Esumi had become her sanctuary. Seia had become dependent on Esumi’s kindness—her refusal to push Seia away despite her pessimism. She wanted Esumi to look at her more. She wished the passion Esumi reserved for art could be directed solely at her. Her rude behavior toward Kirifuji Nagisa stemmed from a jealousy that Nagisa was more on Esumi’s mind than she was.

(To do that to someone helping me out of pure goodwill... I’m the worst. Even now, I’m stealing her precious time because of my weak heart...)

Was this possessiveness? Or was she just seeking protection? Seia didn't know the answer yet. But for now, that was fine. Seia pulled her face back from Esumi’s chest and looked into her eyes with a clear, steady gaze.

"Thank you... I really do need you, Esumi-nee."

Esumi gave a small, amused smile at being called "Big Sis" with such affection, but Seia simply buried her face back into Esumi’s chest.