Chapter Text
Wings full of feathers…
That's something many Trinity students have.
They have different shades, sizes, and subtle differences in shape.
Such as Hasumi’s luster of ebony, wide enough to completely envelop her figure.
Or Azusa’s small and delicate, shining like a fluorescent pink pearl.
There were also many students who hid their wings and didn’t readily show them.
But no matter what, in me, Sensei’s eyes, they’re all the same —
Arona
(Speaking in unison)
Beautiful and full of charm.
Thanks to Arona for cheering up the atmosphere.
Back to the main topic.
I’ve been interested in the feathers of Trinity students for a long time.
Unfortunately, of course, I couldn’t grow that kind of thing.
Therefore, I could only lower my goals —
— asking my students for a feather from their own bodies to admire it in my collection day and night.
However, so far, my request has been…
Koharu
Hentai Sensei! Pervert!
Death penalty!
Hasumi
Sen… Sensei, I just remembered something else I haven’t finished for the Justice Task Force.
Let's stop here today…
Azusa
… I’m sorry.
Even Mika-chan, the most obedient by usual, wasn’t too…
Mika
Sensei… Did you want my feather?
… Just one is enough.
Mika
What do I do… This is Sensei’s request…
If I refused, would Sensei never come to see me again…
Ugh, but…
What should I do… Uwa…
Mika?!
I managed to calm her down before she spiraled out of control again…
Of course, it is impossible to mention the feather anymore.
Nagisa
After hearing my explanation, Nagisa set her teacup down and shook her head gently.
Nagisa
… I really admire your courage, Sensei.
I don't mean to belittle you…
But I guess this is the so-called “ignorance leads to fearlessness”.
Right now, I’m sitting in Trinity's courtyard, enjoying a long afternoon with Nagisa.
Today was sunny.
A flock of chirping migratory birds descended from the blue sky and perched on the edge of an intricately decorated European-style rooftop.
Along the spotlessly clean campus road, camphor and neem trees gently swayed their turquoise branches and leaves in the breeze.
The sun shone on the lawn around us, the freshly watered grass blades shimmering in the little light.
The freshly brewed black tea swirled in snow-white porcelain cups, releasing mesmerizing aromas.
Looking at a scene like this, it isn’t hard to understand—
—The reason why Trinity students are so proud to be able to participate in tea parties hosted by Nagisa.
Nagisa
How should I explain to Sensei the importance of this issue…
The girl sitting before me frowned slightly, deep in thought.
Kirifuji Nagisa—the host of Tea Party.
Even at Trinity, known for its elegance and nobility, her temperament is the most eye-catching.
White Trinity uniform with a simple pattern outlined in gold thread.
Black pantyhose is completely wrinkle-free and concealed beneath the knee-length skirt.
Wreath-shaped scrunchie holds the long, flax-colored hair, with strands falling all the way down to the waist.
And what I particularly cared about was that pair of wings glowing with soft light—
It was swaying slightly behind her, rising and falling with the rhythm of her breath.
Nagisa
… There.
She smiled, turning her head to look at me.
Nagisa
Sensei, have you ever heard of such a saying:
"A girl's hair is as important as her life."
Hmm… I’ve indeed heard of similar theories.
Nagisa
Since you understand this, I could make it clear.
Please listen carefully, Sensei:
For us, if one day we must choose between shaving our hair and cutting off half our feathers…
No Trinity student would hesitate to choose the former option. …
Nagisa quietly sipped her black tea.
Nagisa
Of course, no one would force our students to make these choices.
It's just an analogy; you don't need to take it seriously.
… Turns out feathers on wings are such important things.
(No wonder Mika and other students have such reactions…)
Nagisa
That's why I said you’re very courageous.
However, courage is also one of your traits, Sensei.
It’s exactly because of your courage that Mika-san and the entire Trinity could embark on a hopeful path.
Therefore, you shouldn’t feel guilty about it.
As Nagisa spoke these words, the wings behind her seemed to come to life, spreading even wider.
Feathers spread out in layers, sunlight passing through the gaps between their roots.
Making my gaze, already with nowhere to go, increasingly irresistibly drawn to it…
…
(Damn it, I need to ask something else.)
… Uh, Nagisa.
Nagisa
Is there any other question, Sensei?
Since wings are so important…
When you girls were active, were you often scrupulous about them?
Nagisa
With Halos' protection, the wings will, in most cases, not be damaged by external factors.
However, just as hair falls out, feathers on the wings occasionally fall off naturally.
When our physical or mental health isn’t good, molting will also occur more often.
Under normal circumstances, these shed feathers will be returned to their original owner and kept safely.
And not to be given to someone else.
(Ah, a profound smile…)
After that, I asked a few questions about feather care and maintenance.
What left me somewhat speechless was that Trinity’s young ladies spend more on this every month than my SCHALE salary.
The cost of beauty shouldn’t be underestimated.
Nagisa
That's all for today, Sensei.
As the sun set behind the Gothic ridge, Nagisa gently rose from her position.
Nagisa
Thank you very much for attending my tea party today.
Let’s say I’ve always hoped to get along with you like this, Nagisa.
Nagisa
(Am I seeing it wrong? She seemed to be blushing a little.)
Nagisa
…
I need to meet with Sisterhood.
Sensei, you should know the way out, right?
I remember.
Nagisa
Then forgive me for not seeing you out, Sensei.
Hope you enjoyed your time at Trinity.
… See you soon.
After saying these words, Nagisa immediately turned and left.
… No idea whether she’s in a hurry to meet someone or to escape from someone.
See you…
Watching her back swiftly depart, I suddenly noticed something eye-catching.
Within the sunlight about to disappear, it’s still flickering, strangely beautiful.
Soon, it gently landed in the center of the table before me.
I picked it up, held it up to my eyes, and inspected it carefully.
… Ah, it’s a feather.
Good.
What’s in my hand now is a feather that fell from Kirifuji Nagisa, who had just left.
It’s probably because she was in too much of a hurry to leave that she didn’t notice this at all.
Slender, straight feather root, spotless white barbs, and soft afterfeathers along the edges.
Slender and straight feathers, spotless white feathers, and soft fluff at the edges.
The touch of my finger brushing across the vane feels even smoother than the finest silk.
Unexpectedly, right after mentioning this possibility, I witnessed the moment the feather fell off naturally.
Should I say it’s the goddess of fate’s favor, or is it just a coincidence?
Holding this precious feather, I thought for a moment, then turned around, walking toward Trinity’s exit.
Of course, I knew what I should’ve done: immediately catch up and return it to its original owner.
But Nagisa herself said this as well, that it’s what happens under normal circumstances.
However, as long as it’s the place where I, Sensei, was…
… Would it even have any “normal circumstances”?
(… What a gain without any effort.)
Thinking like that, I couldn’t help but laugh, holding it up to my eyes to inspect it once more.
… And soon, I will regret my carelessness.
Absolute regret.
Trinity Student A
…
Trinity Student B
… Good evening, Sensei.
… Good evening, girls.
Only then did I remember that I was still in Trinity.
To cover up my move, I hurriedly tucked the feather into my sleeves.
… But even I felt that this kind of conspicuous act was too pointless as well.
You two…
Trinity Student A
(Quickly walked away, pretending not to hear)
Trinity Student B
(Followed up closely)
I sighed helplessly.
Anyway, since it’s already happened, there’s no point thinking about it anymore.
I'd better hurry up and head back to SCHALE.
Thinking of that, I quickened my pace as I walked out of Trinity’s gate.
At the same time, somewhere in Trinity…
Trinity Student A
… You see it, right?
Trinity Student B
… Right.
That Sensei… he was really holding a feather.
Trinity Student A
And judging from how upright it was…
This feather has been taken off for just a few hours…
Maybe it was just taken off right there, maybe…
Trinity Student B
… Sensei… came here today at Nagisa-sama’s invitation, right?
And for the entire afternoon, he only stayed with Nagisa-sama…
That means…
Trinity Student A
It seems to be it…
Trinity Student B
Sensei… he was indeed holding…
Trinity Student A
(Speaking in unison) Nagisa-sama's feather?!