Part 29: Episode 27: Mysteries of St. Pigeonation's

Soon after the festival, all of the students had to take the first midterm exam. I wasn’t sure if I had remembered everything I had learned, but when Mr. Nanaki returned my test with a smile on his face, I knew I had done well.



About a month later, I found myself with no plans during lunch period. I had already eaten, so I decided to take a trip down to the infirmary to see how Yuuya and Dr. Iwamine were doing.




Umm, not exactly…
Then why are you here?

Well, I did come here to see him, so I thought I would flatter Dr. Iwamine a little and see how he responded.
I wanted to hear your voice.
My voice?
Yes! You sound like Snufkin.
Snufkin is a character from Moomin, a Swedish comic series, who was voiced by Shuu’s voice actor, Koyasu Takehito, in the 1969 anime adaptation.
And?
Umm…
Don’t tell me you came here just for that.
Would it be bad if I did?

Sadly, I am busy at present. Please go elsewhere.
Okay…

I got kicked out.
I guess being told I’m interesting is a step in the right direction… or is it?



I decided that since I did so well on my exams, I would keep going to Mr. Nanaki’s math class. I figure it couldn’t hurt.







Tanabata came quickly, and I was excited to make my wish, but I couldn’t think of anything to wish for. I looked at some of the other wishes on the bamboo tree to get some ideas. Yuuya’s seemed very typical, Mr. Nanaki’s was incomprehensible, and Dr. Iwamine’s was adorably clueless. Unfortunately, none of them were able to spark an idea, so I just yelled something crazy instead.
I wish to take the reins of power through clever schemes and rule the world from the shadows!
Afterwards, Mr. Nanaki showed up and asked me if I wanted to walk home with him. Unfortunately, I had other things to do out on the town first, so I had to decline, but it’s nice to see that he cares about his students that much.



The next elective day was no different than the others. I headed to Mr. Nanaki’s class, and got a lecture about how math will help me later in life. He was a little vague, but I think I understand a bit of what he was trying to say.


A couple days later, and I was on classroom cleaning duty.
Unfortunately, Okosan ran out of the class after the bell rang and made a huge mess of the place.

On my way there, I passed by Ryouta. It looked like he had something to tell me.

…
What is it? I’m in a bit of a hurry…

This school even has its own horror stories? Do tell.
Yeah. Well… there’s one that says that sometimes students will disappear in the infirmary only to show up again as food in the dining hall and quill pens in the school store.
Sounds like an urban legend to me.
It does, but… Dr. Iwamine is pretty suspicious. Be careful, okay?
You go to the infirmary a lot, right? Has he ever done anything to you?
No, but… Well, you’re a girl, Goon. I’m a little worried.
That’s true. I’ll be careful.

Ryouta always has been one to overthink things. Anyway, can’t keep Yuuya waiting!



Huh?
I started to greet my fellow staff members as I entered, but I was stopped by what I saw in front of me.
Yuuya and the doctor are talking about something.


You sure look like you woke up on the wrong side of the nest. What are you talking about?
I shouldn’t have to explain. You know exactly what I’m talking about.
I have told you never to touch my desk, haven’t I?
And what makes you think I ever have?

This doesn’t look too good.

Umm…
! There you are, mon amie!

She said she was going to the restroom, so I should go ahead. I only just got here.
In other words, I haven’t had time to go rifling through your stuff, doctor. Right, mon amie?

Just what is going on here?
It sounds like the doctor suspects Yuuya of having searched his desk while he was out…
I came straight from the classroom to here, so Yuuya’s obviously lying.

I couldn’t possibly lie, and especially not to a teacher of any kind.
I don’t even know what’s going on yet. I can’t just lie through my teeth!

No, I was in my classroom until just now. Ryouta was there, too. Yuuya is lying.
…Shit.
Well done, Miss Lourde. I am glad our new assistant is so astute.

…Alone.
I’m sorry, Miss Lourde, but could you leave? This is important.

I got kicked out again.
Yuuya’s face looked pretty bad. Dr. Iwamine praised me, but… What on earth is going on?