So began the hunt for the vandal with Fellow Stalking Horse, but the culprit won't show themselves. They don't do it every day, so we clean up other desks when that happens. A clean desk was rumored to be good luck now in Wakaba-chan's class.

I learned from Fuyuko-sama, who enjoyed this sort of story, happy comments like 'I got a good grade on a pop quiz' "Things are going well with the person I like" "I gained extra income" etc. etc.

"There must be a zashiki warashi (mischievous monster) in that class."

Today's snack in the Salon is a Florentine biscuit. The almond caramel is so delicious. While I enjoyed the sweet snacks, the occult-loving Fuyuko-sama was excited about the news of the strange in Zuiran. But a zashiki warashi?

Fellow Stalking Horse, we've been metamorphosed into zashiki warashi… Considering the whatever board and the blessing of Artemis, I would have though Fuyuko-sama would imagine the elves in the shoe shop rather than zashiki warashi. I asked, and she replied, "I've awaken to Japan recently. We went to have the Japanese sweets recently. If was so fun, that I became interested in Japan and the eastern cultures."

"Ah." To go from Japanese culture to the Japanese occult, that's Fuyuko-sama.

After that she started talking about feng sui in the school like the demon gate and the unlucky quarter. Stop, come back…

"I'm thinking about redoing my room according to feng sui."

Huh? You'll go that far for some superstition? It's too much trouble to not be able to arrange things as you feel like. I'd take utility over superstition.

"Would that not be restrictive?"

"Nothing major. I'm only changing the location of the mirror and where some small articles are placed. Also, placing lucky colors according to the direction."

"Like yellow in the west."

"That's for financial luck. Yes, that's right! Placing yellow flowers to the west, and using yellow or gold wallets are supposed to increase financial luck."

"Putting yellow flowers aside, I loathe the use a gold wallet." No matter how much I want more money, using something so gaudy is, ahahah.

"Fufufu. Well, Reika-sama wouldn't be interested in financial luck. The color is important in feng sui. Red is for fire, so they aren't to be used in the kitchen or as a wallet. Also…"

"What!? Red wallets are bad?!" Mine is wild red!

"Yes. Red wallets burn through the cash. Blue wallets also wash away money, so they're also not good."

I didn't know that. Is that why I can't save any money?! No, it's only a superstition…

"Sounds like trouble. Red bad, blue bad, it's so limiting. Does that really mean limit wallets to yellow or gold?"

"No, pink and black are supposed to be good. And pink is supposed to raise your luck in love."

"Oh, really?" Yeah, it's not like all rich people use yellow wallets. Uh-huh.

"And I'm interested in zazen (meditation)."

"Zazen?"

"Yes, I think of zazen when I think of spiritual training, so I wanted to experience it once."

Zazen… Sakura-chan took me once. "I've done zazen, previously."

"Oh, really!?" She sounded excited. "So how was it? Did you reach enlightenment? The truths of the universe?"

"Eh? No, I only did it once…" Her old fashioned face closed in, and scary…

"I guess not," sounding disappointed. "But did you know, Reika-sama? The zen master Ikkyu was said to have achieved enlightenment by hearing a crow crow at night. So you may achieve enlightenment from some chance occurrence."

Yes, Fuyuko-sama. I'm not trying to reach enlightenment. Fuyuko-sama is really envious of my experience, though. She's not sure which temple or dojo she should use. That's true. She finally cut ties with that Ryulaya-sama. She'd better not get stuck with another suspicious bunch.

"I'm to meet the friend who introduced me to the Zen temple. I could ask her if you wish."

"Really, Reika-sama? Please do so!"

Sakura-chan's temple should be legitimate, so Fuyuko-sama should be all right. I told her that the copying of sutras were done at that temple, also, and she was even more delighted. Glad you're thrilled.

"Kaburagi-sama, Enjou-sama, are you already leaving?"

I turned to look, and they were getting up.

"Yeah, take care of things here."

Kaburagi and the smiling Enjou leave with their hand slightly raised to the "Gokigen yoh" and "Please take care" from the other members as they head to the door. And he motions with his chin as he passes by me, I think…

A few minutes later, my phone vibrates as it receives a message…

"…I should get to the handicrafts club."

"Then, I'll be heading home," replies Fuyuko-sama, and we say our goodbyes to the remaining members and head out. Fuyuko-sama to the exit, and I to the handicrafts club. And then I turn around and head to the small meeting room and knock.

"You're here. Sit."

After Enjou opened the door, I found Kaburagi reclining in his seat acting self-important. I hate myself for getting used to his pompous attitude…

I sit down as commanded, and Kaburagi started to talk. "I need to talk about Takamichi."

"Of course." What else is there?

"…Takamichi is being harassed," he declared seriously. "Did you know?"

"Well, somewhat…" I was made a suspect a few months ago. Of course I know.

"Do you have any suspects?"

If I did, I wouldn't be up early every morning with Fellow Stalking Horse. The other day, Wakaba-chan's locker in the girls' dressing room had magic marker graffiti, so it's probably a girl. Of course, boys are also jealous of her grades, so there may be more than one culprit. Hmm…

"Nothing concrete, but there are a number of students who dislike Takamichi-san."

Kaburagi smacked his lips.

"So what is it all of a sudden?"

"What do you mean?"

"For you to say this now. Takamichi-san has had problems since she entered school. I'm surprised at how Kaburagi-sama is making this a problem at this moment."

Kaburagi's snorted as he frowned. You're being rude again.

"That's because he saw somebody throw trash at Takamichi-san today," answered Enjou.
I see…"So, did you catch him?"

"No, he got away when I called out. I thought about chasing, but Takamichi stopped me."

"We were walking outside. He threw from the second floor window, and quickly hid, so we didn't see his face. But there seemed to be a group of them."

"I see…" How childish for high school students to throw trash at somebody they don't like.

"She laughed it off saying a crumpled piece of paper didn't hurt."

"That's not the issue." As he says. "Anyway, I can't stand by and watch this any longer." Kaburagi hammered the table with his fist… I have a bad feeling… "So, I will hunt down the leader of those who harass Takamichi."

UGH! Déjà vu!

"Shuusuke, Kisshouin. Both of you help me find him."

No, no, no, no. Not possible, impossible. I'm already helping Fellow Stalking Horse!

If they find out that I'm helping the student council president secretly, my place in the Pivoine! And how will Kaburagi react!? That a subordinate was working with the enemy? That's frightening even to imagine!

"By leader, do you mean the one who threw trash at her?"

"No, anyone who takes malicious action against Takamichi."

"… Just for reference, what do you intend to do with them?"

"Obviously, have them apologize to Takamichi for their crimes."

Ugh… What an idiot. "That may be counterproductive. If Kaburagi-sama directly criticizes, the harassment on the surface may dwindle, but animosity against Takamichi-san would likely increase. Other girls may feel resentment at having a boy defend her so openly.

"…" Oh, an obviously dissatisfied look! But I can't give in. For my own safety!

"I agree with Kisshouin-san." Help from an unexpected source. "The girls are jealous of Takamichi-san over Masaya, so if you publicly move to protect her, you'll make things worse." Good job, Enjou! "And she has others like Mizusaki to help her, so there's no need to worry so much." Kaburagi's eyebrows twitched at Fellow Stalking Horse's name.

"Besides, would you include all who insult Takamichi-san or talk behind her back when you speak of those taking malicious actions against her? It's unfortunate, but with the entrance exams this year, there are quite a few who deride her, envious of her grades. Would you include them all?"

"…" Kaburagi looks increasingly frustrated with his arms crossed… I understand how he wants to help the one he loves, and I respect that, but…

"…I heard that Takamichi's desk was being vandalized."

"!" He knew! I was cleaning everything before anyone got in, so I didn't think he'd notice. This is bad.

"Putting the insults aside, that should be dealt with." Dealt with? You mean find the culprit? The three of us? In Wakaba-chan's class? But I'm giving the blessing of good luck every morning with Fellow zashiki warashi!? I've gone past a cold sweat, and perspiring grease. Grease catcher!

"I heard that, too." Hey! Weren't you on my side!? This is bad. I'm fleeing, so good luck, Fellow zashiki warashi. Don't rat me out! "It was right after midterms. I heard it stopped happening, though."

"Really?"

"Yes. So it's probably hard to find out who that was. There's no need to poke around if they've gone silent." Kaburagi looks convinced! Good job, Enjou! "Also, what does she think about all this? There's no point in having some outsiders debating. Just ask her. If she wants Masaya to help." To Wakaba-chan directly? "Masaya even shrewdly got his next date when she got hit by the trash. Like how about going to the movies to feel better." That is shrewd!

"Don't say shrewd," Kaburagi pouted.

"So? What are you seeing?"

"Haven't decided." Kaburagi pulled out a magazine and began looking at current movies. But we're no longer looking for the vandal?

The immediate danger was gone, and I leaned back in my chair relieved. Phew.

"Isn't this good? The spy movie."

"Hmm, spy movie."

"A suspense thiller about a double agent." Enjou read the sysnopsis, and asked, "Kisshouin-san, do you like spy movies?"

"About average." I don't like or dislike. Spying seems personal to me right now, though. And a double agent. I can empathize… I'd like that double agent to have a happy ending.

Enjou nodded saying, "I see. But double agents always end badly. If they're find out, they'll be cut off by their allies, and the enemies will brand them as traitors, and be finished."

Huh…?

"They'll end up on the bottom of the sea or in some mountain. Either way, there's no point in being a double agent."

Isn't that right, Kisshouin-san, smiles Enjou…