There are beings in this school that even Thousand Feather Sister fears?

Just thinking that made me worry about my mission: What do I do now...

Though Thousand Feather Sister didn’t deliberately show anything, that unease she couldn’t fully hide naturally surfaced.

"Un... understood. You be careful too, Thousand Feather Sister," I murmured softly, my voice fading until only I knew the last words.

But when Thousand Feather Sister heard me, her expression froze for a moment. Then, like a windflower hidden in a valley finally greeting the long-awaited sunrise, she burst with boundless vitality. That unique, heartfelt smile—I knew I’d never forget it.

"Mm."

Had she heard my last whisper?

"..." Now I felt awkward, unsure how to face Thousand Feather Sister like this.

I turned my head away, pulled the cat lying nearby into my arms, and started nuzzling it.

"Mmm... Meow~"

Thousand Feather Sister watched my silly act, sighed lightly, and patted my calf to signal I should get up.

I shifted discontentedly against the wall, not wanting her to interrupt my cuddle with the cat.

"Sigh, you," she said, standing to leave. Just as I thought I’d won, she paused at the door. "Oh, right—check the time. Freshmen must be in class before 9 AM." Then she left.

"9... before 9 AM?!"

What time was it now?

My body stiffened. I dropped the cat, stared at the wall clock, froze at the time, then jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom.

8:20 already! Aaaah! I’m going to be late!!!

...

"Now you know you were wrong, Fog?" Thousand Feather Sister placed a fragrant fried egg on my plate. She walked behind me, combed my messy hair strand by strand, and tied it with a pink hairband.

My troublesome long hair always obediently became a simple, pretty ponytail under her hands. It bounced on my shoulders with my movements, like a lively sprite following me.

"Mm QAQ, I’ll definitely check the time next time, Thousand Feather Sister... I was wrong (つд⊂)." I ate the jam-covered bread shyly, enjoying her help.

Luckily, Thousand Feather Sister had already made breakfast. I just needed to tidy myself quickly.

She even handled my hair, saving me precious time.

After all this, only ten minutes had passed. I still had time to enjoy my happy breakfast.

Oh, and judging by these fried eggs, Thousand Feather Sister’s cooking skills are amazing. I really hope she’ll make dinner for me someday.

But this all... looks like a warm family drama, huh? 0.0

"You shouldn’t do intense exercise today, Fog," she said as the wooden comb glided over my scalp. "The contract last night strained your body heavily." The pressure was perfect—relaxing, not too heavy or light.

"Hey, Thousand Feather Sister, why are you the Student Council president here?" The tingling sensation spread through me, comfortingly speeding up my magic flow.

"Does Fog want to know...? It’s a secret. I can’t tell you yet." She moved to another spot and continued combing.

I finished the last bite of bread, clapped crumbs onto the table, wrapped them in a damp tissue, and threw it away.

Seeing I was done, Thousand Feather Sister put down the comb and cleared the plates.

I’d already changed into my freshman uniform: white shirt, black plaid skirt, and thigh-high socks.

Mm, my school outfit was ready. Next was—

"What next?" Thousand Feather Sister approached. "Could it be that Fog wants to wear that collar to class? I have no objections."

"Eh?! N-no way! Please help me, Thousand Feather Sister! I don’t want to wear it in public!" I darted to her side, eyes sparkling hopefully, wishing she’d remove the embarrassing collar.

"Removing it is impossible. But I can hide it temporarily. And Fog, you must agree to one condition." The senior smiled unseen above me, a meaningful grin fixed on me.

Hmm, one condition? What could it be? It felt weird, but since it’s from Thousand Feather Sister, it shouldn’t be too extreme...

Probably.