"'The Lamb Society?'" Chika Fujiwara tilted her head as she read the name Yukinoshita Yukino had written on the blackboard.
Though not particularly religious, Chika had at least a basic understanding of what 'lamb' symbolized in Christian theology. Seeing Yukinoshita write it down, she could roughly grasp the intent behind the name—and found herself momentarily speechless.
"That's right—the Lamb Society." Yukinoshita didn't stop moving her hand. After confirming the name, she moved the chalk toward the line labeled Purpose.
Kei Hara and Chika couldn't see what she was writing because her body blocked their view. But neither of them spoke; neither wanted to interrupt Yukinoshita's train of thought. For a while, the only sound in the classroom was the soft scritch-scratch of chalk against the blackboard.
When she finished, Yukinoshita tossed the chalk with practiced elegance into the tray beside the board, letting it clink satisfyingly. Then she stepped aside and revealed the phrase she had written in large, bold letters:
"Those who enter this door shall abandon all despair."
The lamb held various symbolic meanings across cultures, but within the doctrine of Saint Eden Academy's original founders, it represented a single idea: the Messiah. In simpler terms—the Savior.
"What do you think?" Yukinoshita asked, a faint smile on her lips, clearly satisfied with the choice.
"I think it's good." After a brief pause, Chika gave her vote of approval. "They say 'aim high,' right? If the goal is Student Council President, a slogan with a bit of authority is definitely necessary."
Yukinoshita's gaze then shifted to Kei Hara. He shrugged, silently signaling, As long as you're happy, Second Young Lady.
Messiah or mischievous overlord—it was entirely her choice. Kei Hara only hoped she wouldn't cry about it later.
With the club's name and purpose decided, the most important task for that lunch period was complete.
All that remained was getting the Student Council President to stamp the application form. Once that was done, the classroom would officially belong to the three of them.
Whether she would actually stamp it… Shizuka Hiratsuka had already confidently vouched for her, and none of the three doubted her professional capabilities.
In other words, although the system had shifted from a form of absolute monarchy to a separation of powers, the word exclusive was finally about to mean something.
"Oh, right." Kei Hara suddenly remembered something and addressed the two girls. "Since this classroom will soon be shared by us, I'd like to get your opinions on something—"
"Can I bring some things from home?"
"Huh?" Chika and Yukinoshita exchanged a glance. The latter looked a little puzzled. "Of course you can, but… is this something that really needs such a formal explanation?"
"If it were just a few cushions or a gaming console, I wouldn't bother mentioning it. But the stuff I want to bring might be a little… extensive." Previously, Kei had used the classroom, but unofficially. Making any major adjustments risked being noticed. Now that ownership was about to be official, he no longer needed to worry.
"What exactly are you bringing?" Chika asked curiously.
Kei counted on his fingers. "A computer—absolutely necessary. Beyond that, a synthesizer, and an automatic coffee machine…"
Chika's expression of surprise deepened as she listened. "I know renting in Tokyo is expensive," she said carefully. "If you can't cover rent and need a place to stay, I can offer a temporary spot—no deposit required. You don't have to live in the school…"
"I also have a spare room in my apartment," Yukinoshita added, nodding. "If money's really tight, I could agree to a temporary shared arrangement—on the condition we set some clear rules…"
"Wait a minute," Kei said, amused as he looked at their concerned faces. "How did this conversation suddenly go here? Since when did I say I was going to live in this classroom?"
"You just looked like you were about to move your whole house in…" Yukinoshita said. Chika nodded in agreement beside her.
"The reason I'd be moving so much in is simple—I have it all," Kei said matter-of-factly.
"…Previously, I refrained from looking into it or asking," Chika said, still a little stunned. "Does that mean your family is actually wealthy?"
Yukinoshita hadn't asked outright, but she was clearly listening intently, showing concern.
"Not at all. Forget the Fujiwaras—our family isn't even close to the Yukinoshitas. We're a perfectly ordinary family," Kei said, shaking his head. "But just because my allowance is small doesn't mean I'm broke."
"Then, Kei Hara… do you work part-time?" Chika's voice wavered. "You leave school right after classes to get to work on time?" She covered her mouth in a sudden realization. "So the impatient attitude you showed me before wasn't because you were annoyed with me… it was just because you were tired?"
"No. Not at all," Kei said ruthlessly, shattering her hope. "I was genuinely annoyed at the time."
"Uguuu…" Chika puffed out her cheeks in a cute pout.
"And besides, Saint Eden Academy's rules clearly state that working without Student Council permission is prohibited," Kei pointed toward the window, where the sun glinted off the gilded school crest. "It would damage the school's reputation. If you're caught, you could be required to write a report—or worse, face formal disciplinary action. There's no way I'd risk that."
"Alright, stop speculating. How I come by my money isn't really your concern, is it?" Kei didn't explain the source of his mysterious funds. "So, can I bring my things? It's a lot, but it won't take up much space. Besides, you'll be free to use them too. What do you think?"
"Sure." Yukinoshita, acting as the temporary president of the Lamb Society, suppressed her doubts and gave a firm nod in response to Kei's question.
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