"I only laid out two paths in front of her. Which one she takes is her decision. Besides, it's still too early to talk about any of this."
Kazehara Tetsu looked away. "The results won't be announced until tomorrow. What Class C will choose, how this exam will ultimately turn out-until then, it's all speculation. Anyway... let's just keep working at it for now. With plans, you pick a direction, then move forward one step at a time. Think too far ahead, and you can end up tying yourself in knots."
Watching him act as though none of this had anything to do with him, Sakayanagi Arisu couldn't help letting out a soft laugh.
"You really are..."
She shook her head without finishing, but the amusement never left her eyes.
"What are you thinking about?" Kazehara Tetsu noticed that she kept watching him.
"I was thinking..."
Sakayanagi Arisu looked away and turned back toward the view below, leaning on her cane. "I think I'm starting to understand why so many people are willing to get swept up in that 'pie-in-the-sky' plan of yours."
"Why?"
"Because even someone like me, who has always trusted nothing but her own calculations... sometimes wants to see what lies at the end of the road you're taking."
Kazehara Tetsu paused, then smiled.
"Then keep your eyes open. You might actually get to see something."
"All right. I look forward to it."
"..."
"You must be hungry after spending all morning on the exam."
"Would you like to have lunch together?"
"I know a newly opened restaurant. It's fairly quiet. Think of it as... a celebration of those nicely drawn marks of yours today."
"Sure. Sorry for the trouble, but please lead the way."
"Of course."
Sakayanagi Arisu answered with satisfaction and, leaning on her cane,