After a hearty lunch, most of the plates before the four of them were empty.
The satisfaction of a good meal had somewhat eased the tension left by their earlier analysis of the information.
No one spoke first. They simply enjoyed the brief afterglow in silence.
But before long, the conversation returned to business.
"So," Chisato Nishikigi said, wiping her mouth with a napkin. Her red eyes sparkled as she leaned forward.
"That guy called Kiyotaka Ayanokouji is almost certainly the 'Supreme Masterpiece' we're looking for, right?"
"For now, all we can say is that he's the most suspicious candidate, and the one with the greatest potential."
Walnut closed her laptop, though her fingers remained habitually poised along its edge. She added rigorously,
"Even if he ultimately turns out not to be that specific 'masterpiece,' his past has clearly been erased with such care that the story behind it and the forces involved are definitely worth investigating. If we keep digging, we're bound to uncover something unexpected."
Walnut said.
Mazumi Mami nodded and summed up, "Then, Walnut, your main task is to keep using your technical skills to dig into everything about Sakayanagi Arisu and Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, build more detailed profiles, and try to follow up on any leads that might be connected."
"Understood, young master. Leave it to me."
Walnut agreed, putting her computer away again.
"What about our tasks, young master?"
Chisato Nishikigi immediately raised her hand like an eager student in class, and even threw an arm around Runa Inoue's shoulders.
"Takina and I have been looking forward to this for ages! You can't let Walnut have all the fun!"
Runa Inoue stiffened slightly when Chisato put an arm around her, but anticipation also showed in her purple eyes. She gently slipped out from under Chisato's arm and said seriously, "Chisato's a little too boisterous in how she puts it, but young master, we also want to do something concrete to help you."
"Don't worry. How could I forget about you?"
Mazumi Mami smiled and looked over the three girls, each with her own distinct personality.
"Walnut's information gathering is certainly important, but we're already inside the 'battlefield.' Online intelligence is static and delayed; it can't fully reflect what's happening now or the subtle changes taking place."
"We need to pair it with on-site investigation. We have to see with our own eyes, listen with our own ears, and even sense things for ourselves. That's how we'll get the freshest, most up-to-date information and cross-check it against Walnut's analysis."
Mazumi Mami said.
"Good point!"
Chisato's eyes lit up even more. "So how should we divide things up?"
Mazumi Mami considered it briefly, recalling what their homeroom teacher, Majima Tomoya, had said that morning.
"Before Majima-sensei left, he specifically told us to get familiar with the campus today, try spending points, and talk to the upperclassmen... I don't think that was just polite small talk. It felt more like a subtle hint or nudge."
He quickly made his decision.
"Here's the plan. Chisato, you're outgoing and good with people. Your job is to approach the second- and third-year girls, asking them about campus life and club activities or just chatting. Try to get information from them as naturally as possible."
"Focus on learning about this school's 'traditions' over the years, the 'ecosystems' between different classes, and the unwritten 'rules' or 'unspoken rules.' Pay particular attention to tips and hidden features related to spending 'Personal Points.'"
Mazumi Mami said.
"Leave it to me!"
Chisato thumped her chest, full of confidence. "I'm great at gathering information!"
"Takina," Mazumi Mami said, turning to the purple-eyed girl.
"You're meticulous and observant. I need you to systematically examine every place on campus that requires 'Personal Points' to use—not just the cafeteria and shops, but also the fees for using different facilities, the prices of special services, and so on."
"Record the pricing system and spending patterns. Keep an eye out for anything unusually expensive, or special items and privileges that can only be obtained with points. Try to figure out the logic behind this point-based economy and how it might be used to control people."
"Yes, young master."
Runa Inoue nodded at once, her gaze growing sharp and focused. "I'll record every detail and try to draw up a preliminary 'Personal Points spending map.'"
"As for me..."
Mazumi Mami picked up his cane and stood.
"I'll take a look around the classroom buildings. Maybe I'll 'run into' some teachers or staff and try asking them a few polite questions. Sometimes you can pick up important information from a manager's casual remarks."
Mazumi Mami said.
"Understood!"
The three girls answered in unison, all looking eager to get started.
Though their tasks differed, they felt energized and excited to be contributing to their "young master's" mission.
"Then let's get moving. Keep in touch, stay safe, and don't forget to maintain the everyday image of 'Mazumi Mami and his maids.'"
Mazumi Mami gave them one last reminder.
"Yes!"
The three answered again, quickly gathered their belongings, and left the private room.
Mazumi Mami waited a little longer. Only after they had gone did he pick up his cane and leave the restaurant at an unhurried pace, heading toward the classroom buildings.
As expected, the first-year classroom buildings were quiet.
The corridors were empty, and most of the classroom doors on either side were shut. Through the windows, he could see rows of neatly arranged desks and chairs.
The first-year teachers' office was locked, too. The teachers had either gone to take care of opening-day business or taken advantage of the half-day holiday to rest.
"Just as I thought. The new students are either exploring the campus or have already gone back to their dorms. No one's staying here."
Mazumi Mami looked around, understanding the situation.
"If I want to meet staff who might know what's going on, or observe how the school normally operates, I'll have to go upstairs."
His gaze fell on the stairs leading to the second and third-year floors.
"Though this red-and-green tracksuit uniform is truly an eyesore..."
He glanced down at the red jacket and green pants, silently complaining to himself.
"But the one advantage is that all the boys at this school wear exactly the same thing, with no year markings. As long as I don't run into anyone I know, I won't look too out of place going up there."
With that, he stopped hesitating and climbed the stairs to the upper-year floors, leaning on the cane with its hidden secret.
His footsteps echoed through the empty stairwell. He deliberately kept his presence and aura subdued, like a genuinely unwell new student simply wandering around to look at the place, and slowly made his way upstairs.
He didn't know what he would find up there. It might be an ordinary teacher, a curious upperclassman, or... a lead that brought him closer to the school's deepest secrets.
But whatever awaited him, taking the initiative to investigate was better than waiting passively.
His campus investigation had officially begun.