Editing Maria-sama ga Miteru:Volume9 Chapter9 6 (section)

===<noinclude>Behind the Scenes of The Maria Ceremony Inquisition. </noinclude>Part 6.===

"What, it's over already?"

As they exited the chapel, they ran into Satou Sei-sama.

"What's over?"

Sachiko-sama, Rei-sama, Yoshino-san and Yumi all asked in unison.

"Something happened, right? A momentous occasion for Shimako."

"An occasion?"

That seemed a bit wrong.

"I hurried over as soon as my classes finished, but it doesn't look like I made it in time."

Even though she'd said something about not relying on her after she'd graduated. Perhaps that meant she hadn't completely cut off all contact, since she got worried and came to check on the situation herself. And even though no-one had talked to her about it, she'd managed to sniff it out on her own.

"Were you worried?"

"Well, yeah. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. But looking at your faces, I imagine it was a success."

"Thanks to you."

Sachiko-sama said without a trace of irony. But since Sei-sama didn't actually do anything, or rather couldn't do anything, she simply looked conflicted and smiled.

"Ah right. If you'd like, why don't we all go somewhere? My treat."

Sei-sama proposed, after sneaking a look inside the chapel and seeing Shimako-san and Noriko-chan happily cleaning.

"Thanks for the offer, but Yoshino and I have a prior engagement."

Rei-sama and Yoshino-san had their monthly "Hasekura and Shimazu family dinner" tonight. 

"Well, that's a shame. So, how about the Red Roses?"

A glance. This time their eyes met. Adding Sei-sama might make it more lively and fun, but Yumi felt like spending some time alone with Sachiko-sama.

"We'll excuse ourselves as well. Sorry, but Yumi and I have to plan what we're going to do on our day off."

Sachiko-sama politely declined Sei-sama's offer without consulting Yumi. Since they hadn't previously arranged to plan their day off, Yumi perked up a bit because she interpreted this as Sachiko-sama also wanting to spend some time alone with her too.

Sei-sama whistled.

"So lonely. I've been dumped by my juniors. I wonder if my classmates will console me. Ah, Yamada-chan. I guess I will be joining you after all."

Sei-sama called out to a group leaving the university grounds, then took off running, saying, "See you later."

"She seems to be quite popular."

"Yeah."

"Even though she said she was lonely."

Well, that's how she was. Everyone seemed to understand and nodded.

"Rei and Yoshino-chan, are your bags in the classroom? If so, you can head home now."

Sachiko-sama asked when they arrived at the entrance, taking possession of the medallion boxes that Yoshino-san had been holding.

"Since Yumi and I left our bags in the Rose Mansion."

"Ah, you're planning your day off together? Sounds nice, Yumi-chan."

"Ah, yes … "

She agreed with Rei-sama noncommitally, then recovered the cardboard box that she'd accidentally let slip down a bit. "Planning their day off" had just been an excuse for Sachiko-sama to refuse Sei-sama's invitation, but since Sachiko-sama had kept on walking with an unconcerned look on her face, Yumi didn't know what they were really going to do.

"Please wait up, onee-sama."

When they arrived in front of the Rose Mansion, Sachiko-sama came to a complete stop and asked Yumi:

"Is there anything that you want?"

"Huh?"

She suddenly asked, completely out of the blue.

"It'll have to be for White Day and your birthday combined, however. I'll buy you something as a present."

"Huh!?"

Opening a surprising treasure chest.

"I've been putting it off for all kinds of reasons. But it's been bothering me."

Sachiko-sama looked incredibly lovely as she awkwardly mumbled.

"Ah, well. How about another half-day date then?"

Yumi proposed, jumping on board the lie about planning their next day off.

"That sounds nice. Is there anywhere you want to go?"

"… The amusement park."

Although having the date at an amusement park might have been a twist. But since she'd been asked, she thought she might as well go for it. She wasn't just saying it. She really wanted to go.

Hearing this, Sachiko-sama thought for a little while before answering.

"I'm not going on the roller coaster."

Despite adding a condition, she had unmistakeably given the go-ahead.

The cherry blossoms were no longer blooming anywhere.