I became a heart-stealing thief in Azure Files

Chapter Twenty-Two: The 'Grey Cardinal' of the Crimson Winter Federation

Cossack hat, fur coat, black tights.

Winter clothes that are thick yet still elegant.

On the platform covered with a light layer of snow, a pink-haired girl wearing the badge of the Red Winter Federation Academy stood tall and paid her respects.

"Sensei..."

Her gaze shifted to Arius's squad, who were scanning their surroundings with a curious, but more observant, look at the terrain, her gentle tone unchanged.

"...And also, the members of Arios's squad, who are now under the command of Sharai."

"On behalf of the Red Winter Federation Academy, I extend my heartfelt welcome to your visit."

Holding onto the car door and bending slightly to resist the chill that rushed towards her, Amamiya was slightly amazed.

The environment and climate of Kiwatos... were, in general, not much different from his understanding of the 'world'.

But there are still some differences.

It was early July... and the Red Winter Federation Academy was still a tranquil scene covered with snow-covered mountains and fields.

The description of "a thousand miles of ice, ten thousand miles of snow" is not an exaggeration at all when used here.

It's still snowing in July... How cold must it be in winter?

Amamiya was truly a bit unimaginable.

"Please come with me."

"President Cerino has been waiting for Sensei's arrival for a long time."

"This way, please..."

After exchanging brief glances with the Arius squad members who were 'admiring the snowscape' around them, Amamiya led the way and stepped onto what was the 'northern tundra' for Giwatos.

Without the 'protection' of the carriage, the vast and beautiful white landscape actually exacerbated the 'danger' emanating from it.

With each step they took, the crunching sound of their footsteps on the snow continued unabated as they moved forward.

'It's quite special to hear such interesting footsteps in the snow in July...'

"Red Winter Federal Academy... seems like a really good place to escape the summer heat?"

【~???~】(巴)

Ba, who was leading the way, walked at a slightly slower pace.

"Sensei...do you really like snowy scenery?"

"It's more accurate to say that I like the coolness I can feel even in summer."

"This truly proves the saying, 'On a sunny day, the red-clad beauties and white-clad figures are exceptionally enchanting.'"

As she watched her breath turn into a white mist due to the temperature difference, Yu Gongyou sighed with emotion.

"Snow scene... I never thought I would be able to witness such a snow scene in person."

【~???~】(巴)

"Ha ha……"

The pink-haired girl, who deliberately paused to give herself enough space to admire the scenery, chuckled softly: "For our Red Winter Federation Academy, this kind of 'snow scene' is quite common."

"And this isn't even the full picture of the 'snow scene'..."

"If Sensei likes... the tranquil atmosphere when it snows, you can come here in winter too."

"However... for most students outside the Red Winter Federation, the most suitable scenery is still the 'clear and shallow' snow scene in summer."

"Both have their advantages and disadvantages..."

"However, the scenery is indeed completely different."

After speaking, the girl, who had paused for a moment, set off again.

Amamiya coughed lightly and followed.

I originally wanted to see the snow-covered coniferous forests in the distance, which had a particularly 'unique style', but...

A little dawdling can be excused as pausing to admire the scenery... but dawdling back and forth like this is truly captivating.

Following half a step behind Tomoe, maintaining a distance from her, Amamiya used her "third eye" to sized her up.

Judging from the current negotiation style, the other party seems to be a 'gentle older sister type'.

Analyzing personality solely based on appearance...

Gentle and virtuous, sociable, elegant and graceful...

With a height of about 165 cm and a well-proportioned figure that is neither too muscular nor too thin... even though she was wearing winter clothes, Amamiya was certain that a cheongsam would be more suitable for her than heavy winter coats.

[Assisted by: Zojoba/The Grey Cardinal of the Permafrost]

【Arcana: Empress (Императрица)】

[Assistance Relationship: Not Unlocked]

Ok……

All I can say is that before you truly understand a person, never make hasty judgments about their character based on superficial appearances.

Similar to Ako beside Hina... but the tarot cards she holds are completely different from those of Ako, the "Hanger".

Ako's title is "The 'Resentful Loyal Dog' of the Demon King's Castle," a title that clearly refers to 'loyalty'.

And what about Ba in front of us?

While there might be an element of 'loyalty' involved, but...

The term 'Grey Cardinal'... its connotation is far too clear.

'A shadow ruler...?'

Furthermore, the Tarot card "Empress" has a very different meaning from "The Hanged Man," which symbolizes sacrifice and dedication.

Just think about Haru Okumura, who also holds this card...

On the surface, she is the 'young lady of the Okumura Group,' gentle and lovely to me, yet noble in crucial moments.

But actually?

She has exceptional action-oriented abilities, and when confessing her feelings, she frankly stated that "joining the Phantom Thieves was for myself." Her combat weapons include a battle axe and a grenade launcher, and her Persona "Milady" is the Gunfire Queen, whose attack style is simple and brutal.

It's true... you can't judge a book by its cover.

As he pondered, Amamiya's vision suddenly cleared.

After trekking through the snow for a short while, the magnificent buildings standing tall amidst the snow broke the tranquility and monotony of the natural snowscape.

"The Red Winter Federation Academy is just ahead."

Ba, who was leading the way, slowed down again: "Sensei... and everyone in Arios's team, do you have any more questions?"

Saori and her group all shook their heads.

They came here to escape the heat... and also to experience, with Sensei, an exotic snowscape that they probably would never have been able to experience without this promise.

To put it bluntly, they're just here for 'tourism'... Due to their stance, they don't care about any of the problems within the academy.

After a moment of unanimous agreement, Saori gave a brief reply: "We are Sensei's 'guards,' and we act together with Sensei."

The implication is that there's no need to negotiate with me.

Misaki tugged at the fluffy scarf around her neck and nodded in agreement.

Hiyori hesitated for a moment before shaking her head.

The situation of Arios's squad becoming increasingly quiet was only alleviated when they reached Azuko's side.

Sensing the atmosphere might be too tense, the light purple-haired girl, her cheeks slightly flushed from the cold, reached out and softly asked, "I'd like to know about the 'Ivan Kupala Festival'."

"Um……"

Ba hesitated for a moment.

Originally, this information was supposed to be mentioned during President Cerino's presentation...

However, since visitors are curious, it's necessary to explain beforehand.

“Every year when the snow begins to melt and new green shoots begin to sprout… the Red Winter Federation Academy holds this ‘Summer Solstice Festival’.”

"This festival is a traditional festival passed down from ancient times at the Red Winter Federation Academy... To put it in comparison, it's like the 'Spring Festival' in the region of the Classic of Mountains and Seas..."

"Of course, as far as the festival is concerned... it's not as grand as the Spring Festival... ah."

Seemingly on a whim, Ba found a good comparison: "It's less like the Spring Festival... and more like the Water Splashing Festival."

"Of course, even if it's described like this... it would be very difficult for people to understand just by words."

With a light laugh, Ba led the group into the school gate.

"Instead of me talking on and on... I'd rather give you all the extra time to experience it for yourselves."

As soon as Amamiya entered the academy, he heard the sound of flags fluttering in the cold wind.

The vast Red Winter Federation Academy's plaza, in terms of its 'magnificence,' is almost comparable to that of Trinity College's plaza.

However, despite its vast area, the luxury of the Red Winter Federation Academy is not as great as that of Trinity College Square.

Snow had also accumulated in the college square, but snowplows had already cleared several main roads. The remaining neat slabs of snow were spotless, warm and clean under the sunlight, making one want to lie down and roll around in them.

Amamiya surmised that this was very likely a 'vanity project' deliberately put on by the Red Winter Federation Academy to celebrate his arrival.

After all... even if it snows, where is there a huge academy square where the snow is so clean that there isn't a single footprint?

"The reception room that President Cerino specially reserved... is over there."

Tomoe pointed in a direction, and Amamiya followed the direction, only to see something even more unbelievable.

A statue that is about ten meters tall...

Cossack hat, winter clothes, and a fake beard...

Elementary school student... bronze statue?

Noticing that Amamiya and Arius's team were all staring at the bronze statue, Baron paused for a moment before realizing what he should do.

She paused for a moment, then introduced, "That's the bronze statue of President Cerino."

"It is placed there to commemorate the greatness of President Cerino."

Saori: "..."

'It feels even more absurd than what Beatrice did…'

Misaki: (Sighs)

'That's so strange, it makes no sense.'

Hiyori: (Sullen face)

'A strange statue...why did she look upon it with such reverence when she introduced it?'

Azuko: "...Is that so?"

'I guess... I must have run into a weirdo.'

Amamiya's heart sank as well.

'The student council president of the Red Winter Federation Academy...'

"Isn't it too 'abstract'?"

"Since Chairman Cerino specified that only Sensei should participate in the meeting..."

While Amamiya was pondering, Tomoe had already turned around and walked over to Ario's group, beginning to negotiate with Saori.

"Therefore, during this time, please have your accompanying 'guards' wait in the lounge specially prepared for you..."

"Please come with me."

How many steps are needed to speedrun the "Ivan Kupala Festival" in Chapter Twenty-Three?