Wayland bowed slightly to Taiga Fujimura and returned to his seat.
"Alright, that's the introductions over with. Issei, after class, take him to get his uniform and go over the school rules."
"Sensei, isn't that technically your job?" Issei Ryuudou pointed out dryly.
"You're the Student Council President, aren't you?"
Taiga didn't give him a chance to argue further. "Alright, class is starting. Everyone, be good and stay quiet."
It was an English lesson.
As Wayland flipped through his textbook, he couldn't help but reflect on how the subject that had once been his greatest struggle in high school now felt completely natural. Even Taiga's chaotic teaching style was easy to follow.
Near the end of the period, Taiga's expression grew uncharacteristically solemn. "There have been several incidents in Fuyuki recently. The school has issued a new regulation: everyone must leave the campus by six o'clock."
"Sensei, six o'clock is way too early! Can the sports clubs get an exemption?" someone called out.
"No, there's no room for negotiation on this one."
Taiga shook her head firmly. "The school is doing this for your own safety. Alright, I'll see you all next period."
In Japan, club activities were a massive part of school life, generally falling into two categories: cultural and athletic.
While the cultural clubs were relatively relaxed, the athletic clubs were intense, with members spending nearly all their free time at the school.
Many of these clubs had significant influence, especially the baseball team, given the nation's obsession with the Koshien tournament.
"Fujimaru-san."
Issei's voice snapped Wayland out of his thoughts. He stood up. "Coming."
"Emiya, want to come with us?" Issei turned to Shirou Emiya.
"I'll pass. Didn't you say the heater in the art room was acting up? I'll go and have a look at it."
"Ah, sorry about that, Emiya. The budget for the cultural clubs is so small... as President, my hands are tied."
"It's fine." Shirou replied, his expression genuinely devoid of any resentment.
"I really appreciate it."
Issei and Shirou parted ways at the classroom door, and Issei led Wayland toward the Student Council office.
"Fujimaru-san, what's your height and weight?"
"172 centimeters, 59 kilograms."
"Let me see... we should have several new uniforms in stock. Ah, found it."
Isse pulled out two sets of uniforms. "This size should be about right."
"Thank you, President."
"Homurahara Academy doesn't have many rules."
Issei began his briefing. "The basic ones are: wear your uniform, no running in the hallways, no fighting, no bullying, and no being late. Classes start at eight in the morning and end at four in the afternoon. That's about it. Do you have any questions?"
Wayland tried on the jacket; it was a perfect fit. "I'm actually interested in the clubs. Do you have any recommendations?"
"Joining a club is an excellent way to integrate into the school. What kind of club are you looking for? I should warn you that athletic clubs will take up a lot of your after-school time. Cultural clubs are more relaxed; Tea Ceremony and English are quite popular. Since you've just come back from abroad, you'd be a natural fit for the English club."
"Actually... I was thinking of the Archery club."
"Archery?"
Issei looked surprised. "Is Archery popular abroad?"
"No, it's just a personal interest. I've always thought it looked cool... you know, like the priestess Kikyo."
"I see. So Fujimaru-san is a fan of anime, then."
Issei thought for a moment. "Emiya used to be the star of the Archery club, and Fujimura-sensei is the advisor. Either of them could help you out."
"Great. I'll ask Emiya if he wants to head home together after school and talk to him about it then."
"That's a good idea. You both live in Miyama, so it's the same way back. Although, if he's fixing the heater, he might be a while."
"It's fine. I don't know my way around yet, so I'll wait for him. Besides, Emiya seems like a very reliable person to talk to."
"You're not wrong about that."
Issei sighed, a touch of admiration in his voice. "That guy is a 'good person' who simply doesn't know how to say no."
***
The Night-Blooming Cereus
Wayland changed into his uniform, stowed his casual clothes in his bag, and returned to class for the rest of the day.
High school in Japan was remarkably similar to his previous life.
Japanese, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Physical Education...
The experience was both familiar and strange.
Lunch breaks were surprisingly short,only forty minutes.
Wayland took the bento his grandmother had prepared and headed up to the school rooftop.
"Eresh-chan, do you want some?"
He turned to Ereshkigal as she materialized beside him.
"No, thank you. Servants don't need food for energy; we're sustained by our Master's prana."
"I should have thought of that. I probably should have arranged a student identity for you, too."
"No, no, no." Ereshkigal sat down beside him, shaking her head. "I don't know the first thing about any of this. I'd just mess it up."
"Doesn't the Holy Grail provide you with basic knowledge?"
"It doesn't provide knowledge for 'cheaters'."
Ereshkigal tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "After all, it wasn't exactly 'willing' to summon me in the first place."
[Translated and Rewritten by Shika_Kagura]