Feeling something unusual about Hayami-san’s demeanor, Mina and I quietly followed her to the headmaster’s office.

Hayami knocked, announced herself as per protocol, and entered after hearing “Come in” from inside.

“Principal Takami, what’s this about?”

Though Mina and I had our guesses, I feigned ignorance and asked Principal Takami directly.

“Don’t pretend you don’t know. The Joint Staff Office has made inquiries about the top second-year student of Kohou.”

“I haven’t received any bounty, and for a one-time commendation, I don’t need to apply for a side job, right?”

Citing the internal regulations I just heard from Kotomi, I suggested there shouldn’t be any issue.

“Personnel isn’t concerned about that. However, a special assignment order has been issued for the top second-year student of Kohou.”

“What? An assignment?”

Even if she’s military personnel, what kind of assignment could there be for Mina, a student at Tokumu Konso Academy?

While I pondered this, Principal Takami read aloud from the assignment letter in his hand.

“As of today, Private First Class Kohou is assigned to the Ichigaya Music Corps. She will concurrently hold her position as a student of Tokumu Konso Academy.”

“Music Corps? Concurrently?”

Mina, unable to follow the unexpected turn of events, questioned Principal Takami.

Though it was somewhat disrespectful given her position, Principal Takami didn’t mind and continued.

“It’s natural to be unsettled by the sudden news. First, calm down, and I’ll explain step by step.”

With that, Principal Takami invited Mina and me to the reception sofa.

“First, the beauty contest in which the top second-year student of Kohou participated at the military junior academy festival garnered significant attention both inside and outside the military.”

“There were lots of online videos too.”

The video of a Nordic silver-haired beauty reciting poetry in a kimono apparently became a hit among internet enthusiasts.

“Her identity was quickly discovered. Various entertainment agencies have approached both the academy and the Joint Staff Office.”

“Just since yesterday?”

They move fast. I suppose they want to secure potential talent quickly while she’s still trending.

“How do entertainment agency scouts connect to the concurrent role in the Music Corps?”

“It seems a major entertainment agency was about to contact the upper echelons of the military. Refusing them outright could have future repercussions. So, it was decided to secure her within the military first.”

“I see… Quick action to prevent the situation from escalating.”

The usually slow-moving upper echelons, due to procedures and approval routes, acted swiftly this time for self-preservation.

“So, to appeal to the entertainment agency, Mina will need to engage in some entertainment activities, like singing in public?”

“What! I never wanted to be an idol!”

The absurd situation caused Mina, who had been dazed, to finally voice her protest.

“Whatever the reason, this is an official personnel transfer. As military personnel, you can’t refuse.”

“That’s… unfair…”

Ignoring Mina’s speechlessness,

“Hehe… a young girl as an idol…”

Hayami-san stifled her laughter, her shoulders shaking slightly.

So that’s why Hayami was a bit kinder when she came to get us. She knew the situation and was holding back her laughter.

Seeing this, Mina glared at Hayami, but she had more pressing questions.

“Um… what will my duties in the Music Corps entail?”

“We’re waiting for further details from them. Given the speed of the assignment, they’re likely still figuring it out.”

Mina asked anxiously, but neither Principal Takami nor the Music Corps knew the specifics yet.

Mina, understandably, and even the Music Corps personnel who received the sudden assignment, were in a difficult position.

“For now, wait for their contact. If there’s anything, we’ll inform you. That’s all.”

Just as we were being dismissed by Principal Takami, the bell signaling the end of lunch break rang, so we bowed politely and left the office.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

“Meow! Meeeow!”

“Oh dear, the kitty is in a bad mood.”

I petted under the chin of Mina Cat, who was meowing irritably.

“Purr… Purr…”

She soon purred contentedly. Isn’t this cat quite easygoing?

After classes ended in the afternoon, Mina waited silently by the school gate and then came over to my house.

She’d been through a lot today.

I decided to let her relax, inviting her in without saying anything.

Maybe some playtime with a cat toy and a ball would cheer her up?

“Sigh…”

“A sigh just slipped out, didn’t it, Mina?”

Despite trying to de-stress with kitty play, she seemed unable to shake off her worries and reverted to just Mina.

“Can I really become an idol?”

Mina murmured anxiously.

“Well, there are many aspects to entertainment activities. Since it’s the Music Corps, they probably won’t make you do anything too crazy. Mostly concerts to entertain the troops, I’d guess.”

“Is that so?”

“The upper echelons are pretty rigid. But personally, I’d like to see Mina in frilly idol outfits.”

“Flirting with older women, you’re such a bad boy, Yuu-kun…”

Though she said that, Mina didn’t seem entirely against the idea.

If she truly hated it, I thought of contacting the Chief of Staff, but it doesn’t seem necessary for now.

“The entertainment world has many shady characters, so be careful. If anything happens, I’ll be your backup.”

My words might sound like those of a mob boss, but I won’t sit quietly if someone close to me is threatened.

Power must be wielded at the right time to be a deterrent.

“Thanks, Yuu-kun. Um… can I go back to being a kitty?”

“Go ahead.”

Thinking it couldn’t be helped today, I spent the rest of the time playing with Mina Cat.