"Official Sales Outlet for Eden Academy School Uniform"
99 point...
...5!
I got two millimeters bigger than before!
That's just margin of error.
Well, you never know.
Children grow up so fast.
Oh, quite.
I suppose we'll account for growth spurts, and make it a little on the larger end, then.
Still, to think you'd gotten married, Miss Yor, and we didn't even know it!
Really, you should've told us the last time you came by together!
Right, yes, the other day. My apologies.
Your little girl got into the great Eden Academy, too!
Congratulations!
Thank you very much.
So, are you an Eden alumnus, by any chance?
Oh no. Mine was a third-rate school in the sticks, I'm afraid...
Ah, then you'd better be careful.
With Eden's emphasis on tradition,
there's a bit of a rift between those who did and didn't attend.
That's led to a rise in discrimination and bullying among the children.
I've heard the honor students can be quite tyrannical.
There's also the bad blood between boarding and day students.
Speaking of day students, apparently there's been a run of kidnappings, too!
Any child attending Eden is bound to be from a wealthy family, after all.
I don't wanna go to school.
Oh, I'm sorry, dear.
I didn't mean to scare you.
It's a whole lot of fun as well, so don't you worry!
There, all done with the measurements.
Alright, that will be one school uniform,
a winter coat, vest, and sweater.
Four items total.
You're one of our best customers, so we'll get them done promptly!
Oh,
you'll find all the other school supplies in that shop on the corner.
This is getting pricey.
Hmm?
What's up?
Fearful of kidnappers.
Right. Aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself?
Miss Yor,
should we eat out today?
Oh, sure!
No kidnappers in the restaurant?
Today's special.
Pork sausage in Popo sauce,
with a side of porcini
and potato potage soup.
Po?
Looks great.
The P cipher, huh?
It must be about the briefing.
5 days time,
1300 hours,
at Safehouse D.
Roger that.
Still, I'd rather they didn't contact me this way.
It's sort of off-putting.
"5 Days Later"
Yes?
Ah, hello...
Huh? It's done already?
Understood.
We'll be over to pick it up, today.
Thank you.
Is the uniform ready?
Seems like it.
However, I've got my briefing today.
I'm sorry, Miss Yor,
but could I ask you to go over there with Anya?
I'm a little busy with work, you see.
Oh, of course.
Leave it to me!
I may be back a little late,
so by all means, order a delivery for dinner or something.
Okay.
Stay safe!
"WISE Manager Sylvie Sherwood AKA: Handler"
Hello, "WISE Manager Sylvie Sherwood AKA: Handler"
or perhaps good evening, "WISE Manager Sylvie Sherwood AKA: Handler"
agent Twilight. "WISE Manager Sylvie Sherwood AKA: Handler"
agent Twilight.
Hey, Handler.
What's this about?
Before we get to that...
What the hell was that bill the other day?!
Castle rental costs, and royal furniture rental costs?!
WISE isn't made of money, you know?!
Here are some additional bills.
Looks like starting school is rather costly.
I'll at least salute your guts in just asking for more.
They are both necessary expenses.
Well, fine.
Now then,
today, I'm here to check on the progress of Operation Strix, phase two.
Though it seems unnecessary, given your meticulous methods.
No, actually...
I've sort of started taking things as they come, these days...
Phase two, the social events.
I should start the explanation with a little review of the system at Eden.
Eden College.
It has approximately 2,500 students in attendance,
aged 6 to 19, spread across 13 year groups.
From academics, to athletics and arts,
it's a top-class educational institution, which excels in all fields.
The few students who reach excellence at this elite school receive the title of
"Imperial Scholar," the honor students.
There's a high bar of entry to the social functions Desmond attends.
The only ones allowed in are Imperial Scholars and their parents.
In order to be made an honor student,
a child must earn eight medals, known as Stella Stars.
Stella Stars are awarded for good grades, great work, and the like.
In other words, you must first make your daughter into a model student.
Although, we could employ more underhand methods, if needs be.
On the other hand,
any delinquency or decline in grades are given penalty points, known as Tonitrus Bolts.
Get eight of these, and the child will face immediate expulsion, so watch out for that.
- Now then, shall we work out the details of the plan?
- I'm meant to make that girl into a model student... - Now then, shall we work out the details of the plan?
I have nothing but doubts...
Do I look cute in my uniform?
Oh, you look adorable! Simply adorable!
Let's stop by the photo studio, later!
Boom!
Do I look cute?
Oh, you look adorable! Simply adorable!
Can you please leave already?
How many times is this?
I wanna go on an outang in this.
What a wonderful idea!
Come again.
Shall we stop by the park?
This is my uniform! Boom!
Me in this uniform! Boom!
Oh, your little girl is adorable.
Is she going to Eden?
My, I'm quite jealous.
Ah...
Hello.
Mom, I'm hungry!
What should we have for dinner?
Hamburgers!
You prefer your old mommy, huh?
I want to be together forever.
I know we're not a real family,
but...
...I do wish I could be
more of a mother to her.
Mother!
I showed them all my cuteness!
Careful you don't get your uniform dirty before you start school.
Say, Miss Anya,
shall we stop by the supermarket on the way home?
Mr. Loid said he'd be back late,
so I'll make dinner tonight!
Mother can cook?
Yes, I'll do my best!
Hey, is that an Eden student?
And the woman with her, is that her mom?
Probably a maid.
The rich ones don't do their own shopping, do they?
You know, I could do with some pocket money.
Same, man.
I'm sure something will come together if I've got meat and vegetables.
I really don't know what's what, so I'll buy one of everything.
Boom!
I'm bored! Gonna wait outside!
Don't wander off too far, okay?!
Hey there, little miss.
You be a good girl now, alright?
We'll let you go once we get a little pocket money from your maid.
Baddies!
Eden students being bullied or kidnapped...
It's real!
I hear you can get a tidy sum for their uniform, too.
Now that's an idea.
Alright, little miss, why don't we—
Just what are you doing?
Oh boy.
Guess we'd better get a bit more for medical expenses.
Hand over your wallet, miss maid.
I just spent all I had, and I haven't a pent on me,
so please, feel free to take it.
Is that so?
We'll just take the clothes off her back, and call it a day, then.
I suppose you'll be out of a job after this, though,
so why don't you hurry off back to the boonies, you terrible maid!
Sh-She smashed the pumpkin, with her bare hands?
I...
I am her mother,
and if you don't want to end up like that vegetable there, you'd better leave, now!
Mother...
Are you alright?
I'm so sorry.
I shouldn't have let you out of my sight.
There, there.
I've made a mess of the food, too.
I really am no good as a mother.
Mother is strong and cool! I like Mother!
There, there.
Killer punch! Ka-pow!
G-Gosh, you're making me blush!
Mother.
Train me!
T-Train?
I know it's really really dangerous to be an Eden student,
but...
...if I train and get strong, then I'll be a bit not scared.
I won't die, and do good at school!
I wanna be like Mother!
I may not be cut out for motherhood, in the ordinary fashion,
but I'll do what I can, and do my best!
Alright!
Let's head home and do some training, then!
Training!
I'm home.
Yah!
What're you doing?
We're getting ready for school!
Yah!
Yeah...
I have nothing but doubts, for real.
Yah!
You are among the chosen few!
Through your hard work, and the great efforts of your guardians,
you have each walked the narrow path through Eden's gates to be here, today.
To you 228 fine entrants to our school,
I say congratulations!
Eden Academy welcomes you, one and all!
We've finally come this far.
Father,
so many people in the same clothes as me!
Yep...
That's uniforms for you.
There's still a long and winding road ahead, though.
Alright, Twilight.
There's one condition to meet to attend the socials alongside Desmond.
The student must be awarded the status of Imperial Scholar.
For that, they've got to come top of their year, in a range of subjects.
Don't forget,
the very future of east, west, and the world at large depends upon this operation!
Getting this girl to the top...
...seems like a lost cause.
Oof!
It seems unlikely that she could continually come first, in this school full of overachievers.
No, instead...
Moving on,
we will announce all the class allocations, and their homeroom teachers.
Come up to the stage when you hear your name.
Group one, Specter Hall.
William Howard.
Theodore Russel.
Grace Fain.
Jessica Clarke.
- Next, group two,
- Oh, what's my group? - Next, group two,
- Oh, what's my group? - Cline Hall.
- I wonder. - Cline Hall.
Lucy Garrett.
No, I actually already know,
because...
- ...I tweaked these arrangements so it would be more convenient for my mission.
- Group three, - ...I tweaked these arrangements so it would be more convenient for my mission.
- Cecile Hall. - ...I tweaked these arrangements so it would be more convenient for my mission.
- Alice Polet. - ...I tweaked these arrangements so it would be more convenient for my mission.
- All so that boy...
- Edward Berkshire. - All so that boy...
Damian Desmond.
...will be in the same class as Anya!
Damian, second son to my target, Donovan Desmond.
That's Sir Damian, to you.
He followed in his brother's footsteps and got into Eden.
I've had my eye on him since I saw his name on the applicant list.
Jessie Cavil.
If the going gets too tough with plan A, aiming for honor student status,
we switch to plan B.
Also known as...
...Mission Buddy-Buddy!
"Mission Buddy-Buddy" ...Mission Buddy-Buddy!
One. "Mission Buddy-Buddy"
They get in the same class and buddy up. "Mission Buddy-Buddy"
They get in the same class and buddy up.
Two.
He invites her to play at his house, parents in tow.
"Come on over!" He invites her to play at his house, parents in tow.
Three.
"Welcome Hello" Three.
"Welcome Hello" Direct contact with the target!
Or well, I doubt it will be that easy,
- but you can't have too many back up plans.
- Anya Forger. - but you can't have too many back up plans.
- Anya Forger.
Off you go.
Anya must've spent a lot of time living with other kids her age, back at the orphanage.
I have faith in her communication skills.
The big bad boss' son...
What's with that woman?
Oh, I see!
I suppose she's fallen head over heels for my charms, already.
You've got good taste, girl.
Aw, she's a shy one, eh?
That's cute.
Becky Blackbell.
Burp.
Nice to meet you!
That is...
...the daughter of the CEO of Blackbell Heavy Industries, a major armament manufacturer.
Behind her is the daughter of the People's Assembly vice-speaker!
Among the boys is the son of a security service senior member!
Wow, her classmates are a treasure-trove of top secret info!
Anya! You try to be friends with everyone, you hear!
Mr. Loid always gets so heated when it comes to his daughter.
I'm Becky,
and you are?
She seems rather childish.
I suppose I could have her as a hanger-on, like a sort of servant.
- That's 29 students, sorted into three groups.
- Oh, my! - That's 29 students, sorted into three groups.
- Hey?! - That's 29 students, sorted into three groups.
Here is the homeroom teacher, Mr. Henderson.
Oh, the nice teacher!
So he kept his job, huh?
It doesn't seem right to task a high-ranking housemaster with elementary students,
but I guess he got off lightly as far as demotions go, good for him.
I'm ready to get back to basics, and whip these young ones into shape.
Now then,
the students will tour the school with their homeroom teachers, ending at their classrooms.
Meanwhile, the parents will please wait in the C block lounge,
where refreshments will be served.
Do your best, Anya.
It's all on you from here!
Okey-dokey.
You there,
keep in step!
I'm worried...
Oh yes, it's always rather nerve-wracking to see them off, isn't it?
This is the dining hall.
Here, our first-class chefs serve elegant meals, every day.
Beyond these doors lies another special dining hall, reserved for the Imperial Scholars.
If you attain and accumulate elegant grades,
and thus receive eight Stella Stars, any one of you may earn the title of Scholar.
We expect you all to work towards that end!
Yes sir!
By contrast, failure is punished,
and with the increase of Tonitrus Bolts, may even result in expulsion, so be warned.
Why is he looking at me?
I bet you'll be a Scholar in no time, eh, Master Damian?
Well, obviously!
Oh, of course!
I mean, I'm the son of the National Unionist Party president, aren't I?
- Wow! - What? Really?!
My papa said he owes a real debt of gratitude to the Desmond Group!
Hey, quiet down!
Idiots, the lot of them!
What about you, then?
What do your parents do for a living, eh?
If they cut the mustard, I might let you be my friend.
I grin and bear it, for the mission.
Sp—
A head doctor.
What? So they're nobodies then?
I bet they don't even have a real fortune.
Lame!
I wanna go to your house!
What the hell are you saying? Know your place, ugly!
Geez, these commoners can be so obnoxious, right?
Get out of here, before you spread your commoner germs!
The time has come to unleash my killer punch...
Remember, Miss Anya.
The truly strong do not resort to violence driven by passion.
A cool young lady laughs off and looks past a little unkindness, here or there.
Young lady...
Besides,
no one will want to pick a fight with you, if you got a big smile on your face.
Urgh, you're pathetic!
Why don't you stand up for yourself, huh?
I'm not bothered.
Wh-What's with that mocking smirk?!
So calm...
She's got the calm composure of an adult! Wow!
I was wrong! She's not childish at all!
You're actually pretty mature, huh?
I guess I misjudged you.
Mature!
Don't get so full of yourself, ugly!
Ugly, ugly!
Ugly!
Master Damian, perhaps a wider range of vocabulary?
Oh, come on!
Sure, she's ugly compared to me,
but you don't have to be so mean about it!
Shut up!
Hey!
How many times do I have to tell you?!
Do you want a penalty on your first day here?!
Damn it!
She made a fool of me!
She'll pay for this!
Mother, you liar.
Smiling did nothing.
Hey, if you don't quit it, I'm telling on you!
What did we do? Where's the proof, huh?!
Yeah, where's the proof?
Now, get out of my way!
Hey, smugly!
From today, I'm gonna bully you to hell and back!
I'll crush you until you can't smile anymore! You got that?!
If we make her cry, her psychiatrist papa might just fix her up.
For real? That's crazy!
Good for you!
Hey, don't you turn away from me!
What? Are you scared?
What's going on here?!
Sir, she hit Master Damian!
I was just stretching my arm, and he happened to be there.
Nobody's buying that!
What the hell made you think that would fly?!
You even checked to see if the teacher was watching before doing it!
What did I do? Where's the proof, huh?
You can clearly see the mark your fist left on his face!
If you are indeed lying, then you should be ashamed of yourself,
Anya Forger.
It's not like that, sir!
She really put up with a lot, but they just wouldn't let up!
But you did hit him, yes?
Remember, Miss Anya.
There are only a few occasions where you ought to make a show of strength.
When you want to save a friend from danger, for instance...
H-He stepped on...
...her foot...
...and I got angry.
I'm sorry.
She hit him, for me?!
Anya!
- Thank you! - She was willing to drop her personal grudge,
- Thank you, Anya! - She was willing to drop her personal grudge,
- Thank you, Anya! - yet showed the spirit and resolve to stand up to the boys, for the sake of a friend.
- I'm so touched! - yet showed the spirit and resolve to stand up to the boys, for the sake of a friend.
Quite elegant, Anya Forger!
Nevertheless...
Unsurprisingly, neither of the Desmond parents showed up.
Still, slow and steady wins the race.
- Now that we've got into the school, we have all the time in the world,
- Dear guardians, - Now that we've got into the school, we have all the time in the world,
- the students have completed their orientation, - and I've made some good connections.
so please head over to the courtyard,
and gather together for a group photo!
Where's Anya?
Forger.
Come with me.
She punched a boy?
- Are you alright?
- Desmond's son, no less?!
- In most cases, any violence is met with three Tonitrus Bolts, - Desmond's son, no less?!
- In most cases, any violence is met with three Tonitrus Bolts, - What the hell happened?!
- In most cases, any violence is met with three Tonitrus Bolts,
but she's received only one this time, at my own discretion.
I'm afraid I can't make any further concessions...
I'm so sorry, Mr. Loid.
If only I hadn't trained her!
I'll relay what happened here to the other parents, too.
"Plan B Plan A"
One penalty point, on the very first day, "Plan B Plan A"
and she's on the worst possible terms with Damian, now... "Plan B Plan A"
Alright everyone, here we go!
Oh, you three on the right, remember to smile!
Say cheese!
"Friendship with Damian: -100" "Tonitrus Bolts Required for an Expulsion: 7" "Stella Stars Required for Honor Student Status: 8"
"The Target's Second Son"