Isn't that the girl I saw at the temple fighting the redhead? Takano thought. Hm... she does look like that idol singer.
Something about the girl, he thought, seemed phony. Takano might be a scientist at heart, but he knew enough about politics and high society to know how to navigate his way through. He was, after all, the son of a politician, whether people knew it or not. He had learned a bit about reading in between words. And right now, this girl was talking like his own mother would to guests at a social party. Or in other words, Takano thought, behind a fascade.
Ok. Two could play at this game.
"I'm a new teacher at her school," Takano said pleasantly, gesturing towards the priestess. Ok, he was lying, but so what? He gave the priestess a significant glance, and hoped that she knew his meaning enough to play along with the lie.
"We just met outside a while ago, and I figured I would treat her to lunch. Please, have a seat. It's so nice to see some of my students' friends once in a while. Makes me feel young. Are you hungry or thirsty by any chance? I'll treat you to drinks, and I'll order more sandwiches for everyone."
"Oh, and if you are done with the food," Takano nodded at the priestess who seemed to be fidgeting with so many people. "Feel free to go. You don't have to stay if you don't want to. Of course, I wouldn't mind if you keep your teacher company and listen to my completely pointless chatter either, but you have those math assignments and what kind of teacher am I to keep you away from homework?"
Yes, Takano thought, he was rambling. But a rambling person was an insignificant person. And insignificance, Takano had learned, was the best kind of protection against probing outsiders. And a great mask under which he could just observe people.
"Say," Takano turned to the green-haired girl and grinned, "you happen to look JUST like that idol singer I see on TV. You wouldn't happen to be that Erika, would you?"