Henry Henderson/Synopsis

== History ==
Not much is known about Henry's upbringing, but he is the eldest son of a family hailing from a line of deposed nobility, and his father was an educator. Henry once told Anya that he struggled to make friends during his youth, which led to his unsatisfying schooling.
Henry was a student at Eden Academy and assigned to Cecile Hall. By the time of his eleventh year at the school, the 17-year-old Henry was already an Imperial Scholar. During his dorm's New Year's party, Henry watched a talent show, where he first met Martha Marriott, an eighth-year student who entered through a scholarship. Amazed by Martha's ballet performance, Henry exclaimed that it was elegant and applauded her performance. However, due to this sudden outburst, Henry ended up losing some friends and was nicknamed "Mr. Elegant" by his peers.
Some time after the show, the two reunited when Martha encountered Henry during his private teatime at the school garden. When questioned, Henry explains to Martha that, as an Imperial Scholar, he is allowed this privilege, which amazed her. Henry reluctantly invites Martha to join him for a cup, which she accepts. From that point on, Martha would visit Henry at his spot in the mornings before her dance practice, and while Henry's quiet and lonely world was intruded upon, he did not mind her company.
During Henry's thirteenth year, he was attacked by a fellow student, Falco, and his two friends, who disliked him for his attitude. While Henry was adamant about not fighting back, he was rescued by Martha, who fought off the delinquents, and Henry ended up punching one of them to protect her. Unmasking Martha, who hid her face, Henry scolded her for her actions. However, he quickly became distraught when she pointed out that he also hit them, running to his teacher and reporting his and the delinquents' inelegant acts.
To Henry's surprise, his teacher decided to let the incident slide due to Falco's family being an important supplier of munitions for the military. He also reminded the young man to stop boycotting his military training courses, making him remember the current tension between the East and West. After the incident, Henry pondered how he could claim to be a gentleman now. He came to the conclusion that, through education, he could help end conflicts, whether it be petty fights or global war, by properly educating the youth into proper characters. As such, he decided to become a teacher and attend the Berlint University of Education. Henry asked Martha if she would pursue a career in ballet, but Martha told him that it would depend on how she does in her ballet competition, noting that she does not come from a wealthy family like Henry, though Henry corrected that statement.
Shortly before Henry's graduation, he and Martha once again sat together for tea like usual. Martha complained about the bitterness of the tea, which Henry explained was because he could not afford the proper leaves for his blend. He also added that they may not have their tea parties anymore if Ostania continues the path to war, which made Martha act a bit more agreeable to the tea. They then chatted about how their tea parties will end after Henry graduates, and he instructed her to work hard to become an Imperial Scholar so she could continue their tradition with her friends. Suddenly, Martha asked Henry if he had plans to invite anyone to the dance at his class graduation party. Henry obliviously rejected the notion, too focused on his ideals and goal to change the world to notice Martha's feelings, and graduated without any incident.
As there was a personnel shortage due to the war, Henry's teaching degree at Berlint University of Education was shortened by half a year. After two and a half years, Henry returned to Eden as a History teacher. Henry reunited with Martha, who had become an Imperial Scholar, and the two caught each other up on their lives since they last met. During an air raid drill, Henry escorts Martha's class to the school's shelter. Inside, the two talk about Henry eventually having to participate in the war despite him being a teacher. Henry begins to wonder if even education is powerless in their situation, as his own relatives asked if he became a teacher to dodge the draft and preferred that he teach physics to support the war effort.
One day, Martha learned that the ballet troupe she was scouted for had several members die while supporting a war-torn region, and she went to Henry for support, crying in his arms. Later, Henry heard that Martha volunteered for the Woman's Defense Auxiliary and confronted her. Martha explained that her dream of ballet had died as the ballet company announced its disbandment. Henry believed she was giving up and tried to make her reconsider, but Martha proclaimed that she was fighting back to protect what she had left, including him. They then had a heated argument about their ideals, and with neither willing to back down, the two ended up parting ways angry at each other. After the argument, the two stopped interacting with each other and having their tea parties, with Henry dutifully continuing his teaching at Eden.
Henry later learned that his cousin died overseas in a naval battle. A fellow teacher suggested that Henry get a wife before he is inevitably deployed, to which Henry answered that his parents have been worrying about that by sending marriage prospects his way. During the senior students' graduation party, Martha approached Henry in her military uniform and requested a dance with him. As they danced, Henry became embarrassed to reveal his ineptitude for dancing, much to Martha's amusement. Henry then apologized to Martha about their last argument, as he realized how he had disrespected her feelings and ideals while forcing his on her. Martha almost confessed her feelings to Henry, but they were interrupted by the air raid siren.
As a teacher at Eden Academy, Henry rose to such a high enough position that he became the housemaster of Cecile Hall and was in charge of the school's entrance exam.
== Synopsis ==
=== Admissions Interview Arc ===
The screening for Eden Academy's interview had started. Henry joins the other teachers, expressing his disappointment at this year's applicants and stressing the importance of elegance. He takes notice of the Forger family and sees them saluting the statue of the school's founder. Henry cannot believe the elegance he sees and asks who the family is. He then learns that Anya barely passed with 31 points, which he finds quite inelegant.
Henry decides to let them pass and observes them when her father Loid steps into the gutter water to save a boy, dirtying his and Anya's clothes. Henry gets disappointed, not wanting dirty commoners to enter the school, but is shocked to see that the Forgers were expecting something like this and had prepared a change of clothes. Henry is even more surprised when Loid spares the boy's feelings as an excuse to change. While the faculty reminds him that they are evaluating the students, Henry believes children imitate their parents and thus wants to see if Loid is also worth 30 points.
Henry orders the animals from the school farm to be released, stirring the applicants into a panic. Seeing the chaos, he demands whose crazy idea this was, and the teachers remind him it was his. Quickly realizing his mistake, Henry orders the teachers to stop the mess, as there are VIPs among the applicants. He witnesses Loid saving a child from the stampede, Yor stopping the leading cow, and Anya calming it. Henry cannot believe such elegance exists and rushes outside to meet with the Forgers. He thanks Loid and informs him that the interview will be delayed after the mess. He says the Forgers are worthy of entering the school and asks them to tidy themselves, but Loid says there is no need for that as they expected this and prepared other spare clothes. Henry is shocked, wondering if this truly is elegance or something more terrifying.
Henry joins Walter Evans and Murdoch Swan for the family interviews and finally comes face-to-face with the Forger family. While Henry continues to be impressed by Loid, he is surprised that Loid calls Anya "wise," and thinks about her test score. After hearing that Anya is ambitious, Henry asks Anya the name of the school headmaster and how hard one must work to succeed like him. For her response, Anya cites the training montage from her favorite spy cartoon. Henry is shocked by her alleged resolve, and he wonders if he has underestimated the girl. 
After Murdoch Swan callously mocks the family, Loid smashes the table and abruptly ends the interview. Before leaving, Loid expresses his disappointment in the teachers for belittling the feelings of children. While Murdoch shouts at the family, Henry reprimands him for his methods. Murdoch threatens him with his father's influence, and Henry pulls away. Recalling Loid's praise of the teaching staff, Henry approaches Murdoch and punches him in the face, restoring his pride as an Eden Academy educator.
On the admissions announcement day, the Forgers are devastated to learn that Anya was not accepted. Before they can leave, Henry approaches them and informs them that Anya is on top of the admissions waiting list. When Loid asks how this is possible after what transpired at the interview, Henry claims that the mosquito Loid had also punched on the table saved Murdoch's life, which earned the family many points. Henry tells Loid that several accepted students withdraw each year, so the family must prepare themselves. After Loid thanks him, Henry reveals that he may no longer be part of the school when Anya is accepted, as he may get fired for what he did to Murdoch.
=== Eden Beginnings Arc ===
When the students are sorted into their respective classes, it is revealed that instead of getting fired, Henry has been demoted to be put in charge of the 28 elementary school students in Cecile Hall, containing Anya, Damian Desmond, Ewen Egeburg, Emile Elman, and Becky Blackbell. Mr. Swan is visibly irritated by this, but Henry has rediscovered his love of teaching and intends to do a good job.
Later, Henry shows the new students around the school and explains the merit system, and very quickly threatens Damian and Anya with getting a Tonitrus on their first day for arguing loudly. Continuing their tour, Henry turns a corner, then must rush back after Anya punches Damian and attempts to lie about it. Anya manages to explain in such a way that makes it look like she was defending Becky, which makes Henry believe she is at least somewhat elegant. Despite that, he still calls in Anya's parents to discuss the situation, and Anya earns her first Tonitrus, though it would have been three had Henry not reduced it.
=== Stella Star Arc ===
Henry starts his early morning routine at Eden Academy with a jog while saluting the statue of the founder on the way. After returning to Cecile Hall's boys' dormitory for a shower, he dons his elegant attire and starts making some tea. After greeting the dorm tutor, the two discuss over tea how Anya got a Tonitrus Bolt on her first day and the lesson students must learn of true elegance to continue the school's traditions.
While waiting for classes to begin, Henry reads a book on the history of Eden while listening to music on his phonograph. He finishes reading and looks out the window to see students arriving on campus, ready to start another elegant day at Eden Academy. However, when he goes to his class, he is instead greeted by Damian, Emile, and Ewen fighting with Anya and Becky. Henry wears a disappointed look at their inelegance.
After P.E. teacher Coach Bobby gets sick, Henry referees in his place during Cecile Hall and Wald Hall's interclass dodgeball match. Before commencing the game, he reminds the students to behave and play elegantly. At the end of the game, Bill Watkins and the Wald Hall students celebrate their victory, believing Bill would earn a Stella Star for being the game MVP. To their surprise, Henry informs them that they do not give out Stella Stars for a simple P.E. game but will consider giving Bill a Tonitrus Bolt after hearing him yell "Die!" at Anya earlier in the game. Henry believes that Anya and Damian are worthy of earning a Stella Star after seeing them put their differences aside to face hardship. But after seeing said children bickering, he quickly changes his mind.
After Anya saves a drowning boy's life, she earns her first Stella Star, and a proud Henry congratulates her for the exceptionally elegant feat during the ceremony.
=== Midterm Exams Arc ===
After the art teacher is out sick, Henry teaches Cecile Hall's art class in their place. He assigns the students an arts and crafts project with the theme of "animals." However, materials are distributed per table, meaning each table has to manage resources together. Henry announces the tables with Damian and Anya at the same table, to Damian's dismay. After telling the students to begin, Henry walks around the class, thinking about what he expects to see from the students. He takes note of what Becky is making and asks her what it is. Becky shows off her paper model of Loid, shocking Henry, and he tells her to start over because the theme is "animals." However, Becky stands firm with her work and tells Henry that humans are animals. Henry realizes she is right and tells her to continue as he walks away.
Henry sees Anya and Damian working together on a project, which he finds interesting. When Damian starts yelling at Anya and his tablemates, Henry is quick to reprimand him for his inelegant behavior. Damian starts to tear up a little, so Henry tells him to do the best he can with what is within his power. At the end of class, Henry instructs the students to put up their completed projects in the hallway for display. Later, Henry informs Damian that his art project won first prize, explaining how the contingent from the board of trustees was moved by it. Looking at Damian's art project himself, Henry is baffled and wonders to himself if the times have changed that much.
Henry announces to the students that their midterm exams will be in two weeks. He adds that the top 2 students in each subject will receive a Stella Star, while students who fail an exam will receive a Tonitrus Bolt for each failed exam. He then proceeds to begin returning their history quizzes from the day prior and is disappointed to show Anya her 31% mark, telling her to stay after classes for remedial lessons. During the remedial lessons, Henry notices Anya chuckling to herself and gives her extra homework. Two weeks later, Henry oversees the midterms at the exam hall and tells the students to begin.
=== Campbelldon Tennis Arc ===
Henry instructs the students to investigate an occupation that interests them for their upcoming social studies project. He suggests various methods, such as interviewing their parents about their jobs, making inquiries at a local business, getting their parents to arrange an interview with a prominent figure in their field, or even asking himself about educators. He adds that they will each prepare a report about their chosen profession and present it to the class on Friday. On the day of the presentations, Anya talks about Loid's occupation as a psychiatrist. While initially presenting Loid's regular activities as a psychiatrist, Anya mentions Loid's determination to make connections, play golf at his job, how he uses a secret escape route, and even adds that Loid sometimes punches and kicks his patients. Henry is astounded to hear all this, and Loid gets summoned to the school to answer these claims.
=== Imperial Scholars Mixer Arc ===
After Damian misses morning muster after oversleeping, Henry punishes him by tasking him with helping the dorm mother with chores and forbids him from leaving school grounds until he finishes. Henry later sees Ewen and Emile purposefully loitering around the halls in an unkempt manner. He reluctantly decides to punish them, which the boys accept with excitement. Henry then watches the three friends playing from the door and thinks that there is nothing more elegant than the precious elegance of youthful friendship. Later, Mr. Green and Henry notice Damian gazing off into the sky. Henry decides to give the boys a new punishment for messing around during their chores: going on a research field trip with Mr. Green. After Green and the boys return from the trip, Henry receives the boys' reports from Green. He thanks Green and asks if he was able to "let the boys loose," which he confirms. While Henry reviews the reports, he says Damian's needs some work, noting how brief it is.
In preparation for what might be very important quizzes, Anya eats one of the legendary "Pastries of Knowledge," which is rumored to make anyone smart. After Anya eats this pastry, she takes her quizzes with unparalleled vigor. However, Henry presents the girl with her poor quiz results, leaving Anya and the other students dumbfounded.
=== WISE Arc ===
In Cecile Hall's classroom, Henry berates the students for their inelegance over the recent increase in tardiness and late homework assignments. He reminds them that even minor infractions can add up to a Tonitrus Bolt, eyeing Anya in particular. When Donna Schlag returns to Eden Academy, Henry arrives to greet her. He asks if she might be going overboard with her punishments, causing Donna to say he has gone soft from teaching the first-year students and decides to pay them a visit.
=== Friendship Schemes Arc ===
At the end of the school day, Henry walks back to his office carrying school supplies. On his way there, he sees Anya, who is waiting by herself at the bus stop, and asks her to help him with the supplies. While Anya is initially hesitant, she agrees when he offers some tea cakes afterward. As they walk, Henry asks Anya if she is having fun at school, and she says it is okay but quickly asks if she will get a Tonitrus for not having fun. Henry assures her that she will not, admitting that he himself did not have fun schooling during his youth, and says Anya can rely on him if she has any problems.
Anya appears to be in high spirits, surprising Henry, knowing she had recently received her second Tonitrus Bolt. He becomes a little embarrassed for having bothered to ask, but Anya says she is upset after getting her Tonitruses, which relieves him. Because her last Tonitrus was for not having a handkerchief, Anya says she brings lots of them with her now. Henry tries to explain the importance of preparedness and personal grooming, citing them as building blocks for elegance and how Donna's harshness is her way of keeping students in line. Anya does not understand him, which initially shocks him, then attributes it to her youth. Before he can try explaining it to Anya in simpler terms, Anya claims to understand what he is saying by spitting out a nonsensical response, which shocks Henry even more.
Henry instructs Anya to remain disciplined at all times, and Anya asks if she will get a Stella for this. Henderson understands that Anya wants to be an Imperial Scholar and asks for her reason. When Anya responds that she thinks the Stellas look cool, Henderson sees this as shallow and is aghast. He reminds Anya that she said she wanted to be like the headmaster in their interview, but Anya dismisses this and wants the Stars as soon as possible.
Anya's words upset Henry, and he takes her to a hall displaying alumni from Eden Academy who were all Imperial Scholars. Henry tells her not to disrespect the Imperial Scholars and Stella since those students worked hard to earn the title. Anya is inspired and asks Henry if he thinks she can become an Imperial Scholar. He says that he cannot respond to that, as every student must decide that for themselves, and there is no need to rush. He tells Anya not to be discouraged by her Tonitrus Bolts and to have faith in herself, as does he in the strength of her elegance.
They arrive at Henry's office, where he gives Anya the tea cakes as he promised. They talk about the cakes, and Anya says she likes that they are sweet, and Henry is shocked by her shallowness. He asks Anya if she would like to review some problems she got wrong on a quiz, but Anya leaves once she finishes eating. After this, Henderson thinks to himself that education is never easy.
=== Red Circus Arc ===
At Eden Academy, the teachers learn about the hijacking of two of their buses that were out on a trip to the museum. Henry asks if they alerted the police, which one of the teachers confirms. Henry says he will inform the principal about the situation and ask the teachers to prevent this news from reaching the other students or the media.
Henry and another teacher arrive at the scene. Henry is surprised to see a familiar face there in Martha Marriott. Martha is also surprised to see Henry and asks him why he is here. Henry makes it clear that he should be here because his students are on the bus, and both of them discuss the situation, expressing their concern for the well-being of the children.
At sundown, Billy Squire gets off the bus and asks the police for the council's answer, where they reply that they are still deciding but in the meantime, would like to bring food and water to the students. Billy agrees as long as someone from the school is the one who delivers the food. One of the police members offers to disguise himself as a faculty member and infiltrate the bus, but Henry worries that the terrorists will see through the ruse, so he offers to go and give the supplies to the children by himself, hoping to put the students' minds at ease.
As Henry gets escorted to the bus, the kids are relieved to see their headmaster. He asks if they are all right and tells them they should keep the dignity of Eden Students, assuring them that they will be rescued. The dorm tutor, injured from an electric shock, apologizes to Henry for not being able to help, but the headmaster worriedly tells the hijackers he needs to go to a hospital, but Billy denies this. Henry says that they can have him in exchange for releasing the dorm tutor, and Billy agrees. He ties up Henry and releases the tutor. As Henry sits down, he notices both Anya and Damian have a neck bomb, and he angrily stares at Billy, deeming him a despicable coward. Then, the headmaster asks the kids if all of them have food and water supplies, and Anya says she is so hungry she could eat an entire horse. Henry is shocked by Anya's nerves of steel, remembering the words Anya told back in the interview.
As they start passing around the Blackbell company's emergency food, Henry sees Damian, Emile, Ewen, Billy, Becky, and Anya casually chatting about the food. Henry is shocked by how composed the children are in this situation, then notices Billy staring at them with a tender look. Henry asks him if he has children, to which he replies a daughter. Henry tries to appeal to Billy's parental side and convince him to free the students, but Billy reveals that his daughter was murdered by the state, as she was also a member of the group. He explains how the Red Circus was originally a student movement asking for peace and equality, but the state went violent against them. He tells Henry that he will not take any criticism from a member of the establishment, and will make sure the state will reap what they have sown.
Anya approaches Billy, to Henry's confusion as he tells her to sit down. Unexpectedly, Anya says she is hungry and asks for more rations, shocking everyone, and Henry is astounded that Anya has such strong nerves. Billy yells at her and threatens to detonate her bomb, but Anya says she is not afraid but is scared of dying without speaking up. Henry assures her that missing one meal is fine, but Anya refuses. An unnerved Billy grabs Anya and removes the bomb, telling her to get off the bus. However, Anya refuses, once again shocking everyone.
Billy asks Anya why she is doing this for everyone, and after some thinking, Anya says she wants to make a world where kids don't need to cry. A noble goal, although Henry thinks how she is a kid herself. Vadim tries to remind Billy of their goal and aims his gun at Anya, but Henry stands in the way. Vadim says there is no time to waver, but Billy takes their guns and bags, then steps outside and surrenders. An enraged Vadim attempts to drive away but gets blocked by the police. He then runs off carrying Anya, and Henry shouts after her. After Vadim is apprehended, Henry and the students are freed from the bus by the police.
Sometime after, Anya, Becky, Damian, and Bill earn a Stella for their courageous actions during the hijacking crisis, as Henry and the other teachers and students look on with pride. As the kids celebrate their achievement, Becky tells Anya that a newspaper wants to interview them, which could make them famous, so Henry clarifies that the interview has been declined for the safety of the students, and the school has been instructed by authorities not to speak of the incident publicly. Regardless, Henry is amazed that they survived the hijacking with not a single child harmed. After the hostages are released from the bus and accounted for, the Police Chief tells a teacher to contact the students' guardians to collect the children, and Henry gives the dorm students homestay passes. When Yor comes for Anya, Henry feels relieved that Anya is acting her age when she starts crying in her mother's arms.
At Eden Academy, Henry talks with the recovering dorm tutor about the aftermath of the bus hijacking and recommends him to Loid for psychiatric help. The men seek to support the mental health of the students involved in the incident and talk about the parents' briefing with the SSS in attendance. Later, when the dorm tutor, Thomas Austin, begins having nightmares, he takes up Henry's recommendation and seeks out Loid for help.
=== Mole Hunt Arc ===
Henry approaches Damian and Anya, who have not gone to class after the warning bell has already rung. He then calls out to Becky, Ewen, and Emile, who are hiding behind a corner, and the three run off to class. Henry notices the bag Damian is holding and sees that they are cakes. As bringing them to school is against the rules, he confiscates them, but Damian shyly protests that he needs them. Henry decides to punish the two to join him in his office after class before dismissing them.
At Henry's office, Damian and Anya write written apologies, and after they finish, Henry invites them to have tea with him. He then takes out the cakes to have with the tea, surprising Damian and Anya. As they enjoy the treats, Henry watches Damian tell Anya that they are now even, which he asks about, but Damian cannot say. Henry then notes how precious the cakes are, to which Damian says that he had his household staff send them over. Anya and Damian then talk about being friends but begin to argue after Anya suddenly changes her mind. Henry gets annoyed and tells them to be quiet and go home.
=== Term Finals Arc ===
The term finals have arrived, and Henry's students are hard at work studying to pass them. On the day of the exams, Henry sees Anya with facial hair and demands an explanation, asking if it is some manner of joke. Anya answers that she drew the facial hair on herself with a permanent marker, and it would not wash off. Clearing his throat, Henry accepts her explanation and commences the first of their final exams. After the exam results are posted, Henry observes the children and is amazed that Anya earned both a Stella Star and a Tonitrus Bolt on the same final exams, something he has never seen before.
Eden's term is coming to a close, and so the end-of-class gala is on its way. Walking down the hall with his students, Henry overhears Becky talking about inviting Loid and informs her that guardians will not be attending the gala. When he hears Damian refusing to go, Henry tells him that he will have much to gain from the experience, as dances serve as major social events. Henry then watches as Anya invites Damian to be her dance partner to the gala. Damian rejects Anya while insulting her and runs away, and Henry scolds him for his behavior.
On the day of the gala, Henry reunites with Martha, who is escorting Becky, and says he never got to thank her for her help during the bus hijacking crisis. He asks if Martha would be available to help out, explaining that they had fewer volunteers than he had hoped. Martha smiles as she tells Henry that is "just like him" and agrees to join him. At the hall, Becky is surprised that all of Eden's first-year students are present, which Henry tells her is a good opportunity for students to acquaint themselves with potential classmates before classes are reassigned.
When the friendly competitions between the classes begin, Henry participates in the second round of the quality quiz, in which the classes must determine which tea is finer, the one brewed with tea leaves reserved for royalty or Henry's personal blend. Later, as students begin inviting each other to be their partners for the dance event, Henry watches the children who work toward political advantages and thinks to himself that this is why parents and guardians are not encouraged to attend the gala. When Damian's friends decide to hold a competition to see which girl will be worthy of being Damian's dance partner, Henry tries to remind the student body that the dance begins in ten minutes.
Ewen and Emile commence their first challenge to test the girls' level of balance and rhythm. Henry watches the challenge with Thomas Austin, who asks what is going on. Henry answers that he has no idea, but finds the way the children exercise their own initiative in order to achieve something most elegant. Henry observes the next challenges, an obstacle course that Anya places as the third-fastest in an ungraceful manner, and watches Anya proclaim "To the victor go the spools!" when another girl complains about her victory. By the time of the third and final challenge, a quiz about Damian, Henry is amazed that the quiz has gone for so long as the dance was supposed to have begun already.
Ultimately, Anya wins the competition, and the dance finally begins. Henry watches the children dancing with Martha, who says that the sight brings back memories. In response, Henry invites Martha to a dance for old time's sake. Henry and Martha go to the dance floor, and Henry glides over to a bickering Anya and Damian to remind them of their inelegant behavior, remarking that their paths to become Imperial Scholars seem to be long ones. Henry continues to dance with Martha, the two appearing to enjoy themselves.
During the end-of-term break, Henry greets Cecile Hall's dorm mother for the morning. The dorm mother, teases Henry about his and Martha's dance during the end-of-class gala, calling them a "darling couple." Recalling the night they danced, Henry tells the dorm mother that Martha is simply an old friend.
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