Chapter 142

    Chapter 142

    From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

    Episode 142: I Am The President And You Are… (5).

    The student council handover was successfully completed.

    Five second-year seniors were promoted to Directors, which boosted the support rate among the second-year students. Additionally, there was an immediate recruitment success announcement, revealing that work had been done even before the launch. Zelnya’s evaluation soared.

    Looking at the splendidly decorated new president’s office, Zelnya smiled with satisfaction.

    “Good job, Vice President.”

    “Ugh, President.”

    Exhausted, I shook my head. Between assisting with tasks, studying, and research, it was overwhelming. Zelnya, who was also a medical student, wasn’t much different. We yawned at the same time.

    We couldn’t rest yet.

    “We will now start the meeting.”

    The secretary scribbled on the electronic board.

    Assisting with the Major Experience Academia Fair

    “We need to send personnel to Academia from the academic team.”

    Besides administrative pledges like improving medical aid, this was the first activity of the student council.

    “By next week, we will select guides for the Academia Fair in cooperation with the colleges. We also need to prepare booths and equipment. We require the active assistance of the College-Department Cooperation and the External Cooperation Department.”

    I am the head of the External Cooperation Department. More tasks to handle.

    Actually, I prefer it.

    “Vice President Reinhardt.”

    Sinclair, a second-year senior, pointed directly at me. He had lost the presidential election but was recognized for his student council experience and became the Director of Planning and Culture.

    “You must have known the fair was coming up. Have you contacted the Physics Department’s student council?”

    “The Physics Department doesn’t have a student council.”

    “……? Oh.”

    It’s an emergency committee system. The students don’t vote!

    “Then have you at least contacted the Natural Sciences College’s student council?”

    “I have informed them. We are gathering volunteers, and I plan to go to the Physics Department booth.”

    The second-year seniors, including Sinclair, widened their eyes—not with approval. Zelnya’s face also hardened.

    “Wouldn’t it be better to send someone else? You must have a lot to do.”

    “It’s fine.”

    The Academia Experience Fair was an event I definitely wanted to participate in as the organizer. It was a perfect opportunity to spot potential juniors. If done well, we could attract students who might otherwise choose other departments. Moreover, the Physics Department was currently thriving due to resonator research. Isn’t it common sense to row with the current?

    “Reinhardt junior, no, vice—It must be tough, so you can just assist from behind.”

    “I agree.”

    “Me too.”

    The second-year seniors consecutively declined me. At first glance, it seemed considerate, but not for me. I couldn’t stand expos.

    “What do you think, President?”

    “Sigh.”

    Zelnya shook her head.

    “I wish we didn’t have to go.”

    “But everyone, could you look at this?”

    I stood up and displayed a DM on the electronic board. In a group chat titled ‘Professor☆.’ A series of conversations were written.

    Oblon (Department Head): student Reinhardt, congratulations on being elected as the vice president of the college student council. I wanted to inform you that our student has achieved remarkable research results in the Physics Department. I am leaving this message to encourage your participation in the upcoming Major Experience Expo.

    Ludan (Dean of Admissions): That’s a good idea. I believe student Reinhardt also understands the importance of nurturing future researchers. It’s not mandatory, so I recommend you consider it if you have the time.

    Abel (Director of High Energy Materials Research): I also recommend it.

    Chlore (Graduate School Chief): Gasp…! I also recommend it!

    Feynman (Director of Gravitational Theory Research): I recommend it. If Aidel decides to go, I will assist with setting up the booth.

    Stranov (Director of Eruyel Quantum Gravity Research): Professor Feynman is currently receiving treatment for a herniated disc. Though I am from another school, I can help.

    There were over 50 more messages below. Only the necessary parts were shown; the rest were omitted.

    “Even if it’s not mandatory, there’s this pressure, you know… You understand what I mean, right?”

    The seniors and Zelnya fell silent as if their lips were stuck.

    I arrived at Academia to set up the booth.

    “Hmm, this smell…”

    Physics newbies have a distinctive scent. I want to teach them everything quickly. I want them to feel the true essence of physics, so they choose the Physics Department during their undergraduate years. When they join, I want to tutor them. During assistant professor classes, I want to memorize each student’s name while taking attendance. Every time they come to file midterm and final claims, I want to take them on a sightseeing train.

    “Hey, don’t leave my side. Stick close and follow me.”

    Ah, I want to become a professor.

    “Hey, hey!”

    “What?”

    “Were you not listening to me at all?”

    Zelnya looked up at me with her arms crossed.

    “When someone talks, you should at least pretend to listen, right?”

    “Sorry, President. I was thinking about something else for a moment.”

    “What are you thinking about? Don’t tell me you’re thinking about that blonde girl?”

    “Which girl? Ah, you mean Rustila?”

    Zelnya nodded. While locking eyes with me, she glanced around.

    They didn’t get along well.

    “Whatever. I think I should meet with Rustila after I’m done today. It’s been too long since we last met. I’ve turned down her invitations to make plans several times.”

    “When do you think we’ll finish today?”

    “We’re just here to investigate, so it’ll be quick. Just follow me.”

    It was then.

    “Follow quickly? Got it.”

    A familiar voice made me turn around, and there was Rustila. I involuntarily gasped. Her gaze was as cold as ice. However, I realized that gaze was directed not at me, but at Zelnya. Zelnya turned around like a broken wooden doll and frowned deeply.

    Soon, the eyes of the two girls met. I was caught in between them. It felt like the temperature around me dropped by about five degrees, sending chills down my spine.

    “Long time no see, Adelwein.”

    “Who are you? Why are you acting like you know me?”

    “Don’t tell me you don’t remember me? Miss Forever second place.”

    I was a bit surprised. Usually, it was Zelnya who started the quarrels. This time, Rustila was the one who struck first. But normally, if you’re meeting after a long time, you wouldn’t start with a confrontational tone, right?

    As I thought that, Rustila relaxed her expression and approached me.

    “Long time no see, Aidel.”

    It was a radiant smile like that of an angel. Yes, this is the Rustila I know. Just looking at her was healing.

    “I heard they’re setting up the major booths starting this week, so I thought you’d come. I heard you’d finish early today, so do you want to have dinner together at that restaurant from last time?”

    “No. He’s busy.”

    “I didn’t ask you, Zelnya.”

    “Now, now! Both of you, calm down!”

    At this rate, it looked like the two of them were going to grab each other’s hair and fight. I desperately tried to stop them, but it wasn’t easy.

    While checking out the booth spots and greeting the representatives from Academia, Zelnya kept exchanging blows with Rustila. It was so intense that the stares from passersby were palpable.

    “Can’t you two stop fighting?”

    “We’re not fighting.”

    “No, you are fighting. Sorry about that.”

    “Are you crazy? Why are you apologizing to her?”

    “You…”

    Rustila seemed like she was about to explode, so I patted her on the shoulder. Then, Zelnya exploded upon seeing that.

    “Follow me.”

    “I’ll help you, Aidel.”

    Rustila personally helped set up the canopy. With two tall people working together, tying the top knots was easier. We worked in perfect sync as if we were one.

    “You guys are really something.”

    Zelnya, red-faced, rolled up her sleeves. It seemed like seeing Rustila and me working together had sparked her competitive spirit.

    “Give me the rope. I want to help, too.”

    “Here.”

    “Be grateful that the president is helping you, Vice President.”

    Zelnya struggled as she tied the knots and lifted them. She managed the lower parts skillfully. The problem was the top. She was too short to reach the connection points.

    “Bring a chair, Vice President!”

    “Here it is.”

    “Give me a piggyback ride, Vice President!”

    “Oh, okay.”

    Rustila frowned. Zelnya also glared at me. Her expression seemed to say that if I didn’t help, she would make me experience all sorts of injustices later.

    I hesitated before lifting her onto my shoulder—a sort of compromise. Of course, I joked about her being heavy. She yanked my hair.

    As soon as I stood up with her seated, Zelnya started to make a fuss.

    “Ah, hey! Wait a second! It’s too, too high…!”

    “What, are you afraid of heights? Then get down.”

    I put Zelnya back down. She looked dumbfounded. Rustila couldn’t stop chuckling.

    “You must be going through a lot.”

    The academy teacher patted my shoulder and gave me a bittersweet smile.

    “A mosquito that couldn’t even graduate early is buzzing around. Instead of bothering us while we work, why don’t you go practice your beloved swordsmanship more?”

    “Already finished? And you—you brought Aidel here and did nothing. What did you even come for?”

    “I’m the student council president, and he’s the vice president.”

    “So?”

    “Don’t you know it’s natural for the vice president to work under the supervision of the student council president? Ah, you don’t know much about college. Well, what can a fool who couldn’t even graduate early know?”

    “You’re the fool. You haven’t even written a single paper.”

    “What did you say? Then, have you written anything?”

    “I’ve been published in . I wrote it with Aidel. Want to see? Aidel is the first author, and I’m the second author, so our names are side by side.”

    “Bragging about being a shuttle when all you have in your head is plasma. Ugh, it’s so annoying.”

    This is insane. It’s too chaotic.

    When two women with extreme incompatibility meet, it’s more exhausting than you can imagine. I paid 100 Pron and asked Cartesia for noise cancellation. I couldn’t mediate between them right now.

    I’m hungry. Exaggerating a bit, I feel like I’m about to starve to death.

    “Kid. Need some help? I could just tweak their brains a little, and it would be over in no time.”

    No. Don’t do it.

    “May I take your order?”

    The three of us were choosing from the menu at the restaurant Rustila had recommended.

    …… Let’s just eat first and think about it later.


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