Humiliation

“Ugh…”

“I’m… dying…”

Orca and Eileen lay sprawled on the floor like they’d never studied hard before in their lives.

I did use hypnosis to make studying enjoyable, but I never expected them to go this hard.

Maybe having study partners motivated them more than I anticipated.

“Good work. How were the results?”

“Dunno… don’t wanna think about it…”

“Not interested…”

Both pretended not to care about their scores, but only Eileen truly meant it.

Orca was clearly bothered – her fingers kept twitching like she wanted to compare answers with Eileen but was too scared of seeing a bad score.

I couldn’t let this depressing atmosphere linger. Time for Plan B.

“Orca, are you free during vacation?”

“Vacation? Was gonna make some money. Why?”

“Well… I started a club! How about joining? It’s a music club! A band! What do you think?!”

“…What nonsense is this?”

Nonsense? Ouch.

I steeled myself and continued with theatrical enthusiasm.

“Anastasia, Stella, Orca, Leo, Eileen… all frequent visitors to the counseling room.”

“…So what?”

“Ahem. Listen carefully. I couldn’t help wondering… do these kids have any friends? Why do they only come here?”

“Urk.”

Truthfully, I might have ruined half their chances at friendship, but details.

Orca took the bait, immediately getting defensive.

“I-I have friends! The Princess! She asked to be friends! And this brat! Even Eileen here… we’re close now, right?”

“…Sure, let’s go with friends.”

“See! Even that Watcher woman keeps clinging to me! Hah, my popularity!”

“…So no one besides the people I mentioned?”

“?!”

While it was good they’d become friends during exams, her excuses were pointless. She’d basically admitted only knowing counseling room regulars.

Orca’s face darkened as she realized this.

“Hmph. I don’t bother with useless people.”

“Did you catch that from Stella?… Whatever. That’s why I made this club! Band club! Wow! Clap clap clap.”

“…How does that follow?”

“Bands require teamwork! You’ll bond through playing music together!”

Translation: Since you can’t make normal friends, just stick together.

“Five members is perfect! One bass, one drums, one synth, two guitarists! I’ll be advisor!”

“You guys have fun. I need to earn money.”

Expected response from lone wolf Orca. But I needed her in.

This club would legitimize their group outings. Anastasia and Eileen wandering together would raise eyebrows, but five club members? Less suspicious.

Stella and Anastasia already agreed – Stella for appearances, Anastasia genuinely excited to make music with others. The contrast between pragmatic royalty and compassionate church was amusing.

“Five times.”

“Huh?”

“Five times minimum wage per club activity hour.”

“Wh-what…?”

“Five seconds to decide. Five… four…”

“Are you insane? Five times? Stop joking.”

“Three… two… one…”

“…Fine! I’ll do it! Happy now?!”

Most problems can be solved with money. If not, you’re not offering enough.

“We’ll use the music room next door.”

“What? They agreed?”

“Yes. It’s rarely used anyway.”

The music teacher cried when hearing the Princess and Watcher would use their neglected room.

“Orca, you’re on guitar! Fits your fiery personality!”

“The hell?!”

“Heh, kidding. Anyway, we’re having a training camp after vacation.”

“…Training camp? Here?”

“No, we’ll travel. Don’t worry – the academy funds everything.”

Principal Veronica’s bottomless wallet strikes again. If she didn’t look like a child, I might’ve proposed for her money.

The real reason for the club? Keeping everyone together during vacation. Especially Stella – assassins could strike anytime.

Plus, this gives us a month to freely search for the Sword Saint’s legacy. Normally found near the ending, but our story’s already derailed. Let’s speedrun this.

Our kids might be weaker than playable characters at this stage, but five against one makes up for it.

“We’ll travel for a month right after vacation.”

“…A music club? This is embezzlement.”

“Creative inspiration trip. Approved by the Principal.”

“…”

Why are you looking at me like that, Orca? You’ll enjoy the trip!

I shooed them out before they could judge me more.

“Shoo! Go rest! You studied hard!”

“Wait, Teacher. I’ll sleep here…”

“Come back later!”

Alone, I fantasized about their future performance – five students bowing to applause. I hummed and bounced in my chair…

“Oh, Teacher. Forgot my test papers… what are you doing?”

“?!”

“Orca, I told you to wait…”

“Uh… didn’t see anything.”

“…”

Caught dancing alone. I moved faster than ever before.

“…Huh? Why did we come back?”

“Dunno…”

“Hmm… weird…”