episode_0035

Elisha, he’s a good guy.

Growing up loved and pampered as the youngest, he has a great personality and exceptional talent.

A character who sporadically appears after Bern’s death.

Apart from being able to receive help during boss battles, he’s a character you can’t engage in conversation with.

No, perhaps it’s more accurate to say he can’t engage in conversation.

He mourned Bern, his deceased fiancé, like a sibling, gazing sadly at him alone.

Misunderstandings somewhat faded away as secrets about Bern unraveled after his death.

As misunderstandings cleared, his actions became understandable only after his passing.

What he did for Elisha, deliberately distancing himself and treating her coldly.

It was too late when he realized.

He wants to apologize and clear up misunderstandings, but

The dead do not return.

No matter how much you regret and grieve, you can’t go back to that time.

That’s why humans do their best to live in the present.

Time that has passed, people who have departed to where they can’t return.

Anyway, it’s true that he keeps his distance from Elisha.

There’s nothing good about getting involved with our family, and sticking around is just laughable.

So, if possible, he avoided running into her, but…

It seems like Elisha felt differently.

Wait, they’re already broken up, and they didn’t even meet often.

What could be bothering her?

These days, he’s been behaving properly.

Slowly but surely improving his image without being too suspicious.

“Elisha, what did I do to you?”

“Was it because I suggested we break up, so you thought I wanted to meet other girls like the ones here?”

“….”

– Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?

Well, that’s not it.

Maybe it seemed that way while I was out trying to recruit club members.

“And, every time you look at me, you seem uncomfortable as if I’m a nuisance!”

– Are you ignoring me now?

It’s true that I was a nuisance.

But saying I made a face.

My poker face must be perfect, right?

From the start, once inside this body, I can’t smile easily.

I’m always expressionless.

Like my facial muscles are stiff and can’t form various expressions.

So, I’m maintaining a cold demeanor almost involuntarily.

“And… again…”

-Are you ignoring me now? Wow, this is unbelievable. Hey.

Elisha, with a flushed face, seems to be on the verge of tears.

Steam seems to be coming out of her head.

-Sizzle

At that moment, something strange is heard, and Silia intervenes between us.

“Sigh. It’s no big deal, is it? What’s all the fuss about.”

“What, what?”

“I mean, if we’ve broken up, we’re not related anymore, right? Whether she meets me or other girls.”

“What’s it to you?” Silia retorts sarcastically.

“You’re Luna from Class B, right? This is between me and Bern, so don’t interfere.”

Using the name Luna here was indeed correct.

Seems like Silia is her real name.

“No? She was talking to me about joining the club first. Just passing by? Why not just keep walking? Stop interrupting me.”

Suddenly, what’s going on here?

Something unsettling seems to be brewing between Elisha and Silia.

There’s an electric tension crackling around us.

Setting that aside, why are they acting like this?

I said, pulling them apart with both arms.

Growling at each other like angry terriers.

“For now, both of you calm down. It’s almost time for attendance, so let’s wrap up…”

“Hey, so you want me to join? Fine. Whatever, I’ll do it.”

“What’s with this sudden…! Can’t you see I’m talking to Bern right now?”

“Hah. I was talking to her first, and then you came in, kept interrupting me. Who exactly are you to keep cutting off my words?”

Silia, speaking aggressively unlike her usual self, directs her words at Elisha.

Since we met last time, I’ve noticed a grumbling and aggressive tone.

Is she getting mad because her words are being ignored?

Even if it were me, I would probably get angry if my words were constantly ignored while I was speaking.

I was already annoyed since this morning, and having my words ignored on top of that just makes me furious.

I should probably mediate before this escalates into a fight.

Although Siliana and Elisha seem oblivious, students are gathering around them.

If a fight breaks out here, it won’t be good for either Elisha or Siliana.

“Both of you, calm down.”

“Ugh, fine. What’s with the attitude since this morning? Hey, the club… Ugh… Just do whatever you want.”

With those words, Siliana turned and walked away.

Now, only Elisha remains.

I might need to explain things to her later.

“Elisha, we’ll talk later. For now, go back.”

“Sure, I guess I was getting a bit too excited. I’ll head back,” she said as she also turned and left.

As they turned back, the students who had gathered began dispersing to their respective places.

It seems like the situation has been resolved for now.

Now it’s my turn to leave.

Alone, I started walking back.

It’s almost time for attendance, so as long as I arrive on time, it should be fine.

But I never expected Elisha to think that way.

Well, it’s a bit strange to meet other girls right after a breakup.

Was it me who caused this misunderstanding?

Anyway, Siliana is quite scary when she’s angry.

I didn’t realize it before because she usually grumbles, but maybe I touched a nerve.

At least I recruited the final member.

Now all that’s left is to establish the club.

But we haven’t even decided on a name yet, let alone what we’ll do in the club.

The response doesn’t seem very positive.

We also need to find a clubroom.

Anyway, all the members have been gathered.

Now we just have to wait for the protagonist to wrap up Act 1.

By now, the guys who have become closer since the internship incident should be hanging out together.

They’ll handle it well.

Even if we don’t have a colleague who uses light/dark magic.

The protagonist is the protagonist.

The tougher the situation, the stronger they become.

And when they defeat the boss, they can acquire skills suitable for that situation.

Well, you could call it awakening, commonly speaking.

It’s good to have a counter attribute when strategizing.

It’s not always necessary.

If not only oneself but also those around are in danger due to being cornered, the protagonist becomes even stronger.

So, there’s no need to worry.

However, Requiem may be watching for an opportunity to capture Siliana.

That’s why I created the club.

To increase contact with Siliana as much as possible.

Then, by using the club as an excuse, I can keep her close.

Now that classes are over.

It’s time to go apply for the club…

“Burn Flame. If it’s a training club, there’s already a swordsmanship department. Is it okay if they overlap?”

A teacher working in the club-related department asked.

Is it okay if they overlap?

“It’s fine.”

“Just asking, but you’ve gathered all the members, right? If you don’t have three members, you can’t create a club.”

Seeming tired or lazy, the teacher added with a lackadaisical tone.

“We’ve gathered everyone. Look, I have their signatures here.”

After looking at the documents I handed over, the teacher finally nodded.

“So, are you keeping the same name?”

“Yes.”

Our club’s name is the Flame Training Department.

“The Flame family guys all have terrible naming senses…” he muttered quietly.

Is he talking about Bern and his other brothers?

Well, there might be brothers who entered and graduated before Bern.

Anyway, we managed to create the club without any issues.

Now, all that’s left is to find a club activity room.

Having a room can serve as storage or accommodate other useful objects, so it’s best to secure one.

That’s why I asked the department teacher.

“Is there a vacancy for club activities? Any place will do. Oh, I’m prepared if it’s coins.”

Listening to me, lost in thought with his chin in his hand.

After a short while, he opened his closed mouth.

“It doesn’t matter where… although one place does come to mind.”

“Alright, then I’ll take that place. I’ll pay the fee.”

“Fine. What’s money anyway. Take it. I was meaning to tidy up that place anyway.”

Saying so, he took something out of the drawer and swiftly threw it at me.

-Thunk!

“This… is it a key?”

“I’ll mark it on the map for you, so find your way there.”

“Got it. I understand.”

With that, I left the faculty room.

Now, I must have obtained the vacancy.

This is where it gets real.

First, shall I head to the club room?

The club room given to the protagonist was always the same, but mine won’t be.

I should go check it out.

I moved my feet towards where the club room should be.

…

-Creak.

I unlocked the door with the key and entered inside.

The club room located a bit away from the main building, near the new teacher.

Externally, it looked old and worn out.

Paint peeling off, bearing the marks of time.

Upon entering, a familiar sight met my eyes.

The dusty interior was very familiar to me.

“Is this…”

Originally, this was where the protagonist should have been.

I had a slight doubt when looking at the map.

Can I use this place?

Well, whatever. The protagonist will manage somehow.

Although it doesn’t look great, I’ll have to make do.

Originally, I should have paid with coins.

Considering the aged facilities and my reluctance to be given another room, they must have handed this place over to me.

More importantly, I need to clean up now.

The club room, surprisingly spacious, was covered in dust and cobwebs.

Even though it’s free, the condition is quite bad.

To use it properly, I’ll have to fix many things.

Shall we start with cleaning then?