episode_0238

“Cough-”

A chilly wind seeped into my neck, making me pull my collar tighter.

The weather had gotten noticeably colder lately. As if waiting for the inter-class competition to end, early winter had begun to set in.

It felt quite long, thanks to the excessive workload last summer. To be precise, it started after the first semester midterms. The temperature gradually rose when we went to the Artemis ruins, and the hot days continued through the final exams and summer break.

Entering the second semester, I realized summer was practically over. This was because I hadn’t felt the heat, having spent a considerable time in the relatively cool Shinseong Kingdom.

And for the past few days, the weather has turned sharply cold. Even the breakfast menu has started to change slowly. To fill our stomachs warmly, Yuri has been making soup these days.

I stood in front of the main gate of the Student Council building. This place isn’t accessible to just any academy cadet. They even have a separately established security team. Two cadets approached me at the gate to stop me.

“Magic Department, first year, Narias Philbrogue.”

I held out my identification, received from Headmaster Natalya. The guards carefully examined the identification before quietly parting to let me pass.

“Welcome to the Naifrantz Academy Student Council.”

After a slight bow to their formal greeting, I stepped inside.

The interior was like a magnificent mansion. The Naifrantz Academy Student Council handles countless academy matters, hence their strong authority. That authority is composed of two things: responsibility and reward.

Academy events, systems, communication with cadets—it’s practically an organization in itself. The disciplinary committee, a subordinate organization of the Student Council, maintains the conduct of all cadets. If a cadet gets drunk late at night and causes trouble, the Student Council takes direct responsibility and apologizes, regardless of any punishment.

They take care of even these minute details, so the rewards they receive are also great. The Student Council has the authority to renovate or expand the building, and they receive the largest budget allocation. They can’t spend it like water, but almost anything is possible for welfare purposes. This lavish mansion is probably the current student council president’s preference.

Many people were walking around from the first-floor hallway. All of them were student council cadets. I was unfamiliar with most of them. I encountered most of the cadets during the inter-class competition, but the Student Council, as the examination organizers, didn’t participate. Many of them only live around the Student Council grounds.

However, being a stranger is from my perspective. There’s no way there are cadets who don’t know me now. As proof, countless gazes are fixed on me. Naturally, people would be curious seeing someone like me wandering around the lobby.

Soon, a cadet approached hesitantly. She didn’t seem very pleased. She wore a name tag around her neck; she was from the Administration Department. Probably a receptionist or something similar.

“Um… I’m Remi from the Administration Department. Cadet Narias Philbrogue, what brings you here…”

“Do you know me?”

“…It’s hard not to. You didn’t have any scheduled visits, do you have someone to see?”

“I’m here to meet the president.”

Remi’s eyes widened at the mention of the president. She seemed to be thinking something; she hesitated for a moment, then put her hand to her ear and sent a message. Probably to the president’s office or something.

“…Conveniently, she has time free right now. This way.”

Soon, Remi turned. Continuing to watch me ensured it was an invitation to follow. I followed her up the mansion’s stairs.

I soon arrived on the top floor. The interior was similar to the first floor; there was nothing particularly surprising. Or rather, I was already amazed enough… the entire mansion was so extravagant and eye-catching. It wouldn’t lose to a royal palace.

‘This place will soon be my lair…’

*Slurp-*

I swallowed the saliva gathering at the corner of my mouth and faithfully followed Remi.

“This is it.”

We reached the largest door in the center of the top floor. As soon as we arrived, Remi bowed to me and left immediately. She might be busy, but I also felt her unwillingness to be involved with me, which was a little unpleasant. Oh well, she’s pretty, so I’ll let it slide.

After tidying my clothes, I knocked twice lightly.

“Narias Philbrogue.”

-Come in.

A soft voice came from inside. Without hesitation, I opened the door to the Student Council President’s office. The metal doorknob turned smoothly, pushing inward.

The president’s office was filled with the familiar atmosphere I knew. An audience chamber, the Headmaster’s office, the department head’s office… Ah, not the last one.

Anyway.

I expected her to be spinning in her chair as always, watching me, but the student council president had been waiting for me right in front of the door. She was immediately visible as soon as I opened it.

Frederica Levista. Third-year Magic Department top student, and a magician who wields three elemental manas. Her tall stature and blonde bun are her distinguishing features. I had seen her at events once or twice.

“Oh, um… hello?”

“Heh heh, come in.”

She exuded friendliness and took my arm, pulling me inside. A soft breast brushed against my arm, making my heart flutter slightly. However, I quelled my desire, remembering Yuri’s soft breasts I touched this morning.

Frederica seated me on a guest sofa and brought tea. A subtle fragrance spread. It felt relaxing both physically and mentally.

She rested her chin on her folded hands and looked at me. It seemed like a gesture to encourage me to try the tea. Unable to resist the subtle pressure, I quickly took a sip. It was a fragrant and sweet black tea with the perfect amount of sugar.

“How is it? Delicious, right?”

“Yes, it’s good. Is this tea made from aged Platre leaves?”

“Oh my, you’re knowledgeable about tea.”

“I have some interest in tea ceremonies.”

We talked briefly about tea leaves. Frederica, unlike her serious public image, was surprisingly kind and emotional. To be able to show such a wide range of expressions from just talking about tea… I found that slightly amazing.

“Ahem, we’ve gone off-topic. So, what brings you here today?”

“I thought you would know.”

“Don’t say that, okay? It only holds meaning when you say it yourself.”

That’s true. It wasn’t simple enough to convey with just a glance, so it seemed necessary to at least state it verbally to maintain formality.

“As someone vying for the next student council president… I have some things I want to learn.”

“Heh heh… really? You’re more serious than I thought.”

“What made you think of me…”

“As someone who wields ruthless physical strength and magic… a thug?”

Even after saying it, Frederica chuckled. I understand it’s a joke, but it still made me feel a little down. There’s no such thing as such a pretty thug… Although, my performance in the tests so far has been rather violent. Especially in the most recent inter-class competition, I displayed the image of a thug who literally beat everyone up.

Apparently, Frederica was lighter than I thought, and I was heavier than she imagined. Since we’re at it, I decided to make the atmosphere a little heavier.

“As you know, I proved my abilities. I’ve shown my prowess in both academics and martial arts, as well as my ability to rule over a party as a leader. I don’t think there’s any better candidate than me.”

Frederica chuckled.

“Your self-confidence is admirable. As you said, it’s true. The inter-class competition is about assessing overall unity, but it also shows the leadership of the central leader. I mean, there were hidden achievement conditions. You were perfect in that aspect.”

“Thank you. I’m blushing from the praise from the president herself.”

“This girl… is quite eloquent. Anyway, doesn’t that mean there’s something you lack?”

“Yes. I lack practical experience. I’m not familiar with the Student Council’s work either.”

She nodded, maintaining a soft smile. From that alone, I understood her intention. She seemed to be pondering how to help me.

I know exactly what she’s thinking. Frederica is emotional, making her a pro at winning people over and motivating them. I suddenly recalled Yuri’s interaction with the female cadets in the class.

“Right, I understand what you need. But we can’t just leisurely teach you. We have to manage the results of the last exam, we need to prepare for various winter vacation events, as well as the upcoming elections.”

“You mean show your hand.”

“Ho ho, I tried to beat around the bush, but you immediately grasped the point. I hope you won’t ignore my sincerity.”

“I really hate empty formalities.”

I drained the last of the tea in my cup and placed it on the table. I wiped my damp mouth with the back of my hand. It was a rather rough manner unbecoming of a young lady. I did it intentionally to show my hand.

“I have plenty to prepare for, so I don’t have that much free time. But if it’s okay, how about I learn by directly assisting the Student Council?”

“That would be perfect. Yes, there’s no other way!”

Frederica abruptly stood up, grabbed my hand, and shook it enthusiastically. I felt it from the start, but maybe she wasn’t just being friendly, but actually had some degree of fondness towards me.

Ignoring my worries, she walked towards the table and started writing something. I peeked—it was a Student Council application form. It’s important to follow procedures, even if it’s temporary.

“Actually, I’ve wanted to work with you from the beginning! This opportunity has come in my final year, and I’m overwhelmed with excitement…!”

“He he, it’s my honor too.”

*Scratch scratch-*

The fountain pen swiftly filled out the application form. After adding my name and signature, Frederica examined the paper with satisfaction.

She put the application form down on the table. Then, her soft expression completely changed. The gentle warmth instantly disappeared. It cooled down so rapidly that it almost looked stiff.

“Then… let’s get to work on the backlog.”

“…President?”

I felt like I’m screwed.