Chapter 206: Youngest Retiree (1)
House Rothstaylor's authority would never fade as long as the Kroel Empire continued to shine.
It was a phrase that would make one's heart flutter just hearing it. The words of Bolcher Rothstaylor, the founder of House Rothstaylor, who had raised the flag of his House to the center of the empire.
Tanya Rothstaylor left behind her childhood as she finally walked down the halls of the mansion in a fancy dress. The memory of the magnificent sights of the halls of Rothstaylor stayed within her heart.
How lucky she was to be born as a member of House Rothstaylor in a time when it was shining.
In order to avoid tainting her house's name, that young and strong girl was determined to become a person who wouldn't bring shame to the name Rothstaylor.
Her dream was to prove herself to the world and raise the name of House Rothstaylor.
She lived for the sake of proving the greatness that was House Rothstaylor. However, such a beautiful and honorable journey wasn't for everyone.
The beautiful daughter of Duke Rothstaylor, Tanya Rothstaylor. When would the day come when everyone greeted her with great respect and nervous hearts, simply from hearing her name.
To bear the weight of the name Rothstaylor, wield the power and honor that came with it, and to be the leader of it all.
The girl's ambition burned like a flaming torch.
The determination to become one of the greats who would live on in history forever.
Despite being a mere child who had not even had her coming-of-age ceremony, she had such large ambitions.
Even at that young age, she had a brighter ambition than anyone else.
* * *
"I want to die…"
In the office of the student council president in Obel Hall, which was attached to the student plaza, Tanya was buried under paperwork. Her face looked completely sullen as she spoke, nearly muttering.
It had been about two days since her older brother, Ed Rothstaylor, had left for Cledric Monastery.
"..."
Student Council Committee Member Ziggs Eiffelstein stared at her corpse-like appearance, not knowing what to say.
The number of herbs and reagent ingredients used for research in the various clubs under the Alchemy Department that had been reported didn't match the number the student council members personally counted during an inventory check.
Thus, a reconfirmation of the inventory was necessary.
When Ziggs came to deliver the documents to Tanya, he was surprised to see her buried in her desk like a deflated balloon.
"Student Council President Tanya… Can't you review the documents first?"
Even though she was an underclassman of his, she still held the position of student council president. For a brief moment, Tanya looked up at Ziggs, who was showing her a great amount of respect… before putting her head back down on the desk.
"Ziggs. Why do you think people have to work?"
"Is it not possible to have a philosophical discussion after we finish our work?"
"Maybe we are just being swayed by the prejudices of society? Humans… we don't live to work. There is definitely a more valuable reason behind God's creation of man."
"Student Council President, please think on that after you finish reviewing the documents. The student council inspection team is unable to proceed with their work until you sign off on them…"
"…Is it that important to check a club's inventory of alchemy supplies right now?!"
"…It is. The Alchemy Department is full of troublemakers, so they might be up to something if they're stealing inventory. We need to prevent such things."
"…I guess it is important."
After saying that, Tanya began to read through the inventory checklist written on the report while marking it with a quill.
All of a sudden, she swallowed her breath.
"Again… I started working as if it was as natural as flowing water…"
"Is working naturally so bad that you have to make that depressing expression?"
Ziggs looked at Tanya, who had a dead expression on her face. He suddenly had a strange feeling.
Tanya Rothstaylor. When she first came to Silvenia, she had a spark in her eyes.
She said some strange things about expelling Ed and becoming the student council president to raise House Rothstaylor's name.
Regardless of what her goals were, her ambition and energy to achieve them was extraordinary for a girl of her age… Ziggs could only applaud her as her upperclassman.
However, those days had passed. A lot had happened over that relatively short period of time.
He expected that the young girl, born full of ambition, would one day become a seasoned realist after being exposed to harsh reality a few times.
However, how she ended up… was a little different from what Ziggs had expected.
"Ziggs, did you know that if you go along the right edge of the Pulan mountain range, you'll reach Baron Cletton's former mansion? I heard it's on sale right now… for the same price as a shabby house in the capital. I can't believe you can buy an entire mansion for that amount."
Suddenly bringing up news of the sale of a former mansion and the price of a house in the capital… It was completely bizarre.
"It is close to several rural villages in Pulan, the air is clean, the water is fresh, and if you get bored with the quiet grassland breeze, you can always go swimming in the nearby river… I'm sure the scenery is beautiful as well."
"Student Council President Tanya…"
"Being able to go to the village to go grocery shopping, buy unusual ingredients, and try cooking a bunch of new dishes… I always leave those tasks to the maids, so I'm not great at cooking, but I still want to practice as much as I can. If possible, I'd like to learn embroidery as well. However, staying in the mansion would only turn me into an ignorant lady. It would be a good idea to attend social gatherings, book clubs, or volunteer groups in the Pulan region if possible. Once a week… is too much. Maybe just twice a month would be enough."
"You've thought about this much more than I realized."
"I don't need all that many maids, either. There's no need to act overly grand. It'll be great if I can live there with a few trustworthy maids, like a family. I'll make sure to take good care of them, too. On a summer night, we can light some fireworks through magic as well… Eating outside on a sunny day sounds nice… Also, there are many scenic views we can walk around… It would be great to get some exercise. A mansion like that… only costs that much…"
She sounded exactly like an old woman in the twilight years of her life, ready to retire.
However, Tanya Rothstaylor was undoubtedly a girl in the prime of her life, with many days left to live.
Tanya's imagination suddenly bloomed as she spoke with a determined expression on her face.
"…I have a good idea."
"I'm really nervous to hear it."
"I'm going to make a retirement plan."
"It has been less than half a year since you became student council president."
The role of student council president wasn't something she could just give up because she wanted to focus on her role as House Rothstaylor's new head. However, she still needed to spend time focusing on her House.
For those who remained in House Rothstaylor, especially the various vassals and distant relatives located throughout the empire, Tanya Rothstaylor's position was critically important. Politically, it would be a mistake to throw all of them away and go into hiding. It was also a matter of humanity, as well.
If Tanya left the House, it really wouldn't be strange if House Rothstaylor truly disappeared from history.
In the aftermath of such a choice, how many people would fall to the ground in frustration? That fact alone forced Tanya to hold on to the role of the next head of house.
She couldn't run away until things stabilized. Until that moment, Tanya would be unable to retire.
Ultimately, to raise House Rothstaylor to what it once was, she needed the full support of the next emperor. Even if not as much as before, she needed someone who could at least guarantee their authority to some extent.
Selah was hostile towards the house and Persica couldn't be trusted. That left only Princess Penia.
So, in the end, the goal was to help Princess Penia by weakening her competition.
Tanya herself was slowly taking action to deal with Princess Selah… But after thinking about it, she realized she didn't have to live such a busy life.
Strictly speaking… Everything she did was part of her duty as the next head of House Rothstaylor.
Wouldn't it be fine to give up some of the authority she held as the student council president of Silvenia Academy?
The authority of the student council was also quite impressive, and she knew there might come a time when it would be needed… but it didn't seem to be as important as she had once thought it was.
"After thinking about it, I don't think the important position of student council president at Silvenia Academy is suitable for someone who is lacking in various areas and is rather immature like me. I still have a lot to learn… and I don't think things through… I don't suit this role at all!"
"Student Council President…"
"You think so too, Ziggs?!"
"…Before you should care about my opinion, you should know that after being elected as student council president, you cannot resign unless you satisfy one of the reasons for resignation stipulated in the school regulations."
Hearing those words, Tanya's face paled.
"What?! I said I'm not going to do it, so why do I have to?!"
"Didn't you run for student council president? Re-electing someone else requires a huge amount of administrative manpower, and the vice president cannot take over as the president. After all, as the role that belongs to the one who represents all of the students, shouldn't it be given to someone elected by the students directly?"
Tanya brushed her blonde hair back with soulless eyes. It was the complete opposite of how brilliantly she was shining earlier that year.
How much had her heart eroded over the past year…? She really went through so much.
Ziggs then spoke to Tanya bluntly, stating the facts.
"Wouldn't it be better to just complete your term quickly?"
"I'll die!"
"It might surprise you, but people don't die that easily."
Tanya squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head in complete despair.
"If I can't resign voluntarily, maybe I can be usurped. Or even impeachment…"
"What are you even thinking?"
"What can the school do even if I declare I don't want to work anymore?! I need to stand up for myself!"
Tanya looked up at the piles of papers on her desk. The amount was so massive that, frankly, it didn't look possible to read through all of them in one day.
"I'm not going to take care of all of this! I give up! Do whatever you want! If I don't do my work then the school will be in a difficult position as well. So, they'll be forced to give me disciplinary action and remove me from my position! Yeah! I'm not going to work…!"
"…Well, if that's your decision… President, you can do whatever you want…"
Ziggs shrugged as he thought about it for a moment. He then sighed deeply as he sat down at a wooden desk in the corner of the office.
"But the fact that you have all these reports being delivered to your office means that your role affects just as many people within the school."
"…Ugh."
"I wonder just how many students and faculty members will have their hands tied as you lay in your bed, refusing to work. After all, there are a lot of people waiting for your stamp of approval."
"I-It's unfortunate, but…"
Responsibility!
Ziggs Eiffelstein knew all about it.
Tanya Rothstaylor was a girl who could never neglect her responsibilities, no matter what she said…!
"But I also have… my own… situation…"
With a painful expression on her face, she somehow managed to resist. Indeed… Her willpower had definitely grown…
"…Elka's asthma has gotten worse, so I'm also quite worried these days."
"…Huh…? All of a sudden…?"
"That girl is my lifelong friend, but… even when her disease is worsening each day, she's still stubborn enough to keep up with her studies. I'm quite worried about her health."
"That… Why, all of a sudden…?"
"But here in Silvenia, where kids all across the empire come to study in a closed environment, I was hoping the student council could create a means to give priority to students with medical conditions. And provide them with dedicated rooms to heal in. All that was left was the approval of the student council president."
Ziggs then stared at a pile of papers with a blank expression on his face.
"I'm sure the report is somewhere in that pile."
"That… you should have told me sooner…! I can take care of that right away! Why are you only telling me now?!"
"It is not good for me to receive special treatment just because I am a member of the student council. So, I kept silent. Aren't we in a position where we have to be fair?"
Ziggs closed his eyes as he spoke honestly.
"Each one of these reports piled up may mean the world to someone else. For you, it might just be a daily task, but for others… That pile is an accumulation of their earnest wishes."
"…Ugh…"
"Knowing that fact, I couldn't dare ask you to prioritize my needs first."
If the requests were pushed away, others in the school who were eagerly waiting would only be able to sigh.
"If you continue to delay working, the papers will only continue to pile up without ever being properly considered."
Tanya also knew that to some extent. While the priority items were at the top, she couldn't just ignore the rest of them easily.
She was well aware of the position she was in. Ziggs knew it, too.
Tanya was not the type of person who would easily give up, saying that it was out of her control.
"Do you think I would get shaken… Just because you said that?!"
"..."
"Umm… Uhh…"
"..."
"Euk… Uhmmm… Fine…"
Tanya closed her eyes tightly, as if in pain. Closing her mouth, she began to slowly go through the documents.
"Seriously… I seriously… Can't… Uhk… sob…"
It looked as if she was being tortured, but in the end, it was her choice.
No matter the case… She was a girl who couldn't be free from her responsibilities…
In the end, she always walked back into the swamp of work on her own two feet.
The scene was heartbreaking to witness.
* * *
"Student Council President Tanya came by the day before yesterday. It was while you were in the monastery. It was rather surprising in many ways."
It had been two days since I returned from Cledric Monastery.
Perhaps because of what I went through over the past few years, I didn't feel like I fell behind even though I missed class. It was rather fortunate.
However, that didn't mean I was just playing around with my heart at ease while in the monastery.
In the monastery, I continued to diligently train in repairing to raise my proficiency level. Eventually, I was finally able to use the Bow Crafting Skill. I started to prepare to craft a bow that would suit me perfectly.
In doing so, I had no choice but to visit the Elte Store.
After all, there was no one other than Lortel who could get me better materials, at least within Silvenia.
"I was on complete opposite terms with Tanya in the last student council election, right? And we don't get along all that well in school, either. So, for her to personally come all the way to the Elte Store to see me… I was rather surprised."
I went to talk to Lortel to try and purchase high-quality materials from her. Before getting to the main topic, Lortel, who was sitting in the office, brought up Tanya as if she had something to say.
"Okay? What did she come to talk about?"
"Something… that was a bit difficult to understand."
Wasn't Lortel a person who could read others' inner thoughts better than anyone else? For her to be confused, what was Tanya planning?
"She heard of rumors of corruption within the Elte Company. She said that she was going to gather the authority to conduct an investigation into it, regardless of how we felt."
"That… Doesn't sound like Tanya?"
"Right? Although she is in a position where she has to take an aggressive stance towards the Elte Company, it was still a bit strange."
Tanya was always busy. So, unless absolutely necessary, she wouldn't have come all the way to the Elte Store.
"As the student council president, I'm sure it's her job to always keep a close eye on the Elte Company. That position of hers requires her to constantly threaten Elte so that we won't be able to spread our wings freely."
"Are… you in a bad mood, Lortel?"
"What? I do not know. In the first place, she's your younger sister. And since it seemed like she had made such a sudden move because of some plan, I couldn't be upset with her."
The sun was setting. Lortel, with her reddish-brown hair hanging to one side, sat at her fancy office desk. Her back faced the late evening sky, which was rather reddish.
A cool early autumn breeze blew by, fluttering the curtains. A moment of peace.
Even though Tanya came by and threatened her like that, there was no sign of agitation in her expression. In the first place, Lortel was not someone who would be shaken up over such a thing.
"However, I'm confused because I can't figure out what her intentions are at all. From the start, the school and our store have never gotten along well. Why did she personally come to see me? Ah, Lienna. Can you bring me a list of the inventory? Things that can be used as materials for making bows."
"Y-Yes…."
Secretary Lienna, who had once again become Lortel's chief secretary, still had her shy attitude.
She always looked embarrassed with her every move. Still, she was faster in her work than expected. In the first place, Lortel was no different than the king of the Elte Company, so she needed someone who could keep pace with her.
"So, I did some background research on Tanya. It wasn't just with our store that she acted strangely."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. I heard that she had a conflict with the school as well. She had members of the student discipline team placed in front of the student center, making sure everyone was in dress code. Also, she was unnecessarily pressuring the student clubs… Anyway, these days it seems that she has been outside doing quite a bit."
Lortel swept her hair back, tilting her head as she spoke.
"It clearly seems as if she wants people to complain about her."
"Certainly… Even for the Elte Company, I'm sure it was uncomfortable having to suddenly be called on for an inspection."
"It seems that there is something she wants. It's frustrating because she isn't easily showing what it is."
Lortel's office was more cluttered than before. As proof that the branch had completely fallen into her grasp, both her personal items and household items were scattered around.
"Anyway, there is a joint competition this semester. It's a rather big event that even Emperor Kroel is attending. So, shouldn't she be busy preparing for it? I wonder if she even has the time to be making such moves?"
"I'm sure she has her own plans. The last time we met, things looked a bit difficult for her."
I had met with Tanya briefly before going to the Cledric Monastery. Although she complained about this and that, she certainly had a vision for the future of House Rothstaylor and her work as the student council president.
"I'm sure the public opinion of the students isn't all that great towards her. I wonder if she's doing okay?"
"No. Rather, the student support for President Tanya is now unparalleled compared to the previous student council presidents."
"…What?"
"The fact that she continues to do her best as the student council president despite the misfortunes House Rothstaylor has faced… Despite being a first year, she's respectful yet honest with her upperclassmen. I'm sure she has an enormous workload, but she never neglects her studies. The fact that she listens to and responds to all of the opinions of the clubs, classes, departments, and the like… To be honest, she has so much support behind her that our store is having issues holding its own against her. Though, it's not like I would have tried to restrain myself against her in the first place."
I took a sip of the tea that Secretary Lienna had given me, then responded in a bewildered tone.
"But you just said she was doing all sorts of displeasing things?"
"Regardless of her actions, how it will be perceived completely depends on whether the person looking at her is favorable or hostile."
"Then…?"
"It seems that her sudden disciplining of various groups has been interpreted as being a wonderful student council president. One who is strict with discipline and knows how to distinguish between public and private."
"..."
I remembered Tanya sitting in her office, looking at all of those documents with dead eyes.
Suddenly, Secretary Lienna came back with an inventory list and a new cup of tea.
"Student Council President Tanya… objectively speaking, she's rather cool, right? Even though she's a first year student… How can I say it? She has the more mature aura of an upperclassman…"
"Really…?"
"Everyone knows how hard Tanya is working to take care of everyone, so they are being extra considerate towards her. I heard that some of the clubs are even voluntarily bringing missing report funds and donating them."
Tanya certainly was a girl who was passionate about everything.
Even after becoming student council president, her attitude towards life had not changed. It seemed that she was continuing to run around doing her best, all while complaining to herself.
The girl who only knew what it meant to be a member of House Rothstaylor had grown on her own accord to fill the shoes of student council president.
She really was… admirable!
Yes, the most appropriate expression to describe her was admirable.
"I think that her reason for taking such aggressive actions is to deal with the possible violations of student rights in advance. I don't know for sure, but… Since she's the student council president, I'm sure that's the case."
Secretary Lienna spoke about Tanya with a level of certainty.
"Tanya… She really is a trustworthy kid."
I agreed with her.
After growing emotionally quite a bit, Tanya had become a person who could stand tall as the heir of House Rothstaylor.
Well, it wasn't even my real body. So, even though it was a bit much to say we were true siblings…
I still felt as if she was the only blood-related family I had left in the world. Supporting her when I could… That was what I needed to do.
Tanya… you must be going through so much…!
She'd lived in the dark for so long, it was great that she could finally see her golden age!
"If Tanya's words and actions were seen as offensive, I apologize as her older brother, Lortel."
"O-Oh my… I'm only going to be more flustered if you apologize, Ed. You don't need to apologize for anything, because I don't feel upset in the slightest."
"I see. Well, I still want to support her when I can."
I then spoke with certainty.
"If possible, I am hoping that she will be able to serve as student council president again next year… So, I hope you will continue to support her as well, Lortel! Please put your faith in her, too!"
I grabbed Lortel's hands tightly as I conveyed my determination.
Lortel was completely flustered by my sudden confession. She fidgeted, hiding her face and looking down.
"I-If that's what you want, I have no intention of opposing it. Well, if it's what you really want, I can make sure she is reappointed as president… It's not that difficult… I've already done it once before…"
"Okay. Thank you for trusting her, Lortel."
"W-Well, it's nothing much."
Lortel swallowed her breath as if trying to keep her composure. She then spoke slowly.
"Did you hear that Tanya selected only famous aristocratic students to hold a meeting with this time? I'm sure you were called on as well, Ed."
"Yeah. I figured she was going to talk about the empire's government and the future rather than problems within the school."
"They will definitely lend their strength to her. I'm only a commoner, so I won't be able to attend, but… Your position is a bit different, isn't it Ed?"
Lortel tended to work behind the scenes. She was not one to attend such meetings.
"I don't know what her real purpose for the meeting is, but… I'm sure that everyone will agree and support her."
"I see. Well, I hope you can continue helping her when possible."
"Of course. The Elte Company and the student council should continue to maintain a friendly relationship."
Lortel grinned like a snake as she made eye contact with me.
The fact that it was a relationship built on trust where she could both give and receive without any suspicions seemed to be something she was enjoying quite a bit.
* * *
[As thanks to the student council president, Tanya, who always works hard for the students' rights, I am gifting you eighty pieces of high-quality wooden furniture to be used in Obel Hall, an ornamental statue that was brought directly from the Imperial Palace, and annual memberships to Laplace Bakery.'
I would once again like to express my sincere thanks for the hard work of all the student council members, who always enforce justice and maintain order.
– From the Elte Company's Silvenia Branch. Sent by Deputy Director Lortel Kehelland.]
In front of the Obel Hall, which was used by the student council, all kinds of high-quality furniture and an ornamental statue were placed.
The student council members who heard the news ran out in surprise with their mouths wide open.
In addition to all of that, they were all given free annual memberships to Laplace Bakery, the most famous bakery in the commercial district. They all looked ecstatic, the corners of their mouths raised.
"Hey! From here, all the way there! Let's go and bring everything inside! Let's start with taking out the old furniture in the office! Let's just get rid of all the old stuff!"
The executive committee members were already starting to carry the furniture, given as gifts, into Obel Hall.
And Tanya Rothstaylor, who came out afterwards, looked at the scene in front of Obel Hall with her mouth wide open.
"Uhm… President…"
The speaker was the fourth year combat department's top student and overall top student, Daike Elpelan. He had short-cut hair and a large body. With a dumbfounded expression on his face, he asked a question.
"The Elte Company, not even the executives of this entire school could do anything against them… So, what kind of trick did you use…?"
Tanya looked at Daike with wide eyes. Without saying anything, she looked back at the scene of people carrying the furniture around.
Tanya obviously had no idea what was happening. She didn't know what she had even done. She simply went to the Elte Company, the most important organization in the school, and caused a scene with the mindset of being impeached. She did it partially out of desperation.
She was wondering how they would bite back at her. As she nervously waited for the Elte Company to retaliate over her actions, the blade of condemnation suddenly flew back in an unexpected and terrible way.
"Woah… Did the Elte Company really send all of this?!"
"This is the first time I've ever seen the Elte Company act friendly with the school…"
"I heard that Student Council President Tanya went to the commercial district to discuss something… But what kind of magic did she cast…?"
"How can that snake-like Lortel Kehelland suddenly show her respect to the school to this extent…?"
"This… This is our student council president…"
"Seriously… I can't believe what I'm seeing with my own two eyes…"
In the front yard of Obel Hall, which was full of gifts, the student council members and passing students all spoke in awed voices.
"At this rate… you're really going to be stuck in office until next year…"
A cold sweat began to trickle down Tanya's face.
Above the blue sky, Ed Rothstaylor, who she trusted deeply, was looking down at her with a thumbs up.
His expression was more satisfied than anyone else's could be.
-x-X-x-
"President. We received a gift from the Alchemy Department's reagent production club. It's a tool that maintains any candle put inside a glass case, even enhancing the smell! I'll leave one for you in your office!"
"The former student council president Velos sent you a high-quality magic wand, talking about how proud he is that you took his seat. Shall I have them bring it to your private room?"
"The school has allowed you more freedom in terms of the regulations and reports. It seems they are trying to let you conduct your work freely, and not interfere in the way you are handling things."
"The commercial district's Merchants Association has also sent various refreshments and decorations as gifts. Since our storage room in Obel Hall is already full, I have left them out in the hallway for now. Shall we just give them out to the student council members?"
"The Togg Magic Power Society has sent a congratulatory message for your hard work. 'Thank you for your great contribution towards the study of magic'… They must have benefited greatly from the policy that allowed the sharing of previous research data conducted in the school."
Tanya walked down the hallway of the Obel Hall with a pale face.
All of the reports from her assistants that were following her were about thank you and congratulatory gifts for her hard work as student council president.
"Ah, that's right. We have compiled a list of student suggestions! We should have it processed by the end of tomorrow, so please review it as soon as possible!"
"The disciplinary committee's improvement plans that were requested by the school previously have also been completed! We need you to review it a final time, organize the files, and send the documents to be filed!"
"In the afternoon, you are scheduled to go and visit the maids of Lorail Hall to thank them! They say they are free anytime, so we only need to let them know when you will be visiting. What time should I schedule it for?"
As well as the countless tasks she had to complete.
After being tormented by her assistant for a while, she finally went back to her office and collapsed in her seat.
"..."
The moments of peace had become more precious than gold.
In her current position, aside from sleeping at night, she was forced to constantly listen to other people until her ears bled.
Even at that moment, the amount of student council work piled up on her desk was overwhelming.
"I shouldn't… take a break like this…."
It was once her dream to become the student council president of Silvenia and to be widely recognized.
And yet, Tanya was completely exhausted.
"At this rate… I really… will end up becoming a lifelong student council president…!"
Even if she was the representative of her side, it didn't make any sense that there wasn't even a single other person opposing her.
Someone who was against the fact she was student council president, argued with her, or tried to remove her from her seat… nothing of the sort existed. Strangely, everyone was openly supporting Tanya.
Overstepping her boundaries some more. She needed to act in a way that would make more people upset with her and make them try to take away the authority she held.
However, she was also worried about creating unnecessary victims in the process. She wanted to avoid causing any major riots and make sure no one was unreasonably harmed.
…Sadly, no one was around to tell Tanya that it was impossible to do both things. Creating people who would be against her without causing any major harm…
Tanya took a deep breath. She then looked carefully around her office.
If everyone was going to look, she wouldn't just sit still. At that point, she needed to cause a major disturbance.
That was what she promised to herself.
* * *
The next day, Tanya headed to Ophelis Hall.
Ophelis Hall was the highest-class dormitory in Silvenia. It was a place where dignity and class must be maintained, and the maids who worked there all took great pride in that fact.
She needed to attack that sense of pride. Under the pretense of student welfare budgeting, she would cut some of the funds for Ophelis Hall. She would also go and criticize the fact that the management of the dormitory had been rather negligent recently.
"That is definitely true. I also thought that recently Ophelis Hall's management has been rather lackluster. As expected, it seems that even you have realized it as well. As you have pointed out, I will come up with an improvement plan and report it back to you, Student Council President Tanya."
"…What?"
However, the head Bell Maya had a respectful attitude towards her complaints. She never showed any signs of displeasure and simply bowed her head to Tanya.
"Ophelis Hall has a tendency to receive particularly special treatment among the other facilities within Silvenia Academy. Of course, it is a place that requires special attention and support, as it is the face of the school—but that doesn't mean the school should be any easier on us. Thank you for your advice."
"…Ah, yes…"
However, the maid was already close with Ed Rothstaylor. She was also well aware of what kind of person Tanya really was, and didn't plan on creating a bad relationship with her.
Rather, she used it as an opportunity for self-reflection on the management of Ophelis Hall, all for the sake of making it even better.
Tanya had a puzzled expression on her face as she eventually walked back to Trix Hall with her assistants.
Hearing that Tanya was suddenly coming to Trix Hall, Deputy Headmistress Rachel came out to greet her. Tanya had an expression of disbelief on her face upon seeing the deputy headmistress come out herself to see her. That was the highest level of courtesy that they could show to her.
"Recently, the school has been having a hard time dealing with the Elte Company. However, I recently heard that the policies you implemented have been working quite effectively against them."
Deputy Headmaster Rachel looked at Tanya with a satisfied expression on her face.
"I'm looking forward to your role as a bridge between the school and the Elte Company in the future. It is safe to say there has never been a student council president who has been able to achieve such a level of integration and inclusion since Silvenia was first founded."
"Uhm… Deputy Headmistress Rachel… This is a bit different, but about my previous suggestion… about the reduction of funding towards the professors' research…"
"Hmm… research funding? It definitely hasn't been beneficial in terms of money in recent years. Then, shall I help you create a plan to reduce funding and raise discipline against the professor's research? Though, Headmaster Obel will likely object."
"Th-Then… Headmaster Obel might not be happy with me…! And the faculty will surely hate it, too…!"
When Tanya smiled saying that, Deputy Headmaster Rachel thought deeply for a movement before replying.
"Well, it can't be helped. It isn't right to spend money on the professor's useless research… It's much better to spend it on the students instead…!"
In the end, Rachel only ended up agreeing with Tanya's proposal.
The next day, the school responded to the student council.
[As the student council president directly proposed the idea, the idea passed rather easily. The professors also agreed that this reduction of funds would serve as a beneficial opportunity for them to reflect on their research and the efficiency of it. It is a chance to help them change for the better after forgetting the meaning of academics. A chance to produce more meaningful results for the development of magic.
To see that you were looking beyond your horizons not just for the students, but also the professors of Silvenia! You greatly impress me, Tanya Rothstaylor. I'm sure it hasn't been easy taking care of your work as the student council president, but I want to congratulate and thank you for your hard work.]
* * *
"Why?! Why?! Why?!"
Sitting at her desk in her office, Tanya screamed as she pulled her hair.
"This week you personally visited Lorail Hall to encourage faculty and staff, voluntarily inspected the budget and internal management of Ophelis Hall, and even reviewed the performance results of the professors. Don't you actually enjoy being president?"
"I am only the student council president! Everything I did was clearly an abuse of power! Why the hell is no one upset?!"
"A person's image is a scary thing. Broadly speaking, everything you did resulted in an increase of student welfare funds."
Ziggs Eiffelstein wiped his longsword with a cloth. He then grabbed a nearby secretary, giving them various instructions.
Most of them were preparations for the Joint Competition that was going to be held in late autumn. As an executive committee member, Ziggs was in charge of securing a place and notifying everyone.
"You also have the student meeting you called scheduled in the afternoon. It seems like you won't be able to eat until late tonight."
"What if… I removed some of the benefits of the top students in each grade?! The top students are widely supported and loved among all the students, right? So, if I started to confront them, wouldn't there be a large backlash against me?!"
"You do realize you are close with the top students, right? Wade Callamore, Lucy Mayreel, Ed Rothstaylor, Daike Elpelan. Do you not realize who they are?"
Ed Rothstaylor was Tanya's older brother. Daike Elpelan was a student council member.
And Lucy Mayreel would completely follow Ed Rothstaylor's opinion. It was safe to say that the majority were already in full support of Tanya's decisions.
"Why… Is my support so strong…?"
"…Is that really something you should be saying with such a depressed expression on your face?"
"Is there a way for me to get into a conflict with the Elte Company?! How about… I remove some of their exclusive rights over certain items?"
"Most of their inventory is already clearly stipulated through a contract, so you won't be able to do something like that… And as long as Ed Rothstaylor remains close with the deputy director, it won't be easy for you to get on the bad side of the Elte Company."
"Haah…"
Once again, Ed Rothstaylor's name came up. As long as Ed Rothstaylor remained her older brother, it was safe to assume that her relationship with the Elte Company would always be good.
"Then, what about the imperial family? If I go to the royal residence where Princess Penia lives and ask her to pay a fee to the school…? Or would that be considered disrespectful towards the imperial family?"
"Princess Penia is close to House Rothstaylor, no? It would be best if you didn't ruin that. And if you really did manage to take a few gold coins from her, the students within the school would only support you more."
"Why does attacking one group gain me more support? And attacking another group gives me even more support!"
"Don't ask me."
Tanya wasn't giving up yet. She clenched her teeth and shook her head as she tried to squeeze out any sort of idea.
"The Religious Group! I would definitely get backlash if I messed with the Telos Religious Group! Afterall, religion is an extremely sensitive area."
"Doing that… Well, Ed has already become quite influential with the Telos Religious Group. And Saint Clarice is in complete support of the Student Council."
"What?! Saint Clarice supports me? Why?!"
Tanya was unaware that Kylie Eckner and Saint Clarice were the same person.
Ed Rothstaylor and Tanya Rothstaylor. Clarice thought of the two of them favorably, so she would never harbor any hostility towards whatever decisions Tanya made.
"That… is probably because Ed is close with her…"
"How many connections does my older brother have?!"
"Don't ask me."
Tanya slumped back in her chair. She swept her face with her hands a few times as she made a dying sound.
"I can't… run away… I am bound… to this student council president seat… forever…"
"Uhm… President Tanya?"
"…Yeah?"
"…Dex Hall's budget… It needs your signature…"
Tanya shook her head. Deciding on the operating budget for Dex Hall for the semester…
The budget, which needed to be approved by the student council president before being passed onto the school, was 147 pages long.
"Please review it within the hour. That way you can eat something before attending your afternoon meeting."
Tanya looked at Ziggs as if asking for help, but Ziggs gave the same answer that he had been giving all morning.
"Don't ask me."
* * *
"Ah, Tanya. Why do you look so dead? Are you exhausted from your work?"
A few minutes before the afternoon meeting, Tanya met with Ed Rothstaylor.
Before they entered the small conference hall, as soon as she met Ed Rothstaylor in the hallway… Tanya burst into tears.
* * *
The aristocratic children who were gathered by Student Council President Tanya all gathered together in a small conference hall in Glockt Hall. Every single person had shown up.
Each and every one of them was treated with high respect by their vassals and acted like kings whenever they returned to their estates. However, in Silvenia Academy, a land of learning, they were mere students.
The student council president Tanya, whose momentum seemed to have recently skyrocketed, had called on everyone together. Thus, they had all been waiting for about fifteen minutes before the scheduled meeting for her to arrive.
Everyone who sat there were from the most famous aristocratic families within the school.
There were also some students that weren't from aristocratic families, but they were all somehow involved in the competition for the emperor's throne.
First years Wade Callamore, Joseph Whitefeld, Eigg Loken, Delus Ainsheaven.
The student council president didn't have the authority to call on Saint Clarice.
Second years Ziggs Eiffelstein, Clevius Nortondale, Elvira Aniston, Elka Islan.
Likewise, the student council president didn't have the authority to call on Princess Penia.
Third years Ed Rothstaylor, Febri Ginnipale, Drake Laygus, Clara Danielheim.
Fourth years Daike Elpelan, Dorothy Whitefeld, Trayciana Bloomriver.
Aside from Ziggs and Clara, who moved dormitories, all of them were distinguished aristocrats that lived in Ophelis Hall.
There were many aristocratic children within Silvenia Academy, but they were generally the students who had the most influence in regard to the competition for the emperor's throne.
Everyone else either came from noble families that were located on the outskirts of the empire or people who didn't have much influence over the race for the throne.
Regardless, the room was a place full of aristocrats. It was uncomfortable for everyone that was there, a place where one couldn't show the slightest disrespect.
They all sat quietly waiting for Tanya to come inside.
* * *
"I heard you've been busy these days doing a good job as the student council president. I've also been out of my mind upgrading my cabin, taking care of my life in the wild, and my grades, so I haven't seen you much."
In the hallway, Ed and Tanya met with each other for the first time in a while.
Ed was extremely pleased to be able to talk with her.
Ed Rothstaylor was popular throughout the school, but there were only a handful of people that were ever treated with such a level of sincerity from him.
No matter how friendly their relationship might be, Ed Rothstaylor always seemed to keep a line.
Was it because they shared the same blood that he didn't hesitate to treat her closely?
There were certainly some people who would be envious of Tanya's position, being treated so truthfully and in such a caring manner by Ed. However, Tanya could only respond in a serious tone with an exhausted expression on her face.
"Brother, please save me…"
"…What?"
"I… am…"
Tanya thought about what to say as she hesitated. It was hard to figure out what she should even tell him.
Shouldn't she be thanking him for going around and doing his best to make all of those connections and raise the name of House Rothstaylor?
However, that seemed too awkward to say. She knew Ed was living his life to the fullest, not caring about things like that. Tanya was the one who was doing her best as the next leader of House Rothstaylor while managing her role as the student council president.
"…What is it? Are you in trouble?"
"Uhm… Let me explain… It's a bit complicated…"
"Tell me. Don't worry about it alone."
Seeing Ed actively trying to help her, it felt as if tears of gratitude were forming in her eyes. However… In truth, most of her problems were actually because of Ed.
However, it would be ridiculous to blame him for something like that. Tanya was going crazy just thinking about it.
"Does it have anything to do with this meeting?"
"What?"
"It's just that you suddenly called on the children of influential houses, so I was curious about what you were planning."
"Ah, no… That's a completely different matter."
Tanya shook her head as she spoke clearly.
"In the near future… I think I am going to end up in a battle of nerves with Princess Selah. It could take place before or after the joint competition this semester."
Tanya was always crying and complaining, but she had a clear plan for the future.
No matter how much she grumbled, she was someone who was always clear about her course of action.
"Before it takes place, I need to have insurance in place to avoid the aftermath."
"Insurance?"
"The competition for the throne is not related to the school in any way or form… I wanted to remind everyone about that fact in advance."
Only then did Ed Rothstaylor finally understand Tanya's intentions.
To take on Princess Selah, who currently had a hostile and aggressive stance against House Rothstaylor, she would have to start laying down the groundwork.
The moment Tanya Rothstaylor started fighting against Princess Selah… None of the houses that supported the princess would stand still.
The aftermath of that conflict was sure to affect Silvenia Academy. That was why she was taking a preemptive response to alleviate the damage to some extent.
The competition for the throne was purely political. At Silvenia, they needed to continue practicing the virtue of learning above all else.
They had to avoid bringing the fight for imperial power to Silvenia, the land of learning. It would be disrespectful to become involved with a useless political fight for power inside the school, where learning was above all else.
She wanted to convey that message to everyone.
"Will it work?"
Ed was skeptical. Of course, Tanya was, too.
"Still, I have to at least do this. I don't want to see Silvenia split in half because of the fight for the throne."
Tanya closed her eyes for a second before opening them back up and speaking.
"Princess Selah will be visiting Silvenia as an observer of the joint competition. I'm sure active members of the Imperial Knight Templars and Imperial Magic Society will also come to see the skills of the students. A few of them will also be personally dueling against some of the students in the name of teaching the younger generations, who are responsible for the future of this empire."
It was no easy task for a student to defeat knights and magicians who were on active duty under the imperial household.
It was rare, but there were occasionally students who had skills that were comparable to those who were on active duty. Though, for regular students, it was much too much.
Especially in the case of top-ranked personnel under the imperial household that were treated like legends… They were in a completely different class. If someone like Imperial Knight Commander Dylux or the head of the Imperial Magic Society got involved, students would not even stand a chance against them.
Of course, in the case of Lucy Mayreel, it was an entirely different story.
"I have some plans for when it happens. They're not finished yet, but I think I have a way to deal a meaningful blow to Princess Selah's position."
For Ed Rothstaylor, there was no reason to stop her.
He had already persuaded Princess Persica to help him, and Princess Penia was his ally.
His goal was to have the imperial army already stationed on Acken Island when Velbrok descended… So, if he could just get rid of the last variable—Princess Selah—all of his worries would disappear.
Since Tanya's goal was to remove that last variable… Ed could only roll up his sleeves and help.
"Alright. If you have any issues, tell me right away. I will help you out as much as I can."
"Issues… about having any issues…"
"…You're having issues with something? You've had that miserable expression since earlier."
"…I really think I might die, brother…"
Tanya couldn't hold back any longer as she let it all out.
"The responsibility of being the head of House Rothstaylor is too difficult. So, I want to give up my role as student council president, but…"
She finally said it.
Tanya took a deep breath, as if she was proud to get it off her shoulders. She then continued to explain her thoughts to Ed.
"If I keep doing this, I might die of overwork… I… I want to quit being the student council president…"
"..."
"Haah… And… When I try to overstep my authority, people keep interpreting it in a strange way. Every time I try to do something purposely bad, everyone just supports me. And when I try to argue with people, they never fight back because they are all on your side…"
"..."
"Actually, I don't want to be the head of the house, either. I know what I told you last time. I really did choose to become the head during the incident sincerely, but… When our house eventually becomes stabilized to some extent… I just… want to retire…"
Tanya suddenly grabbed Ed's hands desperately.
"So, what I want is… After this meeting, can you go around and gossip about bad things centering around me? Like, uhm… How I had a bad personality back at the mansion?! Or how in the first semester I wanted to kill you! That was true, so you can say those things!"
"If I gossip bad things about my one and only sister, won't my image end up worse than yours?"
"No one will care if you talk bad about a useless person like me!"
"I don't know if you're aware, but… You already have an incredible amount of support within the school… Doing that will be difficult for me to do."
"Why?! Why?! Why is everyone like that?!"
"..."
Ed lowered his gaze for a moment. He then spoke hesitantly.
"You've already received the support of the school, the commercial district, the Telos Religious Group, and the imperial family. This is the first time something like this has happened in Silvenia Academy's history… In fact, you have risen to an irreplaceable position from the viewpoint of the school."
"..."
"So, if you resign as student council president now, the school will face quite a bit of damage… They wouldn't just let you leave…"
Tanya put her pale face into Ed's hands. Not caring about her neatly combed hair, she shook her head, messing it up.
"Th-Then…! There is no way out! So, what am I supposed to do…?!"
Bang!
At that moment, the door to the small conference hall swung open.
All of the children from aristocratic families, who were waiting for Tanya, were seated inside.
* * *
"You're here!!!! Student Council President Tanya!!!!!"
"We were waiting for you!!! Please come inside!!!!!"
The student council members shouted out in a respectful and loyal tone. They all bowed at 90-degree angles as they greeted her.
The seat in the very middle was left empty. Everyone was waiting respectfully for Tanya to arrive.
Tanya felt tears welling up in her eyes.
-x-X-x-
"I will get straight to the point. I have gathered you all here to protect Silvenia as much as possible from the power conflict that will soon take place across the empire."
Tanya sat at the very end of the table, surrounded by her assistants as she brought up the main point.
She was never the type to beat around the bush. Tanya, the current student council president of Silvenia Academy, was known for her diligent work ethic and honest opinions.
Even in a room filled with influential nobles, she didn't waste time with useless greetings and stories.
She would simply say what she meant and leave. Such behavior showed a straightforward attitude that didn't bother with useless pleasantries.
Tanya herself probably just wanted to finish the meeting quickly and go back to work.
"As for the dispute among houses centered around the imperial household… I acknowledge that not everyone will have the same opinion, especially when your own house is strongly supporting one candidate. I understand that you are in a position where you are forced to agree."
It couldn't be helped that opinions may differ. The problem was that they didn't have a choice regarding that opinion.
Tanya paused for a moment as she looked around at the students sitting in a circle in the small conference hall. All of them were reliable, strong, and determined individuals, but at the end of the day, they were still mere successors who were focusing on their studies in a land of learning.
Their personal opinions regarding the support of the princesses were irrelevant. Rather, the only thing that was important was the opinions of the head of their families.
Depending on their parents' actions, the students had no choice but to follow along.
House Rothstaylor, House Bloomriver, and House Callamore all joined together in favor of Princess Penia.
House Islan, the Loken Mercenaries, House Ginnipale, House Laygus, and House Aniston all joined together in favor of Princess Persica.
House Elpelan, House Whitefeld, and House Nortondale all joined together in favor of Princess Selah.
Tanya made her own efforts to unify the houses and conciliate them, but she was unable to completely stop it. In the end, the main noble families all split into three distinct areas. It was a natural result.
In the upcoming power struggle, all of them would be split apart into three distinct areas.
Naturally, it was a sensitive topic. In particular, the results of the students in the Joint Competition that would be held during the Grand Crestle Festival would directly affect the influence and power of their houses.
The joint competition, where a house's successor's capabilities would be shown openly in front of everyone, was an opportunity for nobles to show off their brilliance.
"I'm not going to force you to get along. However, we do not want a situation where the students of Silvenia are divided into various branches due to the aftermath of a power conflict."
In the silent room, Tanya spoke calmly.
"As you all know, we are still students. Our duty is to be students."
It would be impossible to completely nullify the growing power conflict. However, she could still make efforts to minimize it.
That was Tanya's plan.
"I agree. No matter who becomes emperor, Silvenia needs to continue being a land of learning."
The first to raise their voice and agree was the second year magic department student, Ziggs Eiffelstein.
He was a member of the student council and similar to a representative of House Islan. Naturally, he was in favor of Tanya's opinion, so he was the first to raise his voice to try and create an overall consensus.
"I think this will be a good opportunity to resolutely remind every student that we must not bring the conflict regarding imperial power here to Silvenia."
"Me too… I agree…"
After Ziggs spoke, there was another student who agreed with a shy voice.
The room wasn't cold, yet she had a thick shawl around her shoulders with an exhausted expression on her face. It was Elka Islan, the librarian who belonged to House Islan, located in the northern region. She was attending Silvenia alongside Ziggs.
She looked a lot worse than when Ed met her the first time. Everyone already knew that her chronic asthma was getting worse.
"Elka, you don't have to force yourself to talk."
"It's fine… Anyway, House Islan has announced that we will follow Princess Persica… But I will continue to respect the decisions of other houses as well."
Elka smiled as she tried to support Tanya's opinion.
Dorothy Whitefeld, the fourth year top student in the alchemy department, was listening intently in a corner as she agreed.
"That's right. The students should come together in times like these. Although it's impossible to say how the conflict over the throne will end, no matter what, we should all work towards reconciliation…"
"But sister, we still need to look at things realistically."
The one who cut Dorothy Whitefeld's speech short was Joseph Whitefeld, a first year student in the magic department.
Her younger brother was also the youngest member of the Togg Magic Power Society. He was a gifted individual who was even capable of using intermediate magic when he was a child.
He looked rather scholarly with his bangs neatly pulled back and his remaining hair tied together in a ponytail.
"What… ? Joseph… Are you disagreeing with me again…?"
"I am not blindly disagreeing with you. I am also someone who is going to be graduating from Silvenia in a few years. However, we are also members of influential houses and need to fulfill our roles."
Joseph's opinion was justified. The way he spoke also showed that he was confident speaking in front of audiences.
"Having to choose between following our Houses or working towards peace in Silvenia? If I had to choose between the two, I have no choice but to lean towards my House."
"..."
"House Whitefeld doesn't particularly force us to follow their opinions, but I am unsure of other houses. That is why I believe asking the students gathered here to neglect their houses for the sake of reconciliation in Silvenia… Is much too demanding."
There was no logical flaw in Joseph's coherent speech.
His words were always grounded in realism, and the way he spoke was blunt. It was pretty daring for him to say it that way, but no one could easily disagree.
Because it was the truth.
"That's true. I am unsure if House Elpelan will respect my opinion."
Daike Elpelan, the top student in the fourth year combat department, had a large frame, wore gauntlets, and spoke with a magnificently deep voice.
"I want to fully respect Student Council President Tanya's opinions, but if the head of my house orders me to distance myself from the other houses… Honestly speaking, I am unsure how much I will be able to resist doing so."
"The same is true for me."
Trayciana Bloomriver, another fourth year student, also agreed with him.
In the first place, she was already doing her best to support Princess Penia and work with the other ally houses under Sinir Bloomriver's orders. In regard to that, she was more serious than anyone else. That was because she was already thinking about her soon-to-be life after graduation.
That was why she tried to be as close to House Rothstaylor as possible, maintaining contact with Ed Rothstaylor and trying to act favorably towards the student council, all of which was for the sake of her house's policies.
"I believe all of the fourth years who are about to graduate are of the same opinion. We will only remain as students here for a few more months, so it's somewhat unreasonable to have us ignore our houses' policies."
Trayciana put her fingers through her long hair as she spoke.
"We will try our best to adhere to your opinion, but if things turn for the worst… We are in a position where we have no choice but to follow our House's policies."
"Well, I'm different from you, Trayciana. I'm not a mere puppet to my House."
The one who went directly against her words was Eigg Loken, a first year student in the magic department who had been leaning back in his chair since the start.
With a short haircut and a sharp look, he was famous among his fellow first years as Joseph Whitefeld's rival. Even in front of his fourth year upperclassman, Trayciana, he didn't back down at all.
"…What?"
"The Loken Mercenaries teach us to stay away from those who lack conviction and are swayed by others' opinions and judgements. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide things for yourself. So, is it really right to leave something like this up to your house, letting them decide who to follow and what to do?"
Trayciana frowned at his cheeky attitude. Nevertheless, Eigg continued to speak without hesitation.
"The Loken Mercenaries officially support Princess Persica, but I don't share the same opinion."
"Eigg, maybe you are able to do so, but… Isn't it too harsh to expect others with different circumstances to be like you?"
"Perhaps, Joseph. But do I have to take into account the circumstances of others? I just need to follow my own beliefs. After all, if I start being swayed by others' circumstances, I won't be able to even take care of myself."
Eigg grinned as he handed the baton over to the other side.
"Am I wrong, Clara?"
"What? Me?"
"Aren't you the one who is the most skeptical of their own house, House Danielheim? I think it's rather amazing that you have such a strong conviction."
A girl who was silently listening to the conversation in the corner of the small conference hall.
With short hair and cute freckles, Clara Danielheim was the eldest daughter of Viscount Danielheim and a close friend of Yennekar Palerover. She answered, completely bewildered.
She was the type to hate having to take part in such a political discussion. She was quietly on the side, biting her nails the entire time while waiting for the meeting to end.
"Well, I really don't like the elders in my House, but… I hate cheeky kids like you, too. Don't act friendly with me."
"Ugh…"
Eigg frowned as if he were hurt. His playful attitude was the same as always.
"Well, there are quite a few incredible noble houses gathered in this room. For me, who came from a mere mercenary group, it isn't right for me to express my opinion. I apologize!"
"If you're going to keep acting cheeky, just leave, Eigg."
Surprisingly, the first year top student in the combat department, Wade Callamore, was the one who talked back to Eigg.
He still had the same white hair as always, but his eyes were rather calm compared to before.
"You are not the only one who knows how to carry out one's convictions. And…"
As Wade spoke, he suddenly turned his gaze to one side.
Where he was looking was… The first year Alchemy department student, Delus Ainsheaven, was sitting quietly.
Baron Ainsheaven was rather famous among the alchemy houses in the southern part of the Empire. However, not saying a thing, that long-haired boy just sat still and smiled.
"I'm sure there are also some of us here who are staying silent but have their own thoughts."
Wade finished talking as he looked around at the students gathered again.
Complete silence.
For a moment, there was tension among the students.
"Ah, anyway! I completely agree with the opinion of not fighting uselessly…! Wh-What would we even accomplish by fighting with each other?!"
The thought of having a conflict with other people frightened Clevius. He was hoping that nothing useless would happen and everything would be fine… Elvira, who was sitting next to him, seemed to disagree.
Elvira, who was sorting through her reagent bottles, frowned as she spoke frankly.
"I also tend to carry out my convictions. However, I must apologize to Student Council President Tanya. In my case, if one were to ask me if the school or House Aniston was more important… I would have to raise my hand towards House Aniston."
"Wh-What…?!"
"Why are you so surprised, Clevius?"
"House Aniston supports a different group than House Nortondale!"
"The relationships within the school and between you and me are completely different matters. Stupid Clevius."
Elvira frowned as she pulled on Clevius' cheek, letting out a deep sigh.
"I will not sit still if someone threatens House Aniston."
After Elvira Aniston's declaration, silence filled the room again.
Some seemed to agree with the opinion, and others wanted to avoid unnecessary fighting.
Both sides had good reasons for their argument. In fact, the one who called for the meeting was the one in the most difficult situation.
"Let's all calm down. Haah..."
Tanya, who was sitting at the very end, put her hand on her forehead as if she had a headache, sighing deeply. The students all stopped expressing their opinions at once as they quietly listened to her.
Seeing that, Tanya had a depressed expression on her face.
It was clear that Tanya Rothstaylor, who was the current student council president, had the most pivotal role in the current situation.
If she ever lost control of the conversation, it wouldn't be strange if everyone split into three distinct groups and started fighting.
Within the school, there was no one else that could replace Tanya's role.
The student council president was a necessity.
Tanya wanted to cry.
* * *
I tried firing an arrow with a bow I made from birch wood.
It flew across the camp with a rattling sound before it struck the nearby zelkova tree. The arrow neatly pierced the wood as it trembled from the aftermath.
"..."
I liked it, but its power wasn't satisfactory.
I still wanted to use magic engineering equipment to give it additional effects, or even use Spiritual Infusion on it. After all, it would be hard to simply find a bow of that quality.
It seemed that I would only be satisfied if I could add in some groundbreaking production aspects, but I was still only getting the hang of crafting bows.
"Ed! Look at this! Ta-da!"
"...?"
When I walked back to the campfire after grabbing my arrows, Yennekar was proudly showing me my school uniform shirt.
"Look, the stains are all gone!"
"Oh, you were washing it?"
"Yeah! During the last break, I brought back some soap my family made by mixing lye and oil! Look at this! Even though I only switched the soap, the result is so different! It's amazing, right?!"
It definitely felt completely new. I clapped my hands in complete amazement at what she accomplished.
Yennekar seemed completely satisfied as she raised her chin and puffed her chest out.
I sat back down at the campfire as I scratched my chin. I pulled on the bowstring again as Yennekar continued to fold the finished laundry. Having the two of us sitting near the campfire at sunset, doing our own thing, was a completely familiar feeling.
"By the way, there are only two months left until the Grand Crestle Festival. I am looking forward to it! I heard that it is the biggest festival within the entire empire and comes only once every four years…!"
"Seems like everyone is going to start preparing for the joint competition that's taking place. Things will get busy."
"Yeah, but it's still so exciting! My hometown of Torren in Pulan is so remote that nothing even takes place during the Grand Festival. At most, we just share some food amongst the other villagers… That's what we usually do anyway, though…"
Yennekar smiled as she rolled her feet. It was the first festival since she came to Silvenia. Finally being free of the isolated mountain lifestyle, she couldn't help but be excited.
"The atmosphere in school isn't great these days. Didn't you say that the atmosphere at the student meeting you went to today was also uncomfortable?"
"Yeah. The atmosphere among the heirs of various noble houses isn't great these days."
"Well… I hope that the atmosphere will calm down during the festival. Hehe."
Yennekar smiled brightly as she piled up the neatly folded laundry.
I was slowly shaving the tip of my bow with a dagger, grabbing the handle again and pulling on the string to check.
"I feel the same. Once the dispute is over, the atmosphere at school will return to what it was before."
Next to me was a boy who was sitting there completely naturally. Yennekar and I couldn't help but look at him with dumbfounded expressions on our faces.
Ziggs, who had a pile of papers with him, picked up a pork skewer that was cooking over the campfire as he muttered.
"..."
"Ah, this is incredible. Your cooking skills are getting better every day, Yennekar. Something this good can even be sold for money."
"Hm? Really? Ed has also been saying that recently, hehe…"
Yennekar smiled bashfully, as if she was weak to compliments.
"…Forget that, how long have you been here, Ziggs?"
"I thought it would be rude to interrupt the two of you having such a nice conversation, so I quietly came over by the campfire and took a seat."
"…Really…? If you are here, you should just tell us…"
Ziggs put the food in his mouth as he held the pile of papers, glancing around the camp.
"…I was running around the school for a bit. For the sake of my student council work."
"What connection is there between running around the school and your student council work?"
"Well… I would appreciate it if you simply thought of it as me patrolling the school. Anyway, if there's nothing wrong here, then I'll take my leave."
Ziggs stood up as he continued to speak without stopping.
"Ah, right. Ed. In regard to the Joint Competition that's taking place in the Grand Crestle Festival, which will be held next month. There is also going to be a duel between the top students of each grade. Since you're the top student among the third years, you will probably be facing off against the fourth year top student."
"…Is that so?"
"Yeah. And it will probably take place when all of the members of the imperial household are here. You will most likely be facing off against the fourth year top student in the combat department, Daike Elpelan."
Daike Elpelan.
In my final exam against Professor Kaleid, he was the bear-like man who broke into the arena at the end, trying to protect me.
His speed was so fast, it didn't match his large size. The destructive power behind each of his fists was abnormal.
He was a warrior with a strong and amusing fighting style, enough to be considered the king of power within House Elpelan.
"He won't be an easy opponent. After all, he is a top student. Among the fourth years, on top of that."
"Yeah. I also roughly know about his power."
"I see. And since House Elpelan officially supports Princess Selah… I'm sure they won't allow him to lose the duel, as Princess Selah will be watching it up close."
Ziggs finished eating before he continued.
"He will probably do his best against you. He is a person who can even shatter stone walls with his fists if he wants to. If you let him get even one hit on you… That might be the end."
"Okay. Thanks for the advice."
"Of course. Then, I'll be taking my leave."
Ziggs nodded towards Yennekar, who was off to the side, thanking her for the meal as he ran away through the bushes.
As he ran away, he continued to glance back at the camp as if there was something bothering him… Eventually, he completely disappeared as if everything was alright.
"…So, why did Ziggs come?"
"Well… The student council takes care of so much, I'm sure he had his own reasons. By the way… Bring me my laundry. I'll go and put it away."
"What? It's fine. Keep doing what you were. I need to take care of some other things anyway."
"No. I'll feel bad if you keep taking care of everything."
I grabbed the laundry that was on her lap as I walked back towards my cabin.
My cabin, which had recently been completed, looked rather grand on the outside. However, the interior was still lackluster.
I finished arranging the basic furniture, but that was it.
Since it was all furniture I used in my small cabin before, moving it to a much larger one meant there was a lot of empty space left over.
It seemed that it would take a little more time to get some better furniture for the first floor and renovate the second floor into a workshop. It would be nice if I could improve my lacking woodworking skills in the process."
Even though the place looked empty, the fact that it was so large felt good.
I grabbed my laundry as I walked towards the shabby wooden closet tucked away in the corner. I only needed it to hold my clothes.
I wanted to quickly put it all away so I could finish working on my bow, but when I opened the door…
Tanya was sitting there with her knees tucked to her chest, as if it was completely normal.
"..."
"..."
"…Hello, brother."
It wasn't the time to say hello.
I was completely speechless, to the point that I couldn't respond…
"So…"
"..."
"Surprisingly, it is rather comfortable to sit here in a closet. It's as if I can calm down and gather my thoughts. I guess the last time I hid in a closet… I became a little addicted. It's not a bad idea to sit down inside every once in a while…"
"..."
"The feeling of being alone in the world, breathing in silence… It's surprisingly not too bad…"
"..."
"Please… Say something, brother… I was the one who was caught hiding in your closet, so why am I the one who is talking?"
That was because… I didn't even know what to say.
It was a really difficult day.