Chapter 457
Simon and the student council members spread out the snack bags they bought from the cafeteria and started an excitedly chaotic conversation.
Simon thought that the first impression of the department wasn’t too bad, probably because Leonard, with his gentle personality, was the representative. But the other three had a different opinion.
“Are they really only a year older than us? They’re total boomers!”
Maelyn exclaimed, fired up.
“They insist on doing everything their way! You have to stand and bow whenever seniors come over, you can’t even enter the shower if they’re there and have to wait endlessly, and what’s with this obsession over shared spaces? In a merit-based place like Keyzen, what kind of nonsense is this?”
“They’ll probably crack down hard for the first few days.”
Dick tapped Simon on the shoulder with a tired voice.
“This year’s third-years have some insecurities. Our second-year batch is being praised as one of the best ever. They’ll probably want to humble us this time.”
“Exactly! And the reasons for bullying are just ridiculous!”
Maelyn’s breathing grew heavier as she vented her anger.
“Respect between seniors and juniors? Do they even show us respect? Let’s be honest, they’re thinking, ‘We went through this too, so you should deal with it now!’ It’s so obvious!”
“W-well…”
Kamibarez fiddled with her fingers.
“…There were some good seniors too.”
“Oh, yeah, of course!”
Maelyn realized she’d gotten too worked up, blushing as she sat down.
“We can’t just be hostile to all third-year seniors.”
Simon tried to calm the overheated atmosphere.
“Let’s be extra careful during the first few weeks, like Dick said. If things don’t improve over time, our student council can step in to mediate.”
“Hehe! Simon, you won’t be saying that for long.”
Dick let out a dark laugh and tapped Simon on the shoulder.
“I heard the summoning department’s initiation is notorious for being brutal.”
“Really?”
“They say the summoning and toxicology departments are the top two.”
Dick stuck out his tongue and made a gesture as if slicing his neck. It seemed to mean the hazing was so harsh it could feel deadly.
“Haah, but at least we’re in the student council!”
Maelyn raised the corner of her mouth.
“If we show up late, maybe we won’t even have to go through the initiation?”
Kamibarez smiled faintly.
“When I mentioned it was for student council duties, people around me were jealous. Everyone else looked worried just thinking about the initiation.”
“Hey, hey, Simon! We’re staying here a long time, right? Let’s go as late as possible! Maximum delay!”
“Haha, that’s up to you guys.”
Simon was a little concerned about Toto, who remained alone in the department, so he planned to attend the department welcome meeting, even if it was a bit late.
Knock, knock.
Hearing the knock, Simon told them to enter. The servant who had guided Simon earlier stepped into the room.
“Everything is ready. We will escort you to the student council room.”
Maelyn screamed with delight.
“Finally, we’re going!”
* * *
On the top floor of the student council building, on the second floor of the campus, Simon and the student council members strode down the corridor lined with glass.
“Beautiful.”
Maelyn gazed in awe at the second-year campus, lit by streetlights.
The student council building was at the center of the campus, so no matter where you looked, the night view was lovely. During the day, it would be easy to observe what students were doing.
“We’ll be walking this hallway every day! I love it!”
Kamibarez hopped along, full of excitement.
“This way, please.”
The servant led the four of them to the room at the end of the corridor.
It had a somewhat flashy double-door that opened by pulling two handles on either side. A large nameplate reading ‘Student Council Room’ was prominently displayed in the center.
Hearts were pounding.
Simon straightened his collar and adjusted his tie like it was an important ceremony, then forcefully pushed the door open.
“Waaah!”
Gasps followed from the members behind him.
The first thing they saw inside was a large window bathing in mournful moonlight. One entire wall at the front was glass.
In front of the window, there was a long, luxurious wooden table stretching sideways. At its center sat an extravagant chair with a tall backrest.
Simon realized that this table was his seat.
「Student Council President, Simon Follentia.」
It made sense, since a nameplate with his name was placed there. Next to it were a mana stand and a potted plant.
“Wow, this is so classy, Simon! That’s totally the president’s seat!”
Dick laughed and threw an arm around Simon’s neck.
“You spin in that chair, gaze out the window, and when someone arrives, turn around with a smug smile saying ‘Oh, you’re here?’ That’s the proper way!”
“Stop talking nonsense, commoner. Where are we supposed to sit?”
“Over there, I think!”
The two long tables beside the president’s seat were for the other officers. The tables were connected, allowing two people to sit on the right and two on the left. Facing each other across the president made the setup symmetrical.
In the center of the room was a soft sofa for relaxing.
Dick flopped onto the sofa, enjoying its plush cushions.
“Guys! All of this is really, really expensive!”
Maelyn opened a shelf and pulled out snacks and tea. Even the kettle and teacups were extravagantly ornate.
“Of course, Maelyn starts with the food… ugh!”
She tossed a sofa cushion at Dick and looked toward the servant.
“Can we eat all of this?”
“Of course. It’s normally for guests, but we’ll refill it if it runs out.”
The kettle sat on a magic circle for boiling water, and another magic circle could fetch any book they wanted.
This was going to be their hideout, it felt like a dream.
Shhhhr!
Kamibarez drew back the curtains, revealing a large window behind Simon’s presidential seat and showing the campus night view beyond.
“It’s so beautiful!”
Simon watched the Keyzen campus scenery for a moment and then said:
“Do you want to try sitting in the president’s seat, Kami?”
“Huh?”
She rolled her eyes in surprise.
“Can I really sit there?”
“Why not?”
At Simon’s invitation, she cautiously sat in the president’s chair. The chair was, unsurprisingly, huge compared to her petite frame.
She looked down shyly.
“How is it?”
Before Simon could answer, Maelyn screamed.
“Kyaaa! So cute, Kami!”
Dick chuckled.
“What’s this? Feels like those chairs moms put little kids in?”
“P-please don’t tease me!”
Blushing, Kamibarez snapped back, and the three of them laughed uproariously.
“Now, Simon, sit! That’s your seat.”
Kamibarez moved aside, and Simon took the president’s chair.
“Hey, strike a pose too!”
The chair was still quite big, even for Simon. He leaned back, crossed his legs, rested his elbows on the armrests, and propped his chin on his hands.
“Like this?”
“…….”
A brief silence fell. Dick let out an awkward chuckle.
“The pose is a bit cringe, but honestly, it suits you. Right?”
Maelyn and Kamibarez didn’t respond.
The angle of the moonlight was perfect.
The melancholic silver moonlight highlighted Simon’s blue hair, creating a mystical gleam. Dressed in the black Keyzen uniform, seated in the grand chair with a confident smile, it was mesmerizing.
“Hmph hmph.”
Simon’s belated embarrassment surged, and he quickly stood up. Ever since the photo of him riding Deimos in Pharonna appeared in the news, he had learned to be wary of striking grand poses.
‘These kids are adorable.’
The servant, watching the children fuss over the student council room with delight, heard footsteps and turned around.
“Ah! Everyone, the professor in charge of the student council is coming.”
Upon hearing this, the four of them straightened up, standing at attention. The servant put his hands over his stomach and bowed.
‘Professor in charge of the student council?’
‘Who could it be?’
Everyone tensed, staring at the door. With the light sound of footsteps echoing on the floor, a woman appeared through the student council door.
The four, who had been tightly wound with tension, instantly broke into bright, joyful expressions.
“Professor Jane!”
Jane gestured to the attendant, who bowed, and walked inside with calm steps.
“It’s nice to see you again. I’m the faculty advisor for Keyzen’s student council.”
She looked at the four students with a faint, barely noticeable smile.
“It’s been a while, mischief-makers of Class A.”
“Proooofessooor!”
Maelyn squealed with delight like a happy dolphin, while Dick laughed heartily and whispered to Simon,
“Wow! No wonder the student council’s so strong, vice-chancellor Professor Jane was backing you all along!”
They decided to sit on the sofa and talk. Jane took the head seat, and the remaining student council members sat down one by one.
“I’ve received the reports.”
Jane said, pulling documents from her bag.
“Even the details of the trade between Phantasus and Aizel.”
Simon’s expression stiffened slightly. Should professors really be privy to this?
“The student council is a self-governing organization representing students, and it’s a principle that professors interfere as little as possible. If the previous council president set that precedent, I have no complaints.”
Jane said, as if reading Simon’s thoughts, speaking smoothly.
She then examined the composition of the members.
“Simon as president, Maelyn as vice president—a decent combination. And Kamibarez as secretary, meticulous as always. I’m also reassured knowing all of your exploits in Class A. However…”
It was Dick’s turn, and he looked at her expectantly.
“You worry me a bit, Dick Hayword.”
“What, why me again!”
Hahaha!
Everyone burst into sharp laughter. Jane flipped through her documents.
“Of course, I know Dick Hayword’s abilities very well.”
“!”
“Even so, if a student council member were expelled in the middle of their second year, nothing would tarnish the council more than that. Make sure you diligently follow classes this year.”
A weak smile crept onto Dick’s face.
“Of course, Professor!”
Clatter.
Just then, the attendants pushed in a cart into the student council room. Jane and the four students were served black tea, with a small selection of snacks placed in the center.
Taking a sip, Simon was impressed.
‘Wow, this is mouthwateringly delicious!’
This was the kind of “premium” Maelyn had mentioned. With such tea stocked on the shelves of the student council room, it seemed like they could happily indulge whenever they wanted.
Jane also sipped her tea before speaking.
“Do you know what the student council does?”
Simon raised his hand calmly.
“We represent the students and present their concerns and requests to the school.”
“That’s correct.”
Next, Maelyn eagerly raised her hand.
“We plan and oversee various school events!”
“That’s right.”
Kamibarez hesitated before raising her hand.
“Um… we also participate in external events to uphold the school’s reputation.”
“Exactly.”
Dick raised his hand.
“With the principal’s approval, we’re involved in adjusting and increasing the school’s budget!”
“Yes.”
Jane closed her eyes.
“Everything you’ve said is correct. The student council is an organization representing students. You hold significant power. But, to speak a bit theoretically…”
Clack. She set her teacup down.
“The greatest virtues of the student council are ‘dialogue’ and ‘coordination’.”
Dialogue and coordination.
Simon’s eyes sparkled.
“Already, countless organizations coexist within the school besides the student council: seven departments, clubs, the student union, self-governing committees, faculty members, teaching assistants, the attendant guild, various partner companies, and even the Rochest Merchants’ Association. Most of them act solely for their own interests.”
She spread her hands.
“But the student council must remain neutral. You must negotiate with them on the school’s behalf, bring them to the table of discussion, and reach a consensus.”
Everyone listened intently, hanging on Jane’s words.
“Of course, the student council cannot wield power arbitrarily within the school.”
As Jane spoke, she reached for a snack. But the two she was about to take had mysteriously vanished.
She continued, eyes slightly suspicious.
“The organizations I mentioned have influence over various corners of the school, and within their domains, you must respect and follow them. For example, in second-year classes, you are merely one student among many. You take the same exams, receive the same punishments, and are evaluated equally. The same applies to departmental life and other areas.”
Munch munch—
The sound of eating was heard.
At the same time, more than half of the basket of snacks had disappeared. Jane sighed deeply.
“Come out.”
She then slipped her arm under the table. Maelyn and Kamibarez let out surprised gasps and stepped back.
A small silver-haired girl, pressed against the underside of the table, was covered in crumbs and happily eating the snacks.
Jane held her by the nape, dangling her slightly.
“Lady Neftis!”
Simon shouted. Neftis raised her hand.
“Hi, everyone!”
Superb.
When are we getting more free chapters?
Thanks for the new chapters