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Chapter 8
All eyes in the auditorium turned toward the stage.
Toward the noble and arrogant Crown Prince of the Empire, standing at the highest place.
That diamond-spoon-fed brat…
I bit the inside of my lip.
So I’m not the student council president?!
Just thinking about having to go around with Rena to find each male lead one by one made me feel overwhelmed.
Wouldn’t I have to run around like I was searching for Dragon Balls or something?
I squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath.
It was a ritual to accept reality.
Having feelings like this won’t benefit me at all.
Becoming a scholarship student alone was already something to be grateful for. Instead of wasting time being angry, I should be figuring out how to create connections between Rena and the male leads…
…But I’m still pissed!
Seriously, if they were going to give me a scholarship, couldn’t they at least give me the student council president position too?
What is this <Dumæa> game even doing? Does it not care if the world ends? Is it trying to let only the protagonist survive?
My emotions flipped back and forth like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Only after taking about ten deep breaths did I regain something close to inner peace.
Just as I was finally starting to think properly, a teacher rushed up onto the stage.
He asked Rihart for permission, then whispered something into the principal’s ear.
As time passed, the principal’s face turned pale.
At that point, shouldn’t they be calling an ambulance?
While everyone murmured, the suddenly aged-looking principal hesitantly opened his mouth.
His hand resting on Rihart’s shoulder was trembling.
“Um… It seems there has been a misunderstanding. The student with exemplary appearance and perfect achievements in both academics and combat, Rihart Cavandia, will lead the new students of Judea Academy…”
His preamble was long.
“He is the vice president.”
For a moment, the auditorium fell silent.
Rihart’s handsome face twisted violently.
He quickly regained control of his expression, but his stiff lips showed no sign of relaxing.
“There was a vice president position in the student council?”
“I didn’t know either. Is it new?”
As the murmurs grew louder, the principal began sweating coldly.
He pulled out a handkerchief, wiped his face, and cleared his throat.
“Ahem. Then, I will now announce Judea’s student council president.”
He spoke rapidly, as if desperate to escape.
“Archel Nodovan. Step forward.”
At the unfamiliar name, even greater confusion broke out.
“Archel Nodovan?”
“What family is Nodovan? I’ve never heard of it.”
The students began exchanging information rapidly, and I…
I wanted to become invisible.
You want me to go up there in this atmosphere?
It was awkward for everyone: me, who had to go up; the Crown Prince and principal, who were stuck on stage; and the students watching.
With Rihart glaring down at the auditorium like he would burn anyone who dared move, I wanted even less to step forward.
“Archel Nodovan, step forward.”
But I couldn’t just ignore my name.
Dragging my feet that refused to move, I finally stepped out.
The moment I left the line, countless gazes stuck to me like glue.
I had thought about what I’d say if I became president…
But the unexpected turn of events left my mind completely blank.
Without a word, I accepted the oath document handed to me and stared straight ahead.
“Pledge: All newly admitted students swear to faithfully observe the school rules and regulations and to become outstanding talents who will lead the future of the Tersen Empire.”
With my lowered hand, the chaotic entrance ceremony finally came to an end.
* * *
There are four departments at Judea.
The Swordsmanship Department, the Magic Faculty, and the Theology Department.
The Magic Faculty is divided into Elemental Studies—dealing with water, fire, wind, and light—and Magical Engineering.
And right now, I was sitting in a classroom where all Magic Faculty students were gathered.
“…Now, I’ll explain the timetable. Major courses are fixed, but elective subjects can be chosen freely. You may also take courses from other departments.”
As expected of Judea.
You get what you pay for.
It was similar to a university system, but the quality of electives was on another level.
There were countless subjects: politics, diplomacy, environment, economics, management, as well as art, music, drama, and more.
And these weren’t just basic liberal arts courses—they required advanced study.
That was Judea’s strength.
They were also generous about cross-department courses.
Their motto was: ‘Producing the finest talents to lead the Empire through personalized education.’
For example, if a Theology student took Swordsmanship courses and showed talent, they could become a Holy Knight through a hybrid curriculum.
The same applied to the Magic Faculty.
If a fire-element student also trained in swordsmanship, they could become a Magic Swordsman.
“A hybrid curriculum is never decided by you alone. Through counseling, evaluations, and exams, we determine the best program for each of you. Apply through your advisor if needed.”
While listening to Professor Lily, I stared down at the paper filled with text.
It was hard to lift my head under the piercing gaze coming from beside me.
Rihart Cavandia.
Everyone was glancing at me, but Rihart’s stare was by far the most uncomfortable.
He didn’t even try to hide it.
“Alright, shall we choose class representatives who’ll serve the department this year? It’s nothing difficult.”
From the way Professor Lily waved her hands, it was obvious she was lying.
I’m definitely not doing that.
“First, any volunteers for Elemental Studies?”
An invisible battle of nerves began.
All you got from this was the professor’s trust and goodwill!
Wanting to stay far away from work, I decided to watch quietly.
“I’ll do it.”
A long arm shot up.
When everyone saw who it was, they quickly lowered their half-raised hands.
“Rihart, you’re already busy with student council work. Are you sure?”
Professor Lily smiled, praising his enthusiasm.
But Rihart showed no intention of backing down.
Instead, he gave a perfect smile.
“I’m confident I can do anything perfectly.”
“Oh my, if you say so… Any other volunteers?”
She looked around.
Unfortunately, no one was brave enough to challenge the Crown Prince.
“Alright, then. Who wants to be the Magical Engineering representative?”
I quietly lowered my gaze.
Magical Engineering only had about twenty students, unlike Elemental Studies.
Why they even needed a representative, I didn’t know.
Maybe it was to prevent discrimination against the smaller department.
The important part is: one out of twenty has to do it.
I clasped my hands on my thighs and shut my mouth.
I’m already student council president. Surely they won’t make me do this too, right?
It would be nice if someone like Rihart volunteered.
But no one raised their hand, and awkward silence filled the room.
Then, once again, Rihart spoke.
“I recommend Archel Nodovan.”
Archel Nodovan? Me?!
I snapped my head up.
Hearing my name again stirred the students.
“Isn’t she the president?”
“Yeah, I remember her. She’s in the back.”
“Pink hair. Wait, she’s in Magical Engineering?”
“Who is she anyway? What family? Is she a commoner?”
Professor Lily, remembering the ceremony, quickly found me.
“Archel, you say…”
“Yes, she’s the new student council president. She ranked at the top in the entrance exam, so I believe she’ll handle representative duties most efficiently.”
What is he thinking?!
At this rate, I’d end up doing both council work and department chores.
Remembering that sometimes defense is the best offense, I raised my right hand.
Professor Lily nodded.
“Archel, go ahead.”
“I believe more students should be given opportunities to contribute to the academy. If one person takes on too many roles, it leads to excessive burden and concentration of power.”
If taken wrong, it could sound like:
“Rihart, why are you being so greedy and trying to take everything?”
But I had no choice.
I really don’t want to do this!
Life taught me one precious lesson:
The fewer jobs you take on, the better.
