Chapter: 294
Thanks to the extremely reasonable claims of Members 2 and 3, the pastry club’s booth for the fair was officially decided to be pastry-themed. It’s like saying they serve steak at a restaurant or provide rice at a diner—so obvious it’s not even worth thinking about.
I still can’t believe it. It’s normal to discuss and finalize booth concepts, but I think we’re the first club to have such a divided opinion right from the concept stage. We’ve shamefully marked a milestone in the history of academy clubs.
“By the way, I think we can make chocolates shaped like chess pieces.”
“That sounds fun! It’ll really show the club’s versatility.”
And just like that, I was about to lose my mind again over the conversation between Rutis and Tannian. What kind of versatility is that? What does chess have to do with our pastry club?
Whether it’s chess or whatever, it’s just a personal rebellion of a few members. The pastry club exclusively pursues pastries. Don’t bring personal amusements into public events.
I mean, it’s mostly a personal rebellion, despite it being some of the members.
“Chess piece shapes?”
Unfortunately, as long as it fits within the framework of pastries, it was enough to pique Louise’s interest. Remember, this is Louise we’re talking about—she once suggested putting herbs in dough because she wanted to create unique pastries. In that sense, crafting pastries that aren’t just ordinary shapes has certainly sparked the executive manager’s adventurous spirit.
“Good idea! Food should be enjoyed visually and gastronomically!”
On top of that, I ended up losing some of my power over this situation. Maybe Lather thought it was a decent idea or felt that by setting the booth concept as pastries, he had upheld a loyalty to me; he joined Rutis too.
A decisive betrayal at the most pivotal moment. I guess being royalty gives you a knack for politics.
‘…It’ll work out somehow.’
With the executive manager enthused and about half the club supporting it, we also heard ideas floating around for cookie shapes like playing cards and candy shaped like volleyballs. But I struggled to react. Whatever shape, as long as it’s pastry, isn’t that all that matters?
Sure, as Lather said, nice-looking food is usually delicious, but whether chess pieces or cards are appetizing is up for debate; still, there’s potential for intrigue.
‘Should I even introduce a gambling element?’
Suddenly, that thought crossed my mind. What if we played chess, and if you win, you get your pastry for free, but if you lose, you have to pay double? Quite an entertaining concept, if I do say so myself.
If you’re going to go all out, might as well do it gloriously rather than half-heartedly. That way, people will get on board with the bravado.
After we formally submitted the theme of our club booth to the student council, the atmosphere in the club shifted dramatically. No longer was the club one that relied solely on the executive manager; it evolved into a club where every member contributed.
“Wouldn’t a pastry have about the thickness of a card?”
“If we layer it about three or four times, it should be roughly that.”
It’s just a pity that this transformation is fueled by a twisted passion. It increasingly looks more like we’re making merchandise instead of pastries. Am I imagining things, or does it seem like the only reason we’re using flour is that it happened to be handy?
“Louise, is this whipping cream alright?”
“Yes! That’s perfect!”
At least it’s a relief that Marcilio, who was showing interest in pastries, is learning properly. Although his skills are weak, his eagerness to learn is top-notch.
“Then I’ll make one more, so please wait.”
Even more so, the existing members seem engrossed in ridiculous discussions about perfectly thin cards or ideal volleyball shapes, which only highlights Marcilio’s determination. Plus, he isn’t even an official member! Where else do guests work harder than the regulars?
“Oh, Master. That’s filthy—”
As Louise gazed at Marcilio with a warm expression, she tried to stop him as he walked toward where the flour was spilled but couldn’t finish her sentence. Marcilio’s hair swept the floor clean, not even a speck of flour was left.
‘Robot vacuum cleaner.’
I had to fight back laughter so I wouldn’t burst. I knew Marcilio’s hair had a cleaning effect. But seeing it used so blatantly for the first time was new.
Still, I’m just an ordinary guy who restrained myself from laughter—if the wizards saw that, they might weep. Tech that binds magic to the flesh 24/7 shouldn’t result in a vacuum! Talk about a waste of talent.
“…It looks clean.”
Louise, who had been quiet for a moment, muttered in a disappointed tone. Sadly, since she’s a wizard too, she must realize how absurd that display from Marcilio was. Witnessing it live must have struck a psychological blow.
But let’s think positively! Unlike other wizards, Louise is Marcilio’s only pupil. She’ll eventually reach that level someday.
“—Achoo!”
Just then, while Louise was eyeing Marcilio’s back with a bittersweet gaze, a very faint sneeze was heard. So quiet, one could hardly notice unless they were really focused.
“Sera?”
But that tiny sound seemed to catch Erich’s attention. How did he hear that when just a moment ago he was talking excitedly about covering pastries with chocolates to create card patterns?
“Uh, um?”
Even Sera, the sneezer in question, seemed startled by her ghostly reaction, covering her mouth with both hands while blinking.
She must be embarrassed. It’s natural to want to show only your prettiest side in front of your crush, and being caught sneezing in a pastry club, where flour is flying everywhere, is unavoidable.
“Did you just cough? You’re not feeling sick, are you?”
If the person you have a crush on immediately jumps into action at a plain sneeze, wouldn’t anyone hide such a reaction? I’m pretty sure I would.
“I-I’m fine. It was just a sneeze.”
“And you said you were fine before, but then collapsed that night.”
With a slightly flushed face, Sera flustered, but Erich, with his expression set like stone, continued to pry. Why was he being so demanding? Apparently, there’s a history here. If you say you’re fine and then faint, I could understand why he’s worried.
“When did I ever mention that…”
Sera blushed but also looked genuinely happy to be remembered. It was as if she felt touched that someone cares about her feelings.
Anyway, Erich turned his attention back to Sera, exploring her condition.
“It’s not cold, is it?”
Of course not. It’s the season of spring breezes, and besides, it’s a space filled with high-ranking members, so heating and cooling are handled perfectly.
“Is it pollen allergies?”
Thanks to the flour? Well, not likely.
Lamentably, while Erich murmured in earnest concern to the point it could embarrass anyone listening, he ended up grabbing Sera’s hand.
“Brother, I’ll be going to the health room for a bit.”
“…Okay.”
I had a lot to say, but I just let him go. It may seem over the top to anyone else, but right now, Erich probably wouldn’t even hear it.
As Erich left with Sera, Rutis looked on with a wistful gaze.
‘How sad.’
For once, I understood Rutis’s feelings. It’s been a long time since all five members of the club had lived solo since being rejected by Louise. With Erich, a fellow single, now showing signs of heading toward coupledom, it’s bound to hurt their feelings.
Of course, they aren’t officially dating yet, but everyone in the club knows Sera has feelings for Erich. They often hold hands, and why wouldn’t anyone notice if he’s so close to Erich? I realized it the moment I arrived at the estate during the break, and the members noticed it right away when school started.
The sad truth is that Erich isn’t included in that ‘everyone.’ That guy, true to a character from a romance story, seems to have regressed in awareness and intelligence just when romance came into play. He was just starting to live like a normal person…
Anyway, it’s not surprising that Rutis is feeling betrayed seeing Erich head toward coupledom.
“Now who’s going to serve as a sub for me?”
…
‘Dammit.’
Forget betrayal! He was worried about losing team members for volleyball!
The club’s identity is fading, his awareness and intelligence are reverting to primitive states, and one member pulls an I-no-longer-care-even-if-you-date stunt in front of us.
I’m losing it. In a different sense than last year, everything is going haywire. Did the universe throw a different trial at us because the previous one was too boring? Then Ene must not just be your average bastard.
– It’s natural for that age group to go off the rails. Even noble folks can’t hide their age, can they?
“Is this normal?”
– If you’ve never had school days, it makes sense not to know.
With the chancellor’s breezy dissing, I felt an urge to curse but bit it down. If I yield to instinct here, it might devolve into a visible petty fight.
Still, it stings. I’m the one who’s barely in school, and is there anything I’ve contributed?
‘Life.’
How pitiful. The underlings sent off on deployment are diligently sending in regular reports, while my direct superior’s here just teasing me.
Of course, if the chancellor actually comforted me, that would be a whole different kind of scary. Just how bad does it have to be for even him to utter comforting words?
– Well, at least they give you time off after deployment. You gotta get something for all this hard work, right?
“Yeah, that’s true, but…”
It wasn’t that I intended for the facts to hit me so hard.
– Speaking of which…
The chancellor, who had been chuckling at my sour reaction, cleared his throat and continued.
– Remember during the fair, the academy opens up to outsiders?
“Yes, I remember.”
How could I forget the noble guests I greeted last year during the fair?
– This time, a lot of foreigners will be visiting.
Huh?
– Particularly from Ernensto Academy, they’re making a big show. International networking and all, things are heating up over there.
“…What?”
Suddenly, where is this coming from? Foreigners? Ernensto Academy?
‘Oh.’
– The principal from Ernensto Academy also submitted an application. I’ve marked it as a confidential document just for your eyes, so keep it close to your chest.
That reminded me of what the Minister of Foreign Affairs said before the term started. Among the fireflies, one of them was indeed the principal of Ernensto Academy.
No way… waiting since admission might divert their attention to other methods?
‘Insane.’
I couldn’t comprehend the chill of madness sweeping over me. Are there no sane wizards among them…?
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