Chapter 514
Sob… The tofu cake was delicious after work.
‘How can it possibly taste this good?’
No matter how many times I taste it, I just can’t accept this reality, and it makes me chuckle helplessly. This is infuriating. This food, which is a trauma in itself, is unnecessarily tasty.
“It’s actually nice. The texture is soft, and the flavor is savory. Even if you’re not pregnant, it’s definitely enjoyable.”
And this isn’t just my opinion; it’s also Trixie’s.
That’s what drives me more insane. Just like I flinch at the tofu cake, Trixie is not particularly fond of tofu either. She knows all too well about the traumatic tofu-eating experience I had after getting grounded and imprisoned.
Yet, here’s Trixie, munching on the tofu cake with a reluctant face and uncooperative hands.
I admit it, Rutis. You gave the best gift.
“So, tofu cake, huh? The name suggests it’s a cake, but the preparation seems pretty simple. Should we try making it?”
“If the lady likes it, then we definitely should.”
Meanwhile, I spotted the kitchen staff, including the head chef, whispering in the corner. It seems they’re determined to master a dish now that the lady with triplets openly enjoys it.
As an employer, it’s a beautiful sight that makes me feel good, but the thought of all that determination resulting in mass tofu cake production is making me tear up.
‘Rutis has poisoned the mansion.’
What a devious little puppet from Armeain. Our mansion is already overflowing with the product of the half ring I released.
“Wow, it really is delicious?”
“Plus, depending on the type of bean used, it seems the taste and texture could vary too.”
Hearing the amazed critiques from Rizie and Lynn, I closed my eyes with a heavy heart.
Of course, gifts from the prince are of a different caliber. I never imagined it would cater to everyone’s taste like this.
“Karl, are you okay?”
Maybe I looked pitiful from behind; Marghetta gently patted my shoulder, but it didn’t offer much solace.
Seeing Marghetta, who’s focused on fruits lately, sparkle as she eats the tofu cake was quite the sight.
“Of course, I’m fine. From now on, whenever I have no appetite, I can just eat this.”
Of course, I feigned calmness to hide my true feelings. If someone should feel guilty, it’s not Marghetta eating a gift given by a foreign prince, but rather Rutis for gifting me this trauma-laden dish.
If we are to trace the source of our issues, then it was really me who got grounded and imprisoned, but I was keen to ignore that.
I don’t want to admit that I have a problem, especially not to myself.
The phrase “last semester” has a magical power.
“This will be the last time seeing the flowers that bloom at the academy.”
Even Villar, the epitome of a stoic knight, seemed to get lost in sentimental thoughts given that this was our last semester.
‘And rightly so.’
Considering how Villar typically is, I couldn’t help but be surprised, but the understanding quickly sunk in.
Both Villar and I had come here to handle the trolling from our superiors. However, unlike my diplomatic mission, Villar was sent to a potential hostile nation, making his mental burden likely heavier.
In that dreadful situation, relations with what had been a potential enemy, the Empire and Armeain, had somehow turned friendly. My unplanned trip to a foreign nation was also coming to an end this semester. If there remains even a speck of emotion in someone, the world would look beautifully bright.
“Anyone can enter the academy, but only for three years can one enjoy its beauty. After that, it’s only for the staff, so I guess it’s time for Villar and me to step back, huh?”
“That’s right. Continuing to indulge beyond that would indeed be a nuisance.”
I nodded to Villar, who gazed off wistfully, and he gave a faint smile in return.
He’s likely just saying that, but if I were to suggest, “Then, do you want to stay longer?” he might just slap my face. Even in the military, as the discharge date approaches, nostalgia might pop up, but no one would actually want to extend their service—crazy people are hard to come by, right?
“Speaking of which, since you’ve spent three years at the academy, I think we should give you an honorary diploma.”
“Oh, that’s quite heart-thumping to hear. Receiving a diploma from the continent’s top educational institution would surely add to my bragging rights.”
Upon my subtle suggestion, Villar chuckled softly. He probably thinks I’m just joking.
‘But it’s not a joke.’
Unfortunately, the honorary diploma is no joke. It’s exactly what the principal announced right after the opening ceremony.
“To those who came here through unforeseen circumstances, you have indeed assisted in maintaining order and organizing events during your time. It would be too abrupt to draw a line saying you’re outsiders.”
In simpler terms, it’s like saying, ‘They’ve worked hard, let’s give them a little something.’
It doesn’t cost money but is a good way to show honor and sincerity. Since Trixie is here as a visiting lecturer, and I’ve become the continent’s top investigator, the Imperial Academy’s reputation has skyrocketed. An honorary diploma from such an academy would indeed be a reason to brag.
“I would love to give one to the minister too, but given his clear role as a supervisor, that might not be feasible.”
“That’s alright. Not having a diploma doesn’t erase the memories made at the academy.”
It’s definitely not about me feeling sad because I can’t receive one.
Yeah, I don’t need that honorary diploma. Even if the husband lacks accolades, the wives all have the real deal, don’t they?
‘…But not Fine.’
Speaking of which, among my six lovers, Fine has no experience at the academy.
‘Ah.’
That thought is maddening. Even though I shouldn’t, I feel a strange sense of peace knowing there’s a lover in the same boat as me. My internal bond with Fine has doubled.
‘But I shouldn’t bond over this kind of thing.’
Sorry for being such a loser, Fine.
*
I stared blankly at the ceiling with my mouth agape.
I… am struggling… Sister… save me…
“Manager, you might drool like that.”
“If my drool gets on this document… can I take a break…?”
“Then we’d have to redo the entire document.”
“Uugh…”
Gueeekkk…!
“Now, grab the pen again. If you take too long, it’ll just be harder on you, Executive Manager.”
My cold-hearted junior’s ruthless prodding made me teary-eyed as I picked that pen back up.
This is hard; being the Vice President is a heavy burden!
‘I thought being in the leader’s position would be more about not using my brain.’
Muttering grievances I couldn’t share with anyone, I reluctantly began to read the documents.
Generally, typical student council members stay far away from any significant brainwork. In the first year, I just had to do what upperclassmen said, and in the second year, I was merely helping the president with their tasks. My time in the student council until last year was easy and fun.
But this year, stepping into a position I never dreamed of in my worst nightmares twisted everything.
‘Why am I even the president?’
Tears almost slipped as I thought about it. I didn’t join the council from the start, so how did a commoner like me end up in such a position? I appreciate that the others see me positively, but if this is the price, I wouldn’t mind being hated a little.
—As a student council president, you will definitely earn recommendations! So don’t run away or fool around, just work hard!
Yet the reason I’m enduring in this president role is simple. It’s because Amelia wants it.
My elder sister, who graduated last year and went on to a place called Yuben after receiving a recommendation.
—If I follow my talents toward the military, at least I won’t suffer as much from thinking…
And my poor sister, who had a face that looked like she was dying while doing who-knows-what…
Seeing her desperate face is what drives me to endure. Though, being president does mean I have to be smart about things, but afterward, I could go back to a hands-on job. I can’t live like my sister.
‘What on earth is she doing?’
While reading the document, I briefly pictured my sister’s haggard face. I think she mentioned something about breeding wild mares, but I don’t know the specifics. Honestly, I heard her but didn’t understand.
‘She seems to be doing alright.’
Thankfully, despite her haggard appearance, she seems to be coping well. The work might be tough, but surely there are rewards or benefits?
Looking back, she’s working in the department of the man who’s practically our family’s benefactor—the Judicial Minister. I mean, he wouldn’t abuse his subordinates or make them do weird stuff.
‘Should I head to Yuben too?’
I twirled the pen in my fingers while considering my post-graduation path. If I go to work in Yuben where my younger siblings are staying at my sister’s house, it would mean the whole family is together.
Initially, I thought about going to the Information Department to repay the minister’s kindness, but if Yuben is under his jurisdiction, wouldn’t working there count as repayment too? It surely would—
“Oh, Manager. Why are your eyes frozen?”
“Ah.”
After that, I endured more than 10 minutes of nagging.
It’s so sad. If only I graduate sooner, I could revert from being a manager who’s scolded to the adorable younger member getting patted on the head.
‘Huh?’
As I picked up the next document while wiping away the countless tears I had shed inwardly, something odd caught my eye.
[ Proposal for Emergency Budget Allocation for Maintaining Order in the Class Rivalry This Year ]
‘U-uhhh?’
I checked it several times because its content felt too alarming.
Maintaining order… Didn’t we already allocate budgets and personnel for that? Why the sudden need for an emergency budget?
“Uh, hey, Catrina.”
“Yes, Manager.”
Not understanding the circumstances, I called someone who might know; Catrina, who had been processing another document, turned to me.
“What is this?”
At my blunt question, Catrina frowned initially but then returned to her usual self.
“Oh, this.”
Once Catrina confirmed the document I was holding, she nodded and continued.
“This year’s class rivalry will be the last chance for the seniors from other countries to enjoy themselves. So this year, they’re extra eager to win. The stakes are higher than last years, making the role of the student council even more crucial.”
“Aahhh.”
Upon hearing that, I fell into deep thought.
Dropping out of the academy didn’t seem so bad an option after all.
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