"The pamphlets I handed out are all about the three main groups you can join within the Academy," Harvey said, jotting down the names on the board. "We've the Student Council, the Presidium, and the Social Committee. Most of you might remember them from your first year, thanks to your previous teacher's explanations. But since we have some new faces among us, a refresher won't hurt, especially at the start of a new year."
Was he talking about me?
Nah, there were definitely other transfers in this bunch.
"Let's start things off with the Student Council. These guys are like the peacekeepers of the academy, tackling all sorts of problems and conflicts that appear. They have the authority, the rights, and the duty to step in and stop any issues. And just to state the obvious, discrimination is a strict no-no here. A Student Council member can step in for even a small insult," Harvey's tone turned more serious.
Sounds good, but let's face it, even in a place , the Princes and Princesses of the Great Nobles would still have their safety net.
"Next up is the Presidium. They are similar to the Student Council, but they're the ones who dig deeper when a problem appears. If you have a personal issue, no matter how big or small, you can turn to the Presidium for help, and they'll have your back. Lastly, we have the Social Committee. These members handle events, parties, and trips to other realms. They are your go-to if you need some assistance with your studies as well," Harvey explained.
I almost forgot about these groups.
I can't help but wonder which one Victor's going to pick. In the Game, there was a choice, if I remember correctly.
"If any of these groups catch your interest, you just need to head over to their hangout and fill out a form," Harvey added, erasing his notes from the board. "Alright, that's that. Now, let's get into today's lesson. Can anyone enlighten me on why the Blood Moon War had its name?"
First to raise her hand was Cylien.
"Yes. The Blood Moon War refers to that ten-year-long conflict when the moon took a hue of all blood-red instead of its usual silver. It's all because to Selena Amaya Tepes, the Vampire-Witch who used a forbidden spell right here in Sancta Vedelia. The Blood Moon lasted a decade, until Selene Amaye Tepes had been taken down by the Great Heroes."
The name of the Vampire-Witch itself was enough to make everyone shift their gaze to Selene, who remained quietly composed. But it wasn't just because of the shared first name; the rumors about her being the reincarnation of the Vampire-Witch added a layer of intrigue. It was one of the reasons she had a bit of an intimidating aura around her.
"Exactly. Thanks," Harvey acknowledged with a smile. "As Miss Cylien just explained, the Blood Moon War was all caused by the Vampire-Witch. For a whole ten years, Sancta Vedelia had the special treatment with red moonlit nights, because of her forbidden magic. The chaos only ended when the Great Heroes managed to take down Selene and save us."
"Ten grueling years of resistance, countless lives lost, and then came the miracle we'd all been waiting for. The appearance of the Great Heroes, five individuals from different races, each wielding immense power. These heroes managed to slay the Vampire-Witch, ending her reign of terror. It's thanks to these heroes that our races can now coexist in harmony," Harvey explained, a sense of pride underlying his words.
As he spoke, I couldn't help but hear snorts and scoffs echoing from behind me. Honestly, I felt the urge to scoff too because the reality was far more complicated than the Heroines' supposed intentions.
Following that, we delved into a lengthy and draining session where Harvey meticulously dissected the political backdrop of Sancta Vedelia prior to the war. This continued for a grueling three hours, during which I diligently took notes and occasionally raised my hand to seek clarification. I was beginning to feel like a true model student, something my mom would undoubtedly be pleased about.
'Don't jinx me Cleenah.'
With Harvey finally wrapping up, he dismissed us and mentioned a special meal awaiting us. My stomach was already staging a protest – I was absolutely famished.
Swiftly collecting my belongings and packing them into my bag, I heard a scornful remark echo through the air.
"You're quite the arrogant one, Half," the words dripped with derision.
Can't they just leave me be?
However, it became clear that this taunt wasn't directed at me. It was aimed at Victor, who was in the process of packing up his own things.
"They're all waiting for me, Jiren," Victor replied, offering a small smile before turning around to face his critic. He seemed used to these kinds of remarks.
Jiren, the elf responsible for the snide comment, clenched his teeth in irritation and then pushed Victor's shoulder. "Who do you think you are? Just because Celes, Cylien, and Selene are hanging around you, you think you're better than the rest of us?"
Well, Victor did spend the last four hours surrounded by utterly stunning girls. Anyone could feel a bit envious in that situation.
Oh, this scene rings a bell from the Game.
Victor seemed unfazed by Jiren's provocation, continuing on his way without even bothering to look back. But Jiren's anger only seemed to escalate, causing him to approach Victor once more.
"Stop that!" The situation was swiftly diffused by Celes, who positioned herself at the entrance. Alongside her stood Cylien and Selene, evidently waiting for Victor's company. "Victor is from the Raven House, the main branch, do you even comprehend what that means?" Celes's tone held a tinge of exasperation.
Jiren's fists clenched, and he continued to glare daggers at Victor. Meanwhile, Victor appeared to be attempting to soothe Celes. "He's only a Half! You deserve someone better!"
His words stung, prompting a wince from me. The sheer cringe factor made me wish I could fade into the background. Feeling a need to escape the awkwardness, I opted to nimbly navigate over the tables in the classroom, creating my own path to exit.
"I don't form opinions based on birthright; it's one's character that counts, Jiren. And frankly, you're not exactly someone fit to be judging others," Celeste's firm response echoed behind me.
Classic [Leading Main Heroine] behavior. Celeste was leagues apart from the timid Milleia, showcasing her own unique charm.
Stepping into the elevator, I pressed the button for the ground floor, where the dining hall was located. As I waited, a voice suddenly called out. It was Celeste's voice.
"Hey! Hold on, please!"
The elevator doors began to close slowly though, but I managed to press the 'close doors' button just in time. The doors shut, and the elevator began its descent.
With a notification popping up on my device, I glanced at the incoming message. It was from John.
[I'm sitting alone at a table.]
I quickly typed my reply and sent it his way: [Then stay alone.]
"Huh? What did I do now?"
"What can I get for you, sir?" The cafeteria worker inquired, addressing me as it became my turn to choose from the array of dishes on display behind the glass.
"Hmm…" I drummed my fingers lightly on the edge of the counter, my gaze sweeping over the numerous options available. "I'll take some fries, a steak, a portion of salad, and two muffins for dessert."
The staff member efficiently plated up my selections and handed the filled plate back to me.
"Thanks a lot, Lady." I smiled kindly while taking the plate.
"You're welcome," she responded, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she did.
'I'm embracing my inner model student, Cleenah.'
I was currently embodying the role of a diligent, considerate student who had been unjustly accused of crimes. Soon, I hoped, people would recognize my innocence and develop a positive perception of me, eventually leaving me fucking alone.
As I ruminated on my plan, I settled at an unoccupied round table meant for four. Setting down my bag, I grasped my fork and knife, ready to tackle my steak.
My tranquil solitary moment was promptly shattered when John suddenly deposited his tray onto the table opposite me and plopped down in the seat.
"Didn't feel like eating alone."
"I'm not interested in men."