A Request from the Student Council President
Connie’s condition returned to normal, and peaceful school life was supposed to resume—at least, that would have been nice. But considering that ever since my enrollment, trouble seemed to follow me, I couldn’t help but suspect that something else might happen again soon.
For now, I just hoped for a period of calm. The day after the Magic Sealing Stone ring, I went to the student council room to report the events to Tricia, the Student Council President.
"I have already heard from Claire as well."
Claire Mertzalo, the so-called Witch of the Forbidden Archives who shut herself away in the library, had apparently already reported—more like vented—about what happened. As a result, the Student Council President was already well aware of most of the details.
"Honestly, if she has the energy to complain to me, she should put that effort into attending class properly and making sure she doesn’t have to repeat a year… It seems that the whole ring thing really got to her."
"But considering her family background, she should have been able to afford a ring adorned with a much more proper gemstone, shouldn’t she?"
"I understand your point… but for that girl, price and luxury aren’t part of her criteria. There’s something more important than cost."
"Something more important than price? What would that be?"
"It would be improper for me to say."
I wasn’t sure what she meant, but perhaps I should find a way to make it up to Claire as well. Something other than a ring.
"Well, in any case, I’m glad to see Claire looking better. As a friend, that’s something to be happy about."
"Speaking of which, I’ve been wondering—why does Claire seclude herself in a corner of the library?"
I hesitated to ask her directly, so I decided to bring it up with the Student Council President instead. But, as expected, her answer was exactly what I had imagined.
"That, too, is not my place to speak of."
"Well, I figured as much."
"However, I will give you a hint."
With that, President Tricia slowly moved toward the window and pointed outside.
I stepped closer to look.
A male student stood there, surrounded by several female students.
It was the very picture of a harem scene.
However… there was something about that male student’s face. Somehow, he looked familiar—almost like Claire.
"That boy… doesn’t he look like Claire?"
"Of course he does. He is—Walton Mertzalo, Claire’s older brother."
"…! Walton… Now that you mention it, I remember that guy."
Memories from the past resurfaced.
That’s right.
Claire had an older brother.
He had a strong elite mentality, an overinflated sense of pride, and, above all, an obsession with maintaining appearances.
That was the impression I had of Walton Mertzalo.
Come to think of it, his specs were oddly similar to that perverted scumbag teacher, Craig.
"But I heard rumors that he was a failure… Did he manage to get into the academy solely thanks to the influence of the Sacred Institute?"
"That is not the case. Apparently, he possesses excellent skills and knowledge in handling magical herbs, and the academy recognizes his abilities."
Walton, skilled in herbal medicine?
That didn’t match what I had known about him since childhood.
I suppose it wasn’t impossible that he worked hard and acquired those skills… but judging from his attitude, that seemed unlikely.
"Are you curious about him?"
"… Yeah. The Walton Mertzalo I remember is far too different from the one I see now."
"I feel the same way. Although I do not know anything about his past, I have doubts as to whether he is truly knowledgeable in herbal medicine."
"So, do you think the academy is giving special treatment to the Mertzalo family?"
"I doubt that… But there must be some kind of trick involved."
A trick, huh?
Even President Tricia didn’t believe he had earned his status through genuine ability.
"Did you try getting any information from Claire?"
"The siblings have been estranged for a long time. She doesn’t know much about him either."
Now that she mentioned it, they were never close.
Claire and I got along well and often played together, but Walton never interacted with anyone.
"Would you be willing to investigate him for me?"
"Why me?"
"Oh my, I thought you were interested in him."
"… Well, I suppose I am, at least a little."
As always, President Tricia had an uncanny ability to see right through people.
That said, I couldn’t deny I was curious.
I was considering inviting Claire to join our company as a herbalist. If Walton decided to interfere, that could be a problem.
I should get Lucina and Connie involved and start a little background check.
What do you think about this chapter?
