Chapter 54

After wrapping up the story and rolling around on the bed together, before I knew it, the sun had set.

It seemed like it was time to head back, so I carefully pushed Sena, who was clinging to me, and got up.

I was about to leave with my clothes on, but no matter where I looked, I couldn’t find them.

I tilted my head, scratching it.

“Where are my clothes? I thought I took them off here earlier.”

“Maybe they fell. Did you check under the bed?”

“Yeah, I’m looking now.”

There they were.

How did they end up all the way over there? Were we really that wild earlier?

I reached out and grabbed them, but they were covered in dust. I couldn’t help but frown. I had washed them so diligently.

“Wow, they were really here. They’re all dusty…”

I opened the window and shook the clothes out. Sena freaked out, saying people outside could see, but I checked and there was no one there, so I kept going.

Even though I’m from a general hospital, I don’t have an exhibitionist streak.

Of course, just then, the wind blew into the room, and the dust flew around, making me sneeze.

“Achoo!”

“I told you not to open the window. It’s getting chilly, it’s almost fall.”

“It’s not because of the cold… ugh.”

“Anyway, close it. And draw the curtains.”

“Got it.”

Ugh, this is annoying. It’s still summer, why is the wind blowing like crazy when I’m shaking out dust?

I put on the school uniform I had taken off earlier. Since I had taken it off in a hurry, some parts were wrinkled, so I fussed over it, trying to smooth it out. While doing that, I noticed a dried bloodstain on the inside of the sleeve, in a spot that wasn’t easily visible. I must have missed it when I was washing it.

Seeing the bloodstain reminded me of someone. I turned my gaze to Sena, who was still wrapped in the blanket.

“By the way, how’s Maid Ai been doing lately?”

“Maid Ai?”

“You know, that girl we’re close with.”

“Ah, you mean Mari.”

So her name was Mari.

Thinking about it, we never really introduced ourselves properly. I guess I never felt the need to call her by her name, but considering how close I feel to her, it’s a bit strange.

There was a time when she was my only comfort in life. Maybe that’s why I didn’t want to get any closer.

I think I had this irresponsible expectation that she would watch over me from a distance and only come close occasionally to give me a place to catch my breath. And that was for someone who was practically a stranger and had been a nuisance from the very first meeting.

I was disgusted by my own irresponsibility. It was a feeling I had back then, and even now. But despite my irresponsible demands, Maid Ai complied. I don’t know if it was because we really connected or if it was just her personality.

In the end, I never asked for more, and she never gave more. She was just there when I needed her. It was like she split her attention between Sena and me. That was enough.

That’s why I think of her as someone special.

“Lately, I haven’t been able to meet her, so I don’t know. She only really had contact with the Princess.”

“Well, I’ve been pretty quiet lately.”

“It’s not like the Princess was ever the problem. It was always the people around her. Including me.”

Hmm, I’m not sure. If you think so, then maybe.

Sena smiled faintly and continued.

“Anyway, if it’s Mari, she’s probably living her life as usual. I think she mentioned she was going back to her hometown soon, but I’m not sure about the details.”

“Huh? She’s going back? Why?”

I blinked in surprise.

“Well, when I think of hometown, the only thing that comes to mind is marriage. But she’s too young for that.”

Sena hesitated for a moment before carefully saying.

“Maybe her parents passed away, and she has to take care of her younger siblings?”

“If that were the case, she would have left in a hurry. And besides, that’s rude. Don’t say things like that without knowing for sure.”

“…You’re right. I’m sorry.”

Sena quickly apologized after seeing my expression.

I hoped it wasn’t anything unfortunate. I wanted her to keep that pure, childlike smile. Especially since she already seemed to have a grasp on reality from working in an environment full of nobles.

I had made up my mind, so I didn’t need her help anymore. I had enough room in my heart to wish for others’ happiness. If she ever needed help, I could help her too.

You have to repay what you’ve received. That’s just common sense.

“I should meet her and ask next time. Thinking about it, I’ve never met her privately.”

“Let me join you. I should say hi too. I owe her a lot.”

“Yeah, let’s do that.”

After making plans with Sena, I left the room.

It had been a while since I moved my body so much, so I was sore all over. It wasn’t too bad, but I think I did well to hold back. I didn’t want to spend the whole day in bed again.

After returning to my room, I washed up lightly and fell face down on the bed.

***

That day, the story progressed as if I was under some spell, but looking back after some time, it felt a bit reckless.

What even is a spectating club? It’s like declaring, “We’re here to have fun!” It’s not like we’re picking a fight with the professors.

I thought it would obviously be rejected by the responsible professor. I was seriously considering pushing for a combat tea ceremony instead.

But apparently, I was the only one who thought it was strange. The next day, Sena came to me excitedly.

“We got permission!”

“Wow, we got permission.”

Are the professors collectively insane?

How many bizarre clubs are there for something like this to pass? Honestly, even if we had written “combat tea ceremony,” it probably would have gone through.

Sena, sensing my strange look, pointed at herself with her index finger.

“Don’t be too surprised. Despite how I look, I’m the former head of the top club in the school, and my grades are top-notch.”

“It’s a group of misfits, after all.

I guess they’ll at least do the basics, no matter what they bring.”

“Small but elite, huh? At least on the surface.”

“That’s the idea!”

“Looks like there’s a hole here.”

“A shining problem child, the class rep with a month of unexcused absences.

If Sena hadn’t picked him up, he probably wouldn’t have even been able to apply to join the club.

I felt a sense of despair at my own uselessness.”

“I made one ghost member with a bit of effort, since we only needed one anyway.”

Sena wasn’t alone.

Naturally, someone had followed her here.

It was a girl with short, light gray hair and a somewhat cold impression.

She was silent and expressionless, giving off a doll-like vibe in a different way.

I glanced at her and spoke up.

“That person standing there who’s been bothering me since a moment ago?”

“Correct.

She’s a junior, so you don’t need to use honorifics with her.”

Sena gestured to the girl.

As if that was the trigger, the girl’s eyes lit up, and she bowed to me.

“Hello, Adelian senior.

I’m Yohan Sonépar.

I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Nice to meet you, Yohan.

Could you call me Remia instead of Adelian?

And please try not to talk to me.”

“As I’ve heard.

I’ll follow your instructions.”

True to first impressions, Yohan’s tone was inorganic and stiff.

Her somewhat angry demeanor made me a bit nervous, so I added,

“Don’t take it the wrong way.

It’s better for you not to build a relationship with me.”

“I’m not offended.”

Yohan continued in a monotone voice.

“After all, I’m just a ghost member. A useful tool, or even a slave, is fine.

That’s why I followed Blomberg senior here.

The same goes for Remia senior, so I’m not offended at all.

In fact, I’m pleased that you’ve given clear, easy-to-understand orders.”

“Uh, yeah. Okay?”

I thought she was doll-like, but hearing words like “tool” and “slave” made me more flustered.

She didn’t even blink while looking at me as she spoke.

At this point, it’s a bit scary.

Seeing my expression, Sena slipped between us.

“Sonépar is a promising member of the equestrian spear club and is known as an easy mark.

She’ll do anything you ask, and she’s tight-lipped, so the Princess will find her easy to handle.”

Wiggling her fingers as she explained, she gave me a cheeky wink.

“Of course, you can just ignore her.

That’s what ghost members are for, after all.”

I looked at her unnecessarily bright smile and asked awkwardly,

“…Is this really okay?”

“Sonépar agreed, so it’s fine.”

“Correct.

Please treat me as you wish.”

“……”

I’m not sure if this is right, but since she says it’s fine, I have nothing to say.

As I closed my mouth, Sena, now looking satisfied, wrapped things up.

“Alright.

Then the observation club will start with four members: me, the Princess, Hans, and Sonépar.

No objections, right?”

“Yep.”

“None.”

“Our first club meeting is next Wednesday.

Sonépar, see you then. You can go now.”

“Yes. See you next time.”

Yohan gave us a sharp bow and left with the same gait as when she arrived.

I watched her doll-like back until she disappeared from sight, then asked Sena,

“…Is she really a noble?

A noble wouldn’t be that obedient.”

Sena answered as if she had expected the question.

“She is a noble.

It’s just that nobles come in all types.

Lower nobles often get pushed around so much that their personalities turn out a bit strange.”

Sena pointed at her own chest with her finger.

Her smile was still plastered on her face.

It felt a bit off.

“I’m one of them too.”

I blinked.

For some reason, I felt like I had to deny it.

“Sena, you’re normal.”

“If that’s how I seem, then that’s a relief!

I’ve been working on it.”

Sena was forcing a smile.

It felt better not to dig deeper, so I averted my eyes.

After silently watching me for a while, she continued.

“Anyway, you don’t need to worry about Sonépar.

She’s not interested in us either.

She’s just doing her duty.”

Not interested, huh?

It’s less about interest and more like she doesn’t even have a personality.

I racked my brain but eventually gave up trying to understand.

“I don’t get it, but at least it’s comfortable.”

“Right?

I picked her because I thought her personality would suit the Princess.”

Being able to treat each other as non-existent is the most stress-free relationship.

Emotional exchanges may gift deeper connections, but they also take a lot when they break.

Having one or two friends is enough; the rest should stay strictly professional.

That’s my ideal.

I decided it didn’t matter and turned my attention away from Yohan.