CHAPTER 70: STUDENT COUNCIL

Chapter 70: Student Council

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The Royal Elite Academy stood as the pinnacle of education in the Kingdom of Vestroia, a place where only the most promising students were meant to thrive. It had concluded an unexpected midterm, a test that had sent a single student from their original group of forty-one spiraling into expulsion

More than ten days had passed since the test’s conclusion, but the atmosphere in Class 1-D was still thick with tension. The classroom, once known for its noise and mischievous behavior, was now quiet. A student was gone, and everyone felt as though they had a hand in it. Their homeroom teacher, Mrs. Sarah, had nothing to say. She simply walked in, congratulated those who made it through, and left.

The seat in front of Arios was empty, a constant reminder of his failure to outplay Kyousuke.

`[Ding! Quest completed: Pass the Mid-semester test]`

That was the system notification Arios received when the test finally came to an end with Greg’s defeat. He had completed one hurdle, but he couldn’t call it a full victory. In the end, Kyousuke got exactly what he wanted.

After class hours, Arios decided to meet up with Liza and Lucy. He had earlier asked Liza to gather the current consensus the class had on the results of the midterm test.

"Anything?" he asked.

"Nothing new," she replied. "Still the same. They believe the matching of Rian against Greg was anything but fair, considering their sheer difference in physique and what was at stake. They believe that Professor Vaelian acted on pure intentions to get Greg expelled. Some are even considering reporting the professor to the student council."

That will be of no good, Arios thought. He knew the student council leadership, spearheaded by Damien Ravenscroft, wouldn’t be willing to persecute Kyousuke on any grounds. That was not even considering the fact that Kyousuke was the one who led Elisa Ravenscroft to Class A in the anime.

"That’s good to know," Arios said. "Thanks for letting me know."

"No need for the compliment," Liza said, slightly shaking her head. "I’m just trying to be of help. I know that you cared for Greg, and I’m sorry you couldn’t do anything to help him."

Arios’s facial expression changed from something that was slightly lively to guilt. Arios hadn’t truly cared for Greg earlier; that fact alone was now a burden to him. He had only seen him as a pawn in his constructed game against Kyousuke—a piece to move in the greater scheme of outshining the original protagonist of the anime.

"I think that’s a good idea," Lucy said, pulling Arios from his thoughts. "Reporting the professor for blatant favoritism can help bring justice to this, which clearly stands against the academy’s merit-based policy."

*****

The atmosphere of the student council boardroom was completely different from that of class 1-D. The room was a study in old-world elegance, with dark mahogany walls and a single, slightly wide, long table that dominated the space.

At the head of that table sat Damien Ravenscroft, his posture as rigid and perfect as his perfectly tailored uniform. His hands were clasped in front of him, his expression one of stoic calm that gave nothing away. He was flanked by four students to his right and four to his left. Their expressions were as serious as his, their positions within the council clearly defined by the way they held themselves. To his right sat the Vice President, a student with a sharp, calculating glint in his eye, and next to him, the Head of the Disciplinary Committee, a stern-faced girl whose very presence seemed to demand order. Across from them were the student council’s strategists and liaisons, their expressions a mix of contemplation and concern.

Standing silently beside Damien was his secretary, Hayley Sapphire. She was a picture of efficiency, her hands clasped behind her back as she surveyed the room with a calm, watchful look.

Damien finally spoke, his voice low but carrying an undeniable weight of authority. "The academy is currently experiencing what I would describe as... discontent among the first-year students of class D. It appears the midterm test has stirred up some rather strong feelings."

The Head of the Disciplinary Committee, a first-year stern-faced girl named Thora, cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "First item on the agenda," she began, her voice crisp and professional. "A report filed by Professor Vaelian regarding a student named Ryder. The professor’s report is... vague. It alleges suspicious activity during the midterm test but provides no concrete details or evidence. Just a general concern about potential irregularities."

The student council’s Strategist, a young man with glasses perched on his nose, leaned forward. "A general concern? That’s not much to go on. We can’t launch a full-scale investigation based on a gut feeling. It would set a dangerous precedent."

The Vice President, a handsome, charismatic young man, scoffed softly. "This is exactly what I’m talking about. We have a test that’s already causing an uproar, and now we’re supposed to chase shadows? If there was a real case, Professor Vaelian would have provided evidence. We have more pressing matters to deal with."

"Perhaps," Thora replied, her voice unwavering. "But it is still a formal report from a faculty member. We cannot simply dismiss it without discussion."

The Treasurer, a boy with a neat stack of papers in front of him, chimed in. "A full investigation would be a significant drain on our resources. Student council funds are not unlimited, and an investigation of this nature would require a substantial allocation for mana analysts and data retrieval specialists. Is it worth the cost for something so unsubstantiated?"

The conversation continued to circle the same points for a long while. They debated the pros and cons of pursuing a baseless lead, the importance of maintaining an orderly student body, and the potential fallout of a failed investigation. It was a tedious back-and-forth, a showcase of bureaucratic caution and political maneuvering.

Finally, Damien Ravenscroft raised a hand, and the room fell silent. "I have heard enough. The report lacks merit and tangible evidence. It would be a waste of our time and resources to pursue it further. Let us put it to a vote. All in favor of dismissing the case?"

Every hand on the table, save for Thora’s, was raised. The case was dismissed. Hayley Sapphire, the secretary, jotted down the resolution with a swift motion of her pen.

"Next," Damien said, his gaze shifting from Thora to the center of the table. "The report of Professor Vaelian’s alleged favoritism during the Rian Blake and Greg Tunley duel. This is a matter of great concern. The rumors among the first-years are widespread, and it directly challenges the very principles this academy was founded on. The concept of a merit-based system is the bedrock of this institution."

The Vice President leaned back in his chair, a wry smile on his face. "Frankly, it’s a mess. First-years are already calling for his head. Their argument is that it’s blatantly unfair to pair an athletic prodigy like Rian with someone as physically fragile as Greg. They’re saying it was a guaranteed expulsion, a move to clear the way for Rian continues stay in the academy."

"It does seem odd," the Strategist admitted. "The professor has always been a stickler for fairness. His classes are notoriously difficult, but they’re always fair. This is completely out of character for him."

"Character or not, the appearance is damning," Thora interjected, her voice sharp. "If the student body loses faith in the system, we have nothing. A merit-based policy is only as strong as its perception. If they believe the administration is playing favorites, then all of our work— our entire purpose— is undermined."

The conversation grew more heated. One member argued that they shouldn’t rush to judgment, that there might be a reason for Professor Vaelian’s actions that they weren’t privy to. Another countered that the professor’s motives didn’t matter; the outcome was what mattered, and the outcome was an injustice. The debate raged on for what felt like hours, each student arguing their point with passion and conviction, their voices rising in a show of competing ideals and pragmatic concerns.

Finally, a deep silence descended upon the room as all eyes turned to Damien. He had listened to every word, his face a mask of impenetrable calm. He took a long, slow breath before he spoke, his voice carrying a final say.

"The integrity of this academy is not up for debate. Our core policy of meritocracy must be upheld above all else. I believe in giving every student a fair chance, a chance to prove their worth. And if it is indeed true that a member of the faculty has compromised that principle, then there is only one course of action."

He looked around the table, his gaze locking with each council member. "If the allegations of favoritism are proven to be true, if Professor Vaelian acted on pure intent to play favorites, then I have nothing to say but that he should be removed from this academy in effect. And that his removal should be immediate and absolute."