Chapter 90

Student Council President Election (3)

impossible.

The weight of that three-letter word presses heavily on my heart.

While coming to Sylvania and living as a freshman Tanya was able to feel it clearly.

If Fenia really runs for the student council president election Tanya cannot beat her no matter what she does.

A confident image that has been cultivated since her days in the imperial court. Cloel has such a strong reputation that anyone in the Empire has heard of her name. She is in the disadvantageous position of being a freshman who has just entered school and Fenia is already widely supported among the students. Even the foundation is strong.

No matter what variables arise Tanya’s odds of winning are completely zero.

Tanya Rothtaylor can’t beat Fenia Elias Cloel. This proposition will never be overturned.

Tanya herself knew better than anyone else.

*

Reality and romance are completely different. Tanya took that to heart again as she entered her bachelor life.

The fantasy and romance Tanya had about Sylvania before entering school was truly like a magical castle that existed in her imagination.

However once it comes true the dream is relegated to reality.

You can’t always live trapped in romance and tasks and tasks that need to be completed immediately pile up on your shoulders.

Tanya was gradually becoming an adult. The first thing she realized for herself was that a dream is a dream and reality is reality.

Entering Sylvania is an auspicious event but you need to give up early on the hope that everything in the world will turn out romantically and beautifully.

‘Yes there are definitely a lot of things that don’t work out as expected... It won’t be full of happy things. No matter how Sylvania is there’s no guarantee that there will only be great people and there’s no way that great seniors will always be fond of me.’

However you should not be discouraged. As the successor to the Ross Taylor family she must always maintain her appearance as a confident and proud daughter.

Revealing indecent behavior in a place like this would be like tarnishing the family name.

Tanya nodded and promised herself from the beginning that even if her bachelor’s life did not go as well as she had hoped she would persevere with a strong mind.

Of course undergraduate life did not go as expected.

“Oh Tanya. Are you going to practice elemental science? Are there any inconveniences while taking class? There was a slight difference in temperature between day and night so be careful not to catch a cold and let’s have a cup of tea with Elka sometime.”

Ziggs who was on his way out to practice with his elemental science class classmates greeted Tanya warmly and the classmates whispered and looked at him.

– ‘Isn’t that Mr. Ziggs? He is quite famous as a strong figure not only in the second year class but also in the entire academic community... ‘

– ‘Wow I guess I know Mr. Ziggs personally... If Ross Taylor is the second daughter her connections must be unusual... ‘

“I’m glad you look healthy Tanya. I’m planning to have a negotiation session soon regarding the seal transaction. When is that okay? “If you let me know a convenient time I will prepare a place for you so please come.”

When I was eating with my classmates in the student cafeteria Lortel spoke first and smiled at Tanya and talked about work.

– ‘that person... Isn’t this obviously senior Lortel the representative of the Aken Island branch of the Elte Company?’

– ‘Wow Miss Tanya...’ He was also acquainted with the person in power at Elte Trading Company.’

– ‘And seeing as they’re negotiating and all that it looks like they’ve made a personal deal.’

– ‘Wow... We’re the same age... It feels like the world I live in is much bigger... I’m sure you’re familiar with business-related conversations and public situations like that... ‘

hi.

All undergraduate classes are over and on the way back to the dormitory.

Lucy who was walking sleepily and trudging like a zombie glanced at Tanya who was walking side by side with her classmates until the road split.

I didn’t do anything special I just waved my small hand and said hello and continued on my way.

– ‘That person...’ In fact you’re Lucy Mayril Sylvania’s greatest genius right?’

– ‘This is the first time I’ve seen that senior speak. ‘You actually talk.’

– ‘I heard it’s impossible to get close to anyone because they treat each other so rudely but it seems like they’ve even exchanged greetings with Miss Tanya. Even if it’s the other seniors what on earth can you do to Lucy? ?’

– ‘As expected the scope of our network is different from that of regular students like us... What should I say... I can feel the wall... ‘

Tanya left behind the students who looked up to her and returned to the dormitory with her classmates at Ofilis Hall.

In the past few days it feels like Tanya’s status and evaluation within the academy has risen ridiculously.

In particular it seems that Tanya’s evaluation has also been upgraded among her peers who look up to her seniors as she has connections with many famous powerhouses.

Of course her status as the second daughter of the Ross Taylor family was by no means a calling card that could be used anywhere but as it overlapped with Sylvania’s unique culture of judging people by focusing more on academics and achievements Tanya’s prestige increased even more.

As a villainess she already has followers which is a necessity(?).

The two girls Kylie and Terry who were following Tanya across the hallway of the Ofilis Building held each other’s hands and spoke with ecstatic faces.

“As expected Miss Tanya. His behavior is dignified and his network is wide but he doesn’t show off either... So cool... ! That kind of nobility must be born with it... ?”

“If I could just match half of that elegant appearance there would be no limit... !”

Terry even so it was funny to hear Kylie talk about being noble and such.

As soon as she reached the front of her room Tanya carefully looked back. Although she couldn’t show off her laughter and show off her high tension she couldn’t seem to be discouraged by the excessive attention either.

“Uhuhuhu. You both worked hard to complete your academic schedule today. “You must be tired in many ways so go back to your room and rest.”

“Of course Miss Tanya! Miss Tanya you worked really hard today!”

“Fighting tomorrow too! I will follow you wherever you go... !”

I already feel a sense of discomfort when I see classmates using polite language among themselves.

“I will work hard tomorrow and the day after tomorrow to become a dignified and capable person like Tanya!”

When Terry said that Tanya smiled and spoke.

“Oh good posture. Of course I am a person with many shortcomings but if I continue to improve myself every day I am sure that I will be able to become a great student who will not be inferior to Terry. Let’s do our best tomorrow too.”

Tanya closed the door and came in leaving behind the students who had a sparkling light of respect in their eyes.

Then I leaned my back against the door and started sweating profusely. The eyes wander here and there without finding a place to go.

me... I didn’t do anything... ???”

When I came to Tanya’s fandom had already formed among the freshmen.

uh... How did this happen... ?”

Anyway the ghosts are crying.

When I looked up and looked at my desk it was full of notes I had written before entering Sylvania.

Items to prepare before moving into Ofilis Hall school supplies needed while completing the academic schedule weak subjects to study separately things to be careful about in your own behavior so as not to be rude among students etc... These are the things Tanya passionately prepared and thought about before entering Sylvania.

Most of these notes are almost useless because they ended well after my undergraduate career began. I needed to organize and get rid of things I didn’t need.

If you look through those notes you will find notes about Ed Rosstaylor.

Shame on the Ross Taylor family. Garbage that must be eliminated. If you arrive at Sylvania you will be the first person to be removed from the school at all costs.

There are many records that Tanya evaluated in that way before entering school. Tanya looked at the notes intently... I swallowed dry saliva.

I’m not sure if Ed Ross Taylor has completely reformed or not.

Human nature does not change that easily. Therefore I reported to my family that I would be watching for now.

however... Most of the time Tanya is receiving such precious treatment while living as a bachelor... The fact that he is the younger brother of Ed Ross Taylor also plays a role.

I feel like I have inherited my brother’s connections.

Then the act of antagonizing Ed Rothtaylor and attacking him in any way to drive him out...

“Then I’m just a piece of trash... !”

This is a problem before academic evaluations are pushed to the bottom. It’s just that in Tanya’s opinion it is a morally absurd act.

No matter what I don’t choose the crazy option of antagonizing Ed here. This is because I received so much just because I was the younger brother.

weird... .? Why am I worrying about whether I will become trash or not... ? Garbage is definitely... It wasn’t me it was my brother... ???”

okay?

After acting like a bastard he was pushed into a situation where he was excommunicated by Fenia... Actually it is a good thing to be self-employed. Although I wasn’t the Ed Ross-Taylor at the time.

huh. Plus there’s Tanya. I also tried to support Tanya. “He’s Ed’s younger brother and he’s done some unfortunate things and has a good reputation among freshmen.”

Yenika spoke loudly while wiggling her braided hair.

and... “The person in question says he won’t run so there’s nothing we can do?”

“That’s true but... ”

According to the original plan Princess Fenia should have run for the student council president election without any hesitation.

And the bloody fight with Tanya... It may seem like a competition but in reality it wins by an overwhelming margin of votes.

The gap between Tanya and Fenia cannot be bridged lightly. As long as he runs for office it is safe to assume that Fenia will win.

But what on earth has changed his mind to give up running for office?

“I wish I could at least know the reason why you are not running.”

“It’s because self-confidence has disappeared.”

– Boom.

Another drink glass was placed on the table. And the person who plopped down in the seat across from him was Ziggs Eiffelstein currently a second-year member of the Ministry of Magic.

“It’s definitely spring so there’s no need to wear a coat during the day. I didn’t know I would be sweating so much. “Why are there so many people in the student center?”

Ziggs who had taken off his coat and wrapped it around one hand took a couple of sips of his drink and exhaled deeply.

“Ziggs?”

“I thought it was a nice face but there are a lot of eyes looking at it but isn’t it too hot in broad daylight? Well you two are free... ”

직스는 그리 말하며 음료수 컵을 내려놓았다.

그 말을 듣고 예니카는 허리를 휙하고 꼿꼿이 세우더니 거의 몇십센티 까지 줄어들었던 거리를 다시금 얼른 벌렸다. 그제서야 거리감을 눈치챈 느낌이다.

“응?! 이 정도면 가까운가?! 그렇게 가깝다고 할 정도인가...?! 가 가깝긴 한가...? 오 오해 받을만한 거리인가...? 그래도 후 후끈후끈 하다니 표현이 너무 남사스럽잖아!”

예니카는 자기 얼굴에 휙휙 부채질을 하면서 시선을 피하더니 이내 고개를 푹 수그렸다.

“선배님들 두 분이서 오붓하게 이야기하고 계시는데 이런 식으로 자리 깔고 끼어드는 것도 예의가 아닌 건 압니다마는...”

직스는 그대로 팔짱을 끼고서는 한숨을 푹 쉬었다.

“저번에는 긴가민가 해서 말씀 못드린 사항이 있거든요. 최근에서야 모종의 확신이 생겨서요.”

“뭐?”

“저는 동급생이고 같이 들어가는 수업도 꽤 있어서 페니아 황녀님 얼굴을 볼 일이 꽤 있지 않습니까?”

직스는 유년 시절을 통째로 북방 초원지대에서 야생의 삶을 살며 보낸 남자다.

지금이야 신사적이고 예의를 갖출 줄 아는 남자처럼 보이지만 그건 모두 이슬란 가문에서 살면서 후천적으로 학습한 예절들이다.

인간이기 이전에 야수로서 살았던 삶. 그 삶이 직스에게 주었던 직감은 인간의 오감들보다 한 차원 높은 영역의 감각인 것이다.

“자기 무리를 잃은 우두머리 늑대를 본 적 있으십니까 에드 선배님.”

능청스럽던 어조는 어느새 차분히 가라앉아 있었다.

“잘못된 선택으로 인해 무리를 죽음으로 몰아본 경험이 있는 우두머리는 그 눈에 생기가 없어집니다. 새끼 늑대들 특유의... 영롱하고 살의에 찬 눈빛과는 완전히 다르지요. 사냥감을 만나도 사냥하지 않고 맹수를 만나도 적의를 내비치질 않습니다.”

팔짱을 낀 채 나지막이 이야기를 내뱉는 직스의 말은 모두 경험담일 것이다.

눈을 지그시 감고 그 때를 떠올리는 모습.

초원의 한 구석에서 자기 몸집보다 큰 상처 투성이 늑대를 마주한 경험.

공포에 차 덜덜 떠는 손으로 무기를 집어들어 보았겠지만 큰 의미는 찾기 힘들었을 터.

“대놓고 활을 조준해도 아무런 반응을 보이지 않습니다.”

이내 직스는 지그시 눈을 뜨고서는 조용히 이야기 했다.

“저한테는 페니아 황녀님의 눈이 그렇게 보였습니다.”

그렇게 말하고서 다시금 자리에서 일어섰다.

“괜히 방해해서 죄송합니다. 그냥 지나가다가 반가운 얼굴이 보이길래 인사차 찾아왔을 뿐입니다. 이만 가보겠습니다.”

“아니 방해는 무슨. 나도 반갑다.”

“내일은 간만에 봄비가 내린답니다. 기숙사 나오실 때 유념하시길.”

직스는 빈 음료수잔을 챙겨들었다. 그리고 고개를 푹 수그리고서 인사를 건넨 뒤 이리저리 팔을 꺾으며 학생회관 출구 쪽으로 떠났다.

괜히 열이 올라왔는지 자기 얼굴에 슥슥 부채질을 하고 있는 예니카를 옆에 둔 채... 나는 다시금 생각에 잠겼다.

최악의 가능성은... 페니아 황녀가 로스테일러 가문에 대한 적개심 자체를 잃어버린 상황인 것이다.

만약 그렇다고 한다면 페니아 황녀가 로스테일러 가문을 상대로 다시금 적개심을 불태울만한 이유를 만들어줘야만 했다.

지금 시점에서는... 그럴만한 이유를 만들어낼 방법은 없었다.

“마음을 굳게 먹어야 할 것 같다.”

“응? 왜 그래 에드?”

로스테일러 가문의 가주 크레핀 로스테일러.

그가 마신 메뷸러를 미약한 상태로 일찍 소환하게 된 것은 전방위적인 정치적 압박을 끝끝내 버텨내지 못했기 때문이다.

그 압박의 핵심은 바로 페니아를 필두로한 황실 세력이다. 그 세력 없이 크레핀을 상대하는 상황은... 지금 시점에선 완전한 미지의 영역이다.

어지간해서는 피해야할 상황이지만 만약 그런 상황이 온다면... 똑바로 마주해야만 한다.

“어쨌든 내일 비가 온다고 하니까 물 정령 수련하기에는 괜찮은 환경이겠네.”

당장 움직일 수 있을만한 여건은 안되므로 일단은 해둬야 할 일 먼저 생각해야겠다.

“이왕이면 바다 근처가 좋겠다. 내일 북쪽 절벽가에서 한 번 중위 정령을 다뤄봐야겠어.”

“응 나도 원소학 수업 끝나고 한 번 가볼게.”

“그래. 고맙다. 나는 일단 캠프로 돌아가봐야겠다.”

예니카는 빙그레 웃으며 고개를 끄덕거려주었다.

하여튼 본인은 아니라고 하지만... 여러모로 예니카에게 빚진 게 많은 입장이었다.

*

“으음.”

코 끝을 킁킁대자 꽃내음이 피어난다. 봄은 가장 좋아하는 계절이다.

포근한 햇볕도 그렇고 뺨을 간질이는 고즈넉한 산들바람도 그렇다. 하나 같이 마음을 푸근하게 만들어 기다리는 시간조차도 따스한 이불에 파묻혀 있는 듯한 기분이 든다.

– 사박 사박.

캠프 너머에서 들려오는 풀 밟는 소리.

오두막 지붕에 드러누워서 하늘을 쳐다보던 소녀는 괜시리 발을 휘적댔다. 육포 몇 조각 입에 문채 소년의 무릎에 드러누울 생각에 콧노래도 흥얼거려본다.

문득 콧잔등에 슬쩍 느껴지는 습기. 특유의 감각은 엇나간 적이 없다.

루시는 모자를 푹 눌러쓰고 하늘을 다시금 올려다 보았다. 모처럼 봄이건만 내일은 바깥에 나오기 힘들 듯 하다.

“비가 오려나.”

비는 싫다.

추적추적 몸을 때리는 빗줄기는 괜시리 루시의 기분을 음울하게 만든다. 이왕 비가 올거라면 빨리 지나가는 게 좋다.

루시는 그리 생각하며 모닥불 근처로 뛰어내려갔다.

타닥대는 불가 옆에 드러누워서 저 멀리 풀밭을 헤치고 오는 금발 소년을 멍하니 쳐다보고 있었다.

괜시리 흘러나오는 콧노래에 손끝을 튕겼다.