Chapter 47: ‘Fake You Say? Care To Repeat That?’

"Ah? Take a good look yourself!"

Rikka flung the photo at her secretary's face, her patience wearing thin as she snapped, "Look at the background—this photo is absolutely fake."

"To forge a photo on my turf? Even if you were recommended by someone I trust, I won't let this slide."

"Go get this 'Hikari Nakamura,' the high schooler, in here right now. I'll verify this myself."

"First, he sneaks in through the backdoor; then, he fakes his way in; and to top it off, he does it with such blatant nonsense."

"This photo... it's just too fake."

———

When Hikari heard he was the first candidate to receive a formal interview with the dean, he was a bit surprised.

But considering he ranked first in physical aptitude, it made some sense.

Following the beautiful secretary, Hikari arrived at the dean's office.

"Please, go in." The secretary gave a small bow, gesturing for him to enter alone.

Without a word, Hikari nodded and pushed the door open.

Creak!

At the sound of the door opening, Rikka looked over instantly. She paused momentarily when she saw Hikari, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes before she couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

'This kid is indeed handsome—far more so than in his photos.'

'He can probably be an idol. Although there is still a touch of youthful awkwardness in his expression, it doesn't detract from his appeal.'

In fact, it was a bonus, especially to an older, sophisticated woman like her.

'I can just eat him up.'

She gulped slightly, quickly shaking off the thought.

'No, no, this is a serious interview. I can't let my mind wander.'

Suppressing the flicker of desire and intensity in her gaze, Rikka composed herself, returning to her dignified, icy demeanor.

As she assessed Hikari, he was also observing her.

Just as her voice suggested, the Seika Private Girls Academy's dean was indeed a strikingly cool beauty.

Her fair face was perfectly sculpted, framed by long black hair tied into a high ponytail, with a lock of white-streaked bangs cascading over her forehead.

Beneath silver-rimmed glasses were a pair of keen eyes that seemed to see right through a person. A pair of jade earrings dangled by her ears.

Undoubtedly, this female dean had both beauty and a striking figure—an allure that would make any man's pulse quicken with just a glance.

However, perhaps because of her high-ranking position, she exuded a severe and icy aura. Likely, no one in the academy would dare cross her.

Hikari, for his part, was momentarily transfixed—not by her alluring aura, but by something familiar in her face...

'So it really is her, Dean Rikka of the academy.'

Unaware of his inner musings, Rikka parted her red lips, her tone carrying the arrogance and confidence of one accustomed to authority: "Come over here for your interview."

Her rich, magnetic voice—full of mature allure—rang in Hikari's ears.

"Alright," he responded, stepping forward.

Rikka put on an assessing look, clearly ready to ask him some questions.

Before she could speak, though, Hikari asked, "Dean Rikka, could you tell me more about the specifics of this job?"

Rikka chuckled. "Asking questions before the interviewer speaks? That's rather impolite."

"But since you're so... fresh and youthful, I'll let it slide."

She leaned her elbows on the desk, fingers interlaced as she rested her chin on her hands. Smiling, she explained, "You don't know much about the job, do you?"

"Understandable. You came in on a recommendation from a friend of a friend, and we didn't think you'd pass the physical test, so we didn't give details. But you're quite impressive, ranking first in the test."

"Now that you've made it through the selection, let me briefly explain. The job is simple."

"Once you pass the formal interview, you'll become our academy's special-appointed psychological counselor. Your main role will be providing emotional and mental relief to our female students here at Seika Private Girls Academy ."

"In this high-stakes environment, our students face significant pressures that, if not released, can lead to severe consequences."

"That's why we need a top-notch male counselor to help our students stay emotionally balanced, to ensure they can grow up healthy in both mind and body."

"Got it?"

Seeing the young high schooler's slightly puzzled expression, she had assumed she'd need to spell things out more clearly.

But after she finished, Hikari simply nodded. "I… mostly understand."

"Though, I do have one question. Does this counseling role involve... addressing any physical stress as well?"

Rikka's lips curled into a smile. "Yes, it does. Just as you're thinking."

Hikari looked hesitant. "I'm still just a high schooler; I'm not sure I'm fit for such a job…"

Rikka's voice was calm. "Base monthly salary of 100,000. An additional 100,000 for every counseling session completed with a student."

Hikari wavered. "This job... let me think it over…"

Rikka smiled slightly. "Base monthly salary of 200,000. An additional 200,000 per session."

Hikari pondered for a moment. "Considering the respectability involved, I may need to…"

"Base monthly salary of 500,000. An additional 500,000 per session." Her voice was smooth and unwavering.

Hikari placed a hand over his heart, his expression solemn. "Helping students under pressure—I won't shy away from this responsibility. Dean Rikka, please, let's begin the formal interview."

Despite his initial inclination to reject this job that seemed to compromise his dignity, the pay was simply too good.

Seeing Hikari's serious expression, Rikka couldn't resist a slight smile.

Under the desk, her leg in sheer black stockings trembled a bit as she tapped her fingers twice on the table, saying with a smirk:

"Let me clarify, though. You'll only get this pay if you pass my final interview."

"Becoming a special-appointed counselor at Seika Private Girls Academy isn't easy."

"Before we start, I need to confirm something very important—something tied to your character."

"For this position, we hold strict requirements and only consider those with social standing. People who idle about aimlessly… they're nothing but a nuisance."

"You, however, as a high schooler recommended by an acquaintance, possess an impressive physical aptitude and were given special consideration."

"Yet, there's something that makes me question your character."

"When you took the physical exam, did you bribe our staff with your looks to get them to edit your photos?"

"Look at this. How fake does this picture look?"

"Do you take me, the dean, for someone easily deceived?"

With that, Rikka tossed a photo toward Hikari.

Hikari picked up the photo she had thrown across the desk. The person in it was, without a doubt, himself.

Seeing her icy glare that seemed convinced he'd used connections to forge his way in, Hikari felt his own annoyance rise.

Facing this haughty, oblivious dean, he decided it was time to shatter her misconception.

He spoke in a low voice, "Dean Rikka, do you really think this photo is fake?"

She folded her arms, crossing her legs in sheer stockings as she scoffed, "Absolutely. That photo's far too fake. There's no way that's a real person. And if there's one thing I, Rikka, despise, it's deception."

Before she could finish, a slight rustling sound broke the silence.

Hikari took a step forward, his face icy as he looked directly at her. "Fake, you say? Care to repeat that?"

Rikka didn't answer immediately.

Because now, her eyes were firmly fixed on certain qualities of Hikari's, and she was utterly stunned.

She covered her mouth with a dainty hand, her icy expression betraying a mix of astonishment.

Her heartbeat seemed to echo in her ears, louder with each passing second.

"Well? Is it still fake?" Hikari asked with a calm voice.

═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═

patreon.com/AmbitiousTranslator

🥰 Support the translation and help me grow.🤓

Read upto 20 Extra chapter in Patreon