Chapter - 43 : VIP Box

(Continuation…)

(Location - Stadium Arena[1c])

(Third Person View)

In the VIP Box many important figures of the Academy were present.

Among them were the Vice Principal–Thornton Malcolm, and the Student Body President–Flamelore Jasmine.

There was also the Vice President of the Student Body–Marphy Arnold.

Yet an air of authority and decorum, typical of such gatherings, was conspicuously absent.

Instead, the room crackled with an entirely different energy.

"Sir Malcolm, should I assume that the Principal won't be gracing us with his presence today either?"(Jasmine)

Jasmine inquired, her tone matter-of-fact as she glanced at her wristwatch.

"It can't be helped, Student Jasmine, you know what kind of person he is."(Malcolm)

The Vice-Principal, Malcolm, confirmed, his tone carrying a defeated respect.

He ran his hand through his white beard, presenting the perfect image of a seasoned man in his sixties.

"I understand, Sir Vice Principal."

Jasmine responded, her expression showing she had grown accustomed to such absences.

The Principal's no-show at the Opening ceremony had prepared her for this moment.

"Hoo! Don't worry, dear, I am here for you."

Malcolm, the Vice-Principal, almost shouted, beating his chest out proudly as he even winked at the last part.

"It is our duty as a Student Body to organize these events, Sir Vice Principal.

"So, I respectfully decline your offer."(Jasmine)

However, Jasmine responded once again with an expression she was so used to.

It was a comical scene where an Older man failed to seduce a younger woman, for anyone who was witnessing it for the first time.

Coincidentally, there are a couple of figures who are witnessing the scene for the first time, ultimately leading to the following conversation between them.

The two students are from the second year, and the new recruits of the Student Body are standing right behind few feets of Jasmine and

"Is he really flirting with our President right in front of our eyes…"(???)

One of the male students muttered in a hushed voice while exchanging subtle glances toward his side.

"Yeah, I did hear that he has a thing for young girls but…"(???)

The female student responded in a disgu–*ahem!

Not so good-tone.

"Student Bruce, and Student Luna! Sir Malcolm can hear you."(Jasmine)

Jasmine's sharp ears didn't let the comments go unnoticed, and she couldn't resist intervening with a pointed remark.

Well, in truth, even someone with a hearing problem would have heard their conversation.

It was as if they wanted to be caught.

""..??!...!

""W-We are extremely sorry, Sir Vice Principal!!""(Bruce & Luna)

Bruce and Luna, respectively male and female, now fully aware of their tactlessness, hastily apologized, their faces flushing with embarrassment.

"Don't worry dear Students.

"Misunderstandings happen."

Malcolm said, showing some leniency as he waved his hand dismissively while keeping one hand concealed behind his back.

…it was as if it wasn't the first time it happened.

"HeHehee~ However-

"A more sincere apology would have been appreciated.

"HaahhhHHaaa!"(Malcolm)

Malcolm added, wearing a sly smile, and later burst out into laughter at the end.

?!!?

The two students jolted their bodies and straightened their posture as they caught on to Malcolm's lenient attitude.

On the other hand, Malcolm had already moved on, making his way to his seat.

"...hey newbies, learn to keep both your voices in check, and while you are at that, mask your intentions properly next time."(Arnold)

As the group continued their conversation, Arnold, the stern student council Vice-President, approached, his voice barely a whisper.

"Yes Sir…"(Bruce)

"Yes Sir."(Luna)

Bruce and Luna replied in subdued tones.

With that, following the Vice Principal's lead, everyone took their seats respectively.

Following the Vice-Principal's lead, everyone took their respective seats.

In the front row, the five seats were occupied, with the Student Body President in the center, the Vice Principal to her right, and an extra person joining them.

At last, the head hand-to-hand combat instructor for the first years sat on the corner of the same row.

The second row was taken by four other assistant instructors, each specializing in different types of short-range combat, leaving one seat empty.

The third and fourth rows remained vacant, with the last row occupied by the Vice President and the two other newbies from the Student Body.

The rest of the Student Council members were diligently working behind the scenes, ensuring that everything proceeded according to plan.

"Vice President, why are you sitting in the back?"

Bruce asked, leaning in with curiosity, followed by Luna, who also perked her ears.

Arnold shot them a look that suggested he couldn't fathom their question.

"You seriously asked me that?

"Do you guys really want to mingle with that odd bunch down there?"

Arnold retorted, making his opinion clear.

"Is it really something we should be aware of?"

Bruce asked as he made an awkward face, rubbing his head in the back.

He was a little taken aback by Arnold's straightforwardness in expressing his feelings.

At least that's what the image he was trying to portray was, but Arnold was smart enough to see through as–

"Winer Bruce, right? And you're Helm Luna.

–He confirmed it, getting their names straight.

"I don't particularly hate two-faced people.

"In fact, you could say I admire them, because that's an art I'm not particularly good at.

"So, don't make me dislike you guys."

Arnold warned, his tone carrying a hint of sharpness.

"My bad, was I that obvious?

"However, I do appreciate pointing out our shortcomings, Vice President."(Bruce)

Instead of being intimidated or flustered, Bruce's face brightened up as he expressed his odd sense of-

…gratitude?

"Tch! You guys must have been through a lot in your First year for being so thick skinned."

Arnold scuffed in an annoyed tone.

Bruce responded to Arnold with a light smile that required no further explanation.

"We can catch up on that at another time.

"But for now, let's focus on the present."

Arnold said with a knowing smile of his own.

"I will try to let you in to the best of my abilities, Vice President"

Bruce replied, but his words hinted that he wouldn't reveal everything.

"Tsk, annoying brat"

Arnold muttered once more in irritation, showing a mixture of frustration and a hint of amusement at Bruce's demeanor.

Luna, who was silent for the most part except for following whatever Bruce did, finally opens her mouth-

"Sir Senior Marphy Arn–"

"Ehk! Cut the name short.

"You are creeping me out by being so unnecessarily respectful.

-Only to be interrupted by Arnold, shaking his head in denial.

"Just go with the Vice President."(Arnold)

He added.

"Understood, Vice President.

-Luna nodded, acknowledging Arnold's preference.

"Coming to what I was about to say, it seems the first combat test is different from our batch."

Luna pointed it out.

"Of course it is. Do you think we do the same thing every year?

–Arnold answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Anyway, the matches are about to start..."(Arnold)

He trailed off, signaling that it was time to focus on the upcoming events.

.

.

(-In Front Row-)

"Sir Malcolm, it seems you've taken quite an interest in this year's batch."(Jasmine)

Jasmine remarked, her eyes slightly more focused than usual on the Vice Principal as she observed him.

"Hehe, two Emperor candidates in the same year, and at that-

"Taking the First and Second Ranks in the Entrance Test.

"Why wouldn't I be interested?

-Malcolm replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes, his gaze momentarily flicking toward the students engaged in the arena below.

"Hahaaaa, what do you think, Madam Windy?"(Malcolm)

Malcolm inquired, extending his attention to the elegant woman seated beside him and skipping one seat to do so.

However, Madam Windy, the person in question, didn't respond.

It was as though she hadn't heard Malcolm's voice, or perhaps she couldn't hear it.

Her gaze remained firmly fixed on the matches unfolding in the arena, her attention fully consumed by the action before her.

"As diligent as ever, Madam Windy.

–Malcolm commented, half to himself and half to Jasmine.

"She seems rather busy, Student Jasmine.

"So, why don't we have a chat?"

Malcolm suggested a whimsical twinkle in his eyes.

"I would prefer to mind my own business, Sir Malcolm."(Jasmine)

Jasmine replied, which was so respectful at the same time cruel.

The scene playing in front of other figures present in the room made them sigh, defying the expectations of those around with his antics.

.

(To be continued…)

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