Chapter 26 : Gathering information

I racked my brain for any memories regarding Gonzalo Herrari, but nope, that name didn't ring a bell. However, the latter part of Kelly's explanation made this case clearer. If the one behind Mr. Gilbert was one of Harry's relatives, then it made sense if Mr. Gilbert being dauntless in his behavior.

As expected, he only came to trouble me with some assurance beforehand. No, rather than assurance I was sure he was ordered to do that deliberately, to make me suffer.

I recalled Harry was a pampered young master of his family. No wonder if one of those 'protective' family members wanted to get back at me for injuring their precious child or nephew. I scoffed inwardly at how all this happened just because of a light smack on the chin. Compared to all Harry had done to me, that was nothing, okay? Could these adults be even more childish?

I bet they didn't dare to make trouble for me openly, since it would be bad for their reputation if people found out they were using their wealth and influence to oppress an orphan girl over a teenager dispute. That's why they sent Mr. Gilbert to make things difficult for me. And that cunning man inserted his own selfish interest in it.

I shuddered as I remember the feeling of nausea from having his hand all over me. He was looking down on me for being an orphan and wanted to take advantage of me by offering a solution for my problem. But, I bet he never had any intention of fulfilling his promise. After he finished having his way with me, he could pretend he didn't promise me anything, and by that time, I would be playing inside his palm forever. He would threaten to expose my 'misconduct' to everyone, and my future would be set. There would be no way out for me anymore.

I sneered inwardly. I didn't believe him from the beginning, but being reminded once again of how low and disgusting a human being he was, I almost wanted to curse out loud.

I glanced at Kelly and couldn't help wondering just what made Kelly so obedient to Mr. Gilbert? She didn't seem to like him, or rather, she obviously despised him. And her massive reaction earlier…

'No. Stop thinking about that. Remember your objective, Eirlys.'

Yes. I should stop thinking about that. It was not my business, and I didn't need to know the details to notice how much Kelly wanted to have revenge against Mr. Gilbert as much as I did. In this sense, we had the same goal, and that was all the things I ever needed from her. Her cooperation.

"Did Mr. Gilbert told you that? He must have considerable trust in you?"

Kelly snorted. "Hmph. How could a person like that have trust in anyone but himself? Of course, he didn't tell me that directly. I just happened to overhear his conversation on the phone with someone. He was currying favor to the other person so much, I thought he must be an influential person. You know Mr. Gilbert only respects those above him."

She was right. Mr. Gilbert always put on his amiable smile and was polite to everyone, but he sometimes couldn't hide his condescending gaze when faced with those below him. I was particularly sensitive to that kind of gaze.

"Actually, I remembered he mentioned something about how his words would have an effect within the school board circle. Did being a student counselor give someone that much benefit?"

"Are you stupid or what? Of course, it's not because he is a student counselor! Who gives a damn about that stupid position? It's because he is everyone's slave and he knew so much dirt about people. That's why he thinks that this school is his and doing anything he pleases."

Kelly said 'everyone', does that mean it was not only Gonzalo Herrari who was behind Mr. Gilbert? If yes, then this would become more problematic than I thought.

"Did you ever overhear him talking on the phone too with other school board members?"

Kelly frowned at me. "Why are you asking me so many questions? This is hardly an information exchange at all! I got no new information from you!"

Oops, I made myself too obvious just now. I was so engrossed in information gathering I forgot to be subtle about it. I had to remember that Kelly was not my friend. She could stab me anytime from behind, and I would have no means to resist.

"It's because I barely know any information at all. I was not familiar with Mr. Gilbert before…" I stopped a bit and put on a bitter smile. "Before today."

'Am I pushing it too much? Of course, she wouldn't buy it easily this time, huh?'

Contrary to my expectation, Kelly only huffed at me while folding his arms. "Then, what are you planning to do? You better provide some good plans or I'll quit!"

Eeehh? She bought that?? Kelly must be more gullible than I thought. This was a good development, though. I was thankful she was pretty dense.

Although surprised inside, I kept a calm expression on my face. "The plan may need to be adjusted accordingly to the information I get from you. That's why can you tell me a little bit more?"

"Fine. But remember this. I won't let you take advantage of me. I will tell you everything I know, you better make a decent plan."

"I promise I will do my best. Now, can you tell me what you know about Gonzalo Herrari?"

"Nothing much about him actually. I only remember seeing him once or twice every year during the school entrance ceremony or graduation ceremony. Why do you want to know about him anyway? You don't plan to go against him, don't you? Well suit yourself, but don't drag me into it! My enemy is Mr. Gilbert and him alone!"

I shook my head. "Forget about him then. Do you happen to know if there was any other student who had the same grudge as us against Mr. Gilbert?"

Kelly's eyes brightened at that. "Now we're talking! You finally get into the main point! The answer is yes. I know there are at least two others in our class who hate him very much. I bet there are some from other classes as well, but I don't know about that."

"That many?"

"Of course! Only those rich kids considered that scum as a kind and benevolent teacher. He only bullied commoner kids like us."

I contemplated my options after hearing those facts. That was something a person like Mr. Gilbert would do. People wouldn't care even if one or two commoner kids were being bullied, but not those rich kids.

"So what's next? Should we gather those kids in our class and form an Anti-Mr.Gilbert-Squad?" Kelly's voice was cheerful as she asked me this.

I didn't answer immediately. "But if Mr. Gilbert truly messed with many students aside from us, then this might be a double-edged sword."

Kelly tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"It would be good if they could cooperate with us peacefully, but what if they were not a victim like us, but a spy planted by Mr. Gilbert? For example, you. Isn't that your role in our class?"

Kelly was taken aback. Then she frowned as she eyed me suspiciously. "Are you doubting me? Let me remind you that you are the one who came up to me first and suggested this. If anything, I should be the one to doubt you!" She said as she pointed her finger at me.

"Calm down. I was just saying we need to be extra careful with whom we are going to take to our side. Of course, I trusted you. If not, why would I suggest this to you? And you don't need to be suspicious of me, since I put my life on the line with this."

"Could you please stop beating around the bush and say it directly?"

"Due to my conflict with Harry Michelson and Mrs. Gabrielle, I am on the verge of expulsion anyway. So tell me, do I have any reason to sabotage our plan when I would be the one at a disadvantage by doing so?"

Kelly pondered for a bit. She still glaring at me, but thankfully she sounded convinced with that. "Yeah. I was there when those incidents happened. I bet that scum used that to take advantage of you? Don't forget that he is a two-faced scum. Whatever he promised to do for you in exchange, don't fall for it! You are an idiot if you believe his words even for a second. And I didn't trust you just yet, so just know that I will keep watching you!"

She sounded like she was talking from experience. Did she fall into Mr. Gilbert's glib mouth once? Probably yes, since she clearly held a deep grudge like someone who was betrayed.

"Yes. Please watch over me so I won't do anything strange." I said while smiling. "Now then, shall we continue with our plan?"