Chapter 9 Andrey's Club

The pace wasn't quick, with the crowds in front and behind all disguised. Even though the castle corridor was wide enough, it felt narrow due to the volume of people, and Lyle had no choice but to move along slowly with the current of people. However, everyone seemed to be well-mannered, with no complaints or frustration expressed towards the snail-like speed.

Even Lyle's attention was occasionally diverted by topics brought up by the gentlemen.

"Actually, our initial gathering place was in Andrei's Mausoleum. But as our membership has increased in recent years, we've run out of space, and the principal had no choice but to put Andrei Castle, his private property, to public use, which, I heard, was initially opposed by his family."

"They agreed later on?"

"Yes, the principal threatened to kick their heads around like balls, then they agreed."

It seemed the principal wielded extraordinary power; but no matter how you put it, threatening your own family like that is a bit excessive.

Of course, Lyle wouldn't say it aloud; he didn't wish to offend a person in power. Lyle started to inquire about some of his doubts with the gentleman.

"Hm? You mean the invitation? Oh, that's a little trick. If I remember correctly, it's a page torn from the 'Book of Desires', revealing the desires of whoever touches it."

"Hm? So it wasn't an invitation written specifically for me?"

"Hahaha, no, anyone fitting would get the same from it."

"Fitting person?"

"Someone who's dissatisfied with their current situation, seeking change."

"But I showed the letter to my uncle, and he said it was a blank piece of paper."

"Eh? You still have living elders?"

Is that really what you should be surprised about? Lyle raised an eyebrow beneath his mask, faintly indicating that he felt offended, "Is there a problem?" his tone somewhat confrontational.

"I apologize, I hadn't realized the Plague Doctor was so young."

Isn't it obvious? My voice is clearly that of a young man.

"If it showed as a blank paper, that means the gentleman is quite satisfied with his life, or perhaps his desires aren't strong enough."

Is that so? Ralph, who seemed so loathsome of life, actually felt fine about it; this seemed like good news.

"Wait a second, so that letter was just a reflection of my own desires, luring me to Andrei Academy? Isn't that a fraud?"

"A clever deception is called ingenuity. Besides, the purpose of Andrei Academy is to embrace all; nothing falls outside its scope. Whatever the Plague Doctor is seeking, you'll find it here or find ways and means to achieve it."

Lyle was somewhat satisfied with this explanation; after all, he was already on board the pirate ship.

"By the way, this was a trick from Mr. Dark, the president of the Literature Club, quite effective."

Literature Club? Mr. Dark?

Lyle turned towards the gentleman, whose beak pointed to the mask of the gentleman.

The gentleman took a small step back, seemingly noticing the great curiosity behind Lyle's small lenses.

"Clubs are small groups formed by people with similar hobbies and interests. In addition to the open basic courses of the academy, if you want to advance in an area of interest, the best way is to join a related club and interact with experienced seniors."

"Currently, there is no medical club at the academy; perhaps the Plague Doctor will have to pioneer his own school."

Like student clubs in a university? But since Andrei Academy doesn't have a tutor-student system, perhaps the clubs are worth looking forward to.

"Then, can one join multiple clubs?"

"In theory, yes, but some opposing clubs might refuse double-agents, such as the Sons of Hircine and the Friends of the Forest; one loves hunting, the other advocates for living harmoniously with nature—you have to choose one of the two."

The gentleman glanced around, lowered his body slightly, "If you really need to join both, you can, as long as you keep two sets of disguises, and don't blow your cover during a clash of the clubs."

"Clash of the clubs?"

"When two clubs can't stand each other and wish for the other's disappearance, they settle their strength under recognized supervision in a fair fight, with the loser disbanding."

"But the principle of Andrei is to embrace all..."

"Clashes are mainly to vent anger, beating up whoever you dislike. Even if you lose, you can call your old team back, change your jacket, and relist on the market. As long as the club's philosophy is solid, it won't be obliterated. If your members are all turned away and absorbed by another club, then your club ceases to exist."

"Does the gentleman belong to any clubs?"

"Yeah, the Literature Club and the Cup of Extravagance."

Ignoring the name behind that exuded a fallen society, "What is the Literature Club like?"

"The Literature Club, eh? We do literary creation, then we pick fights with the academy's Administrative Committee."

You're opposing the administrative authorities, emitting a lowliness that seeps from your bones. Lyle felt his soul stir, and the fact that they managed to survive while being so rebellious meant they had some abilities. Should he abandon medicine for literature?

"Plague Doctor sir, if you want to join the Literature Club, as an insider, I should inform you that we do have rival societies."

"The Administrative Committee?"

"No," the gentleman's mask faced Lyle's squarely, a serious expression on its face. "It's..."

"It's?"

"Holy Light Almighty Sect."

"???" Lyle thought of the information on the paper.

"Mr. Gentleman, I want to ask, here at Andrei, Holy Light is actually disliked, right?"

"That's part of the reason, mostly it's guilt by association."

...So it's because of individual actions?

"Maybe, Plague Doctor sir, if you join other clubs, you'll be warned to beware of Holy Light..."

Is their influence that extensive...

"But, the Literature Club is a bit special, if you join us, in the future you may encounter..."

"What?"

"A thorough beating by Holy Light."

"???" It's not just one-sided loathing, but mutual affection and dependency. Has literature offended Holy Light too?

"Plague Doctor sir, you are new here. If you stay a bit longer, you will learn of a hidden society."

"What society?" Are societies even required to be hidden?

"Dark Sect."

Just by the name, you know it's no good thing.

"So, the Holy Light Church wants to suppress it. But there's no need for Dark Sect to hide, right? If there are disputes, they could simply settle it by combat. If they win, that's it. Even if they can't win, they could avoid battle."

Mr. Gentleman covered his face, "That's because Mr. Dark has some personal vendetta with the Leader of the Holy Light Almighty Sect. So every time there's a fight, he never backs down, and he has always lost."

Alright, hard-headed kid, hold on a second.

"Mr. Dark? I remember, that seems to be Mr. Gentleman..."

Mr. Gentleman stood there expressionlessly, as if trying to indicate speechlessness.

"You're not mistaken, Mr. Dark, who has been defeated countless times in battles, after failing to establish societies related to darkness, created the Literature Club. Although literary creation and criticism of the regime are one of our requirements, another covert mission is to detest Holy Light."

I thought you were all gentle and artistically quirky scoundrels, but turns out you're well-disguised, lurking dark villains.

"Is the Leader of Holy Light strong?"

"From what I understand, there are one hundred and fifty-seven societies that openly declare hostility towards Holy Light."

"And yet, the Holy Light Almighty Sect is still existing." My goodness, the epitome of combat prowess.

"Plague Doctor sir, of course, I'm just preparing you mentally. After all, writers have spines of steel; nobody would submit to violence, and nobody cares about mere flesh wounds."

"Of course, but, haha, after all, it doesn't quite fit with my expertise..."

"You could consider abandoning medicine for literature."

"My writing isn't good enough, quite difficult."

Mr. Gentleman nodded, "That is indeed a serious shortcoming; give it some more thought."

"Okay, I will think it over carefully."