| Author: Sasaki Ichiro | Original Source: Syosetu |
| Translator: Mab | English Source: Re:Library |
| Editor(s): Silva | |
Elias the Student Council Executive Member (Part 2)
“Cough—Ju-, Julia, as in the Lady Julia?”
“…Which Julia are you talking about?”
“The one who’s top of the grade, has the favor of the mysterious Chairwoman, and has connections with the tsundere princess with drill curls, ‘Princess Liselotte,’ and the dashing ‘Princess Viola,’ adored by everyone. She’s also known for her delicate looks, soothing demeanor, and stunning figure—standing at an estimated 162 centimertes and 42 kilogura, plus an E-cup—earning her the nickname ‘Peach Blossom Princess.’ That Lady Julia!”
As a student, you should know this! How do you not?
“That sounds like her, yeah. How…do you know so much, though?”
“This is common knowledge if you read the paparazzi—I mean, the newspaper club’s Beautiful Girls of the Academy feature! She’s one of the top three beauties of this year’s freshman class! And you’re calling her ‘Jill’ so casually… Are you two dating? Have you slept with her? If not, can you introduce me?”
Contrary to my excitement, Cestlavie gave me a cold “What the hell are you saying?” look. No! You’re the weird one! Why aren’t you excited? We’re talking about a pretty girl you know! Someone who’s absolutely out of our reach! You’d have to be a saint not to get gushy over a topic like this… Ah, is it because he’s a Priest? No, but, the Student Council President, who holds the rank of a Deacon, always makes dirty jokes in the student council room! Heck, he even harassed the girls on the committee all the time (that’s why there are so few female students in the council, they all get fed up and leave)!!
“…You look harmless but are actually pretty perverted on the inside, huh. Also, my relationship with Jill is… well, we’re acquaintances at most, so I can’t exactly introduce you to her.”
“It’s not me that’s perverted, it’s you who’s too listless! Don’t you get turned on looking at those breasts?!”
Ugh, so frustrating!
“No, I mean…I get what you’re talking about,” Cestlavie looked away in annoyance and dropped his eyes to the notebook. You can act uninterested all you want, but your ears are beet red. You obviously are thinking about it.
“I know you do!”
“Oh, so you do?”
Just as I focused on his words, someone suddenly chimed in from the side.
…It sounded like a girl’s voice, and out of the corner of my eye, I caught glimpses of a girl’s uniform and long, cherry-colored hair. But it must be a hallucination. I must be tired.
“—Wha-! When did you get here?!”
Suddenly, Cestlavie jerked his head up, looking extremely embarrassed, and stared at the space beside me where no one should have been.
“Um… around the part where someone mentioned ‘big’? That keyword following my name caught my attention, so I couldn’t help but stop.1
Why do I feel like cold sweat is pouring out of every pore… Ah, I can sense a floral fragrance and a faint warmth nearby. It seems I’m really losing it.
“…Did you hear?”
“Um, would it be better if I said I didn’t?”
“…—Sorry.”
“Understood. Besides, I eavesdropped too, so let’s call it even. Is that alright with you?”
The person in question crouched down a bit, looked directly into my eyes, and tilted her small face.
“Y-Yes! I apologize, Peach— I mean, Lady Julia!”
Reflexively, I stood up straight and bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle.
“Oh, no need for that. Besides, being part of a boys’ conversation feels nostalgic… ahem, I’m not bothered by it. Please, just speak normally.”
Since I was looking at the ground, I couldn’t see her face, but her humble tone reassured me. Just as the rumors said, she’s a good person. Some might say she’s a bit plain compared to the other two of this year’s top three beauties, but that’s only in comparison to their strong personalities. I prefer someone modest and kind, and she’s definitely my favorite. However, I did catch her whispering “So I really became the Peach Princess” in a resigned tone, making me wonder if she truly wasn’t bothered by it.
♦♢♦
“The Arlea region, located in the eastern part of the Eunice Theocracy, is a warm plain currently under the direct control of the nation. Its main industries are tourism and livestock, with some fisheries in the lakes.”
“In other words, it’s a remote countryside with a bunch of nothing,” Cestlavie interjected without mercy as Lady Julia read aloud from the report in her clear soprano voice.
The content of this report came from the notebook Cestlavie had been diligently studying, a summary of points he had researched in the library. “Are you doing preliminary research for the study trip? That’s surprisingly diligent of you,” Lady Julia commented, and I couldn’t agree more.
“The lakes are not only scenic spots but are also famous as the Eunice Theocracy’s top resort destination in this landlocked country. More than twenty lakes of various sizes have numerous origins and legends.”
“There’s a famous legend about an immortal ogre that appears on certain nights, wearing a strange mask and wielding a huge scythe,” Cestlavie added. After which, the two spoke in turns.
“In the mountainous areas, livestock farming is flourishing, and the black wool of the aries sheep is of high quality, highly regarded even in other countries.”
“Then again, sometimes the carnivorous meran-arieses are mixed in that group, attacking and eating people.”
“The region is also renowned as a training ground for the priestesses of the Saintess’ Church. It is said that in the past, Holy Maiden Princess Clara visited for training and, according to legend, met Saintes Snow and received a divine revelation.”
“Records show that she didn’t realize who she was talking to at the time, causing a huge uproar later. Well, the church considers such records apocryphal.”
“Additionally, the hot springs are famous, and Holy Maiden Clara was known to enjoy them, making them popular as ‘beauty baths’ crowded with many female visitors.”
“There’s a rumor that Lady Clara had a tendency to gain weight easily, which is why she frequented the hot springs and saunas in the first place, but that’s probably just a myth.”
“—No, I think that one might actually be true…”
“ “???” ”
“Oh, it’s just a guess, so don’t worry about it. But it does sound like an interesting place. I’m getting quite intrigued.”
I was astonished by her reaction. Despite hearing so many unflattering annotations, instead of being discouraged, she was actually enthusiastic about it. Is she the Saintess or what?!
“Honestly, I wasn’t very keen on it, but from what I’ve heard, it sounds like a peaceful tourist spot. Besides, there seem to be many places related to Lady Clara. I don’t know much about her, so it would be a good opportunity to visit such places,” Lady Julia said calmly and without pretense.
Cestlavie looked at her as if questioning her sanity, while Lady Julia continued to speak nonchalantly. It seemed like just an extension of ordinary conversation, but for some reason, the atmosphere around them changed, making me feel puzzled.
“So, your group is also planning to go to the Arlea region for the study trip?”
“Yes, I believe I can get everyone’s agreement on that.”
I secretly made a fist-pump gesture of victory. In the previous meeting, her group’s reaction seemed negative, which put President Barry in a bad mood. But this might change things for the better. Personally, I was also thrilled about the prospect of traveling with the three most beautiful girls in the school. Maybe, by some miracle, I could even get closer to them.
Wait a minute. If she’s the one making the final decision, does that mean the central figure of such a prominent group isn’t Prince Lucas or Princess Liselotte, but this gentle and modest looking Lady Julia?
“I see. …Well, let’s hope nothing goes wrong.”
“Indeed,” she replied.
I wish I could say, “No matter what happens, I’ll protect you!” But would that come off as creepy instead?
With such daydreams in mind, I stuffed the remaining bread into my mouth.
