Chapter 23: Club (2)
Aisha trembled nervously.
'Why is he suddenly asking about clubs...'
Though Theo had changed lately, she never expected him to take an interest in clubs.
After all, he used to mock the idea of dragons mingling with wyverns.
'Anyway...'
Asking her directly about her club activities probably meant he intended to join the same club.
His intentions were blatantly clear. He wanted to keep an eye on her, his biggest political rival.
Moreover, Theo belonged to a direct line of descendants with the middle name 'Lyn.'
Many in the family were displeased with Aisha's behind-the-scenes activities.
If Theo managed to graduate from the Hero Department, he would naturally become the head of the family.
'He's not an easy opponent.'
Goosebumps rose on Aisha's arm.
She even thought the tender care he showed her when they went to the eastern forest together might have been an act.
'Is he telling me to be careful?'
But Aisha was no fool either. She was a descendant of the hero family, possessing outstanding talent among her faction.
Eventually, she calmly gathered her thoughts.
'But on the other hand... I can closely monitor him too.'
Crisis often presents opportunity.
Just as the saying goes, "To catch a dragon, enter its lair," she was now trying to capture Theo...
With that in mind, Aisha replied.
"Clubs? Of course, I'm in a few. I'm involved in tactical strategies, fishing, and foodie exploration—a total of three clubs."
Theo nodded impassively, as usual.
"Isn't that difficult? Managing three clubs at once must be tough on your health."
"What do you take me for? I'm a proud member of the Waldeurk family. This is nothing for me. In fact, I'm the next president of all three clubs."
Aisha boasted as if a kitten was trying to imitate a tiger.
Theo's gaze sharpened.
"Then I'd like your help, Aisha. I want to join the three clubs you're involved in. Can you put in a word for me? It should be easier since you're the next president."
"Alright. There's actually a tactics and strategy club meeting after class today. Are you available?"
"Yes, let's meet after class. Thank you."
With that, Theo left the classroom to get lunch.
Aisha remained alone in the classroom and watched his retreating figure until it disappeared.
Then she slapped her cheeks.
'Don't be fooled by his kindness. Keep your wits about you!'
At 4:30 PM, all of today's lectures were over.
As usual, the students chattered noisily while packing their bags.
"Anyone up for a match? The loser buys dinner."
"Deal. I'm going to eat something expensive, alright?"
"Whatever. Say your goodbyes to your wallet now."
"Hey, we have a blind date with some students from the Magic Department today. Wanna join? Someone just canceled because of training. And Seria's coming too."
"Seria, the daughter of the Black Tower Master? The one with the huge chest?"
"Yeah."
"Thanks, buddy. Where's the location? Let's go right now."
Then, they all left the classroom in groups.
As I packed my bag, I exchanged greetings with my classmates and briefly glanced at Aisha.
"I'll go ahead, Aisha. You have a club meeting today, right? It's a shame; I really wanted to go to this dessert shop with you."
"Another opportunity will come. Make sure you let me know what it tastes like after you try it."
"Of course. See you tomorrow, Aisha."
Aisha and her classmates left the classroom.
She had packed her bag long ago but did not even glance at me.
Aisha was staring at the spotless blackboard that had nothing written on it.
It seemed somewhat intentional.
'She really is loyal to her character setting.'
As per her character, she's conscious of other people's gazes and won't get close to me when others are around, given my not-so-good reputation.
How adorable.
Anyway, it seemed like I can only get in touch with Aisha after sending Noctar and his orc friends away.
"Noctar, as we discussed during the break, we'll take a break from training today."
"You have something to do with that friend using a bow up front... Aisha, right?"
"Yeah, I plan to attend the club meeting with her."
"It's no big deal. See you tomorrow, Theo. Let's go, brothers."
As Noctar got up, the other orc classmates followed suit. They exuded an intimidating aura and left the classroom following Noctar.
'I feel like I've become more of an organized gang leader.
Is it because I was elected as the next chairman of the Academy Orc Cartel?'
While I was thinking, Aisha approached me.
When I looked around, only she and I were left in the classroom.
Aisha grinned and spoke.
"Shall we go to our regular club meeting?"
"Sure."
"······I wasn't expecting you to say your heart is pounding, but can't you at least look a little excited? You look so grumpy."
Aisha pouted.
'How am I supposed to react?'
The reason for participating in club activities is solely for reputation management.
Still, if Aisha gets sulky, she might hold a grudge, so I better say something appropriate.
"Wow, I'm excited."
"······Fine."
The regular meeting place for the Tactical Strategy Club was a large café located within the Hero Department.
The vast interior had no special decorations or accessories, and the atmosphere was quite bleak.
Aside from the club members, there were almost no other customers, creating a suitable environment for sharing secretive tactical strategies.
Aisha smiled brightly and spoke to the club members.
"Hello, everyone. Did you all enjoy the lecture? Today, I've brought a new member. You all know him, right? Introduce yourself, Theo."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Theo Lyn Waldeurk. We're all first-years, I see. I look forward to working together."
"Ugh~ What's that? You should talk about your hobbies, your favorite strategies, and so on. 'I'm Theo Lyn Waldeurk,' what does that even mean? You're not even a curt old man."
Aisha's teasing made the other club members laugh.
Well, I don't really have much to say.
"Let me introduce myself again. My name is Theo Lyn Waldeurk. My hobby is training, and I don't have a favorite strategy. I want to learn a lot from all of you. I look forward to working together. That's all."
Clap, clap, clap-
The sound of applause from the club members echoes through the room.
There are a total of 12 club members, including Aisha and me.
They look at me with the same subtle gaze as other students.
'It's only been one day, but I'm already tired of these stares.'
Before I get used to this feeling, I need to improve my image quickly.
However,
"..."
My thoughts were quickly shattered. As I looked around at the club members, I spotted someone who shouldn't be here.
Ranked 9th in the entire grade, Andrew Jackson.
My eyes fixated on him.
In every route of the original work, Andrew was a character who never joined any clubs.
'Huh...'
It's confusing. Something is definitely messed up.
Sirens blare in my head.
"Phew."
I let out a deep sigh that comes from the bottom of my heart.
I can't stop it, even with my Twisted Noble's Dignity.
...The story isn't flowing as it did in the original work.
"Hehe, you seem really nervous, huh?"
Aisha speaks with a laugh, but her words don't reach my ears.
My plan to graduate from the hero department with excellent grades becomes distorted.
Where did it all go wrong?
When I secured the first hidden piece?
When I defeated Ralph in the practical skill evaluation?
When I spoke to Irene?
When Noctar defeated Andrew?
Or... because I, who should have been expelled, am still alive?
"Phew."
I can't stop sighing.
"Everyone, please understand. You might not know this, but Theo is actually quite shy. It seems he's a bit nervous since it's his first regular meeting."
At Aisha's words, I nod with a stiff expression.
***
The official Tactical Strategies Club meeting begins.
Sitting next to Aisha, I can only stare at Andrew across from me.
About 30 minutes pass like that.
'What's done is done. I'll adapt to this new situation. It's a waste of time and emotion to regret.'
I organize my thoughts, quickly, just like the first day I possessed Theo.
Fortunately, the club members didn't pay much attention to me and continued talking amongst themselves.
I guess it's understandable since it's the first meeting.
At that moment, Andrew, who was talking to another club member, looked at me and said,
"Alright, then let me ask Theo for his opinion. Theo, if you were to face a mage whose main strength is mind magic, what tactics and strategies would you use?"
Andrew's gaze was sharp.
He knows everything... That I taught Noctar how to face him.
It doesn't matter. The loser is the one at fault anyway.
If he already knows, it's better to confront him directly.
"Well, if I were to face such a mage, it would honestly depend on the situation. I'd have to consider my own equipment, the terrain we're fighting on, and the mage's proficiency and level of mastery with their magic. Would you like to set some additional conditions? I can come up with tactics and strategies based on those."
Upon hearing my answer, the other club members' eyes widened, and they started asking various questions as if they had been waiting for this moment.
I answered everything except the sensitive parts. After the regular meeting, their view of me had significantly improved.
After that, I returned to the dormitory after a noisy dinner with the club members.
I immediately showered and laid down on my bed.
Ah, my body still doesn't feel great. I should take it easy and get up late tomorrow like today.
After mixing the traditional tribal elixir that I received from Noctar with water and drinking it, I went to sleep right away.
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