JIAN
I woke up with a start, relieved to see that I hadn't slept in my uniform. I had rushed through getting dressed the night before—thank goodness! There's always a risk of ruining your clothes if you fall asleep in them.
I glanced at my watch and saw that it was already eight in the morning. It's Saturday, so there are no classes today, but I needed to head to the club room. We've received a new shipment of books that I need to sort and organize.
As I walked through the academy's sprawling grounds, I noticed students in a variety of outfits, each absorbed in their own activities. Luxurious cars whizzed by, presumably headed towards the academy's mall or some other destination. The buzz of the campus was palpable, a stark contrast to the usual quiet.
I sighed, wishing I could use my car, but since I don't have permission, I'm stuck with the academy's less exciting transportation options. I'd be alone, and it would only add to my boredom.
"Miss Club President?" A voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see a Royalty student standing before me.
"Can I help you?" I asked, trying to keep my tone both formal and friendly.
"Oh, it's not that. I'm Sareigh, a countess," she said, causing me to blink in surprise. A countess, really?!
"Why are you here?"
"I wanted to inform you that there will be an overall meeting later with all the club presidents and the Student Government for the upcoming School Festival," she explained, her English impeccable. Impressive!
"Well, thank you for the information. I'll be at the conference hall shortly," I replied with a smile. She returned the gesture before turning and walking away. I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd seen her somewhere before.
Shaking my head, I decided to skip the office and head straight to the conference hall. The preparations for the school festival seemed to be starting earlier than usual.
When I arrived, I was greeted by a loud voice calling my name. "JIAAAANNNNN!" Typical of Kathlyn.
"Kathlyn," I said, smiling.
"I missed you! It feels like forever since we last saw each other, even though we're in the same academy!" she pouted playfully.
"Is it really you here?" I asked.
"Yes, and the entire Student Government is here too. Mr. President still looks grumpy," she said, glancing over at Sam, the Student Government President. He's from the Royalty Division, which means Sareigh must be his aide!
Kathlyn is a half-Royalty, half-Upper Division student and the Vice President of the Student Government. She's a close friend of mine, but our schedules rarely align due to the vast size of Aster Academy. I had heard that the Student Government had just returned from Admin, which is located on the other side of the campus, and they had been there for four weeks.
"So, how was your time in Admin?" I asked, shifting the conversation.
"It was a nightmare! The council meetings were intense, and the pressure was overwhelming," she said, her face showing clear signs of fatigue.
I chuckled softly and looked around the room. The conference hall was buzzing with activity. All the Student Government members were engaged in various tasks. I took my designated seat. The room was enormous, reflecting the scale of the academy's numerous organizations.
Soon, other club presidents began to filter in, and I focused on my tablet, catching up on the work I would have done in the office.
"Let's start the meeting," Sam's commanding voice cut through the noise. Everyone nodded in agreement, and I straightened up as the lights dimmed.
"As you all know, the School Festival is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. As presidents of our organizations, we need to develop a concept that will leave a lasting impression on the students," Kathlyn began, taking on the role of spokesperson. Sam preferred to keep his words brief.
"And we need that concept right now, so let's get to it!" Sam's irritated tone was sharper than usual. It was clear that he was on edge today.
Jaime, the president of the Science Biology Club and a Royalty student, raised her hand. "Perhaps a 'Formal Party' would be a good idea."
"That's too formal," Karen, the president of the Science Chemistry Club, countered.
"That's the point of a formal party," Jaime retorted. The rivalry between these two had been ongoing since junior high.
"Well, I'm just stating the truth!" Karen, a top student from the Special Class and a Grade 11 student, shot back.
"So, you're saying I'm lying?" Jaime's voice was tinged with anger.
"Oh, so you're not lying?" Karen snapped.
"You bitch!"
"Stop calling me a bitch! You're the real bitch here!"
"Ugh!"
"SHUT UP!" Sam's voice boomed, cutting through their argument with an authority that silenced the room. Despite being younger, even the older students showed visible fear.
"Let's calm down, everyone. Sam, please, let's continue the meeting," said Cal, the former Student Government President and the current Grade 11 representative, trying to defuse the tension.
"Then let's proceed. The Student Government plans to make this festival a bit different. We'll have the usual booths, but this time, each organization will compete for the top spot," announced Nayi, the Secretary and a Grade 12 student.
"That sounds too cliché," several presidents complained.
"Yeah, it's like something from a standard school."
"I thought we wanted something unique?"
"Maybe—"
"Blah blah…"
The presidents grumbled in response. Honestly, the idea did seem overly familiar and uninspired.
"So, does anyone have any alternative suggestions?" Nayi asked, and the room fell into a contemplative silence. It appeared that no one had a better idea.
"By the way, where's the Real Class? They're not here," someone asked.
"They're busy preparing for the Welcome Party of the academy's director next week," came the reply. As if on cue, the doors opened, and when we saw who entered, everyone immediately stood up. I noticed I was the only one still seated and slowly rose to my feet.
The room fell silent. The presence of the 4th and 7th seats of the Supreme 10 had an unmistakable effect.