CHAPTER 4 Act 5

I'm terrible... I know I'm stupid enough.

I'm far too awful.

I accept that I, too, am overly self-centered. I know Zei did it for me, but I also realize I made a mistake.

My actions were also in the wrong direction, so I can't blame anyone. I can't blame or dislike Zei for being mindful of me. Yet, I still hurt her feelings.

The whole point is that I readily accepted everything, being a representative, and the prestige.

I want everything... There's no denying it.

This lingering guilt in me is most likely the outcome of witnessing someone I know commit suicide in front of me.

That's why I'm very emotional with other people, particularly Zei, but in fact, I'm a nuisance.

That's all. My emotions messing things up.

"Jus how long will I be able to keep this face?"

Nearly a few minutes ago, I was at the library, and now I'm walking towards the Gale Family's office to check if there are any orders coming from them.

Every Organization has an office here, or should I say, a room for them, along with several minor Organizations. Every office is housed in a different building and in a different location to allow for separate private matters. To obtain one, students must first obtain approval from the Principal's office.

We're still in the midst of the day, but the sky doesn't appear to be as bright as it was the day before. The chilly breeze brushed over my sleeves, making me feel even more alone.

It was obvious that Zei probably wanted to push me away from her. She had planned to do this from the beginning and had already done it. Of course, my emotions are jumbled right now, but I do feel horrible about everything that has happened.

What was Zei attempting to accomplish by pushing me? Is she going to leave me out for my own safety?

I'm not so stupid to miss it, yet the question remains, why?

Before I could go to the office, I went on something trivial along the corridor.

"...If anything, where's Ms. Hollows?"

"Who knows. That's all I could come up with. Also, stop pestering me from now on."

"This crap—"

"Calm yourself, Ms. Lish."

This seems interesting.

There I met Mr. Seid and Mr. Oaes from the Aqua Family. Based on what I've heard, I believe they were referring to Ms. Lisa Hollows.

If I think about it, she was, in fact, missing at the meeting.

They weren't the only ones in this place. Mr. Oaes is accompanied by an attendant who is apparently upset by Mr. Seid's words.

I slowly approach them, but later on, they will notice me ahead.

"Ms. Auguron?"

"What are you all doing here?"

"Uh, greetings to you, Ms. Auguron. We're simply conversing."

Those two greeted me, but Mr. Seid was quiet, and he looked surprised as well, seeing me.

"...I'm wondering whether fate has something to do with this, Ms.Esper. This is the second time we've met by acident."

"I'm thinking the same thing, Mr. Seid. By the way, there are still classes at this hour. Was it Mr. Oaes who called you here?"

Mr. Seid didn't answer, but Mr. Oaes replied to me.

"Well, Ms. Auguron, we're talking to him if he's in anyway connected to Lisa's disappearance."

Disappearance? I assumed she was on leave. If so, does it suggest Ms. Hollows has been missing since then? Gale Family didn't notify me ahead of time, so they probably didn't know either.

"...That was strange."

"Indeed."

And I thought Mr. Oaes would never say what they were talking about since our Families were different. Perhaps he didn't mind if I knew, since there would come a day when all leaders would be aware of it.

Aqua Family maintains a minimal profile while being one of the largest Organization.

Mr. Oaes is one of the Aqua Family's representatives, and he obviously cares about his people, particularly those who are close to him. He was a leader with a meek personality. Ms. Hollows, as far as I know, acquired influence because she was the assistant manager of the soccer club, everything else was strictly confidential. We're not related or friends, but as representatives, we frequently interact with one another.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

"Yeah, I asked Mr. Seid's presence after that day when they had a meeting with President Reginald, but Ms. Hollows never showed up to us after that day."

"Do you mean you asked me then? Hold on, I presume you're the one who sent out those people that day?"

Mr. Seid stepped in.

"That was the case. I mean, not me exactly, but this woman right beside me."

Mr. Oaes is obviously referring to Ms. Rane Lish, the Reef Family's leader. Her family was part of the Aqua Family, so it makes sense that she came here to help him.

In that sense, I had no idea what they were on about.

Seemingly to their conversation, this is the first time they've met each other. However, I'm pretty sure that Mr. Oaes already had an eye on Mr. Seid.

Furthermore, Mr. Seid was well aware of what was going on at school. And, impressively, he always appears relaxed about the issue, adding that a leader from a Family approached him.

If I look closely, I can see that this specific location was not near any classrooms, so it was essentially out of reach for people. This suggests that the Aqua Family did not want any of the students to learn this information.

"Um, excuse me for intruding, and I don't want to stand in your way, Mr. Oaes, but could you give me a greater picture of what transpired in Ms. Hollows' case? The disappearance of a representative is something that must be taken seriously."

A missing representative is a critical issue that must be resolved as soon as possible. It has had a huge impact on the entire Organizations and between Families.

He looked me in the eyes and said, "Fair enough, but we must investigate more into it to find an answer, so there's no need for you to know about it too early."

"Essentially, you don't want me to have a complete understanding of what was going on? How about Mr. Seid? Can you tell me what it is?"

Mr. Seid remained silent and didn't respond.

"All right, I guess I'll back out."

Regardless, I'm curious about this, so I'm not going to dismiss it right away. I'll probably inform the Gale Family.

"Oh, by the way Mr. Seid, before I go, may I have a full talk with you following your conversation with Mr. Oaes?"

"I have classes."

"...Does it look like you didn't want to speak with me?"

"Ms. Auguron, you may talk to Mr. Seid since we're going right now."

"But comman—"

"It's fine, Ms. Lish. He already answered us, right?"

"...A-Alright, if you say so."

The two were unexpectedly left with nothing to say. Butting into the conversation is rude, but whatever.

Mr. Seid amd I were the only ones remaining in the situation. I tried to break the stillness by speaking, but he was the first to speak.

"You look dissatisfied—no, you're probably not happy, Ms. Esper?"

I was startled by his statement, but I just smiled and regained my composure.

"Hmm, is that what you're thinking right now?"

"Maybe, but what do you want to talk about? I have a class I need to attend."

"There's no reason for you to be anxious about that; being a representative may be just as useful as it has always been. I'll inform your teacher right after."

You can do whatever you want as a representative as long as it is important.

"...I have a question," Mr. Seid said with a keen tone, "Isn't it nice to be a representative?"

At that moment, I took Mr. Seid's words more seriously. He wasn't kidding or speculating. He was just closely observing and could see right through me.

Mr. Seid understands how to read my inner thoughts and utilize them to prod me right now. But I guess I'll have to play a little poker here.

"I'm not sure what you're thinking, Mr. Seid, but I'll go straight to the point. Do you know Zei Wyte? If so, has she confronted you?"

That was the first thing I needed to find out from him. This will be significant information for me, especially because I'm curious about what's going on within Zei's head.

He was unsurprised and responded calmly.

"Do I really need to tell you?"

"Hm, parry response, huh? But I'm thinking it is, so what did Zei say to you?"

I need to know whether Zei is attempting to recruit Hans. If they are already in contact with each other, there must be more to it.

"Is that Zei you're talking about something close to you?"

This guy... He never responded to my question, instead attempting to elicit information from me.

"Who knows."

"I see... Well, Ms. Auguron, I'm not exactly sure how to answer your question."

"What do you mean?"

"Is that person popular or something? If you ask some students here, they didn't know either."

"I'm asking you, not them. Are you acting stupid, Mr. Seid?"

"No, of course not. I'm not lying, though."

When it came to questioning him, he was, as I expected, rather evasive.

"Mr. Seid, you're as sharp as I imagined."

"I'm not sure what you mean. Is that a compliment?"

"This is futile... Well, you're the sort of guy who can flee or fight if necessary, which is why you evaded perfectly the troubles surrounding the recent issue between us."

"I'm kind of fortunate at the moment."

"You're correct; in some ways, you're free to do anything you want."

Not like me.

"...It's obvious that you're having a difficult time, Ms. Esper."

He blurted it out, but subsequently added,

"Well, I'm not concerned about your stuff."

"...You're saying that very bluntly, huh? In any case, if you need anything, I can provide you with some information."

"Information? You owe me nothing, and I don't want to be indebted to you."

"I understand, you don't want to trade after all. But how about your most recent incident? Do you want to know who's behind it?"

His belongings have mysteriously vanished, and no one has yet revealed who is to blame in the case.

"I already reported that issue."

"In that case, from your point of view, you don't need anything since you can handle things on your own."

"No, it's just that I don't need to worry about such things."

He doesn't care in the slightest? Is he apathetic? Is that how he decides for himself?

"...You're extremely peculiar."

"It is, and by the way, is that what you all wanted to say? If so, then I will leave first—"

"Again, last question, did Zei say anything to you?"

Zei and Mr. Seid were most likely planning something. However, the possibilities are too faint.

"..."

"You're quiet again? Okay, I don't believe you'll answer me honestly. If you keep your acting like this for the rest of your school years, you'll definitely make enemies."

Assuming he hasn't changed, he's most likely having a hard time dealing with this school's environment. However, I believe there is something that Hans Seid could change his mind about.

He didn't respond to me and attempted to leave. But then again, I stopped him.

"Wait!"

"Now what?"

He gave me a hard stare, as if he was on his way out.

"It began pouring. Hold on, I'll get—"

"I already have one."

Surprisingly, he revealed a folding umbrella in his paper bag. I was on my way to grab him one at the office when the rain began to fall. Yes, raindrops flow out in a steady stream.

"Why are you concerned, Ms. Esper?"

"Uh, no..."

I averted my eyes to the side.

Mr. Seid leaves me right away as a few droplets pass by. The rain pours down strongly, making the dry floor become damp.

I'm hearing heavy drops, and the noise has established a barrier from the outside corridor.

"Oh... what a day..."