CHAPTER 8 Act 1

I received a call from someone before our exam results were released.

"Hey," he said in rougher, deeper tone.

I expected him to call, but I never imagined him calling me this late at night.

"...What's with that tone, Mr. Seid?" I asked.

"Don't worry about that; in any case, I'll go straight to the point: let's go on a date after class, Ms. Zei."

"Wha—?"

Before I could speak, he abruptly ended our call. If I had to guess what he's on about, he's somehow attempting to make me feel embarrassed in some way so that I can't forget what he just said.

Sadly, I'm not into this kind of thing, although it made me feel insulted and irritated. It bothers me that he is so full of himself and has that obnoxious confidence to make such a statement.

But in perspective, we're not that different.

The next day, which was the result of our mid-term examinations, I heard Hans making a ruckus earlier in the morning. The incident quickly became the talk of the school.

He's the scary type of guy I imagined him to be, so it wouldn't surprise me if he had several adversaries over his school years. Definitely, he will soon draw the attention of the entire school to himself.

On the other hand, I was capable of establishing a positive reputation at school and among the people around me. Only the Representatives and the Student Council were aware of what was truly going on in the Organization. So, for the time being, my sudden appearance had no detrimental impact on me.

Although some students regard me as a friend, others view me as a problem. In fact, the students who consider me as a problem are a bunch of envious individuals who will harass you if you're weak and meek. Unfortunately, I am not their ideal prey to shamelessly bully me in public.

Apparently, Ms. Shine is currently one of the people that despises me the most. Further than that, I know practically all of the Representative were aware, and they probably started plotting to expel me from school. But I'm not worried or concerned about a single thing. I'm not scared about people blaming me for anything since I felt this plan would be my chance. If I don't do this, I'll be locked forever in the past.

Even if everyone loathes me, I know there is one person who will stick with me to the end. However, I'm not sure how I feel about in that statement, now that she's one of the people who hates me. Esper Augoron; my childhood friend. We're occasionally together for ordinary classroom duties, but her sentiments towards me were cold, not the same as they were before. Everything changed in the library when she realized Ms. Hunt's case was somehow tied with me. I know of what I'm doing, yet it makes me sad all at the same time. I have to admit, that I feel some remorse.

However, I don't have time for those friendships. I need to get moving and make plans for forthcoming events.

Given we don't have an instructor at the moment, I'll probably skip this and the following class. Usually, when there's nothing to do, I frequently go to the girls' restroom to gather information. Girls often spend more and take their time in the restroom to perform necessary rituals, such as applying make-up. As such, they frequently exchange stories, gossip, and rumors at the same time.

I'm holding a small book and pretending to read it as I go down the corridor, but in truth I'm simply attentively observing my surroundings.

I arrived at my objective and was fortunate to find one unoccupied room. Meanwhile, while I'm waiting inside for information, I hear the door to someone's cubicle close as if they're done. Since the restroom was a closed space, I can hear them from where I'm hiding. They did, however, remain and discuss certain topics. Then, comically, they ended up discussing me.

"That Zei Wyte, I genuinely don't like her," someone commented.

I was furious and annoyed at first, but I later got used to it. On my first day, I heard a number of similar sentiments, especially when I went for a walk around the school.

"Hey, keep your voice down, someone might hear you," the other female answered.

"I don't care. I'm just stating my own feelings here. She has that look of a young lady, but we don't know what her true nature is. Still, that face makes me sick!"

*slam*

With a thud, the other door steeply opens. I'm sure the two girls were startled at the timing, but I was more stunned when I heard the voice of that person who came out of her cubicle. She was enraged, yet her words were soft, "Don't talk behind people's backs, you dunces of trash."

That person was Esper Auguron.

It threw me off guard, but Esper's statements were merely considered meddling.

"...We're basically presenting facts here, Ms. Auguron of Gale Family, and don't you think you're too fixed on the Light Family? You're not even in the Light Family to say those words to us."

I'm astonished that these women can speak so boldly to the Representatives. Not that I'm the one to speak.

"Ms. Reflas and Ms. Ornelia, am I right?" Esper said with confidence, "Let me tell you something..."

I can't hear a single sound after that, so it may be Esper whispering to the two.

"P-please accept our apologies, Ms. Auguron. W-we're on our way now."

Eventually, the two apologized as though they were pleading for their lives. Still, I'm curious about what Esper said to them. But I'm more interested in why she did protect my name. I haven't had the chance to talk to her personally, but now I know she can't hate me till the end.

"Those people, I'm probably going to get rid of them soon..." Esper murmured to herself as she exited the restroom.

After that, I silently stayed in the restroom, pondering what Esper had done.

Time went fast, and I didn't even realize it was almost lunchtime, so I got out and went for a stroll by myself.

Then I encountered a person, who returned unexpectedly after a few days. I'd heard she hadn't been in school for a week, so I figured welcoming her would bring her good luck on this day.

I walk gently past her and say in her ear, "I'm glad to see you're doing well, Ms. Lisa Hollows."

Lisa Hollows was one of the Representatives of the Aqua Family. She often comes to me for information. Recently, I gave her information regarding Hans Seid, but that was the last time I saw her.

Then she speak, drawing my attention back, "How unusual to see you here?"

"Is that so?"

"I have a quick question for you, and I'd want your answer.

"Hmmm, are you buying information again?"

"Yes."

"I see... So, what exactly do you want?"

As usual, it's our typical bargaining.

"Do you know Hiram Frestia? What happened to her? Where is she now?"

Hiram Frestia. I remember the name before; alas...

"All I know is that she left."

"Oh, that's unfortunate, but do you happen to know why?"

Her tone indicated that she was desperate for this knowledge. Regardless, now is not the moment for her to acquire something from me.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"Not precisely, but I know she's guilty of something, isn't she?"

"Can you tell me?"

She asked me another question, which made me think twice. Now it's becoming interesting. I'm going to again look into this issue later.

"I'm not sure."

That's all I told her.

"Oh..." she mutters in disappointment.

I'm sure my answer fell well short of her expectations.

"Are you waiting for me to say something, Ms. Hollows?"

"Uh, well, no, I'm just curious," she denied.

"Your eyes... have something to say..."

In short silence, I suddenly said that on purpose, since I'd met her gaze and it was evident that her eyes were glumly and swollen.

"...T-that was your imagination."

"I'm certain you cried, but in any case, Ms. Hollows, I'll go ahead."

"But what about pay—"

"You don't have to; it's fine, considering I'm not helpful. I'm looking forward to working with you sometime again."

...but that next time will be different.

"Um, hey! What's your name? Could you tell me this time?" She exclaimed, confusingly.

No matter what, my name is something that will soon become known to the school, just like the name Hans Seid.

"After this meeting, you'll know," I answered as I left.

After that, I was able to go through the rest of the day without incident. A few classmates questioned my whereabouts earlier, but I nonchalantly shrugged and ignored them.

The class was finished for the day, and I planned to head home when I realized the phone call yesterday. Mr. Seid wanted to meet me, so I assumed he would come into this classroom at some point. I walked out of the room, but to my surprise, I didn't see or sense his presence at all. I'm all confused, but I had decided to go home eventually because he hadn't shown up for me today. Although, when I was already at the entrance gate, he shook me out of my trance, but I didn't obviously show it to him.

Mr. Seid was already waiting for me. He didn't say anything, just stood there staring into the distance, so I was compelled to begin our conversation without looking at him either.

"Do you want to discuss right now? Or do you want to go somewhere?" I pushed him to speak up for himself.

It is frustrating and unsettling that he is, in fact, silent.

"Uhm, no, I'll just walk you home," he said, not daring to turn his head and look at me.

"Okay," I said, lightly.

"Are you perhaps expecting somethi—"

"No. Please stop that. I don't want to hear that from you, Mr. Seid."

"You're irritated, aren't you?"

"You are completely off the mark."

"Nonetheless, lead the way since I don't know your home yet."

By means of "yet," he does have a plan to know.

I didn't even attempt to say anything to him back; instead I just started walking. But a few minutes passed and he still didn't move his mouth, which got me thinking what he was up to.

"You care to speak, Mr. Seid?"

We're currently walking side by side, both of us matching the other's pace.

"Uhm, let me think. Ah alright, you appear to be doing well in school, so that's the power of your name, huh."

Even though my name is Wyte, I feel obligated to do what people expect of me.

"What an inane topic, Mr. Hans Seid. Do you clearly realize that they can't lay a hand on me since I am the Principal's daughter?" He didn't respond, so I continued, "You're the only one who's starting to make a move on me."

"Don't put it that way, Ms. Zei; others would misunderstand."

"I'm amazed you're concerned about your image."

"I'm not concerned about myself."

It caused me to go silent, but I kept on with the conversation.

"Still, I'm not certain what will happen tomorrow. Choice has never been easy."

I still received no response from him. Following the awkward situation, I told him, "I didn't expect that you would agree, Mr. Seid."

"Hm? Don't get me wrong, I agree with you because I want to get rid of the Families."

That made me think for a second. He was far too forthright and direct to say such a thing in front of me. He most likely sought something out of it.

"Building your own Organization and eliminating Organizations at the same time... What makes you think that your plan will work?"

I'm not sure what his plan was, but i have a hunch of some sort.

"I don't know; that's all I can say."

"...Are you have any doubts or uncertainties, Mr. Seid?"

"As you stated, choice has never been easy at all."

"How vague. Right, I heard some rumors about you making a scene earlier."

I recall hearing my classmates chattering about an earlier incident.

"Ah, that? What did they say?"

"It's all negative; do you anticipate a positive reaction?"

"Is that so. Anyway, how about you?"

"Me? What about me?"

"What do you think?"

"Is this sarcasm?"

"No. I simply want to hear what you think."

What I think...

"...I abhor your behavior, attitude, your rash judgments and actions; it is what I primarily despise."

My response was sincere. As if I said that to myself.

"Good. If I were about to die, I'd like you to either watch me die or take my life instead."

"Hm? That's... a cliche thing to say. You know that it is indeed a difficult task."

"Or maybe ask someone who has never hesitated to kill me."

"Are you serious?"

"Do you think I'm kidding?"

He turned his head to look at me, though I didn't return his gaze.

"Shut up. You're literally annoying," I commented, "It awfully depressing statement, but that was so lame to say to a girl, no, to anyone."

He go looked straight afterwards, continuing, "In any case, don't worry about simple things, Ms. Zei; it's up to you how you perceive things; moreover, I'm just a nobody to you, isn't it? In the end, it's only a nuisance to you if you stress yourself in someone else's trouble."

Basically, he's defining me... no, our relationship is merely that of a strangers in contrast. His tone was always distant, as if we were miles apart. However, the fact that he constantly and remarkably speaks to me by my first name and makes demands as such is strange.

"I'm wondering how scary it is to be in your position. Creating a lot of adversaries is not a good thing, you know?"

"Then tell me, Ms. Zei, if making a lot of friends is a good thing?"

"Don't ask silly questions; if you want to know something, do it. People attempt to explore and try for themselves to experience something they've never experienced before."

"What was that coming for?"

"I'm stating facts. It's up to you if you listen or not."

"Alright, I'll keep that in mind. So, uhm, do you want to be my frien—?"

"No," I firmly said.

"Okay."

That concluded our conversation. He didn't ask as to why.

Taking into consideration that he's been known to be rejected in the past, I know he's mostly used to being spurned. Besides, he merely didn't care about my answer in the first place.

"..."

"..."

Unfortunately, the rain began to fall, causing us to take a short break in our walk. Because the rain was pouring so heavily, we dashed for the shed of a random home. We must first wait for the sky to calm down.

I instantly took out my umbrella from my bag and caught a sight of Hans' umbrella, which thankfully he also had. It'll be an issue if we end up sharing the same umbrella while going down the street.

"It's been raining lately..." he said.

"Is it?"

We're still under the roof, listening to the splatters of raindrops. Though even in peltering rain, the noise of splashes is somewhat soothing.

"By the way, just asking, who got the highest score in your class?"

In the middle of nowhere, I asked Mr. Seid. I'm curious about how he did in the exams.

"I don't know," he said, peering at the sky and at the raindrops.

"How's your exam?"

"I don't know," he responded, which made me ask, "Why?"

"I don't know," he responded once again.

"How come you didn't know?"

"To answer your question, do you remember the letter that was written by an anonymous person?"

I recall Mr. Seid saying that every day he received a letter. He hasn't given me any updates since then.

"Yes, but what about that?"

"He handed me a note of warning that my exam paper would be gone, so I wouldn't have any score; and so it happened. He knows what's going on in our classroom and in my life; it's nearly, no—I can finally say it's a stalker."

Just hearing his explanation makes me bewildered and curious. I'm not sure what to say or how to respond to him.

"It was his response when he found out I was starting my own Organization."

"How did he figure that out?"

"No clue."

Remembering back, only me and Steve were aware of this. I can't currently just consider Steve a suspect because I haven't confirmed it.

"Did you already take a retest?"

"I did, but it doesn't matter whether I got the highest score."

To be precise, taking Hans' test was an odd decision. I'm not sure how they've done it.

"What did they gain by doing this?" I mumble, "So, Mr. Seid, what are you going to do?"

"Of course, my decision was always definitive," he said after a short pause, and continuing, "Are you sure you're going to assist me?"

He still has his doubts about my capabilities.

"...I'm not going to help you; you're going to assist me, right?"

"It's ridiculous to think that way. That's exactly what you are, Ms. Zei. Then I'll tell you this: provide me with a list of names before the school excursion. I don't want too many; I only need a few."

He essentially wants to meet people he can totally trust to start his own Organization.

It's not a difficult task because I know a lot of competent people.

"Alright, if that's what you want; in any case, may I ask what drove you to do this?"

His reason is probably the same, but more different than before.

"Hm?" he answered, "half of it was to show off."

"What about the other half?"

"You know, I'm looking for that unknown person. Now, my goal is to kill him."

With that, the rain began to fall more gently, and he began to walk, leaving his statement in my head. And I followed him in silence.

"Say," I called him, "that's the Student Council logo, right?"

If I'm not mistaken, that was an umbrella for Student Council members to use. There is a distinctive logo of Student Council in it. It has been troubling me the whole time.

"Uh, I forgot to return it to him," he said.

Commonly, people hesitate to answer that question, but Mr. Seid was very honest. I know he said it intentionally so that I would believe he went to the Student Council room.

"Did you go there to see them, or to see the President?"

"Is that what you think? Are you jealous in such a way?"

"Hoh... What are you trying to say, Mr. Seid? That's utterly nonsense."

I noticed that he was becoming extremely annoying.

Later, I will dig out the details of his conversation with the President. Currently this is not the time.

"Alright, Mr. Seid, since I have million things to do, I'll go on ahead. Please keep your commitment and your promise with me. That's all I wanted to say."

And with that, I took out my phone and dialed my butler's number.

"Erm, who are you calling?"

"Hoh, are you perhaps, jealous?" I stared at his eyes, dead serious.

He didn't flinch, but I could tell he was surprised since he remained silent.

"Let me tell you something intriguing, Mr. Seid: I don't like walking home especially with someone, and this isn't the route to my house. Thank you for your time, and I'll see you later."

I turned in the opposite direction to part ways with him, but then he replied.

"Figures. So the entire time was all made up, Ms. Zei? Well, it can't be helped knowing your true character. You acted a bit reluctant, you know. But I had a great time. See you later, too."

Well, at the end, he figured it out, which frustrates me more.