CHAPTER 8 Act 2

After the stressful examination, students can finally relax and heal their minds. We didn't have classes today, so I'll make plans to meet with Mr. Seid and gather names as he requests.

"Young lady, are you awake?"

Someone called outside my door.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Madam and young master were already at the table, waiting for you."

"Tell them I'll be right there in a minute."

"I understand."

After reminding, I changed my clothing and started properly dressing myself. My morning routine is always on point; I typically dress up and make an effort to appear decent and confident before leaving my room.

It's been a week since I made the decision to be independent. My mother, the school's principal, was so supportive of me as her daughter that she provided me with a proper house to live in on my own. However, Mom stated that I must visit the main house on weekends, which is why I'm here today.

My mother begins by asking, "It is unusual for you to be late; are you getting enough sleep these days?"

"Thank you for your concern, mother, but I'm alright; please don't worry about me."

We're currently eating quietly at the table. My mother, Steve, and I were only here. Our father has never been at home since he is a very busy man. Nonetheless, our family had always been like this; it was nothing new to be exact.

"It appears that you're getting close to Mr. Seid? What happened?"

In the stillness, Steve abruptly introduced a topic that I didn't like the sound of.

"I'm not sure what you're trying to say, but it's none of your business, isn't it?" I regarded.

Steve most likely intends for our mother to hear those words. Overall, he is a nosy person.

"Speaking of which, Zei," Mom stared at me, but I didn't exchange eyes with her.

"Yes, mother."

"Someone saw you together with Mr. Seid, is that true?"

"I see, so this is how it goes..." I mutter, "Uhm, do I need to explain things?"

"If you'd like, I don't want to force my daughter to tell me everything."

"It sounds like you wanted to hear something from me, mother."

"You're not hiding anything from me—"

"Of course not."

"How long have you known each other?"

I then think for a second before answering, "I guess quite a while."

"Okay..."

That ended my conversation with mom.

My mother seems to be interested in this topic, and that sort of bothers me. For a while, I predicted that this would happen, and that they would likely continue to interrogate me incessantly. But for now, I'm glad they stopped asking.

"Apart from that, you too Steve, I saw you together with Nathalie," mom added.

"U-uh?" He stuttered.

Nathalie Shine, the Representative of Light Family. I also saw them yesterday and even before that. They were together almost every time, leading me to believe that they were dating.

"Is that work-related, Steve? But you two are in the café."

"That's..."

"Don't tell me—"

"I'm done, thanks for the food," he quickly get up, plainly avoiding the subject.

"Me too, thanks for the meal," I also get up to my feet and ignore the whole thing, "I have something else to do, mother."

"Wait a minute, Steve, Zei."

We halted before we could even turn around. Our mother was anxious, as seen by her troubled and dismal tone. She made a deep sigh and began speaking, "Sigh... you two, did you know your father was coming today?"

"..."

That statement strikes me speechless.

I know for a fact that he will surely go home because of what I did with the Families. But I must admit that I was not prepared up to this day.

"Father, huh..."

"He told me this morning that he wanted to see both of you. And Zei, I'll tell you again, even if you betray the Light Family, I'm still here for you," my mother insisted, passionately.

"I know, but it's just you, mother; I'm sorry, but I'll excuse myself."

After that, I went to my room and began packing my things. I don't want to be here, or at least not for a second when my father is around.

As anyone can tell, my father and I have a poor relationship. We have different perspectives and lives, yet he treats me as if I were a pawn in his game.

It's for my own sake that I left the Family. It's a selfish thing to say, but that move, for me, is definitely a wise choice.

For today, I made the decision to go to my house and stay there. Since I was in a hurry, I didn't have time to see Mom and Steve when I left.

Upon leaving and returning to my home, I began making preparations to gather information for the day. Ideally, I would go to school or to the Organizations' houses to infiltrate in disguise and exchange intel. Since my time is always free, nobody can stop me from getting what I need.

"Are you free, Mr. Seid?" I asked while on the phone.

"Hm? Hold on," he paused as if thinking, then following, "I see..."

"I know what you're thinking and that's not what you think, Mr. Seid."

Sort of.

"I'm sorry to decline, but I have a plan—"

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

"Okay, bye."

I hung up before he could complete his sentence. I felt this was a perfect opportunity to talk to him, introduce him to the people, and ask him who he wanted for his Organization. But he was busy, so there's nothing I can do about that. As a result, I shall change my plans and monitor certain individuals alone. I will spend my time outside observing a few people. Mr. Seid requested a list of names, and I wanted to see for myself who the people I needed to find were. I need to find someone who can truly complement Mr. Seid's personality. My list was long, but I only needed to mark down five names today.

The first person that I find interesting is Kai Hunt of Gale Family, a first-year student and Ms. Hunt's sibling. Kai was obsessed with seeking vengeance after his sister's death. Looking at his condition, he was fixated on destroying the school since it left a mark and didn't acknowledge his sister's death because the school claimed it was an accident. Basically, we can take advantage of that and control him with our hands.

He generally stands out in the middle of the road, searching for trouble.

"You insolence!"

"...W-we gave up, please spare us!"

He was always itching for a fight instead of listening. Apparently, I am aware of his recklessness, but such negligence will certainly not be tolerated under Mr. Seid's leadership and presence. And I'm sure Kai will be significantly useful to Mr. Seid.

Next person is Caith Feild, a second-year student from Life Family. She was quite a slacker woman, but when it comes to things she enjoys, there's no way she could be deterred.

"Are you up here reading again, and with so many books?"

"The library puts me at ease, Miss Libriarian."

She is currently reading books in different languages at the Library House. She was so enamored with words that she could read and speak twenty or more languages fluently. Definitely, her abilities will be put to good use.

Even she, though, has some difficulties. She was a stunning and gorgeous looking lady, but her detractors outnumbered her admirers. She has even received death threats for allegedly seducing tons of men. But in a sense, that doesn't mean it's true and she's completely worthless. We should ignore the rumors circulating and have her at least.

Following that is Rufus Zane, a first-year computer nerd. He has been missing for about two months because he has been tormented, not because he is fond of computers, but because he doesn't belong in any Organization. Some others believe he lived recently alone in an apartment near the base station. I'm intending to see him at once, but his previous neighboring acquaintances told me that he doesn't appear to go outdoors very well. Still, he's not been seen since then, so I'll give up for now.

The fourth person is Lux Crest, a second-year student who also has no Organization. Since she's a commoner and a nobody, she didn't escape the unwelcoming dark side of the school.

"She's totally a weirdo."

"Agree. That poor lonely girl."

Hearing things like that from her schoolmates outside her house every day exacerbates her difficulties. I'm impressed at how she kept going and advanced to second-year. She has a timid appearance and a gentle temperament, which makes her easily bullied. However, from what I've researched, she possesses high intelligence and is adept at calculations, forming deductions, and making inferences, which sounds like a person that I know. But, for the time being, she is concealing her skills and living a somewhat dreary ordinary life, not because someone ordered her to, but because she wants to. Few people know her specifically and are familiar with her, which is why I'm more drawn to her character. She's a rare stone, waiting to be polished. I am confident that she will be of assistance to Mr. Seid.

I recognize them since many rumors tend to pique my interest. Even if some of them are with Families, we may still lure and persuade them to join us. We don't want any third-years yet, since we won't be able to handle them once they graduate.

Last but not the least, I'm sure she'd be more fascinating if she were one of us.

"Ms. Wyte?"

"Oh, Ms. Steward, what a coincidence."

We've exchanged glances before I move my head to the side and gaze around.

I'm here outside the bakery where I met the lone Treasurer of the Student Council, Ms. Shane Steward. She's wearing a classy, elegant rose pink dress, but with her apron on.

Of course, I know she was here in the first place since she was the co-owner of this specific bakery. I went on purpose, hoping to speak with her.

"Coincidence? But it seems like you're here for me, no? A-ah, I'm sorry for the late welcome, but greetings to you, Ms. Wyte."

After a little panic, she gave me a beautiful curtsy bow.

"Same to you, it's also a pleasure to see you here. I heard some good reviews, so maybe you'll recommend me some of the best sellers here. "

I don't have a keen eye for food, but looking at and observing these pastries makes me want to return here more frequently.

"Oh, do you want to come in first? Take a seat first, and I'll make you a tea."

"Erm, thanks for considering, but please treat me as your customer, not a guest, if you don't mind. I might be bothering you."

"No, it's fine. Just wait a second, okay?"

She then went inside, so I follow her behind. I can no longer refuse her hospitality now that she's doing it on her own. I've heard she was good at cooking, especially baking stuffs. I also heard that one of the manufacturers in the canteen was from her own family. No wonder she herself is focused on the food industry. I've never tasted her home-baked pastries before, so this must be the first time.

"Go eat some. Was this your first time here?"

"Yes, but uh..."

"Don't try to be shy, okay?"

"..."

I was overwhelmed by what she served me at the table. It exceeded my expectations. I really admired her but was envious at the same time.

Without hesitation, I took a mouthful of the exquisite looking bread roll. And there's no denying that it's extremely tasty. I didn't make it look obvious, though.

"It doesn't suit your taste? I thought that would make you pleased because your face is a little, uhm, how do I say this... it's..."

"It was delicious, Ms. Steward. I was out of words."

"Really? I'm relieved."

I almost made her unhappy. It was not my intention, and it is not a good indication if I made her upset now that I wanted to talk to her.

"Uh, I'm sorry to interrupt you, but what do you want to talk about, Ms. Wyte?"

I paused to consider her question and regain my composure. She knows I'm here for a certain reason. I need her to understand my intention here without making her feel too uncomfortable.

"I want to ask you first. Are you happy, Ms. Steward?"

"...What do you mean?"

"Is it what it is. Are you glad? Are you enjoying yourself in your current position at school?"

"Enjoying myself? What's up with that questio—?"

"If you actually are, you would probably respond 'yes' right away."

"T-that's... Well, uhmm, how should I respond to this..." She restlessly looked to the side.

"Are you dissatisfied?"

"Huh?"

"With your position on Student Council, correct?"

"What are you talking about? It's not like that. How can you say—"

"Does it mean I'm wrong?"

"..."

It's evident now from how she reacted to it. I happened to notice that Ms. Steward desired a little connection with other Student Council members, but none of them appeared to be really getting along. Because all of them didn't trust each other, which is what led to this. She wishes for everyone to be happy and for the Student Council to form bonds.

"I'm not trying to make you sad, Ms. Steward; I'm here to recruit you for our Family."

"Family? Oh right, you left the Light Family, isn't it? And now you're creating your own to compensate for what you lost. I know it's hard for you, Ms. Wyte, but that's too direct of a statement."

"I don't favor bonds, but I see you fit in nicely with ours, so that's why I'm here."

"That was a weird thing to say; you want me for yourself."

"I don't like sugarcoating words. Anyhow, don't give me your answer yet. It doesn't matter when you'll answer, we'll wait for you to say yes."

"..."

"I'll leave now; thank you for today, Ms. Shane Steward, and see you later."

I left her with her head down, as if she was thinking deeper into something. I know she'll refuse to us so it's better if I leave that conversation as it is.

After conversing with Ms. Steward, I spent the remaining time visiting a theme park by myself. I constantly do this to pass the time and study people's behavior. This location was ideal for observation. Observing and analyzing stuff is a thing for me.

I stepped inside, but nothing seems different than usual. I walked in for some rides and awe, but only that was it.

I had no idea how quickly time flew by and it was getting dark. But I have no intention of returning home because my father is most likely still looking for me and was at my house. Therefore, for today, staying out late will do.

Following that, I meant to go to a neighboring café, but for some strange reason, I stumbled upon Steve and Ms. Shine at the table together. They appear to be having fun at first sight, but it is simply one-sided. Steve was solely pretending.

"So that's what it is, huh," I mumbled as I stepped outside to flee.

I don't have time to be inquisitive. I had seen both of them before after class, but it had nothing to do with me. Steve has his own life, and it'd be chaos if Ms. Shine saw me.

Instead, I decided to dine alone at a local restaurant. I really didn't feel like cooking today. But just as I was about to enter, I noticed Mr. Seid, who was inside, together with... my mother and my father.

"Mr. Seid mentioned he was busy, due to this?" I blabber in shock, "How could this be just a coincidence?"

I had no idea anything like this was going to happen. For the most part, I know our parents were former acquiatances, but seeing Mr. Seid with my parents is still a mystery and also a concern.

I didn't attempt to go inside since I knew they'd see me, so I had no option but to cook at home.

I was living alone at the time, so it was natural for me to come and buy food nowadays. I get some groceries near the grocery shop where I was residing and went home immediately.

I arrived home safely, and gratefully, no strange coincidences occurred.

"What was that for, Mom?" I pondered over and over, but I still didn't get an answer.

I was too exhausted to think about what had happened, so I intended to sleep for now and plan for tomorrow.