Wednesday.

09:55 AM.

Economics class.

Students were eagerly waiting for the professor's arrival. Meanwhile, some of the members of MMM were having a conversation in the class. They were wearing suits in the class as well. MMM consisted of Lawrence, Sebastian, Benjamin, Xavier, Sarah, and their President Trojan Barker. Sarah and Trojan were yet to come to the class.

"Hey folks, have you seen the brand-new, high-end watch? I'm considering adding this limited edition sculpture to my collection.", Benjamin asked with excitement.

"Oh, I did see it online. It belongs to the Navazo brand. The brand is renowned for its rarity, and the craftsmanship is of the highest caliber. It certainly makes a statement.", Sebastian agreed and added, "However, have you seen Romero's brand-new sports car, which recently reached the market? It is a monster! I'm thinking about purchasing one for myself."

"Yes, I spotted it yesterday while driving. It has great power and speed. Undoubtedly attention-grabbing. But did you notice the price? It's crazy!", Xavier commented.

"I never have a problem with money, you guys. My family can support anything I want. I'm already making plans to purchase a posh penthouse in the city. You have to live with class, you know?", Sebastian replied.

Other students in the class were very annoyed and irritated by their conversation.

"For you, Sebastian, that is fantastic. Sounds ostentatious. However, some of us work hard merely to pay for education and meet basic expenditures, but we can only dream of owning our very own private island or lavishing on high-end accessories. Not everyone enjoys the glitz and glamour. Even though my family has enough, they want me to work hard and learn to know how the world works.", said Lawrence with hesitation. Though MMM members were narcissistic and showed off how rich they are, Lawrence was different. He was one of the nicest in the college. Everyone calls him Larry.

"I understand, Larry. Each of us comes from a unique background. But hey, success is the consequence of perseverance and hard effort. If you put your mind to anything, you can do anything.", Benjamin encouraged him.

"You're correct, Benjamin. It's not just about having things; it's also about having the motivation and passion to accomplish our objectives. Regardless of our financial situation, we are all here to grow and learn.", Xavier agreed with him.

Suddenly Trojan entered the class with Sarah and gave an epic speech.

"Power, wealth, and luxury... It's all so seductive. We are unquestionably the best of the best. We seem destined from birth to govern the globe. We have grandeur in us. It won't be long before the rest of the world sees our genius and submits to us. And when that time comes, we'll be prepared to enjoy the widespread adulation. After all, we are success' embodiment. We are the pinnacle of excellence. This is MMM. Money Matters Most! Let's return to the crucial duty of preserving our wonderful lives. Someone has to demonstrate what true greatness looks like to the world, after all."

The entire class was silent upon hearing those words. Sarah looked like she wasn't impressed at all. She took her seat and started revising the previous class' lecture.

Trojan took his seat and said to his chumps, "In addition, you should be informed of the big celebration this Friday. There will be some incredible DJs and famous visitors in our luxurious mansion for the event including Astorion alumni."

"It will be the event of the year, I'm sure of it. Even though the year has just begun. I'm looking forward to showing off my moves on the dance floor and mingling with some powerful folks.", Sebastian commented with hype.

"Sounds like so much fun! All I can do is hope the venue comes up to the hype. We're used to luxury, so it had better be excellent.", said Benjamin.

"You are coming to the party, right Sarah?", Trojan asked her diligently.

"Sorry, Trojan, but no. I have a few tasks to do that Friday evening.", Sarah answered that shattered all his hopes. Lawrence chuckled a little.

"Forgive me for my *beep* ego but solely based on looks, I'm one of the few boys on Earth that can get any female I want... Yet the only female to ever hug me was my mom... Life is unfair.", Trojan whispered to his chumps.

"Well, a woman like her cannot be impressed that easily. You'll have to try harder, Trojan.", Lawrence laughed.

"Trojan Barker never tries, Larry, because he gets what he wants.", Trojan replied.

Afterward, the professor arrived for the class at 10 O'clock. The economics professor was a middle-aged man, who wore glasses, and he was a little fat. The name's David Maynard.

"Good morning, Professor!", the students welcomed David.

"Good day, students! Our Economics class has a new student joining us today. Please come in.", David introduced someone to the class who happened to be Eiffel who entered. MMM was flabbergasted upon seeing Eiffel's entrance. Sarah was both surprised and happy to see Eiffel joining her. The entire class suddenly started to murmur.

"What is this!? What the hell is going on!?", Sebastian whispered to Trojan.

"I-It's... It's him.", Benjamin was in disbelief.

"Very unsuitable.", Xavier commented.

"Keep it down, everyone.", David told the class then asked Eiffel, "Please introduce yourself to the class and let us know why you choose to enroll in the economics course."

"Good morning to all. My name is Eiffel Roseholic. Thank you for having me. Being here makes me happy. I've chosen to enroll in Economics because I think it will help me gain a thorough understanding of how the economy in our world operates.", Eiffel answered.

"Hmph! He probably joined because he heard they have a top-secret course on how to become a billionaire quickly.", Sebastian whispered.

"Well, good luck with that.", Xavier laughed.

"That's alright. Now, Eiffel, please have a seat.", said David. Eiffel thanked him. As he was going to take his seat, Eiffel and Trojan had a staredown on his way, he walked past Sarah and then sat on the back seat.

"I find it unbelievable that Eiffel believes he can handle economics. Mr. Eiffel, the brilliant economist from the low-income household. He could not even be up on the fundamentals. I find it incomprehensible that they allowed a low-life jerk like him to enroll in the class when it ought to be reserved for those of higher social standing. Right now, I can't stand having him in the same classroom as I am.", Trojan whispered as he turned frustrated.

"Give Eiffel a fair opportunity, Trojan. Nobody's financial background determines their level of knowledge.", Lawrence commented.

"Shut up! Don't tell me what to give. Besides, he mustn't have any interest in Economics I bet. Who the hell influenced him!", Trojan replied.

Sarah looked back at Eiffel and smiled. Eiffel waved at her in a response which was spotted by the MMM members.

"It must be his love interest or should I say your girl-", Lawrence joked but Trojan cut him off before he could finish.

"No! I refuse to believe it! There's no way she has any interest in that maggot! A woman of her class knows her worth! She will never have any interest in a guy like him. Don't you know her family background?", Trojan whispered as he raged with anger.

"Quiet down, class. Let's begin. Today, we'll be discussing the principles of microeconomics.", said David.

The class progressed.

"Here's that and here's to that. I hope you all understood the point. Now, let me ask you all a question. What elements influence a product's demand? Can anyone answer it?", David asked then he looked across the class for someone then said, "Eiffel. You are new to this class. Can you answer it?"

"See if Eiffel can respond to this.", Trojan whispered to Sebastian.

Eiffel stood up confidently and answered, "Of course, Professor. The link between the quantity of an item or service that producers are willing and able to give and the quantity that customers are willing and able to purchase is at the heart of the economics notion of supply and demand. It is impacted by a number of variables, including pricing, consumer preferences, market competition, and outside events." Trojan and others were surprised to hear his answer.

"You responded really well, Eiffel! All the important elements that influence product demand have been discussed. Now, can you give an illustration of how a modification to one of these elements can affect demand?", David appreciated Eiffel's answer and thus decided to ask a complex one.

"Let's have a look at the cost of a comparable good. The demand for the original product would probably decline if the price of a substitute product dropped. For instance, since tea and coffee are seen as replacements by customers, a drop in the price of coffee can lead to a drop in demand for tea.", Eiffel answered with a smile.

"Wow! Everyone please give a round of applause for Eiffel there.", said David to the class. The class started clapping for Eiffel. Eiffel was embarrassed, thanked everyone, and looked at Sarah.

"That was an excellent answer, Eiffel.", said Sarah as she was clapping as well.

"I suppose he does have some knowledge of economics.", Benjamin commented.

"It appears that Eiffel is knowledgeable. Perhaps we misread him.", Sebastian commented as well.

"I have to admit that we misjudged Eiffel. He clearly understands Economics.", Xavier added.

Trojan was grinding his teeth in anger.

After class, Eiffel was walking in the hallways. Grate was calling for him from a far away. Eiffel responded to that. Then they met.

"B-boi, where have you been? I've been looking all over for you.", Grate panted and asked.

"I decided to take Economics subject as well. So, I came out of the class just now.", Eiffel answered.

"Oh ho! I feel delighted for you, man! I understand what it's about. Hehehe. It's about her, huh?", Grate was teasing.

"Come on. Leave that. What about you? Where have you been?", Eiffel asked.

"I was in Gender Studies class.", Grate answered.

"Huh!?", Eiffel was startled. "What for?"

"To learn more about women, of course.", said Grate.

"But, I thought only girls could take that class.", Eiffel implied.

"Boys can take it as well. Are you interested?", Grate teased him again.

"Not thanks.", said Eiffel as he got annoyed. "Who was the teacher?"

"Miss Diantha Braganza.", Grate answered. Eiffel looked down upon hearing that. "Haha! Listen, buddy. We should plan our tasks for today. It's Day 3, baby!", Grate cheered up. "So far, 5 tasks accomplished. It's getting harder every day."

"I totally agree. We should go to the mansion and look at the bloody pledge board. By the way, we are going to the Mathematics class now, right?", Eiffel asked.

"No. Miss Diantha Braganza has dismissed that class for today. She said she has some stuff to do so she went out. So, we are free like the birds!", Grate cheered up again. "What about you? What are you going to do now?"

"I'm planning to go to Belleford Bridge.", Eiffel answered.

"What!?", Grate was startled. "But Marquis told you not to!"

"Geez, Grate. I'm only going there to check things out.", Eiffel said annoyingly.

"No! Promise me you won't get deep into this matter!", Grate begged.

"*sigh* I promise, Grate. I'll inform both you and Marquis if I find out something. Got it?", Eiffel affirmed and gave his words to Grate with great concern.

"B-b-b-b-but!", Grate was about to say something, but he spotted Arumi on the other side. So, Grate ran to her calling her name. Arumi seemed to avoid him.

Eiffel sighed and thought, "Suzanne yesterday, Arumi today. Who's tomorrow?" Then he kept walking but stopped after hearing someone playing a great melodious tune on the piano. It was from a far distance.

Eiffel started to follow the tune. Eiffel began to dance to the music. Concern over who could be playing this gorgeous piano melody increased in his mind. He was hesitant to search here and there for the location. Then he finally located it. It was the auditorium.

"Where's that wonderful music coming from? The auditorium... Why wasn't this place part of the campus tour?", Eiffel wondered. Then he peeked through the curtain. He was surprised to find out who was playing that beautiful melody that his heart desired to look for all this time. It was Sarah all along. She was lost in her world and closed her eyes while playing. She was looking even more beautiful.

"That's.. her... Sarah... Her technique is amazing... and this melody... It's beautiful... This will forever be stuck in my mind.", Eiffel thought.

Eiffel kept listening to her piano playing with all his heart. He applauded as soon as Sarah stopped playing. Sarah was like she got back to his senses right after hearing the claps.

"Wow! Just Wow!", Eiffel complimented her.

"Huh? Eiffel!? What are you doing here?", Sarah was startled.

"I was passing by when I heard you play.", said Eiffel.

"Oh... I... Umm... I'm a bit flustered. You caught me at a very personal time...", Sarah quavered.

"What's this?", Eiffel thought with all seriousness. "This is a different side of her that I've never seen... More like she is showing some weaknesses. What could it be? She seems... nervous... More like shy and embarrassed... and scared... Hm... I think she's uncomfortable about me being in here..."

"Sorry for interrupting your practice. ...but thanks for the music. It sounded awesome.", Eiffel concluded before leaving the auditorium."

"Was that really Sarah in there? I mean... sure I get it... I go to my special place in my mind when I play the guitar... But it still felt like something was off.", Eiffel thought and left.

01:23 PM

Belleford Bridge.

It is situated close to the end of Roseholic state, which connects two mountains, and it connects Times New Square state with Roseholic state. Only land could be seen below the bridge, and it appeared to be somewhat spooky. If somebody falls from the bridge, their death is certain. Eiffel descended the mountain with caution and arrived looking for something. It was a warm day, and the breeze made his skin tremble.

"So, this is where numerous additional bodies, including Maki's, were discovered. What kind of circumstance is taking place here in Belleford, I wonder? Why is this bridge referred to as haunted? Why do people jump to their deaths from that bridge?", pondered Eiffel. On the ground, there was motorbike debris. He then continued to watch for a while before climbing back up. He returned to the bridge and peered beneath. It appeared to be a pit. He then turned around and glanced back at the road. The motorcycle rider must drift to enter the bridge and exit it as well because of how the route is curved.

"Maybe that's why... Bicycle accidents involving carelessness and lack of road awareness account for the majority of fatalities. While they ride, the motorcyclists drift in such a way that they slide and fall off the road all the way down to that pit.", Eiffel thought carefully. "However, it makes sense to me that Maki's death was a murder. She cannot kill herself, and it cannot happen accidentally. I am fully aware of it... And someone from Astorion is the murderer. I'm confident about it."

Then he looked at the time. It was 1:57 PM.

"Well, time to go. I shouldn't stay here any longer and return to the college. What's next is I gotta investigate within the Astorion...", Eiffel was determined. "Quinn... If you are behind this. Or maybe there's a mastermind behind the scenes. Who knows... Irene and Twinkle. Wish you understood...", He worried before taking his leave.

But something came to his instincts so he stopped to look back. There was someone in the middle of the bridge that Eiffel couldn't identify from that distance. So, he started to walk back into the bridge. Then he sprinted when it seems he identified who that person was. The person was standing on top of the bridge guardrail. Someone was about to take their own's life.

"NOOOOO!!! STOP!!!!!", Eiffel screamed and tackled the person down from the guardrail to the road. The person was Miss Diantha Braganza.

"Eiffel!? What the hell you think you are doing!?", Diantha shouted.

"Miss Braganza! What are you doing? Why? You know this isn't the solution to your problems. You'll only make your loved ones suffer.", Eiffel cried.

"Huh?", Diantha was confused.

"Think about this. You can't leave us like this. We all love you. I love you. You are my most favorite teacher. I thought you skipped mathematics class to do some stuff, but you've come here to do this stupid stuff!? Don't even think of this again. This is a stupid decision you've made and you almost fell for it. How could you do this?", Eiffel cried with rage.

After a while, Diantha started to laugh out loud which made Eiffel perplexed.

"You thought I was taking my own life? Me? Diantha Willa Braganza? Take my own life? How stupid are you?", Diantha laughed.

"T-then... Then what were you doing on top of the guardrail?", Eiffel cried. Diantha stopped laughing and turned sad within a moment. "Is everything okay, Miss Braganza?", Eiffel worried. Diantha beckoned him not to worry.

"Couple of years ago... On this very day... One of my close people died here. So, I come here every year.", Diantha disclosed.

"That's okay. But, you can do that without standing on top of the guardrail.", Eiffel barked in rage. Diantha laughed at that.

"You stupid! I wouldn't die even if I fall from that.", said Diantha which made Eiffel perplexed all over again.

"What does that mean?", Eiffel asked.

"Nothing, you idiot. Let's go back. It's getting late.", said Diantha. Then they walked out of the bridge, grabbed her car, and they drove away. Suddenly Grate came out of the woods beside the road, uttered, "Shit!", and grabbed a taxi as fast as possible.

Eiffel was sitting beside her as she was driving.

"You alright?", Diantha asked.

"...I'm fine.", Eiffel answered.

"You are such a crybaby... And a lousy one. Do you know that?", Diantha joked and asked to which Eiffel didn't answer. "But, you should see the look on your face when you cry. You look so adorable." Eiffel blushed a little from hearing her comment.

"Let me tell you a story from my past... There are 2 people in this world that I care for the most. One is my husband, Astorion president Lugar Heidenberg. The other is my best friend, Miss Catherina Willington...", Diantha stated before narrating her story, "About a decade ago, on a Saturday evening, Lugar came home intoxicated. Following his election as Astorion's new president, he had been out partying. He used every means necessary to make his dream come true because it was his passion. He deserved the position because he had worked so hard to reach this goal. I was almost by the door to unlock it for him as he struggled with the keys in the lock and when he eventually succeeded in opening it. He gave me a slobbery kiss while grinning broadly and silly. He took me by the hand and led me into the bedroom. A lady won't find a drunk man attractive... especially if she is sober... I didn't resist him, though, since I didn't want his successful day to come to a disappointing end. He struggled with the buttons on my blouse, forcing them to come undone. He climbed up on me and began kissing my neck... And then he whispered into my ear... 'Catherina, oh, Catherina."

Hearing that totally startled Eiffel.

Diantha continued, "I had never noticed the symptoms before. As I previously mentioned, Catherina is a close friend of mine. Together, we have been instructors at Astorion for more than fifteen years. In our free time, we've also spent a lot of time with one another. We're going to the gym, have supper, shopping, and talk to each other about stuff. It was like a knife piercing straight through my back; it went in so far as to pierce my heart. I was unable to control my tears as he kept kissing my neck. I've never had the courage to confront him about it. neither Catherina... I don't need or want to know if there was any truth to those drunken words. Since it wasn't important... Till my last breath, I will continue to love the two of them."

There was a moment of silence before Eiffel asked, "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I wanted to assure you that despite my worst moments, I didn't take my own life. In light of that, nothing will induce me to act in such a manner in the future.", said Diantha as she smiled at him. Eiffel couldn't believe his eyes and his thoughts. How can someone with such stunning good looks, whom everyone lusts after, conceal such deep suffering?

Eiffel got himself together, smiled, and asked with a cheerful mood, "Back there. What did you say your name again?"

"Diantha Willa Braganza.", Diantha answered.

"Well, I didn't know the name Willa.", Eiffel commented.

"That's my top secret name that only the people that are closest to my heart know... Consider yourself lucky.", Diantha stated.

"Well, that's an honor for me. Hell of an achievement.", Eiffel laughed.

"This boy is well mature. He is trying his best to cheer me up.", Diantha thought.

"And about that 'I wouldn't die even if I fall from the guardrail', what did you mean by that?", Eiffel asked curiously.

"Well... That's an answer you'll figure out yourself for later...", Diantha answered which made him confused even more. "All I can say is this... Astorion isn't just a college. It's a School of Madness."

"School of Madness?", Eiffel wondered with confusion.

Suddenly Eiffel's phone gave a notification alert. "Ah, excuse me.", said Eiffel as he took out his phone and checked. It was a message from Grate saying, "Take her on a date. This is your chance of a lifetime. Don't miss this opportunity because you might not get it in the future."

Eiffel was dumbfounded upon seeing his text and then he replied, "Stop talking nonsense. Where are you?"

"On a cab behind you. Do as I say.", Grate texted back.

"How is your Blood Games going?", Diantha asked. "Is everything going smoothly?"

"Umm... Yeah. But I'm having a hard time.", Eiffel answered to her and then replied to Grate, "How do I do this?"

"Haha! It's hard for now. But this will be a memory that you will cherish for a distant future.", Diantha laughed.

"From your heart. Say it to her!", Grate texted back again.

"Yes, you are right.", Eiffel replied to her and then replied to Grate again, "I don't have the guts. She is a goddamn teacher!"

"Remember! The mother doesn't feed milk to her baby unless the baby starts crying. You can do it my friend.", Grate texted him back yet again.

Eiffel started to shake in nervousness. Upon seeing that, Diantha asked, "Is everything alright?"

"Umm yes... I mean... I'm alright. Just that I haven't had my lunch yet. So, I'm kind of hungry a lot that it's hurting my stomach.", Eiffel answered nervously.

"Oh... Is that so?", said Diantha while smiling. Then she pulled over and headed to another road.

"W-where are you heading?", Eiffel asked.

"There's a restaurant nearby. It's my favorite... It's my treat. It's on me...", said Diantha. "But, keep this a secret, okay?", Diantha gave him a condition.

"Yes, definitely.", Eiffel answered with a smile.

Later. At a restaurant. Eiffel and Diantha were having food. Grate was taking pictures from a far way. Eiffel was having trouble having soup as it was hot. Diantha noticed it.

"Is this hot?", Diantha asked. Then she used her spoon to take some soup from his bowl then blew on it and fed him. "Well, that's how you do it.", said Diantha.

"That was unexpected...", Eiffel thought.

Grate took the perfect shot of that photo and he was crying in jealousy.

Later. Back in Astorion. Eiffel and Grate met in the dorm.

"So, how is it? Did you catch the photos?", Eiffel whispered. Grate giggled and then showed the photos to him.

"You lucky dog!", Grate teased him.

"These are perfect shots!", Eiffel cheered up. Then they bumped their fists in joy.

Successfully accomplished Blood Games task - 'Date a Teacher' ✓

©Copyright @ 2022 The Orion All Rights Reserved

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.