Was it just my imagination?

It couldn’t be. Mondays were universally hated. At least for those who remembered what day of the week it was.

Yet, as I observed the silver-haired child walk around with the same watering can, holding her coat with one hand as she pronounced from flower to flower in the dawn sky, I couldn’t help but think she was giddier than before.

I hadn’t been here for two days, if anything, my ability to tell her expression should have dwindled.

My time in the early dawn went by yawning and tilting my head at the girl.

Eventually, like always, she gave me a light bow and went back to the dorms.

The sun had completely come up in the sky, but it was still rather early to be out and about.

Especially after the party last night. It was a little intense.

“Maybe I should go walk a little?”

Stretching my hands above my head, I decided to head out toward the gates of the academy.

Dawn was a time when very few people would be around. It was the time when all nocturnal creatures scurried back to their dens. A little quiet for my tastes, but that made for the right environment to hear the animals.

***

“Good morning!”

A messy chorus of mornings greeted me back as I stepped into the classroom. These kids were still as uncoordinated as an acapella assembled entirely with toddlers.

“Let’s get the roll call out of the way first. Argent Stryde!”

“Present.”

“Atlas Whisper?”

“Present…”

The roll-call went by smoothly with all the students calling in. I was boasting a perfect attendance rate in the second week too! This was usually the time when many militants tried to escape, so the current attendance was rather interesting.

“Alright! All of you, we are going to extend your weekend by one day today.”

Confused, the students tilted their heads at my words.

That was natural. Today was a rather special day for the academy’s first years, and by extension, the entire student body.

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“It’s the Club Exhibition Day! All the seniors have put in extra effort to get more club members, and so, all classes for today are suspended. You all may go check out whatever club you like in all of Glorenstein.”

The students seemed surprised at my words. Of course they were, Black Rose was more of a hostage den than a classroom.

That we would let them join clubs was surprising enough, but it seemed the powers that be were of a different opinion.

[Clubs? Who cares?]

Ah, what a succinct response Gladwin had received. It was very reflective of higher-ups. The type of response that made you want to punch someone’s face in.

It made me nostalgic.

“Anyway, that’s that. Go and enjoy. Find a club! I have been asked to pick up a role as an advisor so I’ll be doing that too. In case anything happens, just call for one of the professors or the knights in the academy, ok?”

That should be enough for the students.

I waited for them all to stand up and leave the classroom while I pulled out a diary and checked the list of clubs that Richard had handed me.

All of these either lacked an advisor or could use one more. Richard said I didn’t have to stick to the list. For professors too, these clubs were a way to pursue a hobby. The need for an advisor wasn’t that stringent.

With the corner of my eye, I watched all the students start to stream out. It was nice to see a lot of them hanging out as friends.

Even Iaso tried to walk around alone, but one very smiley elf, Seren Eilfir, wrapped her arm around Iaso’s neck and dragged her away.

All the best, Iaso.

As all the other students stepped out, only four remained in the class.

For some reason, all of them were expectantly gazing at me.

It was a quartet that seemed very unlikely to get together, but also a quartet that only fit together.

“So, what’s the hold-up?” I asked, eyeing them all one after another.

Prince Ier, Rosentea of Scential, the Golden-haired commander Elara, and the saintess candidate Yuliana Soleil.

I didn’t expect these four to stick close to each other. In more ways than one, they were the most powerful four in the classroom.

“We are just waiting around…” Rosentea said, covering her face with the fan. “Nothing suspicious…”

“Is that so…?” I said, tilting my head.

Argh I wanted to hang out with friends too! No Ethan, bothering students is not right.

With a sigh, I picked up the book and packed my attache case.

“Well then, I’ll be off. Have fun today!”

I said those words and started leaving the classroom.

Tap tap, went my feet.

And as I slowed down, four more sets of footsteps followed.

I looked over my shoulder to find all four of them standing behind me.

“No seriously, what?”

“N-nothing… why did you stop…?”

Rosentea raised her fan all the way to her eyes this time! If you’re going to cover your face in guilt then don’t look away!

An amused chuckle left Elara.

“These guys are curious about you, so they plan to follow you.”

“Lady Elara! Shush—”

Rosentea tried to stop the girl, but it was too late.

I chuckled at their interaction.

“Is that so? Does that include you too?”

Elara nodded.

“I am curious. These two say they don’t know who you are, and I want to know how strong you are. Well, I don’t think there’s a need to keep up a farce. Is it fine if we follow you around?”

“Of course! But only for today!” I smiled brightly. I guess I get to hang out with the kids! That was going to be fun!

Rosentea sighed while Prince Ier shook his head.

Elara had a bright, amused grin. And the saintess candidate, Yuliana wore a composed smile.

I pumped my brows at her, asking ‘You too?’ and she nodded lightly.

Now then, to get along with kids. I had learned my lesson, no Pspsps.

I raised my hand high and struck a pose.

“Black Rose club hunters! Let’s head out!”

“...”

“...”

I turned my gaze back again.

They all stood with their jaws dropped.

Guess not, huh?