Chapter 77

Today, I was invited by Kaclar to have lunch at the Pivoine reserved seat. Lately, I've been feeling like I've been eating too many sweets, so I decided to have a healthy pasta with spring vegetables and bacon.

"Didn't you plan a class lunch gathering the other day?"

Kaclar asked with a mischievous look in her eyes. She must have heard from Senpai Tomari that I mentioned Kaclar's name and asked for help.

"Yes, I did. I received a pleasant response from the cafeteria and the student council. We were able to enjoy a meal together."

"Oh!"

Kaclar chuckled.

Then, other members who overheard our conversation joined in.

"Was it really necessary to go through the student council? It makes it seem like they're superior."

"True. After all, in Suiran, Pivoine is always the top."

Oh no, this is getting complicated. The Pivoine supremacists dislike the student council. Kaclar looked uncomfortable, looking down. She couldn't possibly tell them she's dating the student council president, right? The conflict between Pivoine and the student council, which wasn't that bad in the middle school, has become much more intense in the high school. The student council has more power in the high school, but with the current president, there won't be a full-scale confrontation...

"I'm a new student, so I thought it would be better to inform the student council in advance to ensure everything went smoothly. If my actions caused any discomfort, I apologize..."

"No, no, Reika-san, it's not your fault. I'm sorry, don't worry about it."

I put on a sad and weak act, and she gave in pretty quickly. Hehe.

That ended the conversation, and the rest of the meal proceeded pleasantly. Daitoku and Enjoi occasionally joined in the conversation. They said they weren't joining any clubs, even though they received significant invitations from sports clubs.

"Reika-sama, did you have any clubs in mind? I heard you went to observe one."

"Yes, but I haven't decided yet..."

Actually, there were a few cultural clubs I wanted to join, but all the members seemed so quiet and timid, like rabbits scared by a sudden appearance of a fierce animal. They definitely didn't seem welcoming.

"What about the tea ceremony club or the ikebana club?"

"I've been learning from a teacher since I was young, so I don't feel the need to join a club for that."

"Right. Do you have any other preferences?"

"At first, I was hoping to join a sports club..."

At that moment, Daitoku and Enjoi glanced at me. What, is it weird for me to want to join a sports club? I may not have great results in mountain climbing during field trips, but my physical education grades are average! I do pretty well in the sports festival!

"I've heard that Suiran's sports clubs have quite intense practices. It might be too tough for Reika-sama."

"Yes, I thought it would be too difficult after observing."

I could hear Daitoku and Enjoi snicker. I was annoyed.

"Hey, this seat is open!"

At that moment, Wakaba came over with her bento.

What, why?! I had let my guard down since it had been a while since lunch break started. Was her class running late? Where's the sign? The Pivoine reserved seat sign? It's gone! Who moved it?!

The atmosphere among the Pivoine seniors became tense as Wakaba approached with an innocent smile. This is bad... The supremacist seniors look like they're about to get angry.

"Um, this seat is reserved for us, so regular students can't sit here."

I couldn't help but stand up and warn Wakaba.

Wakaba looked at me with a puzzled expression, then turned to her friend who hadn't followed her, and seemed to realize her mistake.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't notice. I apologize!"

Wakaba bowed deeply and hurried back to her friend. Phew!

"What was that? She must be a new student from outside. We should check her name and formally warn her. It sets a bad example."

"That girl doesn't seem like a typical Suiran student. Maybe she's a scholarship student?"

"That would make it even more of a problem."

Oh no!

"Um, there's no need to go that far. She's probably just not used to it yet. Can't we be lenient this time?"

"But..."

"Of course, we can't just let it go. I'll inform her class committee member and make sure she understands about Pivoine. Please, let me handle it."

"...Alright, just this time, for Reika-san's sake."

"...Alright, if Reika-san insists."

"Thank you so much!"

Scary... Pivoine is scary...

Just for sitting down, they got so angry. And Wakaba, you were too careless. Your friend noticed, but you should have been told. You shouldn't just stand there pale and shocked.

During this small commotion, Daitoku and Enjoi continued eating as if nothing happened...

But this is just like the scene in the manga where Reika Kichijouin yells at Wakaba for being 'out of her place' and causes a big fuss. In the manga, the cafeteria went silent, and Wakaba got unwanted attention right after starting school, which was the first major trouble.

I guess I managed to avoid it? I acted on impulse, but if I hadn't, it would have turned into a huge mess.

Ah, but it really is happening just like in the manga... Ugh, my stomach hurts.

But I'll eat my pasta properly. Spring vegetables are good for you.

I told the class committee member of Wakaba's class about what happened in the cafeteria and asked them to subtly inform her about Pivoine. It would be great if there were a Pivoine countermeasure manual. Maybe I should consult with Senpai Tomari...