Chapter 71

"Is the martial arts tournament to be organized by you... Lord Reiforce and the others?"

(Phew, I almost said 'us' by mistake.)

With a nervous heart, I confirm with the two class masters. They look at me and then nod deliberately.

"The martial arts tournament has been mainly organized by the teachers every year, but the shortage of personnel has become more noticeable over the years, and the number of attendees has also decreased, which has been a headache for the teachers."

"What do you mean by the number of attendees?"

I ask a question about a word that caught my attention in the prince's explanation.

"Well, to put it simply, they are the guests who help gather funds for the school's operation. Even though it's a royal academy, the current situation is that various things can't be managed with just the funds from the country. Therefore, they have been trying to make up for the operational funds through donations for the martial arts tournament, admission fees, seat charges, and food and drink within the school, but these have also been decreasing year by year."

"In short, the various problems associated with organizing the martial arts tournament have been postponed and have now grown to the point where they have been completely handed over to us."

The prince explains with a wry smile, and Magilka, looking as if she has bitten into a sour bug, nods dejectedly.

(Well, that sounds like the wimpy principal. He must have been cornered by the teachers about what to do this year and ended up throwing a tantrum.)

I can easily imagine the principal being scolded by the three Grandmasters in the clock tower's principal's office and throwing a tantrum, which makes me sigh deeply.

"So why did this problem end up with Lord Reiforce?"

"It seems the principal remembered that I often say that student-led activities should be managed by the students. So, he suggested that the martial arts tournament should also be student-led."

The prince says this with a somewhat indescribable smile. The fact that the prince often says that student-led activities should be managed by the students is, in reverse, a word I inadvertently let slip from my memories of my previous life, which makes me feel very apologetic.

"Being entrusted with such a big event all of a sudden, huh?"

"Yeah. But it's fulfilling. If it goes well, it might become student-led from next year onwards. It could be a significant change in the school's history."

(I wonder if it's okay to be involved in organizing an event that could change the school's history. I want to avoid standing out any more, but I also want to be of help to everyone.)

While I am lost in thought, caught between wanting to stand out and wanting to be helpful, Tüte, who has been waiting behind me, brings tea and whispers in my ear.

"Miss, this is a good opportunity. You should help everyone and make this event a success to change history."

I glance sideways at Tüte, who returns to her position as if nothing happened, and then I excuse myself to the prince and stand up, leading Tüte to a corner of the room.

"What are you saying, Tüte? If I do that, I'll stand out a lot."

"Yes, but the one who will stand out the most is the prince, the highest authority. Moreover, since this is a significant event in the school's history, the things you've done so far might only be a small part of the topic. As you once said, 'To hide a tree, hide it in a forest.' To hide a great achievement, bring in an even greater one from someone else."

Whispering in a low voice, I feel as if I have received a divine revelation from Tüte's words. I can't help but grip Tüte's hands and pull them to my chest, looking into her eyes with a sparkling gaze.

"Tüte, I'm really glad you're my maid."

"Miss... it hurts, it hurts. Please, use a little less force."

"Huh? Oh, sorry. I got carried away. But I'm holding back. I really wanted to hug you tightly."

"If you do that, I'll die."

When I loosen my grip and tilt my head with a smile, Tüte gives me a half-glare and says something ominous.

"Oh? You don't like my hugs?"

Still smiling, I start to apply more force to my hands, a bit stronger than before...

"N-no, that's not it at all. I actually love it, so please forgive me. I-it hurts... I'll break..."

Tüte raises a white flag with a strained smile, half-tearful. I release her hands with a satisfied look and return to the prince and the others.

"I apologize for interrupting. Lord Reiforce, this Mary Legaria will do her utmost to assist. We will make this great achievement a success."

"Thanks, your creativity goes beyond our framework. I'm counting on you."

When I declare this boldly and confidently, the prince looks at me with a relieved expression.

"Leave it to me."

I bow gracefully in front of the prince. I already have a plan in mind, so I'm not in a hurry.

A few minutes later.

In the room, besides me, the usual members—Prince, Magilka, Zach, and Safina—are all gathered. Everyone, seated, looks at me, the only one standing.

"Ahem... Therefore, I propose to completely revamp this year's martial arts tournament and turn it into a 'school festival' where all students participate."

And my declaration echoes loudly throughout the room.

This marks the beginning of my plan to overshadow my past mistakes with the prince's great achievement.

Thank you for reading this far. I apologize for the delays in updates due to various commitments.